Call it what you will – an elopement, micro wedding, or intimate wedding – smaller sized gatherings are a big upcoming trend in the wedding industry.

As wedding trends shift away from ornate production-style gatherings, with couples focusing more on their own personal “brand” and guest experience, it seems that guest lists are getting shorter and traditions are going by the wayside, resulting in fun-sized weddings! Many couples that go this route choose to incorporate lots of the aesthetic elements (formalwear, a stunning ceremony location, floral, and other design elements) while choosing to downsize their guest lists in favor of smaller gatherings where they can truly enjoy their loved ones and the intimacy of the day.

Here are some reasons why a styled elopement or micro-wedding might be the right fit for you:

1. You’ll Save Time – While traditional weddings can take a year or more to plan, elopements or smaller style gatherings can be planned in just a few weeks or months depending upon how many elements you want to include! If a longer engagement seems unbearable, an elopement might be a perfect solution!
2. You’ll Save Money – On average, traditional weddings in the United States will set you back around $35,000. If you aren’t committed to the idea of a traditional wedding, and that isn’t important to you as a couple, that money can be put toward other things! Even if you want a beautiful, styled intimate gathering – you can save thousands of dollars by keeping your guest count to under 25 of your nearest and dearest. You can especially stretch those dollars if you are open to getting married at a venue during the off season (summer/winter in the Charleston area) OR if you are willing to get married on a Monday – Thursday date. 
3. You’ll Be Able to Focus on What Really Matters – at the end of the day, whether you get married in front of 150 of your friends and family or if you decide take off, just the two of you, for a destination elopement the outcome will be the same. You’ll be married to your best friend and have those shiny new rings and piece of paper to prove it! If you are a non traditional couple, and can look back years from now with no regrets, an elopement might be a perfect solution!

If planning even a small wedding gathering still causes you stress, never fear! Lovecraft Events specializes in intimate gatherings and we would love to help you with your planning. Many of our destination clients, those coming to Charleston to be married from other areas, have smaller sized guest counts. We can design a customized, micro-wedding day, catered to your vision and aesthetic preferences, all while respecting your desired outcomes and budget. Reach out for more details!