1. Lakeside & Waterfront Event Venues

Michigan’s lakes and waterfronts make for stunning wedding backdrops.

The Inn at Bay Harbor

• Location: Bay Harbor, Michigan (Lake Michigan)
• About: Known for its luxurious resort setting, The Inn at Bay Harbor offers stunning views of Lake Michigan. The venue provides both indoor and outdoor spaces for ceremonies and receptions, including a beachside setting and a beautiful ballroom for the reception.
• Capacity: Up to 300 guests.
• Unique Feature: Beautiful sunset views over the lake, ideal for outdoor ceremonies.

Bay Point Inn

• Location: Shelbyville, Michigan (Gun Lake)
• About: A lakeside venue known for its beautiful views of Gun Lake. Bay Pointe Inn offers both indoor and outdoor wedding options, including a lakeside ceremony spot. The venue features elegant rustic décor with modern amenities.
• Capacity: Up to 250 guests.
• Unique Feature: A private beach for outdoor ceremonies and an elegant ballroom for the reception.

The Grand Traverse Resort and Spa

• Location: Traverse City, Michigan (Lake Michigan)
• About: This award-winning resort offers a stunning location on the shores of Lake Michigan. It features several wedding venues, including a lakeside outdoor space and elegant indoor rooms, making it perfect for any season.
• Capacity: Up to 500 guests.
• Unique Feature: Sweeping views of both the water and nearby rolling hills.

St. Clair Inn

• Location: St. Clair, Michigan
• About: The property features 88 guest rooms and suites, along with three private waterfront cottages that provide stunning river views. Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, natural light, and a private terrace overlooking the river
• Capacity: Up to 200 guests
• Unique Feature: As a designated Michigan State Historic Site, the inn retains its original Tudor Revival architecture, including a central lobby with brick flooring and timbered ceilings .
• See an AGE real wedding here!

2. Rustic & Barn Event Venues

Perfect for a cozy, countryside, or rustic-themed wedding.

Black River Barn South Haven

• Location: South Haven, Michigan
• About: Established in 2019, Black River Barn spans over 11,000 square feet and sits on 10 acres of picturesque landscape. The venue features a 5,400-square-foot main hall adorned with vaulted ceilings, exposed timber beams, and elegant chandeliers, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The design seamlessly blends rustic elements with modern amenities, offering both indoor and outdoor spaces for ceremonies and receptions
• Capacity: Accommodates up to 350 guests for dining and dancing .
• Unique Feature: Private, well-appointed suites for pre-event preparations, Fully equipped kitchen available for catering needs, Flexible spaces to suit various preferences and weather conditions, and Outdoor areas with fire pits, perfect for evening gatherings.

The Barn at Maple Creek

• Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
• About: Located on a scenic farm, The Barn at Maple Creek offers an intimate and elegant setting for a rustic wedding. The barn itself is large and open, with wooden beams and chandeliers, creating a welcoming and charming atmosphere.
• Capacity: Up to 250 guests.
• Unique Feature: The venue has a rustic, yet modern vibe with plenty of natural light and a stunning outdoor ceremony space.

3. Historic Event Venues

For a sophisticated, high-end celebration with modern amenities.

The Henry Ford Museum

• Location: Dearborn, Michigan
• About: A national landmark and museum, The Henry Ford Museum is ideal for couples who appreciate history and culture. You can get married amidst historical artifacts or in the beautiful Greenfield Village, which replicates America’s past.
• Capacity: Varies by space, up to 500+ guests.
• Unique Feature: Stunning historical backdrops, including a historic church and vintage cars, offering a unique and unforgettable atmosphere.

The Whitney

• Location: Detroit, Michigan
• About: This historic mansion offers an elegant and refined setting for a wedding. The Whitney is a grand and beautifully restored home with a blend of modern and traditional elements. The venue includes a formal garden, dining rooms, and a ballroom.
• Capacity: Up to 250 guests.
• Unique Feature: An upscale atmosphere with rich architectural details, antique furniture, and an elegant garden setting.

The Detroit Institute of Arts

• Location: Detroit, Michigan
• About: For couples who love art and history, the Detroit Institute of Arts offers a majestic setting with beautiful architecture and world-renowned art collections. It provides various stunning event spaces, including the Rivera Court and the Crystal Gallery.
• Capacity: Up to 500 guests.
• Unique Feature: A dramatic setting with fine art and history, perfect for couples who want to combine culture with elegance.

4. Vineyard Event Venues

Michigan has many beautiful vineyards that offer a romantic and picturesque backdrop for your wedding.

