Tag: castle wedding

Fun Ways to Ask Your Wedding Party to Be in Your Wedding

Written by Karrie Mueller on October 27, 2021. Posted in Blog, Wedding Tips & Trends. No Comments on Fun Ways to Ask Your Wedding Party to Be in Your Wedding

One of the most fun parts of planning the big day is asking your favorite people to be in your wedding party. These are the people who are going to stick with you through the planning process, through thick and thin. They’ve been by your side through the highs and lows of your life, now it’s time for them to stand by your side the day you say “I do.”

Bridesmaids with bags — Chris Van Winkle Photography

Then and Now Pictures

Are you asking a sibling or a childhood best friend to be in your wedding party? Consider getting a nice, custom print of a photo of you and them from way-back-when. With that, write a heartfelt message about how your journey through life has led up to this moment. You can find affordable prints of all shapes and sizes to gift to your potential wedding party members here.

Groomsmen — Michael Murphy IV Photography

Personalized Drinkware

If you’re going for the insta-worthy option, look no further than some customizable mugs or wine tumblers. These are something that each person can use leading up to the wedding and serving as a nice keepsake for years to come. Don’t forget to let your wedding party members know to bring it for your wedding weekend so that your photographer can capture some cute photos of you clinking and drinking from your matching drinkware.

Bridesmaids cheers — Michael Murphy IV Photography

Jewelry

Jewelry can be a great way to ask bridesmaids to be in a wedding, especially if you want them each to wear matching jewelry sets with their dresses. Gift them with them early on so that it’s not a last-minute decision by you or the bridesmaids.

Bridesmaids in matching robes — Jesslin Rae Photography

Flasks

Flasks are a great option for both bridesmaids and groomsmen. You can easily find customizable ones on Etsy. These can also be fun when it comes to bachelor or bachelorette parties.

Treats

Get a goodie from a local bakery and have it packaged nicely to be sent to each wedding party member. It’s great for those who don’t want to worry about any trinkets that will get lost or unused. Think of a cute sugar cookie with “Be My Bridesmaid?” inscribed across the top in royal icing. Adorable! Even some delicious chocolates or candies are sure to get those potential members of your wedding party to say “yes.”

Brownies — Michael Murphy IV Photography

Plants

Box up a small succulent or cactus for each wedding party member to open. What a unique and fun gift to open! Maybe even throw in a cheeky note saying “My wedding would succ without you,” or “Don’t be a prick, be my bridesmaid/groomsman!”

Books

Whether it’s a recommendation, the YA book the two of you obsessed over in middle school, an empty journal, or a cheesy romance novel, books can be a great wedding party proposal gift. You can write a personal message within the first couple of pages, and your wedding party members are sure to think of you each time they flip through the pages or pass it on a bookshelf.

Book table number — Northern Art Photography

Gift Baskets

One of the most common wedding party proposals is the classic gift box that encompasses all of these ideas. Who doesn’t love a box of goodies? This option also allows you to personalize each gift to the person. Throw in four or five little gifts that remind you of that person and/or will come in handy leading up to the wedding. Some bubbly and some at-home spa products are a must. Otherwise, have fun with them. Throw in some kitschy key chains or funny signs with snarky sayings.

Wedding gift basket — Megan Hannon Photography

However you choose to ask wedding party members to be in your wedding doesn’t have to be extravagant or expensive, just make sure it’s personalized and fun. Though some may be tempted to just send a text, there are plenty of simple and sweet ways to ask those you love to be part of your special day.

Hair & Makeup Trends

Written by Karrie Mueller on October 13, 2021. Posted in Blog, Wedding Tips & Trends. No Comments on Hair & Makeup Trends

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.

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.

Bride at Salon — 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.

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.

Makeup artists in dressing room — 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.

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!

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!

How to Make Your Reception One Your Guests Won’t Forget

Written by Karrie Mueller on September 22, 2021. Posted in Blog, Wedding Tips & Trends. No Comments on How to Make Your Reception One Your Guests Won’t Forget

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!

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.

Groomsman with Mic — 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.

Wedding Reception Shoe Game — 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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

What to Include in Your Invitations

Written by Karrie Mueller on September 15, 2021. Posted in Blog, Wedding Tips & Trends. No Comments on What to Include in Your Invitations

Let’s talk about invitations. There are so many reasons to get excited about them. You get to pick out some custom stationery, share a favorite photo from your engagement shoot, and ultimately, it means you’re wedding is approaching. And SOON.

