Tag: castle wedding

Things To Do in Charlevoix

Written by Karrie Mueller on May 19, 2020. Posted in Blog. No Comments on Things To Do in Charlevoix

Castle Farms is home to Charlevoix, a quaint, lakeside tourist town in northern Michigan. Northern Michigan is known for its premiere beaches, lively summer atmosphere, and friendly faces. What can guests expect to do in a place like Charlevoix before or after your wedding day? The possibilities are endless!

*Local Charlevoix businesses have done so much to accommodate to COVID-19 policies. Activities that are safe to participate in while social distancing are annotated with an asterisk (*).

*Hike

What better activity is there than to spend an afternoon taking in the beautiful local scenery while enjoying a nature walk? There are plenty of trails in Charlevoix, including Fisherman’s Island State Park, North Point Nature Preserve, McSauba, or Susan’s Creek, to name a few. Stop alongside the water to take in the fresh air and search for Petoskey Stones. Climb up to a lookout in the middle of a sand dune. Pack a picnic and enjoy an afternoon in the sun.

*Bike on the Little Traverse Wheelway

The Little Traverse Wheelway is a 26 mile long trail from Charlevoix to Harbor Springs. It’s the perfect trail to get some fresh air and exercise, however you see fit. Whether you bike, walk, or rollerblade, this trail offers so much scenery to enjoy along the way.

*Go to the Beach

There are a number of beautiful beaches all over the area. Take your family to Ferry Beach and sit back, relax, while your kids jump off their pier into crisp, quaint Lake Charlevoix. Right downtown, you’ll find Michigan Beach on Lake Michigan. Complete with sandy beaches, a playground, and a lovely view of the lighthouse, Michigan Beach is the perfect local getaway. On the north side of town is McSauba Beach, a rustic beach graced with sand dunes providing breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. Lastly, Depot Beach, on Lake Charlevoix, is located at Charlevoix’s historic Train Depot & Museum on the north side of town. While you’re at the beach, spend some time looking for some Petoskey stones!

Camp at Fisherman’s Island State Park

This rustic campground features many wooded and spacious sites! Reserve a waterfront site just steps away from Lake Michigan to fall asleep to the sound of waves crashing. Hike their trails and swim at the beach for an unforgettable camping experience.

Enjoy Downtown

If you’re looking to stay in an area that’s a little livelier, take a walk downtown. You might find yourself in a sweet, small shop or enjoying a local brew. A few staples include Murdick’s Fudge, The Taffy Barrel, Harwood Gold, Bridge Street Tap Room, or eating waterfront at the Weathervane Restaurant. You could simply plant yourself on a bench in the park and watch the boats float across Lake Charlevoix. Downtown, there’s something for everyone!

Visit Art Galleries

Another underrated attraction that Charlevoix offers is a variety of art galleries. One of which is Bier Art Gallery, located in a unique schoolhouse setting, which inspires how art can be better displayed in the home. On the other hand, North Seas Gallery is home to European art and antiques, from statues, to oil paintings. Charlevoix offers all kinds of unique art displays all around town!

*Tour the Mushroom Houses

Charlevoix is known for many things, but one Charlevoix staple is the Mushroom Houses. These eleven houses were designed by architect Earl Young, beginning in 1919. You can listen to a tour guide on an hour-long tour through the neighborhood or *explore them yourself using this map. These houses are straight out of a story book, full of character and whimsy. The best part? Wedding parties can even rent a Mushroom House of their own for the weekend!

Visit McSauba Ski Hill

If you’re having a winter wedding and have guests that are looking for some activities to do in the cold, Mt. McSauba is the place to be. At Mt. McSauba, different options include skiing, snowboarding, snowshoe trails, a sledding hill, and even a skating rink. Whatever winter sport suits you, all are offered at Mt. McSauba.

Rent a Boat, Paddleboard, or Kayak

Every Michigander loves a lake day. Plan your own by renting a boat on Lake Charlevoix or Round Lake. Pack a picnic or order local takeout and bring it on board with a couple friends or family. Go for a dip or just enjoy the sunshine. It’s the perfect care-free day! Summertime Rentals offers everything from boats to jet skis. If you or your guests are interested in fishing, look to Whitecap Charters for everything you need to know from a local fishing expert. Sunshine Charters offers trips around Round Lake on a cruising yacht, a fun activity for friends and family of all ages!

Go to a Festival

Charlevoix’s downtown takes a turn when festivals come around. Charlevoix holds several festivals annually, including the Venetian Festival in the summer, Apple Festival in the fall, Shadowfest in the winter, and more. These festivals consist of all kinds of activities, from boat parades, fireworks, carnival games, artist booths, and more! There is surely something for everyone at each one of these events, no matter the time of year!

*See the Charlevoix Lighthouse

The Charlevoix South Pier Lighthouse overlooks Lake Michigan. You can follow the channel from the bridge in downtown Charlevoix and walk right up next to the red lighthouse. It’s the perfect place to watch a sunset or take photos. The lighthouse encapsulates Charlevoix, representing its breathtaking beauty and waterfront views.

Go to the Movie Theatre

Who doesn’t love going to the movies? Once you’re done exploring downtown, wander over to Antrim St for a movie. Grab some popcorn with an ice-cold drink, and spend an afternoon or evening watching a new film at our theatre, Charlevoix Cinema III!

