Castle Farms is so beautiful, so unique, and so HUGE! Choosing just one of the four ceremony-and-reception options for your event can be difficult. With that in mind…did you know you can book the entire property? For either one day or a whole weekend, the Castle can be completely YOURS!
Beth Joy Photography
Picture it: a rehearsal dinner in the King’s Great Hall, your ceremony in the King’s Grand Courtyard, cocktail hour in the Queen’s Courtyard, a reception in the Knight’s Castle, a post-wedding brunch in the East Garden Room… The possibilities truly set you up to host a one-of-a-kind, completely exclusive event! This all goes without mentioning the luxuries that Northern Michigan and Charlevoix the Beautiful have to offer all of your guests for a weekend getaway.
Lux Light Photography
Castle Farms is equipped to handle up to four weddings in one day. If privacy matters to you, or you don’t want to limit yourselves to the locations and timelines the Castle typically offers, but you’re still in love with the Castle and its stunning property, a Royal Reservation is what you require.
Beth Joy Photography
Royal Reservations range from $20,000 to $40,000 for one-day options. This includes everything a typical reservation includes: a Venue Coordinator, an Assistant Venue Coordinator, linens, chairs, and tables (and more too). This reservation also allows you and your party to arrive and get ready at whatever time is convenient for you, and a flexible timeline that allows for a ceremony as early as 3:00 pm with our latest end and departure times of 12:00 am and 1:00 am. Interested in hosting a strolling garden cocktail hour? Why not!? How about hosting your ceremony in a never-before-used garden? Not to mention, no limitations on the incredible on-site photo ops!
Meghan Lee Harris Photography
For a 3-day weekend (or whatever three-day stretch you may be interested in), Royal Reservations start at $75,000. There are so many perks that come with having the Castle to yourself for an entire weekend. Other than being able to host your rehearsal dinner, wedding, and post-wedding brunch all in one location, you are almost guaranteed to have set decorating availabilities the day before, and time to pack your belongings the next day. This package is truly meant for the most lavish and exclusive of couples.
Oh, RSVPs. How tedious, yet completely necessary you are. Not only do you need them in order to confirm a guest count, but they’re helpful when developing a seating chart and potentially blocking hotel rooms.
Invitations are meant to be sent eight weeks before the wedding. When you send your invitations, be sure to give specific instructions on how to RSVP. Can it be done through your website? Does it need to be returned via mail? Will it include a choice of a meal? With that being said, be sure to include a clear deadline, and include postage for RSVPs that need to be mailed back. There’s nothing more inconvenient than late RSVPs, especially right when you thought you had your final guest count set.
Whether you’re accepting RSVPs via mail or online, here are some creative ways for your guests to respond!
Cling + Peck
Funny Multiple-Choice Responses
Let your guests have a little bit of fun when replying to your RSVP. Consider some snarky multiple-choice responses for your guests to choose from. For example:
Will be attending because…
_____ Open bar? How could I say no?
_____ Can’t miss some classic Smith family dancing.
_____ I heard Grandma will be there, and she’s a gem!
Other:
Will not be attending because…
_____ Can’t miss the Lions game!
_____ Spending some time with the not-as-fun side of the family.
_____ Love disgusts me and I’m lame!
Other:
Don’t forget to leave a blank space so that guests can leave funny or serious responses of their own!
Respond with a Piece of Fabric
If you’re looking for a unique, yet sentimental way for guests to respond to your RSVP, have them send their response with a piece of fabric. This fabric can be used to be made into a quilt to keep in your home throughout your marriage, or even a unique piece of art!
Respond with a Recipe
Much like the fabric, have guests respond with a recipe to fill a cookbook for your new life as newlyweds. Have an empty recipe card for guests to have the option to fill with their favorite recipes they like to cook with their spouse or entertain guests with.
Fill in a Song Request
This one is a classic. Make your DJ’s job easy by providing a list of song requests that are sure to get every guest on the dance floor at least once! No one likes a wedding where they can’t recognize a single song. Make sure everyone’s taste is heard at the reception and ask for a song they’d like to hear at your wedding!
