How much does a micro wedding actually cost?

Let's be honest, weddings can get expensive, but the most efficient way to wed the love of your life is through a micro wedding! They are intimate, cost effective, and free up money to allocate to other priorities like your honeymoon or a home down payments! Micro weddings, with their intimate guest lists of no more than 50 people, epitomize the essence of personal and memorable celebrations. They allow couples to exchange vows in unique settings—be it a serene mountaintop like Sky High Lodge or a cozy backyard—far removed from the grandeur and spectacle of traditional large weddings. This trend has seen a surge in popularity, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, as couples seek more meaningful and cost-effective ways to celebrate their union. 

Misconceptions about Micro Wedding Costs

There's a prevailing belief that a micro wedding can be effortlessly planned within a $7,000 budget. However, this notion is often misguided. The key to staying within budget lies in focusing on a single, standout feature that will define the wedding, rather than attempting to perfect every detail, which can lead to spiraling costs. On average, costs for micro weddings can range from $1,600 for a simple elopement to up to $13,000 for a full celebration with 50 guests, debunking the myth of the one-size-fits-all $7,000 budget.

Realistic Budget Expectations

A realistic budget for a micro wedding should account for a variety of expenses, we’ll present below the costs of a national average as well as the Sky High Lodge costs so you can see just how cost efficient we are!

Venue Rental: $3,000 – $6,000. Sky High Lodge can be rented for less than this for weekday receptions only, or more if you want more total lodging nights. 

Tables/Chairs/Ceremony Seating: $1,000- $2,000 depending on location. Sky High Lodge will include this and twinkle lights for only $1500 

Linens/Plates/Chargers/Tableware: $500-$1500.

Alcohol: $20 – $40 per person

Photography and Videography: Each ranging from $1,500 to $5,500.

Florals: $200 – $5,500, with options for faux flowers or glass decor to save money.

Catering: $40 – $150 per person

Cake: $150 – $500

Attire: $1,000 – $5,000

Hair and Makeup: $200 – $500 per person

Officiant Services: $350 – $500

Wedding Insurance: $200 – $500

Miscellaneous Add-Ons: $300 – $1,000

For a guest list of 25, opting for the lower end of these ranges could result in a total cost of around $11,500, challenging the assumption of a $7,000 budget being sufficient.

You can however remove large elements from the above list! This means you don’t spend on Attire, do you make up yourself, have a friend film, etc. All those little things can really add up in savings very quickly. 

Budgeting Advice

Effective budget management is crucial and should be rooted in realistic expectations and prioritization. Couples should focus their spending on elements that matter most to them, ensuring a memorable event without superfluous expenses. Embracing creativity, can offer significant savings. We added some fun DIY ideas in our blog post about small wedding ideas, so check that out. 

Easiest Budget-Friendly Way to Have Your Wedding at SkyHighLodge

For those considering SkyHighLodge, taking advantage of mid-week rentals can offer considerable cost savings. A reception-only event, without the added expense of lodging, can further streamline the budget, embodying the essence of a micro wedding.

Conclusion

Micro weddings stand out as a deeply personal and financially sensible option for celebrating love. By eschewing the extravagances of larger weddings and focusing on the elements that genuinely reflect the couple's values, it's possible to orchestrate a beautiful and unforgettable day. Careful budgeting, prioritizing spending, and exploring cost-effective venues like SkyHighLodge for mid-week rentals are key strategies for achieving a dream wedding without financial strain!