What is a Micro Wedding? The Ultimate Guide to Planning One

You’re probably thinking, what is a micro wedding? What is an elopement? How am I going to decide which one to have? With more couples learning what it means to elope, comes more couples looking to plan an intimate wedding day experience. We are here to tell you you’re not alone. Couples around the world are changing their wedding plans. From postponed wedding dates to couples who throw their hands up in the air and say, “let’s just do this damn thing!”.

Planning a micro wedding is the perfect way to include your closest friends and family AND still have an intimate experience together. Let’s dive into the main differences between a traditional wedding, micro wedding, and elopement.

What is a Micro Wedding?

Photo by Adventure and Vow

A micro wedding is a small-scale wedding celebration that typically includes 20 to 50 guests. While it maintains the traditional elements of a larger wedding, such as the ceremony, reception, and key rituals, a micro wedding focuses on a more intimate and personalized experience. This smaller guest list allows for greater flexibility, creativity, and attention to detail, often resulting in a more meaningful and memorable event for the couple and their closest friends and family.

Should You Plan a Micro Wedding this Year?

If you want an intimate experience and if you’re looking to save money, then a micro wedding is definitely the way to go. A micro wedding allows you to have all the trimmings of a traditional wedding, without the big guest number attached to you. You can still do all the traditions you love, including having a loved one walk you down the aisle, a cake-cutting ceremony or even a garter toss if you’re into that type of thing!

Benefits of a Micro Wedding

1. Intimacy: With fewer guests, you can spend quality time with each attendee, creating a more personal and memorable experience.
2. Budget-Friendly: A smaller guest list can significantly reduce costs, allowing you to allocate your budget to the elements that matter most to you, such as the venue, food, or photography.
3. Flexibility: Micro weddings offer greater flexibility in terms of venues, dates, and planning. You can choose unique and unconventional locations that may not accommodate larger groups.
4. Less Stress: Fewer guests mean less coordination and logistics, resulting in a more relaxed planning process and wedding day.

Personalization: With a smaller group, you can focus on creating a highly personalized experience, from customized decor to personalized favors and activities.

How to Plan a Micro Wedding

Photo by Brit Nicole Photography

Planning a micro wedding can be as simple or as complex as you would like it to be. The beauty of planning your wedding day one of these ways is you both prioritize your union over guest lists, decorations, and flowers.

Planning a micro wedding can be fun, and relaxing, and allow you to focus entirely on each other. So many couples don’t remember their wedding day. In many ways, this pandemic has taught couples the beauty of living in the moment together.

Here’s what you should consider when planning a micro wedding:

1. Define Your Vision

Start by discussing your vision and priorities with your partner. Consider the following questions:

• What kind of atmosphere do you want for your wedding?
• What elements are most important to you (e.g., venue, food, photography)?
• Do you have a specific theme or style in mind?

2. Set Your Budget

Determine your budget and allocate funds to the aspects that matter most to you. With a smaller guest list, you can splurge on certain elements without exceeding your budget.

3. Choose a Venue

The beauty of a micro wedding is the flexibility in venue choice. Consider unique and intimate locations such as:

• Private gardens or estates
• Boutique hotels or inns
• Restaurants or cafes
• Beaches or parks
• Your own home or a family member’s property

4. Create Your Guest List

Keep your guest list small, typically between 20 to 50 people. Focus on inviting your closest friends and family members. This allows for a more intimate and meaningful celebration.

5. Plan the Ceremony

Decide on the type of ceremony you want, whether it’s a traditional religious ceremony, a civil ceremony, or something more unconventional. With a smaller group, you can incorporate personalized vows, readings, and rituals that reflect your relationship.

6. Design the Reception

Plan a reception that suits your style and preferences. Consider the following elements:

• Food and Drink: With fewer guests, you can opt for a gourmet dining experience, personalized menus, or even a food truck.
• Entertainment: Choose entertainment that fits the intimate setting, such as a live acoustic musician, a DJ, or curated playlists.
• Decor: Focus on detailed and personalized decor that reflects your theme and personality. DIY projects can add a personal touch.