Create a Mad Lib
If you’re looking for some corny responses regarding your RSVP, consider creating your own Mad Lib. Try something like this out:
I, (name) ___________, am (adjective) ___________ to (Accept/Decline) ___________ the invitation to your wedding. I’m so (adjective) ___________ for you two and can’t wait to see what the future (verb) ___________.
Have fun with it and share your favorite responses on your wedding website!
These fun, creative ways to get your guests to RSVP may lead them to be more inclined to respond on time. They can have fun with their response, while you enjoy whatever kinds of responses you receive and get your final headcounts to your vendors on time!
The big day’s come, you’ve walked down the aisle, you’ve said “I do,” now what? Time to party? Not quite. Make your marriage official by signing your marriage license!
It’s always a good idea to sign your marriage license right after the ceremony. You just said your vows, you have your officiant and witnesses on hand, jump on getting that formality over with before heading into pictures or cocktail hour as newlyweds.
Chris Van Winkle Photography
Marriage does not simply begin with a kiss. Your marriage license is a legal document that you must submit to be recognized as a married couple. You can start the process by applying in person at your county clerk’s office about 30 days before the wedding. Be sure not to show up empty-handed. Bring documentation for both you and your partner. This could be a birth certificate, social security card, driver’s license, etc. Here in Michigan, there is a three-day waiting period, after filing, before you can pick up your marriage license. Once you’ve got it in hand, don’t forget to pack it up and bring it with you to your wedding!
Darrell Christie Photography
Before signing, there are a few very important details that a lot of couples overlook.
Signing in the right color. Check with your county clerk on what color is required for your license. Here in Charlevoix, the color is black. Yours may be different! Sometimes, it’s blue. Always double-check before putting down your John Hancock.
Look up the correct county/township you’re getting married in. Not the one you live in, the one where you get married. This can be confusing right after the ceremony and warrant some frantic googling after the fact. Be sure to look your marriage license over before your wedding and make sure you have all the correct information. If you’re getting married at Castle Farms, you’re to put: Charlevoix County or Marion Township, whatever’s required.
If you’re changing your name, sign your marriage license with your new last name. This is exciting! The first official time you’re signing that fancy new name of yours.
Chris Van Winkle Photography
Is one or both of you from out-of-state? If you are both residents of another state, you will have to apply for a marriage license through Charlevoix County. If one of you lives in Michigan, you will have to apply for the license within the county you or your future spouse live in.
With all that said and done, you should have everything you need to make your marriage official. Hey Alexa, cue Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours!
Getting your guests from point A to point B…not always the first thing you think about when wedding planning. However, when the wedding day comes and your wedding party, or worse, you, are being bombarded with messages on what entrance to come in, where to park, how they’re going to get home, you’ll be glad you did!
Photo: The Weber Photographers
There are countless benefits to offering transportation for your guests. Ultimately, it’ll offer them a sigh of relief, knowing that they can come to a huge wedding venue, like the Castle, and not have to worry about finding your ceremony space or even what gate to come in.
Transportation comes in many shapes and sizes. Most often, for guests, we see shuttles in the form of buses or charters. Mackinac Shuttle has proven to be clean, safe, and reliable. Trolleys are also a fun way to get your guests to and from the Castle. Northern Michigan Trolley is one that is known to be timely, unique, and familiar with the Castle grounds.
Photo: Crystal V Photography
If you’re looking to start the party before the ceremony or keep it going at the end of the night, you may be in the market for a party bus from Midnight Madness Bus, or even consider splurging on a limo for the wedding party.
Photo: Captured by Grace Photography
No matter what form of transportation you choose, doing so will always assure your guests that they will have a safe way to get back to the designated hotel at the end of the night. In the case that you don’t want to provide transportation for your guests, Castle Farms does allow for guests to leave their cars on-site overnight. Check with your assigned Venue Coordinator to find out the timeframe for next-day pickup once you approach your day and our business hours are set. When a guest is heading back for that third cocktail, they can do so with no worry of how they’re going to get behind the wheel at the end of the night.
