What to expect if you’re planning a micro wedding

Photo: Brittany Dunbar Photography; Micro wedding: A Styled Wedding; Coordination & florals:Wildflower Hill Co.

Although restrictions on gatherings will ease in Virginia beginning April 2021, many couples are still planning small wedding gatherings, also known as micro weddings. Don’t let the word “micro” fool you into thinking you need to downplay the details. Recent celebrations throughout Hunt Country have shown that these micro weddings can be upscale celebrations.

Here’s what “less is more” looks like. . .

It’s all in the details. . .

Lavish ceremony backdrops including picture-perfect moongates and stunning columns are just some of the must-haves at a micro wedding. Since couples are spending less money on smaller guest counts, there’s plenty of budget leftover for upgraded extras. Midge Harmon of Harmon’s Horse Drawn Carriages suggests considering a horse drawn carriage for a spectacular entrance. All these details make for beautiful wedding pictures and lasting memories.

Kelly Ewell, owner of 48 Fields a wedding venue in Loudoun County, believes “that micro weddings can be amazing and that any detail can be enjoyed at any wedding. A small wedding is all the more reason to enhance your celebration with additional details.”

Throughout the last year, 48 Fields has seen incredible celebrations, like this one with amazing table settings, stylish bridal attire, and stunning florals and arch. We also love the ring bearer’s cute mini car featured in this wedding, and these mismatched bridesmaids dresses are bridesmaids’ goals. These weddings are proof that all the small details can largely add up.

On tap. . .

Outdoor weddings have also become more commonplace within the last year, partly due to restrictions on gatherings, but also because many couples see the fresh air as an added safety precaution for their wedding guests.

Michael Stump, owner of Tip Top Tap Truck & Mobile Tap Bars has seen an increase in demand for their mobile bar services among smaller weddings, and especially for those taking place outside. Tip Top Tap Truck easily places the bar concept outdoors. It’s also a great way to support local breweries and wineries since all of their bars are able to provide beverages on tap.

Mobile Bar: Tip Top Tap Truck & Tap Bars; Flowers: Rick’s Flowers

When you think of mobile bars, think of them as adorned with cute details and stylish décor, making them a visual centerpiece and a great backdrop for a wedding photo. “Mobile bars with our design and decor packages complement our couples’ wedding themes and vision,” says Stump. These bars can also be set up inside as well.

Lavish florals. . .

Since so many couples are now limited to fewer guests they are able to spend more on flowers. Some couples planning micro weddings are upgrading their floral choices for the ceremony, reception, as well as the bouquet and boutonniere. “A lush floral design creates a romantic experience with big flair,” says Rick Thompson, Owner of Rick’s Flowers. “If the ceremony or reception area is small, florals are a great way to envelope guests with a luxurious feel.”

Rick has seen a demand for floral arches which have become must-have ceremony centerpieces. Petals down the aisle and flowered barrel designs are also among some requests he has received to dress up micro weddings.

Additionally, couples want long tables for receptions with more space in between guests which is a great opportunity for elegant tablescapes. Think upscale floral designs and lots of candles.

Bistro lights and chandeliers are also highly requested by couples who work with Laura Macario, Vice President of Artistic Concepts Group. These details can elevate the ambience and provide a big wedding feel to an occasion of any size.

Here to stay

Considering all the details that go into planning a micro wedding, it requires the same level of work as planning a larger wedding. When Glory Barbaris launched a Styled Wedding™ last June, offering exclusive micro wedding and elopement planning services, she saw an increase in couples feeling more comfortable with smaller gatherings. Small weddings and intimate gatherings, or micro-weddings are undoubtably here to stay for the foreseeable future. “More couples will continue to embrace micro weddings and intimate elopements, as it still features time-honored traditions that make a wedding but on a much smaller scale,” says Barbaris. “With micro weddings and intimate elopements, the rules are out—couples can wed on their own terms by going all out and providing an intimate guest experience for their guests.”

Micro wedding: A Styled Wedding; Coordination & florals: Wildflower Hill Co. Photo: Brittany Dunbar Photography

Overall, micro weddings can be large in elegance. With the right décor and rental options you can dress the occasion and to make it picture perfect and uniquely yours. Click here to connect with local wedding specialists in North Virginia, who can help you plan a wedding of any size.