Rise of the Micro Wedding – Intimate Celebrations with Big Impact

In the realm of weddings, where grandiosity often reigns supreme, a new trend is quietly but surely making its mark: the micro wedding. In an era where intimate gatherings are cherished and personalization is paramount, couples are increasingly opting for smaller, more meaningful ceremonies over lavish affairs. But what exactly is a micro wedding, and should you consider having one?

What Is a Micro Wedding and Should I Have One?

At its core, a micro wedding is exactly what it sounds like: a scaled-down celebration focused on the couple, their closest family, and friends. The average size of a modern wedding celebration is anywhere between 150 and 200 guests, hardly an intimate affair. But that number has been slowly going down in the years following the COVID epidemic. With guest lists typically ranging from just a handful to around fifty invitees, these micro gatherings offer an opportunity for couples to exchange vows in a more intimate setting without sacrificing the chance to celebrate their love in style. Not to mention the cost savings compared to a large celebration. That’s right, you can easily save tens of thousands of dollars going small, and who doesn’t like the sound of that?   

Pic a Micro Wedding Venue First

One of the key advantages of a micro wedding is the freedom it provides when choosing a venue. Unlike traditional weddings, where large guest counts often limit options to conventional event spaces, micro weddings open up a world of unique and unconventional venues. From charming courtyard café’s, coastal private estates, and museums, to rustic barns. The possibilities are endless, allowing couples to let their imagination run wild and create a truly memorable experience for themselves and their guests.

In the Monterey California area, we have many unique venues that are perfect for your micro celebration. Just down the coast in Big Sur, you can find the beautiful and breathtaking Wind and Sea private estate. With its Cliffside wedding ceremony site and 180-degree panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean from the dance floor, you couldn’t find a more dramatic venue if you tried.

In Carmel-by-the-Sea, you will find the Mission Ranch. Owned by actor Clint Eastwood, the Mission Ranch sits on 22 acres with spectacular views of Point Lobos, Carmel River Beach and the Pacific Ocean. It’s small barn style event space is ideal for smaller crowds. You can have your ceremony on their grand lawn, or in the private patio overlooking a beautiful lush green meadow.

And in the heart of Monterey itself, is the Monterey Memory Garden. A beautify secret garden, old world oasis right next door to the Old Fisherman’s Wharf. Designed in 1927. The intimate outdoor venue is secluded by an 8-foot adobe wall, built to combine Mexican and Monterey styles.

Cover the Basics

But what about the essentials? Regardless of size, every wedding needs three key ingredients: great food, music, and alcohol. Even in the intimate setting of a micro wedding, these elements play a crucial role in setting the mood and ensuring a memorable celebration. Whether you opt for a gourmet dinner, a DJ, or signature cocktails, investing in these key components will elevate your micro wedding to new heights.

Of course, no wedding is complete without the perfect attire, entertainment, and photography. While the guest list may be smaller. The opportunity to get dressed up, dance the night away to your favorite tunes, and capture every precious moment with stunning photographs remains just as important. Consider hiring a DJ Emcee to provide music and microphones for your ceremony, play cocktail and dinner music, and to keep the party going on the dance floor. A DJ can also provide uplighting. Up-lighting will take almost any room or outdoor space and bring it to life, for a fraction of the cost of other decorations. No need to go overboard on flowers just to add a touch of color.

A photographer to document every smile and tear. No need for an entire photography team to shoot a micro wedding. With a smaller crowd size, a single photographer can more easily work through the venue to capture every important moment. Many photographers I work with have packages suited perfectly for the micro wedding. Shooting the ceremony and formals, then leave the rest for the photo booth.

Get Dressed Up  

And don’t forget, you can still indulge in that dream wedding gown or dapper suit. Although most couples opt to be a little more comfortable at micro weddings and typically take it down a notch. With so many micro weddings taking place outdoors, airy, romantic gowns are a popular choice. For men, wear the dress pants and shirt with a tie, but maybe skip the jacket. 

Make It Meaningful

But perhaps the most compelling reason to embrace the micro wedding trend is the opportunity to create a deeply personal and meaningful experience for both yourselves and your guests. With fewer distractions and a more intimate atmosphere. Couples can focus on what truly matters: their love and commitment to each other. From personalized vows to thoughtful touches that reflect your unique story as a couple, a micro wedding allows you to craft a celebration that feels authentically you. That’s right, you can still have your cake and eat it too. It’s just going to be smaller…

Finally, while the allure of a grand, extravagant wedding will always hold its appeal. The rise of the micro wedding signals a shift towards more intimate, personalized celebrations. If you’re considering tying the knot in the near future, don’t overlook the cost saving option of a micro wedding. With its emphasis on intimacy, creativity, and meaning, it just might be the perfect choice for you and your beloved.

For more tips and ideas on how to plan your wedding ceremony and reception. Keep exploring my Monterey Wedding DJ Blog.

I’d love the opportunity to be your Wedding DJ and Photo Booth. So, reach out to me online! I look forward to hearing from You!

By Justin Warwick | Owner | DJ | DJ Enterprises Mobile Disc Jockey   Email: [email protected] Phone: 530-277-2483 | www.DJWarwick.com