🎉 Kick Off the New Year at Castle Farms – FREE Admission! 🎉
Join us on January 4th for a day of fun, shopping, sipping, and savings at our historic venue! Whether you’re a trivia buff, a savvy shopper, or a cocktail enthusiast, there’s something for everyone, and it’s all completely FREE to attend.
🕹️ Virtual Game Show – Survey Says
⏰ Time: 2 PM – 4 PM
Test your trivia skills and compete for one of four $50 gift cards! Play on your own device and enjoy:
🎟️ Raffle tickets for every round you join, with BONUS PRIZE DRAWINGS at the end.
📝 Trivia sheets and quick games in the Tavern.
🍷 Extra raffle ticket for BONUS PRIZES when you pre-register.
🛍️ Gift Shop Moving Sale
⏰ Time: 11 AM – 4 PM
Shop amazing deals as we clear out inventory! Discounts on:
✨ Jewelry, 🌱 Garden items, 🎁 Toys, books, mugs, and more!
💼 Spend $50 and receive a special gift!
🍷 Cocktails in the Tavern + Wine Bottle Discounts
⏰ Time: 11 AM – 4 PM
Sip wine-based cocktails and ciders in our cozy Tavern. While you relax, enjoy exclusive discounts on wine bottle purchases to take home your favorite flavors.
📸 Social Media Challenge
Post your event photos using #SurveySaysCastle for a chance to win two free memberships to Castle Farms for the whole year!
📅 Date: January 4th
📍 Location: Castle Farms
🎉 Don’t miss this FREE event filled with entertainment, deals, wine discounts, and good vibes. Mark your calendar and invite your friends for a fantastic day!
It’s the season of love, and Cottage Pottery is extending their painting studio to the 1918 Cellars Wine Tasting Room at Castle Farms.
Guests will have a choice of a heart mug, a dinner plate, or a ruffled bowl along with a glass of 1918 Cellars wine to sip on while they paint their festive pottery. Tickets are $35.
All paints, supplies and artist guidance included. Once you have completed your pieces, they will be transported to the Cottage Pottery studio for professional glazing and firing. After completion, they will be ready for you to pick up at your convenience. Choose your pick-up location, Castle Farms or Cottage Pottery (downtown Charlevoix).
Please note: due to COVID-19 inventory levels, pottery shown in picture may change to an equivalent or better option.
There’s a chill in the air. That crisp-wintery air is often an appeal to those couples looking for a cozy fall or winter wedding. However, those pretty flurries are something that will keep your guests looking for the cozy, rather than the chilly. Here are five ways to keep your guests nice and toasty at your winter wedding.
1. Blankets
If you’re getting married during the off-season and have the option to have your ceremony outside, consider putting out some blankets that your guests can snuggle up with. Guests are already itching for cocktail hour, you might as well allow them to get comfortable so that they’re not getting antsy in their seats, waiting for the ceremony to end. If guests are more comfortable, they’re more able to be present at your ceremony and listen to the officiant, readings, and your vows to one another.
Darrell Christie Photography
2. Signature Cocktails
Have you ever heard of the alcohol blanket? That imaginary blanket can play an important role in your guests’ comfort level. Make your signature cocktails something seasonal, like a fall sangria or a spiked hot chocolate. That’ll be sure to warm your guests up in no time.
Mandie Forbes Photography
3. Firepits
Have you ever considered having a bonfire at your wedding? No, seriously. Consider putting a bonfire in your private courtyard for guests to enjoy. Maybe put out a few marshmallows and graham crackers and recycle those blankets you used for the ceremony. Besides, what Michigander doesn’t love a bonfire?
Lauren Dahlhauser Photography
4. Mood Lighting
Our reception spaces are stunning as is, there’s no question about it. However, if you’re really looking to take the space to the next level, deck the place out in candles. It’s amazing how much more of an intimate, cozy feeling that candles bring to a space. Candles provide a certain magical element, especially when they’re elegantly scattered all over the space. Our Venue Coordinators often designate the Assistant Venue Coordinator or another team member to light any and all candles in a reception space, typically during the ceremony. That way, by the time you and your guests make their way over, it’ll be almost like a grand reveal. If you have any questions about what kind of requirements Castle Farms has regarding candles, just ask your Venue Coordinator!
