Molly + Tricia’s Richmond, Virginia Elopement. Photo by Shawnee C Photography

You Really Can Have a Ball by Keeping It Small

I love suggesting micro-weddings to couples on a tight budget or couples who don’t want to deal with the emotional labor of planning a highly detailed wedding. Micro-weddings are small celebrations that don’t skimp on style but do cut a majority of the costs. But there are a few other benefits to having a tiny wedding, as well.

1. Deal with Fewer “Guestpectations”

No need to worry about your shady Aunt’s opinions or the awkward conversation between guests who you haven’t seen in 30 years, because they’re not invited. Keeping your guest count below 30 people will free up a world of options for you, such as your choice of venue, date, food, decor, and entertainment. Free yourself from the strain of what other people think or how other people are going to judge your choices. Chill the fuck out and enjoy yourself sans the wack expectations of guests you ordinarily don’t interact with anyway.

Katie + Sylvester’s New York City Elopement. Photo by Amber Marlow.

2. Save Money, Money, Money

To create a beautiful wedding, all you really need is: a bouquet, apparel, confections, and a small venue or pop-up area, an officiant, and optionally, a photographer to document the moment. Photographer aside (because, let’s be real, you get what you pay for), you can have a beautiful tiny wedding for less than $2,500. When you don’t have a lot of people to feed or a venue you need to reserve for more than four hours, weddings suddenly don’t seem so costly. If you’re on a tight budget because you just bought a home or because you just can’t justify spending what you spent on your education (and are likely still paying off) for one day, then have a micro-wedding. You’ll save yourself a lot of money and experience much less stress. Which brings us to our final point…

Frank + Inger’s NYC Elopement. Photo by Kamila Harris Photography.

3. Save Time and Cut Out Stress

The time and stress spent planning a wedding is a lot to consider. Some people love it, most people don’t, and even more don’t know what to expect when they get started. I’ve seen fights (like fisticuffs y’all), intense arguments, full-on breakdowns, and emotional blow ups because of this one day. The stress can take a toll on your body, mind, and finances. In fact, one of the top causes of divorce is financial distress (sorry to take it there, but this shit is real). Walking into your happily ever after with a huge amount of debt hanging over your heads is less than ideal. Save the 9-18 months you would have spent planning and get hitched on your own terms. Think of all the other things you can enjoy with the money you’ll save! Things like eliminating debt, going on a trip, buying a home or a car, moving, starting a business, pursuing a new career, or going back to school.

Micro-weddings may not be the solution for everyone but if you want the liberating power of not bending to anyone else’s whims, go for it! It’s your day.

JORDAN MANEY

Jordan A. Maney is a San Antonio-based wedding planner and owner of All The Days Event Co. She she started her company as a planning haven for all the couples the industry chooses to ignore. Instead of just making a brand, she's building a community. Find more of her sass, humor, and Southern hospitality at allthedaysweddings.com.