How to Plan a Micro Wedding That Feels Big on Love

“Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.” — Winnie the Pooh

Forget the 300-person guest list, the cookie cutter ballroom, and the stress of trying to impress everyone under the sun. Micro weddings are having a serious moment and not just because they’re practical. They’re powerful. When done right, these small celebrations can deliver all the emotion, joy, and unforgettable moments of a grand affair just with fewer seats at the table.

At The Four Columns in New Orleans, we’ve seen firsthand how micro wedding planning can lead to some of the most magical, heartfelt events imaginable. Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic courtyard dinner or an intimate ballroom celebration with your closest circle, here’s how to make your small wedding reception feel full of heart and full of unforgettable style.

Start With What Matters Most

When you’re planning a micro wedding, every decision carries more weight. That’s a good thing.

Instead of spreading your budget thin, you can invest in the details that really speak to your relationship. Think: meaningful ceremony rituals, live acoustic music, or that perfect Cajun-Italian fusion menu from The Four Columns (yes, we’re biased—but only because it’s that good!).

Ask yourselves:

• What moments do we want to remember 10 years from now?
• Who absolutely needs to be there?
• What traditions can we reshape to feel more like us?

With fewer moving parts, your wedding becomes more intentional—and a lot less stressful.

Choose a Space That Fits Like a Glove

Venue size matters, especially when you’re going small.

Too big, and your micro wedding feels lost. Too cramped, and it loses elegance. At The Four Columns, we offer two distinct ballrooms to match your guest count perfectly. The Toscano Room is ideal for intimate wedding ideas elegant, cozy, and designed for meaningful moments with up to 100 seated guests.

Bonus? Our mezzanine area doubles as a private pre-ceremony retreat and the perfect perch for candid photos.

Want a backyard vibe without the bugs and weather stress? We’ve got that covered with customizable indoor-outdoor setups and off-site catering options that bring our signature cuisine to your chosen location.

Think Big on Experience, Not Headcount

With micro wedding planning, the guest list may be small but the experience? That’s where you go big.

• Craft a signature cocktail that reflects your story (our wedding team can help mix up something fun and New Orleans-inspired).
• Upgrade your menu. Go for those seafood-stuffed mushrooms or mini crabcakes your friends still talk about from other Four Columns events.
• Add custom décor that reflects your vibe, from moody candlelit tables to soft jazz echoing through the hall.

And don’t forget the selfie booth! Every Four Columns wedding package includes our “Xpress YourSelfie” photo booth to capture the spontaneous, unscripted joy of the day.

Keep the Ceremony Short But Sweet

With a smaller group, the ceremony can be a lot more personal. You can skip the long walk-ins, cut the fluff, and speak directly from the heart. Want to write your own vows? Do it. Want to walk down the aisle together? Absolutely.

Here’s a quick tip: assign a guest (or even your planner) to manage the timing and transitions. With fewer people, the pace can feel faster than expected. A seasoned coordinator like ours ensures everything flows smoothly—no awkward silences or missed cues.

Turn Your Reception Into an Experience

Instead of a typical “sit-eat-leave” dinner, think of your micro reception as a progressive evening.

Cocktail hour with New Orleans classics. A seated dinner with a curated playlist. Late-night dancing—or maybe lawn games under string lights if you’re going for that relaxed backyard feel.

The beauty of small wedding receptions is that they don’t have to follow the rules. Make your own timeline. Serve brunch at midnight. Replace the first dance with a shared toast. Celebrate on your terms.

Personalize Everything You Can

When your guest list is down to 30 or 40 people, it’s easier to make it personal:

• Handwritten notes at each place setting
• Custom menu cards featuring your favorite dishes
• A playlist made by your guests (ask them to submit one song each in advance!)

At The Four Columns, our team works with you to fold in these custom touches whether it’s a special dish from our Cajun menu or incorporating heirloom décor pieces.

Intimacy = Impact

What makes micro weddings so powerful isn’t just the aesthetic. It’s the connection.

When you’re surrounded by only your nearest and dearest, every smile, every speech, every tear carries more weight. The conversations are deeper. The laughter is louder. And love? It’s undeniable.

With our decades of experience hosting weddings in New Orleans, we’ve watched micro weddings blossom into beautiful, unforgettable experiences—because they focus on the heart, not just the crowd.

Ready to Plan a Micro Wedding That Feels Monumental?

The Four Columns is your trusted partner for intimate wedding ideas, micro wedding planning, and stress-free celebrations that put your love story front and center.

Whether you’re hosting a small wedding reception in our Toscano Room or bringing the celebration to your backyard with our renowned off-site catering, we’ll make sure every detail is personal, polished, and perfect.

📍 Schedule a private tour or speak with our wedding team today:
Brittany Smith – Event Manager
📍 3711 Westbank Expressway, Harvey, LA 70058
📞 (504) 340-4109
✉️ brittany@fourcolumns.com

Let’s make your small wedding feel bigger than life. Ready when you are.