Eastlyn & Joshua Photography
5. Hot Beverages
What’s more wintery than warming up with a cup of hot cocoa? Add a couple of candy canes and some cinnamon sticks, and you’ve got a full hot chocolate bar. Throw some hot cider in the mix, and your guests will be set for the evening. Hot beverages like cocoa and cider are perfect for those guests who are looking to lounge and mingle a bit during the reception.
Lux Light Photography
Any of these ideas sound appealing to you? We hope so, and so do your guests! No matter what, we’ll be there to make sure your wedding can withstand any Northern Michigan winter.
Your big day is just that, YOURS. When planning your big day, we want you to have everything you’re hoping for, and more. With that being said, it’s important to also recognize that guests are often traveling from far and wide to take part in your day. Everyone deserves to have fun and celebrate the beginning of your marriage. This is one of the major reasons Castle Farms works with its couples to establish a timeline.
Chettara T Photography
Timelines are key for a multitude of reasons. It keeps each of your vendors on a schedule, ensures that each event (special dances, cake cutting, etc.) takes place at an appropriate time, and overall keeps a sense of order while you and your new spouse enjoy your day. One of the main responsibilities of your Venue Coordinator is making sure the timeline is being followed, by checking in with vendors to make sure they’re all on the same page. From there, your Venue Coordinator works as a middleman to communicate between the couple and the multiple vendors they’re working with.
Junie B Photographie
The perk of having a Venue Coordinator to handle the timeline often provides couples a sense of relief on the day of their wedding. Thoughts like, “When are we going to cut the cake?” or “Is dinner going to be ready soon?” don’t necessarily need to cross the mind of a couple with a reliable team of vendors and fearless Venue Coordinator who’s leading the pack.
Weddings by Cheyenne
Another huge reason we like to stress the importance of timelines is so that guests aren’t left frustrated or just plain bored. Having a timeline ensures that the event moves along at a pace that is enjoyable for both the couple and the guests. Certain couples may be tempted to spend a majority of their night with their photographer to get that perfect photo for your first Instagram post as a married couple. In some scenarios, that’s perfectly fine, just make sure your guests aren’t waiting around wondering “…What’s next?” Couples should be able to prioritize how they want to spend their day, while also being considerate of their guests’ time.
Wedding Tales
Therefore, if you don’t plan on being terribly present at your reception if you don’t want to, just make sure your guests are well-fed and can carry on with the evening by getting a head start on the dancefloor. Be sure that the fun isn’t cut short by not having any obstacles in the way of dancing and getting the party started. On that same note, don’t put off cutting your cake, in case guests are itching for some dessert. Rather than extending your cocktail hour to cocktail HOURS, consider taking a break from photos once the hour is up, then head back out for some sunset photos after dinner.
For a three o’clock ceremony, consider starting with a timeline like this:
Cocktail Hour: 3:30
Announced into Reception: 4:30
Toasts/Blessing: 4:45
Dinner: 5:00
Cake Cutting: 6:30
Special Dances: 6:45
Guest Dancing: 7:00
For a five o’clock ceremony, consider starting with a timeline like this:
Cocktail Hour: 5:30
Announced into Reception: 6:30
Toasts/Blessing: 6:45
Dinner: 7:00
Cake Cutting: 8:30
Special Dances: 8:45
Guest Dancing: 9:00
Of course, you are more than welcome to play with your timeline. Cut your cake upon your announcement into the reception. Do special dances right away, then move on to dinner. It’s really up to you! Your Venue Coordinator is always more than happy to help walk you through what kind of timeline best suits your reception.
Some brides may be eager to get their hair and makeup done professionally for their wedding; others may be stumped. Choosing what hair and makeup you’re going with for your big day can be overwhelming.
Luckily, Castle Farms has plenty of Preferred Service Providers who will ensure that you have a professional and enjoyable experience with the option of the most modern, classic, or unique style you can imagine. We highly recommend contacting a stylist early on to determine your beauty plan. Although you may be tempted to save a couple bucks by watching a few tutorials on YouTube or asking a friend to help you out, there can be some implications with that, like a shaky hand from nerves, or maybe a few too many mimosas delaying your timeline for the day. Also, asking a friend for help may have you subject to their creative liberty, and tough conversations are best to avoid on a day meant for so much more. When you select a salon or hair and makeup artist, they are trained to make you look and feel your most beautiful and won’t say “no” to a hair and makeup trial (or sometimes two) to ensure your vision truly comes to life. Keep reading to learn more about ways to ensure the most effortless and successful beauty day for your wedding! Check out our list of salons in the area we recommend for bridal beauty here.
