My fiance and I are planning on a summer 2012 wedding on the beach in Northern MI, preferably on lake michigan. I don't know how many guests I can plan on having, probably between 150-200. So though it won't be small, we definitely want a relaxed vibe, and something that won't be too expensive. The ideal setting to me would be somewhere with a large beach area for the actual ceremony, and a nice hotel nearby or even right on the water that has a banquet room for the reception. I'm not totally against an outdoor reception either, but since I am planning on either June or July of next year, I don't want people to be miserable or uncomfortable in the heat...so it would be better to have an indoor reception with the option to be outside. It would be perfect if I could find a hotel resort somewhere on the north-west side of the state that is right on the beach, that way we don't have to worry about limos, or making guests commute from the ceremony to reception, etc. So far I have been looking into Ludington and Silver lake sand dunes, I wouldn't be opposed to Traverse or Saugatuck either. Does anyone have personal experience with having a beach wedding in northern MI, or have ideas of what is a nice/reasonable place to have one? ANY advice is greatly appreciated it, I just got engaged a few weeks ago and I want to get the ball rolling but I am lost at where to start! Thanks!!