| Destination weddings are becoming increasingly | | | | day before or after your actual celebration. For |
| popular these days. More and more couples are | | | | instance, if you choose a gorgeous old-world style |
| turning their wedding day into a weekend event with | | | | castle for the reception such as Castle Farms in |
| lots of added activities for all of their guests such as | | | | Michigan, you'll discover that the local town of |
| picnics and site seeing adventures. However, the cost | | | | Charlevoix is filled with antique stores, fine restaurants, |
| of a destination wedding puts it out of reach for many | | | | award-winning golf courses, art galleries and boat |
| people. Part of the added cost is airfare and hotel | | | | rentals for an enjoyable afternoon on the lake. The city |
| accommodations. | | | | even offers a total of four beaches, two each on |
| Fortunately, there are lots of alternative locations close | | | | Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan. Bed and |
| to home that can turn a standard wedding into a | | | | breakfasts in the surrounding area mean you can |
| wonderful destination weekend. You just need to do a | | | | accommodate all of your guests in comfort and style. |
| bit of homework. There are several states in the U.S. | | | | Ask About Special Rates for Destination Weddings |
| that offer just about anything you could want in a | | | | Many destination wedding locations offer special prices |
| destination wedding package for far less money. | | | | if you bundle your services. For instance, you may get |
| What to Look for in Local Destination Weddings | | | | a ten to twenty percent discount if you choose use |
| Look for states that feature of a variety of popular | | | | the caterer or florist they recommend. You'll save |
| activities in a range of seasons. This gives you a | | | | money and get great service this way. If a reception |
| broad assortment of activities to choose from. If you | | | | hall suggests a particular caterer, you can be sure it's |
| want a picture-perfect Christmas wedding, complete | | | | because they've proven to be a hit with past wedding |
| with snowy backgrounds, a northern state will be your | | | | customers and are a pleasure to work with. |
| best bet. If you've always wanted a beach wedding, | | | | You may also be able to save a significant amount of |
| don't limit yourself to the opposite coasts. The Great | | | | money on décor if you choose a location that |
| Lakes region has thousands of miles of gorgeous, | | | | has plenty of charm and style on its own. A |
| sandy beaches that are ideal for weddings with a | | | | castle-themed Great Hall or Victorian bed and |
| tropical feel. | | | | breakfast are already beautiful and romantic so you |
| If you prefer a destination wedding with a truly | | | | won't have to spend a lot to "dress them up" for the |
| unforgettable reception, states like Michigan are filled | | | | wedding or reception. Also ask each location |
| with resorts, banquet halls and restored mansion | | | | coordinator what is included in the price of the |
| houses that are lovely. You can do a Google search | | | | reception. Some places include thoughtful touches like |
| and quickly find beautiful cottages, chapels and even | | | | the linens and twinkle lights for atmosphere in the cost |
| castles that will provide plenty of room, lots of photo | | | | of the reception, while others may charge extra for |
| opportunities and an elegant, romantic atmosphere. | | | | these. Be sure to ask so that you aren't surprised |
| Keep in mind that you don't have to do everything in | | | | down the road by lots of add-on costs. |
| one spot. Give yourself permission to find the ideal | | | | By following the above guidelines you'll be sure to find |
| wedding or reception location. Next look for activities | | | | several lovely locations for destination weddings that |
| that are within a reasonable driving distance for the | | | | will melt your heart without breaking your budget. |