Chateau Chantal Winery & Inn

• Location: Traverse City, Michigan (Grand Traverse Bay)
• About: A picturesque vineyard perched on a hill overlooking Grand Traverse Bay. Chateau Chantal offers an intimate and elegant setting, with both indoor and outdoor options. You can exchange vows on the terrace with panoramic views of the bay.
• Capacity: Up to 200 guests.
• Unique Feature: Vineyards and wine add a special touch for wine lovers.

Black Star Farms

• Location: Suttons Bay, Michigan (Leelanau Peninsula)
• About: Located on the scenic Leelanau Peninsula, Black Star Farms offers a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces with sweeping views of vineyards and orchards. It’s perfect for couples looking for a rustic yet elegant setting. The venue includes a wine cellar, tasting room, and expansive grounds.
• Capacity: Up to 250 guests.
• Unique Feature: Wine cellar receptions and a gorgeous outdoor ceremony location surrounded by vineyards.

Aurora Cellers

• Location: Lake Leelanau, Michigan
• About: The Estate venue spans two acres and features a beautifully renovated Victorian farmhouse, a small barn, and a majestic willow tree beside a pond, creating an idyllic setting for ceremonies and receptions. The vineyard runs parallel to the estate, offering stunning views and a tranquil ambiance
• Capacity: Up to 300 guests
• Unique Feature: A majestic willow tree beside a pond provides a picturesque backdrop for ceremonies. A spacious tented area allows for elegant receptions with views of the vineyard.

5. Unique & Nontraditional Venues

If you’re looking for something a little more out of the ordinary.

Infinity & Ovation

• Location: Detroit, Michigan
• About: Infinity & Ovation Yacht Charters offers a distinctive event experience in Metro Detroit, providing luxury yacht venues for weddings, corporate events, and special celebrations.
• Capacity: Up to 130 guests (Infinity) and Up to 300 guests (Ovation)
• Unique Feature: A unique wedding venue where you can say “I do” on a boat while cruising along the Detroit River for a scenic and memorable ceremony.
  • 117-foot, bi-level vessel
  • 38-foot, tri-level vessel

The Henry Ford Estate – Fair Lane

• Location: Dearborn, Michigan
• About: A gorgeous historical mansion, perfect for those who want a mix of nature and elegance, with lush gardens and exquisite rooms for both indoor and outdoor events.
• Capacity:
• Unique Feature:

The Glass House

• Location: Zeeland, Michigan
• About: The Glass House is a thoughtfully designed space that fosters creativity and community. The venue features floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the interior with natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The surrounding grounds offer multiple vignettes for photography, outdoor gatherings, and leisurely activitie
• Capacity: The space offers comfortable seating for up to 50 guests (max). Ideal for 30–40 guests seated at farmhouse tables.
• Unique Feature: All-glass venue that offers panoramic views and a light-filled space that is perfect for a contemporary wedding

Tips for Choosing a Michigan Wedding Venue:

1. Season and Weather: Consider the time of year when booking a venue. Summer and fall are the most popular wedding seasons in Michigan, but if you’re dreaming of a winter wonderland wedding, Michigan’s snowy season can be magical.
2. Size of the Guest List: Be sure the venue can comfortably accommodate your guest list. Michigan has a range of venues from intimate spaces to grand ballrooms.
3. Budget: Michigan offers venues at every price point, so it’s important to factor in costs such as catering, rentals, and decor when choosing.
4. Location: Consider whether you want a destination wedding (Michigan is a beautiful state to visit!) or something closer to home for convenience.

Photo by Megan Hannon Photography

The post Michigan Wedding Venues | Michigan Wedding Planner & Florist appeared first on All Grand Events + Florals.

Parents

M.O.B – Mother of the Bride

M.O.G – Mother of the Groom

F.O.B – Father of the Bride

F.O.G – Father of the Groom

Wedding Party

M.O.H – AKA Maid of Honor and Matron of Honor. The right-hand lady to the Bride! A Maid of Honor is an unmarried woman whereas a Matron of Honor is a married woman. This person assists with and/or plans the wedding shower and Bachelorette party. They can also be a point person on the day of the wedding they will help with whatever may be needed. 

B.M – Best Man. The right-hand man to the groom! This person plans the Bachelor party as well as helps with whatever the groom may need on the wedding day. 

Junior Bridesmaids/Junior Groomsmen/Junior Ushers: Typically this person is between the ages of 10 and 17.

