As we venture into a new year, adapting wedding plans to become a smaller occasion is still a possibility. With this in mind, I wanted to share the positives of downsizing your guest list to have a micro wedding. So much so, it’s well worth considering an intimate wedding even after Covid and for when everything is back to ‘normal’.

The opportunity to have a more intimate day and step away from some of the traditions can be hugely appealing, which is why a micro-wedding is perfect for some couples (Pandemic or not!) Here are some of the perks that come from a having a small wedding.

A personal experience

Micro weddings are typically considered to have 20 guests or less

An intimate occasion allows you the freedom to create a personal experience for both you and your guests. A smaller guest list inevitably means a chance to have more quality, one-on-one time with everyone you invited.

So there is no need for a reception line to greet distant relatives and make polite chit-chat! Instead, you will be surrounded by your absolute favourite people. All of which can be beautifully captured by your professional photographer, the candid and in-between moments with your guests are quite often the favourites within a gallery.

Bijoux on a budget

Budget is always tricky whilst wedding planning and large guest numbers can inevitably mean more cost and compromise.

Here is where a micro wedding can be a fantastic option. Fewer guests and typically a shorter day inevitably means less cost in terms of the amount of traditional wedding trimmings.

Such as stationery and food, but there’s also an opportunity to upscale in areas you may have compromised in before such as videography, canapes, champagne, flowers, venue styling, entertainment, thank you gifts, etc. While downsizing on your wedding guest list is hugely cost-effective, there are some services you just can’t skip, like hiring a professional photographer for your ceremony.

An intimate wedding can be an opportunity to create an incredible experience for both you and your closest friends and family, using your budget creatively in a way to suit you.

A step away from tradition

Weddings have become more individual and unique over the last few years, and intimate micro weddings are no different.

I love that couples are planning a wedding that evolves around them and excluding the more traditional elements they would rather skip, such as speeches and cake cutting.

Couples are choosing unusual locations too. Fewer guests mean less space to fill so you can step away from the usual wedding venues to opt for garden parties, intimate dinners in a fancy hotel, or a woodland wonderland tipi.

There are so many beautiful venues offering bespoke micro wedding packages that include styling, fine dining, and a truly intimate and unique experience.

At the end of the day, there is no rule book and it’s exciting to see how couples inject personality into their wedding. All of the personal touches and details are lovely to capture and provide a great storytelling aspect of your day.

A relaxed approach

The actual day itself usually feels more relaxed as the timeline of a micro wedding is not as hectic.

There is always going to be an aspect of apprehension when planning a wedding however, a small wedding where you have narrowed down the guest list to your nearest and dearest can make for a far more relaxed and less pressured planning process. You can strip back all the administration, coordination, and fiddly finer details of a bigger event.

The all-important group shots do not take up half as much time with fewer guests. Meaning more time for you as newlyweds to sneak off, have a little catch-up, and essentially enjoy yourselves whilst having some relaxed couples’ portraits.

I quite often hear of married couples who regretted not having the time for specific shots with loved ones or time alone together as newlyweds, which is so easy to miss when you have a strict time schedule to adhere to.

Do what works for you.

Ultimately your wedding day is about you as a couple.

With all the positives that come from a micro wedding, you can see why they may be here long after Covid-19 restrictions. A smaller occasion may not be for everyone but one thing we can say is that hosting a micro wedding allows you to strip back to what matters most - celebrating your commitment to one another.

If you are looking for a wedding photographer with a relaxed approach and a knack for capturing the in-between moments, then check out Wedding Packages and get in touch as I would absolutely love to hear from you and find out more about your plans.

Suppliers involved with this shoot

This was a wonderfully styled workshop hosted and styled by My Pretties

Venue; Oakwood at Ryther

Florist: The Petal Studio

Stationary: Somers Creative

Cake: Where the Ribbon ends

Furniture and Grazing Table: Bird Cages and Dragon Flies

Hair + Makeup: Chrys Chapman, Emma Denton, Lucy Blenkinsop

Hair accessories: Saint Beth Official

Dress: Millia London

Model Couple: Lorna + Tash

Bridesmaids: Tree, Katy, Rumbie, Lo

Bridesmaid Dresses: Asos