By: Vivian Vassos
A micro-matrimony is defined as a small intimate affair, with a maximum of 50 guests. “Several factors have contributed to the rise of the micro-wedding trend, says Melissa Parent, sales manager for weddings at Quebec’s fairytale cabin, Fairmont Le Château Montebello. “Since the pandemic, we have observed a noticeable shift at Fairmont Montebello, with a reduction in average guest counts.”
Her colleague, Lauren McColl, regional sales manager for Fairmont Hotels & Resorts + Rim Rock Resort Hotel, Canada’s Western Mountain Collection, agrees. “The wedding industry has seen a surge in micro-weddings off the back of the pandemic.” Couples, she adds, have more wiggle room with their budgets, as well.
What do you think prompted the micro-matrimony trend?
MELISSA PARENT: “Approximately 32 per cent (19 of the 60) of our 2024 weddings were micro-weddings. One key driver seems to be cost. With inflation at its peak, couples are becoming more budget-conscious and are opting for smaller, more intimate celebrations with close family and friends. Rather than inviting a large number of guests and compromising on aspects of the event, many prefer to reduce the guest list and invest in higher-end inclusions or premium selections.”
LAUREN MCCOLL: “Couples discovered the freedom to allocate their budgets towards multi-day celebrations, elevated culinary experiences and bespoke décor and entertainment. Maybe while your guests are enjoying cocktail hour, you hop in a helicopter, land on top of a glacier and pop a bottle of champagne!”
Speaking of budget, how do you set a budget for a micro-matrimony?
LM: “Define your ‘Must-Haves.’ List your top 3-5 priorities; this will help provide you with a clear focus. When accommodating out-of-town guests, consider securing a block of rooms at a hotel. Hotels frequently offer tiered discounts for group bookings, meaning the more rooms you reserve, the lower the per-room rate becomes. This allows you to provide your guests with convenient and potentially cost-effective lodging, while also benefiting from a bulk savings opportunity.”
MP: “Certain wedding expenses remain fixed regardless of guest count, such as the photographer, DJ, wedding dress and wedding planning services. The most effective way to reduce costs is by cutting down on the number of guests. On average, it costs upwards of $300 per person to attend a wedding, making this a key area for budget-conscious couples. Fewer guests also mean fewer tables, which in turn reduces the need for décor rentals, centrepieces and floral arrangements.”
How does a couple start planning a micro-wedding?
MP: “The best way to begin planning a micro-matrimony is by first creating your guest list. Once you have a clear idea of how many people you’ll be inviting, the next step is to find a venue. Be mindful that some wedding locations have minimum guest counts or minimum food and beverage spend requirements, so it’s important to choose a venue that can accommodate a smaller guest list without incurring additional costs.
“Next, consider the vision for your event. Do you want to keep things intimate and celebrate at a local restaurant? Or are you dreaming of a destination wedding, whether it’s a tropical getaway or a resort just a few hours away? Many couples also choose venues with personal significance, such as a place where they shared their first trip together, a childhood vacation spot, or the location where the proposal took place. The key is to select a setting that feels meaningful and aligns with the intimacy of a micro-matrimony.”
LM: “Begin with a solid budget, select your dream location, then immediately partner with a wedding planner. Choosing a planner after securing your venue, particularly for destination weddings, ensures you benefit from their local knowledge and support throughout the entire planning journey.”
Any advice on how to choose the people on your list without offending others?
LM: “This celebration is fundamentally about you and your partner. Don’t hesitate to communicate your intimate vision and be transparent about any guest list limitations. If your relationship with someone isn’t frequent or close, an invitation isn’t obligatory. Those who truly care will understand and support your choice.”
MP: “Start by identifying the people who truly matter to you – those you can’t imagine celebrating your special day without. Once you’ve narrowed down your core group, consider limiting the number of children invited.
“If your venue is a hotel or resort, offering babysitting services can be a great solution for guests who don’t have alternative childcare options. Another effective strategy is to restrict ‘plus ones’ and avoid inviting people you haven’t connected with in the past year or two, helping to trim your guest list.”
chateau-montebello.com rimrockresort.com; fairmont.com
Photography: Whistler Elopements/Tara Lilly Photography (Helicopter); Emily Serrell Photography (dinner table). All other photos, courtesy of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts (Western Canada and Château Montebello).
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