What is a micro wedding? Everything you need to know

Micro weddings have gained popularity in recent years for couples who want something more meaningful and personal. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about this modern celebration, including planning tips and popular dress styles—so you can decide if this unique format is right for your big day.

Micro wedding: a definition

A micro wedding is a celebration on a much smaller scale—typically with 10 to 50 guests, yet it still carries all the depth and emotion of a larger event. Unlike the average small and intimate wedding, which might simply have a shorter guest list, a micro wedding often embraces a more personal, curated experience, with fewer formalities and a greater focus on personal moments.  

It's not just a trend, but a conscious choice to slow down, enjoy the day, and create space for meaningful touches that might otherwise get lost in a bigger celebration. From handwritten vows to candlelit dinners, every element can reflect your story and style. With a carefully chosen guest list, even your attendees become part of the experience with thoughtful details, warm conversation, and elegant dresses for wedding guests that help set the tone for a day that feels both elevated and deeply personal. 

Planning a ceremony that reflects you

Planning a micro wedding allows you to focus on what truly matters, curating each moment with care and intention. With a smaller scale, your wedding can be designed around meaningful pauses and emotional highlights, from the walk down the aisle to the first dance. You might include a welcome toast, an extended dinner, or a deeply emotional vow exchange—if you're unsure about crafting your vows, check out our guide on how long your vows should be for inspiration.  

The beauty of micro wedding planning lies in the freedom it offers to focus on what matters most. With fewer guests and a relaxed pace, there’s room to include personal details that reflect your story like a handwritten note at each place setting, a custom playlist, or a special reading by a loved one.  

Micro wedding dress inspiration

Although you could choose any style of wedding dress for a micro celebration, many brides find themselves drawn to designs that mirror the intimate tone of the day. With fewer guests and more meaningful moments, there’s often a desire for gowns that feel lighter, more personal, and easier to wear throughout the day. A civil ceremony dress offers clean structure and quiet elegance which is suited to modern venues or a city backdrop, while simple wedding dresses in lightweight fabrics like chiffon or crepe bring softness and romance which is perfect for open-air settings like terraces and courtyards. For a more defined silhouette, a mermaid wedding dress hugs the figure and flares at the hem adding a bold, sculptural element that contrasts beautifully with smaller spaces. Whether you lean minimalist or dramatic, the intimacy of a micro wedding lets every detail of your dress shine. 

Where to host your micro wedding reception and ceremony

One of the most exciting parts of planning a smaller wedding is choosing a location that feels deeply personal. If the coast is calling, a micro beach wedding creates a naturally romantic atmosphere, where vows are exchanged to the sound of waves and golden light lingers into the evening.  A backyard micro wedding brings its own charm, allowing you to transform a familiar space with soft florals, string lights, and home-cooked food. For something in between, try a glasshouse in the forest filled with natural light, or a rooftop terrace with sweeping city views at sunset.  

A micro wedding lets you celebrate somewhere meaningful—whether it’s a mountaintop, a vineyard, or a coastal retreat—so it’s worth choosing a setting that reflects your story and feels truly personal.

The beauty of doing more with less

One of the most appealing aspects of a micro wedding is how it allows couples to focus their budget on what truly matters. With fewer guests, the overall spend often comes in well below that of a traditional celebration, freeing up space for special touches—like a bespoke menu, a live musician, or a couture gown. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about choosing where to invest it. Whether that means a destination photographer, a luxury wedding dress, or an extended honeymoon, many couples find they can prioritize quality over quantity without compromise. 

If you're drawn to the intimacy, the slower pace, or the chance to focus on thoughtful details, a micro wedding offers a more intentional way to celebrate. Some couples value the extra time with loved ones, while others prefer keeping a lower budget and prioritizing what matters most. From personalized menus to meaningful venues, it's about creating a celebration that feels true to you. Get in touch with us today to find the dress that brings your vision to life, because every detail of your day should feel as personal and unforgettable as the moment you say “I do.”