An Interview with MicroWED Collective Founder, Jennie Swenson
Micro weddings: for couples with big wedding dreams on a small budget. Sounds appealing? Then this article is for you! We’re dishing out all the things about this trending wedding option. Micro weddings have become an enticing option that more and more couples are opting for in recent years. Especially those seeking a more intimate or budget-friendly wedding option over the traditional 200+ guest affair.
Though micro weddings are not a new concept, they have become much more popular and widely understood since the pandemic, when many couples chose to plan a more intimate wedding over postponing. Since then, micro-wedding popularity has sustained, and even dare I say, grown since then. Why? Because of the rising costs of wedding vendors and venues, more and more couples are choosing simplicity over opulence. And, as I’m sure you’ve heard before…one of the best ways to keep things simple and budget-friendly is to trim your guest list.
So, whether you are new to micro weddings and just starting to explore, or are in deep with plans, this article is jam-packed with information, resources, and advice. So, dive in as we discuss all things micro weddings through a conversation with the founder of MicroWED Collective, Jennie Swenson.
- About MicroWED Collective
- Micro weddings defined
- Planning a micro wedding
- Additional micro wedding FAQs
Meet Our Micro Weddings Expert!
Before we discuss some important questions about micro weddings and planning advice for couples exploring a small wedding option, let’s meet our micro wedding expert, Jennie Swenson!
Before we discuss some important questions about micro weddings and planning advice for couples exploring a small wedding option, let’s meet our micro wedding expert, Jennie Swenson!
Here is her story and insights for couples considering a small, intimate wedding experience.
What is a microwedding?
I define a micro wedding as a wedding between 1-50 guests. There are many variations of the definition and some gray areas with elopements (which I consider 0 guests), but I don’t want to overcomplicate it.
How did you decide on a micro wedding?
My partner and I started our wedding planning journey with a plan to throw a big ol’ party. We’re both a little older, so we thought since our time had finally come, we would really celebrate! Naturally, I started the planning process by going to all the big wedding planning websites and contacting venues. It didn’t take long before I faced the reality of the expense of having a wedding that size in my area (Colorado).
We then wrestled with changing up different aspects of the wedding to try and keep the budget under control but quickly realized that for the money we wanted to spend, we were going to end up with something that didn’t really feel like us.
“We hosted friends and family for the entire week for the same amount we had budgeted for a locally hosted afternoon/evening event for 150 people.”
When we finally came around to the idea of having a smaller wedding, it was like this “Aha” moment. We suddenly wondered, “What happens if we cut our guest list from 150 to 50”? Once we started researching, we came across so many more venue options. Ultimately, we found an amazing VRBO in one of our favorite towns in Southwest Colorado where we could host the event. In fact, we hosted friends and family for the entire week for the same amount we had budgeted for a locally hosted afternoon/evening event for 150 people. It seemed like a no-brainer.
How did MicroWED Collective come to be?
Once we decided to have a micro wedding and I really got into planning, everything I saw and read in my research made me feel like I was doing it wrong. I remember feeling like everywhere I went, I was being told that we had to have this, and that, and the other thing, and it was completely stressing me out. Everyone kept telling me it was because I wasn’t the typical bride, but I knew I couldn’t be the only one who felt this way.
I realized the problem was that I didn’t know what to look for. I didn’t even know the term “micro wedding”. Once I realized I had to adjust my search strategy to get beyond the typical wedding results, I found amazing small wedding venues and vendors everywhere. The key was that you had to know where to look.
The Quest to Help Bridge the Gap in the Micro Weddings Marketplace
A few months after our micro wedding, my husband and I launched an elopement photography business, inspired by his experience photographing a stunning elopement earlier that year. As we searched for platforms to promote our business, we didn’t find much that was aligned with our brand, was in our price range, and would accept us as a new vendor. It felt like my wedding planning experience all over again. That’s when it hit me: no one is serving this community – from the couple’s side, or from the vendor’s side. This experience, combined with the challenges in planning our wedding, put the gap in the marketplace into sharp focus.
“That’s when it hit me: no one is serving this community.”
After doing market research to confirm my assumptions, I launched a simple website and social channel for what I called MicroWED Collective. I started networking like crazy, and the response from the market was instantly positive. People were so stoked to have this resource for couples, so I kept going, ultimately leaving a more traditional career to focus on this full-time.
Now couples send us messages that are so excited to find out this is a thing and are now considering it for their day. With each message, I am reminded of the importance of providing accessible resources for those seeking a wedding experience that truly reflects who they are.
Micro Weddings Defined
Now that you’ve heard Jennie’s story about why and how MicroWED Collective came to be, let’s get into some of the nitty gritty about what a micro wedding is, what it is not, and who this style wedding may be right for.
How do micro weddings differ from a minimony or an elopement?
The wedding industry typically defines a micro wedding as a small-scale celebration of between 20 and 50 guests, combining elements of a traditional wedding with an intimate setting. In contrast, a minimony is a scaled-down ceremony held with a limited guest list, often followed by a larger celebration at a later date. An elopement involves just the couple exchanging vows privately, usually without any guests present.
