The average U.S. wedding has roughly 120 guests in attendance. From the stress of finding a large enough venue to the financial burden of feeding so many people to the big day when the happy couple has to split their time ensuring they greet every guest, there are plenty of downsides to a large or medium-sized wedding.
But if you want something more formal and luxurious than an elopement, it can feel like you don’t have any other options. That’s where you can add a micro destination wedding into the equation.
What is a Micro Destination Wedding?
Maybe you dream of getting married in an exotic location but don’t want to ask distant family or friends to travel far (and spend tons of money) for your big day. Or, you want your big day to be a more intimate affair. No matter the reason, a small wedding ceremony is a great way to mark this special moment with a fraction of the stress.
If you’ve decided that an elopement isn’t right for you, a micro destination wedding may be the perfect solution. With the same planning and traditions as a regular wedding but with fewer guests and a more relaxed atmosphere, micro weddings are an excellent way to celebrate your love surrounded by those who know and love you best. And what better way to celebrate this love than in an exotic or meaningful destination?
One benefit of making your micro wedding a destination event is that it doesn’t leave uninvited guests feeling jaded for not being allowed to attend an event in their home city. It also means the chance to book smaller, more intimate venues, like resorts or outdoor ceremonies in national parks.
Tips for Planning Your Micro Destination Wedding
Once you decide that a micro destination wedding is right for you, it’s time to start planning. With more money and fewer guests to manage, it’s an excellent opportunity to indulge in luxurious details every step of the way. Perhaps you will opt for a ceremony on a white sand beach or opt for a mountain-view helicopter wedding package. However you want to spend your micro-wedding, here are a few tips to help you do just that.
Give Your Guests Plenty of Notice
Because they need to book plane tickets and take time off work, you should give your guests plenty of notice. While it may be just family and close friends, don’t skip traditional wedding invitations. Choose a matching “save the date card” that you will send out as soon as you have your actual wedding date. Then, include other details in your invitation, which you will send out later.
Put Extra Effort into the Little Details
With less coordination in planning a micro wedding, you’ll have even more time to focus on the smaller details. Luxurious wedding invitations will help set the stage for the style of your event and keep guests from assuming that the small size means it’s a casual affair. Unique, memorable favors for your guests are also a fantastic way to thank them for being a part of your day.
Think Beyond the Ceremony
A smaller group may not have a reception, but it doesn’t have to mean the event ends after the “I do’s” are over. Take advantage of the size of your wedding and make an entire weekend of it. Plan activities like group meals, or just schedule time to relax together on the beach or at the resort spa. Paired with a breathtaking destination, this is a beautiful way to create lasting memories with your family, friends, and, of course, your new spouse.
Start Planning Your Wedding
Whether planning a traditional wedding or a luxurious micro destination event, the sooner you get started, the better. If you’ve opted for the latter, giving your guests plenty of notice, paying attention to the little details, and extending your celebration beyond just the ceremony is a great way to turn your small wedding into a beautiful, intimate affair.