The most important day of your life is your wedding day, and there’s no denying that every person wants it to be perfect. It’s the day to celebrate your love and commitment to your partner in front of your family and friends. Many imagine their wedding day to be an extravagant event with a long guest list, luxurious décor, and a grand reception. However, not everyone dreams of a big-budget fairy tale wedding exactly as how it typically portrayed in countless Hollywood movies.
For those wanting to opt for a more intimate and cozy event, smaller weddings give the perfect opportunity to celebrate your love and marry in style without spending a small fortune. The trend of micro weddings, mini weddings, and tiny weddings has been on the rise in recent years. In this blog post, we will explore the different types of small weddings and the benefits of having an intimate celebration.
Types of Small Weddings
There are so many types of small weddings to choose from, so if you’re planning to have an intimate ceremony, you’re spoilt for choice. Here are some of the most popular types:
1. Micro Weddings
Micro weddings have become a trend in recent years, and they are usually defined as weddings that have a guest list of 30 or fewer people. A micro wedding is a perfect way to make sure you celebrate with your nearest and dearest. Having fewer people would mean you get to spend more time with each of your guests and have meaningful conversations on your special day.
2. Mini Weddings
Mini weddings are similar to micro weddings, and the main difference is the guest count. A mini wedding typically has 50 guests or less. It’s an excellent option for couples that still want to have a reasonably sized party without going overboard.
3. Tiny Weddings
Tiny weddings are an even more intimate type of small wedding. These weddings usually have less than 10 guests where the couple can either hire an intimate venue or invite close family members and friends to their home for an outdoor ceremony. A tiny wedding makes for a very personal celebration and can help create life-long memories for all involved.
Benefits of Having an Intimate Wedding
There are plenty of benefits to having an intimate wedding. Here are just a few:
1. Cost-Effective
The most obvious advantage of having a small wedding is the cost. With a smaller guest list, you can save big dollars on everything from catering to the venue, décor, and floral arrangements. This can help free up your budget, allowing you to spend more on other things like a photographer or honeymoon trip.
2. More Intimate Atmosphere
With fewer guests, you’ll have the opportunity to create a more intimate atmosphere where you can connect with your nearest and dearest. A small wedding allows you to spend more quality time with your guests instead of simply trying to make your way around the room saying hello.
3. Easier Planning
Planning a small wedding can make the process much more manageable. Having fewer guests means you’ll have fewer choices to make and less pressure in keeping everyone happy. Smaller guest lists also mean you can take your time choosing the menu, music, and all other aspects of your day.
Conclusion
No matter the type of wedding, large or small, the most important thing is the love and meaning behind it. Smaller weddings offer couples a chance to have a more personal and intimate celebration while taking away the pressures that come with planning a larger wedding. Plus, it means you can spend your day surrounded by only those who matter most and create memories that will last a lifetime.
FAQ
What is a quick wedding called?
When a couple decides to get married without much prior planning and preparation, it is often referred to as a “quick wedding”. Sometimes, a quick wedding can also be referred to as an “impromptu wedding” or an “intimate wedding”.
However, the term “elopement” is often used to describe a quick, spur-of-the-moment wedding as well. In the past, eloping was considered an act of rebellion, where the couple would secretly marry without the consent of their parents or families. Today, the term is used more generically to describe a wedding that is performed in haste, with a limited public engagement period or without a public engagement period.
Couples opt for a quick wedding for numerous reasons. One of the most common reasons is to avoid the stress and expense of a traditional wedding. Many couples prefer to keep their marriage private and intimate, rather than hosting a large ceremony and reception.
Other couples may need to get married quickly for legal reasons, such as immigration or military deployments. In some cases, couples want to get married before a partner travels abroad, or before the birth of a child. Whatever the reason, a quick wedding allows couples to start their married life together sooner rather than later.
While a quick wedding may not have all the bells and whistles of a traditional wedding, it can still be a meaningful and memorable experience. By focusing on the love and commitment between the couple, rather than extravagant details, a quick wedding can be just as special and significant.
What is a small vs intimate wedding?
