Sponsored by Alderbrook Resort
Planning a wedding involves investment, not just financially, but emotionally. Every bride and groom hopes that guests recall their big day for years to come, which means a lot of time and thought goes into doing it right. A simple way to make sure you get the most out of your planning efforts? Choose a resort venue that can easily turn your one-day event into an unforgettable multi-day experience. While there's a bevy of reasons why a resort might be the perfect place for your celebration, these are just a few of our favorite perks.
1. Convenient Accommodations
Whether they stay the night, weekend, or for an extended respite, choosing a venue with guest accommodations has some major benefits. Talk to your resort about a discounted room rate for you and your guests. You also won't have to think about transportation to and from the ceremony/reception and neither will your guests. Without the stress of wedding day travel, everyone can unpack, relax and enjoy. With the resort's staff on hand, you can be assured your guests are properly welcomed and cared for throughout their stay.
2. Fewer Moving Pieces
With fewer moving pieces, there's less room for error. When you host your wedding at a resort venue, a majority of the big vendors are right there on site, including the catering, bar service, and rentals like linens, tables and chairs. It's less you have to think about before, during and after the big day. It’s not just your vendors who'll be in one place. With everyone staying at the resort, you won’t have to worry about corralling your bridal party either.
3. Pre-Wedding Pampering
As we mentioned above, the fewer moving pieces on the big day, the better. With on-site spa services, you can enjoy stress-free treatments (including hair and makeup!) until it's time to slip into your wedding attire. Decompress after the celebrations with a romantic couples massage. Encourage your guests to also take advantage of the serene services during their weekend stay.
4. Rain Plan
Dreaming of saying "I do" outdoors? While an en plein air affair can be breathtaking, the Northwest weather isn't always accommodating. Most resort venues have multiple ceremony/reception locations on the premises, which means if the weather takes a turn, you have a built-in backup plan.
5. Consistent Level of Excellence
With an experienced staff, you can be assured that your venue is prepared to handle the details of your big day. From making sure your guests are comfortable, to presenting impeccable food and offering outstanding service, there's a level of excellence that is guaranteed to be met.
6. Pre and Post Wedding Activities
Here's where you can really elevate your wedding weekend for your guests. Add a few activities to the agenda to get them mingling and enjoying time together on either side of the wedding festivities. Plan a golf outing for the fellas the morning of the ceremony, or a bridal party hiking excursion to get some fresh air and calm those pre-wedding jitters. The morning after, consider a relaxing kayak trip, a dip in the saltwater pool and hot tub, or a competitive game of newlywed croquet, badminton or volleyball.
7. Exciting Extras
Because it's as much a destination as a wedding venue, resorts often offer exciting extras that you might not find at a typical reception spot. Stun guests with a seaplane getaway or wine and dine with a rehearsal dinner cruise. Check with your resort to see what’s included and what can be added to your package for additional fees.
8. Change of Atmosphere
Besides the ceremony and reception, you'll be planning several smaller soirées like the rehearsal dinner, welcome dinner and post-wedding brunch. When you opt for a resort venue, you can choose a unique location for each (waterfront ceremony, tented reception, restaurant brunch), without ever having to leave the property. Look into the on-site spaces available and let your resort staff help you choose the perfect spot for each event.
Plan your fjord-side fairytale wedding for a celebration that will be remembered for all time as both stunning and unique. Our rustic elegance offers all the refinements of a luxury resort while providing a destination wedding experience only two hours away from Seattle and Portland.
