Plan a Micro Wedding: Checklist and Timeline
Pink floral arch and chairs set up for a small wedding ceremony.
If you don’t want the headache of a traditional wedding, but still want to celebrate, think about planning a micro wedding!
What Is a Micro Wedding?
A micro wedding is typically 25 people or less. Planning a micro wedding gives a couple the chance to celebrate with those who are truly their nearest and dearest.
A micro wedding can have all the romance and tradition of a typical wedding, just on a smaller scale.
By choosing an intimate celebration, a couple can save money, time and stress. A micro wedding can be held at a smaller venue without a traditional caterer. It’s easier to plan and execute, especially for a DIY couple.
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Before You Start Planning
Before you start booking things, take some time to think about how you want your wedding to be. Do you want it to be formal, semi formal or casual?
Do you want a wedding that feels traditional, just with a smaller guest list? Or do you want to skip some of the events that usually happen during the reception?
Timeline for a Traditional Micro Wedding
Table set for a micro wedding reception.
The best thing about a micro wedding is that it can look any way you want. You can include everything from a first dance to a grand exit. Or you can skip most of the traditions and just host a simple dinner.
If you want to have all the traditional wedding events, plan a typical timeline for your micro wedding:
6:00 pm Guests mingle at cocktail hour.
7:00 pm Guests are seated.
7:15 pm Bride and groom make their grand entrance and first dance.
7:25 pm Parents make a welcome toast.
7:30 pm Dinner is served.
8:15 pm Maid of honor and best man make their toasts.
8:30 pm Special dances.
8:40 pm Open the dance floor.
9:30 pm Cut the cake.
9:45 pm Toss the bouquet and/or garter.
10:00 pm More open dance floor.
11:00 pm Bride and groom make their grand exit.
Micro Brunch or Lunch Wedding Timeline
If you’d like to have a daytime wedding, you can plan a brunch or lunch instead of dinner. For a typical lunch or brunch, you can start your reception at 11:00 am:
11:00 am Guests are seated.
11:15 am Bride and groom make their grand entrance and have a first dance.
11:25 am Parents make a welcome toast.
11:30 am Brunch or lunch is served.
12:15 pm Maid of honor and best man make their toasts.
12:30 pm Cut the cake and serve dessert.
12:55 pm Toss the bouquet and/or garter.
1:00 pm Special dances and open the dance floor.
2:00 pm Bride and groom make their grand exit.
Short Micro Wedding Timeline
If you’ve got a smaller venue or you’d rather skip the dancing, you can plan a super easy reception. A micro wedding can be as simple as a nice dinner, a few toasts and conversation.
With a small group, you don’t need squeeze in all the typical wedding events if you don’t want to. You can just arrive and be seated at the same time as your guests:
7:00 pm The group arrives and are seated.
7:15 pm Appetizers and drinks are served.
7:30 pm Toasts can be made by the couple, the parents or the bridal party.
8:00 pm Dinner is served.
9:00 pm If you’ve ordered a special cake, you can cut it and serve it for dessert.
10:00 pm Reception ends and the group departs.
Steps to Take When Planning a Micro Wedding
A bride and groom walking down the aisle in a forest setting. Image by Carats & Cake.
While a micro wedding is on a smaller scale, you’ll still need to take your time to plan each component, just like you would for a big wedding. Before you start, find an organization method that works well for you.
Some people like to keep track of things on paper while others thrive with virtual tools. There are plenty of free templates and apps you can use, so find one that works for you.
Setting a Budget
Your very first step must be to set your budget. Without a solid plan, you run the risk of overspending and potentially running out of funds for components of your wedding that are most important to you.
Sit down with your partner and discuss your vision for the big day. Talk about venues, guest lists, expectations, and anything else you may have not touched upon. This will help you determine your priorities, which will help you allocate your budget efficiently.
