What to Look For When Planning Your First Wedding: Key Decisions & Priorities

Elopement vs. Micro Wedding vs. Big Wedding: Finding Your Perfect Fit

So, you’re getting married! Congratulations! It’s an exciting time, filled with love, anticipation, and a whole lot of decisions. If you’re like most couples, you’re probably feeling a mix of excitement and overwhelm. After all, planning a wedding can be a daunting task, especially if you’re doing it for the first time.

Where do you even start? What kind of celebration is right for you? What are your options? It’s easy to get caught up in the endless choices and opinions, especially with the wedding industry often geared towards brides and their “dream” wedding.

But here’s the thing: your wedding is not just about the bride. It’s about the both of you, as a couple, embarking on this incredible journey together. It’s about celebrating your unique love story and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

And that’s where I come in, as your photographer. I’ve seen countless weddings of all shapes and sizes, and I’m here to tell you that the most important thing is to stay true to yourselves. Don’t get bogged down by expectations or traditions that don’t resonate with you. Instead, focus on creating an experience that reflects your values and personalities.

One of the first decisions you’ll face is the type of celebration you envision. Is it an intimate elopement, a cozy micro wedding, or a grand affair? Let’s break down the details of each to help you find the perfect fit.

Elopements: Intimate Escapes for Two (or a Few!)

Elopements are the epitome of intimate celebrations. It’s traditionally just the two of you (and maybe a witness or two) embarking on an adventure to exchange vows in a meaningful location. However, modern elopements offer a lot more flexibility!

Pros:

• Budget-friendly: With fewer guests, costs are significantly lower.
• Flexibility: You can choose any location your heart desires, from a mountaintop to a secluded beach.
• Stress-free: Planning is minimal, allowing you to focus on the experience.
• Intimate: The focus is solely on your love and commitment.
• Customization: Elopements offer endless opportunities for personalization. You can hike to a scenic overlook, have a picnic on the beach, or even get married underwater!

Cons:

• Limited guests: Traditionally, only a few people can be included.
• Family expectations: Some loved ones may feel left out.
• Missed traditions: You might forgo traditional elements like a large reception.

Planning Details:

• Permits: Research if your chosen location requires any special permits for weddings.
• Officiant and photographer: Secure these essentials to make your elopement official and capture the memories.
• Travel and accommodations: Arrange these if you’re eloping to a far-off destination.

Elopement Celebration Options:

• Post-elopement party: You can always celebrate with a larger group later. Host a backyard BBQ, a casual reception, or even a surprise party to reveal your marriage!
• Virtual ceremony: Include loved ones who can’t be there in person through a live stream.

Micro Weddings: Intimate Gatherings with Loved Ones

Micro weddings offer a middle ground between elopements and traditional weddings. You’ll have a small guest list (usually under 50) and a more intimate celebration.

Pros:

• More intimate: You can still share your day with close friends and family.
• Cost-effective: While not as inexpensive as an elopement, it’s still more budget-friendly than a large wedding.
• Personalization: You have more flexibility to personalize your celebration.

Cons:

• Guest list limitations: You’ll have to make tough decisions about who to invite.
• Venue options: Finding a venue that accommodates a smaller guest list can be a challenge.

Planning Details:

• Permits and insurance: Check if the venue requires any specific permits or insurance coverage.
• Vendors: You’ll still need a smaller team of vendors like a photographer, caterer, and florist.

Big Weddings: Grand Celebrations with Everyone

Big weddings are the classic, traditional celebrations with a large guest list, elaborate décor, and a full day of festivities.

Pros:

• Celebration with everyone: You can share your joy with all your loved ones.
• Traditional elements: You can incorporate all the classic wedding traditions.
• Vendor options: You’ll have a wider range of vendors to choose from.

Cons:

• Expensive: Big weddings can be very costly.
• Stressful: Planning a large event can be overwhelming.
• Less intimate: The focus can sometimes shift away from the couple.

Planning Details:

• Venue permits and insurance: Larger venues often have more stringent requirements.
• Vendor team: You’ll need a larger team of vendors to manage all the details.
• Logistics: Coordinating everything can be complex.

The Purpose and the Experience

Remember, the heart of your wedding is the celebration of your love and commitment. The size and style of your wedding should reflect what truly matters to you as a couple. If the planning process becomes overwhelming, take a step back and focus on the essence of your celebration.

Prioritize the moments and memories you’ll cherish forever. At the end of the day, your wedding is about you and your partner embarking on a new chapter together.

A Photographer’s Perspective

As your photographer, I’ve had the privilege of documenting elopements, micro weddings, and grand celebrations. No matter the size, the most important thing is that your wedding reflects your unique love story.

I’m not just a photographer; I’m here to guide you through the process, offering insights and suggestions based on my experience. I’ll help you navigate the options, connect you with trusted vendors, and ensure that your vision comes to life.

Experienced photographers and videographers are valuable resources in the wedding planning process. We’ve seen it all, and we can offer a unique perspective on everything from choosing the perfect location to creating a timeline that flows seamlessly. We also have connections within the industry and can recommend other vendors who align with your style and budget.

Remember, this next milestone starts with the two of you hand in hand and will continue through everything you face in life together. Family and friends will come and go, but at the end of the day, it’s about the two of you becoming one.

I’m here to support your decisions, offer guidance, and capture your special day in a way that is true to you. I’m not just a photographer; I’m a storyteller, here to document your love story in an authentic and meaningful way.