Micro Wedding (A Personal Perspective)
“From the moment the couple walked in, the warmth flowed such that the distance between seats melted away and it was a gathering of chosen family, witnessing a milestone important to the couple and feeling what the couple felt as they exchanged vows.”
A few years ago, I was house hunting and came to detest the terms “cosy” and “intimate”. In my experience, these terms were used to describe a tiny house. It meant that I would not be able to get all of my possessions in the flat and if by chance, I could, there would be no space to move around in the flat. I found that really frustrating and I am certain that other people share the same sentiment. But now, those terms have taken up a whole different meaning. As an event planner and organiser, the word “Micro” is not one that I would associate with weddings. Weddings are mostly flamboyant affairs and I am used to big events, lots of people, lots of food, lots of partying and the occasional over-enthusiastic drinkers. When the couple has a minimalist approach, micro is not a word that comes to mind. In such situations, the word ‘small’ is often used along with words like intimate, cosy and romantic. Micro, as an adjective, would not show up in my vocabulary however, having helped organise a micro wedding during the last May Bank holiday, words like intimate and cosy seem to make a lot more sense now.
In truth, I was not sure what to expect and as someone who likes to manage expectations, I was open to being surprised. The micro wedding had less than 15 persons in attendance. While I applauded the couple, it made me think of my connection to the couple. They had to choose a limited number of persons and I wondered how much thought and consideration must have gone into choosing the attendees. I believe that the couple only chose the people who mattered to them the most and at that moment, the word intimate took on a whole new meaning with regards to weddings. Though the seating arrangements were in line with Covid guidelines, the intimacy of the moment weighed heavily on everyone. The importance of the ceremony was felt much more strongly as well its value. It felt like we were celebrating the couple’s choice to love each other and not a routine or standard event. From the moment the couple walked in, the warmth flowed such that the distance between seats melted away and it was a gathering of chosen family, witnessing a milestone important to the couple and feeling what the couple felt as they exchanged vows.
The mini reception was much more fun, full of laughter and jokes. This was far from a typical wedding reception, there was no loud music and dancing was not allowed. In place of that, we had music, jokes, laughter and food. It just felt cosy and intimate in every sense of the word. I loved every aspect of the ceremony and would probably champion it if given the chance. Besides the obvious cost advantage (catering for 6 people in a big garden, wedding attires and registry fees), other aspects got me hooked, particularly the intimacy of both the ceremony and reception.
If anything is to be learned from the pandemic, it is that life is far too short. Waiting for the perfect moment might have its benefits but life would not wait. Authorities in different countries recognised this and allowed micro-events to happen. Ultimately, weddings should be about the couple and their love and while it isn’t always like that, this experience got me thinking. I have made some changes and plan to make more because my thinking is definitely not done. Life may be short and all, but it is equally important to celebrate one’s values. The future is not certain but we can certainly make moments matter, make sure that our lives are full of intimacy, love, laughter, family, love and anything else that matters to you.
See you next week!
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