There is a lot of confusing and conflicting information about micro weddings online, mainly because the term is relatively new. It’s also often confused with what I’d call an intimate wedding. Generally, micro weddings have fewer than 30 guests—sometimes even fewer than 15, including vendors. But remember, you get to define what “micro” means to you. It’s more about the mindset than a specific number of seats at the dinner table. This flexibility and the intimate experience are exactly why couples love them and why they’ve become so popular beyond the pandemic years.

5 Benefits of Hosting a Micro Wedding

1. Intimacy and Personal Connection

Close-Knit Guest List – With a smaller number of guests, you can invite only your closest family and friends. This ensures that everyone present is someone who truly matters to you. I’ll go more in-depth into this as you read further down.

Quality Time – While I still love larger weddings, one thing I often notice is that newlyweds find it nearly impossible to chat with all their guests. Your guests are there to celebrate you. Having more quality time to enjoy their company can help everyone feel more fulfilled by the end of the night. 

2. Budget Friendly

Cost Savings – Having a micro wedding with your closest loved ones is one of the easiest ways to save money. Because you can go as big or small as you want, you have total control of all of the details. 

Luxury Upgrades – The money saved on a smaller guest list means more freedom to splurge on the flowers you saw on Pinterest, the wedding photographer you’ve been dreaming of for years (wink wink) 😉 or the meal that’s had your mouth watering since the moment you tried it. It also means that you can host a wedding weekend with some of your favourite people. It doesn’t get much better than that.

3. Unique Venue Options

Creative Spaces: Smaller gatherings open up a wider range of venue possibilities, from intimate cafes to private homes and Airbnb’s.

Less Logistical Hassle: Of course, when planning a wedding for 30 versus a wedding for 150 people, the planning becomes much easier. Seating charts are easier to create, there are fewer dietary restrictions, and you’ll deal with a lot fewer “opinions” from outsiders. 

4. Personalisation and Customisation

Tailored Experience: There’s something about a micro wedding that is far more personal and intimate than a larger wedding. You can tailor the day to you and your partner more effectively and you have more room for personal touches and unique elements that reflect your personality and love story.

Flexible Format: You have the freedom to design your day in a way that feels truly authentic and special, without being constrained by traditional wedding norms. Plus, with fewer people to manage, you aren’t as restricted by time constraints as you would be with larger events.

5. Less Stress

Planning a major life event like a wedding always comes with a certain level of stress. However, opting for a micro wedding means fewer details to manage and coordinate, leading to a more relaxed planning process. A smaller, more manageable event can significantly reduce the pressures and anxieties often associated with larger weddings.

Creating Your Micro Wedding Guest List

I know that one of the hardest parts about planning a micro wedding is trimming down your guest list. You don’t want anyone feeling left out on your special day. But it’s important to remember that there’s beauty in only having the people who are closest to you celebrate the special day together.

1. Prioritise Intimacy and Meaningfulness

When organising your guest list, think about this one question: Which guests can you not imagine your wedding day without? Those are the people who are most vital to you. Think about people who have been supportive and present during significant moments in your life. Whether this is your aunt who has treated you like one of their own your entire life, or your childhood best friend. These are the people you first called when you got engaged. Or the ones that you’d share any big life news with.

2. Establish Clear Guidelines

Choose the maximum number of guests you want to invite and try to stick to it as closely as possible. This will help you avoid tough decisions later on. Decide whether you’ll allow plus-ones and, if so, under what conditions (e.g., only for those in long-term relationships). Focus on the significance of your relationship with potential guests rather than inviting them out of obligation.

3. Communicate Openly

Be open with your friends and family about why you’re choosing a micro wedding. Most people will understand and respect your decision when you explain it honestly. For those who can’t attend, you might consider offering options like a live stream of the ceremony, as many did during the pandemic. While clear communication helps, be prepared for some negative reactions from those who may feel hurt about not being invited. Be ready to explain your choices kindly and with honesty. Show appreciation to those who support your decision and express gratitude to those who may not make the guest list.

Micro Wedding Ideas

Whether you choose to make your day special with catering from your favourite restaurant, or a weekend-long celebration at an Airbnb with your friends and family. It’s sure to be a day where you make extraordinary memories of spending quality time with those you love most. 

Destination “I do’s”

Why not transform your special day into a memorable destination micro-wedding? Imagine celebrating in a stunning beachside location or at a quirky restaurant or café for an intimate ceremony and reception. The added bonus of a destination wedding is that it naturally helps with trimming the guest list, making it easier to keep things intimate and manageable. Plus, a unique setting can make your day even more unforgettable for both you and your guests.

Rent An Airbnb

If you’re more than happy getting married in your hometown or you don’t want everyone to have to travel for your wedding, consider making the party last longer than a day by renting an Airbnb. This way everyone that you’ve invited can stay under one roof to keep the spirits high for multiple days. 

Whether it’s about budget, or simply the desire for a more intimate and memorable celebration, micro weddings provide an appealing alternative to traditional, larger-scale weddings. They may have started because of the pandemic, but this is one trend that will be sticking around.