Micro Weddings in Charleston Ideas – How to Plan & Where to Start
Considering having a micro wedding in Charleston, SC? These smaller events are not only a cost-saving alternative to a traditional wedding with 150+ guests, but they’re an intimate affair that can be as unique as you and your partner. With fewer guests, you have more freedom to explore creative micro wedding ideas, from cozy beach ceremonies to rooftop receptions with Charleston’s skyline as your backdrop.
What are Micro Weddings in Charleston?
Imagine a normal Charleston, SC wedding celebration, just on a way smaller scale. Micro weddings generally still have a ceremony and reception with dinner, decor, cake, and entertainment. The event is typically 40 people or less, with the majority in the range of 15 to 25 guests. A small guest list means less seating, centerpieces, linens, food, and the list goes on. According to The Knot’s 2019 Real Weddings Study, the average wedding last year cost over $33,000. A micro wedding can be achieved under $10,000. Talk about major savings!
But a small wedding doesn’t mean a micro wedding can’t be lavish. While the guestlist for micro weddings is limited, this doesn’t mean the couple is throwing a frugal, thrifty wedding. Micro weddings allow a couple to bring their true wedding day vision to life with more budget for anything else! If you’re looking to splurge on a unique venue, a customized catered meal, or lavish decor, you can! You will still save money in the end when the guest list is limited. Micro weddings give you more budget to dream, doing something you simply could not fathom providing for 300 people.
Samantha & Wayne’s micro wedding shown below at Tides Folly Beach which is located along with one of Charleston area’s most breathtaking beaches.
First Steps in Micro Wedding Planning
Like any wedding, the first step is to define your timeline and vision. The beauty of a micro wedding is that you’re not limited to traditional venues. With a small guest list, your location options expand to include:
- A charming courtyard in historic downtown Charleston
- A cozy backyard filled with twinkle lights
- A stylish rooftop overlooking the city
- A quiet garden corner or scenic waterfront deck
Think about your desired atmosphere, romantic, modern, rustic, or coastal, and let that guide your venue and décor decisions. Charleston’s variety of locations makes it the perfect setting for creative small wedding ideas that reflect your personality.
Emily and Mark’s wedding shown at Wild Dunes Resort which is located on the pristine Isle of Palms shores.
Charleston, SC Micro Wedding Services
Photography
When throwing a micro wedding, professional photography is essential. Your micro wedding will be filled with candid emotions, intricate details, and intimate moments you’ll want to relive for years to come. Capture your day beautifully with a local Charleston wedding photographer experienced in small, personal ceremonies.
Music
Whether you want a dance off to emerge or an evening of sing-a-long tunes around the fire pit, music helps bring your space to life! Set the atmosphere with music from when guests arrive to the final slow dance of the evening. Hire a Charleston DJ to make announcements, provide microphones for any speeches, and to create the soundtrack to the day of your dreams.
Videography
With a small guest list, many individuals you enjoy simply won’t be able to make the slim list. Choosing videography for a micro wedding is a great option to share the day with everyone! Extended family members, coworkers, high school friends, your gym buddy, your mom’s hair stylist, and all those who wish they made the invite list.
Sabrina and Hampton’s wedding also shown at Wild Dunes Resort!
Bundle Your Wedding Services
Take the stress out of hiring multiple vendors by choosing a vendor who can cater multiple services for your day. Complete Weddings + Events offers budget-friendly packages on photography, DJ and videography perfect for a micro wedding! Having a photographer, DJ, and videographer who work well together is something you won’t take for granted!
Why Micro Weddings Are Worth It
Micro weddings allow you to focus on what truly matters—each other. With fewer guests, you can spend quality time with everyone, invest in the experiences that mean the most, and enjoy a relaxed, heartfelt atmosphere. It’s not about size; it’s about significance.
Stevie and Trent’s wedding shown at White Point Gardens in Downtown Charleston and reception at Pour Taproom’s rooftop.
Plan Your Micro Wedding in Charleston Today
Ready to bring your micro wedding ideas to life? Contact Complete Weddings + Events if you’re interested in your own micro wedding in Charleston, SC! Our team offers photography, DJ, and videography packages designed to make your micro wedding stress-free, beautiful, and unforgettable.
