Micro weddings, also known as intimate weddings or elopements, are becoming an increasingly popular option for couples looking to have a more personal and meaningful wedding experience. These weddings typically involve a smaller guest list and a more intimate setting and often involve unique and creative invitation designs.
What to include in micro wedding invites
When it comes to micro wedding invitations, the most important details are the couple’s names, the date and time of the wedding, and the location. This information should be clear and easy to read, as the invitation will likely be viewed by a smaller number of guests. Other details that can be included on the invitation, depending on the specific plans for the wedding, are the dress code, any specific instructions for the ceremony or reception, and any transportation or accommodation information for out-of-town guests.
In terms of sizing, micro-wedding invitations are typically smaller than traditional wedding invitations. This is because there are typically fewer guests, and the invitation is often presented uniquely and creatively. Some couples have their invitations printed on small cards or postcards, while others opt for a folded design or a scroll-like invitation. You can customise our Save the Date sized cards (140mm x 107mm) and turn them into a micro wedding invite.
Why couples choose micro weddings?
There are many reasons why couples choose to have a micro wedding. For some, it’s a way to have a more personal and meaningful celebration with their closest friends and family members. For others, it’s a way to save money and has more flexibility in terms of the location and design of the wedding. Still, for others, it’s a way to have a more unique and memorable wedding experience.
Overall, micro-wedding invitations are a creative and unique way to invite guests to your special day. With careful consideration of the details and focusing on creating a personal and meaningful experience, you can create the perfect micro wedding invitation for your big day. If you are unsure on how to structure your micro wedding invitations, simple reach our customer service on live chat or email. Our wedding invitation designers will be happy to help you with your questions!
Micro Wedding Invitation Styles
One of the best parts of planning a micro wedding is the creative freedom it gives you with your invitations. With a smaller guest count, you can invest more per invitation – opting for premium finishes that would be cost-prohibitive for a 200-person celebration. Here are some of the most popular styles couples choose for their intimate weddings.
Letterpress on cotton paper is a natural fit for micro weddings. The deeply pressed impression into Wild Cotton Double Thick stock (600gsm) feels handcrafted and personal – perfect for a gathering of 20 to 30 guests. The tactile quality says something before a single word is read.
Foil stamping adds a metallic shimmer that photographs beautifully. Rose gold, copper, and champagne tones are popular for romantic micro weddings, while silver and black foil suit modern minimalist aesthetics. Because you’re printing fewer cards, the per-card cost of foil is easier to absorb.
Vellum wraps over a printed inner card create an ethereal, layered effect that feels truly special. The translucent outer layer can carry a single line of calligraphy script – the couple’s names, the date, or a short quote – while the full invitation details sit beneath.
Minimalist designs with bold typography work exceptionally well for micro weddings. When the guest list is tight, there is no need to overwhelm the invitation with information. A single centered typeface, a clean layout, and generous white space can feel more luxurious than any ornate floral design.
Wording Your Micro Wedding Invitations
Because the tone of a micro wedding tends to be intimate and personal, your wording should reflect that warmth. Formal third-person phrasing works if you’re hosting a black-tie elopement dinner, but most micro couples prefer something that sounds like them.
A simple and heartfelt format might look like this:
Emma & Jack
invite you to celebrate their marriage
Saturday, September 12, 2026
at four o’clock in the afternoon
The Old Mill House, Hudson Valley, New York
Dinner and dancing to follow
Dress: Cocktail attire
For a very intimate micro wedding (under 15 guests), some couples go even more casual: “We’re getting married – and we want you there.” The invitation wording sets the emotional tone before anyone arrives, so don’t be afraid to let your personalities come through. You can browse our micro wedding invitations collection for wording inspiration across different styles and sizes.
Key information to always include: full names, exact date and time, venue name and address, RSVP details (deadline and method), and any relevant notes about the ceremony format – especially if you’re having an unplugged ceremony or asking guests to travel.
Paper and Print Options for Intimate Weddings
A smaller print run opens the door to papers and finishes that most couples can only dream about. Here’s what works especially well for micro wedding stationery:
Cotton paper – Paperlust’s Wild Cotton Double Thick at 600gsm is our thickest stock and the go-to choice for letterpress invitations. It has a natural, slightly textured feel that suggests quality without trying hard. Letterpress stock starts at 300gsm for a more refined, lightweight option.
Vellum and translucent stocks – Best used as wraps or overlay cards rather than as the main invitation substrate. They don’t hold ink well on their own but create a beautiful layered effect.
Seed paper – For eco-conscious couples, plantable seed paper turns the invitation itself into a keepsake. Guests can plant it after the wedding and grow wildflowers – a charming concept that suits an intimate, nature-forward celebration. Browse our full range of paper options when you explore our wedding invitations collection and request a swatch kit to feel the difference before you commit.
Wedding invitations start from $2.04 per card for digital print – and with a micro wedding, your total stationery budget stays manageable even at premium print methods. Request a $5 sample pack to see paper and print quality in person before ordering.
When to Send Micro Wedding Invitations
Timing for a micro wedding follows slightly different rules than a traditional wedding, since your guest list is so intentional. Here is a reliable timeline:
6 to 8 months before: Send save the dates if any guests need to travel. Even for a local micro wedding, save the dates help guests plan around your date early – especially important when you’re asking people to take time off work or arrange childcare. Save the dates start from $1 per card, making them easy to include even on a tight budget.
6 to 8 weeks before: Send the formal invitations. With a small guest count, you don’t need to allow months for RSVPs to trickle in. A 6-week window is plenty.
3 to 4 weeks before: RSVP deadline. Following up by phone or text is completely acceptable at this scale – you’re inviting people you know well.
If your micro wedding involves a destination or significant travel for guests, push all these dates earlier by 2 to 3 months. Give people time to arrange flights, accommodation, and time off. You might also consider adding a small detail card with travel recommendations or a wedding website link.
And if you’re personalizing name cards, menus, or small keepsakes for your guests, custom stickers from Paperlust Print Shop are a simple way to add a polished, cohesive touch to every detail.
Frequently Asked Questions: Micro Wedding Invitations
How many guests is considered a micro wedding?
A micro wedding typically involves 20 or fewer guests, though some definitions extend to 30. The defining feature is intimacy – a deliberately small, curated guest list rather than a scaled-down version of a large wedding.
What size should micro wedding invitations be?
Micro wedding invitations can be any size, but many couples choose smaller formats like 5×3.5 inches (A2 card) or postcard-style cards. Paperlust’s save the date size (140mm x 107mm / approximately 5.5×4.2 inches) is a popular choice that feels intimate and easy to mail.
Do you still need save the dates for a micro wedding?
Save the dates are recommended if any guests need to travel or if your micro wedding is more than 3 months away. For very small elopement dinners with local guests, you can skip them – but for destination micro weddings, send save the dates 6 to 8 months in advance.
Can I get letterpress printing for a micro wedding invitation?
Yes – letterpress is actually ideal for micro weddings because the smaller print run makes the premium per-card cost more manageable. Paperlust offers letterpress on cotton paper starting at 300gsm, with Wild Cotton Double Thick at 600gsm as the premium option.
Ready to design your micro wedding invitations? Browse Paperlust’s curated range of wedding invitations and filter by print method, paper type, and style. With designer proofs delivered within 1 to 2 business days and two rounds of edits included at no extra cost, bringing your vision to life has never been easier. And if you’d love something completely bespoke, our custom design service is there for couples who want something one of a kind.
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Micro weddings can also minimize costs that will be used and are time efficient too, especially if the wedding couple is a worker
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