Your beautiful little micro wedding

BY SUE SMITH-GRIER

A new trend you may be hearing about is the micro wedding. Although they have been around forever in one form or another, it is now becoming the thing to do for couples who want to go in a different direction than traditional weddings. Whether you want to save money or would rather share your special day with a select group of family and friends, the micro wedding is an option more couples are turning to.

What is a micro wedding?

As the name suggests, a micro wedding is a much smaller affair than the traditional wedding. Instead of planning for 150 or more guests, this type of ceremony usually has a maximum of 50. One of the many perks of the micro wedding is you can still have all the bells and whistles of a traditional wedding without the headache and costs.

The intimacy of a micro wedding appeals to those who want to mark this special day and celebrate their nuptials with close family and friends. For couples tempted to elope or go to a courthouse because of the stress and drama a traditional wedding can sometimes cause, the micro wedding is an alternative that can be quiet, elegant and meaningful for all in attendance.

Pick a place

Your micro wedding can happen just about anywhere you can imagine.

Because it is a small event, you do not have to research dozens of places and juggle time slots to fit in unless you choose a very popular venue. Your micro wedding can be a faraway destination spot on an island somewhere, your favorite bowling alley, the park you played in as a child, even your own backyard.

Couples have shared their vows on the steps of national monuments, libraries, art museums and other notable places. Believe it or not, some couples have gotten married at Walmart and Target. There are no limits to the venues that can be made available for your special day. However, why not take advantage of the beauty of the Brainerd lakes area and choose a romantic spot for your ceremony.

Land or lakes

The Brainerd lakes area provides a plethora of locations for intimate micro weddings. Some venues help with planning and others provide minimal support.

For example, Cragun’s has just what you need to plan the perfect micro wedding. According to their wedding and events manager, Nicole Stettler, they offer a variety of choices. “Want to just get away and have a ceremony and weekend for the two of you? We can provide the witnesses as well.”

Cragun’s Gull Lake Cruises provides a perfect setting for a lake wedding. Their luxury yacht, The North Star, accommodates 20 to 116 guests. The upper deck, which gives a beautiful view of Gull Lake, is perfect for nuptials and you will not need to leave the yacht for the wedding dinner. Have them cater a delicious meal on the lower deck. They also have two bars on board. Enjoy yourselves inside or out on The North Star. Cragun’s has other offerings as well. Activities to consider include:

• Pontoon cruises with or without a personal driver

• Sunset cruis es

• Live music in the Pub, on the Sundeck overlooking the bay or at Irma’s Kitchen

• Carriage rides

• Golf rounds

• Jet skis

• Fishing boats

“The tradition of micro weddings is about finding your own adventure. To some that’s relaxing on the beach or next to a bonfire and for others who like to go, we have that, too. You can create your own adventure.”

Nicole said they can even supply the officiant for weddings with 30 or fewer guests.

Northland Arboretum also has a variety of spots for the intimate wedding. For those who are more inclined to revel in nature, the Arboretum sits on 400 acres. If you love flowers you will want to check out the Garden Gazebo, a standard for outdoor weddings. They also have an indoor space with a fireplace for a romantic setting.

Another venue couples have come to love for the service and friendly atmosphere is the Gallery. Family owned and operated, this event center is located in Crosslake. You can have access to their lodging which consists of a beautiful cozy two-bedroom cottage on Ox Lake, located on 12 acres with a private access to the beach. If you have wedding guests staying overnight, the Up North Lodge Gathering Place sleeps 15 guests.

History buffs may prefer the Northern Pacific Center located in Brainerd. The historic setting in the NP railroad yards has a rustic feel with ballroom elegance. With various venues available, you are sure to find one that fits your micro wedding needs.

Let your imagination go

The micro wedding often takes less space, less hassle, less money and less stress to plan and implement. That means you get to dream about your best day with more options available. You get to plan a unique event tailored to your specific tastes.

Go for it! Because after all, less can be much more!