30 Guest Micro Outdoor Wedding: How to Organise One

26-Sep-2023

In the age of intimacy and authenticity - not to mention in a post-COVID world - micro weddings have soared in popularity. With a focus on sustainability as well as more intimate ceremonies, many couples are now leaning towards smaller, more personal celebrations that focus on close connections rather than grand gestures, not just in an attempt to save money but to break with expensive tradition.

Not only is a micro wedding easier on your purse strings, but with fewer guests, you have much greater control over where and how the ceremony takes place, ensuring that every aspect of the day feels deeply personal and memorable. While it might seem like a logistic minefield, it’s actually incredibly simple to organise an outdoor micro wedding - let’s take a look at how!

Choosing the Perfect Location

Firstly, finding the ideal location for your intimate gathering is paramount, and with only 30 guests, you can truly think outside the box in a way that you wouldn’t be able to with a larger wedding.

For example, consider beautiful gardens, local beaches, secluded woodlands, or even the back garden of a family home. In short, the beauty of a micro wedding is its flexibility; as you’re no longer bound by the constraints of larger venues, you’re free to select a place that truly resonates with you and your partner’s love story, wherever that may be.

Curating Your Guest List

Crafting a guest list for a 30 person wedding can be challenging but also rewarding, and it’s definitely something you and your partner should work on together. It's essential to prioritise inviting those who have played a pivotal role in your lives, but it’s also equally important that both spouses-to-be have an equal number of guests to invite, give or take 1 or 2.

Food and Beverages: Quality Over Quantity

With fewer mouths to feed, you can invest in a higher quality dining experience when throwing a micro wedding. Consider hiring a private chef to curate a gourmet menu, or opt for a farm-to-table dining experience where every ingredient is fresh and locally sourced. Beverages can also be a focal point: instead of a broad selection, focus on a few exquisite wines, handcrafted cocktails, or even personalised drinks that tell a story.

One challenge that arises with outdoor weddings, especially those in remote or unique locations, is ensuring that the food remains fresh and drinks stay chilled, but this is where a refrigerator trailer for rent comes in handy. Compact yet efficient, these trailers ensure that everything from your appetisers to desserts remains at the perfect temperature.

Setting the Atmosphere: Decor and Ambience

Just because you’re not hosting your wedding in an elaborate venue, it doesn’t mean you can’t create a beautiful space; in fact, decorating an outdoor space, especially for a smaller gathering, allows for ultimate creativity and personalisation. To make the most of your chosen location, embrace the natural surroundings; for example, if you're in a woodland setting, incorporate elements like fairy lights intertwined amongst the trees, or if you're by the beach, consider a simple yet elegant altar with the ocean as your backdrop.

The focus should be on enhancing the natural beauty rather than overshadowing it; use soft drapes, candles, and floral arrangements that complement the surroundings, while ensuring fire safety. Also, think about the ambience as the day progresses. As the sun sets, ensure there's ample lighting to create a romantic and warm glow, making your evening unforgettable.

Dress Code and Theme

Given the intimate nature of a micro wedding, you can suggest a specific colour palette or even a particular dress style - with only 30 people to account for, it’s less likely that guests or plus-ones don’t follow the theme. Whether you opt for a casual boho vibe, a vintage twist, or a black-tie affair, the smaller guest list ensures that the theme remains cohesive throughout.

Personal Touches

With only 30 guests, you can go the extra mile to make each person feel truly special. Consider handwritten notes expressing gratitude for their presence in your life, or a bespoke gift that reflects shared memories. You also have an opportunity to incorporate personal stories or traditions into the ceremony or reception, ensuring your wedding is a reflection of your unique journey, as well as of those in your close circle.

Ensuring Everything Runs Smoothly

While the scale of your wedding is smaller, the importance of logistical planning remains paramount. Here are a few considerations:

Weather Preparedness

As with any outdoor event, the weather can be unpredictable, so you’ll want to ensure that you have contingencies in place, be it a gazebo, umbrellas, or even space heaters for chillier evenings.

Transport and Accessibility

Make sure your location is accessible to all guests, considering things like parking and facilities for those who might need assistance.

Professional Assistance

Even though it's a micro wedding, don't shy away from enlisting professional help; whether it be a wedding planner for logistics, a photographer to capture those intimate moments, or staff to ensure the dining experience is seamless, professionals can significantly enhance your event's quality.

The Bottom Line

So, whether it's a gathering of 300 or 30, the essence of a wedding is the union of two souls, the merging of two journeys, and the promise of a shared future - no matter where the ceremony takes place. Embrace the beauty of intimacy, cherish every moment, and here's to a lifetime filled with love, joy, and countless memories!