Tag: castle wedding

Making Your Wedding as Inclusive as Possible

Written by Karrie Mueller on November 4, 2020. Posted in Blog, Wedding Tips & Trends. No Comments on Making Your Wedding as Inclusive as Possible

“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.

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”.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Unique Rehearsal Dinner Ideas

Written by Karrie Mueller on October 13, 2020. Posted in Blog, Wedding Tips & Trends. No Comments on Unique Rehearsal Dinner Ideas

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

Embracing the Fall Season

Written by Karrie Mueller on September 28, 2020. Posted in Blog, Wedding Tips & Trends. No Comments on Embracing the Fall Season

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Ways to Incorporate Your Pet on Your Wedding Day

Written by Karrie Mueller on August 25, 2020. Posted in Blog, Wedding Tips & Trends. No Comments on Ways to Incorporate Your Pet on Your Wedding Day

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

Four Ways to Keep Kids Entertained at Your Wedding

Written by Karrie Mueller on August 3, 2020. Posted in Blog, Uncategorized, Wedding Tips & Trends. No Comments on Four Ways to Keep Kids Entertained at Your Wedding

Wedding days are a great way for families far and wide to reunite and celebrate growth and new life experiences. With families, often come children, and in some cases, lots of children. When planning signature drinks and décor, it can often slip couples’ minds that there needs to be something to entertain the kiddos as well. We’ve got you covered with ideas on where to start!

Coloring/Activity Books

What kid can’t get lost for hours in a coloring book? Having some sort of interactive book at each of their place settings complete with crayons, stickers, and some wedding-themed pages will keep the kids from constantly bugging their parents for attention. This can provide both an entertaining and educational way of keeping the kids seated and occupied while potentially teaching them what a wedding is about. You can even create a custom “wedding couple story” coloring book to share your story and experiences with the families.

Scavenger Hunt

A wedding-themed scavenger hunt is another great educational tool that can be used to encourage the children at your wedding to possibly work as a team while keeping them entertained. You can list items specific to your venue. For example, at Castle Farms, kids could search for flowers in the gardens or hidden antiques. Other options are to include questions like “How many layers does the wedding cake have?” or “What color are the bridesmaids wearing?” or even “What kind of flowers are in the bride’s bouquet?”

Activity Table

Rather than a kids’ dinner table, give them an activity table to go to after dinner where they can do puzzles, play games, or even play with play-doh. It’s often the simple things that will preoccupy the little ones’ minds, and in this case, keep them from wandering about the venue.

Lawn Games

Lawn games are a classic for guests of all ages. Here at Castle Farms, we provide a variety of outdoor spaces that are perfect for cornhole, ladder ball, giant checkers, Jenga, tic tac toe, and more. The adjoining courtyards and balconies allow guests and children the freedom to venture outside, without being out of sight. This way, kids can let out some of the extra energy they got from eating cake by being active and spending some time outdoors.

By the end of the night, you’ll want your tiny guests to have enjoyed their time at your wedding, while also hopefully ensuring a quiet ride back home or to the hotel. By providing activities for children to partake in, it’ll ensure a smooth, fun and memorable day for everyone involved!

Less Can Be More

Written by Karrie Mueller on July 16, 2020. Posted in Blog, Wedding Tips & Trends. No Comments on Less Can Be More

One overarching opinion when it comes to weddings is “the bigger, the better.” Grand, elegant weddings are great. However, not everyone’s big day warrants specialty chairs, linens, tables, and glassware, or riding in on a horse and carriage. Less can be more!

One of the greatest things about Castle Farms is the beauty that comes with the Castle. Our stone walls and soaring towers aren’t something you can find at just any venue. That’s why excessive décor may not even be necessary for your wedding. There’s already so many stunning features that are roped into your space, whether that be your ceremony or reception. Castle Farms is known for its wide variety of reception spaces, so whatever your taste may be, we have the backdrop for you.

When looking at décor with this mindset, you’ll want to stick with something minimal. Neutral tones can be incredibly elegant, and they may be all you need. Sticking with grays, black, or even going with a crisp, clean all-white look is timeless. As far as centerpieces go, a few candles, and maybe some greenery, are perfect for a simple, yet beautiful centerpiece. Plus, they’re easy on the budget. Flowers are great, and arguably a wedding staple, but that doesn’t mean they need to be everywhere guests look. Keep the attention on you on your wedding day.

Minimalism doesn’t have to stop at décor; that can translate to your guest list as well. Small, intimate weddings are becoming more and more common. Couples these days are more drawn to the idea of celebrating with an exclusive group of people, sometimes as low as 30-40 guests.

Less can be more: More focus on the experience of getting married with those closest to you. More focus on the natural setting the gardens or historic stone walls offer. More time for quality conversation and fun because you don’t have to worry about as much clean up at the end of the night from choosing minimal décor. If this concept suits your taste, it will not only offer a timeless overall look, it will give the opportunity to allocate your “would-be budget” to a finer experience for your smaller guest count or to your honeymoon adventures. Whatever your plans may be, you can’t go wrong with simplicity!