Weddings are by far one of the largest expenses a couple will pay for in their lifetime aside from buying a new home. According to The Knot, the average cost of weddings in 2019 were $28,000 and in 2020 decreased to $19,000 due to the pandemic and is said to increase slightly in 2021 to $23,000. There's no doubt that couples are definitely looking for ways to save on their wedding but not sacrifice the overall experience even in the midst of a pandemic.
Micro Weddings have been around for quite some time but have more recently emerged as a popular option for couples given the guidelines with social distancing and the various state and local mandates related to COVID-19. This style of celebrating includes all the bells and whistles of a traditional wedding but on a much smaller scale. The number of guests who attend are anywhere from 10 to 50 and should not to be confused with an elopement which is usually just the couple, the officiant, and a witness in a secret ceremony. You may also hear terms like minimony which is a ceremony of just a few guests with the intent to have a larger wedding at a later date.
There are quite a few benefits to having a micro-wedding:
Location, location, location! Micro weddings are often held in more intimate spaces such as someone's home, backyard, and even held in exclusive yet unique spots. The level of stress that can sometimes be tied to booking a large venue for the nuptials can be minimized. The destination choice is fully customizable and leaves room for lots of creativity.
The focus is primarily on the couple's union and the start of a new life together as opposed to all the wedding formalities. The beauty in having a micro-wedding is that it truly highlights the meaning of the occasion.
The formality of the day can be tailored to the bride and groom. Larger weddings call for certain expectations and requirements that may not be necessary for a micro wedding. The intimacy of this type of wedding leaves room for flexibility, being creative, and much more relaxation for everyone involved.
The number of guests invited to a micro wedding is much less than that of a larger version and can lead to a huge cost savings. On the flip side, the lower guest count affords the opportunity to spend a bit more per person to incorporate a few extras and specialties for the big day.
Ready to plan your micro wedding? Well, one of the first things to consider, besides the location, is choosing a boutique-style caterer that specializes in intimate events and allows for menu customization. Whether you choose a super relaxed casual menu or a five star multi-course plated dinner, the options are endless and your taste preferences are of highest importance. Incorporating activities such as a wine tasting or other special menu option would really highlight both you and your spouse to be's food lifestyle.
And....while there are many benefits to having this type of wedding celebration, there are still some details that will always remain whether a micro or macro wedding.
Hire a planner! Just because the event is smaller doesn't mean you have to do everything yourself.
Keep the guest list to close family and friends.
Set a budget and stick to it as much as possible.
Create a wedding registry and let guests know how they can gift the beautiful couple.
Don't hold back on wedding attire details. Wear that glam gown or dapper tuxedo. It's your day!
Be sure to have gifts or treats for the guests that memorialize this day.
Most importantly, don't forget to enjoy the process in planning your micro wedding. This is just the beginning of a life of companionship and should be celebrated to the fullest.
If you or someone you know is getting married and wants to celebrate in this unique way, click or share this link and connect with our boutique-style of catering that is sure to make this special time even more spectacular!