Bridal Times had the chance to meet with wedding planner and organizer of the first “Wedding Award Germany”, Kerrin Wiesener, to find out more about the micro wedding trend and why bridal couples shouldn’t give up their dream wedding OR their beloved wedding dress!
Kerrin Wiesener of Signature Events, Photo: Vanessa Will Photo & Video
As an experienced wedding planner, what can you tell us about the “Micro-Wedding” trend of 2020?
What was born out of necessity turned out to be an unexpected blessing for many bridal couples in retrospect. It is incredibly difficult to say goodbye to your original plans for a big wedding – but when you have come up with an alternative plan and get involved, you can celebrate such an intimate and special party with a lot of joy and with the closest people which would otherwise not be possible. And then hopefully after Corona, a bridal couple can celebrate again with a big barbecue party for everyone as well as put on your wedding dress for a second time.
Kirill Peters Photography
For brides who have always dreamed of a big wedding, what are the most common misconceptions about a small wedding?
I think there is a fear that it is not a “real” wedding. That all the effort is not worth it if not EVERYONE can be there, but I think that now you are doing your guests and family members a big favor by not sticking to your plans for a big wedding at the moment. Many are afraid or struggle with the regret when they have to cancel, and the constant back and forth is a huge test of endurance for the newlyweds.
What are the benefits of a small wedding?
There are so many! Much more time for the individual guests and for each other as a couple, close emotional ties and memories among each other through the intensely lived day; more budget for special features and beautiful details that could not have been financed with a large wedding … and there are also quite a few bridal couples who are happy that they are now “allowed” to celebrate smaller and do not have to justify themselves!
Kirill Peters Photography
Would you say the micro-wedding is not for everyone?
For those who like to be the center of attention and love the crowd in the bathroom, or those who don’t have such good contact with their closest family members. The matter is more difficult for some cultures and it’s traditionally not an easy situation. But special times require special measures, and I know of couples whose wedding was planned for 500 guests and reduced it to 30 in order to get married.
Can you tell us about a successful mini-wedding that you have planned this year?
120 guests were planned, and it turned out to be 12. It was one of the most beautiful weddings I have ever experienced. We planned everything at short notice in 5 days, and there was a sense of gratitude, a joy to be able to say yes after all, and they postponed the big party until we can celebrate again. The emotions between the parents and their children, the siblings and witnesses, it was all so intimate. There was time for conversations and memories. In short, that day really had two families come together. Unforgettable!
Kirill Peters Photography
All eyes are on the bride on her wedding day. What is your advice to brides who feel that they can’t wear the dress of their dreams if they are having a small wedding?
I see it completely different! You only buy a dress like this once in a lifetime. Don’t let Corona take away this moment. And who do we buy the dress for? Sure, for us, but above all for the groom. And he’s there and now has a lot more time to look at his beautiful bride and tell himself that he won the jackpot with his beautiful bride. You also have more time for photos, and your loved ones who are there can look at you all day. Brides can even put the dress on again at the second party with several more guests. How great is that? If Corona has taught us one thing, it is that we have to take good care of ourselves and those who are closest to us.
Can couples celebrate a small wedding and still have everything they have always dreamed of?
Bridal couples can have more than they ever dreamed of! A small number of guests makes many dreams possible. What you couldn’t afford before, where you have made compromises, and now the budget is there. The lavish decorations, the Live-Duo, the linen napkins and crystal glasses, the amazing food and champagne to celebrate the day … that is all now possible, and you have the time to enjoy it to the fullest with your loved ones.
Kirill Peters Photography
What is your advice to couples who want to get married in 2021 but are unsure how to take the first steps?
No one can see into the future but one can prepare it, such as looking for a location that works well for 20-30 people and find out about cancellation fees or regulations in the contracts. Book the service providers that you definitely need and who can do their job regardless of the number of guests: stylist, musician, photo and video … I would definitely treat myself to a wedding planner. The money is well invested! Wedding planners have already been tried and tested through 2020 with the most adverse circumstances and can mediate well between all parties and advise on how to plan sensibly with anticipation.
We thank Kerrin Wiesener for this interview.
For more information, visit Kerrin Wiesener Signature Events in Berlin.
Image sources: Vanessa Will Photo & Video, Kirill Peters Photography