Minimony vs Microwedding vs Elopement: Which is Right for You?

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Considering a Minimony, microwedding, or elopement? Find out which option is right for you!

If you’re currently engaged and trying to plan a wedding during Coronavirus, you’ve likely experienced a series of pivots, postponements, or worse. Countless couples have had to juggle the ongoing uncertainty of restrictions and reopenings over the course of 2020 and how those circumstances how impacted their wedding plans. For the foreseeable future, it seems that engaged couples will be left with one of three choices if they want to move forward with their wedding celebration.

If you don’t want to let COVID stand between you and your sweetie saying “I do,” you’ll need to choose your own alternate wedding adventure that fits within the current allowances in your area. Below we’ll share all about microweddings, minimonies, and elopements so you can decide the best course of action for your walk down the aisle.

Elopement = just the two of you

An elopement is typically an intimate wedding ceremony that includes the couple, an officiant, and perhaps a witness. Traditionally, elopements were spontaneous, of the moment decisions where couples romantically chose to run away together and get hitched. But nowadays, eloping is becoming an increasingly popular planned choice chosen by couples who want both romance and simplicity as part of their wedding day. Whether you choose to head to the courthouse or hire an officiant to come to a special location (or even your own backyard) planning an elopement can be a truly beautiful, personal, and meaningful way to get married.

Many couples are taking the spirit of “running away together” quite literally and planning adventure elopements. An adventure elopement is an intimate ceremony in a destination with mesmerizing views as a backdrop for your vows. Even if you don’t plan to travel far for your elopement, it could still be adventurous. Get hitched at the top of a mountain after a hike along your favorite trail. Or exchange your vows on a boat in the lake you and your partner love to relax on every weekend. Whether or not you initially intended on an elopement for your wedding day, it can still be an incredible and memorable experience for both of you.

Minimony = the COVID alternative wedding

“Minimony” is a newly-coined term by The Knot for wedding ceremonies taking place in lieu of or in addition to your formal celebration. Hosting a minimony has become an increasingly popular choice by many couples due to the pandemic. Minimonies are a good compromise for couples who’ve been forced to postpone their weddings due to current restrictions put in place to stop the spread of COVID-19. A minimony is a wonderful way to honor and celebrate your original wedding date. You can choose to get legally married at your minimony even if you still plan to host a larger celebration at a later time.

Personally, we like to think of your minimony as a “bonus wedding!” Just be careful to not overextend yourself financially. Don’t overspend in an attempt to make the bonus wedding as ballin’ as the original. If you plan to party properly later, keep a strict budget in mind for your bonus bash! Many couples are opting for minimonies at home or in their backyards. If your event size is restricted due to social distancing rules, you can still include those who can’t attend in person. Just include a livestream component to allow family and friends near and far to witness the ceremony online. Learn more about planning a virtual wedding.

Livestream options to consider for your minimony:

Microwedding = A wedding with 50 guests or less

“Microwedding” is really just a fancy term for an intimate wedding with a smaller than average guest list. A microwedding is simply a traditional celebration with 50 people or less in attendance. A microwedding is a typical celebration with the usual bells and whistles on a smaller scale than the “average” celebration. (According to resources like The Knot, the average wedding guest list size hovers somewhere between 120-150.)

You just might be in luck if you were already planning for a small guest list at your wedding. If your area allows gatherings of up to 50 people then a microwedding is still a possibility for you! Just be aware that circumstances can change quite rapidly and you have to be willing to pivot if necessary. The biggest wedding planning lesson of 2020 has been to be adaptable and willing to do what is necessary!

Browse Corona weddings:

A Potentially Inconvenient Truth

If you weren’t already intending to have a small wedding, you’re likely going to have to make some cuts to your guest list due to COVID. However, there are many benefits of having an intimate wedding, including cost-savings. If you’re having trouble deciding who to include or not to include, check out this guest list flowchart.

In Closing

Whether you choose an elopement, microwedding, or a minimony, your wedding day will be incredibly special. No matter which Corona wedding alternative path you choose, it’s important to respect and adhere to local restrictions and guidelines. Require guests to wear proper face coverings and observe social distancing from others who are not members of their household.

Want to take your COVID-wedding details up a notch? Make custom wedding masks or hand sanitizer as favors for your guests or purchase some from Etsy. You’ll keep everyone safe, healthy, and stylish at the same time!

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