Over the past 12 months we’ve seen a dramatic change in our world due to the coronavirus pandemic. If you’re planning a wedding, you know this all too well. At indigosilver, we’ve seen weddings postponed, downsized, and even cancelled because of the restrictions on mass gatherings, but a smaller guest list doesn’t mean you can’t have an amazing micro-wedding with those who mean the most to you. In fact, now that you don’t have to feed 150 or more guests, you can re-allocate those funds to creating a more upscale event for those who are in attendance!
We’ve partnered with some of Wilmington’s top vendors to show how you can create a spectacular event even during these crazy times. Our vision was to host an intimate micro-wedding for 25 guests with a soft romantic feel. Below are five ways you can turn a small event into an intimate gathering that your guests will remember.
Choose The Perfect Venue
When planning a smaller event, it’s important to find the right venue. While you may love the grand ballrooms or larger specialty venues, they may feel overwhelming to decorate and may seem empty with so few guests. Look for a venue that can seat around 50 people, so that you’ll have room for a dance floor AND an indoor ceremony in the case of inclement weather.
For our inspiration shoot, we chose Belle Vue Wilmington. Located in the heart of downtown Wilmington, Belle Vue Wilmington offers stunning views of downtown and the riverfront and can accommodate up to 50 guests. We were able to create a ceremony site as well as space for dinner, leaving the perfect amount of room for a dance floor! With so much exposed brick, and gorgeous chandeliers, it was the perfect setting for our romantic inspiration micro-wedding.
Don’t Try to DIY The Design
While it may not seem necessary to have a wedding planner for such a small event, I assure you it is! Not only will your planner be able to make vendor recommendations but they’ll also be able to help you design an event that fits your personal style.
Lauren at Collective Law designed an intimate affair for 25 guests focusing on layered looks, earth tones and natural colors, plush linens and candle light to really set the mood as guests entered the venue. A great planner will take your vision and turn it into reality so that you have a cohesive look for your day. Notice how the design, colors and materials complimented the gorgeous Willowby by Watters gown provided by Coastal Knot and the groom’s suite from Cape Fear Formal Wear while also accenting the warmth of the exposed brick.
Set The Room
With your vision in mind, your planner and florist can work together to help you design a room that is warm and inviting. Choosing the right tables, chairs, florals, and other décor can give you a cohesive look that will not go unnoticed. Amber Lanier of Designs By Amber Lanier created a Boho-Lux feel using florals with a neutral color palette. By using peony, dahlia, antherium, and ornamental grasses she was able to create a look that compliments the design of the room while pulling elements of the gown into play as well.
Once everything was in place, Eric with Atlantic Premier Entertainment set the mood of the room with subtle uplighting and a monogram projected on the wall. By uplighting your room you create depth in your photos, and it’s the perfect touch to bring the entire design together.
Serve Your Guests
While micro-weddings are a family affair and social distancing rules may be relaxed, there are still a few ways you can let your guests know that you’ve taken every precaution when planning your event. For example, rather than having a communal cheese platter and finger foods, consider having personal charcuterie boards for each guest. We think the ones Lauren created here are just adorable!
Consider plating your dinner rather than opting for a buffet. This avoids guests waiting in line or touching shared serving dishes. Plus, the presentation of the food on the plate will be visually appealing. Art Catering prepares delicious foods and they make sure it looks pretty too!
Finally, get creative with your cake! You don’t have to do one large cake and have it served. Consider having smaller cakes with varying flavors. Courtney at Imaginary Cakes has created an example of personal cakes for each person or couple. Not only do you get the ability to have several flavors but it makes for a nice display as well!
Capture Your Day With Amazing Images
I’ve been a wedding photographer for over 10 years and photographed hundreds of weddings. I can tell you that small, intimate events are so much fun! And just because it’s small doesn’t mean you should only have your photographer there for the ceremony. This is your wedding and you deserve amazing images that capture your vision from start to finish.
Slow down, take your time, and plan for a relaxed day with lots of time for creative images. By working with your photographer, you can plan time to shoot in places you would never have time to on the typical wedding day. Don’t be afraid to break the flow of a traditional day by doing a first look. Get ready together. Have your partner help you into your gown or suit. It’s 2020 and I think we can all agree that all the rules we’re used to have gone out the window!
Yes, micro-weddings are becoming the norm. But this allows you to have a wedding that is much more opulent, more custom, and more creative which shows your guest how much you appreciate their presence as the two of you start your life together!
Still Looking For A Photographer?
If you’re still in the market for a photographer, we hope that you will consider indigosilver to capture the images and memories that will last a lifetime. If you’re interested in learning more, please reach out to us and let’s discuss your vision and we can help it come to reality. Need help planning a stress free wedding day? Click here to download our free guide!
Vendor Team
Venue: Belle Vue Wilmington
Planner: Collective Law
Florals: Designs By Amber Lanier
Rentals: Party Suppliers
Food: Art Catering
Cakes: Imaginary Cakes
Hair and Makeup: Tyler Kent Salon
Gown: Coastal Knot
Suit: Cape Fear Formal Wear
Lighting: Atlantic Premier Entertainment
Photography: indigosilver studio
