Micro Weddings, Mini-monies, & Macro Receptions

 There are some etiquette rules for weddings, but they are meant to be customized! We are seeing more weddings that focus on quality of food and vendor services and a lower guest count. So no matter your situation, there is a celebration to suit you!

If you find yourself sifting through all of the possibilities, we have a few daydream worthy ideas for your big day.

Consider renting a natural beautiful spot, like a botanical garden, for a small ceremony before an upscale tea with small sandwiches and teacakes. If serving a small number of guests at a cocktail, elevate a charcuterie board with small cuts of tri-tip or cubes of steak paired with a couple of signature cocktails.

If you want the full wedding day with fewer guests, micro-weddings are for you! A micro-wedding is only micro because of the guest count. The wedding day can still include all of the reception events like, cake cutting, first dances, dinner and toasts.

If you are looking to downsize your ceremony and keep it close family and friends only, but still want to include your friends near and far for an after party, you have options! Why not enjoy an intimate ceremony at a beautiful or cozy church, before heading for a private dinner with ceremony guests? It can be as high-end or upscale as you'd like, with limited guests. In fact, if your venue can locate a cozy spot for dinner for your small party, continue the low-key vibes by relaxing and eating there (and even doing private toasts) before opening the reception up for a cocktail party with champagne and hors d'oeuvres for the wider guest list. Mix fancier hors d'oeuvres on a buffet table with a pre-sliced rustic loaf of sourdough and bowls of quality oil and vinegar at each table so guests can dig in while they wait for the table line to clear out.

Providing a lush grazing table with meats and cheeses or cheese and fruit (please don't forget ample tongs for each food 'type,') or a food truck caterer with limited menu for an hour or so keeps the atmosphere casual and the guests fed and happy.

If you are utilizing a grazing table or breakfast bar, never underestimate the natural beauty of a snack or dessert bar stuffed with color. Think an abundance of fruits and veggies, macarons, or spring rolls bursting with fresh ingredients (peeking through the rice paper)! Keep different types of foods respectfully separate for different dietary restrictions, and provide plenty of tongs for each food type to minimize mixing and keep guests flowing past the table all night.

Or- keep it simple with a dessert bar. You can do a cake cutting with champagne toasts if the mood strikes. Keep your fancy wedding cake small, and utilize sheet cakes to make sure there is enough cake for everyone. Guests will party into the night, fueled by the sugar from your fave desserts (think brownie bites, cookies, rice krispy treats, macarons, pudding parfaits in sleek cups, or skewers of fruit drizzled in chocolate).

With all of these possibilities, you're bound to find the perfect combo that won't break the bank but will match your vibe and keep your guests content!