Congratulations! You’re engaged and ready to take the next step towards your happily ever after. Now, in this era of intimate celebrations, planning a micro wedding can be a fantastic way to create a memorable and personalized experience. But where do you start? Well, let’s dive into the essential first steps to help you begin planning your dream micro wedding.

Step 1: Set Your Budget

Before diving into the exciting details, it’s crucial to establish a budget for your micro wedding. Determine how much you and your partner are comfortable spending on the venue, decor, catering, entertainment, and other elements of your special day. Having a clear budget in mind will help you make informed decisions throughout the planning process.

Step 2: Define Your Vision and Style

Every couple has a unique vision for their wedding day. Because of this, it’s important to take some time to sit down with your partner and discuss your preferences, style, and atmosphere you want to create. Are you dreaming of an intimate backyard wedding or a chic city rooftop affair? Do you prefer a rustic or modern aesthetic? Defining your vision and style will guide your decisions when it comes to selecting the venue, decor, and overall ambiance.

Step 3: Choose the Perfect Venue

With your vision, style, and budget set, it’s time to find the perfect venue for your micro wedding! Consider whether you’d like an indoor or outdoor space, and whether the venue aligns with your desired aesthetic. Explore unique options such as private gardens, cozy restaurants, or even renting a vacation home for an intimate destination wedding experience.

After you choose your venue, or even a general location for your micro wedding, you can set a date based around the venue’s availability. However, if photo/video are your number 1 priorities, I’d wait to officially lock down your venue until you know your dream artists availability.

Step 4: Capture the Memories

Even though your micro wedding may be smaller in size, capturing the memories is just as important. Hire a talented photographer and videographer who specialize in intimate celebrations…. like me! These professionals will capture the intimate moments, emotions, and details that you can cherish for a lifetime.

You can read my blog posts on how to find your perfect elopement photographer and videographer here!

Step 5: Organize Necessary Legal Requirements + Permits

Depending on your location, there may be legal requirements you need to fulfill to make your union official. Research and understand the necessary paperwork, permits, licenses, and deadline for submitting them. Consult with a wedding planner or local authorities to ensure you have all the information and paperwork sorted well in advance.

Even if you don’t have to submit your paperwork until closer to the date, make sure to write this on your calendar so you’re prepared and not in for any surprises well ahead of time.

Step 6: Compile Your Guest List

One of the defining features of a micro wedding is its intimate nature. Start by considering who you truly want to share this special day with. Keep in mind that a smaller guest list allows you to spend quality time with each guest. Whether it’s immediate family only or a select group of close friends, keep your guest list compact and meaningful.

Step 7: Plan Locations for Getting Ready + Taking Photos

Often times, your venue will double as the location for getting ready and taking photos on the day of your micro-wedding.

However, sometimes these are done at separate locations!

When finding locations to get ready and take photos on your wedding day, consider alternative spaces such as Airbnb’s, VRBO’s and Peerspace rentals. These spaces often offer unique and picturesque settings that can enhance your wedding photos. Begin by researching potential spaces online and making a list of those that appeal to you. Reach out to the owner or host to inquire about availability and pricing. Once you have secured a space, make sure it has adequate lighting and space for your bridal party to get ready in comfort.

Ensure that you communicate the timeline and location details clearly with your wedding party and vendors to avoid confusion on the day of the wedding. By taking the time to carefully select a getting ready and photo location and communicating clearly with everyone involved, you can create a memorable and beautiful wedding day experience.

And as a bonus tip: I recommend avoiding most hotels and non-aesthetic getting ready spaces even if they’re part of the venue if these images are important to you.

Step 8: Select Meaningful Details and Decor

Micro weddings often allow for more attention to detail, as you have fewer guests to consider. Select meaningful details and decor that reflect your personalities. From personalized wedding favors to hand-written vows and carefully chosen floral arrangements, these thoughtful touches will make your micro wedding truly special and unique.

You might want to reserve a florist, day of coordinator, DJ, furniture rentals or any extra adventures like helicopter rides, Jeep tours or renting a vintage convertible at this point too!

Step 9: Create a Wedding Day Timeline

Creating a wedding day timeline is a crucial part of the planning process to ensure that your special day runs smoothly.

Start by determining the ceremony start time and work backward from there. Working with your vendors and wedding planner (if you have one), establish the timeline for each aspect of the day such as hair and makeup, getting dressed, traveling to the ceremony venue, and taking photographs. It’s important to also factor in any potential delays or buffer times to ensure that everything stays on track. Communicate the timeline clearly with the wedding party, family, and vendors so everyone is on the same page. A well-planned wedding day timeline can help alleviate stress and ensure that you and your partner can enjoy every special moment of your wedding day.

Hint: The majority of photographers are happy to and prefer helping with the timeline! This way, they’re able to accommodate the amount of time they need to properly capture all aspects of your micro-wedding day.

Step 6: Curate a Thoughtful Menu

Create a culinary experience that your guests will remember. Work with your chosen caterer or venue to design a menu that fits your taste and theme. Consider incorporating local and seasonal ingredients for a touch of freshness. Don’t forget to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences of your guests to ensure everyone enjoys the celebration.

In addition, wedding meals don’t have to be fancy. I’ve been to weddings with pizza, tacos, food trucks! Alternatively, a micro wedding is a great opportunity to hire a private chef or to reserve a space a local restaurant.

Conclusion

Planning a micro wedding after getting engaged allows you to create an unforgettable celebration that focuses on the essence of your love and commitment. With these essential first steps, you’ll be off to a great start in planning your dream micro wedding. Remember to enjoy the journey and savor every moment as you embark on this exciting chapter of your life together. Cheers to love, happiness, and your amazing micro wedding!