So, you were meant to get hitched this year, but then Rona came about and had other plans for you.
You have cried out all your tears, spent days in your PJ’s, ate way too much ice cream, and finished all the wine, but now you are ready to fight back!
“I WILL get married this year, watch me!”
If this is you and you are looking for a way forward, say hello to “micro weddings”!
The lovely Lindy and her Labola ladies are here today, giving us more information on what a micro wedding is, the pros and cons behind it and how maybe now you will be able to book that first-class ticket for your one day honeymoon… yes, please!
Take it away, Labola Ladies!
Hooray: For those that have never heard of a micro wedding, please could you explain a bit more about what it entails.
Labola: A micro-wedding is an intimate gathering, typically with no more than 50 guests. They contain the time-honored traditional features of a wedding but on a smaller scale. The guest list consists of people who are fundamentally close to the couple. Due to the reduced numbers, a micro-wedding can be more personalized.
Hooray: Why should couples be leaning more towards a micro wedding or intimate celebration?
Labola: Couples should really consider micro weddings because they have the traditions that make up a wedding but are more intimate and can be perfectly tailored to suit the bride and groom. The day can still be magical even with only your closest loved ones around you. Also with the global pandemic, Covid-19, this may be the most practical way forward.
Hooray: Is there a difference between eloping and a micro wedding?
Labola: A micro wedding focuses on the wedding itself, and incorporates the features of a traditional wedding just on a smaller, more manageable scale. An elopement purely focuses on the marriage and unity of the couple. An elopement is entirely open to interpretation as the couple can choose to have guests or to forego guests. An elopement is for couples who want complete freedom over their day, whereas micro weddings are for couples who want a traditional wedding, but more intimate.
Hooray: Are micro weddings affordable or expensive?
Labola: With micro weddings, comes fewer guests, which means less work, fewer opinions, more options in terms of space to celebrate, and of course less budget is typically required. With a smaller guest list, couples are able to book more spaces that are inaccessible to larger weddings. For example, they can rent out cafes, restaurants, or parks. These places are already designed beautifully and can be easily decorated and customized to fit the couple’s taste and budget. However, with that being said, it is important to note that a micro wedding and even an elopement can still cost a lot of money. It honestly depends on what you want to do. In theory, it should be more affordable but honestly, it is really up to you and your budget.
Hooray: Adapt or bust. How do you think couples and vendors will have to adapt + change their mindset to the new normal?
Labola: Absolutely, Couples and vendors need to adapt and change their mindset moving forward. For example, we [Labola decor] have started offering micro-wedding/elopement/pop-up wedding packages that are tailored for couples looking for more intimate gatherings. We have found that a lot of our clients are opting for a small ceremony now so that they can officially get married, and then still having a reception celebration once the restrictions are lifted (hopefully in the last quarter of 2020, but most clients are opting for 2021 to be on the safe side). Many vendors are also teaming up to offer packages that are streamlined for micro-weddings. With the “new normal”, couples who still wish to have larger weddings will more than likely need to have heavier safety and sanction measures in place. And of course, with more attendees means more moola spent on ensuring that there are enough sanitation facilities for everyone. We will need to adapt the way we do the floorplans for guests to be seated at the reception, as well as the style of food service… will we need to use disposable cutlery? Picnic style meals? Will alcohol be allowed? There are so many unknowns at this stage and nothing is clear which is very frustrating for brides and service providers alike.
Hooray: Positives of having a micro wedding?
Labola: The most obvious pro to a micro-wedding is the lower cost. With a smaller headcount, your budget can really go into perfecting the details. Every bride and groom wants to remember their wedding day as something exceptional. That means more can go into creating a special and unique experience for the couple and their loved ones achieving a sense of preserved intimacy and cherished memories. So going small on the guestlist means you can go bigger in style and flair and create a day that everyone involved will remember. Further, with a smaller guest list, the venue options are endless. Without having to worry about accommodating hundreds of guests (and the stress that comes with it) one can get creative with the ceremony and reception location. Lastly, by having an intimate wedding it can be budget-friendly which leaves more moola to spend on a lavish honeymoon. So go ahead a get that first-class ticket!
Hooray: Negatives of having a micro wedding.
Labola: The largest con of throwing a micro-wedding is the shorter guest list. Typically the list is limited to immediate family and maybe one or two close friends you would like to include in the festivities. This means that some feelings may get hurt along the way but it’s important to note that you will be able to enjoy the moment with those closest to you without worrying about making sure to say hi to everyone and expressing your thanks. Also, the RSVP process will be so much easier and you may not even need to worry about a seating chart or, working on it will be a much quicker process. If you want to include everyone, then a great option to consider is sending digital invitations and links to guests to live-stream the ceremony. The alternative is to have your micro wedding in 2020 and then host an anniversary celebration with everyone invited! (with the assumption and hope that we will be allowed to celebrate freely in 2021)
Hooray: Do you think micro weddings are the future of weddings?
Labola: Micro-weddings are the future for the industry at the moment and yes I do think it will stick. (they have been quite popular overseas for some time now).
Hooray: I don’t want a micro celebration, I want the big shabam! Will I have to wait for 2021 for this?
Lindy: In light of the latest announcement from the President, couples are allowed to legally get married but gatherings are still prohibited. The understanding I have is that the Gazette states that a couple may get married at Home Affairs, in a marriage officer’s rooms, or in court. I also am of the opinion and understanding that a ceremony may be performed during a church service. (Where 50 people are allowed to attend.) On the same note, we are allowed to go to share a meal with family and friends at a restaurant…
Hooray: How do I make my micro wedding unique to others?
Labola: These celebrations can be truly special, meaningful, and deeply personal as you are surrounded by those closest to you. Couples can make their wedding unique by adding personal touches for their guests. Like adding personalized, handwritten notes for each guest placed on their seats or handing out curated welcome boxes with gifts from your favorite local shop. You could choose an unusual wedding venue, have an elaborate bar setup, upgrade your menu, stay together as a group, and celebrate over multiple days, there are tons of options. Having a micro-wedding you can really focus on what is important to you. So cutting down on the wedding checklist can be greatly beneficial and means there are fewer components to worry about and more money allocated to the more important things.
Hooray: Any final words of advice?
Labola: Keep an open mind. Take a step back and decide (as a couple) where your values are. What kind of ceremony and celebration do you want? Close your eyes and think about your wedding, is it a room packed with all your family and friends, or is it a small intimate moment shared with just a few loved ones. Once you know where your heart is then use that to build your day. Include a planner in your budget. This is critical! The industry right now is in a weird space with all of the unknowns and speculation and you want to make sure you have industry professionals on your side to help navigate you through this process. A wedding day is the most magical moment of your life, It needs to be done right. And it needs to be YOUR day, not Ronas!
Gosh, Labola has really given all future brides something to think about! Christy and I are in agreement that micro weddings are the way forward, and we cannot wait to see the intimate celebrations, the love shared, and the memories made. If you are interested in a micro wedding, this is what the Labola ladies have on offer:
We have had so many of our clients having to postpone their wedding day due to COVID and the implications thereof. While we respect the rules and the laws (and the pandemic), we do still have clients wanting and needing to have their ceremony ASAP. Let us help you to create, a stress-free, special day to be treasured forever. We have created some packages to suit any style and budget, and we would love to be a part of your day. (While obeying the law and staying safe of course)
Get in touch if you would like to find out more:
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hello@labola.co.za
www.labola.co.za
@labolasa
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