Planning a Micro Wedding in the Hudson Valley

December 3, 2020

If you are planning your wedding in 2021, you will likely come across the term “micro wedding.” Micro weddings were already becoming a hot trend, but their popularity accelerated when they became a necessity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, at Rogan & Co. Events we have experience coordinating micro weddings and know everything there is to know about planning a micro wedding in the Hudson Valley. Today, we want to share that information with you!

It is no secret that COVID drastically impacted the wedding industry in 2020. If you are reading this, it may very well be that you had to postpone your 2020 wedding and are now looking for a safe, yet special, way to marry in 2021. Discover everything you need to know about planning a micro wedding in the Hudson Valley today.

What is a Micro Wedding?

A micro wedding is a wedding with no more than 50 guests. A “mini-micro,” which is a term you may also come across during 2021 wedding planning, is a wedding with no more than 25 guests.

To follow state and local social-distancing mandates, some micro weddings consist of only the couple and two witnesses. However, a micro wedding is not the same as an elopement, Though they are both small and intimate, a micro wedding is not done in secret or on a whim as elopements typically are.

What Does a Micro Wedding Include?

Micro weddings are well thought out and planned celebrations. All of the traditional wedding elements are included and adjusted for a smaller, more intimate wedding day experience. A micro wedding is simply a spectacular wedding celebration with a small guest list.

Being smaller in size, a micro wedding can be more economical, relaxed, and shorter in length than a traditional wedding day. Nevertheless, when you are planning a micro wedding in the Hudson Valley, you will still include all the important and memorable aspects of a wedding. It is your day no matter the size and can be as simple or as elaborate as you choose.

A micro wedding typically includes a ceremony and reception. You can keep them traditional in style and length, having a full dinner with your wedding party and guests. Or, you can choose to have a simple ceremony with an intimate champagne toast and just enough wedding cake to celebrate with family and friends as your reception experience. With a micro wedding, there are no rules.

The same is true for a micro wedding venue. Planning a micro wedding in the Hudson Valley means taking advantage of unique venues for your wedding that are not an option for larger, more traditional celebrations. Your micro wedding can take place at a private estate like the beautiful Bykenhulle House in Hudson Valley. Or, you can have your ceremony outdoors by the water and your reception in a private room at your favorite restaurant–anywhere can become a venue for a micro wedding.

So, is planning a micro wedding in the Hudson Valley the right option for you? Here are the pros and cons of this wedding trend to help you decide.

Pros of Planning a Micro Wedding in the Hudson Valley

If you and your finacé don’t have the time, energy, or knowledge to coordinate with multiple vendors, gather RSVPs, create a seating chart, work with a caterer, and ensure your entertainment, florals, and officiant all arrive on time, wedding planning can quickly become a nightmare. This is why we recommend all couples hire a Hudson Valley wedding planner to help coordinate the details, regardless of the size of your wedding.

Of all the micro weddings we have planned at Rogan & Co. Events, the number one “pro” we have seen is couples enjoy a much more relaxed wedding day.

While the responsibilities of planning a wedding are truly endless, a micro wedding is often less stressful for couples because of the smaller guest list. At a large wedding, couples are lucky if they can spend even five minutes with each guest. With fewer people to entertain at a micro wedding, couples have time to spend intentional moments with their closest friends and family–and with each other!

Another “pro” of planning a micro wedding is that the cost naturally goes down. If budget is a concern for you, a micro wedding may be the best choice. A micro wedding is also a fantastic idea if you want to focus on the quality of your guest experience over the quantity of guests invited.

Lastly, because micro weddings are often held in exclusive-use venues, you have free rein to transform the décor, decide your running order, and create the atmosphere you want without having to worry about strict guidelines. To transform any space into a wedding dream, consider adding elaborate florals–they can make all the difference.

Cons of Planning a Micro Wedding in the Hudson Valley

There are certainly some disadvantages to planning a micro wedding. Whether or not they are a deal-breaker is up to you. First, you may encounter pushback from friends or family, as they were looking forward to having a big celebration.

Secondly, cutting back your guest list can be very difficult. Guests who don’t make the cut may feel hurt by your decision to have a smaller, more intimate affair. Therefore, it is important to be certain having a micro wedding is the right decision for you and your finacé. If you simply cannot choose 50 or fewer wedding guests, a micro wedding may not be right for you. (Although there isn’t anything that says you can’t have a large celebration and invite everybody once COVID restrictions are lifted.)

Lastly, if you are planning a micro wedding on short notice, you may not be able to work with your desired wedding vendors. Because of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, many couples have rescheduled their 2020 weddings for 2021 which means many vendors are already booked. It is best to plan ahead as much as possible for any type of wedding in 2021. If you are ready to start planning the wedding of your dreams today, let us know! We are here to help.

Tips for Planning a Micro Wedding in the Hudson Valley

If you decide to have a micro wedding, here are 3 tips to ensure it is the special day you and your fiancé have both always dreamed it would be.

1. Write a list of must-haves for your wedding. Consider having you and your fiancé write down three things you want to be included in your wedding without compromise.

2. Choose a comfortable wedding venue. When choosing your micro wedding venue, don’t get lost in the setting. You need a space that is just right, where you and your guests will feel comfortable and relaxed.

3. Don’t let the size of your guest list stop you from planning an extravagant wedding. Nothing says you can’t splurge on what you consider important and save where you feel it’s necessary. The dress you must have? Go for it! Beautiful bouquets, delicious cake, a talented wedding photographer to record your day exactly as it happened? Make sure you have it all! You want to look back and remember your day with smiles and love.

Plan Your Micro Wedding in the Hudson Valley with Rogan & Co. Events

If you are ready to plan a spectacular, elegant micro wedding, contact us today to get started. You can join hundreds of other couples who have embraced this COVID-19 wedding trend, like Cindy and Mike.

We worked with Cindy and Mike to plan their Micro Wedding for October 2020–right in the midst of the pandemic. Rogan & Co. Events helped plan and execute this beautiful, intimate wedding. Love wasn’t canceled but rearranged. And the same can be true for you!

Let’s Connect & Celebrate You!

XOXO