F.G – Flower Girl: A child often between the ages of 0 and 9 years. Usually a niece of a couple of a friend’s daughter.

R.B – Ring Bearer: A child often between the ages of 0 and 9 years. Usually a nephew of the couple or a friend’s son.

Ceremony

Candlelighter: A Candlelighter is common in Christian ceremonies and is most often reserved for people who are close to the couple but not included in the wedding party. It is also common for the mothers to act at the Candlelighter as well which signifies the beginning of the processional.

Responsorial Psalm:

Readers: A couple often selects one to two people who are important to them outside of the wedding party to offer a bible verse or poem mid-ceremony.

Petitions: In a Catholic Ceremony

Looking for more wedding planning tips Check out these other blog posts below!

• Decor and Tabletop
• Wedding and Event Linen Size Guide
• Wedding Bouquet Size and Style Guide

The post Wedding Terms | Part 5 of 8: Wedding Party + VIPs appeared first on All Grand Events + Florals.

Jewish Traditions

Ketubah: The contract Jewish couples sign that states the obligations of the marriage. A beautiful piece of art that is framed and hung in the couple’s house. 

Chuppah: A Chuppah is a four-pole structure that also consists of a cloth canopy in which Jewish wedding ceremonies are performed. The cloth is typically a family heirloom that is used in ceremony to ceremony. 

Breaking The Glass: This symbolizes the couple with the spiritual and national destiny of the Jewish people. This marks the conclusion of the wedding ceremony and everyone shouts “Mazel Tov!”

Non-Religious and Other Traditions

The lasso: A Hispanic tradition that is typically performed after the exchange of vows and rings. The godparents, will wrap the rope around the couple’s shoulders. The godparents are a married couple who agree to serve as role models for the couple.

Looking for more planning tips Check out these blog posts below!

• Napkin Folds Options
• Wedding Bouquet Size and Style Guide
• Wedding Planners, Event Designers and Coordinators

The post Wedding Terms | Part 7 of 8: Wedding Traditions appeared first on All Grand Events + Florals.

The time has finally come, you’re engaged to the love of your life. Now it’s time to plan your dream wedding. While this should be one of the most enjoyable milestones in your relationship, beginning the journey towards this lifelong commitment tends to be a very nerve-racking, and stressful time for the pre-weds. Simply because of how many steps go into planning a wedding. At first, this can be incredibly overwhelming. After talking with your partner and coming to an agreement on any major decisions, the rest of the process will run more smoothly. Here is our ‘must have’ list of decisions that are commonly overlooked when planning a wedding. In no particular order, here are 4 Important Decisions When Planning Your Wedding.

Photographer, Videographer, or Both?

Videographer

Wedding videos are very popular but choosing to have both a photographer and videographer can carry a costly load. Many companies also offer both of these services and can maintain a cohesive vibe for all of your visual documentation.

Videos have a way of captivating your wedding from various perspectives that, for obvious reasons, photos just can’t achieve. The speeches your friends and family make as they celebrate you and your lifelong partner. To breaking out your moves on the dance floor; a videographer can capture it all. They can capture the raw emotions that happen in the moment. These clips can often be edited into a short, tear-jerking film that you and your spouse can keep for years to come. Keep in mind that they come at a cost which ultimately, can be the biggest cons of hiring a wedding videographer

Photographer

Wedding photographers are the most popular option. We highly recommend taking this route if you are trying to cut back on overall costs without losing the memory of your big day. These professionals are experienced in capturing everything your day entails down to the smallest details. Depending on who you hire. The bottom line is that these experts know what they are doing (always do your research). So you can rest assured that every moment of your special day will be encapsulated to the highest quality possible. Ultimately, leaving you and your partner less time to stress and more time to live in the moment. Hiring a wedding planner who can match you perfectly with a photographer and their style/personality is one of the best decisions you can make.

To Wear, or Not To Wear Your Glasses on Your Wedding Day

A topic that is not being talked about enough in the wedding industry is whether or not you should wear your eyeglasses on the big day. There is a lot that goes into making this decision. If you find yourself in this category, there are some important considerations to think about. 

Option 1

How comfortable are you with wearing your glasses You want to be the best-looking and dressed person on your wedding day. However, also want to be the most confident and truest version of yourself. If you are comfortable with wearing your eyeglasses every day, then we suggest also wearing them on your big day. This will allow you to show up as the most authentic version of yourself. 

