You may have heard the term Micro Wedding floating around. 

With COVID-19 putting a damper on large gatherings, it seems like the next best thing would be a Micro Wedding. 

How exactly does it compare to an elopement or a Pop-Up Wedding?

But first: 

What’s an elopement?

An elopement consists of a very small group, sometimes just the bride and groom. For witnesses, often the photographer and videographer are used.  

Elopements are usually low key and involve just the ceremony and a portrait session. Some couples choose to exchange vows privately and then host a small party or dinner after. Some choose to get married at City Hall. 

What’s a Pop- Up Wedding?

A Pop-Up Wedding is usually hosted by a planning company. It involves wedding vendors coming together to create a beautiful ceremony space and cocktail area. The beauty of these is that the couples get access to full decor design, a photographer and videographer, florals, an officiant, and some refreshments after the ceremony. 

The venue, cost, and wedding vendors are shared with up to 10 couples. 

I photographed for The Pop Up Chapel by Love By Lynzie Events at The Globe and Mail Centre in Toronto. It was great to witness the behind the scenes production while making each couple feel like the space was for exclusively for them. 

What’s a Micro Wedding?

A Micro Wedding (also called Tiny Wedding) consists of 5-50 guests. It’s as you would imagine a regular wedding but with fewer people.

With the couples’ budget now being focused on a smaller guest list, there will likely be an uptick in top-shelf champagne and spirits, Pinterest worthy decor designs, and other luxury services and options. 

I predict Micro Weddings are going to be sumptuous affairs with more creative decor, intimate, candlelight, and eco-conscious elements. I also think there’ll be an upward trend in couples choosing to donate to worthy causes in lieu of wedding favours. I’ve already seen couples opting to do that. 

Options for the restrictions on large guest counts? 

• Exchange vows now – party later! 
• Have a micro wedding
• Elope and live stream it for guests 
• Postpone planning until you know you can party hard with lots of people
• Marry now but then plan a wedding later complete with ceremony (you can even have a friend conduct the ceremony – it’s fun)

Finding it hard to postpone your wedding? 

Consider these options. 

• Book a winter wedding.
• Book a weekday – I have special mid-week Micro Wedding packages for 2020. 
• Consider booking an Airbnb. 
• Choose a photography studio to host your ceremony and small cocktail party after. 

And above all, be easy on yourself. I know a lot of hopes and dreams have been quashed, but I have faith that as a society we’ll all come together, support one another, and who knows, create some new traditions and party harder than ever!

Love is not cancelled!