The rise of Micro Weddings: 14 reasons to have one

Micro weddings, typically defined as intimate ceremonies with fewer than 25 guests, were a necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic when large gatherings were restricted. However, despite the return to normalcy, the appeal of micro weddings has endured, offering a unique and meaningful way to celebrate love. As independent celebrants, we’ve witnessed firsthand the magic of these intimate ceremonies.

Here are 14 reasons you should consider a micro wedding:

1. Intimacy and personalization

Micro weddings allow for a more intimate and personal experience. When you’re only celebrating with your nearest and dearest, your celebrations can be tailored to you and your guests, making the event feel special and meaningful for everyone involved.

2. Micro weddings are cost-effective

Smaller weddings require fewer resources, which significantly reduces the overall cost. This allows couples to allocate their budget towards elements that are most important to them, like higher-quality food, unique venues, or a dream honeymoon.

Bride Danielle, who opted for a Micro wedding with just 4 guests at Nayara Springs, Costa Rica, said, “Having a micro wedding meant we could splash out on the wedding venue and pay for our guests to stay there too. We couldn’t have afforded the wedding we had with a larger guest list.”

3. Micro weddings mean less stress

Planning a large wedding can be overwhelming. A micro wedding simplifies the planning process, making it easier to manage and less stressful. Fewer guests mean fewer logistics to coordinate, leading to a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.

Often venues will provide all-inclusive packages for smaller weddings and elopements, which means fewer decisions and less research.

4. Unique venue options

Finding a wedding venue that meets your requirements when you have a guest list of 150+ can be tricky; With a smaller guest list, you’ll have more flexibility in choosing unique or unconventional venues that might not accommodate a larger crowd. This can include intimate settings like private homes, small restaurants or restaurants with private dining rooms, or picturesque outdoor locations.

Unique Homestays has a dedicated wedding section with unique, exclusive-use wedding venues, and the bonus is that many of them can accommodate your entire party, so you won’t need to book hotel rooms separately.

Related: Best micro wedding venues in the uk & worldwide

5. Focus on quality

Micro weddings allow couples to focus on quality over quantity. You can invest in high-end catering, personalized decor, and other bespoke elements that might be cost-prohibitive for a larger event. This focus on detail can enhance the overall experience for both you as a couple and your guests.

6. Flexibility

Smaller weddings offer greater flexibility in terms of scheduling and planning. You can choose dates and times that are more convenient for you and your close family and friends, without worrying about accommodating a larger group.

8. Eco-friendly micro weddings

Micro weddings are inherently more eco-friendly due to their smaller scale. With fewer guests, there’s a significant reduction in travel-related carbon emissions, food waste, and overall resource consumption. The intimate nature of these events allows couples to make more sustainable choices, such as using local vendors, opting for digital invitations, and selecting venues that require minimal artificial alterations.

Additionally, micro weddings often result in less waste from decorations, favors, and uneaten food. The smaller guest list makes it more feasible to use reusable items instead of disposables, and couples can invest in higher-quality, eco-friendly options that might be cost-prohibitive for larger events. Overall, the reduced environmental footprint of micro weddings aligns well with the growing desire for more sustainable celebrations.

9. Enhanced Guest Interaction

With a smaller guest list, there is more opportunity for meaningful interactions between guests. Everyone can engage in conversations, share stories, and bond over shared experiences, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere. This intimacy often leads to stronger connections and lasting memories.

10. Quality Time with Guests

A micro wedding allows you to spend quality time with each guest. Rather than being overwhelmed by a large crowd, you can engage in deeper conversations and enjoy the presence of each person. This personal attention makes guests feel valued and appreciated.

11. Adventure and Unique Experiences

Micro weddings open up possibilities for adventurous and unique experiences that would be challenging with a larger group. You can choose remote or unconventional locations, such as mountaintops, secluded beaches, or charming countryside retreats. These settings provide a sense of adventure and create a memorable backdrop for the celebration. You can also get creative with your activities – opting for croquet on the lawn, themed activities.

12. Destination Weddings

Planning a destination wedding becomes more feasible with a smaller guest list. You can invite your closest family and friends to join them in an exotic or significant location, turning the wedding into a memorable vacation for everyone involved. This can make the event feel even more special and adventurous.

13. Customized Activities

With fewer guests, it’s easier to plan customized activities that cater to everyone’s interests. This can include group hikes, boat trips, wine tastings, or other unique experiences that a larger wedding might not accommodate. These activities add a sense of fun and adventure to the wedding celebrations.

14. Personalized Itinerary

A smaller wedding allows for a more flexible and personalized itinerary. Couples can plan activities and events that reflect their personalities and preferences, creating a unique experience for themselves and their guests. This flexibility can lead to spontaneous and adventurous moments that make the wedding truly one-of-a-kind.

Planning a Micro Wedding?

When planning your micro wedding, remember that the heart of your celebration lies in the ceremony itself. To make this intimate moment truly special, consider engaging an independent celebrant. These professionals specialize in crafting personalized, meaningful ceremonies that reflect your unique love story and values. A skilled celebrant can help you create a bespoke ceremony that resonates with you and your small group of guests, ensuring that your micro wedding is not only eco-friendly and cost-effective but also deeply moving and memorable. From writing custom vows to incorporating meaningful rituals, a celebrant can elevate your micro wedding from a simple gathering to an unforgettable celebration of love.

As you embrace the benefits of a smaller wedding, don’t overlook the impact a well-crafted ceremony can have on making your day truly extraordinary.