The Berkshires are only little over two hours away from New York City and Boston and are fantastic vacation destination. Anyone can find here things they love; cozy villages, cultural and historic sights, music and theater. Finely crafted farm-to-table food, local beer and wine have lots of followers. Sport lovers enjoy water adventures, like kayaking, fishing and rafting as well winter sports like skiing, snowshoeing and cross- country skiing. Wooded, rolling hills and mountains in the autumn offer gorgeous foliage sights (probably the most beautiful I’ve ever seen). The Berkshire not only offers long lasting vacation memories and peaceful relaxation but also the region is becoming a prime wedding destination.

It is not just any wedding destination; it is a rustic, country wedding destination. More and more brides choose outdoor locations with breathtaking views and pastoral charm. That’s why the Berkshires are becoming so desired. The nature of encircling areas often impact the essence of a weddings natural decor.

Classic, glamour weddings are slowing down and rustic wedding are all the trend now. One-of-a-kind Berkshire venues offer a more relaxed feeling and are becoming more family oriented. Western Massachusetts and even Hudson Valley and Northern Connecticut offer abundant venues with rustic charm; Stonover Farm, The Mount, August Moon, Gedney Farm, Chesterwood, Norman Rockwell Museum, Basilica– just to name a few.

Oftentimes brides want something different, something special; Every event in New England appears to be very personalized. And I have to admit, there is a lot of ‘wow’ factors. Soon to be married couples add a lot of details and character to their events. Either in a barn or tent, there are some interesting DIY projects, sometimes pure elegance paired with rustic beauty. The decor is filled with wooden farm tables, cross-back chairs or benches, chalkboard signs, fresh trees, plants or succulents, milk jug vases with country flowers, vintage China, burlap runners and flower chandeliers hanging from a barn ceiling. Pinterest and Etsy offer endless ideas. For the outdoor decor – hay bales with quilts, lanterns, lights and votives artfully hung from trees create some of the most magical evenings.

 New Yorkers and Bostonians are using their summer homes in the Berkshires as prime locations for outdoor event spaces. The weddings at private residences tend to be more casual and often nostalgic, bringing peoples childhoods back to the present. Yard games like corn hole, horseshoes, and croquet provide family fun and keep guests entertained — S’mores are a great option to end perfect evening.

Another trending concept that is a serious focus of the Berkshires is supporting local economy. Not only does sourcing locally help small businesses and farms but also can help couples keep within their budget. Fresh-and-local is the way to do it! There are some fantastic Berkshire caterers offering locally sourced ingredients and creating the most tasteful wedding dinners. Interestingly, seated dinners are winding down and are giving space to family style or food stations. Heirloom Fire, for instance, creates very original and beautifully executed farm to table, family style presentation. Wooden boards elevated on hard wood stumps make an original display and will have all of your cousins posting to Instagram at that magnificent site. Food stations or so called buffet gives greater variety of food for the most picky eaters.

I can write about country weddings in the Berkshires endlessly but I should probably stop here and leave more space for dreams and imagination. The natural and whimsical beauty of the Berkshires and the rustic charm of the unique venue sites create the perfect wedding destination. And remember, if you want a look that is both timeless and trendy, rustic is the way to have an unforgettable and everlasting wedding that everyone will definitely remember.