Small Weddings Explained
Photo by Cadence & Eli Photography
Mini Wedding
A mini wedding is a scaled-down version of a traditional wedding, typically featuring 30-50 guests. It maintains many of the classic wedding elements—ceremony, reception, dinner, and dancing—but on a smaller, more intimate scale.
Pros:
Allows you to celebrate with close family and friends.
Keeps the traditional wedding feel while reducing overall costs.
Easier to plan and manage than a large wedding.
Cons:
Still requires significant planning and budgeting.
Can be difficult to narrow down the guest list.
Some venues may have minimum guest counts, making it harder to book traditional locations.
Micro Wedding
A micro wedding is even smaller than a mini wedding, usually with 10-30 guests. This option allows for a more intimate celebration while still including key wedding elements, such as a short ceremony, dinner, and light entertainment.
Pros:
More flexibility in choosing unique venues, such as a backyard, Airbnb, or small boutique space.
Lower costs for catering, decor, and rentals.
Allows for a more meaningful experience with each guest.
Cons:
May still require some level of planning and organization.
Can be challenging to exclude extended family and friends.
Fewer entertainment options compared to a traditional wedding.
Elopement
An elopement is the smallest and simplest type of wedding, typically involving just the couple, an officiant, and sometimes a few witnesses. It’s often a spontaneous or destination-based choice, allowing couples to focus solely on their commitment to each other.
Pros:
Extremely low cost compared to traditional weddings.
No stress over guest lists, seating charts, or large-scale planning.
Can be a romantic and adventurous way to tie the knot.
Cons:
May upset family and friends who wish to celebrate with you.
Limited opportunities for formal wedding traditions.
Some legal considerations if getting married in a different location.
Which One is Right for You?
When deciding on the type of small wedding that suits you best, consider your priorities. Do you want a cozy gathering with family and friends? A mini or micro wedding may be ideal. Prefer an intimate, stress-free celebration? An elopement might be the way to go.
Regardless of which option you choose, remember that your wedding should reflect your love story and personal style. The most important thing is that it feels right for you and your partner.
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Welcome to the new way to wed.