After being forced to cancel their weddings due to COVID-19, anxious brides-to-be can still proceed with their dream wedding. Just on a much smaller scale. In fact, Philadelphia micro-weddings are a hot trend for modern brides.
The days of large weddings are over, at least for the foreseeable future. Event planners across the country predict the top trend for contemporary brides will be “Micro-weddings.” But what are micro-weddings? They are an intimate ceremony and modified reception combined that can host up to 25 guests. Yes, that includes the bridal party.
Obviously, busy brides-to-be (and the mothers of the brides-to-be) are looking for a stress-free, one-stop shopping experience to plan their picture-perfect wedding. In fact, this is regardless of whether couples have $5K or $25K to spend.
While the budget is often a concern, Micro-weddings offer much more than a practical option. For example, they deliver the ability to move forward, despite the social distancing requirements in place as we look forward to a post-COVID-19 world.
While “uncertainty” remains a big X factor in the event-planning landscape, the health-focused restrictions haven’t stopped worried brides-to-be. This is true from across the Philadelphia region and its surrounding states to figure out their next moves. (As you already know, pretty much *nothing can stand in the way of a determined bride-to-be.) Hundreds of couples are scrambling to arrange Micro-weddings for the fall season and beyond at iconic cultural attractions, like Penn Museum.
In fact, venues that offer customized all-inclusive packages take 99% of the legwork out of the equation. Rather than spending time crowd-sourcing, comparing recommendations, and negotiating the best prices, couples just show up. And, of course look fabulous at their one-of-a-kind event at the city’s premiere wedding venue. Everything else is taken care of. Therefore, they can actually (gasp!) enjoy celebrating their special day. Let’s explore what is included in a Micro-wedding.
For example, Simple & Sweet Micro-weddings at the Penn Museum include a one-hour ceremony. In addition, there is a two-hour cocktail reception or brunch, with seating for up to 25. There is a photography package from Ashley Gerrity Photographyand live music from Philly Star Events. Included are floral arrangements from Carl Alan Floral Artistry, a wedding cake from Whipped Bakeshop and an officiant from Journeys of the Heart. Furthermore, there is a bridal suite for tender private moments and A/V support. Of course, additional options are available.
If a bride always dreamed of an outdoor wedding in a romantic garden, that dream can still come true. It’s apart of a Simple & Sweet Micro-wedding. Or, perhaps if a couple has their hearts set on a jazz trio playing during a sunset cocktail reception on a rooftop terrace? Certainly, Penn Museum can make that happen, too. It all depends what you’d like to include as a part of your special day. Micro-weddings at the Penn Museum begin at about $5,000.
Further, experienced event specialists have partnerships with local venues for Micro-weddings. Although there may not be a sit-down dinner or dancing, the party can continue off-site if desired. For instance, couples and their guests can opt to visit a nearby restaurant for dinner after their cocktail reception.
Photos by Ashley Gerrity Photography/Penn Museum
If larger weddings do make a comeback, it will take a rather long time—and they will certainly look and feel very different from the weddings we may have seen in previous years.
Certainly, it’s easy to see why Philadelphia micro-weddings are a hot trend for modern brides.
Click for more about Penn Museum weddings or visit the links below.
__________________________________________________________________________
Atiya German is the Director of Facility Rentals at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. A seasoned wedding planner, she’s been organizing exquisite events at the Penn Museum for more than a decade. Contact her at rentals@pennmuseum.org or follow Events_PennMuseum for examples of the stunning private parties that can take shape with the right visionary at the helm.
About the Penn Museum: Located on the University of Pennsylvania’s historic campus, the Penn Museum reigns as one of Philadelphia’s eminent wedding venues. A 300,000-square-foot cultural gem, the Penn Museum is housed in an eclectic building featuring mixed architectural elements and surrounded by gardens, a fountain, and a koi pond that provide a peaceful hidden urban oasis. Illuminating 10,000 years of history from around the world, the Penn Museum is where the ancient world meets state-of-the-art sophistication. Its exclusive on-site caterer, Catering by Restaurant Associates, or CxRA, is devoted to hand-crafting culinary masterpieces using fresh, local ingredients. That’s why they are the #1 choice among their clients, who expect nothing less than CxRA’s world-class service. CxRA also does off-site catering.
