Wedding Types Explained: From Elopements to Full-size Bashes

All it takes is one global pandemic to completely transform an old-age tradition: getting married. Before 2020, weddings were commonly categorized into three different types: elopements, small weddings and full-size weddings. Due to the numerous restriction changes over the past year, we've had to clarify what the term 'wedding' means for each client and predict what will be allowed at their proposed wedding date.

This pandemic has introduced many different types of weddings, so we want to share these new terms with you so that you can consider all of the options when planning your big day. Elopements and intimate weddings may sound similar, but they are actually quite different depending on how many people you want to invite. What if you decide to have a smaller wedding now, but want to celebrate again later once restrictions have lifted? Don't worry, there's a name for that too.

Here are five common types of weddings that we've encountered over the past 12 months:

Full-sized Wedding

A full-sized wedding was probably the most common type of celebration prior to the 2021 pandemic. These include any celebrations with high guest counts and no restrictions. Currently, we are forecasting upcoming events to have restrictions similar to those in 2020, which included a 50 person guest limit for indoor events and 100 people for outdoor events. If the restrictions are lifted and increased guest counts are allowed, we will recommend this option to our couples.

Micro-wedding

A micro-wedding, or as we like to call it here at Jacqueline Rae an 'intimate wedding,' still features the time-honoured traditions that make a wedding, but on a much smaller scale. These celebrations often have up to 50 guests, including family and close friends only, as well as a larger budget which can accommodate more elaborate design elements. While a micro-wedding can save you money, many couples are turning it into a 'macro experience' by focusing the majority of their budget on the smaller details which would be difficult to replicate for, say, 200 guests. Intimate weddings are a cross between an elopement and a big, traditional wedding with accentuated design and decor elements.

Mini-mony

A mini-mony, as you may have guessed, is a very small ceremony or commitment ceremony generally on your original wedding date. These celebrations include up to 10 guests and are not followed by a reception. A mini-mony may include a small dinner with the group if restrictions allow or a private dinner for the couple - it all depends on wedding and reception restrictions at the current time. This type of celebration became very popular during 2021 as it adhered to social distancing measures and low gathering numbers throughout the pandemic. Consider a mini-mony to honour your original wedding date or to move forward for legal purposes.

Elopement

If you can believe it, yes there is still a smaller wedding size yet. An elopement is generally only attended by the couple and sometimes their witnesses. Traditionally, elopements were considered a spur of the moment, unplanned event, but they have now evolved into a more planned and personalized affair, still with the very low guest count. Elopements are quite minimal in design elements, if any at all, but they still require planning and are often in a more creative location. Imagine taking a private helicopter ride to the top of a mountain or committing your vows alongside a sparking lake surrounded by tall pines - the sky's the limit when it comes to elopement destinations.

Sequel Wedding

Perhaps you choose one of the smaller wedding types above so that you can get married during the pandemic, but you still want to have that big celebration afterwards. Many couples are planning their original full-size weddings as 'sequel' weddings, with a symbolic ceremony or a large reception to celebrate with all their family and friends post-pandemic.

As we enter yet another year of event adjustments and restrictions that could change at the drop of a hat, we wanted to provide these options so that the size of your wedding can be one less thing for you to think about.

Still not sure which wedding size is right for you? Reach out and connect with us here

Jacqueline