Tag: destination wedding

Michigan castle wedding venue in Michigan

How Far Is a Castle Wedding From Chicago and Detroit, and Is It Worth Choosing Over Going Overseas?

Written by Karrie Mueller on October 29, 2026. Posted in Blog.

Castle Farms, a Charlevoix, Michigan wedding venue, is about a 5-hour drive from Detroit and 6 hours from Chicago, depending on where you start and traffic. Guests arrive by car in the afternoon, with no passports, no jet lag, and no international flights. For couples who love the look of a European castle but want most guests to be able to come, that drive is the main reason a Northern Michigan castle wedding makes sense. It is not a medieval castle, and the honest comparison below shows where overseas still wins.

How Long Is the Drive to Castle Farms From Chicago and Detroit?

Drive times depend on your starting point, the route, and the season, so treat these as planning estimates and check a current map before you set travel plans.

From Detroit: roughly 5 hours, a little under 300 miles on most routes.
From Chicago: roughly 6 hours, a bit over 350 miles.
From elsewhere in Michigan: closer, depending on where you start. Guests in the Grand Rapids and Traverse City areas are well within a half-day trip.

Guests who would rather fly can use regional airports serving the Charlevoix area, then rent a car or arrange a ride. If you have guests flying in, include airport and ground-transportation suggestions in your save-the-dates.

For comparison, a nonstop flight from Chicago to London alone runs more than seven hours in the air, before airport time, connections, and ground travel at the other end.

What Does a Drivable Castle Wedding Actually Save Your Guests?

The savings are not only money. They are the things that make guests say no.

Time off work. A weekend drive usually means one or two days off. An overseas wedding often means a week.
Paperwork. No passports, visas, or travel insurance to arrange.
Cost spread. Guests choose how much to spend. Some drive and share a room. Others book a nicer inn. Overseas, the flight alone is a fixed cost everyone pays.
Flexibility for older relatives and kids. A road trip is easier on grandparents, children, and guests with health concerns than a long-haul flight.
Lower risk of cancellations. Fewer moving parts means fewer last-minute “we can’t make it” messages.

If you want your parents, grandparents, and college friends all in the same room, this is often the deciding factor.

Where Does an Overseas Castle Wedding Still Win?

A fair comparison has to name this. Some things you get overseas, you will not get in Michigan.

Medieval history. Castle Farms was built in 1918 in a European-inspired style. Overseas castles can be centuries older. If a genuinely medieval setting is the point, nothing in Michigan replaces it.
The full international trip. Some couples want the wedding to be a trip to a specific country, with that country’s food, language, and landscapes.
A smaller, travel-committed guest list. Overseas weddings usually shrink the guest list to people who truly want to be there. For some couples, that is a feature.

Legal requirements also vary by country, and many couples get married at home and hold a ceremony abroad. That is another set of steps to plan.

Why Does a Michigan Castle Feel European Without the Flight?

What people want from a European castle wedding is usually a specific feeling: stone walls, towers, arches, a courtyard, a sense of occasion. Castle Farms offers those in a Great Lakes resort town. Charlevoix is close, with downtown shops and restaurants, Lake Michigan, and the Petoskey Wine Trail within reach, so the weekend feels like a real destination and not just a building.

How Should You Decide Between the Two?

Ask yourself these questions in order:

How many guests do I need there? If the answer is most of your family, drive-friendly wins.
How important is true medieval history? If it is non-negotiable, go overseas.
What can my guests afford in time and money? Be honest, and ask a few key people before you commit.
How much do I want to manage? International planning adds paperwork, vendors in another country, and time zones.
What will I regret? Picture your wedding photos. Whose faces are missing in each version?

For many couples in Chicago, Detroit, and across the Midwest, the answer is the drivable castle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Castle Farms from Chicago?

Roughly 6 hours by car, about 350 miles, depending on your route and traffic. Check a current map before planning.

How far is Castle Farms from Detroit?

Roughly 5 hours by car, a little under 300 miles on most routes.

Is a Michigan castle wedding cheaper than an overseas castle wedding?

It is usually easier on guest travel costs, because guests can drive and choose their own lodging. Your total depends on your date, guest count, and venue pairing, so ask the Castle Farms team for a quote based on your details.

Is Castle Farms a real castle?

Yes. It is a stone castle built in 1918 with European-inspired architecture, including towers, arches, and courtyards. It is not medieval.

Where should out-of-town guests stay?

Many guests stay in or near downtown Charlevoix. Our guide to where to stay for a Castle Farms wedding weekend covers the options and how early to book.