Next, start researching venues and vendors to see which ones fit your budget and your vision. Use this information to set your budget for each category. That way, you won’t find yourself maxed out in one area.
Finally, as you go through the planning process, track every penny you put towards your wedding day. Sit down weekly to go over receipts and deduct from your budget categories. If you don’t you run the risk of going way over budget.
2. Choosing a Venue or a Location
Your wedding location is crucial. There are so many types to choose from, especially since you’re hosting a micro wedding!
Your guests can fit into an abundance of affordable spaces, so don’t be afraid to get creative. Here are some ideas you can use to get started.
Backyards: If you or your family has a backyard big enough to accommodate your wedding, it will save you big bucks! You’ll need to rent tables and chairs, as well as arrange the food service on your own, but it will be much more affordable than a venue.
Community centers: These spaces are often blank canvases and very affordable. You’ll need to start from scratch to create your wedding vision, but most come with tables, chairs, and some sort of food prep area.
Destination spots: Micro weddings with tiny guests lists means you can organize a destination event for a lot less than a bigger event! Many resorts have all inclusive wedding packages where you pay one fee and just need to show up with your outfit to find all of the details taken care of!
Urban lofts: If you live in a big city, look for ads for lofts for rent. You’ll get unparalleled views of the city and an unbeatable experience!
Museums and galleries: Many of these spaces offer event areas that allow for after-hours access to the displays. This makes for amazing photos and unique memories for your guests.
3. Vendor Selection
Vendors are an important part of your wedding day. When planning a micro wedding, do your research on vendors who specialize in small orders. Some will have a minimum spend, which won’t work with your tiny guest list.
Look up reviews on Google and ask your venue for suggestions. Many have already hosted micro weddings and will provide a list of trusted venues for you to explore.
Use an app, spreadsheet, or notebook to keep track of which vendors you visit with and what the high points of each one were. This will help you make an informed decision.
How to Create a Micro Wedding Budget
A bride and groom walking down the aisle with friends and family in the background. Image by David's Bridal.
Whether you’re holding a micro wedding for personal reasons or to cut costs, it’s crucial that you set a budget early on.
This will give you and your partner the opportunity to have a frank conversation about money, which is an important skill for any successful marriage. It will also help manage expectations for the planning process.
Budget Breakdown
Venue - 30%
Catering - 20%
Attire & Rings - 15%
Flowers & Decor - 10%
Entertainment - 5%
Photography - 10%
Miscellaneous - 5%
Unexpected expenses - 5%
Cost-Saving Tips
DIY where you can - Whether it’s your decor or food options, look for opportunities to do it yourself! There are lots of resources online that will help you get it right. Plus, you’ll be able to shop around and get the best price for supplies. Don’t be afraid to ask
Try negotiating with vendors - As you attend tastings and meet with vendors, don’t be afraid to negotiate or ask for discounts. Their smallest package may still be too much for your micro wedding, so they may be willing to compromise. The worst they can say is no!
Look for alternatives - Wedding vendors often cost more than others due to the nature of the event. Think outside the box and look for alternatives to typical wedding services. For example, you can buy a beautiful cake from a grocery store bakery or even Costco for a fraction of a traditional wedding cake.
Go seasonal - No matter what season you’re getting married in, there are foods, colors, and decor items that are naturally abundant and, therefore, less expensive. When planning your menu, consider produce and proteins that are in season. Choose a wedding theme that makes it easy for you to find decor in local stores, so you don’t have to special order everything.
Nix the open bar - Hosting an alcohol-free wedding will save you big bucks, even with a small guest list. Instead, offer fun drink stations where guests can customize their beverages. If you want to include alcohol on a budget, offer one or two options and purchase them in bulk from Costco.
Sample Budgets
50 Guests, $10,000 Budget
This sample budget represents the top of the micro-wedding category, with max guests and max budget to still be considered “micro.” It assumes you’re renting out a venue that will provide tables and chairs as well.
