Phase 1
4-6 months before
Confirm guest list (cap at 50)
EssentialClosest family + friends only. Be ruthless. The whole point of a micro-wedding is depth over breadth — every guest should be someone you genuinely want there for an intimate moment.
Set budget ($8K-$20K is typical)
Essential40-guest budget at $200-$400 per head: venue $2-3K, catering $80-$150 per head, photography $2-4K, attire + flowers + music + extras. Micro-weddings save big on per-head costs.
Choose an intimate venue
EssentialRestaurant private room, boutique hotel, Airbnb estate, gallery, family home, beach pavilion. Avoid 200-capacity venues — they dwarf a small group.
Book celebrant
EssentialLodge NOIM 1-18 months ahead in Australia.
Book photographer
Essential4-6 hour package is enough for a micro-wedding. Cost: $2K-$4K AUD typically.
Phase 2
2-4 months before
Send invitations
EssentialDigital or beautifully-printed — both work. With 30-50 guests, splurge on nice paper if you want.
Plan a meaningful meal format
ImportantLong shared table, family-style platters, restaurant set menu, food truck. Avoid corporate-feeling buffets — micro-weddings benefit from intimate food formats.
Buy attire
ImportantOff-the-rack, rented, or thrifted is all valid. Many micro-wedding couples skip the traditional white dress entirely.
Plan a personal ceremony
ImportantWith 30 guests, every detail is visible. Personal vows, hand-written readings, meaningful music. Lean in to the intimacy.
Decide on day-of structure
ImportantCeremony + dinner only? Ceremony + cocktails + long dinner? Ceremony + casual reception + late-night? With 30 people, structure can be looser.
Phase 3
4-6 weeks before
Confirm vendors + final numbers
EssentialCaterer, photographer, celebrant, florist, music. With small numbers, vendors are more flexible — but still confirm everything in writing.
Apply for marriage licence
EssentialIn Australia, NOIM should already be lodged. Verify with celebrant.
Order or DIY simple flowers
ImportantA bouquet, a few centrepieces, and ceremony arrangement. Or bulk-buy from a wholesaler and DIY for under $300.
Plan music + speeches
ImportantA playlist + Bluetooth speaker is enough for a micro-wedding. Skip a full DJ unless dancing is a priority. Speeches: 1-2 short ones max.
Write vows
ImportantPersonal vows shine in micro-weddings — every guest hears them clearly.
Phase 4
1-2 weeks before
Final fittings
EssentialDress + suit ready to go.
Confirm final headcount + dietary requirements
EssentialPass to caterer.
Brief vendors with day-of timeline
EssentialOne-page running sheet, even for a small wedding.
Prepare welcome details for guests
Nice to haveDrinks station, place cards, handwritten notes if you want — small touches go far in a micro-wedding.
Self-care + rest
ImportantSmaller weddings are less stressful, but the final week still needs rest. Massage, early nights, no big arguments.
Frequently asked questions.
An elopement is usually 0-20 guests with minimal structure — sometimes just the couple and witnesses. A micro-wedding is 20-50 guests with a real ceremony, reception, and most traditional wedding elements, just at smaller scale. Micro-weddings still have a guest experience to manage; elopements largely don't.
Ivory Lane Editorial
The Ivory Lane editorial team covers wedding planning, budgeting, and vendor advice for couples worldwide. Our guides are reviewed regularly to reflect current pricing and industry practice.