How to Plan a Microwedding: A Complete Guide

Microweddings are becoming increasingly popular as couples look for intimate and intentional ways to celebrate their love. With fewer guests and a more relaxed atmosphere, microweddings offer a unique chance to create a truly meaningful and unforgettable experience. This step-by-step guide will help you plan your perfect microwedding, from selecting the ideal venue to setting the date, ensuring every detail reflects your love story.

What Is a Microwedding?

A microwedding is an intimate gathering with fifty or fewer guests, combining the personalized charm of elopements with the structure of traditional weddings. These smaller celebrations typically include both a ceremony and a reception, allowing couples to craft a highly customized experience for themselves and their closest loved ones.

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Plan Your Microwedding in 9 Easy Steps

1. Define Your Vision

Start by discussing your vision with your partner. Think about the style, season, must-haves, and overall vibe you want for your special day. Whether you dream of a rustic ranch wedding, an intimate indoor event at a boutique hotel, or a destination beach celebration, your vision will guide every decision.

Tip: Create a mood board or Pinterest board to align on key elements and bring your ideas to life.

2. Create Your Guest List

Sit down with your partner to compile your guest list. Make it a fun activity by turning it into an at-home date night with snacks and drinks! Since microweddings typically have 50 or fewer guests, focus on close family and friends.

Tip: Begin with the people you can’t imagine getting married without, and don’t hesitate to set boundaries to keep your list intentional.

3. Set Your Budget

With a smaller guest list, you can allocate more funds toward priorities like a dream venue, photographer, or unique experiences. For instance, one microwedding featured an on-site cartoonist who created keepsakes for guests, adding a personal and memorable touch.

Tip: Outline your priorities as a couple and distribute your budget accordingly.

4. Choose a Venue

Your venue should align with your vision while accommodating your guest count and budget. Consider these factors:

• Guest Count: Ensure the venue is the right size for your guest list.
• Budget: Confirm the venue cost fits within your overall budget.
• Style: Choose a location that complements your desired atmosphere.

Tip: Ask venues about packages tailored to smaller weddings.

5. Select a Date

After choosing your venue, pick a date. This approach provides flexibility and increases the likelihood of securing your preferred time.

Considerations:

• Seasonal travel costs and weather
• Local events or holidays that may affect availability
• Vendor availability

Tip: Coordinate with key vendors before finalizing your date.

6. Book Your Vendors

Once your venue and date are set, start booking vendors. Many venues offer preferred vendor lists to simplify your search. If you have specific vendors in mind, confirm their compatibility with your venue’s policies.

Tip: Begin with a photographer (like me!) who can often recommend other trusted vendors.

7. Send Save-the-Dates and Invitations

Send save-the-dates 6-8 months before your wedding (closer to 8 months for destination weddings) to give guests ample time to plan. Invitations should follow about 6-8 weeks before the event, or three months for destination weddings.

Tip: Use this time to explore invitation designs and details, making the process creative and enjoyable.

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Ready to Plan Your Microwedding?

Ready to Plan Your Microwedding?

I hope this guide helps simplify the planning process for your microwedding! If you’re ready to create the wedding of your dreams and need someone to document every special moment, I’m here for you. As a dedicated microwedding photographer based in Lexington, KY, I specialize in capturing the magic of small, intimate celebrations. I’ll help ensure a stress-free day by assisting with location scouting, permit timelines, and more.

Explore my microwedding photography packages and share your vision through my contact form.