9 Useful tips for Micro Destination Weddings

Tips for Micro Destination Weddings in Italy

If you’re currently thinking about getting married, chances are you don’t feel confident planning a wedding during uncertain times. Safety restrictions have significantly reduced wedding numbers, and many couples are switching from traditional destination weddings to micro destination weddings instead.

Micro weddings are a traditional wedding celebration counting 40 guests or less. The difference between micro destination weddings and elopements is that in an elopement there are no guests — it is just an intimate ceremony including the couple, the officiant, and sometimes a witness. In a micro wedding you can carefully select your closest loved ones, usually immediate family and closest friends only. Think of it as a halfway point between an elopement and a big traditional wedding.

Having fewer guests also allows a more intimate atmosphere, where everyone can get to know each other and mingle, including the couple, who can focus on all their guests throughout the day. Plus, a whole list of to-do items can be reduced or even erased simply by reducing guest numbers. A small wedding is not only budget-friendly — it also gives the freedom to make the day even more special, allowing you to splurge on key elements. Italy is full of things to see and taste, so you can easily organize sightseeing tours to keep everyone entertained together.

If it’s your decision to go small-scale, here are 9 tips to make sure your micro destination wedding is on point:

Photo by: Lovefolio Photography

1. Listen to Yourself (and Your Other Half)

Don’t let others tell you that micro destination weddings are not the right thing to do. Remember, you can’t meet everybody’s expectations. Family members may be sad about not inviting certain people, or friends may make you feel uncomfortable for not including them. Our suggestion is to explain the reasons why you decided to go small, but then stick to your decision. The wedding is yours.

Photo by: Angelica Braccini

2. Skip the Traditions You Do Not Like

Don’t put pressure on yourself to create the perfect event for everyone. Instead, pick details that will really make it special to you and allow you to create memories that will last forever. Micro destination weddings give you the option to break away from tradition and add your personality. Since you’re keeping the day intimate, you can opt out of “unnecessary” traditions — such as a bridal party — if they have never really resonated with you.

Photo by: Dave Sabio

3. Pick a Wedding Planner

Even if you are planning a smaller wedding, it does not mean you don’t deserve help. Micro destination weddings can be exhausting if you try to pay attention to every detail yourself. The fact that the wedding will be small does not mean that it will be simple to plan — there are a lot of issues to face. Don’t try to handle everything by yourself.

Photo by: Luca Fazzolari

4. Splurge Wisely

When it comes to budget, micro destination weddings simply mean that you splurge on the areas that mean the most to you and your other half, while saving on the others. You may be able to skip certain items completely, though guests’ accommodation and transport are often worth including. If you want to splurge on that stunning designer wedding gown you have always dreamt of, you may be able to go for it with no regret.

Photo by: Pure White Photography

5. Choose the Right Wedding Photographer

Your wedding ceremony will be small but this does not mean it will be less meaningful or memorable. Make sure you capture every moment by booking a talented wedding photographer — ideally one specialized in micro destination weddings — who can follow you for more than one day. They’ll know how to take photos that show the full atmosphere and energy, even with a smaller audience. We also suggest booking a wedding videographer, at least for the wedding day itself. This will also allow you to ask your guests to keep their phones in their pockets, as everything will be covered.

Photo by: Todd Pinckney

6. Play Good Music

Micro destination weddings give the chance to focus the budget on the smaller details. Music can seem like a non-essential item, but remember that it easily sets the mood of the night. Having live musicians at a small wedding can be much more appreciated by an intimate group of guests than a playlist through a speaker. You can still choose your favorite type of music: from jazz to pop, rock, or even typical Italian music.

Photo by: Bottega 53

7. Choose the Right Wedding Cake

Wedding cakes are one of the main focal points of every wedding day, and smaller weddings make no exception. In micro destination weddings the atmosphere is more intimate, and you can customize this aspect like any other. If you don’t want a fancy tiered cake, you can go for you and your partner’s favorite desserts — mix and match different desserts to create a special sweet table. If you want a large cake but are afraid it will be too big, remember that you can have a half-fake cake, where only one tier is real and the others are purely decorative.

Photo by: Marco Vegni

8. Accommodation

Having fewer guests allows you to arrange accommodation for them, so everyone can stay together longer and enjoy more special moments, even on a regular basis. Italy offers plenty of solutions for micro destination weddings, from farmhouses to luxury venues. The venue will be the home base for your stay, so make sure it is well located and special enough.

Photo by: Laura Barbera

9. Include Activities

This goes hand in hand with the previous tip. With everyone together, make sure they know what to do during the days before the wedding. Include special meals as well as activities that people may enjoy. Micro destination weddings in Italy can take full advantage of Italian food and traditions: city sightseeing, wine tours and tastings are everyone’s favorites, but you can also arrange pool parties, BBQ nights and pizza dinners. Make sure you take into consideration the peculiarities of the area and your guests’ average age.

Photo by: Kristina Assenova

Micro destination weddings are a great way to plan a wedding day that is truly yours, from beginning to end. Whatever you do, be yourselves and think outside the box.

If you need any help feel free to contact us.

Photo by: David Bastianoni’s Team