Long gone are the days where the norm is a 300-person hotel wedding. Although, there is absolutely nothing wrong with a lavish affair. I mean, we’ve all swooned over more than one of Kim K’s weddings, right?

Enter the minimalism trend coupled with a pandemic (yikes!), and couples are planning more intimate events. The rise of the micro wedding is a trend I’m totally on board for, and you can be, too! Here are a few reasons I think you should consider having the micro wedding of your dreams.

What is a micro wedding?  

Great question! The term somewhat defines itself as we all know that micro means small. Therefore, a micro wedding is an event that limits the number of guests. Traditionally, the guest count for a micro event is 50 or less. Conversely, it’s not quite an elopement where the couple whisks away alone or with one or two witnesses. 

12 Reasons why you should have a micro wedding

Reduce Your PLANNING TIME 

The logistics of planning an event can be daunting, and the more people you plan for, the longer it can take. Think of it this way—planning a dinner for two at home is much easier than a party for 20, right? The same principle applies to weddings. 

In general, smaller weddings cost less. 

Do you have your heart set on a sit-down dinner with asparagus-topped filet mignon? Imagine how much that would cost per plate for a wedding of 150 versus 50. What seems out of reach for an extensive guest list becomes more doable when you start paring down the numbers. The price point also applies to the need for fewer rentals—think place settings and chairs—and reducing the number of favors and alcoholic beverages. 

Micro weddings can be less stressful. 

The time and energy it takes to plan the logistics of a large event can cause mental strain. Honestly, if budget is a concern, there can also be the financial pressure of figuring out how to pay for it all. However, notice the word “can” above. There is the potential for it to be less stressful, depending on your choices. 

Culling the guest list is freeing. 

Are you inviting your third cousin twice removed because you feel obligated to do so? If you’re close to them, go for it, but shaving the guest list down allows you to be surrounded by the most important people in your lives. Instead of looking out and seeing a sea of barely familiar faces, you can feel the presence of those you truly hold dear.

Fewer eyes will be on you. 

It’s surprising how many couples don’t like attention on their wedding day. Some people thrive on being in front of everyone in their wedding finest. However, many couples get nervous to say their vows in front of others. Limiting your guest list allows you to feel a bit more comfortable with all eyes being on you.

More types of wedding venue options are available.

Face it. How many venues in your hometown can hold 250 people? If you decide on having a large wedding, your only options may be having an outdoor reception or utilizing a hotel space. Not that there’s anything wrong with either of those places, of course. I love hotels and outdoor weddings. However, culling your guest list opens up many more options, including taking the show on the road. That brings me to the next point.

A destination wedding becomes a reality. 

If you’ve always dreamed of getting married on a remote island or along the gorgeous European coastline, you can do it! It’s doubtful that an extensive guest list would spring for a destination wedding, but your close family and BFFs will totally be on board. A big bonus is that you may be able to spend extra time with your guests as everyone plans their vacation days around your wedding destination.

Time with guests can be a priority. 

Receiving lines and moving from table to table at the reception can be tiring and make your faces hurt from smiling. With all of that visiting, a couple may not even be able to eat a full meal. Plus, time can feel rushed. A micro wedding means that time is spread less thin, and couples can truly enjoy conversing and eating with friends and family. 

Quality is more important than quantity. 

In addition to the filet above, you can also spring for other luxe items with a micro wedding. Invest in a lavish backdrop, order those out of season florals, or upgrade your gown. The small, upscale additions you always dreamed of can become a reality by redistributing your budget. 

Everyone can be kept safe. 

Unfortunately, the events of 2020 left many feeling leery about gathering together. In fact, lessening guest counts during the pandemic is why micro weddings became en vogue. If you have older guests or those concerned for their health and safety, limiting the number of attendees can help ease their minds. 

You can focus on each other. 

Quick: what’s the wedding day all about? If you said flowers, catering, or looking gorgeous—boo! Ok, not necessarily “boo” because I want you to have lush florals, tasty meals, and the perfect look. However, the reason you’re getting married is that you’re in love. You want to spend the rest of your life with your partner, right? What a fabulous reason to celebrate! Planning a micro wedding can allow you to focus on each other during the planning and actual day. 

Micro doesn’t mean cheap or low quality. 

I am very much into dispelling myths. So, dash the thought of a micro wedding being cheap. And by cheap, I mean quality, not price. Yes, you can still have beautiful details, such as hand-painted invitations and gourmet welcome baskets for our guests. In fact, I’d argue that having a micro wedding allows you to splurge on what’s important to you. You’re not trying to impress 200 people, but instead, you are creating a meaningful event for a few. 

So, are you ready to plan your destination micro wedding? If an intimate dream day sounds perfect, then let’s chat! Creating an experience for your guests while having a day you look back on fondly is essential. My wedding day had just 44 people, and my husband and I don’t regret it a bit. If you’re wondering how on earth to shave that guest list down, I’ve got ideas on how to make fine-tuning a breeze. It’s not as hard as you may think!

Courtnie is the founder & CEO of TravelBash. After years as an ambitious fundraiser, she took her passion for travel full-time. She has lived all over the U.S. and abroad and after planning her own destination wedding, she decided to help other couples plan their big day abroad too. She has written “Passport to Paradise: The Complete Destination Wedding Guide,” a top seller on Amazon. She has also been featured in Travel + Leisure, Destination I Do and The Washington Post. As a certified travel advisor, expert event planner and natural connector, she uses her powers to create VIP travel experiences.