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Indoor or Outdoor Wedding? You Can Have Both at Castle Farms

Every couple wants their wedding to fit their unique style as much as possible, and setting has a lot to do with that.  Whether you choose an indoor or outdoor wedding, Castle Farms can make either happen for you.  Most weddings, taking place during May through October, consist of an outdoor ceremony in a courtyard, followed by a cocktail hour and reception in an adjacent room.  Castle Farms provides the perfect mix of both indoor and outdoor charm.

Photo: Athorns Photo

Our outdoor ceremony spaces include stunning gardens and flowing fountains, meaning that excessive ceremony décor isn’t entirely necessary, here at the castle.  Your ceremony will do well with an arch and some personalized floral arrangements but let the castle’s architecture do the rest.

Photo: Michigan Imagery

Ceremony backdrops can be anything from a lush garden to a cobblestone courtyard, however, when inclement weather strikes, Castle Farms always provides a Plan B.  Our staff is always fully prepared with a back-up plan when it comes to the not-so-stunning rainstorm.  Rain is considered lucky on your wedding day, but soaked guests would say otherwise.  That’s why Castle Farms always has a spare space to use, free of charge.

Photo: Chris Van Winkle Photography

Each reception space at Castle Farms is paired with an adjoining outdoor space, perfect for a couple cocktail tables or lawn games.  The dance floor may not be for everyone, so you can take advantage of these spaces by providing a family-friendly atmosphere for guests of all ages.  It can serve as a quieter place to socialize, or just cool off after a night full of dancing.

Photo: Emily Vizina Photography

During your cocktail hour, you can take advantage of the beautiful landscape and scenery that Castle Farms has to offer with your photographer and bridal party.  The natural light and sunset photo ops will provide such unique wedding photos that will adorn your walls for years to come.

Photo: Sidney Bischer Photography

From November through April, indoor ceremony spaces provide the opportunity for an intimately lit atmosphere. The stone walls provide a gorgeous setting for your Castle wedding.  You can also bring your décor to the next level using draping, candles, and other personalized décor.  Whether it be indoor or outdoor, you’re guaranteed the wedding of your dreams at Castle Farms.

Photo: Megan Hannon Photography

Modern Twists on Old Traditions

There are some wedding traditions that are as old as time, which means that there are some couples out there that are looking to put their own spin on old traditions. Though some brides wait years to toss a bouquet of their own, others may be eager to sprinkle their own version of fun on their special day.

Programs are one of the first things your guests see upon arrival. If you’re getting married outside on a particularly hot day, turn that program into a fan for your guests. Or, create a more brochure-looking program, full of fun facts about the newlyweds.

Flowers are one of the biggest expenses when planning a wedding. However, they’re not for every couple. Modern style often calls for a much greener, simplistic style. For that reason, some couples might want to opt for a bit more of a green palette than a floral one. This could include popping succulents on your dessert table or spreading ivy around your centerpieces. Adding a few blossoms is also a great way to tie in the bride’s bouquet or incorporate more color into your palette. The way a bold, emerald green pops against the stoned walls of the castle will add a tasteful, modern twist on your wedding that will stand out from the rest. No matter the time of year, the greenery of springtime or the holly and ivy of winter is sure to make your décor stand out.

Candles are a beautiful way to warm up a space, but that can be done with so much more than a few strategically placed tea lights. Consider stringing lights along your arch or provide a soft glow by placing them behind your draping. Rice lights are great for adding that extra detail on a buffet table. If candles are part of your vision, place a few in lanterns. Lanterns will bring more of your theme into fruition, whether it be elegant or gothic. All of which will complement the chandeliers and light fixtures that hang from the castle walls and ceilings. If you plan to put a retro spin on your décor, consider some neon signs to light up your reception space. These modern lighting fixtures will light up the evening without burning out by the end of the night.

Dessert is a must for any wedding. However, cake may not always be the ideal choice for every couple. A spin on this traditional wedding dessert can be used for something like cupcakes or cake pops. Color palette and theme can still be used on these adorable desserts by any bakery, and still works perfectly for what would traditionally be the “cake cutting” portion of the evening. If you’re looking to stray specifically away from the cake side of things, consider a variety in a dessert bar, candy bar, or ordering personalized cookies for your guests.

Guest books have become far from what they’re traditionally known for, a book. Nowadays, couples often choose something that they can better display in their home, like a custom-made sign that guests can write messages on. Another nontraditional guest book idea to consider is a minimalistic painting that relates to the couple that guests can write on with metallic, permanent markers, or even a photo of the two printed on a canvas.

Since Polaroid-style cameras are all the rage these days, simply taking a photo and captioning it before placing it in a scrapbook is a great way for guests to personalize their well-wishes and truly capture the fun that they’re having. This will be a great piece for you two to look back on, years into the future!

As much as everyone loves Beyonce’s “Single Ladies,” the bouquet toss just isn’t for everyone. It may be more up your ally to play a couple with your new husband or wife, like the classic shoe game, answering questions such as “Who said ‘I love you’ first,” or “Who instigated the first kiss?”

 

There are countless other ways to make your day unique to you. Some of those include creating a customized Snapchat filter or doing a “first-look.” What is most important is that these modern twists are unique to you as a couple and make your special day as memorable as it can be!

must do's the morning of your wedding

Must-Do’s the Morning of Your Wedding

Many couples say that their wedding goes by in the blink of an eye.  That’s why the morning is a great time to prep yourself for the day you’ve spent so long preparing for.  Here’s a list of things that may help you out the morning of your wedding and keep you from scrambling later in the day.

  1. Eat

Believe it or not, eating is one thing that slips the minds of many couples on their big day.  Make sure that you and your bridal party are well-energized before the day’s events kick off with a full breakfast and maybe a coffee or two.

  1. Get dressed and ready!

You can choose to get your hair and makeup done at a salon or hire a stylist to travel to your place of lodging.  The dressing room at Castle Farms is included 2 hours before your ceremony start time until the end of the evening.  It’s a space best designed to get your dresses on after your hair and makeup is complete.  If you’d like to rent it for an earlier arrival time to spend the morning getting ready at your venue, there is most often an option to do so; just check with a Castle Coordinator!  Make sure you have a solid transportation plan from your place of lodging to the salon or venue.

wedding in Michigan
Always Photographic
  1. Check in with your vendors.

The coordinators at Castle Farms are excellent about being detail-oriented and on top of the tasks at hand.  Be sure to touch base with them to see if everyone has arrived, all arrangements have been dropped off, etc.

  1. Take pictures with your wedding party.

Whether you’re with your group of gals, guys, or both, you’ll want to remember the time you spent surrounded by the people you love most.  Have the photographer come into your dressing room and take photos of your party popping champagne, getting ready, or giving words of encouragement.

Michigan Imagery
  1. Give gifts to your wedding party.

Leading up to this point, odds are your party has gone above and beyond when it comes to being there for you on your big day.  Be sure to recognize this by giving them a gift, whether it be a personalized trinket or something that they can wear.  Give them something to remember the time they spent leading up to your big day.

wedding in Michigan
Oden + Janelle Photographers
  1. Make sure you have an emergency kit.

An emergency kit is something you’ll want to be easily accessible to all members of your bridal party the day of your wedding.  These can include bandages, to lash glue.  Read every essential you’ll need in your emergency kit here.

  1. Take time for yourself.

Since you are likely to have a busy day ahead, don’t forget to do what you need to do in order to prep yourself.  This may include doing a face mask before you get your makeup done, going for a quick jog, or even sneaking in a drink.  It’s amazing what a mimosa or a Bloody Mary can do to kickstart the morning of your wedding.

castle wedding in Michigan
Lauren Elaine Photography

The day of your wedding can be hectic, but if you consider incorporating these tips into your morning, it can be much more relaxed and stress free!

End of the Night Cleanup Tips

Though you may not want to think about it while you are planning, clean up at the end of your wedding is just as important as your decorating! It is imperative to know exactly what is expected of you and all your guests otherwise additional charges could occur and/or you may end up with some unhappy guests recruited to help clean last minute. To help work out these end-of-the-night kinks, we have put together a list of the Top 10 things to keep in mind!

1. Most importantly – Have a plan determined well before the day of your event.

2. Know what time you are expected to be finished cleaning up.

3. Pack an extra pair of shoes and a change of clothes.

4. Know ahead of time if your caterer provides take out containers – if they don’t, bring your own!

5. Have a diagram or photos of how the room is supposed to look at the end of the night if you are required to move furniture back.

6. Delegate people to help clean up and pack up at the end of the night (and let these people know in advance!)

Pro Tip: to help make packing up items a breeze, label your totes with what is to go inside and store them close to wherever their contents were placed in the room. You can have different people in charge of different tables/items so everyone knows clearly how they are to help.

7. Give one trusted person the responsibility of collecting and transporting gifts and cards (especially if most people are taking a shuttle!).

8. Know whether you can leave cars overnight and pick them up the next day.

9. Know if you are able to leave décor items overnight to pick up the next day and if there is a charge for this.

10. Make sure to do a final sweep of the room once everyone is out in case of guest items left behind. Then you can head out and enjoy your after party (or a good night’s rest)!

 

 

Hopefully these tips help the end of the night go more smoothly for everyone involved!

Winter Wedding Tips

Winter weddings are absolutely stunning!

The crisp white background of snow, the deep royal colors associated with the holidays, and making sure that everyone feels the warmth of love in the colder temperatures (especially in Northern Michigan) really make for a great time to tie the knot. Here are a few tips on how to keep cozy for a cold, blustery day!

1. Matching Scarves

Credit: Jack Hoyle Photography

This is a great way to create cohesion in your outdoor winter wedding photos, especially if the bridesmaid dresses are different colors! Not only does it look great, it is also very functional and will keep your ladies warm on your special day!

2. All About Socks!

Credit: Anna Beth Smith Photography

This is a great and easy favor for the groomsmen standing up for your big day! Whether it is a traditional pattern like the argyle ones shown, or something more out of the ordinary like different superhero logos. Socks are sure to keep anyone from getting cold feet!

3. Winter Wear Favors

Credit: Captured by Grace Photography

Winter hats and mittens are a great idea if you are having a winter wedding as it gives your guests something they can use the day of and for many years to come! Personalization is a nice added touch to make sure everyone remembers how much fun they had dancing the night away.

4. Winter Attire Wedding Photos

Credit: Captured by Grace Photography

Whether it is winter boots, hidden leggings, or scarves for your main ladies, it has become a major trend to show these aspects in your outdoor winter wedding photos. It can be used in a fun way, a very elegant way, or even give the bride an opportunity to break up her white dress against a white snow background!

5. Flannel Bridal Party Favors

Credit: Kelsie Mae Photography

There is nothing more fun than getting ready for your big day while all in matching outfits! A creative spin on this for a winter wedding, is to get matching flannel ‘fits for all of your girls! Not only will you get adorable photos of everyone before they’re in their dresses, but it also gives them a great PJ set to use for many more winter nights.

Fall Wedding Ideas!

Back to school, fall leaves, pumpkins, Halloween, and weddings!

Fall weddings are becoming more and more popular. We have definitely noticed the trend here at Castle Farms and welcome the warm fall colors, fall party favors, and cool fall weather. Along with the fall popularity is the touches of fall that our couples are adding to their weddings. We love their creatively and want to share it with you! If you are looking at having a fall wedding here are some great ideas, you can incorporate to your own wedding!

 

Blankets for Guests

Having your ceremony or cocktail outdoors? Have guests wrap up in blankets to keep warm in cozy. This is also a great idea for bridal party pictures!

 

Fun Drinks

Throw in some pumpkin spice or apple flavors to go with your fall theme wedding. You can have Chardonnay, Cinnamon Cider, Apple Cider Mimosa, or Pumpkin Spice White Russian. Make them your His and Her signature drinks of the night.

Fall Party Favors

Candy apples, caramel apples, or anything to do with apples is always a great idea for the fall. We have also had couples bring donuts and cider and a take-home hot chocolate kit. You can definitely get creative.

 

S’mores!

A great late-night snack idea is to set up a smores bar. Marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate, Reese’s, over a fire, delicious!

Pumpkin Decorations

Add to the fall glam by adding pumpkins to your décor, either as centerpieces or accents. There are plenty of ideas for chic, stylish, or DIY ideas that you can find on our Pinterest page.

Harvest Themed Dinner

Incorporate the fall flavors into your wedding dinner menu. Having nut flavors, pumpkin, squash, cinnamon, sweet potatoes, and apples are just a few. Talk to your caterer to see how they can integrate these flavors in the menu for you!

Long Sleeved Wedding Gown

Not only do you want to stay warm on the cool fall days, but also fashionable and beautiful on your big day! Wearing a long-sleeved wedding dress can give you both of those. Long sleeved dresses are growing in popularity. They can be very romantic, elegant, and sophisticated, additionally there are plenty of different styles and silhouettes to find one to fit your style.