Micro vs Mega: Why the Wedding World Is Splitting in Two

The world is splitting in two, on one side there are couples who plan and host mega weddings, and on the other those who are moving towards microweddings.

Mega and Microweddings are gaining traction but why?

Mega weddings can be characterised by wedding celebrations with a large guest count and grand extravagant details to match.

Microweddings are the complete opposite, with more intimate guest counts usually well under 100 guests and meaningful, intentional details.

Less and less couples are having mid-sized weddings, they are instead choosing to go all in or scaling way back.

This shift could largely be caused by post-pandemic and economic influences or maybe it’s due to changing generational values?

The Rise of Microweddings

Couples are prioritizing emotional intimacy, personalization, more detailed designs and fewer opinions in the room.

However this does not mean they are spending any less.

Modern couples are choosing to spend more per person, with fewer guests in attendance.

This is redefining the way luxury couples approach weddings.

A luxury microwedding may include Michelin star meals, exclusive venues that most can only dream of and perhaps bespoke couture inclusions for the guests!

The more microweddings rise, the more plausible the generational value theory becomes, as this trend is most popular with Gen Z and millennial couples who choose to focus more on guest experience over spectacle.

The Return of the Extravaganza

On the complete other end of the spectrum, some couples are taking the significance of their wedding to a whole new level, ensuring that their celebrations really are once in a lifetime events.

These Extravaganza Mega weddings often include over 500 guests with celebrations unfolding over a three to five days!

Mega weddings are all about over the top inclusions that wow guests and leave a lasting and unforgettable impression.

From fireworks and pyrotechnics to cakes that tower over everyone’s heads and haute couture masterpieces that leave the room in awe.

These celebrations are making a status statement, incorporating cultural heritage, luxury destinations and outstanding details that truly blow guests away.

Mega weddings are on the rise especially in regions like the Middle East, India and parts of Europe.

What’s Driving the Divide?

Global modern couples have varying values, meanings, beliefs and traditions when it comes to weddings.

The main aspects couples are considering when choosing a Micro or Mega Wedding are:

Cultural tradition vs modern minimalism

Couples with extensive cultural traditions and expectations are likely to invite their entire family to their wedding, as well as the couples friends, their parents’ friends and maybe the whole village, because in these incredibly hospitable cultures it would be rude not to. These numbers can easily add up to over 500 people, hence the strong connection between cultural celebrations and mega weddings. But still not all mega weddings are inherently cultural.

On the other hand, modern minimalist couples are choosing to consciously and delicately select the small number of people who really need to attend the wedding and only invite them. This means only close family members attend, parents certainly don’t get to extend the invite to their friends and the guest count is controlled and intentional. This makes for an extremely personal and deeply meaningful celebration

Budget strategy vs emotional values

Spending more per person for a higher quality event with a smaller guest list, or prioritizing emotional values, beliefs and traditions and being incredibly hospitable and inviting 500 + whilst still making it a spectacle.

Personalisation vs performance
Social media influence (is the wedding for your guests, or your feed?)

Focusing on personalization, not just for the couple but for the guests too and enhancing their experience that way. Or focusing on extravagant inclusions that are sure to go viral.

What It Means for the Future of Luxury Weddings?

The shift between Mega and Micro may mark the end of mid-sized weddings as couples continue to be inspired by either extravagant celebrations or intimate ceremonies. Will your wedding be a spectacle, or will it be a meaningful, personalized experience for a select few?

Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: weddings are evolving, and so are our expectations. The question remains – how will you celebrate your love?