Also known as “intimate weddings”, micro weddings are becoming more popular in a world where Covid-19 has taken over. Micro weddings are defined as 50 guests or less, not to be confused with eloping, which is usually just a ceremony with the couple and 2-10 guests (if any). Many couples are considering this option as restrictions are in place, and we still have a lot of unknowns with this virus or how it will affect weddings for the rest of this year and even 2021.
While we are obviously saddened by all the restrictions, postponed and canceled weddings, there is a light at the end of the tunnel….
Micro weddings can be just as magical and dreamy!
Especially here at The Preston Barn, where the options are endless for scaling down your wedding day (we’ll talk more about this later, keep reading!!).
What we really want to do with this post is help all of those who are considering a micro-wedding, pandemic or no pandemic. Here are 4 reasons why micro-weddings are just as awesome as larger weddings and could be a great option for your wedding day.
Amanda & CJ at a social distance…. just not from each other.
Photo by: Weefan Photography
Intimacy
If you have ever been a guest at a wedding, you know that the couple is usually pretty busy. They have a tight schedule and want to make the most of the time that will surely fly by (as your married friends have probably warned you). Being able to spend quality time with all of your guests is basically impossible at a larger wedding. With 50 guests or less, you may actually be able to achieve that!
Couples often worry that if they elope, they’ll miss out on the joy and memories of a big wedding day with all the people they love. They’ll consider having a more casual “party” later to celebrate with friends and family, but feel it’s not as special or that it just won’t happen...
Consider this…
A micro wedding is a great way to get the best of both worlds. You get that joy and those memories of a real wedding, your first dance, etc. with your nearest and dearest (while reaping all the other benefits we are about to dig into), then you can do the party later with everyone else.
Definitely do a plated dinner, about half capacity at the tables while practicing social distancing. Photo by: Weefan Photography
2. Wedding Cost
This is a BIG one! We all know weddings are costly and so worth it... but why not save a TON of money? Not only will you save on the cost per person for the catering, but many professionals and venues are now offering special pricing or packages for smaller weddings. This is an excellent option for couples with a lower budget…. or…
A smaller wedding can also mean putting that extra money into high-quality decorations and florals, additional food and dessert options, amazing favors and gifts for your guests, providing more/better accommodations, etc.
Best of all…it could mean being able to book that incredible venue (that’s us), photographer, DJ or another vendor that may not have been within your budget before. Take advantage and treat yourself to your wedding dream team!
Plenty of space on our patio for social distancing cocktail hour.
Photo: Custom by Nicole
3. Save Time and Energy
Wedding planning can be stressful, and time-consuming. If you are crazy busy, or maybe you just aren’t that into planning things, this is something to consider. Smaller weddings equal less planning, lower expectations, less details (if you so choose), and fewer people involved.
Opt for passed hor d’oeuvres rather than stations or buffets to prevent crowding and germ spread.
Some venues, planners, and other wedding professionals even offer micro wedding packages that do most of the planning for you! How easy is that?
4. Perfect for the Minimalist or Introverted Couple
Not everyone likes to be the center of attention in a room of 100-200 or even more people. And not everyone wants the “over the top” features people expect to see at weddings. On top of that, not everyone wants the loud, fast-paced dance party, entrances, cake cutting, etc.
For the couples who just want a laid-back, low-pressure event that is meaningful to them, without all the “bells an whistles”, a micro wedding may be a great fit. You can cut out any of the traditions you don’t enjoy or make you uncomfortable, keep things simple, and no need to worry about all the guests you felt obligated to invite to a larger affair.
Make the day ALL ABOUT what matters most….This. Photo: Alicia Martire Photography
The bottom line is this…
The purpose of the wedding is to marry the love of your life and celebrate together with your closest family and friends. A micro wedding will serve that purpose so whether it’s because of a global pandemic or any of the reasons we mentioned, a micro wedding could be the answer to your wedding woes!
For us at the Preston Barn, we usually feel bigger is better (we are a business after all, and we do have the space for it), but we also love the idea of more intimate, laid back micro weddings.
QUICK STORY…
We once had a wedding with 63 guests, and the options were endless for arranging the tables, there was lots of room for guests to walk around, a large dance floor, and the room still looked full (and gorgeous!). With the money they saved from the guest count, they were able to book their dream team of professionals along with their dream venue and they fully enjoyed their low-pressure wedding day.
Gus and Suzanne’s small wedding of 63 guests featured our farm tables joined together feast-style. As you can see, there is plenty of room to spread out the tables and guests! Check out more from their wedding and their dream team of vendors here! Photo: Custom by Nicole
There was no pandemic at that time, but looking back, we can see how this would work GREAT for the restrictions on today’s weddings and keeping you, your guests, and our staff safe. The space between tables would allow guests and staff to keep their social distance, maintain cleanliness, and there can be dancing with plenty of space between guests (once allowed). Plus, we’d also use a lot less toilet paper (little corona-world humor for you)!!
Why not make it a full weekend affair? We have the perfect amount of accommodations to house ALL guests for a micro wedding within 15 minutes of the venue, and can host pre and post-wedding events! We can house 26 guests on-site at Old Drovers Inn and the Carriage House, 8 more just down the road at the new Preston House, 8-10 guests 5 minutes away at our Farm House and 8-10 more in our secluded Mountain Cabin. (These accommodations, except the Cabin, are also great for winter weddings, which we offer here at a discounted rate!)
The historic Old Drovers Inn. Photo: Clean Plate Pictures
So what do you think?
Are you considering scaling down to a micro wedding? Do you have any general questions about micro weddings or what the Preston Barn has to offer? Contact our wedding coordinator, Helene, for more information!
