In a world where bigger is supposed to be better, there’s something refreshingly romantic about the idea of scaling things down. Enter the micro wedding, the tiny, but mighty version of the traditional blowout wedding. Think with me: fewer guests, less stress, more meaningful moments… and absolutely no one looking at you like you’re insane for spending an entire paycheck on one cake. (But hey, no judgment if you do, just don’t tell your accountant.)

1. A Smaller Guest List Means More Love, Less Drama.

Ok maybe! But let’s face it: wicked large weddings are often more about managing everyone else’s emotions than celebrating yours. The beauty of a micro wedding is that you can invite only your nearest and dearest (which is probably only about 30 people, if we’re being honest, because let’s be real, we all have some “friends” who are really just acquaintances with questionable political choices).

You’re not obligated to invite the distant cousin who always brings a plus one (who is somehow still a stranger to the entire family). You won’t have to deal with the aunt who’s always offering unsolicited advice on your “life choices” (like, thanks Aunt Linda, but I’ve already Googled it). Instead, you’re left with people who truly matter, those who make you laugh, cry, and secretly judge your drinking choices. And let’s be honest, the smaller the guest list, the less chance of someone hijacking the mic for a 20-minute “touching” speech about how you two are “soulmates” (but why do they always, and I mean ALWAYS talk about the first time they saw you two together at that party?).

2. Intimate Dinners: Where the Real Magic Happens

Forget the massive ballroom with hundreds of chairs where you can barely hear your partner’s vows over the background noise of clinking silverware. A small, intimate dinner is where the real magic happens: it’s quiet, personal, and romantic, without the risk of your uncle’s questionable dance moves making the highlight reel.

Imagine this: a candlelit dinner, a handful of guests, a meal that’s actually delicious (because you’re not feeding an army). The conversation flows easily, and everyone can focus on you, not the 180 people trying to figure out how to navigate the buffet line without accidentally elbowing someone in the face.

And who needs a giant cake when you can have a few gorgeous plates of food, a cozy setting, and the look of absolute contentment on your partner’s face when they realize they didn’t have to stand in a 3-hour receiving line? (PS. But I do love a giant cake!)

3. Less Stress, More Fun

Weddings are famous for turning into a stress-induced, Pinterest-fueled nightmare, complete with way too many details to keep track of. With a micro wedding, you don’t have to stress about finding the perfect everything. Are the napkins “on theme”? Who cares?

Not to mention, you can still have beautiful floral arrangements and a dreamy setting without stressing about whether everything is “Instagram perfect.” The photos will capture the real moments, the laughter, the love, and maybe even your mom’s happy tears, because it’s not about staging the perfect shot, but about preserving the memories of a day that feels genuine and authentic. You can finally stop trying to turn a moment that was meant to be intimate into a spectacle for the masses.

In fact, with fewer people, the whole day feels more like a mini vacation than a circus performance. You’ll be able to enjoy each moment with your partner and your guests without wondering how much longer you have to endure the “chicken or fish” debate. Spoiler alert: It’s chicken. It’s always chicken.

4. It’s Not Just About the Couple. It’s About the Community

Here’s the biggest thing I always touch on: a wedding is a celebration not just of two people, but of the community that supports them. You hear me? The beauty of a micro wedding is that it allows you to invite only the people who truly know you and your partner, not just because they’re “family,” but because they’re the ones who have been there through the ups, downs, and everything in between. In a world that can sometimes feel like it’s moving too fast, a small, intimate celebration slows things down and lets you savor the collective joy of the moment.

When you get married with just a small group of people around you, the energy is different. It’s not a performance, it’s a shared experience. Each person there plays a role in the story you’re telling: the friend who helped you pick out the dress, the cousin who reminded you to take deep breaths before walking down the aisle, the aunt who’s spent years watching you grow and can’t help but shed a tear. These are the people who will be there for you long after the wedding day, so why not make the day about them, too?

Micro weddings don’t just create space for the couple, they make space for the entire community to participate in a meaningful way. Instead of being a distant observer at a 200-person event, each guest feels truly involved. Whether it’s sharing a funny story during dinner or laughing over a small wedding toast, there’s a sense of connection that’s hard to replicate in a larger celebration. It’s the kind of intimacy that brings people closer together and makes the day feel like something everyone can treasure.

And while you might opt for a simple, elegant floral arrangement or keep the décor more understated, you can still create a setting that reflects your personal style without getting bogged down by endless details. If florals are your thing, go for it! But with fewer guests, it’s easy to focus on what really matters, celebrating love with those who mean the most. Whether it’s a beautiful bouquet from your favorite florist (here’s mine btw) or a DIY arrangement that feels just as special, it’s all about creating a day that feels uniquely yours.

At the end of the day, weddings are about bringing people together to celebrate love, not just the love between two people, but the love between those two people and everyone who’s helped shape their lives. When you gather a small, thoughtful group of friends and family, you’re creating an experience that honors your shared history and the relationships that will continue long after the last dance. In this way, micro weddings have a way of making the whole feel as important as the couple.

5. The Best Part? You’re Not Broke Afterward

Let’s talk about the financial elephant in the room, weddings can get ridiculous. The costs can spiral out of control before you even have time to say “I do” to the catering menu. But a micro wedding or intimate dinner? Not so much. Sure, you might splurge on a stunning Dior dress (or maybe you’re rocking jeans and a cute top, no judgment here), but you’re saving big on all the extra frills. No need to sell your soul to fund a wedding that would make Martha Stewart proud. Instead, you get to prioritize what really matters, and no, I’m not just talking about the honeymoon (though yes, that is a big deal).

You’ll still have the wedding memories, but with a lot less stress and a lot more room to actually enjoy your new life together without the weight of a massive debt hanging over you. So go ahead, book the photographer, and maybe skip that extra tier of cake. Trust me, you’ll remember the love, the laughter, and the real moments way longer than you’ll remember the flavor of your 7-layer wedding cake. (Again, I love the cake!)

In Conclusion: Small is the New Big

So, to all the couples out there considering a micro wedding or intimate dinner: Go for it. It’s a chance to focus on what matters: love, laughter, and maybe a little bit of sarcasm thrown in for good measure. And remember, at the end of the day, you don’t need a 500-person wedding to feel like royalty, you just need the right person by your side, and maybe some really good wine. After all, the less-is-more approach? It’s working for Marie Kondo, so why not for your big day?

That said, I’m not here to rain on anyone’s parade. While I’m a big believer in the magic of micro weddings, I totally get the allure of a grand celebration. Big weddings have their own charm, the excitement, the drama, the dance-offs with your best friends. I get it. I like it. So, whether you’re dreaming of a cozy ceremony with just your closest people or envisioning a full-blown soirée, it’s all about what makes you happy. At the end of the day, the best wedding is the one that feels right for you and the love you’re celebrating.

Thank you for reading!

Cheers x

To check my work please visit https://marilialima.photography/

Windriff Hall – Wedding Venue