Micro Receptions

We didn't do this, but to me it sounds like a lot of extra work, time and money that I don't think it would be worth it to do. I also don't know how you'd make sure all of the events are pretty much the same so that all of your guests have the same experience. I don't think it would be fair for one set of guests to have say prime rib and another sandwiches.

Unless you're splitting it up in location - like say, East coast and West coast, this .... would probably cost more money and seem kind of attention-grabbing.

I know a bigger reception seems like it costs more money, but the smaller ones would add up.

View Quoted Comment Not sure what you mean by attention grabbing?


For us this thought is mainly being driven by the pandemic. We live in Chicago and everything is closed to parties of 6 or greater, so it’s been a real headache to actually get something on the books for our upcoming wedding.
We’re thinking small dinners of 10 or less that we do at home or at a nice restaurant outside of the city. Just curious to see if, in the light of the pandemic, anyone has done this.

Looks like PP who claimed this is attention grabbing did not get married during Covid lol, but as anyone who has actually gotten married during this time knows most of us could not celebrate with our full guest list. So many have ended up having small celebrations with different groups of people at different times. So far we eloped, had wedding pictures done with our bridal party in lieu if a reception, and are having a big party with our full guest list in May.

View Quoted Comment

You'd have to be VERY careful how you managed invites, circles, and so on.

Even during COVID, I would probably get a little confused as to why a friend kept having lots of "mini" celebrations, instead of one that had a virtual option, or a mini one and then postponed the big celebration until after the pandemic. The multiple celebrations risk coming across as ranking.

Lots of mini ones still exposes people, it runs the risk of "tiers" of family and friends, and it will likely cost you much more than having a big one later.

I ended up cutting my guest list down to 50 people which was allowed in my state CA. I have not heard of anyone doing multiple mini celebrations. Most people are doing a very small ceremony and postponing their receptions with everyone they want to celebrate with.