Micro Weddings vs. Large Weddings

Larger weddings bring a lot of friends and family together

How to Prepare for a Micro Wedding vs. a Large Wedding: What You Need to Know

Planning your wedding is one of the most exciting and emotional journeys you'll ever take. But before diving into florals and food tastings, there’s a major decision to make: Do you want a large, traditional wedding or an intimate micro wedding? Each path has its own charm—and its own checklist.

Let’s break down how to prepare for each so you can decide what’s right for your love story.

What Is a Micro Wedding?

A micro wedding is typically a celebration with 30 guests or fewer. It’s more personal, relaxed, and often more budget-conscious. Micro weddings rose in popularity during the pandemic—but they’ve stuck around for a reason: they’re meaningful, manageable, and often less stressful.

What Is a Large Wedding?

A large wedding usually includes 100+ guests and involves a full-day event: ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, and maybe even a welcome dinner or after-party. It’s a grand celebration that includes everyone—from close family to distant cousins and childhood friends.

Micro weddings are more intimate and personal

Preparing for a Micro Wedding

1. Choose Your Inner Circle WiselyGuest list decisions are tough, but keeping things small means you can focus on the people who truly matter most. Think parents, siblings, and a few close friends.

2. Focus on Personal TouchesWith fewer people, you can pour energy into custom details like handwritten notes, curated menus, or personalized favors.

3. Think Outside the Venue BoxBackyards, small restaurants, art galleries, and Airbnb properties become viable (and charming!) options when your guest list is small.

4. Simplify the ScheduleWithout the demands of a huge itinerary, your wedding can be shorter and sweeter—often just a ceremony followed by a dinner or casual reception.

5. Budget Smarter, Not BiggerSmaller guest lists mean your budget stretches further. Spend more on what matters most to you—like food, attire, or photography.

Preparing for a Large Wedding

1. Build a Dream Team EarlyYou’ll need a planner or coordinator, caterer, florist, DJ/band, photographer, and more. Book early—especially if your date is during peak season.

2. Budget RealisticallyCosts add up quickly with large weddings. Be prepared to spend more on food, drink, rentals, and staffing. Spreadsheets are your best friend.

3. Create a Detailed TimelineFrom the rehearsal dinner to the last dance, your wedding will likely span multiple events. Get organized early with a clear schedule.

4. Think About Guest ExperienceYou’ll have a range of ages and needs. Consider transportation, hotel blocks, signage, and accessibility when planning your venue and activities.

5. Delegate, Delegate, DelegateYou can’t do it all. Assign tasks to your wedding party or family members and trust your vendors to handle the rest.

Which One Is Right for You?

Micro Wedding	Large Wedding
30 guests or fewer	50+ guests
Intimate and highly personal	Grand and high-energy
Often more budget-friendly	Typically more expensive
Flexible with locations	Requires formal venue and logistics
More time with each guest	Big celebration with everyone

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all wedding. Whether you crave an intimate backyard ceremony or a glittering ballroom bash, your day should reflect your relationship, your values, and your vision.

A micro wedding brings warmth, simplicity, and calm. A large wedding brings energy, tradition, and all your people in one place. Whichever you choose, embrace it fully—and make it your own.