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At some point, every couple planning a wedding will ask themselves, should we just elope? Now usually, they’re joking, but there’s always a little bit of truth involved because planning a once-in-a-lifetime event comes with its challenges. 

So, for those couples who want a more meaningful experience with a curated guest list, they should strongly consider micro weddings, which are intimate celebrations with 20-50 guests that focuses on quality over quantity. Unlike a traditional wedding, which can feel overwhelming, or an elopement, which is often just the couple, a micro-wedding strikes the perfect balance.

Micro weddings’ popularity rose after the pandemic and has become its own niche in the wedding industry. With fewer than 50 guests, this modern approach is all about authenticity and spending intentionally, and having that smaller guest count provides some huge benefits.

And for eco-conscious couples, micro-weddings also allow them to celebrate sustainably, making intentional choices that align with their values.

Hosting a wedding can cost tens of thousands of dollars, and over half of a wedding budget typically goes to the venue and food and beverage. So by drastically reducing the number of guests, you can spend less overall but splurge on higher-quality elements and put those saved dollars toward a down payment on a home or honeymoon.

Hosting a micro wedding saves you from having to invite an unwanted co-worker or distant relative that you just don’t want to have there. It’s also a great “excuse” to tell guests that children are not allowed.

It’s easier to make decisions, stay on budget, and keep things organized when you’re planning for a smaller group. Think: fewer RSVPs, fewer seating chart headaches, and a smoother, more relaxed timeline.

Without the need for 150-person ballroom, having a smaller guest list gives you the opportunity to select unique venues that normally can’t accommodate larger crowds, think private estates, boutique hotels, museums, exotic destinations, or meaningful locations that a part of the couple’s dating history. 

One of the biggest advantages of a micro-wedding is the ability to spend less while still enjoying luxury and style. Fewer guests means fewer centerpieces, fewer place setting rentals, and fewer costs overall. But instead of feeling like a scaled-back wedding, you can use the extra room in the budget to splurge on what really matters, such as personalized details, curated food and drink menus, or a top-tier photographer.

Some of our favorite ways to make your guests truly feel special are by personalizing elements for them. No one wants to take home items with your name and wedding date on them, but they’ll love seeing their own name. Imagine if you gave personalized notes to each guest sharing how important they are to you, or a custom favor or etched with their initials or written with custom calligraphy. You can also use items as decor for your seating chart or place cards so that they have an intentional purpose.

One of the coolest trends happening for weddings of all sizes having a guest sketch artist. Now, you’ve probably seen a live painter drawing a wedding ceremony, but sketch artists are all about the guests. Not only is it a wedding favor that they will literally frame and display in their home but it’s also live entertainment watching the artist at work.

We’re all familiar with a custom wedding cocktail, but imagine having custom wedding gelato. This is a memorable way for couples to give a nod to their culture or where they’re going on their honeymoon with fun flavors that are named after their college or even their pet. 

It’s about quality over quantity. Every moment is intentional. Every detail matters.

One of the biggest regrets couples often share after large weddings is not getting to spend time with everyone. A micro wedding allows you to genuinely connect with every person in the room, share meaningful conversations, and savor the moment instead of rushing through greetings and photo ops. Your guests will feel appreciated and seen—and you’ll remember those shared moments forever.

Micro-weddings are redefining what it means to get married and prove that a meaningful celebration isn’t about how big your guest list is—it’s about celebrating it intentionally.