Microwedding vs. Large Wedding Budget Breakdown

So, you’re engaged (yay!) and knee-deep in wedding planning, trying to decide between a dreamy, intimate microwedding or a full-blown, go-big-or-go-home celebration. But before you start saying “I do” to all the details, let’s talk numbers.

Does a smaller wedding really mean big savings? Or do those extra guests actually help spread the costs? Let’s break it all down, category by category, so you can decide what’s best for your budget and your wedding day dreams.

Microwedding vs. Large Wedding Budget Breakdown

The Guest List: Where It All Begins

A microwedding differs from a typical wedding in one significant way: guest count. Microweddings are considered to have 50 or fewer guests. They are more intimate celebrations, often hosted in backyards, smaller venues, or destinations.

In most cases, microweddings are cheaper than regular weddings, solely for the savings that come associated with smaller venues, less catering, and relaxed receptions. However, microweddings can be extravagant, too. Hosting a microwedding in Lake Como, Italy? That’ll probably be more expensive than a 100+ person wedding at a venue in your region.

Breaking down microweddings vs. large weddings budgets sticks to average costs for couples, not including travel for destination microweddings.

Venue & Rentals

Microwedding: $200 – $5,000
Large Wedding: $5,000 – $15,000+
A microwedding opens up unique options like a backyard soirée or a boutique venue that wouldn’t accommodate 150+ guests. Some microweddings happen on public lands like National Forests or National Parks, where permits are typically a couple of hundred dollars and can accommodate up to 50 guests. Larger weddings often require banquet halls or grand ballrooms—big on space and price.

Food & Drinks

Microwedding: $1,500 – $5,000
Large Wedding: $7,000 – $15,000+
Catering costs typically range from $50-$150 per guest, so fewer people can make a big difference. And if you dream of a gourmet plated dinner in an intimate setting with a private chef, a micro-wedding makes that splurge more budget-friendly! Or if you’d like a more chill-microwedding vibe, some couples opt for food trucks, pizza bars, and other nonconventional catering options that guests still love.

Decor & Florals

Microwedding: $500 – $3,000
Large Wedding: $3,000 – $10,000+
A smaller space means fewer tables to decorate, less floral arrangement demand, and potentially way less stress on your bank account. The larger the wedding, the more linens, florals, and decorations will be needed.

Photography & Videography

Microwedding: $2,000 – $5,000
Large Wedding: $3,500 – $7,000+
Quality photography is a must, no matter your wedding size, but fewer hours of coverage and a smaller bridal party can cut costs. Many photographers price their jobs based on hours of coverage. Microweddings can often be covered in 8 hours or less, with larger ones sometimes requiring 12+ hours of coverage, from capturing getting ready photos to late-night reception parties. If you plan to have a microwedding with fewer coverage hours, make sure to inquire with your intended photographer first. During peak season, many photographers and videographers require full coverage packages on weekends.

Total Cost Estimate

• Microwedding Total: $5,000 – $20,000

• Large Wedding Total: $25,000 – $50,000+

So… Which Wedding is Right for You?

To most, fewer guests mean a smaller venue, fewer rentals, and less food to serve. Cha-ching! 💸 However, more guests mean higher costs for catering, seating, and space—but it also means more people to shower you with gifts!

Go Micro If: You want an intimate, relaxed day with meaningful moments, a flexible budget, and maybe a little extra for a dreamy honeymoon.
Go Big If: You love a packed dance floor, a grand celebration, and don’t mind splurging for a once-in-a-lifetime event.

At the end of the day, the perfect wedding is the one that makes your heart happy—whether that’s with 30 guests or 300. Just remember: love is priceless, but budgeting wisely is always a win! 💕