Just Got Engaged? Here’s How to Start Planning Your Micro Wedding (Step-by-Step Guide)
Introduction: Take a Breath…and Celebrate!
If you’re reading this, you’re probably still staring at your ring every five minutes (as you should). And now that the initial excitement has settled, the next question pops up:
“We’re engaged…now what?”
Most couples feel overwhelmed because wedding planning advice online assumes you’re having a huge traditional event. But you’re here because you want something different:
Something intentional.
Something meaningful.
Something that reflects your relationship, not wedding industry expectations.
Welcome to the start of your micro wedding journey, we’re so glad you’re here!
At Marigold Micro Weddings, we’ve guided couples through this exact moment, helping them find clarity, ease, and a planning process that feels good.
Here is how to begin.
Step 1: Get Clear on Your Vision (Before Anything Else)
Before searching venues or making guests lists, ask yourselves these questions:
What kind of experience do we want for our day?
Do we want calm and intimate, or lively and full of energy?
What moments matter most to us?
How important is having just our closest people there?
Your vision becomes the anchor for every decision. The beauty of a micro wedding is that you’re designing a celebration around your values, not a guest count.
Pro Tip: Write down 3 words that describe how you want the day to feel. (Think: cozy, joyful elevated, relaxed, meaningful, adventurous)
Step 2: Decide on a Guest Count Range
Micro Weddings are usually 10-50 guests, but yours can fall anywhere that feels right.
Ask yourselves:
Who feels essential to our story?
Does this guest list feel peaceful or stressful?
Would we enjoy our day more with fewer people?
Guest count impacts almost everything: venue types, catering, budget, and timelines. This step brings immediate clarity.
Not sure how to best narrow down your guest list? Check out our recommendations here.
Step 3 : Choose the Right Venue Style (Non-Traditional Options Shine!)
Here in California, micro weddings open the door to unique, non-traditional venues that wouldn’t work for larger groups. And yes, they are just as beautiful!
Some of the best options include:
Private estates
VRBOs (perfect for wedding weekends)
Boutique hotels
Gardens & Parks
Redwoods & coastal locations
Small event spaces designed for gatherings
Instead of asking “Which venue fits 200 people?”, you get to ask:
“Which space makes us feel at home?”
Step 4: Set Your Budget, With Micro Wedding Flexibility
Here’s the truth:
A micro wedding doesn’t automatically mean cheap. It means intentional.
Your budget can flex depending on what matters most:
A stunning meal shared with your closest people
Personal details and thoughtful design
A destination-style weekend retreat
A cozy, intimate gathering with minimal extras
Couples who choose micro weddings often invest in quality over quantity, and feel more connected to every detail they choose.
If you’re in California, expect a thoughtful micro wedding to range from $15k - $35k, depending on location and priorities.
Step 5: Decide Your Timeline (Micro Doesn’t Mean Last-Minute!)
Even though micro weddings are smaller, planning should still start early, especially in Southern California where venues book quickly.
Here’s a general timeline:
12-18 months out: Book planner, venue style, and date
8-12 months out: Lock in vendors
6-8 months out: Start design and menu planning
3-4 months out: Final logistics and walkthroughs
1-2 months out: Send final details, timeline, and confirmations
Starting now means more options & less stress.
Step 6: Hire a Planner Who Specializes in Micro Weddings (This Matters!)
Micro weddings are not just small traditional weddings.
They’re a completely different planning experience, one focused on:
Curating intimate guest experiences
Transforming non-traditional spaces into functional venues
Managing logistics for private estates, VRBOs, and unconventional spaces
Scaling vendors and timelines intentionally
Designing an event that feels personalized, not performative
At Marigold Micro Weddings, we offer:
Full Service Micro Wedding Planning
Design & Styling
In-house bar, floral, dessert, and rental options
Wedding weekend planning
Day-of coordination
You’re not just hiring a planner, you’re gaining a team that handles everything so you can stay present.
Step 7: Focus on What Truly Matters to You
Micro weddings are about:
Meaningful connection
Intentional design
A calm, joyful planning experience
Celebrating with the people who matter most
Your wedding isn’t about performing. It’s about feeling. And starting with intention now sets the tone for everything to come.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Behind, You’re Right on Time
Whether you just got engaged yesterday or have been engaged for months, this is the perfect moment to begin shaping a celebration that feels authentically you. If you’re ready to take the next step to a stress-free planning process, then we would love to connect with you and help start your exciting journey!
We’re booking for 2026 + 2027, and we’d love to help you create a day full of meaning, beauty, and ease.
