The wedding planning process has changed significantly in 2020 and into 2021. I’m here to share some GOOD news, and give you the tips that I’ve learned over the past year.

I’m Laura, a wedding photographer based in Suffolk and I’ve been working with my couples since March 2020 to re-plan their weddings. Along the way, I’ve learned a number of things.

1. Small is better

For the past number of years, I’ve watched wedding guest counts (and price tags!) get really out of hand when planning. In my experience, this is usually due to family pressure. At some point, a lot of my couples have started to feel like it’s not even their wedding any longer. That they’re along for the ride.

THIS IS YOUR EXCUSE TO HAVE THE WEDDING YOU ACTUALLY WANT TO.

Whether that’s at a registry office in London, or at a venue, you can still have an incredible day!

You now have full control over the guest list. You get to invite the most important people in your life to be there, and you actually have time to be with them. Your wedding is about the MARRIAGE, it doesn’t have to be about a huge party if you don’t want to.

 

2. You get to spend better, quality time with your guests

Traditionally at bigger weddings, it’s actually rare for my couples to actually talk to everyone that attends their wedding. With a smaller wedding, you can now spend time with everyone you’ve invited and make wonderful new memories.

 

3. Cost

Couples this year and last year are saving so much money on weddings, and you get to really spend the money in places you want to. Why not have that lavish 7 course tasting menu that you’ve always wanted!? Or have that dreamy floral arch you’ve always dreamed of that’s been on your Pinterest board since day 2 of being engaged.

4. You’re not restricted by timings

There are no tight schedules, no 100+ guest that need to be entertained and accommodated. You have total freedom on what you do with this day. With a smaller wedding, there’s something really wonderful about how relaxed it is, there’s far more time to chat and actually enjoy the time together.

 

5. Better wedding photos

As a wedding photographer, this is the most exciting part of micro weddings for me. Weddings have become much simpler overall. Which means, less stress for you on the day. No problems to troubleshoot, you just get to enjoy the day. You haven’t got to plan this HUGE event and coordinate 100+ guests on your day. This lack of worry on the wedding day, really comes through in the photos as you have pure freedom to spend your day exactly how you want to.

We have all the time we need for photos, and we’re in control of the time of day we take them. At a traditional wedding, the photo session just kind of fits wherever it fits.

 

So how do you plan the best micro wedding?

My suggestions:

Spend some of the money you’re saving on bringing in great vendors.

Budgets usually get stressed really thin because of the number of guests at the wedding. This is your excuse to involve all of the vendors you would want to have for your dream wedding.

 

Set up an on location dinner, or move to a restaurant.

With smaller guest counts, it’s now possible to set up a small reception wherever you’d like.

 

Don’t overthink it!

A micro wedding is meant to be much more relaxed and personal. Focus on what’s important to YOU – you’re getting married to the one you love! A smaller day might not be what you originally had in mind, but it can still be so magical. You can always throw a huge anniversary party the following year!!

 

Thanks for reading and if you have any other questions, feel free to reach out if you’re planning your micro wedding, I would be SO excited to chat!!