The what now?
Yes, Micro weddings are a thing! Unless you have been hiding under a rock, you’ll know that 2020 has not been the best of years. COVID-19 has certainly affected us all, in some shape or form, and the wedding industry is no exception. In fact, it was turned upside down, inside out and sent into the washing machine for a spin cycle. Postponements and dare I say it Cancelations, were filling my inbox daily.
However, some daring couples took the plunge and got married anyway. With some government restrictions allowing only the bare minimum, I had to raise the question of why?
Why would you do it now, in the middle of a pandemic? And what is a Micro wedding anyway?
After photographing 4 Covid-19 secure weddings (all in varying states of lockdown rules) I can confidently assure you that a micro wedding is a thing, and wow, what a beautiful thing it is. It’s basically less people (under 20ish), but everything else is more.
If you are brave enough to say ‘This is the day we want’ then you can expect a paired back version of more traditional wedding. Less stress. A refined guestlist for you to spend quality time with. A longer list of possibilities on venues (you must check out the Ivy in the Lanes in Brighton if you like a bit of quirky and fine dining).
Less guests means more money in the pot to be extravagant in other areas. The dress, flowers, photographer, or videographer. You can have the day you want as you won’t be feeding 150 people. You can spoil the ones that are there with a personalised experience they will always remember.
Surprise them with entertainment or a beautiful restaurant you have always wanted to go to. You can be the non-conformist and wear a pink suit, break with tradition and ditch the best man or maid bridesmaids, or Stick with tradition and throw your Bouquet, cut the cake together and have your first dance. You just don’t have to have, hundreds of people to watching you. The options are endless. When you close the door to the extra guests you open so many more for the ones you choose to start your new adventure with.
My first Micro wedding was 9 Guests, then I photographed one with reduced restrictions they had 15 and one with 30. My own brother had his wedding and I think there was 8 of us including the Bride and Groom. Each wedding was beautiful, emotional, full of surprises and above everything else completely refreshing. Brides have never looked so relaxed. The glamour was still there but the love was more intense, and the guests were immersed in every part of the day.
Some of the biggest wow moments (and best atmospheres) are at the most intimate settings. Some of my best work has happened in the last 6 months of Micro Weddings than the last 6 years of massive ones. This is purely down to less stress, more free time, and relaxed couples. So, if you are thinking reduced numbers means your day won’t be the same, well you’re right, it may in fact, be better than you ever imagined.
With Covid-19 giving us all a lesson in gratitude and making us rethink our lifestyles, could 2021 see the rise of the Micro wedding? A part of me hopes so.
