How To Plan A Micro-Wedding

This is a wedding style we have talked about a lot in the past few weeks and it’s here to stay. Micro-weddings are the new norm for now and we believe the new intimate wedding affords couples a chance at a very special type of celebration. Just because your wedding is smaller in size, doesn’t mean it can’t be mighty! Keeping things intimate means you can splurge more on the things you didn’t think you could (hello epic florals, multiple wedding outfits and a custom tasting menu.)

Diana Pires of Diana Pires Events says she currently working with many couples to plan micro-weddings in 2020 “Those who are looking to host an intimate celebration this year don’t want to wait another moment to marry their significant other and want to move forward with planning the rest of their lives together,” Pires shares. “We are here to support their decision and create a wonderful experience for them every step of the way, no matter what their heart desires.”

Many planners and venues have just launched elopement and intimate wedding offerings (pop-up weddings are also experiencing huge growth) which help make the planning process easy and breezy. Toronto's Laura & Co. Events have just introduced The Elopement Edit, a curated package where they have partnered with top tier wedding vendors including Graydon Hall Manor, 5ive15ifteen Photo Co., Rahcel A. Clingen Wedding & Event Design and Paper & Poste to create a dream wedding experience (each package also includes a donation to Black Health Alliance). This pop-up style wedding can be customized with many other add-ons and the first event is currently planned for July 26th, with five time slots available throughout the day.

From the perspective of wedding venues, they have also recalibrated what celebrations look like in their spaces. Merina Chandra, wedding manager at Vancouver’s Fairmont Pacific Rim, says when the hotel was developing their new intimate wedding packages, which were introduced in late May, the goal was to put together offerings which reflect the momentous celebration at hand, while respecting physical distancing, provincial health guidelines and remaining focused on the health and safety of their guests and colleagues as their top priority.

“The main excitement swirling around these new packages is we are able to utilize incredible venues at the hotel that have never been open to the public for private events before—‘limited edition’ event spaces if you will,” she explains.” This has created opportunities for couples to have their intimate wedding in a space which traditionally is not available for events, such as our Fairmont Gold Lounge with the most spectacular harbour and mountain views—a quintessential Vancouver view—or the rooftop pool deck draped with palm trees and lined with cabanas with fire pits, providing a resort-style ambiance. This has given some excitement back to a lot of disappointment in 2020. It was really important for us to design packages that really highlight exclusivities and special touches for the couples, while also supporting the local event community. The vision was to create something for couples without over-complication, as timelines are going to be tighter than usual. It allows us to provide the highest-level service while extending a luxurious all-inclusive experience.”

Chandra says with an intimate wedding comes a shift in priorities for couples which is something that Fairmont Pacific Rim has also been mindful of. “With larger functions, often times the focus and priority is catering to the guests’ to ensure comfort and enjoyment by all in attendance,” she says. “With smaller and more intimate celebrations, we are still seeing desire to focus on the guest, however priority has pivoted a little more towards what our couples want to make it even more of an extra special day. This means some very personalized touches for the event and more time to interact and engage with all your wedding guests.”