Top 4 Simple Micro Wedding tips

micro wedding ceremony held at AVENIDA BRAZIL restaurant in Houston, Texas
Micro wedding ceremony held at Avenida Brazil Restaurant

As a wedding photographer, I wanted to share with you my top micro wedding tips.  Micro weddings have been around for a while but 2020 and Covid-19 caused a lot of people to make changes in their “normal” wedding plans.  A Micro wedding is simply a small wedding.  So first, a quick explanation of popular small weddings.

Types of small weddings

wedding rings and wedding flowers at a micro wedding

Couples used to elope and would have an elopement ceremony.  An elopement is usually last minute and has less than 10 guests.  Elopements can be held in the home, but some will get the local judge to perform the ceremony and invite the small group there. 

Another small wedding option is a “minimony”.  The minimony is planned more than the elopement but often has the same amount of people.  Some couples will often broadcast their minimony, usually with a professional videographer or even using their phones.  If you choose to use your phone to live stream, check your data plan and make sure there are no overages if no Wi-Fi is available.

The micro wedding usually has around 40-50 people (sometimes a little more but less than 100).  The guest list for the micro wedding is VERY selective because it is so small.  Be mindful of those that really mean something to you when you are doing the invites.  A micro wedding is not the time to invite the 3rd cousin you haven’t seen in years.  Also be mindful of your RSVP replies to make sure your count stays consistent.

How much are micro weddings?

micro wedding venue ideas

Now I know what you might be thinking.  If it is a small wedding, it will be A LOT cheaper.  Well, maybe but, there are still costs involved.  The wedding venue will still cost, even if you are using a smaller room or just partial space.  The florist will still cost, even though the arrangements and centerpieces will be smaller.  The photographer may sometimes offer a discount for the micro wedding because the ceremony and reception time are shorter. 

Make sure to speak with your wedding photographer and get details.  Other wedding vendors, DJ, Wedding cake, Caterer, etc. , may have pricing that is adjusted for the smaller bridal part and wedding guest list.  On average, the cost for a micro wedding can be anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000 depending on your style and wants.

Even if a wedding vendor has a price list online, send them a message and ask about pricing for micro weddings.  Give as much detail as you can about your budget and choices.  The more information you share, the better it will be to get the pricing you need.  As a wedding photographer, let me remind you, this is not the time to “go cheap”.  Just because the wedding is smaller, you still want quality photos and experience matters.

How do you have a micro wedding?

bride and groom photos at a micro wedding

You plan a micro wedding the same way you plan a “regular” wedding.  With that said, HIRE A PLANNER.  The temptation is there to think you can just DIY everything since the wedding is smaller, but you will need help.  A good wedding planner still knows wedding venues and vendors that can help make the most of your day and your budget.

After you get the planner, secure your venue, and make sure the date you want is available.  Some venues will allow for the ceremony and reception at one location to save travel time.  Get with the vendors you consider high on the list.  You still need a dress, and the groom will need a suit or tuxedo.  Book your photographer and get your florist on board. 

Make sure to talk to your cake vendor about your guest list and what size cake your will need.  Whether you get a DJ or hire a live band, make sure they know your music favorites and you are comfortable with their style.

The wedding ceremony for a micro wedding will be the same and so will the wedding reception.  The photos will be the same and this is still a good time to get updated family photos since the most important people in your life will be there.  The time length will of course vary but make sure the activities you want are included.  You can still do your first dance as well as your parent dances.  You can cut your cake and have your toasts. The bouquet toss and garter toss are optional, but still fun.

Micro wedding tips for Texas brides

Hilton Houston post oak wedding photos
Main ballroom at Hilton Houston Post Oak

If you are looking for locations for your micro wedding, most of the popular wedding venues in your area are still available and have adjusted for micro weddings.  Large and small hotels have ballrooms that can be used for the ceremony and reception.  Did you have a favorite spot in mind for your regular wedding?  Contact them first to see what they can offer.  Think about your theme for the wedding.  Are you more traditional?  Do you like the rustic, barn style?  Are you into a more eclectic style?  Do you like a more vintage look?

Here are a few of the wedding venues I have done wedding photography for in Texas (if you would like to see photos of them, you can check my gallery):

When you’re planning your wedding, and ready to book your wedding photographer, send me a message and give me the opportunity to serve you!

NATHAN HAMILTON IS A CYPRESS TEXAS PHOTOGRAPHER OFFERING WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY AND FAMILY PHOTOS IN CYPRESS AND FAMILY PHOTOS IN KATY. SERVING THE HOUSTON, TEXAS METRO AREA INCLUDING HOUSTON, KATY, PEARLAND, GALVESTON AND THE SURROUNDING AREA. IN A LIFETIME PHOTOGRAPHY IS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR DESTINATION WEDDINGS AND EVENTS.CHECK OUT OUR WEDDING PHOTO GALLERY AND OUR ENGAGEMENT AND PORTRAIT PHOTO GALLERY AND CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION AT 346-254-7468 OR EMAIL NATHAN@IALPHOTO.COM