There are countless perks to having a Northern Michigan wedding, one being that there is no end to places to stay. Whether you’re in the market for something for the whole family or a romantic night alone after the big day, Northern Michigan has an accommodation in-store for you.
Photo: E.C. Campbell Photography
A lot of brides choose to get their hair and makeup done at their hotel before heading over to their designated dressing room at the Castle to put on their dress, or have a glass of wine with their bridesmaids or wedding party to calm some nerves. Wherever you or your family chooses to stay, make sure it’s the perfect setting to kick off your wedding day plans!
Photo: Darrell Christie Photography
High-End
Northern Michigan has great options when it comes to boutique hotels and resorts with luxurious amenities. From modern, to classic, the high-end hotels in Northern Michigan provide endless opportunities that encompass a high-end experience.
Hotel Earl opened in 2020 and is Charlevoix’s newest modern boutique hotel. The balconies that overlook Round Lake and suites, each complete with a cozy fireplace, create a warm, yet contemporary atmosphere for its guests. Right next to bustling downtown Charlevoix, Hotel Earl offers a luxurious experience, while being just a few steps away from a busy day popping in and out of the shops that line the streets of downtown.
If you’re looking for a charming, intimate setting for the two of you to get away the weekend of your wedding, consider Hotel Walloon. Situated at the edge of Walloon Lake, this boutique hotel offers incredible rooms and suites with views of the lake as far as the eye can see. Their classic style and modern amenities make for a very up-scale stay. Enjoy access to a heated outdoor spa, private beach, or private balcony. Spend an afternoon with the groomsmen in the billiards room, or enjoy the quaint corners, perfect for some reading, in this luxurious boutique hotel.
If you’re in search of a livelier setting for your high-end stay in Northern Michigan, look no further than the Inn at Bay Harbor. The Inn at Bay Harbor is in a little village of its own, surrounded by restaurants, shops, and even a golf course. The resort itself is complete with valet parking, newly renovated rooms, and endless amounts of activities, fun for the whole family.
Family-Friendly
If you’re bringing the whole family to Northern Michigan, you’re going to want to be able to accommodate groups of all shapes and sizes. That may mean entertainment for the kids, great places to eat, or little travel time.
If you have guests looking for a place to stay with room for the whole family, Boyne Mountain may be the way to go. From skiing, to golfing, to a massive indoor water park, Boyne Mountain has something for everyone. The resort even has small shops, fully stocked with equipment you’d need for any Northern Michigan adventure. If you’re looking to take a more relaxed approach to your stay, the resort even has a spa to prep yourself for the big day.
Another great family-friendly option is the AmericInn. Even if you’re traveling far from home, the friendly staff and huge pool will make you feel at-home in no time. The AmericInn is far enough from busy downtown Charlevoix that you feel secluded for a peaceful stay, but close enough that local restaurants and the Castle are just a short drive away. Just another short drive in the other direction will take you to Petoskey’s Gaslight District, full of bars, restaurants, and nature trails for all ages to enjoy.
Budget-Friendly
Making a huge trip out of the wedding weekend isn’t for everyone. Sometimes, you or your guests may just want a nice place to unwind after the big day. On the other hand, you may want to be getting a large group together, without having to worry about blocking off tons of hotel rooms close enough together. With that in mind, keep these budget-friendly options in mind.
The Michigan Inn & Lodge is a great stay for those who are looking for a simple stay with everything you need at a great location. Highly rated for its comfy beds, cleanliness, and friendly staff, the Michigan Inn & Lodge provides a lot of value for the price you pay. Plus, if you plan on spending a few days surrounding the wedding going to the beach or hiking, Petoskey State Park and the Bubbling Springs Nature Preserve are each just a few miles down the road.