Can a wedding at Castle Farms feel like a destination wedding?

Yes. Between the castle, Lake Michigan, downtown Charlevoix, and the Petoskey Wine Trail, many couples treat it as a full weekend trip.

Plan a Castle Wedding Your Guests Can Reach

If you are weighing a castle wedding abroad against one closer to home, the best next step is to see Castle Farms in person. Schedule a tour, bring your guest count and your date, and ask the team how the weekend would work for guests traveling from Chicago, Detroit, or beyond.

What Wedding Venue Features Matter Most to Guests?

Written by Karrie Mueller on August 20, 2026. Posted in Blog.

The wedding venue features guests appreciate most are pretty simple: easy arrival, comfortable spaces, a clear plan for bad weather, good flow between the ceremony and reception, and things to enjoy while they’re in town. For a destination wedding, nearby lodging, restaurants, and activities matter even more.

Couples naturally choose a venue based on what they love. But once the wedding weekend arrives, the venue also has to work for everyone else.

At Castle Farms in Charlevoix, Michigan, that balance is a big part of the experience. You get the historic castle, gardens, and beautiful wedding spaces, but you also get a venue and destination that make sense for guests.

What Do Wedding Guests Actually Care About in a Venue?

Guests probably aren’t going to remember the exact shade of your linens.

They will remember whether they could find the ceremony. Whether Grandma was comfortable. Whether they spent an hour driving between locations. Whether there was somewhere to go when it rained. And whether the weekend was actually fun.

The guest experience usually comes down to a few things:

Easy arrival and parking
Comfortable spaces
Accessibility
Simple transitions throughout the day
Indoor and outdoor options
A good weather plan
Nearby lodging
Things to do before and after the wedding

Those aren’t the glamorous parts of wedding planning, but they matter.

How Important Is It to Have the Ceremony and Reception in One Place?

Very.

Hosting your ceremony and reception at the same wedding venue makes the day much easier on guests.

There’s no:

Getting back into the car
Finding another parking lot
Following directions across town
Wondering what to do during a two-hour gap
Worrying about someone arriving late

At Castle Farms, couples can hold their ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, and wedding photos on the same property.

Guests arrive once and settle in.

That’s a small thing that makes a big difference.

Should a Wedding Venue Have a Good Weather Backup Plan?

If you’re considering an outdoor wedding, this should be one of the first questions you ask.

Northern Michigan is beautiful, but weather is weather. A sunny forecast can change.

The important question isn’t whether your venue has a rain plan. Most venues will tell you they do.

Ask to actually see it.

Would you still be happy getting married there?

Castle Farms offers indoor and outdoor ceremony options, so couples don’t have to choose between a beautiful Plan A and a disappointing Plan B.

That flexibility also makes Castle Farms a strong option for weddings year-round.

How Much Does Accessibility Matter at a Wedding Venue?

More than couples sometimes realize during the early planning stages.

Your guest list may include:

Grandparents
Guests using wheelchairs or mobility aids
Parents with young children
Pregnant guests
Anyone who has difficulty walking long distances

Ask about accessible entrances, restrooms, parking, seating, and how guests move between spaces.

A venue can be beautiful and still be difficult for part of your guest list to enjoy. It is worth thinking through before you book.

Why Does Guest Flow Matter?

Good wedding venues make movement feel obvious.

Guests shouldn’t need instructions every 20 minutes.

After the ceremony, where do they go?

Where is cocktail hour?

How do they get to dinner?

Where are the restrooms?

At a well-planned venue, those transitions happen naturally.

Castle Farms has multiple ceremony spaces, courtyards, gardens, and reception venues on one property. That gives couples room to create different experiences throughout the day without sending guests somewhere else.

Do Guests Care About Wedding Venue Photo Opportunities?

Maybe not in the same way couples do, but they absolutely enjoy them.

Guests take hundreds of their own photos at weddings now.

A venue with gardens, interesting architecture, outdoor spaces, and recognizable backdrops gives everyone somewhere beautiful to take pictures, not just the professional photographer.

At Castle Farms, the stone walls, towers, courtyards, arches, and gardens are part of the experience.

There’s always somewhere to wander off for a quick photo.

Why Does Location Matter for a Destination Wedding?

For a local wedding, guests may drive home afterward.

For a destination wedding, the location becomes part of the celebration.

That’s where Charlevoix really works in Castle Farms’ favor.

