Microweddings have grown in popularity in recent years, giving couples a unique opportunity to celebrate their love in an intimate setting with their closest friends and family. If you're planning a microwedding in the breathtaking surroundings of New York and New Jersey, budgeting is an essential part of the preparation process. In this detailed guide, I'll walk you through the steps you need to follow to guarantee your microwedding is not only memorable but also cost-effective. But first, let’s talk about what is considered a microwedding. 

What is Considered a Microwedding?

A microwedding is a small, heartfelt wedding with around 75 guests or less. Unlike typical weddings with larger guest lists, microweddings prioritize quality interactions, allowing you to spend more time with your loved ones in a warm and intimate setting. The emphasis is on celebrating close relationships, creating meaningful memories, and cultivating a warm, loving environment.

Step 1. Establish Your Top Priorities

Before making your budget, make a list of your top priorities for the microwedding. Are you passionate about finding the perfect venue, designing an unforgettable theme, or providing a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience? Knowing where your heart is will help you allocate your budget more effectively, ensuring that the things that are most important to you receive the most resources and thought. 

Step 2. Curate Your Guest List

Microweddings often have a small guest list of less than 75 people. Begin early in the planning process to finalize your guest list. This will help you find an accurate estimate of the number of guests you'll be expecting, which can have a large impact on your final budget. A reduced guest list gives you more leeway in terms of location, vendor choices, and decor options.

3. Establish a Budget

Determine how much money you'll be able to spend on your microwedding. Do thorough research and get estimates for essential vendors like the venue, catering, decor, photography, entertainment, and any additional services you wish to include in order to create a clear budget.  Below is a budget breakdown to get your started!

Venue & Catering - 60% 

Music - 5%

Paper goods - 3%

Photo & Video - 12% 

Flowers - 10%

Misc - 10%

4. Choosing the Perfect Venue

Choosing your dream venue may take up a large percentage of your overall budget. Consider settings that not only exude intimacy but also fit within your set budget. Microweddings are a great fit for boutique hotels, garden areas, historic places, and intimate restaurants. Pay attention to the venue's ambiance and what is included in their pricing, as some venues will be more inclusive while others will require more DIY work. 

5. Booking your Caterer

Collaborate with a catering company that specializes in catering for small gatherings. Choose unique menu selections that fit your tastes while staying within your budget. Buffet or cocktail-style service is often less expensive than plated dinners, and artistically themed menus are more expensive but will enhance your overall dining experience.

6. Decor and Rental Selections 

Concentrate on important focal points like the ceremony background and dining area. I always suggest hiring a wedding planner and designer who can turn your concept into a reality while keeping your budget in mind. Even the most ordinary place, like your own backyard, can be transformed into a wonderful environment with thoughtful decor choices! Sometimes for smaller weddings, purchasing versus renting certain items can make more sense. You can look at sites like Koyal sell candles and the like in bulk. Instead of working with a bespoke designer, looking at a site like Minted where there are semi-customizable templates would be a great route for those looking to be economical.

7. Hiring a Photographer

It’s important to choose an experienced photographer to perfectly capture the essence of your small celebration. High-quality images will serve as treasured keepsakes, documenting the emotions and events of your big day for future generations. Set aside a portion of your budget to hire an expert photographer who understands your vision and matches your personality. 

8. Track Your Budget 

Keep a detailed list of your spending when you are booking vendors or making wedding purchases. This ensures that you stay within your budget and that you make informed decisions as you continue throughout the planning process. 

9. Preparing Your Emergency Fund

It's a good idea to have a miscellaneous category built into your budget to cover any unexpected costs that may come up. These safeguards provide peace of mind, allowing you to deal with any last-minute unexpected costs with ease.

10. Revisit and Evaluate Your Budget

As you finalize decisions and book your vendors, revisit and evaluate your budget on a regular basis. If you find that certain budget categories are exceeding your early projections, look into reallocating money from other areas. Budget flexibility can be beneficial in helping you create your dream wedding day!

As an experienced New York and New Jersey wedding planner, specializing in intimate celebrations, I understand the nuances of microwedding planning and budgeting. Contact me today for expert guidance, personalized recommendations, and a seamless journey towards your dream microwedding!