Venue & ceremony costs - $3000
Catering - $2000
Attire & Rings - $1500
Flowers & Decor - $1000
Entertainment - $500
Photography - $1000
Miscellaneous - $500
Unexpected expenses - $500
50 Guests, $5,000 Budget
This budget represents a wedding held in a park or community center with 50 guests. You’ll need to be creative, but it’s completely doable!
Venue & ceremony costs - $1500
Catering - $1000
Attire & Rings - $300
Flowers & Decor - $200
Entertainment - $100
Photography - $
Miscellaneous - $250
Unexpected expenses - $250
25 Guests, $2000 Budget
This micro wedding is as small as they come. It may seem like a tight budget, but if you host in a family member’s yard and get creative with DIY and thrifting, you can throw a beautiful wedding!
Venue & ceremony costs - $600
Catering - $400
Attire & Rings - $
Flowers & Decor - $1000
Entertainment - $500
Photography - $200
Miscellaneous - $100
Unexpected expenses - $100
Micro Wedding Timeline: When to Do What
A two-story indoor venue space with greenery and table settings. Image by Kindred Weddings & Events.
Once you’ve decided on your wedding style and timeline, write your guest list and start looking at venues. If you’re looking at traditional wedding venues, like hotels and ballrooms, I find that it’s best to start planning a year ahead of time.
12 Months Before Your Wedding
Set the budget.
Choose a wedding date.
Decide what type of a meal you’d like to serve.
Select your wedding theme/color palette.
Tour and select your venue.
Start a rough guest list.
Meet with vendors for tastings and interviews.
Ask your friends and family to be in your wedding party.
11 Months Before Your Wedding
Book any rentals you’ll need for your wedding.
Choose your bridal party.
Ask or plan a bridesmaid proposal and a groomsman proposal.
10 Months Before Your Wedding
Book a wedding photographer.
Book a wedding DJ or band.
8 Months Before Your Wedding
Send out Save the Date cards.
Select and order bridesmaid dresses.
Choose your florist.
Book your hair and makeup artist.
6 Months Before Your Wedding
Book a rehearsal dinner venue.
Book your wedding cake baker.
Book a day of wedding coordinator.
Plan and book your honeymoon.
Finalize your vendors.
Send out invitations.
Plan your decor.
Shop for wedding attire.
Purchase accessories.
3 Months Before Your Wedding
Buy or rent the groom and groomsmen outfits.
Attend pre-marriage counseling or courses.
2 Months Before Your Wedding
Attend your bridal shower and bachelorette party.
Buy your wedding rings.
Meet your officiant to plan your wedding ceremony.
1 Month Before Your Wedding
Attend your wedding dress fittings.
Make sure your bridal party has all their clothes and accessories.
Finalize RSVPs and confirm with your caterer.
Create a seating plan.
Get your marriage license.
1 Week Before Your Wedding
Write your day of wedding timeline.
Touch base with vendors to secure delivery times.
Start packing for your honeymoon.
Create a “day of” box with rings, accessories, marriage license, and other small items you’ll need.
Confirm details with your wedding venue or location.
Carve out quiet time with your spouse.
1 Day Before Your Wedding
Attend your rehearsal dinner.
Hand out thank you gifts.
Day of Your Wedding
Get married!
How to Plan a Non-Traditional Micro Wedding
Tree decorated for an intimate wedding ceremony.
If you’d rather have a simpler wedding, you can book a non traditional wedding venue in a much shorter timeframe. For example, if you plan a restaurant wedding reception, all you’ll need to do is organize your ceremony and choose the menu for your wedding dinner.
Or you could plan a non traditional micro wedding in a rented room, a community center or even a private home. If you’re a casual couple, you could have an I Do BBQ wedding in your own backyard.
If you’re planning a unique reception or doing DIY, you might not need all the vendors I’ve included on the checklist. If you’re not hiring all the vendors I mention, just cross them off and keep moving down the list:
Before You Start Planning
Set your budget.