Guests aren’t traveling to a wedding venue surrounded by nothing. They’re coming to one of Northern Michigan’s best-known resort towns.

A Castle Farms wedding weekend can include:

Downtown Charlevoix
Lake Michigan
Beaches and waterfront activities
Local restaurants and shopping
Wineries and cideries
Castle Farms tours
The Castle Pub
Seasonal Northern Michigan activities

People can make a weekend out of it without the couple having to entertain everyone every minute.

Should Nearby Lodging Matter When Choosing a Wedding Venue?

Yes, especially for a destination wedding in Michigan.

Guests need somewhere convenient to stay, and couples should consider lodging early in the venue search.

Look at:

Distance from the venue
Variety of accommodations
Different price points
Transportation options
Restaurants and activities nearby

Charlevoix offers hotels, inns, resorts, and vacation rentals, giving guests more flexibility in how they plan their trip.

Why Do Guests Love Venues That Have Something to Explore?

There’s downtime at almost every wedding.

Maybe the couple is taking photos. Maybe cocktail hour is starting. Maybe guests arrived early.

A venue with something to see makes that time feel completely different.

Castle Farms is unusual because it’s not only a Michigan wedding venue. It’s also a historic attraction that welcomes visitors for tours and public events.

Guests can look around, take photos, walk the grounds, and experience the architecture rather than waiting in a hallway for the next part of the wedding to begin.

What Should Couples Ask About the Guest Experience Before Booking?

When you tour a wedding venue, try looking at it through your guests’ eyes for a few minutes.

Ask:

Where will guests park?
Is the property accessible?
Where will guests go between the ceremony and reception?
What happens if it rains?
Are there comfortable indoor spaces?
How far away are hotels?
Will guests need transportation?
Is there anything for out-of-town guests to do nearby?
Can older guests navigate the venue comfortably?
Can the entire wedding happen in one location?

The answers tell you a lot about how the wedding day will actually feel.

FAQs About Choosing a Guest-Friendly Wedding Venue

What wedding venue features matter most to guests?

Comfort, accessibility, easy parking, good guest flow, weather protection, and convenient lodging are some of the most important features.

Is it better to have the ceremony and reception at the same venue?

For many couples, yes. Keeping everything in one location eliminates travel between events and makes the day easier for guests.

What should destination wedding couples look for in a venue?

Look beyond the venue itself. Nearby lodging, restaurants, attractions, transportation, and activities all affect the guest experience.

Is Castle Farms good for out-of-town wedding guests?

Yes. Castle Farms is located in Charlevoix, giving guests access to Lake Michigan, downtown Charlevoix, wineries, restaurants, shopping, tours, and other Northern Michigan activities.

Does Castle Farms offer indoor and outdoor wedding spaces?

Yes. Couples can choose from multiple indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception options, which provides valuable flexibility for Michigan weather.

Pick a Venue Your Guests Will Love Too

Your wedding should feel like you. That comes first.

But when you’re choosing between two venues you love, think about the people you’re inviting.

Will they be comfortable? Can they get around easily? Is there a real weather plan? Can they stay nearby? Will the trip feel worth making?

Castle Farms gives couples the castle wedding they want while giving guests a Northern Michigan weekend they’ll actually enjoy.

Schedule a tour and experience Castle Farms in Charlevoix for yourself.

Five Ways to Keep Guests Warm and Cozy at Your Wedding

Written by Karrie Mueller on November 2, 2021. Posted in Blog. No Comments on Five Ways to Keep Guests Warm and Cozy at Your Wedding

There’s a chill in the air. That crisp-wintery air is often an appeal to those couples looking for a cozy fall or winter wedding. However, those pretty flurries are something that will keep your guests looking for the cozy, rather than the chilly. Here are five ways to keep your guests nice and toasty at your winter wedding.

1. Blankets

If you’re getting married during the off-season and have the option to have your ceremony outside, consider putting out some blankets that your guests can snuggle up with. Guests are already itching for cocktail hour, you might as well allow them to get comfortable so that they’re not getting antsy in their seats, waiting for the ceremony to end. If guests are more comfortable, they’re more able to be present at your ceremony and listen to the officiant, readings, and your vows to one another.

2. Signature Cocktails

Have you ever heard of the alcohol blanket? That imaginary blanket can play an important role in your guests’ comfort level. Make your signature cocktails something seasonal, like a fall sangria or a spiked hot chocolate. That’ll be sure to warm your guests up in no time.