Option 2

Is your photographer experienced with taking photos of people with glasses A very overlooked area is considering your eyeglasses in wedding photos. Nobody wants to get their wedding photos back after all the money they invested in them to see nothing but an unsightly glare disrupting your face. A common theme at most weddings is to include various lighting situations. Whether that be outside in the direct sunlight, and then transitioning to a more dark and intimate setting. Different lighting tends to cause reflections on the lenses of your eyeglasses. They are near impossible to photoshop out. Communicating with your photographer beforehand and letting them know that you will be wearing eyeglasses can put your worries at bay. They will change things such as angles, positions, lighting, and flash to deliver you the best photos possible.

Option 3

Will your glasses match your wedding aesthetic Eyeglass frames come in more styles and colors than ever before. It’s a small detail but when you and your partner are the main sources of attraction, people will notice. The good news is that checking this box during the planning stage gives you plenty of time to feel out if they will match your dress/suit. If you find yourself leaning towards wanting to wear your glasses, but your current ones just won’t match your wedding theme, now is a great time to explore your options of new glasses frames online. You are sure to find a pair that fits your theme (and budget)  and leaves you feeling more confident than ever when you arrive on your wedding day. 

Will You Allow Kids? 

This decision is ultimately up to you and your partner. Many couples may face pushback or resistance to this decision from disagreeing family members and friends. At the end of the day, it comes down to respecting those who are hesitant. That it is your day, and that they are a guest at your ceremony. Kids can cause unneeded stress from crying to just causing extraneous amounts of commotion. Not to mention that, if you decide to go with either videographer or photographer, you don’t want kids running about. Ruining your moment and very large investment on remembering the day. If you are willing to accept exceptions to this rule, I suggest only allowing younger kids. Or kids that will be in the wedding party. That way, immediate family is included. Outside of this, to respectfully sway guests from not bringing their younger children, including a section on your wedding invites that states you have made the decision that no children under the age of 12 will be allowed at the wedding. Placing this on your wedding invites gives guests plenty of time to make accommodations for them. 

If you decide to have children at your wedding, just a simple reminder to guests and your photographer on both ends that younger children will be there. This ensures that parents will understand that there will be professional photographers capturing your day so it serves as a gentle reminder to keep tabs on their children. On the flip side, this lets photographers know beforehand that children will be in the vicinity so they can accommodate accordingly. 

Decide on your aesthetic

Arguably one of the most important decisions to make early on is what general visual aesthetics you want to go with for your wedding. Many couples have been dreaming of their wedding since they were little, and some have no idea at all. In the case that you don’t, many event design companies make this easy and can lead you through the process. They can assist in coming up with initial concepts or take your “little kid” wedding dreams and make them a reality. With styles like BOHO, romantic, vintage, modern, and traditional, there are lots of options. I do recommend making up your mind with this early on as the majority of your wedding planning will be based on the overall vibe that you want to deliver. Your aesthetic encompasses more than just colors. Here are a few subject areas that are determined from your theme:

• The florals and design you will have at the ceremony and reception

• The style of your outfit as well as the wedding parties 

• Where the wedding venue will be located as well as what kind you will go with

• Food choice is often picked traditionally with what style the couple is going with

While some of these decisions require more consideration than others, keep in mind what you are planning for. A very special day dedicated to celebrating you and your partner, coming together, and committing to a lifetime of happiness. So, while at times it may be hard to block out what others are saying because believe me they will; stay true and aligned to yourself. You only get one wedding day so make it special, memorable, and most importantly, something that you love just as much as your special person.

There you have it! 4 Important Decisions When Planning Your Wedding!

Want more planning tips?

Check them out here!

The post 4 Important Decisions To Make When Planning Your Wedding appeared first on All Grand Events + Florals.

It is important to allow time for YOU, as the couple, to reveal all of your hard work before guests head into the reception space. It allows time for the photographer to get comfortable with the lighting. They are also able to capture the details of the day like place cards you made by hand, those table numbers, and the escort cards all perfectly aligned. It allows time for full room shots without staff or guests in the room. Here is how you can plan for the wedding reception room reveal and the variables that impact its viability!

Option 1:

If the ceremony is at an off-site location, chances are, guests will go to the reception venue directly following the ceremony venue. If the cocktail hour is in the same space as the reception, this won’t allow you to view the space as guests will head right in while you are taking family and wedding party photos. Be sure to select a reception venue with a cocktail space in a different location than the reception. This way your guests will have three different experiences. The ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception space. You can keep the doors shut until you have personally had a chance to view the space!

