Micro-weddings offer an intimate celebration focused on what matters most – your special day with closest family and friends.
With a smaller guest count of typically 20-50 people, choosing the right vendors becomes even more important since each detail will be noticed and remembered.
This quick guide helps you select and work with vendors who understand the unique needs of micro-weddings while maximizing your budget.
Essential Vendors for Micro-Weddings
- Photographer/Videographer – Documents intimate moments
- Venue Coordinator – Manages logistics
- Caterer – Provides scaled dining experience
- Florist – Creates personalized decor
- Officiant – Performs ceremony
Finding the Right Vendors
- Search “#microwedding” on Instagram to find vendors experienced with intimate events
- Ask venues for their preferred vendor lists
- Read reviews specifically mentioning small weddings
- Join local wedding planning Facebook groups
Questions to Ask Potential Vendors
- Have you worked on micro-weddings before?
- Can you provide a customized package for our small group?
- What’s your minimum booking requirement?
- How do you adjust your services for intimate gatherings?
Budget Considerations
While micro-weddings cost less overall, the per-person cost might be higher since you’re providing premium experiences for fewer guests.
| Vendor Type | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Photographer | $1,500-3,000 |
| Catering (per person) | $75-150 |
| Flowers | $1,000-2,500 |
Timing and Booking
- Book venue and photographer 6-8 months ahead
- Secure catering 4-6 months before
- Arrange flowers 3-4 months prior
- Book officiant 2-3 months in advance
Making the Most of Your Vendors
Consider asking vendors about combination services – many offer package deals for micro-weddings.
Request detailed timelines from each vendor to ensure smooth coordination.
Ask about customization options that might not be possible with larger weddings.
Smart Planning Tips
- Create a shared document for vendor contacts and timelines
- Schedule vendor meetings on the same day when possible
- Keep communication channels open with a group chat or email thread
- Request samples or trials before booking when applicable
Next Steps for Your Micro-Wedding
Start by creating a priority list of must-have vendors based on your vision and budget.
Research and contact at least three vendors in each category to compare services and prices.
Remember that with fewer guests, you can focus on quality over quantity in your vendor selections.
Working With Your Chosen Vendors
Once you’ve selected your vendor team, maintaining clear communication becomes crucial for your micro-wedding’s success.
- Schedule a group vendor meeting 1-2 months before the wedding
- Share final guest count and timeline with all vendors
- Designate a point person for day-of vendor coordination
- Create a backup plan with each vendor for unexpected changes
Maximizing Vendor Services
Photography and Videography
- Request more intimate couple shots with extra time available
- Plan for detailed decor and candid guest photos
- Consider adding a same-day photo preview
Catering and Food Service
- Explore chef’s table or interactive dining experiences
- Add premium menu items within your budget
- Include specialized drink pairings or tastings
Creating Memorable Moments
With fewer guests, consider unique vendor-provided experiences:
- Live music during dinner service
- Custom cocktail mixing demonstrations
- Individual floral arrangement workshops
- Personal vendor interactions with each guest
Your Perfect Micro-Wedding Journey
Remember that a micro-wedding allows for more personalized vendor relationships and attention to detail. Focus on selecting vendors who share your vision and understand the intimate nature of your celebration.
Start your vendor search early and trust in the professionals you’ve chosen to help create your perfect day. With careful planning and the right team, your micro-wedding will be an unforgettable celebration of love.
FAQs
- What is considered a micro-wedding and how many vendors do I typically need?
A micro-wedding typically includes 20-50 guests, and usually requires 4-6 core vendors: an officiant, photographer, caterer, florist, and potentially a musician and small venue coordinator. - How far in advance should I book vendors for a micro-wedding?
Book key vendors 6-8 months in advance, especially if planning during peak wedding season. Popular photographers and venues should be secured first, followed by other vendors 4-6 months before the date. - Do I need a wedding planner for a micro-wedding?
While not always necessary for micro-weddings, a day-of coordinator or partial planning service can be valuable, especially if you’re hosting at a non-traditional venue or managing multiple vendors. - How much should I expect to save on vendors with a micro-wedding versus a traditional wedding?
Micro-weddings typically cost 40-60% less than traditional weddings. Many vendors offer specific micro-wedding packages with reduced rates due to shorter hours and smaller guest counts. - Which vendors can I potentially skip for a micro-wedding?
You might skip traditional vendors like a DJ, videographer, wedding coordinator, or full-service caterer. Many couples opt for playlist music, restaurant catering, or combine vendor roles for micro-weddings. - Should I expect vendors to have minimum booking requirements?
Yes, some vendors may have minimum booking requirements. However, many now offer specific micro-wedding packages, or you can negotiate reduced services to match your smaller scale. - How do I ensure vendors are experienced with micro-weddings?
Ask to see portfolios of previous micro-weddings they’ve serviced, request references from past micro-wedding clients, and confirm they offer appropriate scaling of services for smaller events. - What should be included in vendor contracts for a micro-wedding?
Contracts should specify scaled services, exact guest count limitations, timeline, contingency plans, cancellation policies, and any COVID-related provisions. Ensure all reduced services and prices are clearly documented. - How can I coordinate multiple vendors for a micro-wedding efficiently?
Create a shared timeline document, establish a point person for vendor communication, and schedule a pre-wedding vendor meeting to discuss logistics and coordination details. - What are the most important questions to ask potential micro-wedding vendors?
Ask about their experience with intimate weddings, specific micro-wedding packages, flexibility in customizing services, backup plans, and whether they can recommend other vendors who work well with smaller events.
