The Appeal of Micro Weddings
Pandemic or no pandemic, many couples will want to cement their relationship by getting married, perhaps because they feel that they can no longer put their lives on hold, or wait indefinitely for the world to return to normal. The part of wedding vows that require the couple to stay together for better or worse, through sickness and health is brought into sharp relief in the current climate. But how to celebrate the occasion within medical and government guidelines? Even when lockdown eases, large weddings are looking unlikely until 2022.
A Smaller Number of Guests but No Less Romance
The answer is a micro wedding, with the minimal number of guests that can easily maintain social distancing, but still retain a sense of romance and connection with the moment, such that the ceremony isn’t reduced to a simple transaction. The wedding atmosphere is created and maintained by the celebrant or Vicar who can instill the necessary context and formality so that the couple feel wholly involved in the wedding process, the rings, the exchange of vows and signing of the registers, and the sense of occasion is still there.
Using Modern Technology to Include the Family
Modern technology provides new ways to involve wider members of the family in the service where the location has access to WiFi. Often, when in a town or city, this can be done with a live video feed using a TV screen and the setup process is second nature to most people working from home. This has proven reliable in a recent wedding I photographed in London and was a fantastic way to include more people from around the world in your special day.
Staying Discreet on the Day
In a micro wedding, it is even more critical that the wedding photographer is discreet when capturing this personal moment in a couple’s life. When the number of guests is reduced, the presence of the photographer becomes more significant and dealing with this requires a delicate touch. I don’t distract the couple with sudden movement, lens changes or flash, but instead try and blend into the background, while still capturing all the important moments throughout the day.
Getting Married During the Pandemic
I photographed many small weddings over 2020 when the government guidelines allowed them to take place and I can honestly say that without exception they were all happy, moving occasions. The circumstances will provide unique memories of a time in our lives that was dominated by a global pandemic.
Here are a few tips I can offer…
Choose a Smaller Venue
A venue that can easily accommodate 450 people won’t be ideal for a small group of up to 30 guests, as it will feel empty on the day. A smaller Register Office, hotel space or Chapel would be better, followed by a restaurant or outdoor drinks reception. It will look much more like it includes the intended number of guests rather than that many didn’t make it to the service.
Following Covid Safety Rules
It is important to make sure that there is plenty of hand sanitiser and spare masks available for the guests. It should be made clear in advance what the etiquette will be regarding wearing face masks and many people have different interpretations of hygiene guidelines.
Do Things Differently
The smaller number of guests offers the chance for some creativity and flexibility. For example, one US couple hired a London Taxi for the day and took the chance to visit ten London sights and have some photographs taken at each venue. This would not have been possible with the standard 150 people but worked very well in these circumstances. It was a fun and successful day and the couple were very pleased with the results.
Altered Timings for the Day
Lastly, it is important to be conscious of timings for the service, as without readings or hymns the ceremony may be fairly brief and the subsequent restaurant or venue must be able to accommodate for the early arrivals.
Going Ahead with the Wedding
Weddings are significant days in everyone’s life, filled with emotion and family celebration, so it is important not to let a global pandemic get in the way. Life must and does go on. Micro weddings are a great alternative to the typical grand spectacle and provide a great level of intimacy.
- Wedding in Dulwich and RAC Club Mayfair, London - 18th April 2024
- Autumn Wedding Photography at the Lansdowne Club in London - 15th January 2024
- Family Photoshoot in Oxford - 15th January 2024