3. Firepits

Have you ever considered having a bonfire at your wedding? No, seriously. Consider putting a bonfire in your private courtyard for guests to enjoy. Maybe put out a few marshmallows and graham crackers and recycle those blankets you used for the ceremony. Besides, what Michigander doesn’t love a bonfire?

4. Mood Lighting

Our reception spaces are stunning as is, there’s no question about it. However, if you’re really looking to take the space to the next level, deck the place out in candles. It’s amazing how much more of an intimate, cozy feeling that candles bring to a space. Candles provide a certain magical element, especially when they’re elegantly scattered all over the space. Our Venue Coordinators often designate the Assistant Venue Coordinator or another team member to light any and all candles in a reception space, typically during the ceremony. That way, by the time you and your guests make their way over, it’ll be almost like a grand reveal. If you have any questions about what kind of requirements Castle Farms has regarding candles, just ask your Venue Coordinator!

Candlelight — Eastlyn & Joshua Photography

5. Hot Beverages

What’s more wintery than warming up with a cup of hot cocoa? Add a couple of candy canes and some cinnamon sticks, and you’ve got a full hot chocolate bar. Throw some hot cider in the mix, and your guests will be set for the evening. Hot beverages like cocoa and cider are perfect for those guests who are looking to lounge and mingle a bit during the reception.

Hot chocolate bar — Lux Light Photography

Any of these ideas sound appealing to you? We hope so, and so do your guests! No matter what, we’ll be there to make sure your wedding can withstand any Northern Michigan winter.

Building Your Wedding Day Timeline

Written by Karrie Mueller on November 1, 2021. Posted in Blog, Weddings. No Comments on Building Your Wedding Day Timeline

Your big day is just that, YOURS. When planning your big day, we want you to have everything you’re hoping for, and more. With that being said, it’s important to also recognize that guests are often traveling from far and wide to take part in your day. Everyone deserves to have fun and celebrate the beginning of your marriage. This is one of the major reasons Castle Farms works with its couples to establish a timeline.

Ceremony send off — Chettara T Photography

Timelines are key for a multitude of reasons. It keeps each of your vendors on a schedule, ensures that each event (special dances, cake cutting, etc.) takes place at an appropriate time, and overall keeps a sense of order while you and your new spouse enjoy your day. One of the main responsibilities of your Venue Coordinator is making sure the timeline is being followed, by checking in with vendors to make sure they’re all on the same page. From there, your Venue Coordinator works as a middleman to communicate between the couple and the multiple vendors they’re working with.

The perk of having a Venue Coordinator to handle the timeline often provides couples a sense of relief on the day of their wedding. Thoughts like, “When are we going to cut the cake?” or “Is dinner going to be ready soon?” don’t necessarily need to cross the mind of a couple with a reliable team of vendors and fearless Venue Coordinator who’s leading the pack.

Another huge reason we like to stress the importance of timelines is so that guests aren’t left frustrated or just plain bored. Having a timeline ensures that the event moves along at a pace that is enjoyable for both the couple and the guests. Certain couples may be tempted to spend a majority of their night with their photographer to get that perfect photo for your first Instagram post as a married couple. In some scenarios, that’s perfectly fine, just make sure your guests aren’t waiting around wondering “…What’s next?” Couples should be able to prioritize how they want to spend their day, while also being considerate of their guests’ time.

Therefore, if you don’t plan on being terribly present at your reception if you don’t want to, just make sure your guests are well-fed and can carry on with the evening by getting a head start on the dancefloor. Be sure that the fun isn’t cut short by not having any obstacles in the way of dancing and getting the party started. On that same note, don’t put off cutting your cake, in case guests are itching for some dessert. Rather than extending your cocktail hour to cocktail HOURS, consider taking a break from photos once the hour is up, then head back out for some sunset photos after dinner.

For a three o’clock ceremony, consider starting with a timeline like this:

Cocktail Hour: 3:30

Announced into Reception: 4:30

Toasts/Blessing: 4:45

Dinner: 5:00

Cake Cutting: 6:30

Special Dances: 6:45

Guest Dancing: 7:00

For a five o’clock ceremony, consider starting with a timeline like this:

Cocktail Hour: 5:30

Announced into Reception: 6:30

Toasts/Blessing: 6:45

Dinner: 7:00

Cake Cutting: 8:30

Special Dances: 8:45

Guest Dancing: 9:00

Of course, you are more than welcome to play with your timeline. Cut your cake upon your announcement into the reception. Do special dances right away, then move on to dinner. It’s really up to you! Your Venue Coordinator is always more than happy to help walk you through what kind of timeline best suits your reception.

