For many couples, the first order of business when wedding planning is writing up the guest list. But if the idea of a large-scale celebration sounds anything but appealing, you and your partner might consider something more intimate: a micro wedding. These weddings, which do differ from small weddings, prioritize creating a deeply personal day with your truest loved ones over lengthy guest lists.
Below, PS spoke with wedding planners specializing in micro weddings to learn all about what they are and how to plan one.
Experts Featured in This Article
Danielle Rothweiler is the owner and lead planner of Rothweiler Event Design based in New Jersey.
Wendee Walter Vezzetti is a wedding planner specializing in micro weddings based in Colorado.
What Is a Micro Wedding?
A micro wedding is much smaller in size than traditional weddings. Generally speaking, they consist of 10 to 30 guests, including the couple, parents, and immediate family that the couple is close to, says wedding planner Danielle Rothweiler.
For couples with large families, a micro wedding may literally be a family-only guest list, according to micro wedding planner Wendee Walter Vezzetti. Older couples commonly include a few close friends or even their adult kids and their families.
Aside from the guest list, micro weddings often include elements of a traditional wedding, but on a much smaller scale. “For example, rather than celebrating at a large banquet hall complete with DJ and dancing, couples may simply take their guests out for dinner in a restaurant’s private room,” says Walter Vezzetti.
Why Couples May Prefer a Micro Wedding
There are several compelling reasons to host a micro wedding, but many couples desire to foster a stronger sense of intimacy on their big day. “Couples primarily choose micro weddings so they can spend time with their closest friends and family members,” says Walter Vezzetti. “With a smaller guest list, couples can genuinely connect with each person who attends because there’s no rush to greet hundreds and couples can truly enjoy the company of their closest loved ones.” Essentially, micro weddings engender an intimate atmosphere and space for meaningful connection among your nearest and dearest.
Then there’s cost: In 2024, the average wedding cost rose to roughly $33,000 from $29,000 in 2023, according to wedding planning and registry platform Zola. Micro weddings allow couples to scale back on expenses, which simplifies the planning process compared to a full-blown wedding, says Walter Vezzetti. This is especially true for couples who have already started planning a “traditional” wedding, only to experience sticker shock at the high costs of venues, catering, and other wedding elements.
“Scaling back to a micro wedding frees up couples’ budgets, allowing them to allocate funds towards other priorities, like a down payment on a house or an unforgettable honeymoon,” says Walter Vezzetti. (Remember that some vendors – such as photographers, officiant, planner, and hair and makeup artist – will be a fixed cost despite your guest list.)
Finally, micro weddings can be significantly less stressful to plan. You’ll spend less time tracking RSVPs, creating seating charts, and accommodating specific guest preferences – plus, it’ll be easier to coordinate logistics, manage decor, and follow a more lenient day-of timeline.
Micro Wedding vs. Small Wedding: What’s the Difference?
Small weddings typically run from 26 to 45 guests, whereas elopements are a group size of 10 or fewer people, says Walter Vezzetti. “While couples may consider weddings with 60 guests as small, many times a group of that size will exceed the capacity of most restaurants’ private rooms and vacation homes, which are often used for post-ceremony celebrations,” she says. “Thus, with this larger group size, couples may need to rent banquet halls, hire more services such as catering and decorations, and plan for a larger-scale event, which moves the event away from the intent of a micro-wedding (simplicity) and towards a traditional wedding.”
How to Plan a Micro Wedding
Devise a Guest List
The most significant element of a micro wedding is the guest list – this isn’t the time to “guilt invite” your great aunt once removed or your work colleague from your first job. If you wouldn’t invite them over for a dinner party at your home, they likely don’t need to be invited to your wedding.
Also, consider if this person will be important in your life 15 years from now, says Walter Vezzetti. “When narrowing things down, think about family members and friends who have always been with you through thick and thin – these are the people whose presence will mean the most when you reminisce.”
Choose a Location
Restaurants are a popular choice for a micro wedding because guests can choose from the menu (no need to collect meal choices ahead of time). Plus, they’re equipped with serviceware, meaning you won’t need to invest a lot of time or money in rentals and setup, adds Walter Vezzetti. “Many couples report this simplicity renders the day more meaningful and unforgettable. They can remember their vows and commitments to each other, which is what getting married is really all about.”
Other venue options for a micro wedding include public lands, such as local, state, and national parks. “These locations provide stunning outdoor settings and are not the typical wedding venue options,” says Walter Vezzetti. Additionally, they likely won’t require much decor. If you’re looking for something truly unique, check out historic sites, museums, bed and breakfasts, or a vacation home (with approval from the owner).
Set Your Micro Wedding Budget
With any wedding, you and your partner should align on and prioritize what matters most. For some couples, intricate florals or an upscale photographer are non-negotiables; for others, an unforgettable venue or a lavish meal.
“Allocate more of your budget to these elements and scale back on less important items,” says Walter Vezzetti, who recommends divvying up your wedding budget into four main groups: travel, ceremony package, post-ceremony celebration, and typical wedding expenses like attire, rings, and license.
Create Memorable Guest Experiences
Part of what makes a micro wedding so special is that it provides ample opportunities to cultivate memorable experiences for the couple and their guests. They could be as simple as putting heartfelt notes on each guest’s seat or asking a close family member or friend to officiate the ceremony. Consider opting for experiences such as a group photo session or an interactive guest book instead of “things.”
Hire a Wedding Planner
Even with a smaller guest list, couples can still benefit from hiring a wedding planner, particularly one adept with micro weddings. “An experienced local planner can streamline the process, offer personalized solutions, and get you connected to trusted local vendors that share similar philosophies and understand the unique needs of intimate celebrations,” says Walter Vezzetti. “This not only saves you time and stress but can also help you stay within budget while still achieving an amazing wedding.”
Michelle Rostamian is a Los Angeles-based beauty and wellness contributor with over 10 years of experience in the industry. She began her career as a publicist, content writer, and social media manager, representing beauty brands and industry professionals. Currently, she is a writer and editor on all things makeup, beauty, skincare, and lifestyle.