Option 2:

If the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception are at the same location, plan to view the reception space 40 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony. This way, the room or tent most likely will be set and ready for you and will also be just prior to guests’ arrival (guests typically arrive at least 30 min prior, so you want to be tucked away by then).

Option 3:

If your room reveal happens before the start of the ceremony, you will also have to include a first look. If you want your big reveal to happen as you walk down the aisle, plan to head right to the reception space after your recessional! This is a big bonus for having your ceremony and reception on the same property!

The downfall is, a room reveal prior to the start of the ceremony, does shorten the window of setup time you may have to make sure everything is perfectly placed, but the photos and experience are SO worth it in the end! Take a look for yourself!

This truly is our favorite part of the day! Our goal is for lots of happy tears and hugs. Chat with your photographer, planner or coordinator to make it happen for you!

Credits:

Photography:  Samantha James Photography

Planning and Design: All Grand Events + Floral

Floral: Bloom Floral Design

Linens, Flatware, Chargers: Specials Occasions

Rentals: 307 events + tents

Venue: The Ridge at Verterra

Cake: Top Tier Cakery

Beauty: Caidy Marie Beauty

Invitations: Danielle Bleuse

Day of Stationery/Seating Chart: Lief Designs

The post The Importance of a Wedding Reception Room Reveal appeared first on All Grand Events + Florals.

– From a pro wedding planner –

It is SO important to have open communication with your photographer about how you want your day captured. Most people only think about the group portrait list or that one shoe photo. However, if your wedding is FULL of beautiful little details like cute place card holders, make sure you let them know, “Hey, I really want a lot of detail shots of the wedding day!” In addition, make sure to build this into your days timeline to make sure they have time to capture it all. Your wedding planner, coordinator, or photographer will work with you on creating the perfect timeline to capture the details!

I (Lynette) take a moment to reflect after every. single. wedding. This is a time for me to cover what worked well, what didn’t work, and what I can add to my workflow to make sure that “mishap” never happens again. Even though I have closed out on year 7 and almost 100 total events planned, I continue to learn something new every wedding. You are never done learning! Here are a few details that I make sure happen every wedding that are easily forgotten!

It’s all about the details:

As a couple and/or a wedding designer, you have probably spent over a year planning all the beautiful details. You made sure to select the perfect charger plate, guest menu, and linen to enhance the design. It is SO important to reserve time during the day to capture the full reception room and detail shots! You want photos of all of your hard work before guests head in and get comfortable laying their jackets over chairs, setting their drinks on tables, and filling that beautiful welcome table with gifts.

1. Have your photographer send their second shooter (yes, pay for a second shooter!) to the reception early to capture the details just before those doors open.
2. If the ceremony is at the same venue as the reception, have both photographers head to the reception space during that half-hour when guests are arriving at the ceremony. Don’t forget to ask any staff to exit the space so they don’t get caught in the background! During this time, the couple is usually tucked away, relaxing before walking down the aisle. This is the perfect time to capture those details. You won’t regret having these photos, but you will regret not having them!

The Timeline:

I could do a wedding timeline in my sleep. However, most couples are doing this for the first time! When you are building your timeline, factor in 2-5 extra minutes for big moments. For example, hair and makeup end time, bride getting dressed, travel time, first look, toasts, etc. This builds in extra buffer time throughout the day that can be used during other moments that may be running behind. (that bustle that no one can get that everyone spent 20 minutes on.) This way, that dinner should be served hot and everything stays on target! I like to play a little personal game on wedding days of, “How accurate am I with my timeline.” (down to the minute!) Answer: Always on time and a major source of pride.

Flatlay + Details:

One of the many items that get overlooked are photos of those beautifully designed Save The Dates, Invitation suite along with the day of stationery (ceremony programs, guest table menus, place cards, etc.) Have your invitation designer send extra copies of each item and toss those in a box. Also, check with the photographer if they plan on bringing a styling kit with them. If not, toss some ribbon, wax seals, a ring box, or any other goodies for them to style with. Place the box next to the wedding dress so they can capture those details at the same time. These details really tell a story about the whole day!

For the items below, I provided the photographer an extra velvet linen for her to use for flatlay items. This way, the linen matched the colors of the wedding and tied right into what was used at the wedding. Samatha James Photography always shows up on the wedding day with a stocked styling kit, so I knew she would have items such as ribbon and other goodies!

Your Hotel Welcome Box:

You spent all that time and money picking out all the perfect items for your guest welcome box. Don’t forget to save one for photos! This welcome box below featured all of the couple’s favorite northern Michigan items as this was a destination wedding!

