For the second year in a row, organizing a wedding in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic is a real headache. While the rules vary from place to place, all gatherings are subject to restrictions. The festivities are limited at best.
Those who got married in 2020 had to adapt to the restrictions by rethinking the whole event point by point: the number of guests, very strict health protocols, closed reception venues … Yet since then, their stories and testimonies have inspired many other couples who are determined to get married on the dates originally planned.
So-called “micro weddings” are the trend in 2021 as the pandemic drags on, consisting in inviting only essential guests and keeping the celebrations to a minimum in compliance with health protocols. According to those who’ve done it, a micro wedding actually has some advantages.
1It gives priority to the Sacrament of Marriage
A micro wedding invites you to refocus on the essential: the sacrament of marriage. This holy sacrament promises the faithful presence of God in your married life.
On the day of your wedding, the spouses consecrate their love to God. At that moment, the Holy Spirit changes the meaning and fruitfulness of their love in thought, word and deed.
Through the sacrament of marriage, when the couple embraces each other, heaven opens and the Lord comes down to heal, to nourish, to forgive, to serve and renew … The sacrament changes everything. So if you’re ready, if you can’t wait to be united before God, why not prioritize the sacrament of marriage over the number of guests?
2Surround yourself with your closest loved ones
With a micro wedding, the guest list becomes significantly more intimate. There’s no need to invite your boss, your second cousin once removed, and acquaintances you haven’t seen for a long time. The celebration takes place only in the presence of those directly involved in the ceremony and your closest family and friends.
Is it not a grace to celebrate your wedding with the people who really matter to you and be buoyed up by their prayers? This austere and intimate simplicity without any “worldly” obstacles to the true meaning of religious marriage can bring you beautiful treasures. In addition, a more intimate and therefore more personal event allows your loved ones to experience a ceremony that better reflects your personality.
3For a micro wedding, plan for … a micro budget
A micro wedding can be the ideal solution for couples with a limited budget. This is a situation affecting more and more young people during this time of pandemic with its economic consequences. Obviously, the costs are not the same when inviting 100 guests or just a few people.
In addition to the savings, the organization of a symbolic reception is much simpler, easier and faster. There’s no need to rent a hall or hire a caterer. That’s two fewer great sources of stress! You can also plan a nice party later on when your social life can return to normal.
And today we celebrate...