About Philadelphia
Philadelphia is a vibrant and historic city, located in the Northeastern United States. It is the 6th most populous city in the US, home to a thriving arts and culture scene, and boasting some of the world's greatest historical sites. The city has a rich history, boasting a role in the American Revolution as well as being home to several celebrated museums and institutions.
Beyond its cultural attractions, Philadelphia is an ideal place to plan and host weddings. With its abundance of amazing venues, from ornate historic sites to luxurious ballrooms, couples can find a space that suits their individual style and budget. And with the recent popularity of micro weddings, couples have even more options available in Philadelphia.
From cozy bed & breakfast inns to upscale rooftop bars, there are plenty of micro venues throughout the city that is perfect for smaller wedding receptions or ceremonies. Whether you’re looking for a classic or modern backdrop for your special day, Philadelphia has something to offer everyone.
Micro wedding Options in Philadelphia
- Bakery
Philadelphia has a wide selection of bakeries that offer cakes and other special desserts for all occasions. Couples have their pick of an array of flavors, designs, and sizes to match their unique style. Many bakers also offer vegan, gluten-free, and organic options so that all dietary needs are met.
- Music
Couples in Philadelphia who want live music for their micro wedding should look no further than the city's local musicians and bands. From jazz trios to acoustic duos, there are a variety of talented performers available to provide the perfect atmosphere for your event.
- Photography
With talent ranging from documentary-style photojournalism to traditional posed photographs, couples can get exactly the look they want for their special day. Most photographers are experts at finding the perfect lighting and angles to ensure that each photo looks absolutely stunning.
Micro wedding Vendors in Philadelphia
- Elizabeth Hasier Photography
Elizabeth Hasier Photography offers professional, photojournalistic-style photography that authentically captures the spirit of people and places from all walks of life. From portraits to weddings, Elizabeth strives to make her clients feel comfortable each step of the way. Using both digital and film mediums, she is able to craft timeless images that embody emotion in order to preserve memories in an artistic manner.
- Second Daughter Baking Co.
Rhonda and Mercedes both hail from Philadelphia, with Rhonda being a trained chef and a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America with a Bachelor's degree in culinary management and Mercedes boasting experience in customer service across the hospitality industry. Together they have created an unrivaled approach to baking, combining abstract and minimalistic designs drawn from art, botanicals, and architecture with the use of local seasonal produce from local farms. The resulting creations are filled with flair, texture, and color.
- Penny's Flowers
Since 1937, Penny's Flowers has been a steadfast presence in the Philadelphia region, providing customers with exceptional flowers and personalized gift baskets for all occasions. From wedding services to artisanal arrangements and gourmet goodies, its specialists have delivered nothing but the highest-quality floral products and experiences. Whether you need classic roses or a custom logo emblazoned on the ribbon of your gift basket, Penny's Flowers are committed to making sure that you get exactly what you need.
Pros and Cons of Micro Weddings in Philadelphia
The idea of hosting a micro wedding in Philadelphia is appealing to many couples, but it’s a decision that has its pros and cons. Here are some of the key advantages and disadvantages to consider when deciding whether or not to host a micro wedding in Philadelphia.
Advantages
- Planning a micro wedding can be significantly less expensive than planning a traditional one, which is great news for couples on smaller budgets.
- Micro weddings also take less time to plan and organize than larger ones, making them ideal for couples who don’t have much time or energy to devote to wedding planning.
- Couples who want a unique experience may find that micro weddings accommodate more customized experiences than traditional ones since the focus tends to be on creating special moments rather than filling each moment with grandiose details.
Disadvantages
- Some people may feel like they were not important enough to be invited or even perceive it as rude that they weren't included in the event.
- Couples must decide what details they’re willing to compromise on since smaller gatherings usually require fewer resources than larger ones do.
- Having fewer guests doesn’t automatically scale back on key requirements, including professional photographers and caterers.
Tips on How to Organize Micro Weddings in Philadelphia
Micro weddings allow couples to personalize their big day on a more intimate level. Here are some tips on how to organize a micro-wedding in Philadelphia.
- Consider Diverse Venue Options: When selecting a venue for your micro wedding in Philadelphia, consider venues with cozy spaces but lots of charm such as art galleries, rooftops, gardens, or smaller banquet halls. Be sure to select a venue that has all the amenities you need for your celebration as well as any necessary permits or licenses required for hosting events at the location.
- Stick To Your Budget: To stay within budget it’s important to plan ahead and be mindful of costs associated with every aspect from venue rental fees to food and beverage options. Use resources like catering companies who offer discounts on bulk orders or work with local vendors who may be willing to provide discounted rates for small-scale events like yours.
- Keep Guests Involved From Home: Since micro weddings usually consist of fewer guests than traditional weddings, it's important to keep them involved even when they can't attend by utilizing digital tools such as virtual photo albums or live streaming services so they feel connected and part of the celebration without being physically present.
- Don’t Forget The Little Things: Details matter! Make sure all details such as seating arrangements, place cards, or décor are taken care of beforehand in order to avoid any last-minute stress or confusion leading up to (and during) the big day. Small touches such as personalized favors also go a long way in showing your guests just how much you care about them being there!
Famous Locations in Philadelphia
- Rittenhouse Square
Located in one of the city's swankier neighborhoods, Rittenhouse Square boasts plenty of curved and winding pathways for exploration, along with gorgeous trees, plants, and flowers that look even better when accompanied by the pleasant sound of fountains at every turn. In the summertime, don't be surprised to find people lounging on the grass or taking up residence on one of the many benches that offer an ideal spot to enjoy a snack or a book while keeping an eye out on activity around you.
- Elfreth’s Alley
For a unique glimpse into Philadelphia history, make sure to stop by Elfreth’s Alley! It’s the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in America, 18th-century tradespeople once made homes there. Today, the street is a time capsule of sorts, giving visitors a view of what life was like at the time. Blooming flower boxes and quaint shutters adorn the brick architecture as you can explore the cobblestone streets. Despite its age, 30 of the 32 homes are still occupied by Philadelphians today. Two of those functioning homes also act as a museum that’s open to the public.
- Bartram’s Garden
Bartram's Garden is a hidden oasis right in the city. An easy trip on public transport, the garden offers an incredible escape to nature in North America's oldest botanical garden. Explore its stunning 102-acre farmlands filled with lush meadows and beautiful gardens, or take the perfect pictures of the Schuylkill River with the Philadelphia skyline as your backdrop. On Saturdays, you can rent paddle boats for free and have an outdoor picnic, or try birdwatching. The grounds are open all year round, so you can visit anytime and enjoy some well-deserved nature time.