Over the past few years, the wedding landscape has significantly changed, with more couples choosing small, intimate settings over larger traditional affairs. These pared-down nuptials known as micro weddings, typically have less than 50 guests and focus on a meaningful experience rather than a grand spectacle.
To uncover the reason behind the popularity of micro weddings, Diamonds Factory Ireland with expert wedding planner Akilah Atiba-Davies from With Akilah & Co. shed light on the key factors driving this trend, common misconceptions, and whether micro weddings are truly a cost-saving alternative, especially with the average UK wedding now costing over £23,000*.
According to Akilah, there’s been a noticeable increase in couples choosing micro weddings. “What started as a necessity during COVID-19 has now become a preferred choice. Couples are moving away from large guest lists and instead are focusing on creating a more intimate and luxurious experience with the people they truly cherish. At Akilah & Co, we’ve seen a sharp increase in couples opting for smaller weddings, often in dream destinations, where they can prioritise quality over quantity.”
Debunking micro wedding misconceptions:
“A common assumption is that micro weddings are simply a budget-friendly alternative to traditional weddings. While they can be more affordable, the focus is often on creating a highly curated experience rather than just cutting costs. A smaller guest list doesn’t mean sacrificing the magic of the day. It allows couples to craft a wedding that feels deeply personal and meaningful.”
These are the most popular venue types for micro weddings Akilah says:
“Couples embracing micro weddings are moving away from traditional banquet halls in favour of unique, story-driven locations. We’ve seen a rise in private dining experiences, luxury hotels with intimate event spaces, and unique venues that hold personal significance for the couple. The setting plays a huge role in creating an unforgettable atmosphere.”
Are micro weddings cheaper? Akilah says otherwise:
“While a micro wedding may include fewer guests, couples often invest in a more luxurious experience per attendee. The average cost of a micro wedding ranges from £16,000 to £30,000. Couples may be spending more per guest, but they are investing in a higher-quality experience that wouldn’t be possible with a larger wedding. It’s not just about saving money–it’s about prioritising luxury, exclusivity and unforgettable moments. It’s like choosing a 5-star hotel over a 4-star one, not because of the price tag, but because of the elevated experience.”
This is how you should downsize your guest list:
“For couples hesitant about downsizing their guest list, a great way to balance intimacy with celebration is by hosting a micro wedding followed by an after-party. This allows couples to enjoy a stress-free, personal ceremony while including a wider circle of friends and family in a relaxed and fun setting. At Akilah & Co, we offer a service dedicated to this called ‘The Elopement & After Party’ for exactly this reason, it’s the best of both worlds.”
Akilah tells us why micro weddings are here to stay:
“The key to the rise of micro weddings is allowing couples to keep their wedding day authentic,” Akilah says. “It’s not about cutting costs! It’s about curating an experience that feels special to you and your partner. Instead of stretching a budget across hundreds of guests, couples can upgrade the smaller details and turn their wedding into something they’ve only dreamed of. The most important thing is to remember micro weddings aren’t about quantity but about the quality of the experience and ensuring every guest truly matters to the moment and memories you’re creati