Couples who elope opt to have a post elopement party to celebrate their union with family and friends at a later date.

7. Hire Key Vendors

Select vendors who specialize in small weddings or have experience with intimate events. Key vendors may include:

• Photographer or videographer
• Florist
• Caterer or private chef
• Officiant
• Planner or coordinator (optional but helpful for stress-free planning)

Check out our wedding vendors! If you’re interested in micro wedding packages, our best advice is to search our directory.

8. Send Invitations

Create and send invitations that reflect the intimate nature of your wedding. Consider personalized and handmade invitations to add a special touch.

If you’re worried about what others will think, then check out these 5 tips for announcing your elopement. And don’t forget to include your cash registry!

Since micro weddings are so similar to elopements, check out our guide on how to elope, where we highlight the 7 steps you need to know when planning. 

How Much Does a Micro Wedding Cost?

Photo by Jason Thomas Crocker Photography

Micro weddings vary greatly in price depending on what the couple wishes to do. On average, for example, we have seen micro weddings cost anywhere from $2,000 to $15,000. The biggest things you’ll want to factor in your budget are your vendors, venue (if any), and food.

We love micro weddings because a lot of them are also considered elopements. While couples who elope have less than 20 guests, or no guests at all, planning an elopement and a micro wedding are pretty similar! We suggest you visit our guide to plan your micro wedding budget.

Micro Wedding VS Elopement

Photo by Parker Micheaels Photography

When planning a small-scale wedding celebration, you may come across terms like “micro wedding,” and “elopement,”. While these concepts share similarities, each has its own unique characteristics and appeal. Understanding the differences can help you decide which type of celebration best suits your vision and circumstances.

Micro Wedding

A micro wedding is a small-scale wedding with a guest list typically ranging from 20 to 50 people. Despite the smaller size, a micro wedding includes many of the traditional elements of a larger wedding, such as a ceremony, reception, and various wedding rituals.

Key Features:

• Guest Count: 20 to 50 guests.
• Traditional Elements: Includes a full ceremony, reception, and often other customary wedding activities (e.g., speeches, first dance).
• Personalization: Allows for a highly personalized and intimate experience, with more attention to detail and guest experience.
• Budget: Generally more budget-friendly than a large wedding, as fewer guests mean lower costs for food, venue, and other expenses.

Ideal For:

• Couples who want to celebrate with their closest friends and family while maintaining traditional wedding elements.
• Those looking for a more intimate and personalized wedding experience.

Elopement

An elopement typically involves the couple getting married with minimal to no guests present. Historically, elopements were spontaneous and secretive, but modern elopements are often planned and can include a small group of close loved ones if desired.

Key Features:

• Guest Count: Usually just the couple, officiant, and a few witnesses (if any).
• Simplicity: Focuses on the couple’s commitment to each other, often with a simple and quick ceremony.
• Flexibility: Can take place in unique and remote locations without the logistical challenges of a larger wedding.
• Cost: Often the most budget-friendly option, as it eliminates many traditional wedding expenses.

Ideal For:

• Couples who prefer an intimate and private ceremony.
• Those looking to avoid the stress and expense of a larger wedding.
• Adventurous couples who want to get married in a unique location (e.g., mountaintop, beach, foreign country).

Choosing the Right Option For YOU

Choosing between a micro wedding and elopement depends on your preferences, circumstances, and vision for your special day. Here are some questions to help guide your decision:

How many guests do you want to include?

• Micro Wedding: 20-50 guests.
• Elopement: Just the couple, or a very small group.

Do you want to include traditional wedding elements?

• Micro Wedding: Yes, with a full ceremony and reception.
• Elopement: No, or minimal.

Are you planning a larger celebration later?

• Micro Wedding: Typically no, the micro wedding is the main event.
• Elopement: No, the elopement is the primary celebration.

What is your budget?

• Micro Wedding: Moderate, with savings from the smaller guest count.
• Elopement: Lower, focused on the couple.

Ultimately, whether you choose a micro wedding or elopement, each option offers a unique and special way to celebrate your love. By understanding the differences and considering your own needs and desires, you can plan a wedding that perfectly reflects your relationship and commitment to each other.