Before we get into invitations, let’s talk about save the dates. Save the dates are important specifically just for that reason: saving the date. When guests receive a save the date, it gets your wedding on their radar and lets them know to keep an eye out for the invite. A Facebook post announcing your engagement doesn’t cut it; your guests need to know when you’re tying the knot so that they can block off any necessary time for work or travel.

Save the dates should be sent out about six months before your wedding. If you’re envisioning a Northern Michigan wedding as a destination wedding, consider sending save the dates as early as eight to ten months out. That allows your guests plenty of notice and gives them time to make plans surrounding the big day. It’s also helpful to include the city you’re getting married in, so that guests can prepare themselves, however, they need, on travel or if they need to take time off for work. Include accommodation information on your save the dates. Many hotels release room blockings90 days out, so by the time invites go out, those room blockings may not be held anymore. You could even list your wedding website on there so that guests can check in on any updates on the big day.

When it comes to invitations, this is where the details really come into play. Invitations are to be sent out about six to eight weeks out from the wedding, hopefully with RSVP turnaround within the next four weeks. Rather than just giving a city and a date, there are a number of things to include.

Accommodations

It’s important to layout accommodation options for the area you’re getting married in. A lot of the time, you’re going to have guests traveling from out of the area who are going to need a place to stay. List where you’ve blocked rooms, local hotels, or bed and breakfasts. Check out accommodation options we offer in the Charlevoix area here and note that blockings are usually offered in neighboring cities like Petoskey or Traverse City.

Schedule

Outside of listing the time of your wedding alone, it may be beneficial to lay out how the weekend will go. This applies to those couples who plan on having welcome drinks or a post-wedding brunch. Think of it as mini-invitations to each event of the weekend.

You’ll also want to include the location of your wedding, something along the lines of:

Ceremony at 3:00 in the Queen’s Courtyard at Castle Farms

Cocktail Hour and Reception to Follow

How to RSVP

Whatever the plans are for your wedding, always be sure to include an RSVP option. Be specific about how you’d like guests to RSVP, either by mail or online, and give a clear deadline. RSVPs are essential to the final details of your day. For fun, creative ways to have your guests RSVP, click here.

Website

Regardless of what you include in your invitation, you should have all your wedding week(end) details compiled on your website. You can create a tab for a schedule of events, an RSVP option, your registry, a dress code, accommodations, and even your personal back-story of how you met. Your website is completely customizable to what you want it to be, as long as it includes those key points to your wedding.

Have fun with your stationery and website! Consider cute matching color schemes and creative ways to share your engagement photos with the world.

Wedding Party Expectations

Written by Karrie Mueller on September 1, 2021. Posted in Blog, Wedding Tips & Trends. No Comments on Wedding Party Expectations

Have you just been asked to be in a wedding? Are you newly engaged and not sure what to expect of your wedding party? We’ve got some tips for you!

Agreeing to be in a wedding party is a commitment. It requires time, obligations, responsibilities, and money. Make sure you, as a bride or groom, and your wedding party know what to expect when taking on that role.

Bridesmaids at Fountain — Garrett Gormley Photography

Attire

One of the main things that come to mind when being in a wedding party is the coordinating dresses and/or tuxes. Those almost always have to be paid for by the individual who wears them. With that, ultimately, it’s up to the bride or groom to decide what style, color, fabric, etc. they want their party to be in. They may be open to opinions, but it’s never easy to please three, four, sometimes twelve people on each side. If you’re in a wedding party and have questions about what to wear the day of the wedding, be respectful of the vision of the loved one you are standing for. On the other hand, if you’re a bride or groom and are contemplating what you want to put your party in, be conscious of budgets and what’s flattering for your entire group.

Groom with Bridesmaids — Mel Anne Photography

Events

Showers, bachelorettes, dinners, oh my! When you agree to be a bridesmaid or groomsman, you’re not only agreeing to be in the wedding. You’re agreeing to showers, bachelor(ette) parties, rehearsals, and even some dinners or engagement parties. Like we mentioned earlier, being a wedding party member is a commitment, but it’s also a privilege! Don’t let the many events leading up to the big day wear on you. Let those events be something that excites you and create memories to share with the engaged couple you’re standing with.

With those events do come additional expenses. Even though you’re wedding party, you should still be prepared to bring a gift to a wedding shower. Bachelor(ette) parties can be pricey, depending on where you’re going and what activities you’ve got planned. If you’re a best man or maid of honor, touch base with the rest of the party to gauge who’s willing to travel and for how much. Wedding party shouldn’t be expected to drop everything and drop a significant chunk of change on a weekend getaway if they aren’t comfortable with it.

