BENEFITS OF A MICRO-WEDDING
Before Covid, a wedding with less than 100 guests was simply called a “smaller wedding” and were anomalies rather than the norm. However, when the pandemic hit in 2020, brides were scrambling to keep their wedding dates, despite shut-downs and venue limitations. As with many challenging situations, necessity breeds opportunity and thus, the “Micro-Wedding Wedding” was born. According to The Knot, a Micro-Wedding is “a smaller version of a ‘regular’ wedding, typically with a guest list of no more than 50 people—usually immediate family and super-close friends only.”
Now, micro-weddings are the fastest growing type of wedding allowing couples to create a more meaningful experience with a smaller guest list while still having a wedding that is big on style. They usually involve a full team of vendors providing decor, flower arrangements, catering, music, photography, and videography. Some Airbnb’s specialize in Micro-Wedding venues coupled with accommodations for family and friends to gather for the wedding festivities. They offer authenticity and intentionality for a more intimate group of family and friends.
Inherent benefits often exist in this niche market of micro-weddings.
Fewer Guests Often Provides Cost Savings
As the country is still recovering from the pandemic and increased costs of goods, in 2024, the average per wedding guest cost for a wedding of 250 guests, is around $600 as compared to $200 before Covid. That cost varies drastically based upon venue, type of wedding, menu items, and guest count. The variables in cost for a Micro-Wedding are also based on the venue, type of wedding, menu items, and guest count.
However, that average cost per Micro-wedding guest is estimated between $150-$250 per guest. Additionally, those costs can be less if a couple chooses to have a family member cook the food, make the centerpieces and bouquets, officiate, handle music, take photos, etc. The micro-wedding option usually provides more options when trying to host a wedding without breaking the bank.
Also, hosting an “intimate” or micro-wedding may help keep the guest list small as you may not need to invite an unwanted co-worker, distant relative, or an old friend that you just don’t want to have there. It’s also a great “excuse” to tell guests that children are not allowed.
When planning for a smaller group, it is often easier to make decisions, stay on budget, and keep things organized. For example: fewer invitations, less food, fewer seating chart headaches, and a smoother, more relaxed timeline.
Unique Venue Options
Many large venues have a minimum guest count, often 150+ guests. Even if you do not have that many guests, many venues are designed to accommodate large crowds. So, a wedding with 40-50 guests can easily be overwhelmed in a large venue. Additionally, many large venues make more money on larger weddings. Therefore, they are not excited about hosting a small wedding. A micro-wedding offers the opportunity to select unique, more intimate venues that normally can’t accommodate larger crowds. For example, private estates, boutique hotels, museums, exotic destinations, or meaningful locations that are part of the couple’s dating history.
Elevated Guest Experiences
By hosting a smaller number of guests, brides are often able to focus on a more personalized experience for the guests. For example, writing a personalized note to each guest sharing how important they are to you can create a very special experience for guests. The notes can have each guest’s name on the outside and can be used as decor for your seating chart or place cards so that they have an intentional purpose.
One of the hottest trends in weddings, and perfect for a micro-wedding, is a guest sketch artist at your wedding. The artist is there to capture the event for each of your guests. The sketch becomes a life-long keepsake for the guests, reminding them of your special day and their special place in your heart. Not only is it a wedding favor that they will frame and display in their home but it’s also live entertainment watching the artist at work.
A micro-wedding is about quality over quantity. Every moment is intentional; every detail matters; and every guest is special.
Quality Time with Guests (make it a weekend)
One of the biggest regrets couples often share after large weddings is how little time they get to spend with guests. They are quickly moved through each event, meeting the designated timeline, and barely get to talk to anyone. A micro wedding allows the couple to genuinely connect with every person at the wedding. They can share meaningful conversations and savor the moment instead of rushing through greetings, photo ops, food, toasts, dances, throwing bouquets, and the grand exit. At a micro-wedding, guests will feel valued and seen and both of you will treasure those shared moments forever.
For couples that rent a multi-day Airbnb, like Garden Gate Estate, they can turn their wedding day into a wedding weekend. It allows the wedding party and family members to spend time together before the wedding. It provides a place for out-of-town guests to be a part of the preparation and have time with other family members. This type of celebration lets both sides of the wedding party get to know each other and share a common bond for the future. When family and friends leave a Garden Gate Estate “micro-wedding weekend” they often say it was the best wedding experience they ever attended.
Micro-weddings are redefining what it means to get married and prove that a meaningful celebration isn’t about how big your guest list is but how special your wedding is. It is about celebrating with intentionally and creating an atmosphere of closeness, meaning, and remembrance.
