Why You Should Have an Intimate Micro Wedding from an Ann Arbor Wedding Photographer
Micro Weddings: A Rising Trend in Intimate Celebrations
As does everything in life, the wedding landscape continues to evolve. Right now micro weddings and elopements are gaining serious momentum, and I couldn’t be more thrilled about it! I’m such a practical person and I will always maintain that going bigger & more expensive is not a great option for the average couple. Even if you can afford it, is it really the best use of your money? Maybe a micro wedding is just what you need so that you can have an intimate, meaningful and more personalized ceremony and then use the leftover funds to go on a memorable trip with your new husband/wife! In this blog, I want to talk about micro weddings— what they are, why they are becoming more popular, and why I think they’re a great choice for almost everybody.
What are Micro Weddings?
Micro weddings are more intimate than a “normal” wedding and typically involve fewer than 50 guests, providing a more exclusive and focused experience for both the couple and their loved ones. These smaller gatherings allow for a more meaningful and personalized experience, where couples can prioritize quality time with guests that they actually care about and have relationships with, and create an environment that allows them to be more present and relaxed on their wedding day.
One of the defining characteristics of micro weddings is their emphasis on quality over quantity. With a smaller guest list, couples can allocate more of their budget towards enhancing the overall experience, such as:
selecting a stunning venue—this is KEY. You can have a venue with the stunning views you’ve always imagined for photos, but without the hefty price tag that more premium venues put on a large event space. While I don’t condone making your wedding day about your photos, it’s ok to prioritize aesthetics in anticipation of making them look good.
indulging in different cuisine— catering for a lot of people is harder, and that’s why a lot of companies end up serving things that seem similar. How many weddings have you been to where the food really made a memorable impression on you? I can tell you, having attended a lot of weddings, and some of the best wedding food I’ve ever had has been at a backyard wedding where the couple’s parents made the food. It was lamb biryani, and my mouth still waters when i think about it. I also was just talking to someone who told me that the best wedding food they’ve ever had was basically just self serve junk food— hot dogs, brats, pretzels. You can really think out of the box when you aren’t constrained by a venue’s caterer or caterers that are trying to please too many people.
incorporating more details that reflect your unique personalities and love story. It’s become apparent to me that a lot of couples who have overspent on their “normal” venue experience spending fatigue, or run too much over budget, and then don’t have money to spend on all the fun little details or extra decor that really make their wedding pinterest worthy. In my opinion, the little details are the best part and what can really make your wedding feel unique, and feel like you.
more venue choices— having a smaller wedding allows you to explore more intimate and unconventional locations that may not be feasible for larger events. Whether it's a charming garden setting, a family farm, a rustic vineyard, or an elegant private estate, the options for hosting a micro wedding are more diverse and you’re more likely to find something unique, and won’t end up feeling like you were just part of a big wedding machine that churns out weddings like car parts.
The Rising Popularity of Micro Weddings
Listen, I’m not an expert. I’m not over here collecting data and running the numbers. But I do know that there’s been a significant shift in the past couple years in how to be more mindful of the things we are doing, the things we are consuming, and sort of questioning tradition and what that means. And I think a major driver in that shift has been the fact that social media has been around for a while now, and we are now questioning how SM is effecting our mental health and our relationships with people. Paris Hilton didn’t tell anyone (not even her mom!) about the birth of her son for over a week after he was born because she wanted to keep the experience meaningful and private. Even though a lot of us probably can’t relate to Paris Hilton much, we can all relate to wanting to keep some things private and special in a world where everything is online all the time. That being said, I think probably the most significant driver is the desire for a more personalized and meaningful wedding experience. Weddings are becoming pretty cookie-cutter, and because there is a drive to put more focus on creating genuine connections with guests, the intimacy and sincerity of micro weddings have become increasingly appealing. Also—because when talking about weddings we cant ignore the subject of money—the practical considerations associated with large weddings, such as extensive guest lists, elaborate logistics, and substantial costs, have prompted many couples to opt for a more streamlined and manageable alternative. Micro weddings offer a more budget-friendly option, allowing couples to allocate their resources towards creating an unforgettable experience for their nearest and dearest. The evolving social landscape and the desire for more meaningful interactions have played a role in the rise of micro weddings. As couples prioritize quality time with their loved ones, the allure of an intimate celebration that fosters genuine connections and cherished moments has become increasingly attractive.
Determining if a Micro Wedding is Right for You
While the appeal of micro weddings is undeniable, it’s important for you to carefully consider whether this intimate approach aligns with your preferences, priorities, and vision for your special day. There are several key factors to consider when deciding between a micro wedding and a traditional larger-scale celebration:
Intimacy and Personalization
If you value intimate and meaningful connections with your guests, and you envision a wedding that is highly personalized and immersive, a micro wedding may be the perfect fit. The smaller guest count allows for deeper interactions with each attendee, creating a more profound and intimate experience for both the couple and their loved ones. Also, because it feels less grand, or less like a production, it can help you feel more relaxed on the day as well.
Budget and Resources
If you are seeking a more budget-friendly option without compromising on quality, a micro wedding can be an appealing choice. With fewer guests to accommodate, you can allocate your resources towards things you actually care about and have a wedding day that truly looks and feel like you! You’ll feel less pressured to spend money you don’t have, AND you’ll feel better about the money you do spend because you’re only spending it on people you truly care about and want to interact with on the day.
Venue and Atmosphere
The choice of venue and the desired atmosphere for the celebration are crucial considerations when deciding between a micro wedding and a traditional wedding. If you dream of a more intimate and unconventional setting that may not be feasible for a larger event, a micro wedding offers the flexibility to explore unique and personalized locations that perfectly reflect your vision.
Guest List and Relationships
When determining the guest list for your wedding, consider the depth of your relationships with potential attendees. If you prioritise quality over quantity and wish to share your special day with your closest family and friends, a micro wedding allows you to curate a guest list comprised of those with whom you share the strongest bonds, fostering a more intimate and meaningful celebration. Everyone’s family has drama— this is an easy way to cut the drama, and the people whose energy you don’t need around you on your wedding day.
Personal Preferences and Comfort
Ultimately, the decision between a micro wedding and a traditional wedding should align with your personal preferences, comfort levels, and vision for your wedding day. Reflect on what matters most to you as a couple, whether it’s the desire for an intimate and immersive experience, a more budget-friendly approach, or the opportunity to celebrate in a unique and unconventional setting.
In short, the rise of micro weddings reflects a growing shift towards more intimate, personalized, and meaningful celebrations. In this shift, we see that it’s making weddings more customizable and easier to enjoy on the day for multiple reasons, the most important of which is that it will make your day easier to enjoy by allowing you to relax, enjoy the food, things and people you love the most. (As a wedding photographer, this is also the key to INSANE photos by the way. Happy brides and grooms make excellent pictures.) By prioritizing quality over quantity, micro weddings offer you the opportunity to create a deeply immersive and unforgettable experience for yourselves and your loved ones. As you consider the best approach for your wedding day, weighing the factors of intimacy, budget, venue, guest list, and personal preferences will guide you in determining whether a micro wedding is the right choice for you (and you already know what the right choice is! :)
