The Micro Wedding Blueprint: What Every Bride and New Planner Should Know

Wedding Planning TipsMicro Weddings & ElopementsSavannah Wedding InspirationLuxury Wedding DesignA La Carte Florals

Sep 25

So you’ve said yes (cue the happy tears and champagne clinks 🥂), and now comes the fun part—planning a wedding that feels like you. But here’s the thing: more and more couples are swapping 200-person guest lists for intimate celebrations, creating unforgettable micro weddings that are high on style and big on heart. At Ivory & Beau, we believe these smaller celebrations deserve just as much sparkle, luxe details, and thoughtful planning as the grandest ballroom affair.

Grab your coffee (or let’s be honest…a matcha latte) and let’s chat about the ultimate step-by-step blueprint to planning your dream micro wedding. Whether you’re a bride-to-be navigating Pinterest boards or a new wedding planner eager for insider industry tea, we’ve got you covered.

Step One: Master Your Timeline

Just because your wedding is “micro” doesn’t mean your planning process should be. A clear timeline keeps stress low and excitement high.

12–9 months out: Book your venue (yes, even with a smaller guest count, popular Savannah and Hilton Head wedding venues fill fast!).
6 months out: Secure key vendors like your planner, photographer, and floral designer—those creative partners are what turn visions into realities.
3 months out: Lock in your design details, schedule tastings, and create a draft day-of schedule.
1 month out: Confirm with vendors, finalize your playlist, and start soaking in the “OMG I’m getting married” vibes.

Think of your timeline as your secret weapon—it keeps everyone on track while giving you freedom to enjoy the fun stuff.

Step Two: Prioritize Design That Packs a Punch

Micro weddings shine when every detail feels intentional. With fewer tables to fill and less space to decorate, you can really lean into design priorities.

Statement florals: Dreamy ceremony arches, lush tablescapes, or a bouquet that feels like an art piece.
Mood-setting lighting: Candles, twinkle lights, or even a neon sign for that playful twist.
Curated lounge areas: Picture velvet sofas, cozy corners, and chic cocktail tables that invite guests to linger.

Here’s the best part—you get to go big on the details that matter to you without stretching your budget across dozens of elements.

Step Three: Create an Elevated Guest Experience

When your guest list is petite, you have the perfect opportunity to make every person feel like a VIP.

Personalized touches: Handwritten notes, custom cocktails, or favors that reflect your story.
Entertainment that surprises: Think live acoustic music, a champagne wall, or even a trolley ride exploring downtown Savannah.
Seamless flow: With fewer moving parts, your planner can craft a timeline that feels effortless—from ceremony to send-off.

The goal? Guests leave feeling like they were part of something intimate, stylish, and oh-so you.

Step Four: Trust Your Vendor Dream Team

We can’t stress this enough: your vendors are the magic-makers. A smaller wedding doesn’t mean a smaller need for talented professionals—it actually means you’ll notice every detail even more. Choose vendors who “get” your vision, communicate clearly, and feel like friends by the end of the journey.

At Ivory & Beau, we’ve seen firsthand how an aligned vendor team can transform a micro wedding into a major celebration.

Final Sip of Tea

Planning a micro wedding is about more than trimming your guest list—it’s about elevating every detail so your day feels luxe, intentional, and unforgettable. Whether you’re tying the knot under Savannah’s iconic oaks or celebrating with an intimate dinner party on Hilton Head Island, this blueprint gives you the roadmap to plan like a pro.

Ready to start designing your dreamy micro wedding? The Ivory & Beau team is here to help bring your vision to life with style, creativity, and heart. Let’s make magic together! 💫