Chris Van Winkle Photography
Hair
Hair is one of the easier decisions you must make when it comes to your bridal look. You may have a hairpiece you want to incorporate, or your hair may be a length that can only achieve a certain style. You may even have a certain face shape that only certain styles complement.
You may have a large hairpiece that may only fit with a look that involves a low, loose bun. On the other hand, if you’re keeping it simple, consider some loose curls and some hair pinned up for a more elegant half-up, half-down look.
Are you trying to showcase some statement earrings or complement the neckline of your dress? An updo may be for you. If you’re interested in a more classic look, consider placing the updo a little higher on your head. Otherwise, you could shoot for something lower, maybe even to the side. Don’t be afraid to ask your stylist to pull out a few pieces and play with it, you may be able to achieve something unique and beautiful!
If you’re leaning towards a trendier look, some beachy waves can do wonders. A lot of brides are opting towards a more effortless look that involves some loose curls and less stiff, uniform curls.
Garrett Gormley Photography
Makeup
Makeup can be intimidating, especially for those who don’t consider themselves self-taught pros. Whatever you do, don’t go for something overly experimental for your wedding day look. You still want to look like you, and definitely want to avoid the “What was I thinking?!” phrase 10 or 20 years down the road.
For fairer skin tones, nudes and light-blush pink lip shades will always be flattering. Add a touch of gloss for a more juicy, kissable look. If you have a deeper skin tone, caramel browns and mauves can be stunning. If you’re getting married in a fall or winter season and want to try an eggplant or burnt orange statement lip, give it a whirl for a couple of special occasions beforehand. Really get a feel for what is most flattering to you.
Sarah Papes Photography
You want to exude confidence on your wedding day, don’t stray for that by experimenting with something that doesn’t make you feel your most beautiful. Makeup is meant to enhance your natural beauty, not cover it up. With that being said, avoid the overly chiseled, contoured look that will completely change the shape or coloring of your face. Your fiance chose to marry you, for YOU. Your wedding day may seem like a golden ticket to go overboard, but don’t take that as an opportunity to completely change your appearance.
These days, less matte and more natural, dewy looks are what a lot of brides are striving for, and that’s great! A sun-kissed complexion and sexy, sultry eyes may be just the look you’re going for. When it comes to eyeshadow, a darker, winged outer corner can really accentuate your eye shape and really give a nice lift to your natural features. Don’t be afraid to play with false lashes, either. There are some very subtle falsies that give the slightest, yet most flattering drama to the eye. If you’re looking to really go glam and play up those eyes, don’t be afraid to ask your stylist to pick up the liquid liner and dramatic false lashes.
Kay Marie Photography
Nails
Now, nails. Nails are where you can play with a bit of creativity. Maybe incorporate some of your wedding colors or that sparkle your bridesmaids refused to wear. If you’re unsure, you can always go with a classic nude or french tip and have one accent nail. On the other hand, you could go completely classic and simple in order to not steal your new bling’s thunder. If acrylics aren’t something you’re used to and are scared to try, lean towards a gel or dip powder. Those options are also healthier for your nails and not as much of a pain to grow out.
Ferdinande Fotography
Spa Treatments
With your wedding quickly approaching, it can be easy to fall for spa gimmicks. You may be tempted to do the works: massage, facials, waxing, spray tan, fillers…hold off and sleep on it before booking an appointment for each. Facials can spike certain skin sensitivities and cause breakouts. Spray tans, for those who have never gotten them before, can be shocking. You may not be used to your new shade, and against a white or off-white gown…it may come off as a bit harsh. Do a couple of trial runs in the months leading up to make sure you find a shade that suits you. The same can go for fillers or botox. It can look great once you’ve found your niche but can take a couple of trials to really achieve the look you’re picturing. Start small, because it’s always much easier to add on than take away. However, when it comes to a massage, no hesitation there. Go for it. You deserve it; you’ve got the biggest day of your life ahead of you!