If you’re looking for something fun, cozy, and one of a kind, consider a bed and breakfast for your stay in Charlevoix. The Charlevoix House is a great place with a wide variety of rooms that fill up a quaint house, right on the corner of downtown Charlevoix. With fair prices, a variety of room layouts to choose from, and a complimentary continental breakfast every morning, you can’t go wrong!
If you’re headed up north for a wedding and are bringing the whole family, are getting the college crew back together, or are making a weekend out of your time with your wedding party, an Airbnb may be for you. With this option, you have the option to potentially reserve an entire house, lakeside cottage, or studio loft, fit for groups of any size. When planning accordingly, Airbnbs can often be the most cost-effective option, depending on your group size. The best part, other than having an entire place to yourself, is that there is no end to styles, sizes, and locations to choose from.
Still stumped on where to stay during the wedding weekend? Check out Castle Farms’ Accommodations List! Here, we’ve laid out all of our favorite local spots for you and your guests to consider for their stay in Northern Michigan.
If you’re envisioning aesthetically pleasing guest photos, something to bring your guests together, or just a fun detail to make your big day unique, think about going with a dress code. Dress codes can be a fun way to unify your guests. Depending on how strict you are, you can picture your guests as additional décor to tie in with your wedding theme. We’ve compiled a few fun ideas and tips for you to consider when it comes to dress code.
Photo: Raj Banik
Letting Your Guests Know
Parties have themed attire all the time, so remind your guests that this is an opportunity to have fun and contribute to the overall vision of the big day. Lay it all out on your wedding website or in a separate note with your invitations along with accommodations and other details, giving them plenty of notice to plan their outfits.
We want you to help bring our wedding vision to life! Please join our wedding party in wearing blue the day of the wedding.
We’ve waited five years for this day, and we want to make a statement! Please wear white.
Our day will be perfect, and we want you to look the part! Please wear black tie attire.
Photo: Chris Van Winkle Photography
Black Tie v. Cocktail Attire
You may know how you want your guests to dress, but how do you label it? Cocktail attire is typical wedding attire. Men usually wear suits, or even khakis with a sport coat. Anything that’s not just a polo or button down with jeans. For women, expect semi-formal dresses or jumpsuits. If you really want your guests to up the ante, black tie may be the dress code for you. For men, expect to see dark suits and tuxedos. For women, black tie events typically warrant floor-length, formal gowns. Guest attire really sets the tone for the evening and distinguishing between black tie and cocktail attire may help to do so.
Photo: Oden + Janelle Photographers
Selecting Your Wedding Colors
Developing your color palette is usually one of the first things you do while wedding planning. It sets the scene for décor, style, and yes, dress code! If you’re having trouble with this step, start with the time of year you’re getting married. If it’s in the middle of winter, you’re probably going to want to steer clear of bright yellows or aquas. On the other hand, if you’re having a summer wedding, maybe don’t lean into the deep burgundies or purples. Use flowers for inspiration too. Your florist will know what kind of floral design will look best for a certain time of year, and it will be much easier to pick a dress that complements a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
Photo: Lux Light Photography
Timeless Color Palettes
Black is a great go-to option if you want your guests looking uniform. Plus, you can bet that a majority of your guests already have something that they can wear. In all-black attire, your guests will look sharp, while wearing a universally flattering shade.
If you’re thinking spring, picture how fun it would be to have a room full of people in bright, happy attire that resembles the season. Flower girls in lavender or mint…guys with yellow ties…how cute!
Couples who get married in the fall often do so because they’ve fallen in love with the colors. If that’s you and your fiancé, tell your guests to mimic those deep, warm tones in their attire. Think of how cool it would be to bring the beauty of the outside in, seeing guests in chocolate brown, dark purple, scarlet, or burnt orange.
If you’ve been trying to come up with a way to honor a passed loved one on your special day, consider having your guests dress in a color that signifies that person. What a great profound, yet unspoken way to make that person’s presence felt on your big day.
Dress codes are certainly not for everyone, but it may be the one missing piece of the puzzle for some. If you’ve been looking to elevate the atmosphere of your wedding, a coordinated dress code may be on the horizon for your big day!
