Why more Australians are embracing MICROWEDDINGS than ever

If the thought of a big, white wedding that costs thousands of dollars fills you with dread, you’re not alone.

In fact, the microwedding is the latest buzzword in nuptials – with couples seeking more laid-back, minimalist and crucially, less expensive affairs.

‘Microweddings are that nice, happy medium between a secret elopement with just the two of you and a bigger, more traditional affair,’ the editor of popular Australian wedding blog, Polka Dot Bride, Dorothy Polka, told FEMAIL.

‘The microwedding allows you to keep things small and pressure-free while still involving your favourite people and the special touches you have dreamed about.’ 

The microwedding is the latest buzzword in nuptials – with couples seeking more laid-back, minimalist and crucially, less expensive affairs (stock image)

'Microweddings are that nice, happy medium between a secret elopement with just the two of you and a bigger, more traditional affair,' wedding expert, Dorothy Polka, told FEMAIL (pictured: a wedding shot by Just for Love Photography)

‘Microweddings are that nice, happy medium between a secret elopement with just the two of you and a bigger, more traditional affair,’ wedding expert, Dorothy Polka, told FEMAIL (pictured: a wedding shot by Just for Love Photography)

'The microwedding allows you to keep things small and pressure-free while still involving your favourite people and the special touches you have dreamed about,' Ms Polka explained (pictured is a wedding shot by Amanda Kilbourn)

'The microwedding allows you to keep things small and pressure-free while still involving your favourite people and the special touches you have dreamed about,' Ms Polka explained (pictured is a wedding shot by Amanda Kilbourn)

‘The microwedding allows you to keep things small and pressure-free while still involving your favourite people and the special touches you have dreamed about,’ Ms Polka explained (pictured is a wedding shot by Amanda Kilbourn)

The microwedding is basically everything you want in a wedding, but less of the fat and excess trimmings - it might see around 15 guests and cost as little as AUD $5,000 (stock image)

The microwedding is basically everything you want in a wedding, but less of the fat and excess trimmings – it might see around 15 guests and cost as little as AUD $5,000 (stock image)

It allows host to prioritise the things they care about in a wedding ceremony and reception, and leave out everything else that is less important (pictured: a wedding shot by Daisy Chain weddings)

It allows host to prioritise the things they care about in a wedding ceremony and reception, and leave out everything else that is less important (pictured: a wedding shot by Daisy Chain weddings)

So just what is the microwedding?

Australian weddings in 2017 – the costs and breakdown

* The average Australian wedding in 2017 costs around AUD $65,000. 

* The average microwedding costs around $5,000 – $10,000.

* For $5,000-$10,000 you can create a much more bespoke package – including floral arrangements, table settings, food and more.

* It is all about prioritising what you want to make a big deal in the ceremony, and getting rid of the rest. 

The microwedding is basically everything you want in a wedding, but less of the fat and excess trimmings. 

You might have around 15 guests present, as well as a bespoke experience that everyone present can enjoy and remember.

It allows host to prioritise the things they care about in a wedding ceremony and reception, and leave out everything else. 

Typically, microweddings cost as little as AUD $5,000 meaning they are far less expensive than the average Aussie ceremony and reception, which can chime in at $65,000 as an average.

Ms Polka said she’s noticed an upturn in couples looking for smaller, more intimate affairs in recent years:

‘With couples becoming more and more comfortable creating a wedding that is completely reflective of them, they’re comfortable in choosing elements of a wedding that suits their own personalities,’ she explained.

Ms Polka said she's noticed an upturn in couples looking for smaller, more intimate affairs in recent years (pictured is a wedding shot by Angus Porter Photography,  styling by ELK Prints)

Ms Polka said she’s noticed an upturn in couples looking for smaller, more intimate affairs in recent years (pictured is a wedding shot by Angus Porter Photography, styling by ELK Prints)

Ms Polka also added that microweddings have countless benefits, insofar as they are a step up from elopements and allow your favourite people to attend (stock image)

Ms Polka also added that microweddings have countless benefits, insofar as they are a step up from elopements and allow your favourite people to attend (stock image)

Ms Polka also added that microweddings have countless benefits.