Fun Ways to Ask Your Wedding Party to Be in Your Wedding

Written by Karrie Mueller on October 27, 2021. Posted in Blog, Wedding Tips & Trends. No Comments on Fun Ways to Ask Your Wedding Party to Be in Your Wedding

One of the most fun parts of planning the big day is asking your favorite people to be in your wedding party. These are the people who are going to stick with you through the planning process, through thick and thin. They’ve been by your side through the highs and lows of your life, now it’s time for them to stand by your side the day you say “I do.”

Bridesmaids with bags — Chris Van Winkle Photography

Then and Now Pictures

Are you asking a sibling or a childhood best friend to be in your wedding party? Consider getting a nice, custom print of a photo of you and them from way-back-when. With that, write a heartfelt message about how your journey through life has led up to this moment. You can find affordable prints of all shapes and sizes to gift to your potential wedding party members here.

Groomsmen — Michael Murphy IV Photography

Personalized Drinkware

If you’re going for the insta-worthy option, look no further than some customizable mugs or wine tumblers. These are something that each person can use leading up to the wedding and serving as a nice keepsake for years to come. Don’t forget to let your wedding party members know to bring it for your wedding weekend so that your photographer can capture some cute photos of you clinking and drinking from your matching drinkware.

Bridesmaids cheers — Michael Murphy IV Photography

Jewelry

Jewelry can be a great way to ask bridesmaids to be in a wedding, especially if you want them each to wear matching jewelry sets with their dresses. Gift them with them early on so that it’s not a last-minute decision by you or the bridesmaids.

Bridesmaids in matching robes — Jesslin Rae Photography

Flasks

Flasks are a great option for both bridesmaids and groomsmen. You can easily find customizable ones on Etsy. These can also be fun when it comes to bachelor or bachelorette parties.

Treats

Get a goodie from a local bakery and have it packaged nicely to be sent to each wedding party member. It’s great for those who don’t want to worry about any trinkets that will get lost or unused. Think of a cute sugar cookie with “Be My Bridesmaid?” inscribed across the top in royal icing. Adorable! Even some delicious chocolates or candies are sure to get those potential members of your wedding party to say “yes.”

Brownies — Michael Murphy IV Photography

Plants

Box up a small succulent or cactus for each wedding party member to open. What a unique and fun gift to open! Maybe even throw in a cheeky note saying “My wedding would succ without you,” or “Don’t be a prick, be my bridesmaid/groomsman!”

Books

Whether it’s a recommendation, the YA book the two of you obsessed over in middle school, an empty journal, or a cheesy romance novel, books can be a great wedding party proposal gift. You can write a personal message within the first couple of pages, and your wedding party members are sure to think of you each time they flip through the pages or pass it on a bookshelf.

Book table number — Northern Art Photography

Gift Baskets

One of the most common wedding party proposals is the classic gift box that encompasses all of these ideas. Who doesn’t love a box of goodies? This option also allows you to personalize each gift to the person. Throw in four or five little gifts that remind you of that person and/or will come in handy leading up to the wedding. Some bubbly and some at-home spa products are a must. Otherwise, have fun with them. Throw in some kitschy key chains or funny signs with snarky sayings.

Wedding gift basket — Megan Hannon Photography

However you choose to ask wedding party members to be in your wedding doesn’t have to be extravagant or expensive, just make sure it’s personalized and fun. Though some may be tempted to just send a text, there are plenty of simple and sweet ways to ask those you love to be part of your special day.

Hair & Makeup Trends

Written by Karrie Mueller on October 13, 2021. Posted in Blog, Wedding Tips & Trends. No Comments on Hair & Makeup Trends

Some brides may be eager to get their hair and makeup done professionally for their wedding; others may be stumped. Choosing what hair and makeup you’re going with for your big day can be overwhelming.

Luckily, Castle Farms has plenty of Preferred Service Providers who will ensure that you have a professional and enjoyable experience with the option of the most modern, classic, or unique style you can imagine. We highly recommend contacting a stylist early on to determine your beauty plan. Although you may be tempted to save a couple bucks by watching a few tutorials on YouTube or asking a friend to help you out, there can be some implications with that, like a shaky hand from nerves, or maybe a few too many mimosas delaying your timeline for the day. Also, asking a friend for help may have you subject to their creative liberty, and tough conversations are best to avoid on a day meant for so much more. When you select a salon or hair and makeup artist, they are trained to make you look and feel your most beautiful and won’t say “no” to a hair and makeup trial (or sometimes two) to ensure your vision truly comes to life. Keep reading to learn more about ways to ensure the most effortless and successful beauty day for your wedding! Check out our list of salons in the area we recommend for bridal beauty here.