Groomsmen holding up groom — Mitten Films

Responsibilities

If you’re asked to be in a wedding, you have a role. In order to fulfill that role, you have to be willing to go through the motions of what comes with a wedding. This can be the events leading up to the wedding, but also, a majority of the time, responsibilities the week of the wedding. Maybe the couple needs someone to take the leftover food home with them. Maybe the couple needs help decorating the space. These are things that members of the wedding party should be ready to step up to the plate for.

Wedding party members are also expected to attend rehearsals the day prior to the wedding. The purpose of a rehearsal is so that the couple can be completely present on their wedding day, and no one is worried about where to stand, how to stand, where to walk in from, etc. At Castle Farms, our Venue Coordinators set the rehearsal time two months out from the wedding day, with the Set-Up Packet.

Groomsman funny poses — Garrett Gormley Photography

Lastly, if you’re in the wedding party, of course, you’re going to have to choreograph a grand entrance to kick off the reception. It isn’t a wedding without fun, quirky entrances from the wedding party!

Maid of honor and best man funny entrance — Jesslin Rae Photography

Whether you’re getting married and determining who you want to be in your party, or if you’ve just been asked to be in a wedding, it’s important that all are aware of what that title requires. Not only is it an extra responsibility, it’s an honor to be asked to be in someone’s wedding. It’s the best day of their lives, and your potential role in that is critical!

Wedding Etiquette You May Not Know

Written by Karrie Mueller on August 18, 2021. Posted in Blog, Wedding Tips & Trends. No Comments on Wedding Etiquette You May Not Know

There’s a lot that goes into a wedding. (Understatement of the century, we know.) With that said, there are a few things that may not have crossed your mind when planning your big day.

Determining Your Stylist’s Selection

When it comes to getting your hair and makeup done, make sure you confirm your stylist’s selection at your hair and makeup trials, or at least before your wedding day. Make sure your chosen stylist or salon is fully equipped with what they need to bring your vision to life. If you’re looking to add in some extensions to your hair to pull off some effortless, beachy curls, make sure your stylist knows how to work with those. If you’re hoping to pull off a natural, no-makeup-makeup look, make sure you communicate that to them. On the other hand, if you’re wanting full coverage, big lashes, and a statement lip, make sure your stylist is prepared. Some brides are very particular about how they want to look on their wedding day, as they should be. It’s their day!

Having a Vendor Table

Something we’ve repeatedly seen over the years is when couples forget to account for seating for their vendors. You may have covered their dinner, but where will they eat it? Be sure to check contracts with vendors like your photographer, DJ, or band. They may require a meal, and sometimes even a table. Along with that, they may be bringing an assistant and require two meals. Maybe they have dietary restrictions. All of that should be determined when booking and signing a contract. Our Venue Coordinators are pros when it comes to creating your sketch for your reception space, and they have no problem throwing in a vendor table for those who may need a spot to eat.

Updating Vendors on Timeline Changes

It’s always best to keep all your vendors in the loop as plans come together or change. Adding an extra hour to your reception? Providing a midnight snack? Cutting your cake right when you enter your reception? Tell your vendors. Your DJ/band, bartenders, caterers, and potentially, your décor companies, all need to know what is happening when so that they can plan accordingly. One of the easiest ways to do this is to provide each vendor with a detailed timeline for your event prior to the day of. This allows for vendors, including your Venue Coordinator, to catch any issues that may arise prior to your wedding day. Us event professionals are taught to expect the unexpected but throwing a wrench in the plan is never a good idea.

Being Transparent with Your Guests

Guests come to weddings expecting the works: ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing. That part is simple. However, if you’re cocktail hour doesn’t include light appetizers, maybe include that somewhere with your invitation. Hungry guests=angry guests. Some guests may not expect an outdoor ceremony and cocktail hour and might want to apply a little SPF beforehand. After all, they are coming to celebrate you! Treat them well and make sure they’re content on your big day.

Your wedding is about the two of you have the best day of your lives. You’ve worked hard as a couple to get to that point. Ultimately, keep in mind that your vendors are working as a team to make sure you two have the wedding day of your dreams. Your guests love you and want to see you as happy as can be. If you follow this wedding etiquette, everyone and everything will run smoothly the day of your wedding!