Which Type of Wedding is Best for You?
With so many types of weddings to choose from, it is important that you know the difference between your options. The right wedding for you is the one that aligns with your relationship and personal preferences. To help you make the best decision, we’re discussing the five most popular types of weddings, and why you might choose one over the other.
Traditional Wedding
Most everyone has been to a traditional wedding, but let’s review. At this type of wedding you can invite as few or as many people as you like and that your venue and/or reception space can handle. It usually consists of both a ceremony and reception, plus traditions that you can pick and choose from. For example, the cake cutting ceremony, toasts, first dance(s), and the bouquet and garter toss. Traditional weddings range in cost, from simple to extravagant and over the top. Oftentimes, a traditional wedding is preferred if you are religious, due to religious requirements or guidelines. However, you do not have to be religious in order to have a traditional wedding.
Minimony
A minimony or mini ceremony is considered a commitment ceremony. It consists of a party of up to 10 people, most often close family and friends. A minimony is a great option for those who want to honour their original wedding date but plan to host a larger-scale wedding in the future. Note that a minimony does consist of an officiant and is, therefore, a legal wedding so you won’t need to go through the legal process again at the second event. A minimony is essentially a snapshot of what your larger wedding will be. You can still include a selection of your original vendors, such as a florist and a photographer. You might also include any moments of special meaning to you, like the wedding toast and cake cutting ceremony.
Micro Wedding
As the name suggests, a micro-wedding is a smaller and more intimate wedding. Consisting of close family and friends with a range of up to 50 guests. A micro-wedding is ideal for couples who want a more personal affair and have the means to splurge on the little details. The budget for these details is typically available due to the limited guest count. In turn, the couple goes big in other areas, such as over the top florals, a five-course brunch or dinner, and a top-shelf bar. While named ‘micro’, the costs for this style of wedding are not small. In fact, micro-weddings often fall into the category of a luxe wedding. It falls somewhere between a traditional wedding and elopement.
Elopement
An elopement refers to a marriage conducted in a sudden and secretive fashion. There are no guests in attendance, just the bride and groom and an officiant. With elopements increasing in popularity, many wedding venues now offer packages that cater to couples’ who wish to elope. These packages often revolve around granting access to a remote and scenic location. An elopement is a great choice for couples who would prefer a secluded and intimate wedding. However, the cost of eloping can vary depending on your destination of choice. Couples who want to save money may elope at a location that is open to the public, such as a national park. Another couple may choose to travel to another country or may be willing to pay for access to privately owned property.
Destination Wedding
A destination wedding is when you host your nuptials away from your hometown. This means you can go as far as a different country or even just a state over. Usually you would choose a destination that is special to you, whether it is a dream destination or you have been there previously. While most people might associate a destination wedding with someplace tropical, plenty of people opt for snow capped mountains or desert terrains. A destination wedding is very similar to a traditional wedding and the amount of guests you invite will vary based on your budget. Oftentimes, this type of wedding will double as a vacation, with both the bride and groom and their guests staying for extended periods. This type of event is usually less extravagant, but rather aimed at being memorable and fun.
At Pine Lake Ranch we are glad to host your wedding, no matter which type of event you prefer. Our breathtaking venue is your playground, whether you want a grand ceremony under our live oak or would prefer an intimate exchange of vows in a remote field. Anything that makes you happy, we are willing to do our best to accommodate. Contact us today with questions or to book a tour!