The Bustle:

Picture this: 2 Bridesmaids, 1 mother of the bride, 1 planner, and 1 photographer all attempting to bustle the bridal gown moments before the grand entrance and that hot dinner plate (and chef!) getting cold and impatient. Even if you have a video recording of your seamstress doing it, it’s always a challenge when it comes down to it. Factor in 15 minutes of bustle time before heading into the reception. This might mean having to extend the cocktail hour a bit or shortening the wedding party photos, but you don’t want to keep your hungry guests waiting at their seats or run the risk of your dinner being cold!

The Look:

There are pros and cons of doing a first look with your partner. (That’s a whole other blog post for a different day!) However, don’t forget that first look with your parents! Brides, schedule time in for your father (or mother!) to see you for the first time all dolled up in your dress. Guys, add time into the schedule to do the same with your mother! You can also look to schedule first looks with grandparents as well. Don’t forget, grab the tissues. You will need them!

A few bonus items!

1. When setting the dessert table, make sure the caterer adds a napkin, cake plate, and two forks! Nothing ruins the infamous cake cutting like not having a plate to set the slice on or fork to eat it!
2. Provide your bartenders with your favorite drink of choice and make sure they set it out at your seat just before the grand entrance. This way you have something to toast with (if you are not doing champagne) and something for dinner! Everyone else will have had time to get themselves a drink during cocktail hour.
3. Have a signature drink Add that to the list of items to have your photographer capture. The one below was an Apple Cider Margharita and the guests went crazy for it!
4. If you are short on time in between the ceremony and reception and you have a personal family member or friend as your officiant, skip signing that marriage license until after dinner. It takes about 15 minutes to sign the license and sometimes that is valuable family photo time. Don’t forget a pretty pen and ask your photographer on the perfect location for this.

Cheers!

Credits:

Photography:  Samantha James Photography

Planning and Design: All Grand Events + Floral

Floral: Bloom Floral Design

Linens, Flatware, Chargers: Specials Occasions

Rentals: 307 events + tents

Venue: The Ridge at Verterra

Cake: Top Tier Cakery

Beauty: Caidy Marie Beauty

Invitations: Danielle Bleuse

Day of Stationery/Seating Chart: Lief Designs

The post Don’t Forget These Details When Planning Your Wedding | From a Michigan Wedding Planner appeared first on All Grand Events + Florals.

The beauty and nostalgia of a private estate wedding is one that you really can’t compare to any other wedding venue location. However, there are SO many things to consider when determining if a tented wedding is a perfect fit for you. We have created the ultimate guide to planning a tented wedding!

In this guide, we will cover:

• The pros and cons of a tented wedding
• Planning Timeline and Tips
• Logistics
• The Design and Decor Elements
• A Comprehensive Rental Checklist

Benefits of a Tented Wedding

01. You won’t have a venue rental fee if you are hosting it on a private family property. Most venues also require a security deposit or per-person fees.

02. Sentimental! Having your wedding on the farm that has been in your family for 100 years or your childhood home will be a special memory to cherish forever!

03. Are your pets really important to you You can include them in your big day! Most venues won’t allow this. Don’t forget to have someone as the “handler” for the day to ensure their safety.

04. You can choose any date! This is most helpful when you decide you would like to get married during the peak of wedding season when most venues book up at least a year in advance.

05. A reason to keep your guest list smaller. A tented wedding tends to be a more intimate experience. If you are getting pushback with the guest list size from family and friends, you can remind them there simply isn’t enough room to include everyone.

Cons of a Tented Wedding

01. Make sure you know ALL the costs before making a final decision. Tented weddings can, and usually are more expensive than renting a venue.

02. Determine a budget! Rental items will add up! Keep in mind, the more guests you have, the more tables, chairs, floral centerpieces, and food you will need!

03. There may not be a solid backup plan B for intimate weather. Meaning, you may be getting married in your reception tent with all of your guests sitting at your table. You can always add a ceremony or cocktail tent to ensure that guests stay warm and dry during the entire day. Keep in mind, if it rained at any point during the week of the wedding and it didn’t have a chance to dry out well, the yard could be a horrible mess.

04. There is a reason why a lot of vendors (rental companies, catering, planners, etc.) charge more for outdoor weddings. There is A LOT of work ahead of time and more labor-intensive on the wedding day. Especially if you are having a large wedding of 150+ guests. Having a small 50-100 people is less work!