Who is a micro wedding right (or wrong) for?
One of the first steps most pros recommend when planning a wedding is starting with the guest list. The guest list, the overall theme, and the budget. By establishing your theme and talking through your budget, couples may arrive at a micro wedding or an elopement organically. For example, a destination wedding is a natural fit for a micro wedding, or if you want to be married on top of a mountain, or on a houseboat, perhaps you’d choose to have a smaller guest list to accommodate that vision.
There are challenges with having a smaller wedding though, specifically, with the guest list. Some people might find it challenging to cut their guest list down to 50 or less due to having large families or large friend groups, and so for them, a smaller wedding might not be a good fit. In these cases, couples might not choose to have a small wedding because they’re fearful that someone may be angry with them for not being invited, which is understandable, but there are cases where maybe that’s okay.
The most important thing is just making sure people are landing on the guest list for the right reasons—whatever those reasons are for you.
Planning a Micro Wedding
Next, we discuss advice for couples who have decided to go with a micro wedding, including how to begin the process and what resources exist for planning a more intimate, budget-friendly celebration.
Where should couples begin their process for planning a micro wedding?
Start with drafting the guest list, followed by defining the overall theme and budget. Through discussions surrounding the theme and financial considerations, couples may find that a micro wedding or elopement aligns best with their vision.
Photo by: Savannah Chandler Photography
What are your top recommended resources for couples planning a small wedding?
We’re creating more and more resources specifically for micro-wedding planning on the website. There are a lot of similarities with more traditional weddings, so we provide information to couples about what’s different and what the opportunities are as it relates to planning a micro wedding. On Instagram, we regularly share videos with helpful tips, and images of micro weddings from around the country.
Additionally, we offer comprehensive guides that take couples through our proven step-by-step processes for creating the perfect guest list and finding the perfect, unique wedding venue—both things I wish I had had when I was planning my wedding. We’re even getting ready to launch one-on-one micro wedding consulting to help you get set up to plan an amazing micro wedding. You can find more information about all of that here.
We also have a directory of vendors who are really excited about micro weddings, and this list is growing every day. Ultimately, we are working to create a space where couples planning a small wedding can see great examples of what they’re envisioning, see how a micro wedding can come to life, and, dare I say, that it’s totally ok to have a small wedding.
What advice can you give couples who decide to go with a small wedding?
Don’t apologize for having a small guest list, or choosing to elope, or have a micro wedding. Remember that this day is about celebrating the love between you and your partner and all decisions should be made through that lens.
Try not to get discouraged if you’re not finding things that fit your vision right off the bat. With some patience, a little detective work, and some creativity, you’re likely to find the perfect thing to make your dream wedding come to life.
“Don’t apologize for having a small guest list, or choosing to elope, or have a micro wedding. Remember that this day is about celebrating the love between you and your partner and all decisions should be made through that lens.”
Recap of Micro Wedding Tips and Tricks
Lastly, let’s recap the great tips and advice shared for micro wedding planning.
Who are micro weddings right for?
- Suitable for individuals who prioritize intimacy and genuine connections over event scale and accommodating family guest list wishes.
- Micro weddings also align well with unique settings like destination weddings or scenic locales.
Where should couples begin their process for planning a micro wedding?
- Start with the guest list first to determine the size of the micro wedding you’re working with, then define the theme or desired destination and budget.
What are some top resources for couples planning a micro wedding?
- Using specific search terms to find micro wedding vendors not yet listed in directories.
- MicroWED Collective’s planning guide, and additional tools that are offered for free on the website.
What advice can you give couples who decide to go this route for their wedding?
- Embrace the decision without apology, focusing on celebrating love and partnership.
- Be patient and get creative in finding elements that are aligned with the wedding day vision.
Micro Weddings FAQs
Here are some additional frequently asked micro wedding questions that might be helpful as you consider going down this path.
Wedding experts cite lower costs, increased intimacy, flexibility in venue options, and reduced planning stress as some of the pros of having a micro wedding; however, everyone’s experiences will be different.
Potential drawbacks of a micro wedding include limited guest lists, potential disappointment for excluded loved ones, and challenges in accommodating diverse preferences within a small group.
Attire for a micro wedding can range from casual to formal, depending on the couple’s preferences and the chosen venue. Brides may opt for a traditional wedding gown, a chic cocktail dress, or a stylish suit, reflecting the event’s intimacy and personal style.
In all cases, including a micro wedding, it’s best practice to communicate with your guests openly and honestly about your wedding day decisions. Couples can share the news through personalized invitations, wedding websites, or direct conversations, emphasizing the desire for an intimate celebration with a select group of loved ones.
And before you go, check out these additional articles for budget-friendly wedding planning!
If there’s anything we missed or additional questions you have, feel free to reach out to Jennie or me.
Happy planning!
Kels