Micro Wedding vs. Minimony: How to Choose?

Weddings have always been celebrated as grand and extravagant affairs, but times are changing, and the traditional concept of weddings is being redefined. The era of lavish ceremonies with hundreds of guests is giving way to more intimate and personalized celebrations. 

Two emerging trends in this realm are micro weddings and minimonies, offering couples alternative options that focus on the essence of their love and commitment while minimizing stress and maximizing the joy of the occasion. In this article, we will explore the differences between micro weddings and minimonies, and provide tips on choosing a photographer, regardless of the type of celebration.

Reasons For The Changing Landscape of Weddings

In recent years, weddings have undergone a transformative shift, deviating from the traditional norms and embracing new possibilities. Couples today seek more intimate and personalized celebrations, driven by perspectives that prioritize experiences over extravagance, a desire for minimalism, and a quest for reduced stress in planning and executing their special day. Here are a few reasons for the shift:

Perspective of People

Couples today often prioritize experiences and personal connections over materialistic displays. They are seeking more intimate celebrations that allow them to spend quality time with their loved ones and create meaningful memories. They like to focus on the quality time that they intend to spend during their wedding. 

Minimalism

The minimalist lifestyle has gained popularity in recent years, and weddings are no exception. Many couples are embracing simplicity and opting for smaller, more intimate gatherings that reflect their style and values. It is also an ecologically favorable option considering that weddings generate a lot of waste that goes into landfills. 

Less Stress

We all know that planning a large-scale wedding can be overwhelming and stressful. Micro weddings and minimonies provide couples with a more manageable and stress-free planning process, allowing them to focus on what truly matters – their love and the celebration of their commitment. It is not as though they are doing away with the sanctum that comes with the marriage, all they are bidding goodbye to is the frills and the drama. 

Micro Weddings

Micro weddings are intimate affairs typically consisting of 20 to 50 guests. They often take place in non-traditional venues such as private gardens, small restaurants, or even the couple’s backyard. The emphasis is on creating a warm and personal atmosphere, where every guest feels included and connected. Some go as far as getting married at a place they met or proposed like a library or even a train station. 

Minimonies

Minimonies are even smaller in scale, often limited to immediate family and close friends, with guest counts ranging from 5 to 20 people. These intimate ceremonies serve as a precursor to a larger celebration that is planned for a later date. Minimonies are ideal for couples who wish to have a private and meaningful exchange of vows before hosting a bigger reception in the future. Most couples who had their wedding during the pandemic are redoing their ceremonies through a minimony. 

Differences between Micro Weddings and Minimonies

Guest Count

Micro weddings have a slightly larger guest count compared to minimonies, accommodating up to 50 guests, while minimonies are more intimate with guest counts ranging from 5 to 20 people.

Venue Selection

Micro weddings often take place in small venues or non-traditional locations, whereas minimonies can be held in more casual settings like the couple’s home or a local park.

Ceremony Focus

Micro weddings prioritize a complete wedding experience, including a ceremony and reception, while minimonies primarily focus on the ceremony itself.

Time and Planning

Micro weddings require more extensive planning as they involve multiple aspects such as catering, decor, and entertainment. Minimonies, on the other hand, require less time and planning since they are simpler and more intimate.

Post-Ceremony Celebrations

Micro weddings usually include a reception where guests can celebrate and enjoy a meal together, while minimonies tend to forgo the larger reception in favor of a more intimate gathering.

Choosing A Photographer

Regardless of whether you opt for a micro wedding or a minimony, capturing the special moments through photography is of utmost importance. Wedding photographs serve as cherished memories and can act as proof of the love shared on that day, becoming keepsakes for future generations.

Here are five tips to help you choose the right photographer for your celebration:

Research and Review

Take the time to research photographers in your area, review their portfolios, and read testimonials from previous clients to gauge their style and quality of work.

Personal Connection

Schedule meetings or phone calls with potential photographers to get a sense of their personalities and ensure you feel comfortable with them. It’s crucial to have a photographer who can create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere during the shoot.

Style Compatibility

Consider the style of photography you prefer, whether it’s traditional, documentary, or artistic. Look for photographers whose style aligns with your vision for capturing your special day.

Experience and Expertise

Assess the photographer’s experience in shooting weddings, their technical skills, and their ability to handle different lighting conditions and situations. An experienced photographer can anticipate and capture the fleeting moments that make weddings unique.

Budget and Packages

Discuss pricing and packages with the photographers you are considering. Ensure that their rates align with your budget and that their packages include the services and products you desire, such as prints, albums, or digital files.

Conclusion:

If you have decided to get married and want to keep the affair low-key, it does not matter whether you decide to elope, have a micro wedding, or have a minimony, all that does is you enjoy the whole process of preparing and the course of the entire day of your wedding. It is pointless to be stressed as everything will settle in a few moments. However, the stress will spoil your wedding pictures as frowns cannot be disguised with makeup or camera tricks. So remember to stay calm, drink some tea and enjoy the day when you get married to a person of your choice.