Breaking the Rules: Embracing Non-Traditional Choices for Your Micro Wedding
Signature Espresso Martinis, Disco Balls, Short Dresses & Tiramisu ? YES PLEASE! | Caroline's 14 person micro wedding at Vendetta Coffee Bar | Morgan Hicks Photography
Hey, fellow rule-breakers! It’s Kate and Caroline, your micro wedding besties, and we’re here to dive into one of our favorite topics—throwing tradition out the window!
One of the best things about planning a micro wedding is that you can ditch the old-school traditions and do things your way. Whether it’s walking down the aisle together or having mismatched bridesmaid dresses, a micro wedding lets you make your day as unique as your love story.
Here are some of our favorite ways to break those traditional wedding rules and embrace the beauty of a micro wedding.
1. Walk Down the Aisle Together
Let’s start with one of our absolute favorite rule-breaking moments—walking down the aisle together! Traditionally, the bride walks down the aisle with her father, but why not flip the script? Walking down the aisle as a couple is a beautiful way to show that you’re starting this journey together, hand in hand.
Plus, it’s a moment to calm those pre-wedding jitters and soak in the excitement as a duo. Whether you’re walking down the aisle side by side or meeting halfway, it’s your wedding—make the entrance that feels right for you.
2. Wear a Dress in Any Color You Want
White is gorgeous, but it’s not the only option! Micro weddings are the perfect opportunity to wear a wedding dress in a color that speaks to your personality and style. Blush pink, soft blue, deep emerald—whatever makes you feel like the best version of yourself.
And if you’re feeling bold, go all out with a vibrant color like red, gold, or even black. Your dress should make you feel confident and stunning, so don’t be afraid to choose a shade that’s anything but traditional.
Vendetta Coffee Bar | Morgan Hicks Photography
3. Ditch the Wedding Party at the Altar
We love a supportive wedding party, but who says they have to stand up at the altar with you? More and more couples are choosing to have their bridesmaids and groomsmen take a seat during the ceremony so that the focus stays on the couple exchanging vows.
This can create a more intimate ceremony, where all eyes are on you and your partner. Your wedding party can still play an important role throughout the day, from helping with the planning to making heartfelt toasts, but there’s no rule that says they need to be standing up front.
My Wedding Dreamers Photography | You're Invited Italy | C & R's 50 Person Micro Wedding in Tuscany, Italy
4. Mix-and-Match Bridesmaid Dresses
Gone are the days of bridesmaids in matching dresses. We are all about the mix-and-match trend for bridesmaids! Letting your bridesmaids choose different dresses in complementary colors, styles, and patterns adds a unique and personalized touch to your wedding.
This approach lets your friends express their individuality while still looking cohesive in photos. Plus, it’s a more inclusive option that ensures everyone feels comfortable and confident in their outfit. Whether it’s different shades of the same color or completely different patterns, mix-and-match is where it’s at.
Kate's 30 person micro wedding | Black Sand Beach, Northern California | Beba Vowels Photography
5. Non-Traditional Wedding Venues
Let’s be real—traditional ballrooms can be beautiful, but they’re not the only option. One of the joys of a micro wedding is the freedom to choose a unique venue that truly reflects your personality as a couple. Think outside the box! How about getting married in an art gallery, a charming bookstore, or even your favorite brewery?
With a smaller guest list, the possibilities are endless. Unique venues add character and charm to your celebration, and they can make your wedding day feel even more special and personal.
6. Creative Food and Drink Options
Forget the standard three-course meal. Micro weddings are the perfect time to get creative with your food and drink choices. Whether it’s a food truck, a family-style meal, or a custom cocktail bar, you can break the mold and serve whatever makes you and your guests happy.
You could even curate a menu based on your relationship’s favorite foods. Love tacos? Build-your-own taco bar! Obsessed with brunch? Why not have a brunch wedding with mimosa flights and French toast? When you’re planning a micro wedding, you have the flexibility to offer a menu that’s as fun and unique as your love story.
Venue: Ellsworth Block
7. First Look Before the Ceremony
The tradition of not seeing each other before the ceremony is one that many couples are choosing to break. A first look allows you to share an intimate moment together before the big event, and it can help calm your nerves. Plus, it gives you a chance to capture some beautiful, emotional photos in a private setting.
A first look is especially great for micro weddings because it allows you to soak in the significance of the day together, without all the eyes on you. It’s a sweet, memorable moment that you’ll cherish forever.
Kate's 30 person micro wedding | Black Sand Beach | Beba Vowels Photography
8. Forgo the Traditional Timeline
Who says your wedding day has to follow the standard timeline? If you want to skip the formal dinner and jump straight to dancing, go for it! Micro weddings give you the flexibility to design your day exactly how you want it.
Maybe you want to have a long, leisurely cocktail hour with lawn games instead of a sit-down meal, or perhaps you’d prefer to have an intimate ceremony followed by a sunset picnic. When you’re not bound by a traditional timeline, you can create a wedding day that flows naturally and feels just right for you and your guests.
Wrapping It Up
Breaking the rules of traditional weddings is what makes micro weddings so special. It’s all about designing a day that reflects who you are as a couple and celebrating your love in a way that feels true to you. Whether that means walking down the aisle together, choosing a bold-colored dress, or forgoing a formal dinner—remember, this is your day, and you get to do it your way!
So go ahead, break those traditions and make your micro wedding a one-of-a-kind celebration that you and your guests will never forget.
With love, Kate & Caroline
Your Micro Wedding Besties