Micro Wedding Magic: Making Intimate Nuptials Memorable

Micro weddings are becoming an increasingly popular choice for couples, particularly since the pandemic. A micro wedding is simply a smaller version of a traditional wedding, typically with between 10 and 50 guests, although some sources suggest that a micro wedding can include up to 100 guests.

There are many benefits to having a micro wedding. They are more intimate, flexible, and relaxed than a traditional wedding, and they are also much cheaper. With a micro wedding, you can spend more quality time with your guests and have a more lavish celebration, adding special touches like personalised gifts for each guest.

There are lots of ways to make a micro wedding special. You could choose a unique destination, such as the top of a mountain or a vineyard, or get creative with your ceremony seating by using pews or garden benches. You could also splurge on your dream tabletop, with beautiful china, monogrammed linens, and personalised paper goods, or upgrade your bar by offering each guest a pre-ceremony cocktail or champagne.

Choose a unique destination

Choosing a unique destination for your micro wedding can make your special day even more memorable. Here are some ideas to consider:

Beachside Venues

If you're dreaming of a beach wedding, there are several venues that offer stunning seaside backdrops. Male'ana Gardens in Kailua, Hawaii, provides a breathtaking destination wedding experience with outdoor ceremony locations in tropical gardens and a covered reception space. They offer packages for micro weddings of up to 20 guests, and you can enjoy authentic Hawaiian cuisine and custom wedding cakes.

For a West Coast beach option, consider Newport Beach House in Middletown, Rhode Island. Large glass windows bring in tons of natural light, making it an ideal choice for a micro wedding, especially if your wedding will take place in the morning or afternoon.

Mountain Settings

For couples who love nature and scenic views, mountain settings can be the perfect choice. Piney River Ranch in Vail, Colorado, offers outdoor space beneath the breathtaking Gore Range. They have two custom log pavilions and a ceremony deck with mountain views.

If you're looking for a more intimate and secluded venue, Treehaus in Rollinsville, Colorado, is a magical forest venue run by a couple who will ensure your wedding dreams come true.

Cityscapes and Rooftops

For those who prefer an urban setting, a chic rooftop venue overlooking the city skyline can provide a breathtaking backdrop. The Bordone in Long Island City, New York, boasts panoramic views of Manhattan, Long Island City, and the iconic Queensboro Bridge.

The Wythe Hotel in Brooklyn, New York, is another industrial-chic option on the waterfront of New York City's creative epicenter, Williamsburg. They specialize in small weddings and elopements, offering a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces, including terraces, lofts, and dining rooms.

Historic and Quirky Venues

If you're looking for a venue with a unique history, consider the House of Seven Gables in Salem, Massachusetts. This 350-year-old seaside cottage, which inspired the famous novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne, offers waterfront ceremonies and tented receptions for micro weddings.

For a quirky and beautiful space, check out El Adobe de Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano, Southern California. This converted train depot features multiple rooms, a garden, a chapel, and plenty of space for your guests to explore.

Private Homes and Gardens

If you want an intimate and exclusive setting, consider renting a private home or garden for your micro wedding. In downtown Los Angeles, the Hidden Garden LA is a private home set against towering pepper trees and a restored 1908 greenhouse, making you feel like you're in a hidden garden oasis.

For a magical garden setting, M&D Farms in Westerlo, New York, is a garden oasis in the Catskill Mountains. They can accommodate up to 150 people, but intimate events are their specialty, and their onsite 1800s farmhouse can house up to eight guests.

These are just a few ideas to inspire your micro wedding destination choices. With a unique venue and your personal touches, your special day is sure to be memorable and cherished by you and your guests.

Splurge on your dream tabletop

A micro wedding is a great opportunity to splurge on your dream tabletop. With a smaller guest list, you can afford to go all out and create a stunning tablescape that will wow your guests. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Choose the Right Table

Start by selecting a table that fits your guest count. For a micro wedding, long feasting tables or circular tables can create a more intimate setting. Opting for a unique table shape or style can also add interest and surprise to your tabletop design.

Select the Perfect Linens

Monogrammed linens are a beautiful way to elevate your tabletop. Consider specialty linens such as embroidered or custom-printed tablecloths and napkins. You could even have your initials or wedding date monogrammed onto linen napkins as a special keepsake.

China and Flatware

Now is the time to bring out the fine china! Layer plates, bowls, and chargers in complementary colours and styles. Mix and match vintage or modern pieces to create a unique and eclectic look. Don't be afraid to play with different textures and patterns to add depth and interest to your tablescape.

Centrepieces and Decor

Centrepieces can make a big impact on your tabletop. Floral arrangements, candles, and greenery are classic choices, but feel free to think outside the box. Suspended centrepieces, hanging installations, or even a unique collection of vases or candles can make a stunning statement.

Place Settings and Paper Goods

Personalised place settings and paper goods will make your guests feel extra special. From custom-printed menus to handwritten place cards, these details will add a touch of luxury to your tabletop. You could even include a small gift or favour at each setting, such as a personalised stir stick or a custom perfume.

Glassware and Beverages

Enhance your tabletop with elegant glassware and delicious beverages. Coordinate your glassware with your table setting, and don't forget to include water and wine glasses. For a special touch, offer a signature cocktail or champagne pour before the meal, complete with edible flowers or herbs.

Remember, your tabletop is a space where you and your closest loved ones will gather to share memories and create new ones. So, have fun, get creative, and splurge on those dream tabletop details to make your micro wedding truly unforgettable.

