Let’s spill the tea on one of the wedding industry’s best-kept secrets: micro weddings. If you’ve got champagne taste on a prosecco budget (and honestly, who doesn’t?), you’re going to want to keep reading. Because here’s the thing – your dream wedding doesn’t have to come with a nightmare price tag or a guest list longer than a CVS receipt. Enter the micro wedding: the savvy bride’s answer to having it all without compromising on style.
What’s the Tea on Micro Weddings?
First things first – let’s break down what we mean by “micro wedding.” Think of it as the perfect middle ground between an intimate elopement and a traditional wedding that has your second cousin’s roommate’s sister on the guest list. A micro wedding typically hosts 50 or fewer guests (including the happy couple), but don’t let the smaller size fool you. These celebrations pack all the traditional wedding elements you love into a more intimate setting.
But wait, it gets better. A micro wedding isn’t just a smaller version of a traditional wedding – it’s a chance to reimagine your perfect day with an emphasis on quality over quantity. You still get the gorgeous venue, the ceremony, the reception, and all those picture-perfect moments. The main difference? Every single detail can be elevated because you’re not stretching your budget across a massive guest list.
The Luxe Factor: Why Micro Weddings Are THE Move
Here’s where things get really good. Remember that designer wedding dress you’ve been eyeing? Or that premium open bar you thought you couldn’t afford? With a micro wedding, suddenly those “maybe someday” dreams become “absolutely yes” realities. Here’s why:
Budget Breakdown Benefits
When you’re hosting 50 guests instead of 150, your per-person budget can triple without increasing your total spending. Let that sink in. This means you can upgrade from standard catering to a gourmet plated dinner, swap basic bubbles for premium champagne, and say yes to those designer shoes you’ve been dreaming about.
Think about it this way: Would you rather serve basic chicken to 200 people, or treat your closest 50 friends and family to a luxury dining experience they’ll talk about for years? (Trust us on this one – the answer is obvious.)
Quality Time > Quick Hellos
Beyond the material upgrades, there’s something even more valuable you get with a micro wedding: actual quality time with your guests. Instead of spending your reception doing the obligatory “hello and thank you” rounds, you can have meaningful conversations and create genuine memories with the people who matter most.
Signs You’re Made for the Micro Wedding Life
Not sure if a micro wedding is your vibe? Here are some tell-tale signs you might be perfect for this elevated intimate celebration:
- The idea of an intimate, luxury experience appeals to you more than a big party
- You believe in quality over quantity in every aspect of life
- The thought of a massive wedding gives you more stress than excitement
- You want every detail of your wedding to be Instagram-worthy
- You’d rather spend time actually enjoying your wedding than managing it
- Drama-free celebration is your ultimate goal
- You want your personality to shine through in every detail
Keeping it Bougie, Not Basic: Micro Wedding Must-Haves
Let’s talk about how to make your micro wedding absolutely unforgettable. Here are the elements that take your celebration from simple to stunning:
The Perfect Venue
Your venue sets the tone for the entire celebration. Look for spaces that offer:
- Intimate spaces that won’t feel overwhelming with your guest count
- Historic charm or modern luxury (or both!)
- Instagram-worthy photo opportunities
- Dedicated getting-ready spaces
- Versatile areas for both ceremony and reception
Elevated Dining Experience
With fewer guests to feed, you can transform your reception meal into a true culinary experience:
- Multiple courses with premium ingredients
- Wine pairings
- Interactive food stations
- Late-night luxury snacks
- Custom cocktails
Premium Photography
When you’re not rushing through 1,000 group photos, your photographer can focus on capturing genuine moments and artistic shots that truly tell your story.
Personal Touches That Wow
Here’s where you can really let your personality shine:
- Custom welcome gifts for each guest
- Personalized place settings
- Luxury favors people will actually want to keep
- Interactive experiences or entertainment
- Meaningful decorative elements that tell your story
Making it Happen: Your Micro Wedding Game Plan
Ready to start planning your luxury micro wedding? Here’s your roadmap to success:
Timeline Tips
- Book your venue 6-12 months in advance
- Secure your dream vendors early (the best ones book up fast!)
- Send save-the-dates 4-6 months before
- Mail invitations 2-3 months before
- Create a day-of timeline that allows for relaxed, meaningful moments
Vendor Selection
With a micro wedding, you can often book premium vendors who might be out of reach for a larger celebration, such as:
- Photographers who specialize in intimate weddings
- Florists who can create show-stopping installations
- Caterers known for innovative menus
- Musicians or DJs who can read the room
- Planners who understand the micro wedding vision
Where to Splurge vs. Save
Splurge on:
- Venue
- Photography/Videography
- Food and beverage
- Key design elements
- Personal attire
Save on:
- Quantity of flowers (focus on statement pieces)
- Paper goods (fewer invitations needed)
- Transportation (smaller guest list = easier logistics)
- All ‘per person’ costs!
Why 1860 Schulhaus is Perfect for Your Micro Wedding…
Speaking of perfect venues, let us introduce you to 1860 Schulhaus in New Melle, Missouri (Hey – That’s us!) – the micro wedding experts you’ve been looking for. Our historic venue combines old-world charm with modern luxury, creating the perfect backdrop for your intimate celebration.
Our all-inclusive micro wedding package includes everything you need for the perfect day:
- 5 hours of venue time (with the flexibility to add more)
- Full use of our stunning bride and groom suites
- Carefully curated decor that elevates your vision
- A beautiful two-tier cake
- Champagne toast for all your guests
- The freedom to customize with your chosen vendors
- Expert guidance from our team who specializes in micro weddings
Plus, with a maximum capacity of 50 people, every space in our venue was designed with intimate celebrations in mind. From our historic architecture to our Instagram-worthy photo spots, we’ve created the perfect setting for your elevated micro wedding.
Ready to Start Planning Your Dream Micro Wedding?
We’d love to show you around 1860 Schulhaus and chat about how we can bring your micro wedding vision to life. Our team of experts knows exactly how to maximize your budget while creating an unforgettable luxury experience for you and your guests.
Contact us today to schedule a tour and learn more about our micro wedding packages. Trust us – once you see how amazing your intimate luxury wedding could be, you’ll wonder why you ever considered anything else.
Remember: Your wedding day should be exactly what YOU want it to be. If you’re dreaming of an elevated, intimate celebration that puts quality over quantity, a micro wedding at 1860 Schulhaus might be exactly what you’re looking for. Let’s create something amazing together.
Did you know…when you choose a locally owned wedding venue you are helping to develop and improve the local economy? It’s true! Your locally owned wedding venues are small business owners creating hundreds of jobs every year. Please consider a locally owned venue, you can find more on this wedding venue map. Here are a few locally owned wedding venues around the country: Celebrations Event Center, The Hillcrest Estate, The Hidden Abbey, Ellas Garden, Round Barn Farm.
Thank you for supporting our locally owned venue: 1860 Schulhaus!
