As we get closer to the light at the end of #CoVid19 tunnel, everyone is starting to ask “where do we go from here?” Let’s be honest. Even if everything opens back up, we as people have to adjust to a ‘new normal’ especially in the area of weddings and events. So what does that exactly look like? Honestly, I am not sure. What I do know, as a business in the event industry, I will learn how to adjust and get creative!
Adjusting and adapting will be key to the future of the event industry. After listening to what my clients are saying, Micro Weddings are going to be trend of the year-and beyond!
“A Micro Wedding is an intimate celebration of 10-50 guests-often immediate family and close friends and has a shorter and more simplistic timeline..”
It always falls below the 50 guest count. It is not considered an elopement which is typically a secret ceremony between the bride, groom, officiant and maybe one or two witnesses. Micro weddings are the perfect combination between elopement and a big fancy traditional wedding. With the mindset of less is more right now in our country, you may have to apply the same thinking to how you plan your wedding. Moving forward, couples who choose to have micro wedding do so because they have to find ways to reduce costs or the exact opposite-because they want to have an over the top experience without completely breaking the bank.
Micro weddings have similar elements of a traditional wedding just on a smaller scale. It can be held in your backyard, small event space or even a destination island. I’ll also say this: you can have a micro wedding, but provide a macro experience for you AND your guests. A micro wedding is perfect for the couple who wants to really focus on the details and the elements that are most important to you. From the invitations to the dinner, you can really elevate the experience for all who attend.
To start, you’ll need to book a wedding venue. Many venues have smaller areas that can accommodate a smaller guest count and they are just as beautiful as their largest ballroom. Take this opportunity to find a venue that fits your personality, as a couple, rather than trying to accommodate the guest list. Spaces like, cafe’s, restaurants, galleries, open woods, all-inclusive resorts, etc. Plus micro weddings do not have to last 5-6 hours. Ask your venue if they have any specials for shorter rental hours.
Another tip while searching for micro wedding venues, you can save money with choosing a weekday wedding. Since the wedding is meant for close family and friends, you can be more flexible with the guests schedules. Or you can do a whole wedding weekend where everyone can participate in all the wedding festivities! Mission Inn Resort has an awesome package that provides exactly that! From accommodations, golf for the guys, spa for the girls and even a Trap and Skeet range! (so serious).
Take the extra room in your budget to spring for a welcome dinner for all of the guests the night before the big day. Margaritaville Resort Orlando has an amazing package for couples that want to provide an unique experience for their guests. They have partnered with Encore! by Reunion Resort to provide a personal Chef experience.
Does micro wedding mean less decor? The answer to this question, is up to you and your fiance. With less guests, you can be left with a bigger budget per person. Perhaps you can go for the bigger floral arrangements for each table? I’m a sucker for long estate tables. Imagine having a long table with lush flowers all the way down the center.
Perhaps have a flower installment piece you can use to create a backdrop where you guests will eat. I always ask, what WOW factor we can create for the each part of the wedding day/weekend? It can be something as a grande dessert station to having an ice luge with your initials.
What about music and entertainment? Well, you can still have a DJ or band. However, instead of having a DJ for 5 or 6 hours, it would be best to hire a DJ for 4 hours total. Still want to provide a macro experience with a band? You can! Instead of a 12 piece band, you can choose a 3 piece band that can create the perfect mood for your guests!
Do I still need a wedding planner?
“Hiring a wedding planner is still an important element even for a micro wedding…You won’t have a room of 150 guests as a distraction for noticeable mishaps or details that are out of place. The same rule applies: you should be relaxed and enjoying your wedding day. Hire a wedding planner to help make sure that happens. And I know of a great one 😉 Give me a call!”
I always talk to my clients about different ways you to incorporate their personalities or things they love into their event. With a micro wedding you can splurge for the details that achieve exactly that. Don’t want a cake? Okay! Let’s do a cheesecake station…
You don’t have to minimize all the elements of the wedding to match a smaller guest count. You can still wear that ballgown dress. You can still have a bridal party- consisting of 2-3 bridesmaids/groomsmen or you can have none at all! Totally up to you. Did you want to have a black-tie affair? Let’s do it! This is all about bringing the personalities of both bride and groom while sharing an imitate chapter of your lives with the ones you love.
Well, the most pertinent reason for the foreseeable future will to help control the spread for CoVid19. However, I can find better reason to have a micro wedding.
Quality time with your guests that attend. Most clients that I speak with after the wedding day is complete, regret not being able to say hi or hug everyone that attended. It is kind of sad that you spent all of this money on a 200 guest wedding and perhaps speak to 50 people that entire night.
“By choosing a micro wedding, you’ll be able to prioritize quality time with your loved ones at your event. This time around less is totally more.”
You can say “I do” in front of the people you truly adore, followed by champagne and a delicious lunch or dinner—no pressure, just love.
So will micro weddings take over the wedding industry? I don’t think so. But it will be a trend that will definitely make its mark.
L3 Events is your next Orlando wedding planner and event planner. A wedding planner creating stunning weddings and events steeped in passion, fun, and exquisite taste. Based in Orlando, Florida, the L3 team serves organizations, couples, and individuals. Planning events all over the United States.