Micro weddings are a popular choice among today’s engaged couples. Not only are they typically cheaper and easier to plan than large ceremonies, but micro weddings provide a unique opportunity to celebrate love in a way that feels personal and authentic to each couple.
With a smaller guest list, micro weddings allow you to inject personal touches throughout your special day and focus on the sentimental over the extravagant. Here are a few easy ways to add personal touches to your micro wedding and make it a day to remember.
Choose a Meaningful Venue
While larger ceremonies are limited to event venues with more space, a micro wedding can be held almost anywhere — as long as there’s room for fifty guests! This allows you to get creative and choose a location that’s not only practical but meaningful.
To help narrow it down, think about your favorite spots as a couple. Did you have an adorable meet cute at the local book store? What about your neighborhood park? Do you have a favorite restaurant or wine bar? A sentimental wedding venue can invite guests into your love story in a way no church or event hall can.
Make Your Ceremony Your Own
Traditional wedding ceremonies are all pomp and circumstance. With a micro wedding, you can keep the elements that feel authentic to you and get creative with the rest.
- Not religious? Ask a close friend or family member to officiate the ceremony.
- Afraid of public speaking? Read your vows together before the ceremony in a private vow exchange.
- Uncomfortable with the aisle? Arrange your guests’ chairs in a circle around you and your beau.
Tailored Decor
Another way to showcase your personal style is through your wedding day decor. Micro weddings are intimate gatherings; choose decorations that reflect your relationship and invite guests into the story.
One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to decorate your micro wedding is with pictures. Instead of just showcasing your engagement photos, gather an assortment of pictures from every phase of your relationship: your earliest memory together, your first shared holiday, your first joint vacation, highlights from your favorite dates. Sprinkle the images around your venue to create a beautiful backdrop and give your guests something to peruse.
You can add another personal touch by incorporating mementos in addition to photographs. If you and your partner enjoy traveling together, display your plane tickets or souvenirs from a recent trip. The same goes for other shared hobbies:
- Love to run? Showcase your race bibs.
- Music fans? Use ticket stubs or artwork from your favorite albums as decor.
- Board game aficionados? Repurpose your favorite game boards into signage.
Unique Guest Experiences
Considering the limited headcount, everyone who’s invited to a micro wedding is already a VIP. Make their experience even more memorable with interactive elements and thoughtful details.
In lieu of an impersonal board listing everyone’s seat assignments, take a few extra minutes to honor each guest at your wedding. Print out photos of everyone (bonus points if you’re in them!) and write a quick memory of each guest on the back of their seat assignment. This little gesture will make each guest feel special and doubles as an activity.
Instead of a paper guest book, consider an audio guest book. Your guests will have a blast recording voice memos with funny stories and advice — and you’ll have a blast replaying them for years to come.
Incorporate Your Pet
Pets play an important role in relationships. Many couples have four-legged friends that may or may not be able to attend their micro wedding (sorry, cats!). Here are a few ways to include them in your special day:
- Name a signature cocktail after your pet.
- Display their likeness on coasters or bar napkins.
- Get a custom cake topper made.
- Order photo booth props with their picture.
Thoughtful Keepsakes
Last but certainly not least, consider how you’ll give back to your micro wedding guests. With fifty or fewer attendees, you can spend more time (and money, if your budget allows) on personalized favors like embroidered handkerchiefs or books that remind you of each guest.
If words are more your style, write a personal thank you note to each guest and give it to them at the end of your reception. This might be time consuming but it’s worth it.
Personalizing Your Micro Wedding
From your wedding day venue to decor and every detail in between, there are countless ways to personalize your micro wedding. Have fun planning your dream day and best of luck making it your own!
Rachel Kauffman is a Detroit-based content writer, bookworm, and cat mom to two feisty felines.
