What is a micro wedding, and how to plan one?
Intimate ceremonies and receptions have become the biggest trend for 2021. This new format of celebration makes wedding planning easier for couples. And it also allows them to purpose their budget into fun experiences.
A micro wedding has everything a traditional wedding would have, just on a smaller scale. A ceremony and reception will take place. The only difference is that your guest list will go down to 50 guests or less.
This option is ideal for those who do not want to wait until a large wedding becomes possible. You can have your closest friends and family, enjoy dinner, and dance the night away.
But how do you start your micro wedding plans? I would say it is pretty much the same process as a traditional wedding. The only difference is that you will have to choose who to invite since there will be a limited number of guests. If you recently got engaged or had to postpone your wedding, we have useful tips for you to host a micro wedding.
Budget
Every wedding must begin here. I know money talk can be uncomfortable, but you are starting a partnership for life with your couple. You must set a reasonable budget for your big day. If you had a big wedding in mind and now you decide to cut down the size, you can use that money to upgrade the quality of the services you will hire.
Set a style or theme.
You know your wedding will be intimate, so there is no need to talk about the guest count. You can jump right into the aesthetic you envision. Think about the season when your wedding day will take place. You can gather inspiration from your wedding dress too.
Having a clear vision of your wedding style will help when you start looking for venues and vendors. You should find someone who understands your vision.
Find a venue.
Hosting an intimate wedding can make this step easier. You can celebrate your micro wedding at a family property. It is ideal for an outdoor ceremony and a reception with a tipi tent and concept lighting.
Essex offers a variety of wedding venues that will accommodate your budget and style. Its proximity to the city makes it ideal for a weekend getaway. You will fall in love with its countryside and coastal landscapes. Its historical and secluded country mansions offer style and privacy for a big day.
Hire your main vendors.
The good thing about big weddings being postponed is that many vendors are available for smaller events, and they even offer you great deals. Start looking for your wedding photographer, videographer, and caterer. Make a list of the best in town and schedule a meeting. It can be virtual to get to know their packages and concept.
Once you find the right fit, ask about their cancellation and rescheduling policies. Due to the pandemic, it is important that you understand your contracts and fees.
Food and drinks.
A traditional bar and dinner might not be the best option for a micro wedding. One of the purposes of reducing your guest list is that you guarantee the safety of your event. Think about serving individual plates of appetizers and dinner. For cocktail hour, you can have single-serve cocktails or mini bottles of wine. A waiter can handle them to avoid getting in line and making a crowd around the bar.
Decoration.
The fact that your wedding will be smaller than a traditional one does not mean you should cut back on decoration. Make a statement with a floral hanging installation or floral backdrop.
If you are picturing a classic English wedding, add plenty of florals to the main entrance of your reception and incorporate them into your tables. You can play with heights and have a couple of tables with garlands of greenery and garden roses and other tables with a tall vase and vast florals.
Lighting can also create a theme and the right atmosphere. Imagine your outdoor wedding with a tipi tent and jumbo LED light-up letters with your initials, or the word LOVE, perhaps an MR & MRS. They will make a statement, and if you complement it with a LED backdrop or a light-up dance floor, you will only need a little extra decoration.
Entertainment
What is a wedding without entertainment? Your intimate Essex celebration must be fun, and there are several options to provide the ultimate experience for your guests. Start with the music. An experienced wedding DJ will know exactly what to play to keep your guests dancing all night. And if you are looking for a unique feature, what about a Digital Jukebox for your attendants to play their favourite tunes.
If you prefer live music for dinner, a saxophone player can harmonize during that time. Or he can play during the DJ breaks and even at your ceremony. There are plenty of combinations possible when you hire both DJ and live music.
While planning a traditional wedding, many couples must choose between a wedding photographer and a photo booth. And almost every time they go for the wedding photographer only, leaving out all the fun for the guests. A micro wedding advantage is that you can have them both. Choose from options like a classic photo booth or an interactive Magic Mirror that will keep everyone entertained.
Pamper your guests.
I believe the main pro of having an intimate wedding is that you get to treat everyone with great experiences. Your budget will not be so tight as if you were planning a traditional wedding.
A chocolate fountain is always appreciated. And a fully licensed Mobile Bar with personalized cocktails will come in handy if you celebrate your wedding at a family property. Another unique experience is setting up a casino table for those who do not have many dance moves.
Planning a micro wedding provides endless possibilities. It is also a safe option to celebrate while maintaining wedding traditions. In these uncertain times, the best choice is to adapt. I hope you have gathered some great ideas and you start planning your dreamed Essex wedding with our help.
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