By Scarborough House Wedding Venue

11/07/2025 # Micro-Weddings vs. Big Celebrations: What's Right For You in North Carolina?




You're planning your dream wedding in North Carolina, and suddenly you're faced with **the big question**: intimate micro-wedding or grand celebration?


Maybe you're scrolling through Instagram at midnight, torn between those cozy 30-person ceremonies and those epic 200-guest dance floor moments. Maybe your partner wants one thing, your families want another, and your budget is whispering something completely different in your ear.


Here's the thing – there's no wrong choice. But there IS a perfect choice for **you**. Let's break it down so you can make this decision with confidence (and maybe get some sleep tonight). ✨


## The Magic of Micro-Weddings: When Less Really IS More


**What exactly is a micro-wedding?** Think 20-50 of your absolute favorite humans celebrating the two of you. It's not an elopement – you still get the ceremony, the reception, the cake, the dancing, all of it. Just... more intentional.


### Why Couples Are Falling in Love with Micro-Weddings


**You actually get to spend time with your guests.** Revolutionary concept, right? Instead of that wedding day blur where you're rushing from table to table for obligatory hello-hugs, you're having real conversations. You're soaking up those congratulations. You're present for your own party.


**Your budget goes WAY further.** We're talking $8,000-$15,000 total instead of $35,000+. That means you can splurge on the details that matter to you – maybe it's that incredible live jazz trio, or farm-to-table catering that makes everyone's mouth water, or those stunning florals you've been pinning for months.




**Creative freedom is everything.** Forget the wedding "rules." Want to have your ceremony at sunset and dinner under the stars? Do it. Want to skip the formal timeline and just let the day unfold naturally? Yes, please. With fewer logistics to juggle, you can focus on making it uniquely, authentically **you**.


### The Micro-Wedding Reality Check


Of course, it's not all sunshine and savings. You'll have some tough decisions about that guest list – and yes, someone's feelings might get hurt. Extended family members who assumed they'd be invited. College friends you haven't seen in years but still love dearly.


The photos might feel less "grand" if that epic crowd shot was part of your vision. And if you're the type who gets energy from big groups and loves being the center of attention for a crowd, micro might feel... well, too micro.


## Big Celebrations: When You Want the Full Experience


**The grand wedding.** 100+ guests, multiple vendors, the works. It's the vision that's been living in your head since you were eight years old, complete with packed dance floors and tables stretching as far as the eye can see.


### Why Big Weddings Still Win Hearts


**Everyone you love is there.** Your elementary school best friend. Your college roommate. That favorite coworker. Extended family members who've watched you grow up. Your partner's entire softball team. When you look around the room, you see your whole life represented.


**It feels like the milestone it is.** There's something undeniably special about a large-scale celebration. The energy is different. The photos are epic. It feels worthy of this once-in-a-lifetime moment you're marking.




**You can go ALL OUT.** Big weddings give you room for elaborate details – multiple courses, extensive florals, live bands, photo booths, sparkler exits, the whole Pinterest board come to life.


### The Big Wedding Trade-offs


Let's be honest – you're looking at $30,000+ easily, often much more. The planning complexity multiplies with every added guest. You'll have less quality time with individuals, and might feel like you're hosting more than celebrating.


There's also more pressure to follow traditional expectations. With more guests comes more opinions, more logistics, more things that can go sideways.


## How Scarborough House Makes Both Dreams Come True


Here's what we love about hosting weddings at Scarborough House – **we're built for both**. Seriously.


### For Your Intimate Micro-Wedding


Our **guest house** sleeps your wedding party comfortably, creating that cozy weekend retreat feeling. Imagine getting ready together, sharing coffee on the porch, having your rehearsal dinner right here on the property.


The **front lawn** ceremony space feels perfectly scaled for 20-50 guests – everyone can see, everyone can hear, and it doesn't feel empty or overwhelming. Under those mature trees with the historic house as your backdrop? *Chef's kiss*