When it comes to weddings, different terms are often used to describe the size of the event. Two of the most commonly used terms to describe these events are “small” and “intimate” weddings.
A small wedding is typically defined as having less than 50 guests in attendance. This can allow for a more budget-friendly event, as fewer people means less expense for things like food, drinks, and seating arrangements. Small weddings can be held in a variety of venues, including outdoor locations like backyards or parks, as well as indoor spaces like restaurants or small event halls.
On the other hand, an intimate wedding is often described as having between 50 and 75 guests in attendance. While still considered smaller than a traditional wedding, these events can feel more formal and elegant than some smaller, more casual affairs. Intimate weddings often lend themselves well to venues like vineyards, small historic homes, and other unique locations that can provide an intimate, romantic atmosphere.
Finally, it’s worth mentioning the concept of a “tiny wedding”, which typically includes 15 people or fewer. These events are often used for elopements, destination weddings, or extremely small gatherings of close friends and family. While less common than small or intimate weddings, tiny weddings are becoming more popular due to their simplicity and affordability.
While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to planning a wedding, understanding the differences between small and intimate weddings can help couples choose the type of event that best suits their needs and budget.
What’s the difference between elopement and micro wedding?
When it comes to modern wedding trends, elopements and micro weddings have become increasingly popular. Both options offer couples an intimate and budget-friendly alternative to a traditional wedding ceremony. However, while the two ideas may seem similar, there are distinct differences between the two.
First, let’s explore the concept of an elopement. Historically, elopements referred to couples running away together to marry without the approval of their families. Today, an elopement typically refers to a small and secretive wedding ceremony consisting of only the couple, and perhaps a witness or two. The ceremony itself can take place anywhere – in a courthouse, municipal building, or even in a remote outdoor location such as a park or beach. An elopement is meant to be a private, intimate affair, without the stress and planning of a larger wedding.
On the other hand, a micro wedding is a small wedding ceremony that includes no more than 30 guests. Unlike an elopement, a micro wedding typically includes some semblance of wedding traditions such as having a bridal party, exchanging vows, and holding a reception. A micro wedding can be held at any venue, from a park or backyard to a small event room or restaurant. The focus of a micro wedding is still on intimacy and a shorter guest list, but it allows couples to celebrate with their closest friends and family in a traditional sense.
While the two concepts may seem similar, the primary difference is the guest list. An elopement has no guests, while a micro wedding allows for a small amount of guests. Additionally, a micro wedding offers a more traditional wedding experience, while an elopement is focused on simplicity and intimacy.
Both elopements and micro weddings offer couples the opportunity to have a more affordable and stress-free wedding experience. Whether you prefer a private elopement or a small wedding ceremony with loved ones present, both options allow for an unforgettable wedding day that prioritizes the couple’s wishes.
How small is an elopement?
Elopement is an intimate and personal way for couples to tie the knot without the fuss and frills of a traditional wedding. But just how small is an elopement? Well, an elopement generally has a very small guest list, usually under 10 people. In fact, some couples choose to have no guests at all except for the officiant and witnesses. Unlike traditional weddings, an elopement is much more private and is all about the couple’s commitment to each other. It can be a quick, simple, and romantic way for couples to start their married life together.
Elopements are not only about the size of the guest list, but also about the location of the ceremony. An elopement ceremony can take place anywhere the couple desires. From your backyard, a park, a beach, to the city hall or a chapel; where and even when you elope is quite flexible. Many couples tend to choose a location that holds sentimental meaning to them or reflects their personalities.
Another important factor that characterizes elopement is the attire. Unlike traditional weddings that follow traditional dress codes and protocols, an elopement can offer more freedom and flexibility in terms of outfits. The couple can choose to wear whatever they want, regardless of the color or style. This certainly makes the whole process very simple and easy.
Elopements are perfect for couples who want to avoid elaborate and expensive weddings. They are often small, romantic, and more focused on the couple’s commitment to each other. They can be as simple or as detailed as you want them to be, but one thing is for sure, they are a beautiful way to start a lifetime of love and togetherness.