📅 The Ultimate 12-Month Micro-Wedding Planning Checklist (For 50 Guests or Less)

Getting engaged is exhilarating! But planning, even for a smaller event, can feel overwhelming. This timeline is specifically designed for couples planning a Boston micro-wedding with 50 guests or less. As a specialist, I believe a focused, efficient planning strategy allows you to be strategic with your budget and intentional with every vendor choice. Follow this 12-month roadmap to ensure your intimate celebration is executed flawlessly.

The 12-Month Micro-Wedding Planning Timeline

Phase 1: 12 Months Out – Vision, Budget, and Venue (The Foundation)

The first phase is the most critical for a micro-wedding, as securing your venue sets the tone for everything else.

1. ✅ Finalize the Guest List (50 Guests or Less): The single biggest factor in micro-wedding planning. Be firm on your list to keep the wedding intimate and the budget manageable.

2. ✅ Establish the Core Budget: Determine your all-in spending limit and decide if you need a Boston micro-wedding planner to help manage the streamlined logistics.

3. ✅ Book Your Micro-Wedding Venue: Since you have 50 guests or less, you have more unique options (private rooms, historic spaces). Secure your space first, as availability for intimate venues is often limited.

4. ✅ Hire Your Planner/Designer: A micro-wedding planner specializes in maximizing small spaces and budgets, ensuring your intimate celebration is executed flawlessly.

5. ✅ Select Your Wedding Date and Time: Lock in a date that works with your venue. Consider a Sunday or off-peak date for major savings.

Phase 2: 9–10 Months Out – Key Vendors & Design

With the venue secured, you're ready to book the vendors who can only handle one wedding per day.

1. ✅ Book the Photographer & Videographer: High-quality visuals are essential for a micro-wedding. Since your guest count is small, allocate a larger portion of your budget here for stunning coverage.

2. ✅ Book the Caterer (If Not Venue Exclusive): Confirm the menu and a tasting date. For a 50 guests or less reception, a plated dinner offers a more elegant and intentional feel than a large buffet.

3. ✅ Book the Wedding Officiant: Whether it’s a professional or a close friend, book them now to finalize ceremony details.

4. ✅ Start Your Wedding Dress/Suit Shopping: Special-order gowns can take up to 9 months to arrive. Get this process started immediately.

Phase 3: 6 Months Out – Invitations & Aesthetics

This is the sweet spot for a micro-wedding. Your planning pace can now slow down and focus on the guest experience.

1. ✅ Send Save-the-Dates: Essential for out-of-town guests and your VIP list of 50 guests or less.

2. ✅ Book All Remaining Key Vendors: Secure your florist, entertainment (DJ or live musicians), and cake/dessert vendor.

3. ✅ Finalize Wedding Design & Rentals: Since a Boston micro-wedding has fewer tables, you can splurge on luxury linens, elevated centerpieces, and specialty rentals that truly enhance the guest experience.

4. ✅ Book Hotel Room Blocks: For your guests attending your micro-wedding in the Boston area.

Phase 4: 3 Months Out – Details & Final Confirmations

The logistical planning is now focused on the final experience for your limited number of guests.

1. ✅ Send Formal Invitations: Include an RSVP card for final headcount.

2. ✅ Finalize the Menu & Bar Package: Confirm final counts with your caterer and any special dietary needs for your 50 guests or less.

3. ✅ Shop for Wedding Rings.

4. ✅ Schedule Hair and Makeup Trials.

5. ✅ Plan Your Honeymoon: Your primary logistics are done, enjoy a new task!

Phase 5: 1 Month Out – The Final Countdown

Everything should be ready. This month is dedicated to logistics and ensuring peace of mind.

1. ✅ Follow Up on Missing RSVPs: Get your final count for all 50 guests or less.

2. ✅ Final Vendor Meeting: Confirm all arrival times, load-in procedures, and seating arrangements with your micro-wedding planner and venue.

3. ✅ Apply for Your Marriage License: (Rules vary by state; check the Boston city clerk’s office).

4. ✅ Plan Your Ceremony Rehearsal: Since your bridal party is smaller (or non-existent) for a micro-wedding, this will be much faster.

Phase 6: The Week Of – Enjoy the Intimacy

1. ✅ Provide Final Headcount: Give the confirmed count to all vendors (caterer, florist, baker, etc.).

2. ✅ Confirm Transportation/Shuttle Schedule: For your intimate guest list.

3. ✅ Prepare All Checks and Tips for Vendors (Delegate to your planner or a trusted family member).

4. ✅ Relax! Your thoughtfully planned micro-wedding is ready to celebrate!

Secure Your Flawless Boston Micro-Wedding

While this checklist provides the roadmap, the true success of your intimate day hinges on expert execution. Don't spend the final weeks stressing over vendor confirmations or managing the minute-by-minute timeline—let a professional handle it.

I specialize in both full-service planning and day-of coordination specifically for events with 50 to 100 guests. My focus is exclusively on the unique needs of a micro-wedding in the Boston, MA area, ensuring every detail is refined and personal.

If you are planning a micro-wedding and need a trusted partner to bring this timeline to life, I am the specialized Boston micro-wedding planner and day-of coordinator ready to support you.

Ready for a Stress-Free Wedding Day?

Let's partner to ensure your vision comes to life seamlessly. Contact me today to discuss your day-of coordination or full planning needs for your intimate Boston celebration!