INSPIRATION DAY: Downtown

My favorite part of Boston is the beautiful downtown area. If you are anything like me, you might be considering a city-themed wedding. Here are just a few ideas to inspire a chic Boston wedding.

Boston Skyline

Boston Public Library Wedding by Tirado Photography

Boston-themed Save the Dates by purpleinkpress at Etsy.com

Black dresses, like Kate Bosworth's by Lisa Ho, are another classic approach to an urban wedding

A unique centerpiece (by zazlicious at Etsy.com) gives this wedding an extra something

Colonnade Hotel Wedding by Leah Haydock Photography

Pale Roses make a classic bouquet for a city wedding

This Heidi Vail photo shows just how well city people can party in the State Room.

Ocean House: Dennisport, MA

OCEAN HOUSE

I could not leave Cape Cod without mentioning this restaurant. This is probably not a budget option for a wedding, but I would definitely consider it for a rehearsal dinner. Ocean House Restaurant is located in Dennisport, and serves WONDERFUL food. The interior of the restaurant is gorgeous with an ocean view and romantic ambiance. Entrées are typically around $30. They offer a good selection of wine and have a fun martini menu. If you have a bigger budget, you can have your wedding reception at this venue. It will cost $150 per person with a 100 person minimum and $1500 rental fee (all weddings are tented outdoors on the beach) plus service charges and tax. Even if you don’t include Ocean House in your wedding or rehearsal, do yourself a favor and go next time you visit Cape Cod.

Budget Venues: Cape Cod

Cape Cod Wedding by Kate Rose Photography

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As promised, here is a list of just a few Cape Cod venue options.

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Coonamesset Inn and Flying Bridge Restaurant: Located in Falmouth, the Inn is comprised of 5 separate buildings with multiple reception options. (My favorite is the Cape Cod Function Room). The Flying Bridge Restaurant is right on the harbor and hosts receptions upstairs in a room with floor to ceiling windows. Both venues use the same menu. Gold Reception package is $57, but more casual themed meals like the Gourmet Cookout can be as low as $32. Ceremony fee $500. Based on 5 hours. Additional hours available for $1000 per hour. Their baker must provide your cake – no outside bakers are allowed.

  Old Yarmouth Inn Restaurant and Tavern: This 1696 Inn and Tavern is a small piece of history in Cape Cod. Its dining rooms are a bit old fashioned, but charming. Wedding packages from $60. Room rental fees apply when using the entire dining room.

 Cultural Center of Cape Cod: This building is gorgeous. Though it is not waterfront, it is a beautiful bright room and a unique venue. The biggest plus of this facility is that it is equipped with a Bose Sound System, so if you wanted to, you could create your own wedding playlist and save on a DJ. They do have a site rental fee of $2000, but have tables and chairs available for up to 125. You will need to use an outside caterer, which can be expensive. But if you shop around, this place could make a perfect budget reception.

 Dennis Inn: This is a cute location. It is very Cape Cod with its weathered shingles and homey feel. Meals start at $75 per person with a rental fee ranging from $1000 – $2000. Its a mid-price range but I really like this place. There are more options, such as a tent, for an extra $15 per person.

  Orleans Inn: Another historical location built in 1875, this is a gorgeous Victorian inn, right on the water. There is a waterfront dining room and deck. Meals start at $75 per person. I like Inns because you get a unique and simple venue, but guests can opt to stay over so that they can fully enjoy themselves.

           Lighthouse Inn: (This might be the one for me.) The Lighthouse Inn, located in West Dennis, is a classic Cape Cod hotel and restaurant. Personally I have been going there my entire life so it holds some sentimentality for me. It is right on the water with a great view, and its beach is mostly secluded. There are no function room fees for a wedding. Meals start at $55 per person. There are some restrictions during the high season, limiting guests to 80 in July and August, but they can accommodate 230 in Spring and Fall. If we marry in Cape Cod, it will be here.

 Hemisphere Restaurant: This restaurant is located in Sandwich, MA. The Cape Cod Bay room can accommodate 100 people, and there is a 60 person minimum during the summer months. They will not do plated meals during this season either, only buffet options (due to high volume in dining room). The Celebration Buffet menu is $60 per person, and a child’s plate is only $7. One plus is that it is right on the beach. You can opt to get a bonfire permit which you can have until 10pm, but your reception must end when your fire begins (due to legalities concerning alcohol consumption). Still, this could be a unique way to end your reception if you go this route.

Provincetown Inn and Resort: Right on the water, this is a beautiful reception site. I think I’ve mentioned before, but Provincetown is gorgeous and so much fun in the summer-time. They will host ceremonies for $250. Plated Dinners from $46 and Buffets from $61 per person. Saturdays need a minimum of 85 guests. They offer tented weddings for additional fees, please inquire.

  Bournedale Function Facility: Located in Sandwich, this is a Lakefront facility. There is a$500 room rental fee and Buffet meals start at $60 per person. This is based on a 100 person minimum. Not the most glamourous venue (I prefer oceanfront over lakefront) but it is still a pretty view and a peaceful location worth checking out.

For other options check out http://www.capecodwedding.com/receptionsites.html