How to make your Micro Wedding Special

by Joanna Wilford | 1 February

With all the uncertainty that we have experienced since the pandemic hit the UK, it has been the wedding industry and especially couples planning to marry who have been dealt a real blow. In 2020 with the first lockdown weddings could not take place, then 30 guests were permitted, then cut to 15 guests and then two further lockdowns. A truly confusing time for all and so many couples just wanting to get married and start their lives together.

Last year many couples decided that whatever the circumstances were they would go ahead and hold their weddings, albeit in the new style of micro wedding. It goes without saying the general consensus was that it was still a really special day and that they were so glad that they went ahead, determined to make it just as memorable.

Here are my tips for making your Micro Wedding Special.

Dress. Yes, do wear your actual wedding dress. This is a dress that you have chosen with such excitement. It is still your wedding day and everyone will be looking at you and admiring your dress, even if there are fewer guests to see it at first hand. If you have decided to have a big celebration party either later in the year or in 2022 you could wear the dress, but perhaps have it slightly adapted for a party.
Tablescape. I love a beautiful tablescape and with fewer guests you can go all out. Think about filling the table with beautiful vintage crockery and glass wear, with plenty of sparkling tea lights, taller candles if permitted and plenty of flowers.
Flowers. Do still have flowers, they really add to the occasion and who doesn’t like seeing a church or ceremony space adorned with flowers. If you worry about wastage you can always give to guests to take home, or perhaps give to family or friends who could not attend because of numbers. They will also add to the tablescape and you can use different height arrangements and bud vases in between.
Food and Alcohol. A micro wedding gives you the perfect excuse to have a slightly more indulgent menu than you would have chosen for a bigger celebration. Make sure you choose all your favourite foods, that particular brand of champagne and selection of fine wines that would be excessive for large numbers.
Photographer. Carry on as if it was your normal wedding day and still have your photographer for bridal prep. You can’t have this time back again and you will regret it if you don’t capture it. You could have prints made up to send to guests who were unable to attend due to the restricted numbers, and also ask that they can have access to the whole album so they can choose pictures too.
Videographer. If you had not originally booked a videographer then do so. Now more than ever you want to be able to show your wedding day to friends and wider family that will not be able to attend.
Venue. If you are sticking to your original venue and the space seems too large for smaller numbers, then do see if they have a smaller space where you could have a more intimate reception. Think about your tables, long tables work better for smaller numbers and a horse-shoe style looks good and everyone feels included.
Hire a Wedding Planner. Re-arranging your day, maybe at short notice, is the time to outsource the reorganising to a wedding planner. They are experienced at making last minute changes and dealing with the additional wedmin that goes with it. It will leave you both to enjoy your special day. Take a look at my Weddings page to see the help you can expect from a wedding planner.