Everyone thinks of micro-weddings as a purely budgetary decisions. Yes, inviting less guests, is the easiest way to save money when wedding planning. However there are a ton of extra benefits to having a smaller guest count. My favorite perk is the incredible flexibility to make your wedding day your own! In this blog I’m going to walk you through a few of the benefits to see if a smaller wedding day might be the right fit for you! Jenna an Phillip, were my perfect example from their gorgeous Clifton Inn micro-wedding in Charlottesville, Virginia. I’m walking you though their wedding day as inspiration! Check out the special touches they incorporated into the celebration!

There might be different interpretations for what classifies as a “micro-wedding” but with the grand weddings I typically photograph, I consider these smaller celebrations to be between 15-50 people! As a Virginia Wedding photographer for the last 5 years I’ve gotten to witness so many incredible traditions, both big and small. Every time I’m booked for an intimate wedding day I continue to be amazed at the flexibility and customization these couples have designed to make the day authentically their own!

Getting Ready:

The morning of your wedding will go by so fast! With larger weddings the getting ready schedule is often the most crucial period for staying on track with the timeline. There will be a bustle of hair and makeup, singing your favorite hype songs with your besties and rushing to get dressed before your first look. However with a smaller guest list and wedding party this allows for a relaxed morning soaking in those final butterfly feelings before you finally tie the knot with your best friend!

Ceremony:

Having a smaller guest count allows for couples to use the extra room in their budget to splurge on show stopping rentals. This is great for adding a custom arbor backdrop, additional greenery and live music. Such as the string band that played Jenna and Phillips favorite Disney classics as they walked town the aisle. A few Celtic traditions and hand written vows made their cozy sunroom ceremony emotional for all of their guests.

Micro-weddings typically give much more flexibility in your timeline, depending on the sunset portrait lighting, you’ll have time to embrace your family with hugs, Champaign and cheers immediately following your ceremony where you can be fully present in the joy!

Cost Saving Benefits:

Beyond the amazing benefits of personalized touches and more quality time with your favorite people on your wedding day, there are typically financial benefits to these smaller celebrations. Less people, means less cost for catering, alcohol, and rentals which are typically the biggest hits to your wedding budget. Plus tons of venues give discount incentives and have less minimum restrictions for weekday weddings.

One of my favorite features of Jenna & Phillips wedding day was their custom cocktail hour with a signature bourbon tasting, in the stunning library at the Clifton Inn. Plus the incredible multi-course dinner in the wine cellar. Keep scrolling through to see more of this vibrant couple!

Of course every photographer’s dream is getting to take romantic portraits of their couples! These smaller guest counts allow for more creativity and flexibility in the timeline to explore multiple locations throughout your venue and share intimate moments with your partner, away from the joyful chaos of your guests.

One of my favorite features of micro-weddings is the option for on-site lodging for your guests. This gives couples a weekend of festivities rather than just a one day wedding. There are so many stunning venues in Virginia that allow for this type of signature experience. If a smaller wedding guest count sounds like the perfect fit for you, be sure to reach out through my contact form HERE, to inquire for a custom wedding photography package to document your big day!

Vendors:

Venue and Catering: Clifton Inn
Wedding Planner: Events with Panache
Florist: Verde Natural Florals
Photography: Heather Dodge Photography
Entertainment: Plum Blossom String Quartet
Event Rentals: MS Events
Hair/Makeup Artist: Cagney Shifflet and Mariah McKenney
Wedding Dress Designer: Justin Alexander
Bridal Shop: K&B Bridal
Groomsmen and Groom Attire: Joseph A. Bank – Pronto Uomo Vintage