Hey there, loverves! The heart of today’s conversation is going to be all about the charm and elegance of luxury micro weddings. That and exactly how much to budget for them! While the 2020 pandemic might seem like a long time ago, the truth is that we’ve seen a significant shift in how couples are choosing to celebrate their love. Gone are the days when a large guest list was the hallmark of a memorable wedding. Today, more and more couples are choosing intimacy, exclusivity, and personalization. But it doesn’t always come at a smaller cost!
So, whether you’re dreaming of saying ‘I do’ on a secluded beach, in a blooming garden, or within the walls of a historic castle, today’s episode is for you. We’ll be unpacking everything you need to know about planning and budgeting for your luxury micro wedding.
Because remember, my lovely listeners, your wedding day is about celebrating your unique love story in the most unforgettable way. And sometimes, smaller really is better. So, grab your notebook, and let’s start planning the micro wedding of your dreams, shall we?
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EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: What Does a Luxury Micro Wedding Cost?
To fast-forward to a specific part of the podcast episode, check out the timestamps below:
- What a luxury micro wedding really is [4:34]
- Choosing a wedding venue for your micro wedding [5:56]
- Investing in personalized experiences and luxury decor and florals [8:36]
- What to budget for that is NOT affected by guest count [10:25]
- Budgeting for a wedding planner [12:46]
Links Mentioned in the Episode
- Grab our FREE wedding budget checklist
- Purchase our COMPLETE wedding budget bundle spreadsheets
- Visit the ASK THE PLANNER Wedding Planning Templates Shop
THANK YOU TO OUR PODCAST SPONSORS!
In my experience as a luxury wedding planner in the Finger Lakes and Upstate New York region, I have witnessed the magic that luxury micro weddings can bring to couples seeking an intimate yet grand celebration.
By hosting a smaller event, couples can allocate more resources per guest, ensuring that every detail is meticulously planned and executed to perfection. From stunning floral arrangements to exquisite table settings and personalized favors, every element contributes to creating an ambiance of luxury and sophistication.
While there isn't a specific number of guests that constitutes a micro wedding, I would generally say you're looking at guest counts of less than 75 people.
Essentially, unlike traditional large weddings, luxury micro weddings emphasize quality over quantity. So while it is possible to have a simple and sweet wedding with your nearest and dearest, today we are talking more about those over-the-top micro weddings you see on Pinterest. Have you ever wondered what they really cost?
Venue Selection and its Impact on Costs
First, let’s talk about the wedding venue. From upscale vineyards with stunning views to elegant estates nestled in picturesque settings, each venue choice offers a unique ambiance that can elevate your celebration. Consider how the location, exclusivity, and amenities of the venue influence overall costs, as premier locations often come with a higher price tag.
For example, if a venue typically has a $50,000 food and beverage minimum, that will be much easier to reach with a guest count of 150 guests compared to a guest count of even 100.
Therefore, it would make sense that one of the biggest challenges micro weddings face is understanding food and beverage minimums. These minimums can significantly impact your wedding budget and venue options, prompting you to explore unconventional wedding venues to ensure a memorable experience for your guests while staying within your desired cost range. For those reasons, it might make more sense to choose a backyard wedding venue or an airbnb, which we talked about last week in episode 135.
Nontraditional wedding venues
You might also consider other nontraditional wedding venues like art galleries, rooftop bars, or even botanical gardens, which can provide a unique backdrop for your special day. These venues often have lower minimum requirements, allowing you to allocate your budget towards enhancing the overall guest experience rather than meeting a venue's financial requirements.
Since COVID, many venues have created space for micro weddings, but keep in mind that these spaces might not be the same ones they are advertising online. Make sure if you’re choosing a popular wedding venue, that you are participating on a walk-through of where YOUR micro wedding will be held and ask if there will be other weddings during the same time or weekend.
And don’t forget, you can grab our FREE wedding budget checklist. Inside, we remind you of all of the things you need to consider when creating a budget for your wedding day. Especially when it comes to venue costs.
Luxurious Yet Intimate Decor
Next, let’s move on to the fun stuff. Imagine walking into a venue that feels like a page out of a fairy tale, where every detail reflects your love story. With a smaller guest count, you have the unique opportunity to elevate your decor from lovely to downright breathtaking. And yes, we're talking about ditching those folding chairs for something a tad more regal.
Think about it – real, plush furniture that invites your guests to relax and immerse themselves in the celebration. Sofas, armchairs, and elegant tables that not only add to the aesthetic but also create cozy, intimate spaces for conversation and connection.
And let's not forget about the centerpieces. With fewer tables, or even just one longer table, you can afford to go all out. Imagine lush florals, intricate details, and candles that cast a warm, inviting glow over the evening.
The sky TRULY is the limit and there is no easy way to assign a budget number to a micro wedding, but just know that even IF you are choosing more luxurious decor options, you’ll likely be paying less than you would when choosing a basic option for 250 guests. We dive deeper into decor and florals in episode 132 if you are interested!
Wedding Budget Considerations for a Luxury Micro Wedding (Not Affected by Guest Count)
Next, let’s break down a few more things that are typically NOT affected by guest count. We shared more about every single one of these in episodes 133, and 134, so make sure to tune into those episodes too!
First up, we have photography and videography. For a micro wedding, the essence of what you're capturing doesn't change. However, the scale of the event might mean you need these vendors for fewer hours compared to a traditional wedding. If you DO still want full day coverage, the cost will likely be the same. The same is true for your entertainment too! Most micro weddings will have a shorter timeline and a more dinner-party-esque vibe, which will mean that you’ll be spending less on entertainment because of the fewer hours that will be required.
Next, let’s talk about your wedding day glowup, which like the other categories, costs about the same. Whether you're saying “I do” in front of 20 people or 200, you want to look your best. Your attire, makeup, hair, and prep costs will likely be consistent with what you would spend during a traditional wedding day. The only exception is maybe if you decide to scale back your wedding party. And honestly, more and more of our couples are opting to have just 1 VIP for each side, like a maid or matron of honor and a best man or woman only and no one else.
That might not work for everyone, but it does make for a less frantic getting-ready experience in the morning, allowing you more time to ease into the day.
Hiring a wedding planner for your luxury micro wedding
The truth is, the cost can vary WILDLY. You might pay $1,000 for someone brand new to handle day of coordination. Or, you might pay an experienced full-service wedding planning and designer upwards of $20,000 OR MORE.
When dreaming up a micro wedding, it's easy to imagine a day that's effortlessly chic and brimming with personalized touches. But here's the thing – creating that flawlessly vibey experience doesn't just happen, as you’ve likely realized by listening to this podcast.
While it's true that the scale of the event can impact some cost elements, it's important to understand that the value of a wedding planner isn't just in managing guest numbers. Their expertise lies in their ability to bring your vision to life, no matter the size of your celebration. They also ensure everything is executed seamlessly and you get to be present with your loved ones. That peace of mind is truly priceless.
CONCLUSION
As we draw the curtains on our incredible journey through the ins and outs of wedding budgeting, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for tuning in, for sharing your hopes and dreams, and for allowing us to be a part of your wedding planning adventure.
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