What Is a Micro Wedding? Pros, Cons & Why Couples Love Them

First and foremost, what is a micro wedding?

A micro wedding is an intentionally small wedding, that focuses on meaningful moments rather than a large scale production. You'll typically see anywhere from 10 to 50 guests, and a shorter day rather than a full day of packed events. These weddings are often held in back yards, intimate wedding venues, or even a cute AirBnB. Micro weddings have become increasingly popular over the years, and it's easy to see why. So let's dive in.

Why choose a micro wedding?

Micro weddings are perfect for anyone wanting an authentic, intimate, and meaningful celebration with their closest family and friends. It can be a wonderful option for those wanting to stick to a smaller budget as well, as you have less guests to feed and entertain. Alternatively, you could maintain a mid-range to higher budget and allot more money to more luxury florals, food, dress, etc.

Micro weddings offer less stress and pressure, and a whole lot of freedom to plan a day that is true to you. Not to mention, with less guests you get to spend more time with them as opposed to splitting your time going person to person in a group of 100-200 people.

So to put it simply in list form, here are the PROS to a micro wedding:

• Budget friendly

• Orrrrr......mid-range to high budget but higher quality florals, food, etc. (higher quality details)

• Less stress, fewer logistics

• More intentional and intimate

• Relaxed timeline

• More quality time with guests

Now let's discuss the cons...

• Tough guest list decisions

  Fewer guests means tough decisions and difficult conversations with family and friends who may not be invited.

  
  

• Less "big wedding" energy

  With micro weddings you won't really get that grand entrance, packed dance floor and all eyes on you moments. If you don't want that, a micro wedding is probably a good fit for you. But if you've always envisioned those moments as a part of your wedding day, a micro wedding may not be the perfect fit.

  
  

• Some venues may have minimums

  Which means an AirBnb or backyard wedding might be your only options.

  
  

• Pressure from family about tradition and expectations

  There's a good chance you may get some push back from family, but remember that it is your day. This doesn't mean you need to change your plans, but be prepared for some push back from family, and don't be afraid to hold your ground and stand up for yourself.

Micro Wedding Vs Elopement

Micro weddings and elopements can often be grouped together, but don't be fooled! They are two very different things.

Micro Weddings	Elopements
10-50 guests	0-10 guests
Backyard, AirBnB, small venues	State or National Parks, Courthouse, etc
Intimate friends and family centered	Couple centered

Elopements are often couple-centered and often prioritize adventure and the couple's unique interests. Elopements are rather private, adventurous, and non-traditional. But if you want to celebrate with friends and family, a micro wedding is probably a good option.

Where to Have a Mico Wedding in Western Wisconsin

• State parks, county parks, and gorgeous lookouts

  Check with the park to prepare the correct permits and check for their rules and regulations regarding gatherings. While it is your special day, it is also a public place and you need to respect the rules.

  
  

• Small or intimate wedding venues

  Ensure you discuss your guest list size and shorter day with the venue manager or owners, as some venues have a minimum requirement for guests or hours for the day. Keep in mind that you won't necessarily get a discount just for having a smaller wedding at these venues.

  
  

• Think outside the box

  Consider places like vineyards, local gardens, museums, or your state capitol. Again, you need to have a clear discussion with the managers or owners of whatever places you are considering, as availabilty and rules vary from place to place.

  
  

• Good ol' backyard wedding

  Never underestimate a backyard wedding. This can be the simplest, most intimate options sometimes.

  
  

• AirBnB

  There are some gorgeous options out there, just be sure to check with the owner that it's okay to host your wedding there.

What does a micro wedding timeline look like?

The beauty of a micro wedding is that it can be a flexible day. And it really all depends on what you have planned. Here are some examples so you can get a good idea of what your day might look like:

Example 1 (6 hour photo coverage):

2:00pm Hair & makeup (hired MUA or do yourself)

3:00pm First look and portraits

4:00pm Ceremony (20 minutes)

4:30pm Family photos and additional portraits

5:00pm Cocktails and appetizers

5:30/6:00pm Dinner

7:00pm Mingling, fun activities (such as bonfire, games, etc)

8:00pm Clean up begins and guests head out

Example 2 (4 hour photo coverage):

4:00pm Hair and makeup

5:00pm Ceremony and traditional first look down the aisle

5:30pm Friends and family portraits

6:00pm Dinner

7:00pm Sneak off for bride and groom portraits while guests mingle and enjoy themselves (can out out games, have bonfire set up, special activites)

8:00 Clean up, guests head out, relax and enjoy the last of your celebration

Example 3 (2 hour photo coverage)

4:30pm Photographer arrives and captures last moments of you getting ready (into dress and final hair and makeup touch-ups)

5:00pm Ceremony

5:30pm Portraits of bride and groom, some of family (but candids are fun, easy, and memorable in a small group)

6:00 Dinner and mingling

6:30 Photographer heads out after capturing some genuine, candid moments of you and your closest family and friends enjoying time together and making memories

Summary

To wrap it all up...micro weddings are a great options for anyone looking to have a deeply intimate and meaningful celebration with friends and family. You truly cannot go wrong with a micro wedding.

And if you want a photographer to cheer you on and help make this the most genuine day....you found her. Inquire here to see if I'm available for your special day.