The pandemic completely blindsided the wedding industry. With large weddings being canceled left and right, couples who still intended to get married sooner rather than later had to turn to remote or micro-weddings. While this was a frustrating pivot for many, micro-weddings as a concept took flight and have undoubtedly gained popularity throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Many couples still decide to have micro-weddings in 2021, and this style of ceremony is no exception to the necessity of wedding planning.

While there are many similarities to planning a micro-wedding and a large-scale wedding for hundreds of people, the process seems much more basic. According to Junebug Weddings, a micro-wedding holds many of the same facets of a traditional wedding ceremony with a much smaller guest count. A typical guest count for micro-weddings is usually no more than 50 guests.

Couples will usually still incorporate traditional wedding dress (a gown and tux), and perhaps one or two bridesmaids/ groomsmen each. Bridesmaids may still wear traditional dresses or formal attire, and groomsmen may still wear tuxedos or suits. Micro-weddings also typically incorporate a cake, although it will be much smaller and less expensive than a grand wedding cake.

As far as decor goes, micro-weddings do not necessarily need to be minimalistic; but many are. The general idea of a micro-wedding is to cut costs and focus on what is important to the couple; their closest loved ones, and getting married. This means that elaborate decor and perhaps even a grand wedding theme is not necessary for micro-weddings, but perhaps basic, minimalist wedding accents.

One large difference between these two wedding types is a reception following the ceremony. It depends on the couple’s personal preference whether they have a reception for a smaller wedding. Typically, at a micro-wedding, guests will retreat to an upscale dinner and drinks, but a couple may not necessarily need to rent out a large event space for this. With 50 guests or less, couples may have their loved ones to their home after their wedding ceremony, or the reception may be a shorter period of time at the venue that the ceremony is held at instead of a second location. This will cut costs tremendously, while still giving the bride and groom the opportunity to continue the wedding celebration after nuptials.

With a micro-wedding, the opportunity for a destination wedding might be possible. It may be difficult to arrange more than 50 guests at a destination far from home, but this is not necessarily the case with a micro-wedding. Having a smaller guest count opens up the chance to perhaps have a beach wedding, an international destination wedding, etc.

Micro-weddings are not for everyone, but many minimalists may enjoy the trend. If this idea pops into your head after getting engaged, ask yourself what the most important aspects of the wedding are to you. Would you rather have a large celebration party, or focus more on destination and the intimacy of a small ceremony with those closest to you?

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