Microwedding etiquette?

Other

Hello! Recently got engaged, planning a wedding for summer 2025!

We want to do a small wedding, 40 people total. However, my partner’s family & my family are far from each other (Toronto and Cornwall, Ontario) so we’re thinking of doing something in between in Prince Edward County region.

We also wanna be as budget as possible! Evening wedding, easy venue, minimal decorations, ceremony happening in the same place as the reception….

Is it ok to do something budget and lowkey, but still expect people to drive out 2-3hrs one way (and get a hotel/airbnb)?

Thank you for any and all insight!!

in WeddingsCanadaby gooniehoe

100%

19d

landers1987

19d

As someone who just got married in PEC on Saturday, I can tell you budget + PEC might be a challenge. We married at 100 Acre Wood, which was a very easy venue to work with, but still on the pricey side.

That being said, Slake Brewery might fit the bill. We enquired with them about hosting our welcome dinner, but I know they've also done a couple weddings. The view is spectacular, so that would act as decor in my opinion! They also have a nice outdoor space to hold a ceremony.

The buyout we were quoted was $1000 plus a minimum spend based on party size; 40-50 was $1500. Now, those were prices for this year, so expect to pay more.

Then you'd have to bring in caterers. We just had The Summer Wind Catering Co. do our welcome dinner for about $2000 for just under 50 people, and Curtis was amazing. People raved about the food.

PEC is also in the middle for our families (TO and Ottawa), so most people opted to stay and we had a shuttle for them.

We spoke with Miranda; she was very accommodating and transparent.

gooniehoe

18d

Thank you so much for the response, I’m happy to hear it especially as I’d really been considering Slake!! So that makes me feel good to hear you thought it had a spectacular view and budget was reasonable! I appreciate both recommendations, looking in to them today ☺️👍

landers1987

18d

You're welcome! It really is a beautiful spot :) I did just realize that the numbers we were quoted were for only a couple hours in the evening, so if you want a full day wedding situation, it'll likely be double or triple that.

The catering was really exceptional, but again - this was for our welcome dinner. We had BBQ chicken with homemade sauces, a phenomenal potato casserole, salad, and pies for dessert. More courses for a wedding will be $$$.

The shuttle I think is necessary, especially as Slake is technically "out of town". It was $800 for 3.5 hours of service.

Garp5248

19d

It's your wedding, you can do whatever you want! An invite is an invite, not a demand letter or a summons.

That said, by not picking one spot, you are making it so everyone has to travel and it's not easy for anyone. But that's totally fine, just pointing it out. It's also going to be harder on you vs. doing it locally.

gooniehoe

18d

That’s so true!! Keeping that perspective is important, you’re right 👍👍 thank you!

TapiocaTeacup

19d

I think that's fine! When you said the families were far apart I was 100% thinking multiple provinces away from each other. Meeting in the middle so everyone is travelling only 2-3 hours seems totally reasonable to me.

gooniehoe

18d

Thank you for saying so!! Want to make sure I’m not off base haha!

pileai

18d

We had a small (20 person) budget wedding and family came to Ontario from Australia for it. They came to support us and celebrate and witness our wedding. They didn’t come for the fancy flowers, expensive champagne or flashy DJ. 2-3 hours drive is very reasonable, especially for close friends and family.

If you think some guests might not want to get hotels, you could consider doing a late morning ceremony/lunch reception, so they could drive home the same day.

gooniehoe

17d

Thank you for sharing, this helps give perspective and ur so right!! That sounds like it was beautiful ❤️ And that’s a good idea! I realize now that all our guests are adults so i don’t think there’d be any issues for an evening event!!

soniplaystattn

17d

We had a micro wedding with about 50 guests. We did the ceremony through The wedding chapel co - about $3,000.00 for venue, decor (don't find out what it is until the day of), bridal bouquet, groom boutonniere, ordained minister, wedding music (plus choice of song to walk down the aisle to), champagne toast and a 45 minute portraitist session after.

I would suggest remembering that it's your day and everyone who wants to be their for your day will make it. Don't try to make everyone happy by having it at PRC (which would be very expensive).

gooniehoe

17d

That’s great!! I’ll check them out and see what they have available for us. That rocks! And you’re right PEC is so expensive - I’m thinking even around the Thousand Islands or thereabouts for a location - just something in between. I appreciate it!