Planning Tools, Ideas, & Advice
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For Wedding Pros
Whether you're recently engaged, in the depths of planning, or just curious about all the different types of weddings, we know the terminology can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if you're new to this whole wedding planning thing!
I cannot count the number of couples who come into the microWED Facebook group looking for answers on this topic. Some are curious about the different wedding formats; some are ready to cut the guest list and have a micro wedding or elopement. It was high time we wrote a little guide to help clear up any questions about different types of weddings and some helpful tips for choosing the right one for you!
We have a ton of helpful resources for many of these (the ones that are relevant to smaller events, anyway), so be sure to keep an eye out for links throughout the blog to help you create the perfect event.
When it comes to weddings, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Whether you envision a traditional wedding in a grand ballroom event or a laid-back beach micro wedding, there's a wedding style to match your dream day. It's worth noting that these wedding types can be mixed and matched to create a day that fits your personality and love story, so don't shy away from totally customizing your experience!
Here are some of the most common types of weddings.
We'll start here since this is the most commonly known type of wedding. But what makes a traditional wedding traditional? Traditional wedding follow customs established long ago. While some of the elements have become more modernized, a lot of the same things have sustained over the years.
Every wedding type will have characteristics that make it unique. If you've been to a wedding before, it was probably a traditional wedding since they still make up the majority of weddings.
Churches, temples, or other sacred spaces are common choices, but couples increasingly choose event spaces designed specifically for weddings. Most of these venues are formatted with the average-size wedding in mind, offering convenient options like in-house catering, coordination assistance, tables, chairs, tents, and even decor. We'll cover the many types of wedding venues in an upcoming blog.
Weddings are steeped in tradition, from giving the bride away to exchanging vows and sharing a first kiss. Commonly, you'll see a processional and recessional, flower kids, a ring bearer, an officiant, and a wedding party. Times definitely are a-changin' when it comes to these formalities as our world changes.
A formal reception following a traditional ceremony is most common. This part of the day features first dances, parent dances, speeches, a meal, and more, usually with dancing and entertainment.
These days, the average wedding has ~120 guests. Although weddings can be much larger or smaller, this is the most common size across the US. Traditional weddings are most likely to involve friends, family, and the community from both sides.
Traditional weddings are best for couples who appreciate formal traditions and want to honor their cultural or religious roots and are keen on having their whole crew there...and then some.
Perhaps you landed on this website because you're planning or considering a micro wedding. Micro weddings are small-scale ceremonies with at most 50 guests. They've become increasingly popular for couples who want a meaningful celebration without the overwhelm of a large wedding.
I am such a fan of micro weddings because of the venue options. Honestly, it was one of the biggest reasons that I cut my guest list (I wanted something totally unique!). Choosing a smaller guest list opens up so much potential for the venue. From backyard weddings to saying your vows on a beach to mountain tops and city skyscrapers, there aren't many places where you can't have a micro wedding. Additionally, there are a ton of great wedding venues for small weddings popping up around the country.
I like to think of micro weddings as tiny versions of traditional weddings. You can have everything you'd typically see in an average wedding or customize your day with just the elements that make sense for you. Going small often opens up more options for unique elements to be incorporated into the day due to less money spent on other things or just simpler logistics with fewer people.
It's true that having a smaller wedding means you can spend less (that certainly was the case for me), but I am careful not to make that a defining feature because how much you spend is entirely up to you and your partner. Check out our full budget breakdown for micro weddings.
Micro weddings are more intimate and personal, focusing on quality over quantity.
Couples who prefer a close-knit celebration with only their nearest and dearest will benefit most from this type of wedding. Some challenges come along with committing to a smaller guest list — mostly in making the guest list itself (head over here for some tips to help with that).
These are stress-free, planning-free weddings where you pick a date and show up for an amazing day. They gained popularity during the pandemic (along with micro weddings and elopements). This wedding style is all about blending the elements of a traditional wedding with an elopement. It's a quick affair but usually still includes walking down the aisle, vow exchange, and a short reception with cake, a champagne toast, and occasionally some food.
I most often see these happening at small venues in major cities. Occasionally, the venue is explicitly designed for these types of weddings, or a more traditional space may offer these on off-peak days.
The couple who wants a super simple, stress-free experience while still having some tradition woven in.
Destination weddings allow couples to exchange vows in a picturesque location away from home. From tropical beaches to historic European castles, these weddings offer the benefits of a mini vacation for you and your guests while you celebrate your union.
Destination weddings can happen anywhere, though they're often associated with locations like beaches, vineyards, European destinations, National Parks, or mountain resorts. The destination is usually selected because it's sentimental to the couple or a bucket-list location. I knew of someone who had their wedding in their college town—a tiny town in southern Oregon. The town is nothing special, but it is so meaningful to the couple to celebrate their union in the town where they met. And another couple who planned their dream micro wedding in Italy. The location is totally up to you.
There's no definitive number here, though this type of wedding occurs more commonly for intimate celebrations due to the logistics and expense associated with traveling to a destination location.
Destination weddings are famous for their many planned activities, which ensure everyone can make the most of the location. These are very popular for the trending wedding weekend itineraries we're seeing more often.
Any couple who wants to combine their wedding with a vacation for themselves and their guests should consider this type of wedding. Remember, you don't have to leave your state to make it a destination wedding, so take notice of this wedding type even if you're planning something close to home.
Courthouse weddings are gaining popularity after long being known for a quick way to make it official without a lot of fanfare. These days couples are choosing this type of wedding for a stress-free way to tie the knot. Check out our full courthouse wedding guide if this is something you're curious about.
Of course, your venue is going to be a courthouse or city hall. It's worth noting that you don't have to go to your local office. Many couples choose to make it a destination wedding a choose a location that offers a gorgeous backdrop in a location they'll enjoy! There are some absolutely incredible spaces around the country making for really special backdrops for your vow exchange and photos.
Whether you choose to have a reception or not is up to you. Some couples prefer to keep it super simple while others plan a party to follow with their closest family and friends. A great option is to rent a room at a favorite restaurant for a super simple, but memorable celebration.
This type of wedding is best for couples who want something simple, potentially elegant and fun, and meaningful.
Elopements strip away the bells and whistles for a simple, intimate ceremony. While they used to mean running off to the courthouse, modern elopements can happen anywhere—think mountaintop vows or a quiet ceremony in a beautiful park.
These can happen anywhere, and in some states, you can even self-solemnize, making it really easy to pick your favorite spot and make it official. You might choose a courthouse wedding, an adventure elopement at a scenic outdoor spot, or a remote destination. You could even find an elopement package at a local hotel or inn — even some wedding venues offer them.
The guest list depends on your preferences and local laws. Often, just the couple, an officiant, and maybe a witness or two are present.
The couple's love, with no distractions or formalities.
Couples who want to keep their wedding private and focused on their commitment to each other.
With so many types of weddings, how do you decide which one is right for you? Here are some factors to consider:
Your wedding is one of the most memorable days of your life, and it should reflect your unique love story. Whether you're considering a traditional event, a more intimate elopement or something in between the "right" type of wedding is the one that feels most authentic to you.
Remember, there are no rules when it comes to celebrating your love. Take inspiration from these types of weddings, mix and match elements, and create a day that's as unique as your relationship. After all, your wedding is the start of a beautiful adventure—make it unforgettable!
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