COVID-19 has changed our lives in many ways – and weddings are no exception. A micro wedding is the biggest trend to hit, and understandably so.
It’s safe, cost-effective, and allows for far more intimate moments with guests that you actually know and love. We take a deeper look at this new trend and why it may be the perfect way to say, “I do”.
WHAT IS A MICRO WEDDING?
A micro wedding is defined as a celebration with 50 guests or fewer and is usually much shorter than a traditional wedding.
DON’T CONFUSE IT WITH AN ELOPEMENT
An elopement is usually done in secret, with only a ceremony and no reception.
WHERE DID THIS TREND COME FROM?
When COVID-19 first hit, many couples were forced to call off their big day at the last minute, postpone or elope. The wedding industry took a hit and was forced to relook the way weddings are celebrated. Although micro weddings may be a new trend, it’s not uncommon on the big screens or with many celebs – even a few royals chose the micro wedding route.
In 2018, singer Ed Sheeren tied the knot with his wife with just 40 guests present. Princess Rayah of Jordan married Ned Donovan in a beautiful intimate wedding with just four guests, and famous actress Kiera Knightly said “I do” to musician James Righton in front of 11 guests.
THE PROS
Your budget will go a lot further
This may seem like an obvious pro, but budget plays a big role in the experience of your wedding. With a smaller guest list, your budget will stretch a lot further and you may be able to select better catering options, and pay more attention to the smaller details at your venue like the favours, décor, and invitations. Remember the wedding dress you’ve always wanted? That may be more achievable now that you have fewer expenses.
Related article: Easy ways to cut wedding costs
It’s far more intimate
With many large weddings, it’s not uncommon for a bride or groom to realise they don’t know half the guests that are present. Micro weddings include 50 guests or less so you’ll have to really think about who you would want to spend your day with. And let’s be honest, being introduced to your mom’s aunt’s friend’s daughter, who you spoke to twice in your life, just doesn’t have the same effect as spending the day with people who you actually know – the ones who have laughed with you and comforted you in times of need. Isn’t that, after all, what makes beautiful memories?
It feels more relaxed
Whether big or small, the wedding prep will always feel crazy, and so will the days leading up to it. Just when you think everything’s under control, there’ll always be that one last thing that pops up. Prep aside, think of the actual wedding day.
Relaxed in this context means you’ll have fewer people to interact with and more time to spend with the ones you love, leading to more moments filled with meaningful memories. A larger guest list on the other hand may make the day feel like a blur... you’ll have more people to talk to, with most wanting to take a photo with you, and at the end of the day, you’ll realise that a few ‘hi’ and ‘congratulations’ is all you have to remember your guests by.
It’s safer
With COVID-19, it’s always safer to limit the number of guests at an event for your safety and that of your loved ones.
Related article: Getting wedding plans back on track
CONS
Who will be paying for the wedding?
This is tricky because if you’re not paying for your wedding and your parents are, they may have their own guest list in mind and you may end up having a wedding for them, and not you.
You can’t invite everyone
After creating your guest list, you may realise there are far more people you would have liked to invite. Maybe you come from a large family and have a big group of friends that you happen to be very close with? Maybe you’re just a very sociable person? It could be very difficult saying no to those you wish could be there.
Large or small, the only secret to having a beautiful wedding is to have one that makes you and your partner happy. And who knows, a micro wedding might just be the answer, especially with COVID-19 always lurking around.
Related article: 5 Reasons to renew your wedding vows
WHAT IS A MICRO WEDDING?
A micro wedding is defined as a celebration with 50 guests or fewer and is usually much shorter than a traditional wedding.
DON’T CONFUSE IT WITH AN ELOPEMENT
An elopement is usually done in secret, with only a ceremony and no reception.
WHERE DID THIS TREND COME FROM?
When COVID-19 first hit, many couples were forced to call off their big day at the last minute, postpone or elope. The wedding industry took a hit and was forced to relook the way weddings are celebrated. Although micro weddings may be a new trend, it’s not uncommon on the big screens or with many celebs – even a few royals chose the micro wedding route.
In 2018, singer Ed Sheeren tied the knot with his wife with just 40 guests present. Princess Rayah of Jordan married Ned Donovan in a beautiful intimate wedding with just four guests, and famous actress Kiera Knightly said “I do” to musician James Righton in front of 11 guests.
THE PROS
Your budget will go a lot further
This may seem like an obvious pro, but budget plays a big role in the experience of your wedding. With a smaller guest list, your budget will stretch a lot further and you may be able to select better catering options, and pay more attention to the smaller details at your venue like the favours, décor, and invitations. Remember the wedding dress you’ve always wanted? That may be more achievable now that you have fewer expenses.
Related article: Easy ways to cut wedding costs
It’s far more intimate
With many large weddings, it’s not uncommon for a bride or groom to realise they don’t know half the guests that are present. Micro weddings include 50 guests or less so you’ll have to really think about who you would want to spend your day with. And let’s be honest, being introduced to your mom’s aunt’s friend’s daughter, who you spoke to twice in your life, just doesn’t have the same effect as spending the day with people who you actually know – the ones who have laughed with you and comforted you in times of need. Isn’t that, after all, what makes beautiful memories?
It feels more relaxed
Whether big or small, the wedding prep will always feel crazy, and so will the days leading up to it. Just when you think everything’s under control, there’ll always be that one last thing that pops up. Prep aside, think of the actual wedding day.
Relaxed in this context means you’ll have fewer people to interact with and more time to spend with the ones you love, leading to more moments filled with meaningful memories. A larger guest list on the other hand may make the day feel like a blur... you’ll have more people to talk to, with most wanting to take a photo with you, and at the end of the day, you’ll realise that a few ‘hi’ and ‘congratulations’ is all you have to remember your guests by.
It’s safer
With COVID-19, it’s always safer to limit the number of guests at an event for your safety and that of your loved ones.
Related article: Getting wedding plans back on track
CONS
Who will be paying for the wedding?
This is tricky because if you’re not paying for your wedding and your parents are, they may have their own guest list in mind and you may end up having a wedding for them, and not you.
You can’t invite everyone
After creating your guest list, you may realise there are far more people you would have liked to invite. Maybe you come from a large family and have a big group of friends that you happen to be very close with? Maybe you’re just a very sociable person? It could be very difficult saying no to those you wish could be there.
Large or small, the only secret to having a beautiful wedding is to have one that makes you and your partner happy. And who knows, a micro wedding might just be the answer, especially with COVID-19 always lurking around.
Related article: 5 Reasons to renew your wedding vows
WHY ARE MORE COUPLES CHOOSING MICRO WEDDINGS?
Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
March 09, 2021
Rating:
Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
March 09, 2021
Rating:
