Join Castle Farms for the last Farm-to-Table of the season!
Enjoy a sumptuous farm-to-table dinner and tour at Castle Farms. Catered by Grey Gables Restaurant & Catering, a local favorite, the three course meal will showcase meats and vegetables sourced from local farms. A chef introduction will accompany each dish. Plus, enjoy a glass of wine from 1918 Cellars.
The evenings start at 5:00pm and go until approximately 9:00pm. This is a fabulous date night or friends night out!
Tickets will be available until the Friday before the event date. All ticket sales are final.
Tentative Menu: Windy Hill Beef
Bite: Crostini with roasted beet and pesto
Soup: Butternut squash soup
Entree: Braised short ribs with a red wine, roasted brussel sprouts and carrots
There’s always such anticipation when it comes to your wedding day. Getting ready, riding to the venue, taking photos, enjoying some cocktails, and of course, saying “I do!” What a lot of couples tend to overlook is the end of the night clean-up plan. Luckily, Castle Farms has thought of it all.
Firstly, we recommend designating someone to be in charge of getting your cards to a safe place. Most card boxes do not come with locks. Mid-evening, during dinner time, have that designated person(s) take your card box full of cards (or empty the cards into a bag if you’re using a Castle card box) and store them safely in a locked car. Most groups will have dropped their gifts and cards off when they enter into the reception! The remaining gifts can be taken at the end of the evening.
Photo: Beth Joy Photography
When it comes to closing down your event, the Assistant Venue Coordinator will be your best friend. They, with the help of your caterers and bartenders, will handle wine returns, clear tables of empties, and take out the trash. Assistant Coordinators will also remove our table linen, stack our included chairs, clean up the restrooms and close down the building.
Photo: Dreambox Photography
At the end of the night, it’s important that you take everything you want to keep with you when you go. We recommend making a list of everything that needs to be taken and designating a parent, relative, or member of the wedding party to handle gathering these items. With that being said, make sure there is a vehicle that can carry those personal items, especially if you are using a shuttle service. The guest(s) you’ve delegated this task to may need to drive a separate vehicle, ready to pack your decorations in.
Photo: E.C. Campbell Photography
You can easily store labeled totes and boxes out of site under cake tables or gift tables so they are nearby at the end of the night. Whatever you don’t want to keep will be taken care of by the Assistant Venue Coordinator, and either be thrown away, recycled, or donated. If you or a guest accidentally leave a personal item, such as a shoe or piece of jewelry, don’t worry! They are set aside in a lost-and-found and are recorded in an email sent post-wedding.
Photo: Always Photographic
When planning decorations, be mindful of what could make a big mess and instruct people helping you pack up to be careful packing up floral arrangements or anything that might leave a trail of things to clean up (i.e. pine needles, glitter, small jewels, etc). We recommend bringing a box or bag to each table these delicate items are on and carefully brushing them into the container so they don’t have to travel freely and risk falling on the ground. Though rare, if our Housekeeping Team spends an excessive amount of time cleaning up items, like the prior examples, we may need to charge an extra clean up fee. So thoughtful décor planning, great communication to those setting up and tearing down, and smart clean up methods are key!
Photo: Rockhill Studio
When planning your wedding, it’s easy to focus on the fun, exciting portions of the day. It’s sad to think about your big day ending, but it’s best that everything is packed up smoothly and efficiently, to ensure that everyone leaves with a smile on their face!
“It’s 2020.” A phrase you probably hear weekly. But, is it a phrase you come across when planning your wedding? It should be! We’ve reached a point in history where inclusivity should be the norm. However, there are still the occasional hoops to jump through when it comes to making your event as inclusive as possible. Whether you’re a client or a professional, it’s important to make certain expectations a habit, rather than a hassle.
Person-First Language
When speaking to a guest or client who has a disability or impairment of any kind, it’s important not to make that disability their identity. For example, instead of addressing someone as a blind guest, refer to them as a guest who is blind. Using what is called “Person-First Language” identifies a need, without making it something that comes across as a weakness.
Photo: Michael Murphy IV Photography
Saying “Wedding Party” versus “Bridal Party”
The term “bridal” insinuates a party of all women. That’s not always the case! Whether you’re working with a Man of Honor or no bride at all, it’s better to just stick with the term “wedding party”. When it comes down to it, the wedding is the core reason for being there, no matter who it’s between. The same goes for the term “bridal suite”. Instead, Castle Farms refers to those included rooms, meant for the wedding party to get ready in, as “dressing rooms” or simply just, “suite”.
Photo: Michael Murphy IV Photography
Using Proper Pronouns on Documents and When Speaking
It’s always important to ask couples what their preferred pronouns are. Today, we live in a world where he/him/his, she/her/hers, and they/their/theirs are all potential pronouns. Normalizing pronouns is becoming more and more proficient in everyday life. Sometimes, it’s okay to ask. Those with certain gender identifications prefer it, rather than having to correct you later. With that said, make sure any signs, documents, or information sheets fit the couple’s needs.
Photo: Ryan Inman Photography
Restrooms
Restrooms, something everyone uses. Three reception spaces at Castle Farms have at least one unisex bathroom, as well as ADA compliant restrooms. Make sure your guests are using whichever restroom makes them the most comfortable.
Photo: Dreambox Photography
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
An open bar is often one of the highlights of a wedding reception. For some, not so much. Some of your guests may have views, beliefs, or even health conditions that prohibit them from drinking alcohol. If you have guests that fall into this category, they may not want the kid’s menu options for their beverages that evening. Other than offering just water, juice, soda, or coffee, try to think outside the box. Shirley Temples are always a crowd-pleaser for guests who enjoy a specialty drink, without the alcohol. Arnold Palmers are also a great option for a unique drink for alcohol-abstaining guests to sip on. Northwood Soda is also a great local option that provides unique flavors, like rhubarb and lavender or blueberry acai, without any alcohol.
Photo: Chris Van Winkle Photography
Dress-Styles
More and more brides are opting for different individualized bridesmaid dress-styling. There’s not always a “one style fits all” or even “one shade fits all” dress out there. Depending on height and body shape of the ladies standing up next to you, you may want to consider going for a mismatched bridesmaid dress look. Whether that means giving each bridesmaid a specific color range to choose the shade that best complements their skin tone or allowing attendants to choose their own neckline and supportive fit to flatter their figure, dresses can be customized in countless ways. To keep a cohesive look, determine a few required details, such as all dresses should be floor length and ensure their bouquets are all the same size and style. It’s important your bridesmaids feel comfortable on your wedding day so they can be free to enjoy the day and focus all their attention on making the day special for you, rather than spending the day fretting on how they look in their dress.
Photo: E.C. Campbell Photography
ADA Compliance
Each ceremony and reception space at Castle Farms follows ADA guidelines, by having ramps or elevators nearby. If guests with physical disabilities need help getting from point A to point B while outdoors, couples can rent golf carts to be driven by one designated sober driver.
Photo: Spencer Penfield Photography
Your wedding day is all about celebrating, not only you, but all the important people in your life! You’ll want everyone to be included and feel comfortable. Ensuring both guest and clients’ comfort levels is something that we are more than happy to go the extra mile for.
The night prior to your wedding is the time where your wedding party comes from far and wide to kick off the celebration. You may not have seen your wedding party members in a long time. Some of them may have never even met. Therefore, a traditional rehearsal dinner may not be for you. At Castle Farms, your wedding rehearsal will always be the day prior to your wedding. Following rehearsal there is almost always some kind of lunch or dinner planned by either the couple or the parents. Why not think outside the box and plan something a little more unique to go along with your rehearsal dinner?
Invite Your Guests for Drinks at Your Rehearsal Dinner Location
Rehearsal dinners are only intended for the wedding party, and sometimes other specific groups like immediate family, parents, or out of town guests. What some couples choose to do is reserve the dinner space for an extended amount of time, keep the bar open, and extend the invitation for drinks to all wedding guests. That way, guests have the opportunity to mingle and catch up prior to your wedding. Sometimes, that can be nice for guests so that they can focus on celebrating the couple the day of the wedding.
Photo: Paxton Photography
Go Bowling, Mini Golfing, or Play Lawn Games
What better way for unfamiliar guests to get to know each other than over a game of bowling or mini golf? There are great local spots for your wedding party to gather after rehearsal. Order takeout and a growler from Petoskey Brewing or Beard’s Brewery after a trip to Pirate’s Cove for a picnic or share a pizza at BC Lanes. Getting your competitive juices flowing and having some fun are great ways to break the ice between wedding party members who may be meeting for the first time.
Photo: Killer Creations Photography
Have a Bonfire
If you’re having a summer or fall northern Michigan wedding, what more appropriate gathering can you have than a bonfire? Surrounding a fire with your close friends and family allows the opportunity to swap stories, congratulate the couple, and offer well wishes for the future in a more intimate setting before their wedding day. Having a bonfire is a great way to close out a long day of rehearsals and travel, and wind down before the big day to follow. Just be sure not to wear anything you’ll be wearing at the wedding so you don’t carry the smoky scent with you down the aisle.
Photo: Lux Light Photography
Go Brewery Hopping or Wine Tasting
Here in northern Michigan, there is no shortage of local breweries or wineries to visit. If you’re looking for a local activity that also relaxes some nerves, spend an evening venturing out to enjoy some local brews or wine. Petoskey, Boyne, and Charlevoix all have endless options for pitstops along the way. If you’ve booked a rehearsal dinner in the Queen’s Tavern, look no further than 1918 Cellars to kick off the night!
Photo: Paxton Photography
Play Trivia
Whether you’re out at an establishment that offers trivia, and you’re looking for the bridesmaids to go head-to-head with the groomsmen or are planning something private with wedding couple-specific questions, trivia is always a crowd pleaser. The wedding party can either reserve a table at a bar or restaurant or set up their own game in the living room or back deck of wherever you’re staying. Either way, you’re in for a fun-filled night!
Photo: The Weber Photographers
Go to the Beach
Depending how late your rehearsal is scheduled, plan an evening at the beach with those closest to you! Lake Michigan Beach is right around the corner from downtown Charlevoix, and Petoskey State Park is just short drive from the Castle! Pack a picnic, a change of clothes, some games, and enjoy a relaxing, fun night at the beach with your wedding party! Perfect for a summer night.
Photo: Captured by Grace Photography
Regardless of what you choose, be sure to not drink too much and to turn in early, so that you wake up rested and refreshed for the big day!
Here at Castle Farms, we LOVE fall weddings! The colors, the cool weather, the coziness, it all makes for a beautiful wedding day. There are several ways to make the most of this incredible season, from food, to attire.
Color Palette
It goes without saying that the fall colors in Michigan are nothing short of breathtaking. It’s also a given that incorporating those colors into your palette is a must but try expanding on the typical red and orange hues. Counter those burnt tones with some greenery. The cool tones of a forest green create an additional sophisticated layer to your palette. Why stop there? Dive deeper into cool, fall tones by opting for a deep eggplant shade.
Photo: Michael Murphy IV Photography
Why stop at fall colors? Add texture by incorporating fall patterns into your décor. Plaid, knit, or lace make for a cozy feel, that also works as a great accent piece. These additional layers also look beautiful against rustic wood, florals, as well as modern touches.
Seasonal Foods and Drinks
If you’re from Michigan, you know that cider and donuts are each fall staples. Rather than a typical dessert bar or wedding cake, consider a cider and donut bar! Give your guests a sweet fix, while sticking with something autumnal. If you’re really looking to think outside of the wedding cake box, serve pie! Forget chocolate, vanilla, buttercream, and sprinkles; throw in pumpkin, apple, or rhubarb.
Photo: Captured by Grace
If cider and donuts aren’t your thing, you could also gravitate towards a hot cocoa or coffee bar. Add in an element of fall with chai, caramel, or pumpkin spice flavoring.
Caramel apples also make for a great fall treat! If you’re looking for something a bit more customizable and interactive, lay out various toppings, like nuts, graham cracker crumbs, or crushed toffee.
Photo: Lux Light Photography
Warm Up the Space
The cool, crisp weather that fall brings what calls for an extra element of cozy. Create a warmer atmosphere in the cool weather by offering hand warmers or blankets at your ceremony. At Castle Farms, we offer outdoor ceremonies through October. With unpredictable Michigan weather, it wouldn’t be too surprising if temperatures were to plummet from 70 to 40 on your wedding day. Offer guests the gift of comfort and warmth by making those little details available to them.
Photo: Lux Light Photography
For the reception, consider adding a fire pit to your additional courtyard! Each of our reception spaces has an adjoining courtyard for lawn games, cocktail tables, or in this case, a fire pit. Ask your Venue Coordinator on how you can incorporate this additional element of warmth to your reception. Firepits must be in a raised stand of its own, on cement, and a certain distance from the building. It may be tailgate season, but make sure you’re not tossing any cornhole bags around it!
Photo: Hallie Kohler
Attire
Fall also offers the opportunity to get creative with attire. Give your bridesmaids matching shawls to go over their shoulders or change into ankle boots for your reception. When it comes to fall weddings, it’s in the details to make sure your wedding stands out.
Photo: Media Potion
There truly is nothing like a Michigan fall. With all this room for creativity, imagine the possibilities! Make your fall wedding into something unique that guests will remember for each fall season to come.
Pets are such a big part of our lives, which is why they should be a part of your big day! Your pup at home may be just as excited that its parents are getting married as you are! Present or not, here are just a few ways to include your pet at your wedding.
Photo: Face Photography
Bring them in for photos.
If you’re local, then it may be no problem for a close friend or family member to run and get them for outdoor pictures. Think of the adorable family photos you’ll be able to hang in your home! Just be careful of muddy paws.
Photo: E.C. Campbell Photography
Make them a part of the wedding party.
It wouldn’t be the first time that we’ve seen a dog act as the ring bearer or flower girl. Getting a pet involved can make your wedding all the more special by having them there, as well as add some comic relief for your guests.
Photo: athornsphoto
Print pictures of your pet.
If your pet can only be there in spirit, why not put their sweet face wherever you can? Some places you could do this is on your program, at guests’ tables, in children’s coloring activity books, or even have a large portrait used as décor on your guest book or seating chart table.
Photo: Paxton Photography
Name your signature drink after them.
This is a cute, subtle way to highlight your pet at your wedding. Rather than focus on the bride or groom at the bar, get a kick out of your guests by having them order a Marley Martini or a Scrappy & Tonic.
Photo: E.C. Campbell Photography
Remember, to familiarize yourself with our pet policy before making arrangements! If you plan on bringing your furry friend on site, make sure that they are on a leash when outdoors. If pets need to be brought indoors, they must be carried. Dogs can only be on site for photos and ceremonies, but then must be taken to a local doggy day care or friend/family accommodation. Some places in Charlevoix that can take dogs include Little Farm Days, Cupp’s Dog Boarding, and Kennel 31. From then on, they can have a party of their own knowing that their parents are married!
Photo: Riversedge Photography
Here at Castle Farms, we know how important your pets are to you. Just like you, we want them to be involved in your special day, any way we can!
