(NEXSTAR) — The peak COVID-19 pandemic years of 2020-22 created a cascade of necessary changes to event planning, especially weddings. Amid lockdown restrictions, social distancing and supply-chain issues, couples had to be flexible in their visions for their big days.

One pandemic weddings trend that came about out of necessity was “micro weddings,” or a smaller wedding (usually no more than 50 guests), which, though cozy, still contains all the features of a regular wedding (catering, decor, flowers, DJs/bands, etc). And though the height of the pandemic has passed, wedding experts say micro weddings are set for a comeback in 2026.

The reason? Costs.

Recently, The Knot Worldwide released a report on 2026 wedding trends, finding that the economy is top of most engaged couples’ minds. Tariffs imposed by the Trump administration were cited by 6 in 10 couples of the 600 surveyed.

The Knot also found that 4 in 10 couples are modifying previous wedding plans due to the economy, including 33% who are cutting out flowers and decorations and/or cutting the guest list down by around 29 people on average.

But wedding experts are careful to underline that just because a wedding goes “micro” doesn’t mean that you’re cutting back on the “luxe” elements. Quite the opposite, actually.

Lead wedding planner Amy Lynn, of Brooklyn’s Poppy + Lynn, told Martha Stewart writer Jamie Cuccinelli that “having a smaller guest count allows even more focus on small touches and personal details.”

The Knot’s most up-to-date wedding cost data, updated February 2025, found the average wedding cost is $33,000, with an average cost of $284 per guest. The data found that couples who ended up spending under $15,000 invited an average of 89 guests. Interestingly, adding just 53 more guests — for a guest list of 142 — meant couples spent over $40,000 on their weddings.

Though wedding costs depend on a variety of factors, it’s clear that a smaller guest list, overall, frees up a lot of money to make even a wedding that’s “micro” feel big.