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What is a micro wedding? Your ultimate guide to 2024's hottest wedding trend- a tiny wedding!

Cat Brant
Jan 19, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Feb 8

What is a micro wedding, and how does it differ from a traditional wedding?

Simply, a micro wedding is a smaller wedding! Typically under 20 guests with a smaller budget, intimate vibes and often totally unique with plenty of personalised details.

Micro weddings aren't necessarily a cheaper option and couples are opting to shift budgets to other areas like a lovely intimate high end venue, a flown out elopement or maybe a fancy dress, car or gifts for guests although micro weddings can be a cost saving endeavour.

4 reasons that micro weddings could be becoming so popular in 2024?

Now, I'm about to speculate on this but here's my thoughts on this:

A new cost of living crisis following a period of lockdowns has led couples to re-evaluate what is important to them and micro weddings do offer an opportunity to get married, have a celebration and keep the costs down.

I'm not knocking the big white wedding, but I think couples are opting for experiences over traditions and I'm seeing a real uplift in enquires for totally unique weddings. A micro wedding offers a chance to spend on unique details.

The average age of first time buyers of houses in 2022 was 34 and the average age of first time marriages is 35 for men and 33 for women and the two correlation between the two clearly shows that couples may be saving for a first house! A couple I have spoken to this week are cutting back the wedding budget so that they can spend money on a new bathroom.

And finally, a consistent year on year rise in social media popularity leads to couples looking for the most epic images, the best video content and a desire to stand out from the rest and make their day truly their own.

How many guests typically attend a micro wedding, and how do couples decide on the guest list?

The general number of guests for a micro wedding is about 20! This can vary however with some couples opting to elope or have just immediate family members or friends. I myself was married with just two friends and our daughter in the UK ahead of our bigger wedding in Santorini.

It's easy to let big wedding run away with numbers, that aunt- this long lost cousins- your parents neighbours cat. Planning a micro wedding is perfect get out of awkward forced invites as you could simply say 'Hi! Yes we are getting married, we are planning a really intimate wedding with just a handful of our family and friends.'

Who couples decide could differ depending on who they consider their inner circle. I think the important thing is that a micro wedding allows you to focus on just the people you feel absolutely must be with you to celebrate.

A black and white image of a bride and her bridesmaid in a black dress in Windsor, Berskshire

What are the cost implications of opting for a micro wedding compared to a traditional wedding?

Micro weddings can simply mean a realigning of expenses or a reduction in expenses and each couple will choose a micro wedding for a different reason. Some may simply have always wishes for an intimate wedding and budget may not have even played a part.

As I've covered in this blog already, with cost per head being a common price structure at most venues it isn't hard to see why couples might be opting to trim back on this kind of shoot.

A bride walks through a field, close up of shoe and dress

What are some creative venue options for micro weddings?

There are some lovely unique micro wedding friendly locations around the UK if you are local to me in Fleet Hampshire you might want to consider one of 3 Local Venues To Hold A Micro Wedding that I love.

The Ivy Castle View

With views of Guildford castle, its own private dining space and lovely light spaces with quirky but gorgeous interior decor The Ivy is a fantastic choice for a micro wedding. Looking for something even more unique? The Ivy Asia also in Guildford offers striking decor and yummy food too!

Guildford Registry Office

Arguably the most aesthetically pleasing registry office in driving distance from Fleet Hampshire, the Guildford registry office offers light bright airy rooms, a lovely landscaped front garden and set in a beautiful building this might be a great choice for those planing a micro wedding with a smaller budget who still want beautiful images.

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The Aviator

With a spiral staircase that'll make for an incredible wedding portrait and views of the Farnborough airport this location gives a lux feel. They offer a beautifully decorated lux room with a max of 20 guests, perfect for your micro wedding!

How can couples make their micro wedding feel just as special and memorable as a larger celebration?

Less guests and smaller celebrations don't have to mean less fun! This is perfect opportunity to think about how you as a couple enjoy time together, how you want to shape your futures and what you think would make the day special to you.

Here are some ideas to make your micro wedding super memorable and unique to you!

Organise a murder mystery party
Take your wedding to a bar and dance the night away
Set up a ceilidh in a barn or hall with a band and get everyone on their feet
Hire a field and set up a drive in movie theatre with a film to play about your journey as a couple so far.

Are you planing your own micro wedding? My micro packages start at £800 and I would be thrilled to discuss my service with you. Pop me an email here and let's talk!

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A bride and groom sat on a set of steps in black and white at Lillibrooke Manor

Comments

hi! I'm cat and i am a full time wedding photographer

(and a little bit of a photography geek!)

I started taking photos as a teenager, my Dad was a wedding photographer and I would often help him. In 2021 I left my corporate job with a dream and hope that I could make photography a full time job. Since then I have been pouring my heart and soul into this business and have been honoured to be chosen as wedding photographer for so many lovely couples as well as being a portrait and event photographer.

I TAKE CLASSIC, TIMELESS, DOCUMENTARY STYLE PHOTOGRAPHS WITH MINIMAL INTRUSION

But I will step in and offer gentle guidance when it's right to do so, I have learned over the years to read the room, anticipate the next move, hold space when needed and offer support when I can.

aRE YOU LOOKING FOR A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?

When choosing a wedding photographer, consider their style, experience, portfolio, and reviews from previous clients. It's also important to discuss pricing, availability, and any specific requests you may have.

Don't forget to meet with them in person to ensure you have good chemistry and feel comfortable with their approach.

Once you have narrowed down your list of potential wedding photographers, it's a good idea to ask them some key questions to help you make your final decision.

Here are a few questions to consider:

What is your photography style? Do you prefer a more traditional approach or a more candid, documentary style?
Do you have experience with weddings of a similar size and style to mine?
Can I see a full gallery of a recent wedding you photographed? This will give you a better sense of their consistency and quality of work.
Do you have backup equipment in case something goes wrong on the day of the wedding?
How do you handle difficult lighting situations (e.g. low light, harsh sunlight, indoor vs. outdoor)? This will help you gauge their technical expertise.
What is included in your packages? Are there any additional fees I should be aware of (e.g. travel, overtime)?
How long will it take to receive my photos after the wedding? Will they be edited and retouched?
Can you accommodate any special requests I have (e.g. specific shots, family portraits)?
How do you ensure that you capture all of the important moments on the day of the wedding?

By asking these questions and having an open and honest conversation with your wedding photographer, you can ensure that you find the right fit for your big day.