All About Minimonies

Recently, even with all our plans in order, we've seen that nothing is ever guaranteed. Amid a lingering coronavirus pandemic and an increasing acceptance of change, some couples are now performing small ceremonies called "minimonies" in place of a traditional wedding.

But what exactly is a “minimony”? And why are they so popular right now? Let’s explore this new twist on an old tradition.

What Is a Minimony?

A minimony is a smaller, more intimate wedding that takes place on your planned wedding date; a mini wedding ceremony.

The majority of couples that have a minimony decide to do this if they can no longer hold their originally planned grand ceremony on the same date. These can be caused by a range of unforeseen circumstances, including measures taken to combat the COVID-19 pandemic or sudden financial constraints.

Hosting this smaller ceremony is a memorable way to still mark your planned wedding date with legally binding or ceremonial nuptials. It's a small wedding celebration, sometimes with a fun twist to make it even more special.

Minimony vs. Micro Wedding vs. Elopement

Judging by the name alone, you might be wondering how a minimony is different from eloping or a micro wedding. Despite the fact that these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there are some slight differences.

A minimony is a smaller version of your original wedding day. It's usually followed by a larger “sequel” wedding in the future. The sequel wedding will usually look more like the traditional wedding ceremony you originally planned and have a larger guest list.

Micro weddings are purposefully small weddings. With the micro wedding, there’s no follow-up wedding date. It’s simply a small and intimate event to celebrate the marriage of a couple.

It used to be that elopements were when a couple would sneak away and wed in secret. Nowadays, couples may invite a few witnesses to join them — like their parents, cousins, or siblings. Elopements are more laid back and spontaneous than a minimony.

Reasons To Host a Minimony

If you've had to put your original wedding on hold, a minimony is an excellent substitute. Here are some reasons why:

Celebrate On Your Original Wedding Date

Sometimes unexpected circumstances prevent us from hosting our wedding on the date that we had planned. Having already sent save the dates to loved ones, many couples now opt to host a minimony wedding versus sending out a postponement notice.

A minimony gives you a chance to legally tie the knot or hold the ceremony on a date that has significance for you. You can have a smaller-scale version of your wedding, with only a few guests, then celebrate on a larger scale at a later date.

Get the Best of Both Worlds

Couples who choose to have a minimony often bring everyone together later in the year or on their anniversary date for another "sequel" wedding. This celebration will be like the original wedding that was planned, with a larger venue, more guests, and great entertainment.

Minimonies are great for couples who want a small gathering and a party atmosphere. You can get married in front of a few of your closest family members and friends, then host a second, larger wedding where you can spend more time mingling with guests than remembering your vows.

Do Something a Little Unusual

A minimony is often the result of an unforeseen change in plans. People don’t plan on getting married with a minimony in mind — even if they originally planned to have a small wedding.

When a couple decides to have a minimony instead of a full-scale wedding, this gives them the freedom and opportunity to plan something that is different than anything they´ve seen before. A fun ceremony at your favorite bookstore or arcade can be a wonderful alternative to a traditional courthouse wedding.

You could have a small garden ceremony outside in the back yard with homemade treats like lemonade and cupcakes, rather than having a catered event. You could also go the extravagant route and rent a luxury home in which to host your ceremony and reception.

Plan a Minimony You’ll Remember Forever

A minimony might not have been what you thought of when you started making wedding plans, but if the unexpected happens, it could be the perfect way to celebrate on a date that’s meaningful to you. With our planning tips and a little creativity, you'll be able to create a smaller version of your ideal day that you can cherish forever.