Inexpensive Destination Weddings

Destination weddings are becoming increasingly popular these days. More and more couples are turning their wedding day into a weekend event with lots of added activities for all of their guests such as picnics and site seeing adventures. However, the cost of a destination wedding puts it out of reach for many people. Part of the added cost is airfare and hotel accommodations.

Fortunately, there are lots of alternative locations close to home that can turn a standard wedding into a wonderful destination weekend. You just need to do a bit of homework. There are several states in the U.S. that offer just about anything you could want in a destination wedding package for far less money.

What to Look for in Local Destination Weddings

Look for states that feature of a variety of popular activities in a range of seasons. This gives you a broad assortment of activities to choose from. If you want a picture-perfect Christmas wedding, complete with snowy backgrounds, a northern state will be your best bet. If you’ve always wanted a beach wedding, don’t limit yourself to the opposite coasts. The Great Lakes region has thousands of miles of gorgeous, sandy beaches that are ideal for weddings with a tropical feel.

If you prefer a destination wedding with a truly unforgettable reception, states like Michigan are filled with resorts, banquet halls and restored mansion houses that are lovely. You can do a Google search and quickly find beautiful cottages, chapels and even castles that will provide plenty of room, lots of photo opportunities and an elegant, romantic atmosphere.

Keep in mind that you don’t have to do everything in one spot. Give yourself permission to find the ideal wedding or reception location. Next look for activities that are within a reasonable driving distance for the day before or after your actual celebration. For instance, if you choose a gorgeous old-world style castle for the reception such as Castle Farms in Michigan, you’ll discover that the local town of Charlevoix is filled with antique stores, fine restaurants, award-winning golf courses, art galleries and boat rentals for an enjoyable afternoon on the lake. The city even offers a total of four beaches, two each on Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan. Bed and breakfasts in the surrounding area mean you can accommodate all of your guests in comfort and style.

Ask About Special Rates for Destination Weddings

Many destination wedding locations offer special prices if you bundle your services. For instance, you may get a ten to twenty percent discount if you choose use the caterer or florist they recommend. You’ll save money and get great service this way. If a reception hall suggests a particular caterer, you can be sure it’s because they’ve proven to be a hit with past wedding customers and are a pleasure to work with.

You may also be able to save a significant amount of money on décor if you choose a location that has plenty of charm and style on its own. A castle-themed Great Hall or Victorian bed and breakfast are already beautiful and romantic so you won’t have to spend a lot to “dress them up” for the wedding or reception. Also ask each location coordinator what is included in the price of the reception. Some places include thoughtful touches like the linens and twinkle lights for atmosphere in the cost of the reception, while others may charge extra for these. Be sure to ask so that you aren’t surprised down the road by lots of add-on costs.

By following the above guidelines you’ll be sure to find several lovely locations for destination weddings that will melt your heart without breaking your budget.

About the Author:
Are you looking for outdoor wedding locations in Michigan? Castlefarms has a unique number of historical farms and outdoor locations for your Michigan weddings.