Micro Wedding, Minimony & Elopement during COVID-19 Global Pandemic
We’ve seen so many couple be effected by COVID-19 global pandemic. It’s been crazy for us as vendors as well. All the postponements and even cancellations have really messed with our finances and plans for what 2020 would look like. It’s been hard for everyone and now we’ve seen weddings shift to try and adjust to this whole pandemic. We can’t put a stop on LOVE and that’s what micro weddings and minimony are for! Basically, you get to say your ‘I Do’s’ in front of a small group of loved ones while still social distancing and keeping everyone healthy and safe!
Minimony
What is a Minimony? It is a ‘mini-ceremony’! Simple right?! This is for the couple that doesn’t want to postpone their wedding even if that means cutting down significantly on their guest list! This option will honor your original planned date and will have a small group of people to support you and witness your love! Usually about 10 people, officiant, photographer & videographer. You can still have the ‘wedding day experience’ with this option: getting ready, reading vows to each other, first dance, cake cutting, toasts, and a send off. Although, this minimony is restricted by the number of people and masks, and social distancing; many couples still move forward with a bigger celebration at a later date in order to celebrate with all family and friends that were originally invited.
Check out this Minimony that we captured on July 31, 2020.
Micro Weddings
Micro Wedding: This is as the name suggests a smaller wedding, with under 50 guests. Couples are choosing this option amidst the pandemic due to some states only allowing gatherings of 50 or less people. This option allows you to not postpone your wedding, still celebrate and tie the knot with the closest people in your life. It might not be the big and extravagant wedding you planned or envisioned, but it does honor the date that you envisioned, and the best and most intimate people that will witness your marriage and be so happy for you!!
Though tiny in guest count, a microwedding differs from a minimony. Plus, it isn't an elopement, which is usually planned and attended only by the couple (and a witness) and often performed in secret (though not always). Think of a microwedding as a cross between an elopement and a big, traditional wedding—and it might just be the perfect compromise to suit your style.
Microweddings, however, are not the type of occasion where couples should look to cut corners from the beginning. Many couples who throw microweddings will splurge on a top-shelf open bar and a savory sit-down dinner simply, with intimacy in mind. With a guest list of 35 of your nearest and dearest, a tropical destination weekend wedding, a designer wedding dress or a decadent brunch at a five-star restaurant becomes much more feasible.
Check out a quick film from a microwedding in August 2020 at Juliette Chapel HERE.
Elopement
An elopement has evolved in the last five years especially as couples are increasingly personalizing every aspect of their lives. Traditionally, elopements were considered spur-of-the-moment and unplanned events involving an element of secrecy. Today, there is still an air of sweeping romance involved in elopements, but couples are taking the extra steps to personalize it too.
Many elopements have a sense of spontaneity and adventure. However, some may be a courthouse elopement followed by a photo session which may include some family. Usually an elopement is just the couple and the officiant but sometimes may include the couple’s parents and siblings (~10ppl).
Many vendors choose to only offer elopements on weekdays as it is a small event and Saturdays may be booked out already with bigger events.
There are no rules to an elopement and you don’t have to follow tradition in any way! There doesn’t need to be a cake (unless you rly want one), but could also be a piece of cake of pie, or your favorite pizza! There is no ‘bridal party’ but a nice way to include your friends is by having one of them officiate the wedding. An elopement is not about tradition, instead it focuses more on the couple and their love for each other, and what their experiences.
Learn more about Eloping in GA here!
Check out this elopement back in March 2020 at Juliette Chapel and Montaluce Winery HERE!
The traditional way of weddings are evolving, not only due to COVID19 pandemic, but because younger generations do not want to adhere to some wedding traditions. A smaller wedding and fewer expectations allows you to be more flexible and creative. You're free to change things up—for example, you won't feel pressure to include wedding traditions that have never really resonated with you. Also, a teeny, tiny wedding will be easier to coordinate, no matter where you are or what you're doing. Though a massive guest list would make for a full and festive party, another potential pitfall is you wouldn't be able to catch up with everyone there. With a microwedding or minimony, you'll be able to prioritize spending quality time with each and every loved one at your event. This is one case in which less is totally more. Finally, keep in mind: Having an intimate or large, black tie - or - no tie wedding is ultimately up to you! This is the time to really evaluate who is really important in your life and to build strong foundations moving forward in your marriage. Always remember to have fun and ask for help! No stress is the best!
Credits: The Knot blog
Photos: @hellencophotos