Updated June 7, 2025
What is a micro wedding and how to plan the perfect scaled-down event?
Micro – weddings have skyrocketed in popularity as couples opt for more intimate celebrations. ( As you may recall, they became increasingly popular – and necessary- during the COVID-19 pandemic.) At times, some couples may host a micro – wedding featuring a traditional ceremony with a larger reception in the future.
But what exactly is a micro wedding, and how can you plan one that is both unforgettable and stress-free? Let’s create a unique, personalized event for your family and closest friends.
What is a Micro Wedding?
A micro wedding is an intimate, small-scale wedding celebration. Unlike most regular weddings, the guest list is limited to close family and friends. Due to the size, there is a priority on quality over quantity. Depending on your vision, a smaller may not equate to a lower wedding cost.
Micro wedding venues are often unique and cozy. If you have fallen in love with this kind of space, a smaller guest list may not be a deterrent from moving forward. Smaller wedding locations are also quite ideal for elopement ceremonies. (Review websites for special elopement packages that make planning that much easier.)
Intimate Wedding vs. Small Wedding Day vs. Micro-Wedding
Intimate Wedding: (Around 20-50 guests)
– Also a personalized, intimate celebration
– Able to take place at unique locations such as a private estate, a beachfront villa, or outdoor space
– Warm and cozy with personal touches.
When it comes to the budget, an intimate wedding can vary. It really depends on your event space, number of guests, menu, and decor.
Small Wedding: (Around 50-100 guests)
– Falls between an intimate wedding day and large celebration
– More venue options since you can choose between small banquet halls or restaurants
– Keeps a level of intimacy with guest interaction
Depending on the intimate wedding, a small wedding may be comparable or a little more expensive. Due to the larger number of guests, there will be additional planning time will also be needed.
Micro-Wedding: (Under 20 guests)
– Smallest of celebrations with the exception of an elopement
-Closest family and friends invited
– Known for their affordability and truly intimate experience
With less guests, couples can allocate more of their budget towards creating a memorable experience. Consider a unicorn venue, hiring a renowned chef or wedding weekend celebration.
(There is also another category – mini weddings- that you may wish to look into.)
Ready to start planning? Check out our wide selection of event rentals.
Micro – Wedding Planning
How do you plan a micro wedding? Let’s dive into this type of celebration!
Fortunately, it is not as stressful or time-consuming as a larger scale event.) If you plan on having a wedding planner, interviewing event professionals should be your first step. Fortunately, the wedding industry is full of amazing wedding vendors ready to help you throughout your journey. (There are even intimate wedding specialist services available!)
1. Finalize guest count: Scaling back your guest list can be the hardest part of planning especially with a large extended family. Imagine starting with a list of hundreds of guests and having to reduce to a mere 10 people? (This is why some couples choose to have a follow-up full-blown wedding celebration at a later time.)
2. Choose the perfect wedding venue: Find a few reception venues that can accommodate your smaller guest count.Think outside the box of traditional wedding venues that may not offer smaller event spaces.
Backyard reception
Yacht
- Library
National park
Vineyard
Local beach
Heritage home
- Art galleries
3. Decide on a theme: Select a theme and color palette that reflects your preferences. Keep it simple and elegant to complement the intimate atmosphere. If possible, have the theme and colors compliment your venue choice.
4. Set a budget: Determine your budget for everything! Venue, permits (outdoor spaces), transportation, invitations, table linens, catering, officiant, photography, entertainment, wedding cake, decorations, ….you get the idea. If you choose a unique ‘space’, this could mean additional rentals of tables, chairs, tents, fans, etc.
5. Send out invitations: Create personalized invitations and send them out well in advance. The invitations should include specific instructions regarding the intimate nature of your wedding party.
6. Select wedding vendors: Research. Interview. Decide. This step will take awhile Trust your gut and have your questions prepared.
- Wedding photographer
- Table linen provider
- Tent rental
- Alterations and tailoring
- DJ or live band
7. Design your ceremony: Although intimate, you still want to give thought to your ceremony style and any possible personalized vows.
8. Arrange seating: Set up seating arrangements that encourage conversation and quality time among the guests.
9. Plan the menu: Create a menu for your food and beverage options. As this is an intimate affair, dietary restrictions can easily be worked into this scaled-down selection. And don’t forget your signature cocktails!
10. Decorate and personalize: Look into what types of meaningful decor you’d like to incorporate. Smaller space means you can hopefully have pretty much whatever your heart desires (and your mind envisions).
11. Organize entertainment: Arrange for live music or entertainment so you and your guests don’t miss out on any of the fun (of a larger wedding).
And don’t forget the party favors. Keep them as meaningful and thoughtful as your event. These are your closest people so treat them to something special.we
Should You Say ‘Yes’ to a Micro Wedding?
Yes, it’s true. Micro weddings can mean smaller wedding budget. It doesn’t mean you are being cheap about your special day. It simply means that you are investing in an intimate experience that truly speaks to you. (And if your wallets are a little heavier so be it! Sounds like a win-win!)
Other micro wedding pros:
Full customization
Venue flexibility
More face-to-face guest time
Less outside stress when planning
Ultimately, deciding whether a micro wedding is right for you depends on your personal preferences and budget.
How to Tell Your Guests
While you are excited for your micro wedding, there will most likely be a few people that simply won’t understand. This could be a mother-in-law, a distant aunt, or high school friend that was looking forward to celebrating your love. With relationships so important to you, it is best to communicate properly and prior to your big day. Take care of any awkward chats way before you’re knee deep into planning. The less stress the better!
Be empathetic to those would-be guests that do not make ‘the cut’ for your micro wedding. Explain that you are having a micro wedding without having to actually defend your decision. Then, offer to meet with them before or after your special day so you may celebrate in a different way.
What’s a Traditional Celebration Anyway
A traditional wedding day is deeply rooted in societal norms and expectations. Fortunately, we are seeing a shift in societal attitudes that challenges the traditional notion of marriage and its celebrations. It’s why we are fortunate to have inclusive events, micro weddings, etc. Change can be amazing. Love is love. And love should be able to be celebrated however a couple prefers.
Although some may feel the micro wedding trend isn’t going to stick, we believe the wedding experience as a whole will continue to evolve to meet an individual’s personal choice. Now that we have answered ‘what is a micro wedding’, have you decided if this is the right event for you?
Request a linen rental quote today.
