Do I Still Need a Planner for my Micro Wedding?
by Andriana Avraam, Founder & Lead Planner at Pink Media Events
OH YES! It’s an absolute must.
It would be an understatement to say that planning a wedding in the past year has been difficult. From cutting guest lists to cancelling venues and vendors, couples are increasingly overwhelmed by wedding plans–or lack thereof. Many have looked to shake up their traditional wedding vision and pivot to a smaller, more intimate gathering. As wedding planners, we couldn’t be happier. Oh, the possibilities!
Since big weddings are currently next to impossible, small wedding styles have become increasingly more mainstream. We’ve all seen the term ‘mirco-wedding’ floating around wedding magazines and on Facebook forums, but what are they? And more importantly, what role do we play on this new stage as wedding planners?
The basics:
Micro-weddings usually consist of the bridal party as well as family and close friends. These weddings are under 50 people, and while they include most time-honoured traditions, they are executed on a smaller scale and in a shorter amount of time…. but not necessarily with less planning effort. In fact, micro weddings are just as much work as any other type of wedding. Still, there is a misconception out there to the contrary.
So what do you do when couples ask: “Do I still need a planner for my Micro-wedding?“
When clients are exploring the idea of a micro-wedding, it is our duty as professionals to educate them on how essential a wedding planner’s role can be and help bust the myths behind common misconceptions.
We need to explain:
A Micro-Wedding will NOT take less time to plan.
Many couples start their journey thinking that ‘micro’ applies to all aspects of this wedding style.
Even if the guest list is smaller, we still need to find, negotiate, and manage the same vendors that we normally would. In some cases, we may need to find additional vendors to execute their vision!
A Micro-Wedding will NOT always mean a smaller budget.
Hidden costs like special permits are common for micro-weddings. A planner can help ensure that no surprises derail a couple’s special day!
Budgets also remain similar to traditional weddings as clients can take this opportunity to ELEVATE their guest experience. Top shelf open bars, unique dinner and dessert options, and creative venues are all special ways to make their day unforgettable.
A Micro-Wedding does NOT exempt us from health and safety guidelines.
A professional and experienced wedding planner will need to ensure guests’ health and safety are top of mind. Complying with regional guidelines means providing masks and sanitising stations, while spacing tables further apart with less guests at each as required.
A Micro-Wedding is NOT the same as a traditional wedding with fewer people.
It is important to remind couples that their wedding will look different. No buffets or passed hors d’oeuvres means we must consider each guest has an individual meal and dessert. Dancing and cocktail hours are often not permitted at venues, which may means rethinking music options or adding a live show element to wow guests in their seats!
Micro-Wedding locations are NOT easier to find and secure.
With the popularity of this type of wedding rising, couples will need an experienced planner to help with venue search more than ever. As more people opt out of venues that cover little details we often don’t think about, couples will benefit greatly from knowing that their planner has their back to cover power generators, separate tented kitchen prep areas, and portable toilets.
So tell them…
As professionals, with many hours of first-hand knowledge, we know that opting for a micro-wedding planner is a sure-fire way to make a couple’s dreams come true. So, tell them! Don’t be shy to encourage clients to step outside the box and AMAZE their closest friends. Now is the time to make it a truly PERSONALIZED guest experience, to SPLURGE on what matters to them most. It’s the best time to go big on dreams by going smaller on the guest count. Your couple will have a unique event no one will ever forget and they will thank you for it from the bottom of their hearts.
Andriana Avraam, Founder & Lead Planner at Pink Media Events
A self-described ‘organizational freak’ who lives for the thrill of orchestrating events that offer extraordinary experiences. Where others see plans, Andriana sees possibilities and is not afraid to break a few molds in exchange for sensory magic. Part creative nerd, part logistical fanatic, this glittery go-getter isn’t afraid to get gritty.
After twenty years as a senior marketer and corporate event manager, Andriana followed her sparkly dreams and launched Pink Media. In more recent years, she extended her expertise to the non-profit charity sector and helped local foundations elevate their fundraising efforts successfully. In 2019, after many requests from existing clients, family and friends, Andriana embraced the world of wedding planning and launched Pink Media Premium Weddings under the same umbrella.
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