They are a step up from elopements and allow your favourite people to attend, and they also allow you to ‘choose higher-quality things, like that incredible cake, without all the other expense, or worry and pressure from guests’.

‘With such a small guest list, the sky becomes the limit,’ Ms Polka added. 

‘You can choose a registry office ceremony and have a lovely dinner, or find a stunning mountaintop only accessible by helicopter.’

'With such a small guest list, the sky becomes the limit,' Ms Polka added (a picture from Amanda Kilbourn's portfolio)

‘With such a small guest list, the sky becomes the limit,’ Ms Polka added (a picture from Amanda Kilbourn’s portfolio)

Speaking about her tips for hosting a microwedding, Ms Polka said it's all about putting in the necessary thought and due consideration to your ceremony (pictured: Amanda Kilbourn's image)

Speaking about her tips for hosting a microwedding, Ms Polka said it’s all about putting in the necessary thought and due consideration to your ceremony (pictured: Amanda Kilbourn’s image)

Tips for hosting your own microwedding 

* Put in the necessary thought about who you are going to invite, and who you are going to leave out.

* Consider the post-wedding relationships among your nearest and dearest. Then, set expectations among them beforehand.

* Choose what matters most to you, outside of the vows, and let go of the rest of it.

* Contact professional suppliers for the individual elements, such as cakes and flowers, which can really set your wedding apart. 

Speaking about her tips for hosting a microwedding, Ms Polka said it’s all about putting in the necessary thought and due consideration.

‘The same thought that goes into weddings needs to apply to your immediate family,’ she said.

‘Will excluding them completely cause ramifications which continue long after the wedding if you’re inviting others?’.

With such a small guest list, she said you need to consider the post-wedding relationships among your nearest and dearest. 

‘Set expectations with family and friends ahead of time to head off upset guests,’ she said – adding that you need to explain why you want a smaller wedding. 

Again, as with a regular wedding, Ms Polka said you need to 'choose what matters most to you - outside of the obvious vows - and let go of the rest' (pictured: Amanda Kilbourn's images)

Again, as with a regular wedding, Ms Polka said you need to 'choose what matters most to you - outside of the obvious vows - and let go of the rest' (pictured: Amanda Kilbourn's images)

Again, as with a regular wedding, Ms Polka said you need to ‘choose what matters most to you – outside of the obvious vows – and let go of the rest’ (pictured: Amanda Kilbourn’s images)

Again, as with a regular wedding, Ms Polka said you need to ‘choose what matters most to you – outside of the obvious vows – and let go of the rest’.

Whether you dream of an incredible sit-down dinner, a designer gown or beautiful setting, you can have what you want – provided you prioritise.

Ms Polka also recommended contacting professional suppliers ‘for individual elements’ such as cakes, flowers and wedding packages, and said you should never forgo a photographer.

Not only will a microwedding help you to save a whole load of cash, but you'll also be able to spend quality time with the people you really love (pictured: Amanda Kilbourn's image)

Not only will a microwedding help you to save a whole load of cash, but you’ll also be able to spend quality time with the people you really love (pictured: Amanda Kilbourn’s image)

An illustration of Dorothy Polka from Polka Dot Bride is pictured

An illustration of Dorothy Polka from Polka Dot Bride is pictured

Of course, the reasons as to why these ceremonies are booming are myriad. 

Not only will a microwedding help you to save a whole load of cash, but you’ll also be able to spend quality time with the people you really love:

‘They are so much more of a flexible option than the regular white wedding,’ Ms Polka concluded.

‘If you’ve always wanted to serve your favourite champagne or fancied using vintage crockery, you can,’ she said. 

‘With a smaller group, you can spend time and dollars on the elements you really love and adore.’

To read more from Dorothy Polka and Polka Dot Bride, please click here.

If you had a microwedding and would like to share your story, you can also contact FemailAU@mailonline.com

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