Dreambox Photography
Your wedding photos are going to be something you look back on for the entirety of your marriage. They’ll be posted on social media, hung on your walls, and of course, you’ll need to give a couple copies to Grandma or the new in-laws. Not even that, there’s the moment where each guest stands and turns towards you before you make your way down the aisle. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to come up with an insta-worthy look that is sure to wow your wedding guests and your new spouse!
We’ve come to an era where couples, more often than not, are looking to ditch the traditional bouquet and garter toss. Instead, there are plenty of interactive, non-traditional activities to sprinkle into your reception.
Announcing in the Wedding Party Yourselves
You’re wrapping up cocktail hour, getting ready to kick off the reception. You want guests on their feet, ready to hype up the wedding party, and get the party started. Instead of having your DJ or band read the names of each bridesmaid and groomsman and having them choreograph some fun, cheesy entrance, take the mic yourself. Let the DJ announce you and your spouse in first, then take the mic and get ready to introduce your guests to the people who stood by your side for your wedding. Write some funny, announcer-style anecdotes about each wedding party member that they and your guests can react to as they make their way into the reception. Imagine the laughs you’ll get from the crowd!
Raj Banik
Raffling Off Décor
Some couples want to keep every little piece from their wedding day to remember every detail. Other couples don’t want to have to lug a bunch of signs and centerpieces back home to an untouched storage unit, or better yet, the garbage. Consider having guests fill out a ticket at the gift table or by the seating chart at the start of the reception. Then, at the end of the night, have your DJ or your one charismatic, funny uncle read off tickets and announce who the lucky winners of your décor are. This can be a fun, sarcastic way to get rid of your décor and get your guests excited about being the lucky winners of a new centerpiece for the dining room table. Who knows, at the end of the night after a few drinks and some dancing, guests may be fighting for the chance to take home your custom Welcome to Our Wedding sign.
Michael Murphy IV Photography
The Shoe Game
Everyone loves the shoe game! It shows a little bit of the playful side of your relationship, which is often refreshing after a tear-jerking ceremony. For the shoe game, the couple sits in two chairs, back-to-back, each holding both one of their shoes and one of their spouse’s. Your DJ or wedding party member will ask the couple a variety of More Likely To-style questions. In response, the couple will hold up the shoe of the one who better fits the prompt.
Who is the better cook?
Who snores the loudest?
Who is more likely to take the wheel on long car rides?
Who is more likely to cry during a rom-com?
Not being able to see your new spouse’s answer always gets a reaction from your guests.
Paxton Photography
Having an On-Site Artist
Something we’ve seen recently, and something that guests absolutely LOVE, are on-site artists. Whether that be a caricature artist that can quickly draw up some whacky photos of the guests or a painter who sits in the corner and captures the night on canvas, artists are a creative, fun way to create memorable keepsakes for both the couple and the guests.
Eastlyn & Joshua
Lawn Games
Each reception space at Castle Farms comes with its own private courtyard or balcony. Those spots are perfect for some lawn games. Lawn games are a great option for guests who’d rather sit out on the dancing, but still want to interact with other guests in a fun way. Cornhole, Giant Jenga, and Giant Connect Four are bound to get some guests in the fresh air to enjoy some friendly competition.
Jesslin Rae Photography
Food Trucks
Everyone loves the idea of a late-night snack. Imagine how fun it would be if a food truck with tacos, burgers, pizza, or ice cream rolled around for guests to enjoy amidst drinking and dancing. It’ll break up the night nicely by giving the guests a chance for fresh air. Having a food truck for a late-night snack would also be a great way to signal the end of the night approaching, and have guests start thinking about their plan for departure.
BAM Photo
Photobooths
You can never go wrong with some sort of photobooth. It’s a great way for guests to mingle and have something to remember the fun they had at your wedding. Castle Farms recommends some incredible photobooths and videobooths in the area, like Happy Snappy Photo Booth, Life Outside the Booth, MIFunBooth, and Up North Photo Booth. Be sure to check each of them out and find one that fits into your wedding vision!
A13 Studios
Consider incorporating some of these unique ideas into your reception. Dinner and dancing are two staples, but feel free to spice up the night with some additional, modern activities!
