A recent trend that's making it's way towards the Midwest is the beauty of Airbnb (or VRBO) weddings. These types of weddings became super popular in 2020 amidst the covid-19 pandemic as an alternative to throwing a larger than life wedding day. Since then, this format has stuck around and people have discovered the beauty of inviting less people to their weddings, creating a more intimate environment to say their I-do's. An Airbnb wedding may be for you if...

1. You only want to celebrate with close friends and immediate family

2. You want to save a little money on the venue cost

3. You want your wedding to be more than just a one day event

4. You want your wedding to be unique and memorable

5. You want the freedom to pick your own vendors

If you envision your day with any or all of those points, It may be worth it to look into Airbnbs! You don't have to look in the mountains or near the coasts -- there are so many Midwest or local Airbnbs and VRBOs to choose from! My favorite type of stays to look into are cabins, lakefront, or countryside options. Here are a few that I've saved as beautiful options:

1. Private Lodge in Norwalk, IA

2. Midcentury Home in Ankeny, IA

3. Lakefront Cabin in Baxter, MN

4. Lakefront Cabin in Conover, WI

5. Coastal Cottage in Stevensville, MI

There are a few important things to consider when deciding between the traditional wedding route, vs. the Airbnb route. Before moving forward with an Airbnb, make sure and...

1. Verify with the Airbnb or VRBO that events are allowed on the property.

2. Consider the local vendor options and what types of rentals you'll have to provide yourself.

3. Are there other Airbnbs or hotels nearby for your guests to easily commute back and forth to?

4. Is there parking available at the Airbnb? If not, is there local Uber or shuttle services available?

5. Are there noise ordinances in the neighborhood?

When it's all said and done, there are logistics and pros and cons to ANY type of wedding day. I personally find all the pros of an Airbnb wedding to be so so fun! I hope this helps those of you who are considering switching it up and going with a less traditional wedding venue route.