Micro-weddings, Macro Experiences
What you can expect to see from this year's less-is-more wedding day approach
So, we just closed the chapter on 2020; an interesting year where many of us experienced change in different ways and across many areas of our lives. Most certainly, we’ve been forced to change our approach towards wedding planning and how some of us might get married in 2021. A little known big day concept we will definitely be seeing more of throughout the coming year, and most likely for years to come: micro-weddings!
It pretty much does what it says on the tin, a micro-wedding is a small, intimate wedding, usually attended by no more than 50 guests, with a much more casual vibe. Still featuring time-honoured traditions that make it a wedding day but on a much more modest scale.
For those of you having to do a 360 on your big white wedding day, try to remember one big fundamental - love is not cancelled! There are so many ways you can still celebrate, and so much to look forward to. Take full advantage of having a low-key wedding day!
To help brides get inspired we’re sharing our top tips for making it a truly unforgettable day!
First, Find the Venue
Party at your favorite restaurant
What could be better than throwing a private party at your favourite eatery with your other half and all your nearest and dearest to celebrate tying the knot?! Many establishments are offering bookings for receptions and some even offer a dedicated space for a low-key ceremony. This allows you to celebrate your special day over an incredible meal, with drinks flowing and great company! Why not work with the chef to create a special wedding day menu? Why not include a signature cocktail? or an elaborate tower of deserts?
Credits (left to right): 1. Pinterest, 2. Pinterest, 3. Mae&Co Creative, 4. A Practical Wedding
Embrace Nature: A milkshake brings all the guests to the yard
Planning to get married in the warmer months? Then a low-key backyard wedding at home, or at a family member’s house is a great option for a laidback celebration. Staycation companies like Air bnb or Flipkey offer tonnes of great rental properties great for weddings if you’re after a change of scenery! You can easily turn a rustic yard into a cute cozy wedding venue with a few sets of string lights and handmade signage (and a few cold beers!) A cute welcome display of nostalgic photos and rows of lanterns will help to create atmosphere and guide guests to seating areas. For food, why not call on your friends to help rustle up a bad-ass bbq with all the sides? Or fill giant pitchers with refreshing welcome drinks?
Credits: 1. Pinterest, 2. Bridal Guide
Credits: 1. Hire Space, 2. The Ganeys
Credits: 1. Natalie Bray, 2. Jessica Gabeler, 3. Pinterest
Next Comes the Dress
Dress up for your unforgettable day
The smaller ceremonies that took place in 2020 have already given brides the confidence and inspo to get creative with their own wedding dresses. By now we’ve all seen photos of brides on zoom saying i-do looking cute in paired back super chic wedding day looks.
A more uncomplicated day lends itself to a gown with a more casual vibe, but no matter how small or big your wedding, it is still the most special day you will ever get dressed up for, and you will have equally as much fun regardless of the scale of the event. There’s also even more reason to justify a change of outfit, between ceremony and reception!
Our newly launched bridal collection Adore by Justin Alexander offers the perfect designs for a micro-wedding. Just like the brides in mind, every dress is relaxed, doesn’t take itself too seriously and embraces an overall lightweight, happy and uplifting feeling.
The strength of the modern woman lies in her ability to be an individual, and our Adore by Justin Alexander collection is dedicated to giving each and every bride across the world a chance to find a dress that reflects her personality and spirit, regardless of budget, shape, size or background.
We have seen a strong trend appear towards a very understated modern aesthetic and toned down bridal look amongst our micro-wedding brides. From chic mikado gowns to contouring silhouettes, shorter trains, dainty spaghetti straps, flattering drape and eye-catching contemporary lace textures; this collection has it all!
Style 11116 is a sleek fit and flare gown with an elegant Sabrina neckline and simple side cut outs. The keyhole back is finished with buttons down the train.
Style 11136 is a sparkly fit and flare gown. Beaded embroidered lace extends down to the bottom of the skirt and train. With a V-neck and V-back. Illusion side cutouts and buttons finish this look.
Understated yet stylish, Style 11150 is a clean fit and flare gown that will make you feel like a bride. The classic sweetheart neckline is elevated with contemporary seaming along the bodice and train to define your curves. Buttons to the end of the chapel length train complete this timeless look.
Style 11155 is a sexy off-the-shoulder fit and flare gown with a clean crepe skirt and unique plunge front sequin lace bodice with delicate cap sleeves. It’s going to contour in all the right places and is also available with the bodice lined to the back as 11155LND.
Stand out in Style 11105, a sexy fit and flare gown. The bodice features beaded lace and waist cutouts. Cap sleeves and a crepe skirt add elegance. For a traditional look, this style is available with the bodice lined to the back.
Style 11111 is an A-line gown that is refined and elegant with a rich Charmeuse material. Pleating in the bodice elevates the look and flatters your figure. The peekaboo lace creates a unique detail and makes this a gown to dream about.
Micro-Wedding Styling
Toned down looks with a casual vibe can be easily enhanced with bold statement jewellery such as; big earrings, unique hair accessories and sassy gloves. Go wild! It’s your opportunity to reflect your personality using your less-is-more gown as a canvas. Why not finish your look with a statement flick of eyeliner or bright lipstick, or even step things up a level with a personalized veil?
Credits: 2. Headpiece by @jenniferbehr (Instagram), 5. Courtesy of Lela Rose
Embody the Uniqueness of Your Love
While there are restrictions on the number of invited guests, there is no restriction on going big on the little details. Having a smaller wedding allows budgets to stretch a little bit further, allowing more for decor.
Spend the pennies on personalised little details inspired by things that mean something to you both, for example table settings that reference places you‘ve travelled, individual succulent favours for people to take home and nurture or invitations made from recycled materials.
Go “hyper-custom" Why not source a luxury welcome book monogrammed with your initials for your guests to add messages to? - or give your bridal party personalised robes as they are getting ready?
Extra Fun on Your Special Day!
Adding some extra fun to your wedding day really helps to create memories that will last forever. There is absolutely nothing more lavish than serving champagne from a tower, and it makes a great photo opportunity too. As does popping a confetti cannon when you cut the cake to really help uplift your guests!
First image: Style 11118 is a sexy crepe fit and flare gown. The illusion sequin lace bodice features a plunging neckline and beaded spaghetti straps. Finished with a sleek skirt and low back. For a more classic look, this style is available with a raised neckline option and also available with the front bodice lined to the side seams.
That's Right: Not One, But More Special Days
Many brides-to-be have announced that for them it’s not just about that one special wedding day anymore, it’s more about celebrating it with different groups of people throughout the year and beyond. There’s no doubt things are going to feel a little different to the more traditional weddings we are all used to and have imagined for so long but celebrating in this new refined way will be nothing other than special - and you actually have more time to spend with your guests!
Style 11142: Airy and feminine, this A-line gown is everything a bride could want. The V-neckline is designed with a thin plunge and paired with a sexy illusion back. Romantic floral Appliqués adorn the bodice and float throughout the tulle skirt. This style is available with the front bodice lined to the side seams for additional structure.
Styled shoot by Adore by Justin Alexander:
Writer & Creative Producer: Gizem Ozen
Makeup Artist: Doga treatment store based in Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Location: Thomas located in Eindhoven, The Netherlands
Photographer: Alvin de Brabander based in Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Models: Demi Maric, Senem Askin, Mesut Öztemiz, Kevin Furtado, Brito Duarte
