Small Weddings, Big Impact: Intimate Weddings are Here to Stay

What is a Microwedding?

The concept of microweddings has been around for many years, but recent trends show an uptick in the number of engaged couples choosing to have much-smaller-than-average weddings. Microweddings are much more about philosophy than headcount, since a number of couples are opting to invite fewer guests for a variety of reasons. Typically, microweddings are weddings with 50 or fewer attendees and tend to be much cozier, more intimate affairs. Think somewhere between an elopement and a small wedding. Many times microweddings have fewer than 20 guests, but always less than 50.

Although rationale and stylistic elements differ widely from couple to couple, there are quite a few benefits to reap from keeping the guest list short. The most important thing when helping a couple plan their wedding is to focus on them, their story, their unique personalities and their goals for The Day. Guide couples toward what feels most natural and authentic for them and the rest of the details will fall into place more easily.

Less Stress

Let’s face it. Clients who limit the number of family and friends they invite reduce their odds of experiencing drama, while having more time to speak to every guest and celebrate with their spouse. Planning for fewer people helps to limit unreasonable expectations, interpersonal challenges and unexpected clashes. Plus, there’s the added allure of eliminating the need for the dreaded seating chart! Oftentimes, microweddings allow the couple more peace of mind than a typical sized gathering, since there are far fewer people to worry about pleasing, less details to orchestrate, and hopefully, fewer hurdles to navigate with a smaller group.

Another aspect to share with clients is that microweddings allow more budgetary freedom to hire an all-inclusive wedding planner to do the bulk of the planning, preparation and day-of coordination. This can result in much of the burden and emotional labour of these tasks to be shouldered by the wedding planner, giving the couple the opportunity to devote their time to other aspects of the wedding and focus more on enjoying themselves during their engagement.

Some engaged couples will also feel a sense of relief that with microweddings comes reduced nerves about professing their love in front of a large crowd. Both introverts and more private couples will love the added degree of closeness, without the jitters and aesthetic concerns.

Image Credit: WeddingWire.com Venue: Overlook Barn, Banner Elk, NC

Flexible Budget

We love that no matter a couple’s reasons for choosing to host a microwedding, doing so allows them a more flexible budget. Perhaps the couple is trying to save money for a more lavish honeymoon, save for a big expense, or put a down payment on a home. Inviting fewer guests gives them the ability to reallocate funds that would otherwise be spent on their wedding ceremony and celebration.

Other couples may decide to delegate the budget surplus to an incredibly decadent meal, high quality photographer or videographer, or some may decide to splurge on sustainable design elements, a more luxurious venue package, or eco-friendly wedding planner. If your clients are leaning toward a smaller wedding, point out the many financial perks and options that microweddings can offer.

Image Credit: Vaughan-House.com Venue: The Greenhouse

Decreased Carbon Footprint

Many eco-conscious couples are opting for microweddings due to their lower environmental impact. “According to The Green Bride Guide by Kate Harrison, a typical wedding can produce 63 tons of carbon dioxide and 400 pounds of garbage.”. The Knot notes that the average wedding size is about 105 guests. Since microweddings are typically fewer than 50 guests, with less mouths to feed, and fewer guests travelling from afar, we can put a positive dent in the overall carbon footprint.

Clients who are aspiring to shrink their carbon footprint will be delighted by the many possibilities to do so by inviting fewer guests. Not only that, but they can point their loved ones to Google Flights which gives travelers the ability to check out their flight’s carbon footprint and book eco-friendly hotels quickly and easily, with just a few clicks.

We also dig the many carbon offset programs available to eco-conscious newlyweds seeking to give back to the planet post-wedding. Terrapass offers three tiers of packages which fund environmental give-back programs. Couples can feel great about leaving very little carbon footprint or a neutral footprint at their wedding by purchasing offsets. Other options for wedding carbon offset packages, which aim to decrease greenhouse gas emissions are 8 Billion Trees, TenTree, and CarbonFund, to name a few. Encourage your clients to explore all of the sustainable resources available to them to ensure that their Big Day aligns with their planet-first values for an epic celebration they can feel proud of for years to come.

Unique & Intimate

Clients will love that microweddings present the opportunity for more self-expression, unique venues, and inimitable style. Some venues are designed to host no more than 20 people, which is ideal for a cozy, relaxed vibe, intimate affair. Couples will enjoy the chance to mingle and spend time with guests in an unrushed manner, unlike larger, more traditional weddings. Family and friends can engage in leisurely conversations with the newlyweds, have additional time for photo opportunities, and avail themselves of extra quality time spent with the love birds.

Oftentimes, clients who opt for microweddings have their pick of unique venues. Not only can they choose from more traditional locations such as hotels, event venues, and outdoor locations, but also charming and unusual spots like renovated schoolhouses, luxury AirBnbs, cafes, restaurants, or Peerspace venues. Many couples also opt for a shorter guest list in order to spring for the location of their choice. Quality, not quantity, is the focus, which can also make the Big Day feel much more personalized to the couples’ individual preferences and style.

Intentionality

In addition to beautifully distinct venues, eco-conscious newlyweds will be excited to minimize their event’s footprint in more ways than one. Microweddings allow clients the flexibility budget-wise to be more intentional about the products and services they use on their Big Day. This could look like choosing reusable and memorable decor, such as a neon or wooden name sign that becomes decor for their home, or ethical statement florals that can be reused a time or two (remember to skip the floral foam!), or eco-friendly handmade calligraphy place cards.

If couples are looking to splurge, encourage them to go with what feels natural and most aligned with their values and priorities for their wedding day. Locally-sourced elegant florals, a delicious and more extravagant meal, spoiling their guests with local offerings and customized cocktails, lavish eco wedding favours, or a more expensive wedding gown are all possibilities. Microweddings allow for a number of personalized add-ons and upgrades since there are fewer guests to accommodate.

Creating New Traditions

As eco-event planners, we’re big fans of thinking outside the box when it comes to intentional weddings and helping clients stay true to their values. We love microweddings for the enhanced degree of flexibility and freedom they offer to couples planning their Big Day. Newlyweds-to-be have more control and can be more deliberate with their celebratory choices than ever with a limited guest list. A tiny wedding is anything but typical and allows the opportunity to create an incredibly beautiful and memorable experience for everyone involved!

We hope this post gets you excited about planning intimate gatherings. Let us know what you love most about microweddings by submitting a comment below.

Small Weddings with Big Impact: Why Intimate Weddings are Here to Stay