Traditional weddings can be enormous, boisterous, and fun. If you think of intimate and laid-back when you picture your wedding, traditional weddings might not be for you. Elopements and micro weddings fit more into that category.
Since the pandemic began, we’ve seen a growth in elopements and micro weddings. We’ve also seen couples confuse the two. Though similar, elopements and micro weddings are very different ways to celebrate your union.
So, what are elopements and micro weddings, and how can you decide which is best for you? We think knowing the main differences is the first step. It puts you in a better place to decide which works best for your vision.
What Are Elopements?
Defining an elopement is necessary because it’s slightly different from what it used to be. Elopement weddings have come a long way from when they were impulsive decisions by couples. Now, an elopement wedding takes some planning.
Nowadays, couples can take a trip that ends up in a honeymoon somewhere memorable. They could also apply and get a marriage license prior. Some elopements could also feature a few select people invited by the couple.
Elopements are like an open adventure that couples plan and enjoy without interference from family and friends. The day is about the couple, and it mainly features four people: The couple, their celebrant, and their wedding photographer.
What Are Micro Weddings?
Micro weddings are like the love child between elopements and traditional weddings. A simple way to think of a micro wedding is like a conventional wedding with fewer guests. A micro wedding typically has no more than 50 guests.
Couples planning a micro wedding include all of the elements in a traditional wedding. Examples are pre-wedding activities like the bridal shower, bachelor’s party, etc. The main wedding also includes most wedding rituals observed in conventional weddings.
5 Main Differences Between Micro Weddings and Elopements
Looking at both definitions, you may wonder if an elopement is a micro wedding. While some people may agree, there are some key differences to consider. Here are five ways that elopements differ from micro weddings.
The Guest List
Elopements are between just you and your partner. As we mentioned earlier, your only guests could be your celebrant, a witness, and a photographer or videographer. For some couples, the photographer also acts as a witness.
On the other hand, micro weddings can have up to 50 guests. While larger than elopements, this number often means that the guest list is exclusive to only close friends and family. It’s like having a wedding with just your VIPs.
The Timeline
For elopements, the timeline is casual and loose. Most couples need around 3 hours for the whole celebration. The only times scheduled would mostly be for the celebrant and hair and makeup. Your ceremony then has a start time, and that’s it.
Micro weddings, however, need a structured timeline. They are just like traditional weddings, after all. You’ll have more vendors in attendance and more wedding rituals to follow. All of those need a time frame to make things go smoothly.
The Wedding Venue
Elopements can happen any and everywhere. It all depends on the couple. They might need a permit if they choose a place like a public park, but that’s about it. Setting up an altar and chairs is not compulsory, so there is much more freedom to choose.
However, couples planning a micro wedding will need to choose a location. While there is still freedom to go somewhere more intimate or smaller, you will have to make plans officially. Guests must be catered to since you want to make your celebration memorable.
Wedding Planning
Planning for an elopement generally involves filing for your marriage license and hiring your vendors. These could include hair and makeup artists, florists, and photographers. You could also choose a location and get a permit if necessary.
Sometimes couples also add a reservation for dinner to celebrate after the ceremony. Or you could choose to do a small reception with loved ones. Other than those, there is very little planning involved with an elopement.
Micro weddings involve all the planning involved in a typical wedding. You need to create a guest list, a plan for seating, entertainment, and vendors, and handle other wedding elements. Some couples work with a wedding planner to make things easier.
Your Budget
Couples with even the smallest of budgets can have an elopement wedding. The costs to consider are majorly those of the wedding celebrant and the photographer. Depending on your choice, you may also have to pay for a location permit.
Micro weddings will cost a bit more because you have guests, so you’ll have to include catering, entertainment, and décor.
In Conclusion
Micro weddings and elopements, while similar, have their distinct differences. Knowing these differences can help you know which is best for your celebration. So, do you have an answer yet?
