Typically, when you’re invited to a destination wedding, you see dollar signs as you add up the costs for the flight, the hotel, and other travel expenses and quickly lose enthusiasm for the impending big day. I’ve got the perfect solution to make sure you don’t do this to your friends – one word: STAYCATION!
Yep, just as the recession kept us at home for the meager vacation days we’ve received over the last couple of years, it has also found its way into the wedding market. Milwaukee brides could turn to a number of beautiful locations within 100 miles that would allow you (and those that want to) to take a long-weekend stay, while the rest of your guests could just come in for the day.
Here are some suggestions:
Delafield Hotel – Delafield, WI
The Delafield Hotel is a quaint boutique-style hotel that can hold up to 250 for your reception. The hotel is gorgeous and Delafield itself is a cute, little town just west of Milwaukee.
Country Springs Hotel – Waukesha, WI
The Country Springs Hotel has a ton of event space, including some outdoors, so there should be no worry about fitting your wedding here. But even more exciting – there is a huge water park! If you have a lot of kids on your guest list, you might want to consider this destination. This location is right off the freeway, but pretty self-contained. Don’t expect a lot of off-property activity, but hey, you may have done the same thing with a Mexican resort!
Blue Harbor Resort – Sheboygan, WI
This resort is right on the shores of Lake Michigan, providing gorgeous views for ceremony and pictures. There is plenty of space in the inn and multiple activities to enjoy, especially during the summer. Your guests will love this getaway!
The American Club – Kohler, WI
If your wedding budget is living the high life, may I suggest the American Club? This is Wisconsin’s only truly luxury property and the service you will receive speaks to that. Your honeymoon suite will include the best bathroom fixtures you’ll ever enjoy in your life. The reception space within the hotel is formal. If you’re looking for a more casual location, perhaps you’d consider the Kohler Design Center. This live action showroom provides a very unique background and plenty of conversation starters. (Your wedding will be the only one where your uncle ends up in a shower with your old boss! Well…hopefully.) You can offer the Inn on Woodlake to your guests who are watching their pennies and the two prestigious golf courses to those that have pennies to spare.
Lake Geneva is one of my favorite hidden Wisconsin destinations. The town was built on Wrigley money as it was once “THE” place for Chicago’s wealthy to summer. The leftover elegance can be found in old homes like the Baker House, which can be rented out for your reception. (Small groups can also stay here.)
The Grand Geneva Resort, Lake Geneva’s largest hotel, was born more from “new money” as it was the original Playboy Mansion. No bother. The spa is amazing and the golf fantastic. There are plenty of rooms and event space for a large guest list.
Lake Geneva prides itself in being a wedding destination. You can find all the resources you need by clicking this link to My Lake Geneva Resource Guide. Also, don’t miss the Bridal Walk happening Sunday, May 20th in town.
If you do make it to Lake Geneva, may I suggest Lake Geneva Canopy Tours, which is a 2.5 hour eco-adventure that traverses 8 ziplines, 5 SkyBridges, and 4 spiral stairways. More than a thrill ride, a canopy tour is a unique way to spend time with your honey, flying through the trees, bonding over goofy photos, and tackling your fear of heights. At the end of the tour, when available, you can even challenge each other to a little friendly competition on a trip down the Dual Racing Zipline, known to have riders reaching speeds of up to 45 mph!
