What is a Micro Wedding?



A micro wedding is exactly what it sounds like: a mini version of your large, traditional wedding. A micro wedding usually has between 20 and 50 guests. This gives couples the chance to still share their day with their closest friends and family minus the overwhelming logistics and costs of a large event.

Micro weddings are more likely to retain most of the traditional elements you'd expect in a full-scale wedding. Things like a ceremony, reception, professional photography, and even a wedding party. With having a lot less guests to worry about, couples often find they can spend more time and money on the details that mean the most to them, whether it’s their dream venue, ordering personalized decor, or treating their favorite people to a gourmet dining experience.

What is an Elopement?

The word "elopement" used to conjure up images of couples secretly running away to get married in a courthouse or chapel - usually against the will of the families. These days, however, elopements are seen as a much more intentional, often adventurous way to say "I do." Elopements will focus solely on the couple, with possibly a handful of special people in attendance.

Modern elopements are so much more relaxed and unstructured compared to traditional weddings. They often make the main focus the ceremony, allowing the couple to exchange vows in a really meaningful location, whether it’s a mountaintop, a quiet beach, or a favorite city. With having to worry about rules and formalities far less, elopements can be more spontaneous and in line with the couples values.

Key Differences

Guest List:

Micro Wedding: Typically includes between 20 and 50 guests made up of immediate family members and close friends.

Elopement: Involves just the couple or very few guests (usually under 10).

Formality:

Micro Wedding: Maintains the overall structure of a traditional wedding, but on a smaller scale, including a reception, formal attire, and even speeches and a dance.

Elopement: Way less formal. The couple might choose to wear a traditional white dress and suit, but beyond that, there are fewer, if any, formal elements.

Location:

Micro Wedding: Takes place in a slightly more traditional venue such as a backyard garden, a local hall, or even a private home. Couples often like to choose locations close to home or somewhere that is easily accessible to the guests they invite, but I've also seen them use it as an excuse to get everyone together for a big family vacation.

Elopement: Usually a destination or adventure style wedding, with couples choosing scenic or meaningful locations that usually don't accommodate a big guest list.

Budget:

Micro Wedding: Despite the fact that they are smaller than traditional weddings, micro weddings still come with all kinds of costs for things like the venue, catering, and decor. The main idea is that you are going for a quality vs quantity experience.

Elopement: Often far less expensive, even though travel and photography costs can add up if you've picked a pricy destination. Still, not having large reception or formal venue usually keeps costs way lower than a traditional wedding.

Pros and Cons of a Micro Wedding

Pros:

• Intimacy: A micro wedding has a limited number of guests, and it guarantees that only friends and family members will be there on the couple’s big day.
• Personalization: Micro weddings allow for more attention to detail. Couples can add personalized touches to every part of their day, from custom favors to being able to greet each of their guests personally.
• Budget Flexibility: Because they have fewer guests, couples can use more of their budget on things that are genuinely important to them, like an exclusive venue or high-end photographer.

Cons:

• Guest List Struggles: It can be a challenge to keep the guest count down, and some couples may feel guilty about not inviting certain family members or friends.
• Cost Creep: While the guest count is smaller, costs can still add up quickly if couples choose to spend their money on luxury elements like high-end catering or a designer dress.
• Expectations: Despite its smaller size, a micro wedding is still a wedding, which means the couple may feel pressure to stick to traditional elements that they'd rather not incorporate.

Pros and Cons of an Elopement

Pros:

• Lower Cost: Elopements are going to cost you significantly less than traditional weddings. With no large reception or guest-related expenses, couples can spend their budget on a dream destination, or a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
• Less Stress and Pressure: Elopements eliminate the stress of planning a large event, dealing with family expectations, and managing a forever growing guest list. The simple, relaxed nature of an elopement allows couples to focus on and prioritize the things that really matter to them.
• A More Meaningful Experience: Elopements focus on the couple's connection, without expectations or peer pressure. It really does allow for a more personal and authentic ceremony, often in a location that feels special to the couple.

Cons:

• Limited Guest Involvement: Eloping means that family and friends may miss out on the celebration. Some couples might regret not having their extended friends and family present, or worse, feel like they need to defend themselves to people who are angry with their decision to elope.
• Lack of Traditional Elements: If you elope, you'll miss out on a lot of traditional wedding experiences like having a full reception, speeches, or doing the chicken dance in a big circle.
• Post-Elopement Planning: Some couples feel the need to host a reception or celebration afterward to include family and friends who weren't at the elopement, which can add extra cost and planning down the line.

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