{Wedding Planning During AND After a Pandemic}

Wedding planning these days have left couples tense, burdened and even brokenhearted beyond the typical stresses of the wedding planning process. Couples fear their long hours, many dollars and beloved hopes of a dream wedding could all come crashing down in the blink of an eye with venue relocations or date reschedules due to ever-changing regulations in this Covid-19 world we are living in. Because of this, the wedding industry has drastically changed to accommodate smaller groups and the idea of smaller weddings. Wedding vendors and publications have been throwing around terms like micro wedding, minimony and elopements more than ever before. And what do all these even mean anyways?? I’m here to explain to you what they are and how planning a smaller wedding, pandemic or not, could benefit you more than you realize!

What is an Elopement?

Traditionally, an elopement is an unplanned, runaway, secret marriage without parental consent. These days elopements are more pictured as a very short wedding ceremony with one or two, or even zero witnesses that takes place in a beautiful, epic location that usually involves a little planning. Typically there is no reception or dinner afterwards. Some couples opt to plan a large reception on a later date with family and friends.

What is a Minimony?

Minimony is a very new term that was coined this year thanks to Covid. And as the term suggests its a mini wedding ceremony with 10 or less of your loved ones as guests. The ceremony typically takes place in a backyard, church, local park or an epic location. Sometimes celebrating with dinner afterwards.

What is a Micro Wedding?

Simply put…a small wedding. You, as the couple, can still enjoy all of the traditional wedding activities: ceremony, dinner reception and even dance but with a small number of guest, usually 50 or less. Micro weddings can still take place in beautiful locations but are more accustomed to accommodating less guests.  This is my favorite option of all three and I have 6 reasons why!

1. Save on Cost

This is HUGE! It’s extremely easy for a wedding budget to get out of hand. Finances are the number one stress for many couples planning weddings and by cutting your guest list down can take save a large portion on your budget.

2. Quantity over Quality

Having a micro wedding doesn’t mean you have to compromise on the grandeur of the day. Re-allocate some of your original budget to heighten the quality of certain elements you really love. Splurge on floral decor! Since the number of guests are down so is the number of tables that need decorated. This can give you the opportunity provide an elevated experience for your guests. Rent a vintage car for the day to create beautiful portraits. Hire a calligrapher. Provide a more lavish dinner spread. Opt for cold sparks fireworks instead of the traditional sparkler exit. The ideas are endless!

3. Focus on ALL of Your Guests

With 50 or less guests it’s easier to devote your time to each one on a more personal level. Have full conversations with your guests and thoroughly enjoy their company for the duration of the entire day.

4. More Relaxed and Intimate Event

Typical wedding days involve tight schedules, rushing from one thing to the next, but with less guest to greet and entertain your venues may be a little more relaxed with starting times. If you are one that does not care to be in the spotlight, then a small intimate gathering with just your closest family and friends could result in a more enjoyable day. Since your guest know you more than anyone else, the pressure to provide the perfect event seems to not be as important as spending these special moments with your loved ones. You might even have more time and opportunity to enjoy your own wedding without feeling stressed.

5. More Options

Many more options become available with a 25-50 person event versus 150-250 especially in terms of location. If you’re loving the idea of having the elopement/destination wedding feel with epic, breathe-taking locations and portraits, it’s so much more simpler to accommodate less guests in remote locations like a gorgeous backyard, your neighbor’s beautiful pasture or on a cliff side overlooking the most stunning mountain range.

6. Easier to Manage Last Minute Changes

With Covid restrictions and regulations constantly changing at a moments notice, it could be a daunting task to contact hundreds of guests to let them know your change of plans. Keeping your guest list down can minimize the added stress in an already anxiety-filled wedding planning and pandemic time.

As social norms are changing during these uncertain times, the trend of smaller, intimate weddings are on the rise. Spending more quality time with the ones that mean the absolute most to us on one of the most important days in our life, remind us that the quality vs. quantity of our experiences is what stays with us years, beyond the day.