Congratulations! You have found the man of your dreams and he asked you to be his wife! Now what? Where do you start? Oh, wait we are in the middle of a global pandemic that started during engagement season and many couples wedding planning journeys. With the news broadcasting 24 hours a day and social media posting about postponed/canceled weddings and quarantine timelines extended, not to mention all the new “wedding trends and buzzwords”  popping up it can be hard to make sense of everything.    So how do you decide what type of wedding celebration is the one for you?  

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When we think about weddings, we typically think about a ceremony and reception with 100++  guests. According to The Knot, on average couples spend 12-15 months planning, invest $34,000, and host about 130+ guests.  In 2018 10% of weddings fit into 2 other categories micro or intimate.        

Given the current uncertainties, there are several ideas and options being proposed to you right now.  To help you choose the one that is perfect for you we breakdown the 5 Types of Wedding Celebrations. 

Traditional Weddings

Traditional weddings are full celebrations consisting of ceremony and reception, no matter the style (classic, modern, rustic). There is an extensive guest list of 100+  and an infinite number of vendors that you hire for the production of your big day.   Typically you have events throughout the day such as certain photos before/after, ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. During the reception, guests are offered a sit-down dinner with drinks and desserts. You can decide to cut a cake, throw and bouquet, and have special dances before partying for the rest of the night.  

Includes: Full celebration (Ceremony, Cocktail Hour & Reception)
Time: 4-6 hours
Guests: 75++ (Guest count on location and CDC guidelines)
Planning time: 6 -18 months  

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Intimate Weddings (aka Small Weddings) 

Intimate weddings typically have fewer than 50 guests and can be a full celebration with an exclusive list of vendors. You can have a beautifully designed ceremony, reception with a full timeline of your special day.  Your guest list will take some serious consideration given that it is more exclusive as well.  Dinner, drinks, and dessert is served, and don’t forget the entertainment.   This option is perfect for the couple who wants an intimate affair, keeping their budget in mind and do not want to spend 8-12 months planning a wedding.  An intimate wedding can be planned in a short amount of time (3-6 months).

Includes: Can include everything in a traditional wedding with an exclusive list of vendors.
Time: 2-4 hours
Guests: Up to 50 (can go up to 75 guests based on location and CDC guidelines)
Planning time: 3-12 months

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Micro-Weddings (aka Minimonies, Pop-up Wedding) 

Micro Weddings are increasingly becoming popular for couples who have postponed or rescheduled their wedding and still want to get married on their original date.  It is also common for the couple who wish to have something smaller and shorter than an intimate wedding.  For a micro wedding, you invite fewer than 20 guests, hire only the necessary vendors to assist you in planning, designing a beautiful altar, and executing your wedding.   You would only invite family and super close friends for a quick ceremony, champagne toast, dessert, and a send-off.    For others who can not be present due to the current restrictions add a fun live stream such as Lovestream for the wedding ceremony, this has become very popular {use promo code TYNDALE20 for 10% off}.   A micro wedding can be planned and executed within 1-2 months.  So if you really want to get married in 2020 this is a great option for you.  

Includes: Officiant, location, photographer, wedding cake, music, live streaming, champagne toast, beautiful ceremony altar, bouquets and boutonnières.
Guests: Up to 25 (can go up to 50 guests based on location and CDC guidelines)
Planning time: 1-3 months  

Elopements

If your finance is all you want and need for your special day, you may even choose to elope. This is a private ceremony only with the two of you (can include up to 25 guests), the officiant, and possibly a witness (make sure to check state and county laws about witness regulations). You can hire a photographer to capture the moment and a florist for your bouquet.   This is ideal for the couple looking to get married now and do not want to go through the whole planning process.  You can start planning this now and be married within the next month.

Includes: Officiant & Location
Time: 60 min
Guests: Up to 25
Planning time: 1 month

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Pop-Up Wedding Events

Pop-Up Wedding Events area a great way to give micro wedding guests a macro experience.  The events provide couples a beautifully elegant and professionally planned wedding celebration without the price tag of a traditional wedding.  The event can include traditional wedding details such as music, photography, cake cutting, toast, cake cutting, light bites and florals.  Couples can also add on livestreaming such as LoveStream for guests not in attendance {use promo code TYNDALE20 for 10% off}.  Pop-up events Up to 4 weddings are spaced out in one day allowing for ample time for set up/ resetting, and Covid cleaning in between each couple’s celebration. These pop-up wedding events are 90 min in length, are preferably 25 guests but can go up to 50 guests, check your local CDC guides for guidance.

Includes: Everything described in a Micro Wedding (see above) is included in a Pop-Up Wedding Event.  Up to 4 weddings are spaced out in one day allowing for each couple to have a beautifully designed wedding experience at an affordable rate.  There is ample time between each wedding for resetting and Covid cleaning.
Time: 90 min
Guests: Up to 25 (can go up to 50 guests based on location and CDC guidelines)

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Your wedding is “YOUR” wedding! It is a reflection of you as a couple, it should showcase your story, vision, family, and traditions.  Regardless of the celebration type you choose, remember you are marrying the person of your dreams which in itself will be a beautiful day. 

Happy Planning!

We are Small Wedding Atlanta Experts here to help you determine the best option for your wedding celebration.  We offer amazing Micro & Intimate Wedding packages that include exclusive partnerships with venues and vendors.   Contact us for your complimentary consultation.

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Resource credit: PopUpWeddingHouston.com and www.gbwbrands.com