Let's talk micro-weddings...
Covid has thrown EVERYONE through a loop this year, and couples planning to get married are no exception. If you’re like most, you’re probably looking at your list of to-do’s (secure a venue, hire a florist, book a photographer, invite guests… wait… how many guests are allowed at a venue these days?!).
Maybe you’ve already seen my post about backyard weddings and thats still not really your style… or maybe you kind of like that idea but you just don’t know where to start with a micro-wedding or elopement. Well, hopefully this blog post helps. It won’t be much (I don’t want to overwhelm), but it should be enough to get you started!
And while we are talking about getting started, that leads me to my first point:
Keep it simple. I mean, or don’t… this is YOUR wedding. But this is your permission to not need to do all the things if you don’t want to do all the things. My advice would be to make a list of all of your “must haves”. Maybe your dress is super important, or maybe florals are your thing. Maybe photos are the top priority on your list or maybe it’s an amazing dinner for all 30 of your guests to enjoy after the ceremony. Whatever it is, write it down and prioritize it. Then fill in the gaps everywhere else with what fits. This will give you your framework for how to approach your micro-wedding.
Find vendors who specialize in small ceremonies. A wedding planner is honestly one of my favorite vendors that couples hire, and there are some amazing planners in RVA who specialize in small celebrations. A good photographer who also is experienced in small weddings can be equally as beneficial. Why? Because a lot of times when we think “small scale” we think “short timeline”, but that is not always the case. A good photographer who is versed in small weddings will help you find the RIGHT timeline for your day. It might be 2 hours, it might be 6. But what you don’t want to have happen, is to feel rushed on your day or feel like things are too drawn out. They also, like planners, probably know some great spots to host your ceremony and amazing small wedding vendors to compliment your day.
Think outside the box. A small scale wedding invites a world of new possibilities that you might not have been able to accomplish with 100+ guest list. This could be a larger budget for your catering, a dream venue that couldn’t previously host a large wedding party, or time for creative photos. As the year progresses and weather gets colder, I’m suggesting to my couples to book non-traditional indoor spaces. Places like Focal Point Studio (you might need your photographer or planner to book this one for you) or the second floor landing at the ICA. If outdoors is truly your jam though, there are SO MANY amazing state parks just waiting for you to say “I Do”!
Some popular elopement/micro-wedding locations in RVA:
Most of these locations likely need permits, but your planner or photographer can likely help you navigate that.
Byrd Park
The Carillon (at Byrd Park)
Forest Hill Park
Libby Hill Park
The Grounds at the Capitol Building
There is so much more we could dive into, from vendor recommendations to the timeline of your day. But I’ll save that for after you decide that a micro-wedding is right for you. And if you do, I know a girl who can help you through the process ;)