05. If the wedding is at your parent’s house, they will likely have a lot of extra work ahead of time in making sure the lawn is prepped for tents, and the house is extra clean, and if they want to do some extra landscaping, etc. ahead of time.

Find the full 10-page resource guide here!

Don’t forget to check out all of our other items in our shop!

The post The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Tented Wedding | East Lansing Wedding Planning + Floral Team appeared first on All Grand Events + Florals.

On this month’s installment of Wedding Planning Tips and FAQ’s, we talk about party favors, greenery-only designs, and the invitation timeline!

Q1. Do I need to have party favors?

Absolutely not, unless it’s something very important to you. However, don’t feel obligated to provide a little trinket or food product for everyone to take home. Many people forget or don’t want something with your wedding date printed on it. You end up with extras leftover and someone having to pack them all up at the end of the night. It’s definitely better to either save this money, or spend it in one of your top 3 most important categories for your wedding. This could be to hire a more dreamy photographer, add in a show-stopping floral installation, or spring for the top-shelf signature drink you’d love to share.

Q2. Will a centerpiece comprised of only greenery and candlesticks be less expensive than a floral design?

Usually, it will be less expensive than a floral design, but it will not be cheap. There is a lot of costs associated with purchasing greenery, in addition to the design labor to set the table on-site instead of a pre-designed arrangement being set on the table. Also, candles are expensive. Any pillar candle or other combination candlelight that is going to feel sufficient enough on a table to replace a full floral design is going to add up. This is in addition to the rental costs and labor associated with cleaning, prepping, and post-event processing of any vessels used to house or display the candles. So again, greenery-only centerpieces may be a less expensive option than a garden-inspired compote, but they aren’t going to be cheap either.

Q3. When should I send my invites and have my RSVP’s due?

You should mail that beautiful invitation suite at the 11-week mark. Have your RSVP’s due no later than 5 weeks before your wedding. Many of your final payments that are final count reliant will be due to your vendors 1 month before your wedding. Allowing yourself an extra week to track down the stragglers, will save you a lot of headaches, and cash because you aren’t guessing on your final counts with vendors.

Do you have a question you want to be answered for our June FAQ’s Leave us a note below!

Related Blogs:

April’s FAQ’s: Chargers, Bouquets and wedding planners

March’s FAQ’s: Linens, Traditions and Booking Vendors

Photo by Allie Siarto Photography 

The post Wedding Planning Tips | May FAQ’s | East Lansing Florist appeared first on All Grand Events + Florals.

Weddings and Events after Covid-19. We are in a new reality. We are living through a global pandemic that has completely altered nearly every facet of our lives. Some of the most prominently affected areas are our special events, and most heartbreakingly, our weddings. As we continue to monitor what the entire 2020 event season looks like, it is safe to assume we will have restrictions for gatherings for the remainder of the year.  The government has released a plan, including different phases for reopening our economy. Michigan is still in phase 1. These phases all include limits on mass gatherings, with even phase 3 still limiting events at 100 guests and will include social distancing requirements.  As floral designers and wedding planners, we’ve created a list of ways to plan ahead and for incorporating social distancing into your big day.

01. Make Alternative Guest Lists in Varying Sizes

• Create and A, B, and C list. Create a 50 person guest list, a 100 person guest list and a full guest list or even more options to your comfort level.  Keeping in mind, at a 50 person limit event, you’d have to count the DJ, photographer, venue staff, servers, etc. so it’s more like a 40 person guest list, 90 person guest list, etc. This will allow you to have everything at least preliminarily lined up so that if you do have to make a decision to have a smaller wedding you have your guest lists already all set. Hopefully you will have a better idea on the outlook by the time it comes to order and send invites!

– Guest List A: 200+

– Guest Lit B: 120 – 200

– Guest List C: 85 – 120

– Guest List D: 85 – 50

– Guest List E: 0 – 50

Questions and Conversations

• Start having this conversation with friends and family now. It’s best to be proactive in spreading the word that you might have to, unfortunately, make the hard decision to cut people.
• Questions to ask yourself: If your wedding is mandated at a 50 person gathering limit, would you rather have the same wedding you have dreamed of and planned for the last year, but for only that many people OR would you rather have a small intimate ceremony on that same date so you can get married and have a full guest list reception next year  Vendors are all being very flexible with moving dates without penalty. What is your preferred backup situation Let your important vendors know right away what your backup plan is and when you are aiming to make the decision.
• Keep in mind, that your guests might not be willing to travel during this time, so don’t be offended if they change their RSVP to “Not Attending” at the last minute.
• Collect email addresses with your RSVP’s so you can easily send email updates with guest list changes/updates or date changes.
• For our clients, we offer a client management system that this process can be done easily! If you don’t have this option, create lists in excel. If you are a current AGE client and would like to add this to your proposal with us, email to find out how!

