Micro weddings. I’m sure you’ve heard of them, especially if you’re in the throws of wedding planning yourself. Micro weddings are gaining popularity as couples seek more intimate and meaningful ways to exchange vows and keep costs low at the same time. As the desire for more personalised and niche experiences continue to rise, micro weddings are emerging as one of the most popular wedding styles in Australia. But what are they really, how much do they cost and what are other couples saying about them? Let’s explore what it means to have a micro wedding, their size, costs and why they’re gaining in popularity.
What is a micro wedding?
A micro wedding is an intimate celebration with a small guest list that focuses on meaningful moments over grandeur-type wedding events. Unlike traditional large-scale weddings, micro weddings are characterised by their small guest lists, typically consisting of fewer than 50 guests. These gatherings prioritise intimacy, allowing couples to curate cosy and tailored moments with their closest family and friends.
But micro weddings are not just about scaling down the guest list. They can also mean scaling up the significance of other details at the wedding. For many couples, a micro wedding is more appealing as it gives them the chance to exchange vows in a unique setting and to include details that resonate with them more deeply. It also gives the couple the opportunity to be surrounded by the people who mean the most to them.
Why choose a micro wedding over a large-scale wedding?
One of the key reasons why a micro wedding might suit particular couples is the opportunity it provides to spend quality time with their guests. Unlike larger weddings where time is often divided among numerous attendees, micro weddings allow couples to engage in genuine conversations with every guest, often much more meaningful not only to the couple, but for their guests.
The intimate nature of micro weddings also means couples can create a deeply personal experience for themselves and their guests. Some couples take the opportunity to give handwritten notes to each guest expressing their gratitude for their presence, not only at the wedding, but in their life. Other couples commission hand-drawn or written invitations that reflect the couple’s unique style and personality. Couples who are planning a micro wedding often personalise their wedding favours by choosing a unique gift for each guest. Or, they are organising a tailored experience for their guests, like a DIY cocktail station, wine tastings or an interactive chef.
For couples who value intimacy, connection and authenticity, a micro wedding offers the ideal setting to create this feeling. In a world where meaningful connections are becoming more and more fragmented, having a micro wedding provides a way to celebrate the couple with their actual nearest and dearest.
How big is a micro wedding?
A micro wedding is often celebrated with anywhere from 10 to 50 guests. The beauty of micro weddings lies in their cosy and intimate atmosphere. With fewer guests in attendance, couples can soak up the celebration with their guests, and create unique memories with their loved ones.
The small guest list of a micro wedding also opens up a number of options for couples they wouldn’t typically have with a traditional large-scale gathering. With fewer guests to accommodate, couples have the freedom to choose a location that larger weddings simply wouldn’t allow. Imagine exchanging vows in a secluded forest, on a hideaway beach, or in the intimate setting of a charming boutique hotel.
The small size of a micro wedding allows couples to create a truly niche and unforgettable experience for themselves and their guests.
How much do micro weddings cost?
One of the most appealing aspects of micro weddings is their affordability. With a smaller guest list and fewer extravagant details, couples can significantly reduce their wedding expenses if they choose to do so.
Micro weddings cost a fraction of what traditional weddings do, allowing couples to allocate their budget towards elements that matter most to them. The overall cost estimate for a micro wedding in Australia ranges from approximately $5,500 to $28,500, depending on various factors such as location, vendor and supplier pricing and the couple’s individual preferences.
Here’s what you could expect to pay for the different aspects of a micro wedding:
Venue: Micro weddings offer flexibility in venue choice, ranging from backyard settings to boutique venues. Costs can vary widely depending on location, amenities and even the day of the week the wedding is being held on, as well as the season. On average, venue costs for a micro wedding might range from $500 to $7,000.
Catering: With a smaller guest list, couples can opt for more upscale dining experiences or intimate family-style meals. Catering costs can vary based on menu selections, but budgeting around $50 to $150 per person is a reasonable estimate.
Photography: Capturing the intimate details of a micro wedding is something special. Professional wedding photography services can range from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the photographer’s experience, coverage time and included services such as prints or albums.
Decorations and decor: Personalised decor adds intimacy and character to a micro wedding. Costs for decor items such as flowers, signage and table settings can range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the couple’s aesthetic preferences and DIY versus using a professional service.
Attire: While micro weddings may allow for more casual attire, many couples still opt for elegant wedding attire. Costs for wedding attire, including the bride’s dress, groom’s suit, and accessories, can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on style and designer.
Celebrant: Hiring an celebrant to conduct the ceremony is a necessary expense. Officiant fees typically range from $300 to $1000, depending on their experience and travel requirements.
Entertainment: Whether it’s a live band, DJ or acoustic musician, entertainment adds ambiance to a micro wedding celebration. Budgeting around $500 to $2,000 for entertainment services is common for micro weddings.
Invitations: Handwritten or custom-designed invitations add a personal touch to a micro wedding. Costs for invitations and stationery can vary widely depending on design complexity, printing method and quantity, but budgeting around $200 to $500 is reasonable.
Miscellaneous expenses: Other expenses to consider may include transportation, accommodation for out-of-town guests, marriage license fees, and wedding favours. Budgeting an additional $1000 to $2000 for miscellaneous expenses is advisable.
These cost estimates are approximate and can vary based on location, vendor pricing and individual preferences. However, they provide a general overview of the expenses associated with planning a micro wedding in Australia.
Conclusion
Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate gathering in a picturesque garden or a romantic soirée under the stars, a micro wedding offers the perfect opportunity to bring your vision to life in the most unique way possible.
At Matt Edwards Photography, we understand the allure and magic of a micro wedding. I offer tailored packages for micro wedding couples that allows me to capture every moment of your intimate celebration. My micro wedding packages are designed to provide you with exceptional photography services that perfectly complement the intimacy and romance of your special day.
