What Is a Microwedding? And How to Plan One
By Craig Friedman
If you scan the comments in the subreddit dedicated to weddingplanning, you'll find that most brides and grooms planning a microwedding hope their upcoming nuptials feel like a “great dinner party” for “only the closest family and friends.” This approach makes the event — usually defined as having fewer than 50 people — more relatable on four fronts.
Microweddings are budget-friendly: Smaller guest lists mean lower costs for the venue, catering, beverages, cake, flowers, and other expenses. That said, some couples just spend more on other priorities like great food, better wine, a unique venue, a designer dress, or the honeymoon.
Microweddings are more intimate: With fewer guests, couples can spend quality time with everyone, creating a more personal and heartfelt experience. Chances are, the room is also smaller.
Microweddings are more flexible: With fewer people, couples may choose unique venues, such as private homes, small gardens, or boutique hotels that might not accommodate larger gatherings. What’s more, smaller venues may not be booked years in advance.
Microweddings reduce stress: A smaller wedding is often easier to plan and manage, making it an attractive option for couples who prefer a low-pressure approach.
“Micro weddings really surged after COVID, and what’s interesting is that their popularity hasn’t slowed down,” says JD Dosch, Director of Sales at Hutton Brickyards (and formerly the Wedding Sales Director at Wythe Hotel in Brooklyn). “Many couples now pay for their weddings themselves,” she adds.
So what exactly is a microwedding, and why has it become such an appealing option? This guide offers practical tips for planning an intimate, meaningful, and stress-free event.
What Is a Microwedding?
Most sources define microweddings as a scaled-down version of a traditional wedding, typically featuring a guest list of 50 people or fewer. But some sticklers say that true microweddings have 10 or fewer people and that an event with 11-50 guests qualifies as a “small wedding.” Call it what you want.
Unlike elopements, which usually involve just the couple and an officiant, microweddings retain the key elements of a traditional ceremony and reception but on a smaller, more intimate scale. This format allows couples to focus on the aspects of their wedding that matter most to them, resulting in a more personalized and memorable celebration.
Do not confuse a microwedding with a minimony, a short and simple ceremony limited to loved ones. Like a civil ceremony, a minimony is mostly a legal event with comparatively subdued celebration. Couples, for example, might hire a personal chef to cater a meal or get a local florist to design a flower arrangement for a lot less than it would cost for a big wedding.
How to Plan a Microwedding
Like a regular wedding, you still have to identify the length and extent of the event, know your budget, limit the guest list, and decide which vendors you actually need.
Define Your Vision
Before diving into logistics, discuss your vision for the day with your partner. Do you want a formal or casual event? What atmosphere are you hoping to create? Serious or fun? Loud or quiet? Opulent or down-to-earth? Deciding on a theme, vibe, and overall priorities will guide your decision-making process. Then you can get more granular and imagine the timeline.
Decide Who Attends the Microwedding
The hallmark of a microwedding is its intimate guest list. Narrowing it down to your closest family and friends can be challenging, but it’s essential. Focus on inviting people who are most meaningful to your relationship. Some couples won’t invite anyone they haven’t spoken to in the past 365 days.
Choose Where to Have your Microwedding
With a smaller guest count, you can choose unconventional or unique venues. Options include:
Private residences or vacation rentals
Small boutique hotels or cozy restaurants
Scenic outdoor spaces like parks or vineyards
Unusual spots like art galleries, botanical gardens, and ice rinks
Make sure the venue reflects your vision and can comfortably accommodate your guest list. “Hutton Brickyards has the flexibility to host beautiful microweddings with the same care and detail as a large event, but with a more intimate footprint, says Dosch. “Edgewood Mansion, for example, feels completely private as you can stay on-site, host your ceremony on the lawn or by the gazebo, have dinner in the newly renovated Carriage House or inside the mansion parlor. It’s a full wedding weekend without ever having to leave the property.”
Personalize the Ceremony and Celebration
A microwedding allows for a highly customized ceremony. Consider writing your own vows, incorporating cultural or family traditions, or asking a close friend or family member to officiate. You may also have friends who can provide music, cook a cake, or create a prop that will become a cherished sculpture after its one-time use. Or invite family and friend dogs, too. These personal touches make the day uniquely yours.
At Hutton Brickyards, couples can either hire a planner or lean on the in-house events team to personalize the event across multiple activities. “We’re used to managing every detail, from guest travel to meals and experiences,” adds Dosch. “If you try to host a micro wedding at a restaurant or raw space, a lot of those logistics end up on your plate. At Hutton, it’s all built in.”
Focus on High-Impact Details
With a smaller event, you can allocate more resources to details that elevate the experience. Some ideas include:
Floral Design: Splurge on lush, eye-catching arrangements and let them know what you like (colors, shapes, vibe). Remember, these are for you and they’ll be in all the photos for years to come.
Photography and Videography: Capture the moments with professional-quality visuals. Make sure you understand exactly what you will get (how many photos, all digital or prints too, etc.) and be sure to come up with a shot list that takes advantage of the venue (at Hutton Brickyards, this includes the brick arch, the Lidgerwood crane, the firepits, the cabins and the mansion).
Gourmet Catering: Opt for a high-end menu and/or top-tier cocktails with or without others. You don’t even have to leave the grounds at Hutton Brickyards to get a romantic private dinner prepared by renowned chef Edward Harder. Your first meal as a married couple will be perfect — dietary needs and preferences accommodated, and served in your cabin or any one of our private settings outdoors.
Spa Treatments: At Hutton Brickyards, you can pamper yourself with a couples’ massage customized to your preferences. Or enjoy the wood-barrel saunas.
Simplify the Timeline
Microweddings can have shorter timelines than large weddings. For example, you might combine the ceremony and reception into a single location or skip the formal cocktail hour. Better yet, consider melding your wedding and honeymoon by hosting a small ceremony in a dream location. And for loved ones who can’t attend, perhaps you can offer live streaming from ceremony to celebration.
Other Benefits of a Microwedding
Couples who choose microweddings often rave about the relaxed and heartfelt atmosphere of their day. By focusing on what truly matters — love, connection, and celebration — they create lasting memories without the stress or financial strain of a larger event. Additionally, microweddings’ smaller environmental footprint could be considered a bonus for eco-conscious couples.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re drawn to the simplicity, the personalization, or the cost-effectiveness, this wedding style offers endless opportunities for creativity and connection. By focusing on what matters most to you as a couple, you can craft a day that feels authentic, joyful, and uniquely yours.
For more information on microweddings at Hutton Brickyards, contact us by using this form or by calling 845-514-4853.
