A micro-wedding is a “petite” version of a full-scale wedding that can be planned in three months or less. However, it is still an all-inclusive wedding. A micro-wedding is an intimate affair, typically with no more than 50 guests. These wedding packages still feature time-honored traditions that make a wedding but on a much smaller scale. This year, we see a rise in micro weddings, intimate weddings with fewer than 50 guests. A micro-wedding allows the couple to personalize their wedding and have all the amenities they envisioned (not included in an elopement) but at a lower price than a full-scale wedding.

How does a micro-wedding compare to an elopement?

An elopement is more of a spur-of-the-moment, intimately romantic, and secretive option for the bride and groom.  This is the couple who want to concentrate on each other and take a few great photographs. It usually includes the couple and perhaps a few (10 or less) friends.

What are the advantages of having a micro-wedding, as opposed to a full-scale wedding?

Many of today’s brides are uncomfortable with inviting 100 or more guests to their wedding for fear of someone getting sick.  Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem as though the threat of the coronavirus is going away.  But there is a bright side and an alternate choice. A micro-wedding allows the bride and groom to focus more on the details of their special day. The couple can plan to spend more money on flowers, food and beverage, décor, and the guest experience. It is all about the details!  This choice will reduce the amount of money overall for a larger guest count. A micro-wedding can be as informal or formal as the bride and groom choose for it to be.  Whichever, it should prove to be more of a meaningful experience for everyone involved. There are many plus-sides to this new trend, from a focus on the most important of guests to the overall vibe of the event. This will lend itself to being more personal and emotional—especially during such an uncertain time.

Sampson’s Hollow has two options for this year’s trending alternative, introducing our micro-weddings.

Actually, our venue has been providing micro weddings since the Fall of 2020. These options have become very trending and more requested, as of late, than our other packages. Let’s think about wedding planning for a smaller event? The bride and groom have considered the pros and cons, as well as the expenses. Finally, they can plan to make a final decision about the wedding. Whether they opt to stay home and have the wedding in their backyard or travel to the Great Smoky Mountains (hint, hint!), a micro wedding is intimate and feels less overwhelming. Perhaps they have decided to do a destination wedding.  Due to the nature of a destination event and focusing on the most important guests who will travel, a micro wedding seems the best solution. Sampson’s Hollow has two choices for a micro-wedding package. Both have all the elements of a larger-scale wedding but with a smaller guest count. The biggest difference between our Smoky Mountain Dreamin’ options and our Micro-wedding packages is reflected in the number of hours and number of guests. These wedding packages are designed for either 30 guests, called the Wildflower Dreams,  or the Blue Smoke package for 40 guests. Ten more guests can be added to the package for 40 or offer an alternative of moving up to the next level package, which provides more hours.

It’s all about what is best for the bride and the groom and their families. Try to enjoy the adventure of planning for a wedding, and don’t be afraid to think outside of the box. Honestly, the bride will probably feel more comfortable doing so with her closest family and friends. Have a wonderful adventure!