Hair

Hair is one of the easier decisions you must make when it comes to your bridal look. You may have a hairpiece you want to incorporate, or your hair may be a length that can only achieve a certain style. You may even have a certain face shape that only certain styles complement.

You may have a large hairpiece that may only fit with a look that involves a low, loose bun. On the other hand, if you’re keeping it simple, consider some loose curls and some hair pinned up for a more elegant half-up, half-down look.

Are you trying to showcase some statement earrings or complement the neckline of your dress? An updo may be for you. If you’re interested in a more classic look, consider placing the updo a little higher on your head. Otherwise, you could shoot for something lower, maybe even to the side. Don’t be afraid to ask your stylist to pull out a few pieces and play with it, you may be able to achieve something unique and beautiful!

If you’re leaning towards a trendier look, some beachy waves can do wonders. A lot of brides are opting towards a more effortless look that involves some loose curls and less stiff, uniform curls.

Bride at Salon — Garrett Gormley Photography

Makeup

Makeup can be intimidating, especially for those who don’t consider themselves self-taught pros. Whatever you do, don’t go for something overly experimental for your wedding day look. You still want to look like you, and definitely want to avoid the “What was I thinking?!” phrase 10 or 20 years down the road.

For fairer skin tones, nudes and light-blush pink lip shades will always be flattering. Add a touch of gloss for a more juicy, kissable look. If you have a deeper skin tone, caramel browns and mauves can be stunning. If you’re getting married in a fall or winter season and want to try an eggplant or burnt orange statement lip, give it a whirl for a couple of special occasions beforehand. Really get a feel for what is most flattering to you.

You want to exude confidence on your wedding day, don’t stray for that by experimenting with something that doesn’t make you feel your most beautiful. Makeup is meant to enhance your natural beauty, not cover it up. With that being said, avoid the overly chiseled, contoured look that will completely change the shape or coloring of your face. Your fiance chose to marry you, for YOU. Your wedding day may seem like a golden ticket to go overboard, but don’t take that as an opportunity to completely change your appearance.

These days, less matte and more natural, dewy looks are what a lot of brides are striving for, and that’s great! A sun-kissed complexion and sexy, sultry eyes may be just the look you’re going for. When it comes to eyeshadow, a darker, winged outer corner can really accentuate your eye shape and really give a nice lift to your natural features. Don’t be afraid to play with false lashes, either. There are some very subtle falsies that give the slightest, yet most flattering drama to the eye. If you’re looking to really go glam and play up those eyes, don’t be afraid to ask your stylist to pick up the liquid liner and dramatic false lashes.

Makeup artists in dressing room — Kay Marie Photography

Nails

Now, nails. Nails are where you can play with a bit of creativity. Maybe incorporate some of your wedding colors or that sparkle your bridesmaids refused to wear. If you’re unsure, you can always go with a classic nude or french tip and have one accent nail. On the other hand, you could go completely classic and simple in order to not steal your new bling’s thunder. If acrylics aren’t something you’re used to and are scared to try, lean towards a gel or dip powder. Those options are also healthier for your nails and not as much of a pain to grow out.

Spa Treatments

With your wedding quickly approaching, it can be easy to fall for spa gimmicks. You may be tempted to do the works: massage, facials, waxing, spray tan, fillers…hold off and sleep on it before booking an appointment for each. Facials can spike certain skin sensitivities and cause breakouts. Spray tans, for those who have never gotten them before, can be shocking. You may not be used to your new shade, and against a white or off-white gown…it may come off as a bit harsh. Do a couple of trial runs in the months leading up to make sure you find a shade that suits you. The same can go for fillers or botox. It can look great once you’ve found your niche but can take a couple of trials to really achieve the look you’re picturing. Start small, because it’s always much easier to add on than take away. However, when it comes to a massage, no hesitation there. Go for it. You deserve it; you’ve got the biggest day of your life ahead of you!

Your wedding photos are going to be something you look back on for the entirety of your marriage. They’ll be posted on social media, hung on your walls, and of course, you’ll need to give a couple copies to Grandma or the new in-laws. Not even that, there’s the moment where each guest stands and turns towards you before you make your way down the aisle. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to come up with an insta-worthy look that is sure to wow your wedding guests and your new spouse!