Upgrade your bar

A micro wedding is a great opportunity to get creative with your bar offerings. With a smaller guest list, you can afford to splurge on a more elaborate bar setup and premium drinks. Here are some ideas to make your bar stand out:

Signature Cocktails

Create a signature cocktail (or two) for your wedding. This could be a drink that holds a special meaning for you and your partner, or something that incorporates your favourite spirits or flavours. You could even name the cocktails after yourselves or include a fun, romantic name. Your guests will love trying something unique, and it will be a great conversation starter.

Pre-Ceremony Drinks

With a micro wedding, you can afford to treat your guests to a drink before the ceremony even begins. Welcome your guests with a signature cocktail or a glass of champagne. This will help set the tone for a fun and relaxed celebration and give people a chance to mingle before the main event.

Edible Flowers and Herbs

Add a special touch to your drinks with edible flowers, herbs, or other garnishes. Not only will this look beautiful and elegant, but it will also elevate the flavour of your cocktails. Think fresh rosemary sprigs, lavender buds, or even rose petals. Your guests will be impressed by these unique and delicate additions.

Personalised Stirrers and Straws

Go the extra mile with personalised drink stirrers or straws. These can be customised with your names, wedding date, or a fun message. They will add a touch of whimsy to your bar and also double as a keepsake for your guests to take home.

Mobile Bar

Hire a mobile bar service to bring the party to you. Mobile bars are a fun and unique way to serve drinks at your wedding. From prosecco vans to craft beer trucks, there are many options to choose from. Your guests will love the novelty of a mobile bar, and it will create a memorable experience for everyone.

Mixology Class

If you want to offer something truly unique, consider hiring a mixologist to teach a cocktail-making class during your reception. Your guests can learn how to make their favourite drinks and even create their own signature cocktails. It will be an interactive and engaging experience that your guests will surely remember.

A micro wedding allows you to get creative and offer a more personalised bar experience for your guests. By incorporating unique touches, you can elevate your bar and create a fun and memorable celebration for everyone.

Put the haute into cuisine

Appetisers

For a micro wedding, you can get creative with your food choices and really make the menu special. If you're looking for a unique and interactive experience for your guests, why not try an oyster bar? Have a member of staff shuck oysters for your guests as they mingle during cocktail hour. If oysters aren't to your taste, you could try lobster claws or popcorn shrimp instead.

If you're after something more low-key, charcuterie cones are a great way to prevent crowding at the display table. Your guests will be able to enjoy a pre-made assortment of cheeses, meats, crackers and fruits while they mix and mingle.

Mains

For the main course, you could opt for a simple buffet or food bar. This is a great way to feed your guests without the need for a caterer. Taco bars, pasta bars and burger bars are all fun options that will allow your guests to customise their meal.

If you're feeling more ambitious, you could cook a full meal yourself. Just be sure to keep it simple and choose a menu that can be prepared in advance. Roast beef or chicken are great options that can be cooked a few days before and reheated on the day.

Desserts

For dessert, why not try something interactive like a build-your-own-s'mores station? Or, if you're feeling creative, you could bake your own wedding cake. Most pros use frozen cakes anyway, so you can bake the layers ahead of time and decorate them the day before.

Drinks

When it comes to drinks, you could set up a DIY bar with beer and wine, or offer a full bar with cocktails. Just be sure to check your local laws and venue rules first.

Final Thoughts

Remember, a micro wedding gives you the opportunity to get creative and make your special day truly unique. By choosing interesting food options and putting your own stamp on the menu, you'll create a memorable experience for you and your guests.

Get creative with your guest list

Micro weddings are typically much smaller than traditional weddings, with guest lists ranging from 10 to 50 people. This allows couples to be more selective about their guest list and get creative with their choices. Here are some tips for crafting a unique and meaningful guest list for your micro wedding:

Keep it intimate

A micro wedding is the perfect opportunity to surround yourself with your nearest and dearest. Consider inviting only those who are closest to you, such as parents, grandparents, siblings, and best friends. By limiting the guest list to your inner circle, you create a more intimate and meaningful atmosphere for your special day.

Prioritize meaningful connections

When deciding who to invite, reflect on the depth of your relationships. Consider how often you talk to or see each person and when was the last time you interacted. Prioritize those with whom you have frequent and meaningful contact. This ensures that your guest list is filled with people who truly know and care about you.

Manage expectations

Be clear about your guest list limitations with family and friends. Explain that you are keeping the wedding intimate and that you may not be able to invite everyone you would like to. Most people will understand, especially if you communicate your intentions in advance. This can help manage expectations and avoid any hurt feelings.

Consider a "virtual" option

If you have a larger circle of loved ones whom you would like to include, consider offering a virtual option for those who cannot be physically present. Live streaming your ceremony or providing a virtual link for guests to join remotely can be a great way to include a broader group while still maintaining the intimacy of a micro wedding.

Be thoughtful about "+1" invitations

When inviting guests who are in a relationship or married, carefully consider whether to offer a "+1" invitation. In a micro wedding setting, it may not be feasible to invite every guest's partner or spouse. Use your discretion and assess the seriousness of the relationship. For more casual relationships, it may be appropriate to invite only the guest you are closest with.

Plan activities to engage your guests

With a smaller guest list, you have the opportunity to create a more interactive and engaging experience for your guests. Consider activities such as a group photo, interactive games, or a karaoke session. These shared experiences will bring your guests together and create lasting memories.

Frequently asked questions