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Northwest Destination Weddings
By : Catherine Torres
If you've always imagined a destination wedding, but find yourself having to choose a local venue because trekking your entire guest list to the Caribbean or Tuscany sounds like a headache, we've rounded up the perfect local venues. It's time to think outside the box to create a local destination style wedding.
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For rustic, farm-themed weddings, picture rolling pastures, wide-open spaces, and weathered wooden structures like BelleWood Acres in Bellingham, Barnstar in Ferndale, or even Lynden’s Northwest Washington Fairgrounds. All three venues are perfect backdrops for a wedding steeped with rustic farm details like using bales of hay for seating and congregating. Choose simple wildflower bouquets that convey effortless elegance. Put a premium on the homespun: Go for the family-style dining option, and use Mason jars not only for cocktails, but single-serving desserts instead of the traditional cake.
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Open pastures can set the stage for cowboy-themed details. Choose gingham-trimmed invitations and outfit the wedding party in cowboy boots and 10-gallon hats. Wagon wheels and horseshoes (ends up for good luck!) make for fitting accents. Add a starry effect by crisscrossing strings of lights above the dance floor. with anchors, rope, and maritime flags.
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You can also incorporate driftwood into the centerpieces with soft colored blooms like lavender and blush toned roses. If you’re going casual, consider having the groomsmen wear boat shoes and the bridesmaids wear espadrilles. If you’d prefer an elegant feel, drape strands of pearls and use seashells as votives.
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Dreaming of wine tasting in Tuscany with your spouseto-be? Then a winery-themed wedding at one of Washington’s many vineyards might be the right local destination for you. Check out Samson Estates Winery in Everson, where their beautiful vineyard sets the stage for an elegant wedding. When working with a vineyard theme be careful with the details to avoid crossing the line into kitsch. Think less is more. Allow the vineyard to take center stage in decor without adding too much, like simple floral centerpieces on cloth-draped tables. For party favors go with classic crowd pleasers like etched wine glasses complete with personal-sized bottles of wine.
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Wherever you imagined your special day taking place, there’s bound to be a venue nearby that can transport you a million miles away and serve as the ideal backdrop for whatever you have in mind. With a little ingenuity you can have a destination wedding, locally.
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