4 Mistakes Couples Make When Planning a Microwedding
photo by Laura Pennace
In our current climate, most wedding couples are going small. Due to COVID-19, many cities and states are limiting the number of people who can gather for events. Because of this, some grooms and brides are postponing their weddings. However, not every couple wants to wait - cue the micro wedding.
But smaller doesn't necessarily mean it will be easier. Here are four common mistakes couples make when planning micro (or mini) weddings -- and how to avoid them.
Waiting Until The Last Minute
Just because it's a small wedding doesn't mean it will be easier to plan. Many of the tasks are the same in planning a larger wedding, so 'small' doesn't necessarily mean less complex. You still need to create a wedding planning timeline, especially if you are less detail-oriented. Plus don’t forget that many couples are looking at outdoor locations or smaller venues, so your preferred date may not be available. In order to have more options, and stay Zen, I recommend starting to plan early.
Assuming That You'll Save Money
Couples may think since they are having a small wedding, everything will be less expensive. In many cases, that’s true. You have fewer guests, so catering and stationary needs may be lessened. However, a photographer, musician or DJ, can only do one wedding a day - and it's the same amount of work for them no matter the size of the party. The three initial financial hurdles are budget, guest list, and venue. It should go without saying that your budget defines your options, and drives your decisions. So, if you have not created a budget yet, start there!
Not Having a Plan B
Many couples who opt for small weddings choose an outdoor location - especially during the Pandemic. While that can be a beautiful choice, weather may be a concern. It’s wise to check historical weather patterns and make sure you dress for the occasion. If any kind of challenging weather is even a possibility, be sure to have a contingency plan. People don't want to put the deposits down for tents or umbrellas—you pay 50% and lose it if you don't use them. But if you don't book them early on and are getting married during peak wedding season, tents might not be available when the weather starts to look questionable. This also applies if you, one of your guests or one of our vendors gets COVID. Have you thought through what to do in each of those cases? If you don’t have insurance or a back-up plan of when and how to move the date or how get a replacement vendor, add it to your list to discuss with your partner and or your wedding planner, if you have one.
Thinking your Small Wedding is Less Important than a Big Wedding
A micro wedding deserves just as much thought as you would give a big wedding. Even though it may be small, it should still receive the same attention to detail. Or dare I say that it could use a greater attention to detail, because the guest count is smaller, and there are fewer distractions. It may be nice to think of the day (or the weekend), as an experience. Talk to your caterer or restaurant about some personal touches you can add to the dinner table or the menu. Does your planner or a trusted friend have any guidance on fun things to add to a welcome basket? For the ceremony, I certainly talk through rituals or ways to honor the small group gathered. It certainly doesn’t mean you need to do them all, but they’re worth considering, especially if you are not having a larger wedding when it’s safe to do so.
Do any of these ideas resonate with you? Were any of them a-ha moments? Are there other things that couples should consider? The comment box below is always open.