How to plan a Micro-Wedding

I’m back on the blog and today I’m talking all about micro-weddings! With the current pandemic still very much present but restrictions easing, we will soon be able to host weddings of 15 people again and it means that couples are going to be adapting their original blueprint for their big day. Just before I continue, I’d just like to say that my heart really does go out to couples who have had to postpone their weddings – whether that’s once, twice or multiple times. All I can say is that lockdown doesn’t stop love!

The limit on large gatherings has made more and more couples consider a smaller celebration but don’t fret, this doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style. If you want to get wed sooner rather than later and therefore, you’re adjusting your guest list to accommodate temporary restrictions, I’m here to tell you why a micro-wedding can be just as memorable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prior to the pandemic, micro-weddings were still having a real moment in the industry and were actually predicted to be one of the most anticipated trends of the year. There are a few elements to consider so that it goes ahead without a hitch…

Micro-weddings are renowned for their relaxed and flexible approach, they’re also incredibly personal, so it’s no wonder that more and more couples have been steering away from the traditional white wedding and have instead been opting for something a little smaller. Because of the smaller guest list, the duration of the day is often much shorter but does in turn mean you can spend more quality time with your loved ones. Plus, you can throw the rulebook out of the window when it comes to planning your micro-wedding – it really is a tailor-made celebration! Once you have the legalities covered, not to mention the timings and schedules, it is up to you as to how your day unfolds. If there are any traditions that don’t particularly take your fancy, this is time to give them the boot! From the speeches to the first dance, say goodbye to the parts you don’t want to include and focus on those that you do.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The average UK wedding has around 100 guests, so as you can imagine, a micro-wedding does often come with a smaller budget as there are less people to cater for. However, if you really want to embrace the smaller celebration but create an ‘experience’ for your friends and family, you could allocate the extra budget allowance to food and drink. The wedding breakfast is a key element to any celebration, and you’ll be wining and dining with just a handful of your original guests, so why not spoil everyone by going all out? A five-course meal that evokes all the senses is a delicious way to add the wow-factor to your micro-wedding. You can also add some serious styling to your tables to add extra impact – florals galore!

It can be a good thing to have a smaller guest list:

A smaller guest list does also mean you can perhaps choose a venue that you once wouldn’t have been able to consider. In fact, I personally have loved seeing the unique settings that couples have chosen to say, ‘I Do’ for their micro-wedding. A larger guest list can often be quite limiting in terms of location, but with just a few friends and family you can opt for something a little more unusual. From boutique restaurants to history-filled libraries, woodland clearings to the sand dunes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While a smaller wedding certainly does come with plenty of benefits, it does also come with a couple of awkward conversations. Knowing how to reduce your guest list can potentially be really tricky and involve feeling like you’re letting people down – but people are super understanding and are aware of the circumstances. I suggest inviting those who you find it impossible to imagine not being there with you as you walk down the aisle, exchange your vows and more. You still have the chance to host an epic post-wedding party with your original guest list at another time when restrictions are fully lifted. Lots of couples are planning virtual ceremonies via Zoom, designed for friends and family who couldn’t be present. This is a fabulous option as it means everyone is able to get involved, including those who are vulnerable.

As with any wedding day, I believe that the most important thing to remember is that every element of your day should mean the world to the both of you. It’s almost impossible to please everyone so concentrate on planning a celebration that is for YOU!

If you’re newly engaged and thinking about your nuptials, drop me an email or fill out my contact form to say hello so we can discuss all things wedding planning related.

 

Disclosure- All images have been outsourced and not from my own collection.