What is a “Micro Wedding”? Essentially it is a smaller wedding, although the actual numbers differ. Sometimes described as one with less than fifty guests and at other times no more than twenty, there is one thing that wedding blogs all agree on - done right, there is nothing small about a micro wedding.

Seen as a new trend stemming from a reaction to Covid 19, the simple truth is that smaller weddings have been an organically growing trend for some time now; one that simply makes perfect sense for some savvy engaged couples - both financially and logistically.

Couples choosing the smaller wedding route do so for a number of reasons; whatever reason, the truth of the matter is that shrinking your guest list means you can spend more money elsewhere - maybe on the perfect wedding dress or even vintage champagne? Either way, a smaller wedding means that you are able to say your “I do’s” surrounded by your absolute nearest and dearest - and what could be better start to married life?

So, the decision to have a more intimate wedding has been made; the next step and possibly most important decision, is to find the perfect venue. Look for one that still feels cosy with fewer guests. The last thing you want is to be sitting in a cavernous space with no atmosphere; forget Pinterest wedding favours and flip flops in baskets, creating a truly memorable wedding is all about the atmosphere.

The poet Robert Browning once wrote “Less is more”.  It might not seem that way during this period of lockdown as there is certainly less - less loo paper, less flour, less social gatherings, less freedom, less jobs and sadly, less lives.  Front line workers risk their lives every day, so asking us to put ours on hold during this time is the very least we can do. 

It may be a tricky time but for those of us lucky enough not to be a front line worker, lockdown, whether you love it or hate it has given us a once in a lifetime chance to take a deep breath and pause - a unique opportunity to look at our lives, make decisions about our futures, and importantly discover what really matters.  So, is it possible that during this time of less we discover to our surprise that we actually have more?

Speaking to friends and family via zoom or Face Time, a familiar pattern is emerging - people have sought out new hobbies, dug vegetable gardens and taken up jogging.  Previously, taking two hours out for a long walk would be unheard of during the working day;  now it feels “allowed”. 

Many people are taking this time to help others; shopping for vulnerable neighbours or grandparents, even making videos that keep us all laughing.  A DJ friend of mine recently had a live kitchen party raising money for food banks.  And look at Captain Tom donning his zimmer frame and raising millions of pounds for the NHS!  Life is different but in some ways better.  Teenagers have happily taken up cooking, sewing and playing cards.  Before lockdown, they might have groaned watching their parents dance around the kitchen table - now it has become a family affair as ELO’s Mr Blue Sky and laughter fills the room.

What this very strange period of our lives has given us is real, old fashioned time; something that many of us enjoyed in our youth but has sadly been taken over by technology and fast paced lives.  We now have time to read and play, time to take in the amazing world we live in; time to stop.  In this period of less to do, we simply have more time… to do more.

So, you may be asking, what has all this to do with a wedding blog?  It is simple really - as a couple, you are in the rare position to pause and take stock of your wedding day.  You may decide to re-think your wedding plans, - perhaps adjust your budget.  If you are new to wedding planning and are looking for a venue, then use this time to find one that offers more for less (it can work both ways!).  

You might even revisit your guest list and plan a more intimate wedding - keeping it to those you have genuinely missed during lockdown, and those who will happily take your hand and spin you around on those kitchen tiles. 

Whatever you do, while planning your wedding, finding the more in the less is something well worth trying.  

We can’t meet you in person right now but if you would like more information or perhaps book a one to one 3d show round of our beautiful Pilgrims Rest please email us at venue@pilgrimsrestbattle.co.uk Or call us on 07552873448

Photo by Sarah Williams Photography
Flowers by The Enchanted Flower
Venue styling by The Pilgrims Rest

​I have been reading many posts on wedding facebook groups over the last week or so.  This pandemic has for some completely taken over from the joy, and fun, of planning their wedding.  Understandably many have taken to facebook asking for advice and voicing their concerns, uncertainty and even rage.  Some feel they can’t express their fears to their loved ones and find a group of strangers in the same boat a good place to offload.  The only problem is that this often up ends up fuelling fear which makes matters worse.  

At the same time there are also some surprisingly positive stories.  For example, a front line worker who’s wedding has been cancelled and is desperately looking for a discontinued Asos dress, discovers that Provonias is offering free dresses to NHS engaged workers; photographs of smiling couples who didn’t want to wait and dashed off to tie the knot with online links to family and friends— their big celebration postponed to another date; hysterical videos that make you cry with laughter and completely lift your soul.  For every wedding cup half empty there are two champagne glasses still overflowing!  

This is a strange and difficult time for all.  But we know that this won’t last forever and when our wedding days begin again we are happy in the knowledge that they will be even better!  Who isn’t going to want to party until their feet ache after lockdown?!

In the meantime, Amy Lou has been on the phone reassuring booked and future couples and doing everything she can to help them.  Anita is tending the garden and polishing the building to keep it perfect for when the doors of The Pilgrims Rest will once again fly open.

So for everyone who is nervous our advice is to call us if you have concerns .  We are here for you - ready with a little more hand holding (albeit virtual) than normal.  Take a deep breath, crack open a bottle of bubbly, fill it to the top and remember… Keep Positive and Marry On!

If you would like to speak to our wedding team please call on 07552873448 or email venue@pilgrimsrestbattle.co.uk

Photo by the lovely Georgina Piper Photography...