Choose your wedding date.
Write your guest list.
Choose Your Venue and Menu
Choose the venue for your wedding reception.
Decide if you’ll hire a caterer, order from a restaurant or DIY your wedding food.
Book your caterer or restaurant or start to plan your DIY menu.
Plan Your Wedding Ceremony
Decide where you’ll have your ceremony.
Choose an officiant to perform your wedding ceremony.
Attend any pre-marriage or counseling classes.
Write or choose your wedding vows.
Plan any ceremony readings or music.
Plan the decorations for your ceremony venue.
Get your marriage license.
Choose Your Bridal Party
Decide if you’ll have a bridal party.
Ask your bridal party to be in your wedding.
Choose dresses and suits for your bridal party.
Make sure everyone orders their outfits.
Buy thank you gifts for your bridal party.
Invite Your Guests
If you’ve got 6 months or more before your wedding, send Save the Date cards to your guests.
Send your wedding invitations 8 weeks before the wedding.
Collect the RSVPs.
Hire Your Wedding Vendors
Wedding photographer.
Day of coordinator.
Florist for bouquets, boutonnières or decor.
Wedding cake baker.
Hair and makeup artist.
DJ or band.
Buy or Rent Your Wedding Items
Wedding dress and accessories.
Groom’s outfit and accessories.
Wedding rings.
Wedding favors.
Programs or menus.
Decorations.
Plan or Attend Any Extra Events
Engagement party.
Register for gifts.
Bridal shower.
Rehearsal dinner.
Honeymoon.
Top Micro Wedding Trends
A bride and groom kissing in front of a large glass window with guests cheering inside. Image by Elegant Wedding Invites.
Popular Themes
The theme you choose can instantly elevate your wedding, even if you’re on a budget. This is especially true for micro weddings, where every detail counts!
Here are the most popular trends that lend themselves well to small affairs to make every moment pop.
Rustic elegance
Modern minimalist
Boho-chic
Eco-friendly sustainability
Enchanted forest
Fashion Trends
Your wedding attire should be uniquely you. That means you don’t HAVE to wear an elaborate white dress if that just isn’t your thing. Thrifting is totally on trend for micro weddings.
Scour tag sales, second hand stores, and online thrift stores to find the wedding outfits of your dreams. And think outside the box. If you and your spouse enjoy quirky style, don’t be afraid to rock a wedding suit or more casual dress.
You can also expect to see more exaggerated accessories that add visual interest to a small wedding affair. This could be in the form of oversized pearls, a statement veil, or matching printed fabrics incorporated into your outfits.
What’s most important is that every fashion choice is exactly what YOU want!
Innovative Ideas
The beauty of micro-weddings is that you have complete control over every element. You won’t be limited by the cookie-cutter experience most wedding venues offer. Here are some cutting edge ideas that will instantly elevate your event.
Unusual locations - A smaller guest list means your party will fit in all sorts of locations. Consider local parks, art galleries, pubs, and historic homes that will offer a unique backdrop for your nuptials.
One-stop weddings - Bigger weddings often have two locations: the ceremony and the reception. But with a micro wedding, couples often combine the two and host everything in one stop. This means you save on transportation costs and can keep the momentum of your party going.
High-tech elements - Since the guest list is so limited, couples turn to tech to ensure all of their loved ones can join in on the big day. This could look like live streaming the event on a wedding website or using augmented reality to offer guests unique experiences.
Interactive food & drink stations - Instead of a sit down dinner, micro wedding hosts are offering guests fun experiences with their food and beverages. Perhaps you’ll set up a build your own burrito station, an infused water table, or even a donut wall!
Bold colors - Micro weddings are all about in-your-face choices, so muted color palettes just won’t do! Bold colors are in for micro weddings because they add another element of interest and fun to the event. THis could mean bold decor or even colorful elements in the bride and groom’s wedding attire.
