Micro Wedding-The new “normal” for the wedding world
Hey, have you heard about this thing called “Coronavirus”? Yep, by now, we are all more than sick of hearing about, talking about, and living with this thing called COVID. It seems to be a part of our lives in some aspect for the foreseeable future. So, what does that mean for the day of your dreams and how you tackle wedding planning? For some couples, it means embracing a new style of wedding. This new style (new to the Midwest, but increasingly common in larger markets for a while), is being referred to as a “micro wedding” or my other favorite a “minimony”. Doesn’t that sound more fun and interesting than just telling people you had to chop your guest list or cancel the day you have been dreaming about for years?
Just like with all things, we in the wedding world are thinking outside the box on how to keep living life to the fullest, while making some necessary adjustments. The micro wedding allows for couples to get married on their timetable, have the breathtaking wedding they dreamt of, and celebrate with those nearest and dearest to them. Typically, a micro wedding consists of a guest count of 50 or fewer.
This smaller guest count is really difficult for some couples to wrap their mind around, but once they start with the guests they absolutely couldn’t get married without, many are finding that it isn’t so hard to stick to that smaller guest count. One mindset that seems to be shifting is the concept of “quantity vs quality”. By this I mean that couples struggle with the idea that it isn’t a “real” wedding without 200 friends, family, and acquaintances there to celebrate with them. But just the opposite seems to be playing out. Those couples who have had the joy and intimacy of celebrating small are loving how genuine, relaxed, and connected the time spent with guests truly was. One of my couples was able to spend an extended cocktail hour just catching up and truly talking to each of their guests. Another was able to incorporate longer speeches from parents, siblings, and the wedding party into their reception. Not that they don’t still love and value the family and friends who weren’t able to attend, but the newlyweds are realizing that the size of the guest list didn’t impact how special or moving the day was for them. The couples who are embracing these micro weddings are also incorporating larger dances at later dates or offering livestreaming coverage of the wedding to include a larger selection of guests.
Outside of the extra time for genuine connection with each guests, these micro weddings are also more fiscally sound for those couples who have experienced COVID impacts in their employment. A smaller guest count means less food cost, fewer centerpieces/décor, and a smaller bar bill. For some couples, the lower guest count means that they can opt for the smaller venue (which is usually a little more affordable) or less hours in photo or DJ package. When selecting a smaller photography package, don’t forget to stick with high quality vendors. This is one area that, no matter the guest count, you shouldn’t cut corners!
The flip side of the affordability of a micro wedding is that some couples are choosing to create their dream wedding by sticking with their initial budget, but cutting the guest expenses. Essentially, couples have the freedom to celebrate in spectacular fashion due to the small number of guests that they are hosting. Unforgettable food, generous cocktail hours, and elaborate décor or floral can all be achieved on a moderate budget, as long as the guest count is low enough. Remember my blog about a “Pinterest to Reality to Dream Wedding”? In it I shared the fact that those Pinterest images you are loving are usually not from actual weddings, but instead from styled shoots. But, with a micro wedding, you can actually bring those images to life, since you are creating on a much smaller scale.
And, of course, we can’t forget what brought us here in the first place-safety for our loved ones and caution for those around us. Social distancing is much easier to accomplish with 50 guests in a venue that seats 200 than a guest list of 150 in that same space. Allowing for fewer guests at each table and more space between tables are some simple, and becoming standard, options to accommodate all comfort levels when it comes to COVID. Of course, the extra hand sanitizer, optional masks, and an increased awareness of hygiene are all invited to every celebration from here on out.
Forced to think about your wedding in a new light or just starting to plan the day of your dreams? Let’s chat about how I can help you create a micro wedding that will be unforgettable, while avoiding the stress of wedding planning during a pandemic!
Vendor Credits:
Planning & Design: Plan to Party - Photography: Bethany Melvin Photography - Floral: Bella Rosa - Rentals (Chargers, Linen Napkins, Goblets): Ideal Wedding & Event - Venues: Holy Spirit Catholic Church and Museum of Visual Materials - Catering: Rollin’ Pin - Hair & Makeup: Platinum Imagination