Rhiannon Hendricks
Small weddings have become increasingly popular, with many couples choosing to downsize their celebrations. A small wedding typically refers to an intimate gathering of close family and friends, usually comprising 30 to 50 guests. Some define a small wedding as having up to 100 guests, while others use the term micro-wedding for celebrations with a smaller guest count. Micro-weddings gained prominence during the pandemic and continue to be a preferred choice for couples seeking a more personalised and meaningful experience. Small weddings offer several advantages, including greater flexibility with budgets, unique venue options, and deeper connections with guests. They also allow for more thoughtful details and intentional moments, such as personalised cards or intimate photo opportunities. While small weddings may not be for everyone, they provide an opportunity to prioritise what matters most and create lasting memories with loved ones.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of a small wedding | Less than 50 guests, though some say under 100 is small |
| Definition of a micro wedding | Up to 50 guests, though some say under 30 |
| Definition of a tiny wedding | 15 people or less |
| Definition of a minimony | A short, simple ceremony with no more than 10 people |
| Definition of an elopement | Just the bride, groom, and their officiant |
| Advantages of a small wedding | More room for authenticity and heartfelt connection; more budget flexibility; less time spent in lines at the bar, bathroom, and food stations; easier to book a unique venue; more time for intentional photos |
| Disadvantages of a small wedding | Stress and guilt over tricky decisions about who to invite |
Explore related products
Micro weddings
Micro-weddings are becoming increasingly popular, offering a compromise between an elopement and a large, traditional wedding. A micro-wedding is a smaller version of a regular wedding, with a guest list of no more than 50 people, usually immediate family and very close friends. Some define a micro-wedding as having even fewer guests, with a maximum of 30 or 20 people.
Micro-weddings are for couples who don't want a big event with hundreds of guests but also don't want to compromise on experience or small details. With a smaller guest list, couples can splurge on finer details and create a more thoughtful, intimate, and personalised event. This might include a more elaborate meal, unique decor, or personalised wedding favours for each guest. Couples can also choose to spend more on the venue, entertainment, or an open bar.
Micro-weddings usually involve a full team of vendors providing decor, flower arrangements, catering, music, and photography. Couples can also choose to live stream the ceremony for loved ones who are unable to attend in person.
Venues such as Juliette Chapel in Dahlonega, Georgia, and Chicago Winery offer intimate and elegant spaces that are perfect for micro-weddings. Couples can choose from a range of indoor and outdoor spaces to create a unique and memorable event.
Planning Your Wedding Flowers: When to Start?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Minimony
Small weddings have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many couples choosing to prioritise intimacy, personalisation, and meaningful connections over extravagance. One such way to achieve this is through a "minimony".
A minimony is a small-scale wedding celebration that falls between an elopement and a traditional ceremony. It is a blend of "mini" and "matrimony" and typically includes no more than 10 to 20 guests, allowing for a deeply personal experience. Some sources suggest that minimonies can include up to 100 guests, but the focus remains on close family and friends for an intimate setting.
Minimonies gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way for couples to honour their original wedding date while adhering to social distancing measures. They are often followed by a small dinner or meal, with decor and entertainment that are downsized compared to a traditional wedding. The smaller guest list and simplified format of a minimony often result in lower expenses for venues, catering, and decor, making it a more budget-friendly option.
The primary emphasis of a minimony is on the ceremony itself and the vows shared between the couple. By stripping away the excess, couples can concentrate on their commitment to one another and create a celebration that reflects their unique bond. The intimate setting of a minimony also encourages heartfelt connections and meaningful interactions with guests, allowing for an atmosphere of love and support.
Minimonies offer flexibility in terms of location, as they can be held in a variety of settings such as backyards, local parks, or even the couple's home. This adaptability allows couples to choose a meaningful backdrop that resonates with their personal story while also reducing venue costs. Overall, a minimony is an excellent option for couples who value personal interactions, heartfelt moments, and a more simplified wedding experience.
Post-Wedding Blues: Brides' Emotional Turmoil After the Big Day
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Elopement
Traditionally, elopements involved couples marrying secretly, just the two of them, often at an exotic destination. Today, elopements may include a couple's closest family members, such as parents, siblings, or grandparents, but they still maintain a small guest list of around 10-15 people.
For couples who want an intimate celebration without compromising on style, elopements can provide a personalised and meaningful experience. They allow for a more relaxed atmosphere, with less focus on entertaining a large number of guests and more emphasis on creating magical moments and memories.
Destination elopement packages are available from companies like Simply Eloped, which offer personalised, cost-conscious, and high-quality ceremonies. These packages include vendor communication, wedding planning assistance, and innovative technology to streamline the process, ensuring a worry-free and enjoyable day for the couple.
Carnations: An Affordable Wedding Flower Option
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Intimate weddings
A minimony is a short, simple ceremony, usually with no more than 10 people in attendance. It is primarily a legal commitment ceremony, with less focus on planning a big reception afterward.
There are many benefits to an intimate wedding. Couples can focus on personalisation, creating a more meaningful experience for themselves and their guests. With a smaller guest list, couples can also splurge on other things, like a unique venue, top-shelf open bar, or amazing entertainment.
If you're worried about your small wedding feeling underwhelming, there are ways to make your intimate wedding truly special. For example, you could write hand-written cards expressing your gratitude to each guest for their attendance.
Late-Summer Wedding Blooms: Best Flowers for an August Wedding
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Small wedding guest list
Small weddings have become increasingly popular, especially after the pandemic. While there is no "one size fits all" scale when it comes to a wedding guest list, a small wedding typically has fewer than 50 guests, and often only immediate family and very close friends are invited. Some people even opt for \"micro weddings\", which usually have no more than 30 guests, while others define a micro wedding as 15 people or fewer.
A small wedding guest list allows you to be more flexible with your budget. With a large wedding, a significant portion of your budget is spent on the venue and catering to accommodate all your guests. With a small wedding, you can splurge on other aspects, such as a top-shelf open bar, a unique venue, or amazing entertainment. You can also choose a more exotic location, such as a tropical destination or a luxurious restaurant, which would be unaffordable with a larger guest list.
Small weddings allow for more meaningful connections with your guests. You have the time and freedom to create individual memories with each guest, and you can give them more personalised experiences, such as handwritten cards expressing your gratitude for their attendance.
Deciding on a small wedding guest list can be stressful and may involve making some difficult decisions. It's important to discuss the kid policy and determine which children, if any, will be invited. You should also consider how to include those who are not invited, such as by hosting a backyard barbecue party or sharing a post-wedding photo gallery.
Mrs. Corleone's Wedding Song: A Musical Mystery
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
There is no definitive answer, but a small wedding typically has fewer than 50 guests. Some people also use the term "micro wedding" to describe weddings with 30 or fewer guests.
Small weddings can be more intimate and allow for more flexibility with your budget. They can also be less stressful to plan and allow you to choose from a wider range of venues.
It's important to invite only the people who are closest to you and your partner. Consider whether you would take someone out to dinner one-on-one or call them to share important news.
You can host a backyard barbecue or send post-wedding announcements with photos to those who weren't invited. You could also live stream the ceremony or share a same-day edit for loved ones to watch later.
Small weddings became more common during the pandemic and have remained popular due to their benefits, such as cost savings and the opportunity for more meaningful connections.
