How to plan the perfect mini-mony (and what exactly is it?!).
First thing is first. What exactly is a Mini-Mony? And how is it different from an elopement?
Both definitions have evolved in the last few years. To me at least, elopements are still considered all day events. Whether most of that time is spent hiking to epic locations or filling the day with your favorite activity, when hiring vendors for your elopement, we are usually expecting to spend the full day with you.
Mini-monys are much smaller and more low key.
So what does a mini-mony look like? Here’s some examples.
Think getting married in a courthouse and meeting up for photos and a small toast in a pub after.
Saying vows in a pretty spot and getting some epic couples photos.
Having Dad marry you in a gazebo at your childhood park followed by family photos and dinner at a fancy restaurant.
The options are endless but the main idea is you will only need vendors to provide coverage for a couple hours at most which sets this type of celebration apart from regular weddings or elopements. This cam save you time and money and while not all vendors accommodate these types of events, they are some of my favorite and Im here to help you plan the perfect one.
No matter how you are choosing to make it official, it’s SO important that you treat this day like the special moment that it is and make it all about you two and your love. Read on for some ideas that can help you plan he perfect mini-mony to celebrate your love.
Plan the big stuff…
Just like a larger wedding or elopement, there are some big questions that need to be answered first. Like where and when and who you will invite and what you want to budget for.
Where - This sets the tone for everything. Know that epic landscape photos are a priority? Let your photog help find that perfect epic location. Hosting grandparents and parents for dinner? Finding something that can accommodate your family is at the top of the list. Know you want this to happen in mom’s backyard? Let’s do it!
When - Once you figure out where, you can narrow down the when. Technically you can do these two steps in any order but the general idea is that only certain locations work at certain times of the year and day. Once again, let your photog help.
Who - who do you want to join in on this with you? Who will marry you? Is anyone witnessing the vows or would you rather just have everyone meet up to celebrate after? Maybe you want the whole event and day to be just the two of you. There are ways to do it all. So be open and honest with each other and decide what feels best.
How much - One of the most important factors in deciding to have a mini-mony vs a big wedding is cost. So figure out your total budget and then break that down by priorities. And be honest with yourselves and your vendors about what you are working with and if there is any wiggle room.
So you have the basic event planned. You’ve hired the vendors and found a location. How do we make it feel like a real wedding without all the traditional stuff?
How to make it feel personal and special…
My number one piece of advice for any wedding is to find ways to have special moments with just the two of you. That stands here as well.
When you look back on your wedding day years from now, what memory will bring you joy? What feels like it’s super unique to you two and tells the story of your love? Just because it’s small and easy, doesn’t mean it has to be boring or less romantic. Here’s some fun and exciting ways to make your celebration super special.
Coordinate a first look moment
Write and read a letter or personal vows to each other privately
Incorporate inside jokes, movie quotes or favorite memories into your vows
Wear your wedding gear to your favorite fast food spot and grab a bite
Do something fun after - rollerblade, bowling, shots, get a tattoo… whatever screams “US”.
Inviting parents? Write a letter to them and read to them or gift to them privately
Rent a boat and head out on the water for cocktail hour
Incorporate pets into your ceremony and photos
Jump in the water in your wedding attire and get some incredible pictures of your first swim as newlyweds
sing your song karaoke style
Do what speaks to you…
The biggest thing to remember is there are no rules! This is all about you and what you want your ceremony to look like. If there were no limits or traditions or people expectations, what would you do that meant the most to the two of you? Find a way to make it happen, invite your most important people along to share in your joy (or don’t) and hire your favorite photographer (mee!!!!) to come along and help turn these magical moments into lasting memories :)
Remember, Danielle Marie Photography offers specific packages to help you plan and execute the perfect mini-mony without the stress, hassle and cost of a big wedding. Interested in learning more? Check out my pricing and booking info or drop me a line to start chatting!
