For those lovebirds who want the best of all wedding day worlds, a micro-wedding is a modern twist on the intimate celebration by sharing service costs with other engaged couples. Each wedding's guest list usually consists of 25-30 people and completely complies with the State of Virginia's "no more than 50 people" social event restriction.*
The biggest benefit for a micro-wedding is that it has some of the familiar elements of a larger wedding, but the simplicity of an elopement because wedding event professionals take the lead every step of the way. As defined by Micro Weddings Virginia, a micro-wedding takes place on a pre-determined weekend date that you actually share with other couples with each couple's weddings scheduled at different times of that day. Orchestrated by the wedding planner, couples split the cost of the venue, florals, and contracted wedding vendors, so it becomes a very feasible option for many couples seeking budget and vibe alternatives on a smaller scale.
* Health information current as of publication on June 8, 2020
So what happens when you decide you want a micro-wedding? If you have chosen to pare down your guest list for a more simple, intimate celebration, there are wonderful ideas that can still make the experience feel just as special as your original wedding plans, even if you are sharing that wedding day vision with other couples.
Get Your Style On
Your micro-wedding day is still your wedding day! Make it a memorable occasion by embracing your fancy style. Whether it is an elegant wedding gown, a playful chic cocktail dress, a tuxedo, dapper bow tie and suspenders, or a custom-tailored suit, your attire will always be special because it's what you wore when you married your partner.
Consider adding some heirloom keepsake accessories to your outfit like a piece of jewelry that is engraved with your wedding date or cufflinks that match your personal style. These little touches can add so much meaning and personalization to a micro-wedding day and can be worn to celebrate your honeymoon, future anniversaries, and accomplishments.
Make a Weekend Out of It
Because a micro-wedding is a smaller, more intimate event, this leaves you the time and flexibility to make more memories. Micro-weddings are about an hour and a half long, so many couples choose to make their wedding an integral part of a bigger weekend's calendar of events. Make sure to explore Virginia by planning activities, dinners, and adventures for you all to enjoy leading up to and following your wedding day! Even with COVID-19's restrictions, there are many ways to take advantage of special treats for you and your guests.
Consider also rolling your honeymoon straight into your micro-wedding. Many readers who get married in Richmond, Hampton Roads, or the Outer Banks, use these areas as starting points to explore the rest of the East Coast by car. With domestic travel on the rise, now's the time to explore local hidden gems you might have passed over in lieu of an international destination.
Include Larger Wedding Ideas
You can still incorporate "larger wedding" elements into your micro-wedding ceremony by asking your best friend to stand by your side, honoring loved ones who have passed with special decor, and writing your own vows even if it is just the two of you and your officiant. By having an intimate wedding that is on a much smaller scale, you might find you have a bit of extra time or money to make DIY wedding details that you tabled due to lack of resources.
Send Out Announcements
Even though you have a smaller guest list than originally planned, sending announcements is the perfect way to still include all of those you love. These announcements can be sent out pre- or post- wedding. It's a thoughtful way to keep everyone in the loop and allow them to send well wishes. Consider including details on how and where you got married, some photos from your special day, and a link to your wedding website.
Still Create a Wedding Registry
Friends and family want to celebrate your union with your partner and may ask to send you a gift, so make sure to create an online wedding registry as soon as you decide that you're getting married. This makes it easier for well-wishers to purchase a gift for any pre- and post-wedding celebrations or for those who would just like to send something as a token of their congratulations. One of the most fun aspects of being engaged is curating a list of household goods that complement your new home together, so enjoy it! (Not sure where to start? We have a ton of wedding registry tips and ideas here on Tidewater and Tulle.)
Consider Hiring a Local Micro-Wedding Planning Team
One of the biggest advantages to having a micro-wedding is to simplify the process without the stress, especially in uncertain globally-affected times. To make planning your special day easier on you and your partner, consider hiring a specialized micro-wedding planning team (like Micro-Weddings Virginia) who know the ins and outs of the Virginia wedding world and the best local wedding vendors in the area who understand the nuances of smaller scale celebrations. These teams can plan, design, and coordinate your micro-wedding day to assure that your experience is simple, stress-free, and fun. With pre-determined dates, they have already done the leg work for you when it comes to finding an available venue that accommodates for more intimate events!
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VENDOR CREDITS
Photography: Gari-Ann Kia Photography | Florals: Fleur by Heather
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