02. Skip the Traditions

• Wedding party dances, anniversary dances, dollar dances, or anything else that encourages people to touch who otherwise wouldn’t.
• Do not have a receiving line following the ceremony

03. Have a Ceremony Only for Family and Close Friends

• Hire a videographer and offer a virtual viewing space or a live feed it to anyone high risk who should stay home

04. Skip Transportation

• Forgo group transportation so there is not a bus or limousine filled with 50-100 people jammed together and enclosed in a small space.
• Offer a Uber or Lyft pre-paid code to your guests instead

05. Get Silly With It!

• Include hand sanitizers as party favors! You can display them at each place setting, or a beautiful gold shelf with greenery and candles!

06. Layout, Tables, Seating, and Dinner Service

• If your guest list and venue allows for space, increase the amount of tables and reduce the number of guests per table. For example, A 60″ round table can accommodate 8-9 people comfortably, but seat 6 individuals per 60″ table. A 72″ round table can accommodate 10-11 people comfortably, but seat 8 individuals per table. This helps with having your overall vision be more fulfilled. while maintaining spacing amongst your guests
• Skip the family-style dinner service where guests at tables are passing around dishes.
• If you opt for a buffet dinner service, this should be served by staff to guests and not self-served.
• A plated dinner service, while it can be more expensive, is the best route to take during this time.

Recap

Weddings and Events after Covid-19 will look different. Remember to communicate well with all of your vendors and guests! Ensure all the necessary information is listed on your wedding website to alleviate the stress of having to tell all your guests important information. Most importantly, sit down and set a date when you will make the decision whether to proceed or not. From experience, all of our clients initially hated the idea of postponing (of course!) but felt an immense amount of relief when they finally made the decision to do so. If this blog post made you feel like you’d rather not have your wedding than have to consider all of the above options then it’s time to start the postponement process to 2021.

We are here for you giving you all the virtual hugs in the world!

Cheers,

Team AGE

Check out our other blog post about postponing your event due to Covid-19!

Weddings and Events after Covid-19

The post Weddings and Events after Covid-19 | East Lansing Florist appeared first on All Grand Events + Florals.

Everything is hard right now, and it sucks. And the challenges don’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.  If you are dealing with COVID-19 while wedding planning, we are heartbroken for you. We want everyone to take a deep breath and know that if you are in the position of many of our brides and corporate clients, we are doing everything we can do help at this time with the information we have.

The couples we want to talk to right now are the ones who have to make a decision. Unfortunately, our March/April couples lost their ability to make a decision and had to take action.  We want to share the way we make almost any business and personal decision in the hopes it will help you make a decision on whether to postpone or wait and see.  We are talking to the brides who fall JUST outside of this “8 weeks of no events over 10 people”, the couples whose weddings fall anywhere from May 16th through mid-June. You are between a rock and a hard place. And here’s what you need to ask yourself, “What’s the worst that can happen And which outcome can I live with#8221;

This question should help make your decision a bit easier and can definitely be based on personality type. So let’s look at the outcomes, and we are going to use May 30th as our sample wedding date.

Option 1

Don’t postpone yet, and we hope you can still have your originally planned wedding on May 30th.

What’s the worst that can happen By 3 weeks before this date, you have to make the call to not lose all your floral money.  If you wait this long, many “backup” dates on the 2020 calendar may already be taken and you may be forced to have a winter wedding or a 2021 wedding.

Option 2

Work on postponing and finding a date that your most important vendors can accommodate.

What’s the worst that can happen May 30th rolls around and everything is fine and you COULD have had your wedding. By postponing you may have lost some of your deposits if not ALL of your vendors had availability for your new date. And if you don’t pick a new date out far enough you could end up doing this all over again.

Which one can you live with And that is your decision.

And to cheer you up, today we delivered these beautiful flowers to a couple who moved their wedding ceremony to the Brides parent’s home with 8 other people. We are thankful to have still been a part of this day. We will see you again soon for your comeback reception!

If you are looking for wedding planning help, check out these blog posts below!

Napkin Folds

Wedding Floral Lingo

Wedding Bouquet Size and Style Guide

The post COVID-19 and Wedding Planning | East Lansing Wedding Planner + Florist appeared first on All Grand Events + Florals.