L
ittle weddings are becoming a big trend. Today, more and more couples are seeking intimate celebrations that allow them to feel fully present, connect with each of their guests, and savor every moment of their special day, rather than having it all go by in a blur.
The average wedding size dropped to 66 in the early days of the pandemic, and while it’s expanded again since, it’s still lower than it was 20 years ago (116 guests in 2025 vs. 153 guests in 2007). That opens a window for hosting wedding parties on the lower end of that range — say 50 guests or under.
Marketing micro-weddings requires highlighting the personalized, unique experiences that your venue can offer small groups. Here, we’re sharing a few ways you can tailor your promotional efforts to target couples who prioritize quality and memorable details over a large guest count.
Personalized Packages with Special Perks
Elegant custom touches are more feasible in terms of time and finances when they’re created for a smaller guest list. Entice couples planning micro-weddings with thoughtfully curated packages that they can personalize to their liking.
- Design tiered offerings: Create different package options and levels, ranging from an intimate “elopement” package for just the affianced pair and their closest family and friends to an extravagant weekend for a few dozen guests. You can create and share an “a la carte” menu from which couples can pick and choose, with items like a welcome breakfast, a farewell brunch, guided hikes, and lots more.
- Brainstorm unique add-ons: Work with a calligrapher who can create one-of-a-kind invites, signage, personalized place cards, itineraries, and menus. You can also assemble welcome boxes for each guest that include special items from your property and region — think: little jars of local honey and jam, a card offering a complimentary pedicure at your spa, and seasonal keepsakes like monogrammed handwarmers for a winter wedding or sunglasses for a summer event.
- Showcase all the options: To get the word out, create downloadable guides, blog posts, and image carousels on your website that demonstrate how your venue can be customized to suit each couple’s unique micro-wedding vision. Include details about what’s included in each package, along with estimated price ranges.
Spectacular Decor in Unexpected Places
Not having to outfit a massive ceremony site or ballroom means more opportunity to go big with decorative statements in smaller, more unique spaces.
- Shine the spotlight on special corners of your property: If there are beautiful places on your property that aren’t naturally conducive to larger groups, take a second look to see how smaller groups could use them for micro-weddings. Many venues are full of unexpected spaces that are perfect for creating separate mingling areas — like a library within a large historic estate, courtyard nooks, or galleries. Showcase unique spots on-site, such as a private garden, a cozy fireplace, or a stunning natural backdrop.
- Shoot and share virtual tours: Create professional, panoramic virtual tours that allow couples to explore the space remotely. Highlight key features, such as the ceremony site, cocktail area, and any unique architectural details. You can also make seasonal versions of the tour to show how the venue transforms throughout the year. Here are more ways to market your wedding venue.
- Tap into real-life micro-wedding content: Avoid stock photos and instead partner with past clients and their photographers to showcase authentic photos and videos on your website and social media accounts. This demonstrates the venue in action with real couples, guests, and decor, making it easier for potential clients to visualize their own wedding at your venue.
Thoughtful Entertainment and Activities
At smaller weddings, couples often opt to forgo many of the traditional wedding elements, including common entertainment options (such as dancing to a DJ), to really customize the event and make it their own. Here are some ways to give the couple and their guests unforgettable experiences.
- Make it playful: Lawn games are an excellent go-to when it comes to micro weddings, because they’re small enough that everyone can participate. Stock up on the classics, like bocce ball, horseshoes, and life-size Jenga and chess, plus some fun, trendy new options: Crossnet, a four-way volleyball game with a unique cross-shaped net, and PaddleSmash, which combines elements of pickleball and Spikeball.
- Bring in solo performers and artists: Wandering magicians, aerialists swinging over the guests’ heads, a classical trio tucked into a leafy corner— unexpected venues call for surprising, special entertainment. Tap into your regional artistic or theater community for ideas and recommendations, and be sure to share images and videos of their work on your social media.
- Find fresh ways to capture memories: Video booths offer guests a fun way to leave messages for the happy couple that will become cherished digital keepsakes. Go beyond standard photo booths to 360-degree photo booths, which capture guests from all angles, creating dynamic footage that they can share using the couple’s micro-wedding hashtag. A live painter could capture the event in real time, or a fashion illustrator could create stylish sketches of the couple and their guests as a fun favor.
Elaborate Food and Drink
When couples don’t have to feed a huge crowd, that means more room for a creative and detailed menu.
- Plan customized, multi-course menus: If your venue handles the food, your chef can work personally with the couple to create a completely customized menu that takes into account their group’s preferences, allergies, and even sentimental dishes, like a favorite appetizer Grandma used to make. This may amount to the same level of work as preparing food and beverages for a larger group, so be sure to set prices accordingly.
- Partner with local experts to bring in memorable food options: Does your venue have connections with a local winery or distillery that could provide a custom tasting? Or is your area big on gourmet food trucks? Establish relationships and partnerships to create custom offerings that couples can factor into their micro-wedding package.
- Make the food an experience: Host a local wine-tasting session that allows guests to socialize and discover new wines while enjoying a sophisticated activity. Instead of a traditional bar, offer an elevated experience with a bar dedicated to craft cocktails, sushi boats, or fresh oysters.
Need help brainstorming and marketing micro-wedding ideas? Our creative team of strategists, brand experts, writers, designers, and more can help. Contact us to schedule a consultation.