Tips for Planning Your Micro Wedding

I’ve been a live illustrator for many years, which means I have seen dozens of wedding trends come and go. But micro weddings? This is one trend that I believe is here to stay! Micro weddings are small celebrations with between 10 and 50 guests. They first gained popularity during the pandemic, but now, six years later, they are becoming a beloved departure from traditional weddings. 

Micro Weddings vs Elopements 

Whenever I talk about micro weddings, the first question I get is, “How are micro weddings different from elopements?” While the two may seem very similar from the outset, there are a few key distinctions. 

The biggest difference is that micro weddings invite a select number of guests, while elopements only involve the couple, the officiant, and maybe a witness or two. And while they’re not roped into the same exact timeline as a traditional wedding, micro weddings still usually follow the Ceremony →  Cocktail Hour → Reception format. Elopements, on the other hand, are mostly limited to a short ceremony and maybe a small restaurant reception. 

Who a Micro Wedding Is and Is Not For 

If the idea of planning a wedding with lots of guests and even more moving parts stresses you out, a micro wedding might be perfect for you! Many couples go this route in order to spend intentional time with each of their guests and splurge more on the venue, food, or guest experiences. There are a lot of reasons to choose a micro wedding, and I dive into all the perks of micro weddings in this blog. 

However, micro weddings aren’t for everyone! If you want your wedding to feel like a raging party, you’re going to want a bigger crowd. The same is true if you envision a large wedding party, with everyone standing at the altar during the ceremony. Micro weddings can look a bit silly if half the guest list is standing by your side. 

Ultimately, you need to decide your highest priorities. If you want something more intimate and experiential, a micro wedding may be your best choice! But if you dream of a high-energy dance floor that lasts well into the night, stick with a larger guest list. There is no right or wrong answer here. Find what’s right for you, and the rest of the details will fall in place. 

Best Venues for a Micro Wedding 

Not every venue is designed for the small guest list of a micro wedding. For example, some venues have spend minimums, so even if you have a low guest count, you still may have to reach their minimum threshold. And on that note, private estate and backyard weddings aren’t necessarily more affordable! 

But on the other hand, micro weddings allow you to get very creative with your venue! Imagine gathering a group of your closest friends and family and renting out a small restaurant, lounge, bar, or rooftop! You can even explore more interesting places for your ceremony, like lush gardens, historic monuments, or courthouses. 

Out of all of these options, I think the best one is to choose a destination and bring all of your people with you! Micro weddings make planning a destination wedding feel far more approachable, since you’re only navigating a small group of people. If you’ve ever wanted to take a group vacation, a micro wedding might be the excuse you’ve been waiting for! 

Creative Ways to Personalize Your Micro Wedding 

Just like your venue, when you have a smaller guest list, you can be more creative with things like guest favors and experiences. One of my favorite things to do for micro weddings is create a welcome bag full of local goodies and hand-selected items! 

And when it comes to experiences, the sky is the limit. I once provided live illustrations at a micro wedding at the Boston Public Library, during which they hired a live jazz band! Another celebration was at a whisky bar. Many micro weddings skip the dancing and fashion the reception around a family-style dinner or cocktail lounge vibe. You really can do whatever you want!  

Live Illustration Services for Micro Weddings 

If you’ve read this blog and think that a micro wedding might be the best option for you, congratulations! Planning a micro wedding is so exciting. With a smaller guest list, you’re spending less money on food, so you can invest in experiences that your guests will really enjoy. 

I’ve gotten to illustrate guests at quite a few micro weddings, and while I might be biased, I think illustrations are always a favorite! There’s nothing quite like getting an artistic rendition of yourself to remember an incredible celebration. If you’re interested in adding live illustrations to your celebration or ordering custom sketches for favors or welcome bags, I’d love to work with you! Explore my live illustrations and custom pieces, and inquire to learn more about working together!