In an era where bigger doesn’t always mean better, couples are increasingly choosing to have microweddings (weddings with under 50 guests) to honour their love.
Historically weddings have varied greatly in size and scope. Centuries ago, wedding celebrations often involved entire communities. In medieval Europe, for instance, wedding feasts could last for days. Similarly, in many African cultures, weddings are also community affairs. For example, in Zulu culture, a wedding celebration known as ‘umabo‘ lasts for several days and involves the entire village. These events are not just about the union of two individuals, but also about strengthening bonds between families and communities.
However, as societies evolved and individual autonomy gained prominence, alternatives to these large-scale celebrations emerged. The concept of eloping – running away to marry in secret – was introduced and gained popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries as a way for couples to avoid familial or societal obstacles to their union.
“Today’s microweddings can be seen as a thoughtful compromise between these extremes,” says Onwaba Gonyora, Director of Brahman Hills, 5-star wedding venue in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. “They offer the intimacy and personal focus of elopement while maintaining the celebratory aspect of traditional weddings, just on a smaller scale.”
She adds that microweddings allow couples to create meaningful connections with guests, and personalise every detail. Financial flexibility is another draw card, letting couples prioritise other life goals or create premium experiences within budget. Lastly, the intimate scale reduces stress, offering a more relaxed atmosphere if desired.
But, the decision between a traditional, grand wedding and an intimate microwedding is deeply personal and often emotionally charged. Both options offer their own unique tapestry of advantages and considerations, with neither superior to the other. The beauty lies in the couple’s freedom to choose a celebration that resonates with their love story, values, and practical considerations.
For those who have decided that a microwedding aligns best with their vision, Gonyora offers a couple of ideas to take your intimate celebration to the next level:
1. Interactive Guest Experiences: The growing popularity of experiential elements can make your wedding an unforgettable occasion. Offering activities to engage guests such as a wine or whiskey tasting, a ‘sip and paint’ experience, or guided garden and sculpture walks (like those offered at Brahman Hills) create lasting memories and add a distinct charm to the festivities. Also engaging and loads of fun, are 360 photobooths which provide guests with instant, take-home memories.
2. Weekend Celebrations: Transform your wedding into a weekend retreat. For example, at Brahman Hills, guests can stay in luxury accommodations, enjoy a premium experience at the award-winning Healing Earth Spa, or embrace nature with a Saturday morning Park Run or forest walk.
3. Honouring your Inner Circle: Create personalised ‘Love Notes’ for each guest, highlighting their unique significance in your lives. Complement this with a historical timeline displayed at the venue showcasing where each guest fits into your love story. As guests explore the timeline, they’ll delight in finding their place in your shared history.
4. Collaborative Celebration: Consider involving guests in meaningful ways beyond the traditional roles of groomsmen and bridesmaids. Invite musically talented friends to perform during the ceremony or reception. Ask your charismatic uncle to be an usher, invite a friend with a gift for words to recite a poem, or request a family elder to offer a heartfelt prayer. You can also ask all your guests to scan a QR code, allowing them to instantly upload and share the photos they captured of the day. Assigning personalised roles creates an inclusive experience where every guest feels necessary to your celebration.
“Weddings are a reflection of the couple’s journey and dreams,” Gonyora emphasises. “Whether it’s a lavish affair or an intimate gathering, what matters most is that the day is true to the couple’s vision of their shared future.”
Brahman Hills, nestled in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, offers an idyllic setting for microweddings with its incredible international award-winning gardens, world-class venues, and luxurious accommodations. They are currently running a special on microweddings for the months of June and July 2025. For more, contact: https://www.brahmanhills.co.za/specials/weddings
