Most cottage rental businesses focus only on providing a place to stay and miss out on extra earning opportunities. Guests book, stay, and leave without experiencing anything beyond the room.
Travelers today want more than just a bed. They look for unique experiences, celebrations, and memorable moments during their stay. If you’re not offering it, someone else will.
The good news is you don’t need a major business overhaul. By offering event packages alongside your cottage rentals like birthdays, weddings, or retreats — you can boost revenue and turn your property into a destination worth remembering.
How to Sell Event Packages Alongside Cottage Rentals
Selling event packages alongside cottage rentals is a powerful way to boost revenue, extend stays, and create unforgettable experiences for your guests. Here’s a strategic guide on how to do it effectively.
Pair Experiences with Emotions
Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
The key to selling event packages with cottage rentals lies in selling a feeling, not just a product. Whether it’s a romantic wedding or a peaceful family reunion, align your offerings with the emotional experience your guests are looking for.
Start by identifying the core emotional drivers for each event type. Weddings call for romance and elegance, corporate retreats need focus and renewal, while birthdays and reunions thrive on joy and togetherness. Once you understand the emotional context, create themed packages that fulfill those desires — not just in activities, but also in mood, design, and communication.
When advertising, use visuals and copy that evoke these emotions. A bride standing under a starlit sky, a team around a lakeside fire pit, or a grandparent surrounded by laughing grandkids — these moments sell more than features ever could. Blend storytelling into your sales materials to help customers visualize themselves in the experience.
Let packages tell a story
“A great package doesn’t just offer services — it narrates a journey.” Think of each bundle as a carefully crafted storyline, where the guest is the main character and your venue is the magical setting. Sell more than a night’s stay; sell the beginning, middle, and perfect ending of a memory.
Structure the package in a way that shows a natural flow. For a wedding package, this could start with a welcome evening with drinks, continue with the wedding day events, and end with a farewell brunch. For corporate retreats, it might include arrival kits, morning workshops, outdoor adventures, and a closing dinner. This narrative builds anticipation and increases perceived value.
In all communications — web pages, brochures, or social media — present your packages like chapters of a story. Use language that invites readers into the tale. Instead of listing features, say: “Start your morning with fresh mountain air and a locally-sourced breakfast, then dive into creative thinking sessions led by nature itself.”
Customize for flexibility
One size rarely fits all, especially for events. Guests often want personalization — from the menu and activities to decoration themes and timing. Providing flexible customization not only attracts more clients but also allows you to upsell services without resistance.
Offer base packages with optional add-ons rather than rigid all-in-one bundles. This makes your pricing more accessible while giving clients control over their experience. A couple may choose your basic elopement package and later add on premium catering, live music, or professional photography. This step-by-step buildup feels less overwhelming and more empowering for buyers.
Train your booking team to ask the right questions and actively listen. Understand the client’s vision, then tailor the offering in a way that aligns with both their dream and your logistics. The more you adapt, the more memorable and valuable the experience becomes.
Collaborate with local vendors
Your cottage rental business doesn’t have to do everything alone. Strategic partnerships with local vendors — florists, caterers, entertainers, planners — can elevate your packages without the burden of managing every detail yourself.
Build a trusted network and showcase them within your event offerings. Include their services in your packages either as direct inclusions or as optional referrals. Having reliable partners adds professionalism to your brand and provides peace of mind to guests planning an important occasion away from home.
Ensure that vendor quality aligns with your brand values. A single weak link — like an unreliable photographer — can damage the whole experience. So, vet carefully, collaborate closely, and maintain clear contracts and expectations.
Showcase it all visually
Selling event packages requires compelling visual content. People need to see the experience before they buy into it. Invest in high-quality photography and video that captures every aspect — cottages, event setups, people enjoying themselves, and the surrounding atmosphere.
Create a dedicated section on your website to highlight each type of event package. Use story-driven visuals with captions that echo the emotional tone of each package. Let potential clients imagine themselves laughing over a sunset dinner or walking barefoot through a floral aisle.
Additionally, leverage social media to share behind-the-scenes clips, past event highlights, and testimonials from previous guests. Visual storytelling, especially in platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, can turn a casual browser into a booked client with a few swipes.
Final Thoughts
Selling event packages alongside cottage rentals is more than filling up vacant dates. It is about creating meaningful experiences that guests will remember and cherish for years to come. When you combine comfortable stays with thoughtful event services, you turn an ordinary booking into a special occasion.
By understanding your audience, designing appealing packages, and promoting them through the right platforms, you open new opportunities for your business. Guests will appreciate the convenience of having both lodging and event arrangements in one place, making their visit smoother and more memorable.
Start with simple offerings, gather feedback, and gradually expand your services. The aim is to position your cottages as not just a place to stay, but a place to gather, celebrate, and create beautiful moments worth coming back for.
