Image by Dawn Photo. See more of this real micro wedding here

Micro weddings are popular for so many reasons and they’re some of our favorites. Small weddings allow for couples to have a smaller guest list and make their big day feel more intimate. Plus, if your budget allows for it, having a micro wedding means there is more money available to spend on other parts of your wedding, like the perfect micro wedding reception. 

To help you plan your perfect micro wedding reception, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorites to inspire you. Whether you choose to go big or keep it low-key these ideas will help you decide what’s just right for you. 

Image by Mirelle Carmichael Photography

1. Move The Party Outside 

Whether you’re getting married in your backyard or saying your “I do’s” indoors, consider utilizing outdoor space for a reception area. This is also a great budget-friendly option. Outdoor areas are perfect for low-key wedding decorations or dramatic lighting floral installations, and balloons. Not wanting to spend a ton of money on decor? That’s okay too, since nature is the perfect backdrop to any celebration.

Junebug Tip: These backyard Amazon wedding decorations can be shipped directly to your doorstep and used as home decor later. 

Image by Francesco Gravina

2. Add String Lights Around The Table 

When the sun goes down and it’s time for the reception, extra lighting becomes a necessity. There are a few ways to add lighting to your space, but an easy one is string lights. They don’t have to be twinkly—although that is a cute touch. 

String lights are easy to place anywhere, too. You can wrap them around the trunk of a tree, create a wall of lights, place them in glass bowls, or just string them above your reception. 

Shop string lights: 1. Mini Waterproof Fairy String Lights; 2. Hanging Fairy String Lights; 3. Globe String Light

Image by Ana Hinojosa

3. Add A Chandelier To Your Outdoor Micro Wedding Reception

You don’t have to be dramatic to want an outdoor chandelier. Regardless of your wedding vibe,  chandeliers work with all types of wedding themes.  Chandeliers provide extra light and a touch of glam to your wedding. They can be situated above the reception tables or strung on trees around your reception space.  

Image by The Family Films

4. Drop Some Disco Balls 

If you want to entice your guests to get up and boogie on the dance floor, try adding some disco balls to your reception. You can decorate the disco balls in florals and have them on the ground, hung from the ceiling or trees, or used on your tablescape. This hot trend is sure to spice up your reception space and have you in the mood to groove. 

Image by Danaea Godard

5. Add Some Large Balloons 

Balloons aren’t just for birthdays and graduations. You’re celebrating your love, after all. So consider adding balloons or a balloon garland to decorate your space. They add something a bit more unique to your reception and are easier to take down. You can DIY it, find a vendor to help, or order them from Etsy. 

Image by Jordan Jankun Photography

6. Use One Large Floral “Ceiling”

If you want to make a big statement but don’t want to cover the entire table, try decorating with one really large floral “ceiling.” Options like the one above act as a focal point for the reception while still allowing your guests to still talk and see each other. 

Image by Emett Joseph

7. Have A Family-Style Dinner

If your guest list is over 10 people, try having one really long family-style table for your reception. This is a great way for people to get to know each other, and give it a more intimate, family feel. And if you feel like making the food family-style too, try minimalist table decor and opt for more dramatic decor to surround your guests. 

Junebug Tip: If you love the cozy vibe of a family table, check out these ways to create a cozy wedding reception. 

Image by Tahnee Jade Photography. See more of this real wedding here.

8. Use An Airbnb or Hotel 

If you want your micro wedding reception to be more unique, try finding a totally chic Airbnb. Not only could you find unique spaces to hold both your ceremony and reception, but it can help with your budget. Many spaces are already decorated and could be easily dressed up with some simple decor. 

If you’re looking for a venue with more space and catering options, head to a hotel nearby. Many hotels offer spaces to hold a reception and have food options. Since your guest list is much smaller, this would be an easier option to feed your guests and provide some dancing space. 

We hope this guide helps plan your perfect micro wedding reception that matches your budget and style. For more micro wedding planning tips, check out our ultimate planning guide as well as this decor for every wedding theme! 

Image by Shelby Ellis Photography