*Explore the Castle’s Grounds

What better way to enjoy a Castle Farms wedding than coming back for a self-guided or guided historical tour? You can spend the day exploring the many gardens, strolling through courtyards, or listening to the fascinating hundred-year-old history. Enjoy a glass of wine right in the heart of the Castle. The Queen’s Tavern is a stunning, cozy backdrop, perfect for sipping on a glass of Visionary or Reflection, and is home to our 1918 Cellars tasting room.

We may be biased, but there aren’t many places better to have a wedding than beautiful northern Michigan! Give your guests the opportunity to spend a few days exploring Charlevoix, a true Michigan treasure.

Why to Book a Weekday Wedding

Written by Karrie Mueller on May 7, 2020. Posted in Blog, Wedding Tips & Trends. No Comments on Why to Book a Weekday Wedding

Weddings are almost always expected to be on a Saturday. But, why? There are plenty of other days of the week that would make for a perfect wedding day. Don’t push the idea away just yet, because there are plenty of reasons to show weekdays some attention.

Longer Vacation Time for Guests

Wedding guests are already looking forward to a fun-filled day catching up with family and friends. If your wedding is on a Friday, it allows them to take a couple extra hours, or even the day, to set aside for your wedding weekend. Same goes for a Monday wedding. Why stop there? Any day of the week can allow for some extra days off surrounding your big day. With Save the Dates and invitations, guests have more than enough time to plan accordingly and make a little vacation out of the week. If your wedding is being held at Castle Farms, guests can spend a few days enjoying local restaurants and shops downtown, touring the Mushroom Houses, hiking, exploring the Castle’s grounds, or venturing all over northern Michigan. They’ll have the opportunity to see and experience local food and activities or simply take an extra day to relax before heading home.

More Vendor Availability

Taking all the Saturday weddings into consideration, think of how open caterers, photographers, DJ’s, and other vendors are on, say, Mondays, Wednesdays, or even Fridays! This means that you have more options available to you on your wedding date. Had to ditch plans with your favorite local restaurant due to availability? Not when you’re booking them on a weekday!

Save Money

In some cases, it is way less expensive to have a wedding on any day other than a Saturday. Wedding venues can range anywhere from high to low. When weekdays are thrown into that equation, prices can drop dramatically. Saving on your venue can allow you to splurge in other areas, or just simply save some cash because, let’s face it, weddings can be expensive! Holding your wedding on a weekday can also be more affordable for your guests. Staying in a hotel room, in some cases, can be priced lower on a weekday.

More Quality Time with Out of Town Guests

Your wedding day—while absolutely beautiful and memorable—is a busy whirlwind of a day: from getting dressed and ready, to taking photos, getting married, taking more photos, briefly greeting guests, and enjoying your planned special events like having dinner, toasts, and dancing. Having a Monday or Friday wedding frees up more time to sit down and catch up with those who traveled far for your big day. Guests who work weekdays, would typically already have the weekend off, which means no one is in a rush to get out of town, allowing them more time to spend with the newlyweds.

A More Intimate Wedding

If you were planning on a more intimate wedding to begin with, a weekday wedding may be perfect for you. While there are quite a few people who work weekends and atypical weekday hours (take our Event Team, for example!), there are about 83% of Americans working the typical Monday through Friday. Though many employees have flexible work schedules where they can use a personal day or make up hours another day of the week, inviting weekday workers could still lead to having a narrowed down guest list giving you a quaint and intimate experience. If you’re planning your wedding festivities surrounding a weekday wedding, you can expect to have less-populated hotels, bars, and restaurants, even in a tourist town like Charlevoix. Even your venue will feel more exclusive to you and your guests.

Picking a date is such an important wedding decision. It is your future anniversary, after all! If there’s a date that you’re set on, go for it. It will fall on a weekend at some point in the future. After all, no matter what day you get married on, food tastes the same, pictures will still turn out beautifully, and at the end of the day, you can still have the wedding of your dreams. The fact is, your guests will try their best to be there if they really want (and are able) to celebrate with you. Therefore, it shouldn’t matter whether you choose a weekday or weekend day; choose what is best for you and embrace the memories that will be had on that special day!

Using Technology to Plan Your Wedding

Written by Karrie Mueller on April 8, 2020. Posted in Blog, Wedding Tips & Trends. No Comments on Using Technology to Plan Your Wedding

When planning your wedding, there’s so much more than just creating a wedding hashtag online. As necessary as it might be to scope out the work of photographers on Instagram or get inspiration from a Pinterest board, there are tons of online resources that can make wedding planning a breeze. The best part? You don’t have to leave your living room!

If planning in general is where you’re stuck, turn to wedding planning apps, like Wedding Planner by both The Knot and WeddingWire. Apps like those can build all kinds of useful tools like a spending plan based on your unique budget, guest list-tracking, streamlining vendor contacts, and creating a timeline.

Along with wedding planning apps, are sites that make the more personal side of your wedding a piece of cake. Wedding cake, that is. Zola provides an all-in-one registry site, builds free wedding websites, and Save the Dates. It’s the perfect one-stop-shop when it comes to creating a platform your guests can visit for any wedding day details.

Speaking of Save the Dates, it’s becoming more and more common to send them virtually. Think of all the time it takes to seal each envelope or the expense when it comes to postage. By sending them online, you can personalize any template without the risk of anything getting lost in the mail or accidentally thrown out. Oftentimes, you can send your Save the Dates right from your wedding website.

There are some circumstances that make getting your bridesmaids to a bridal shop all at once difficult. That’s why sites like Azazie are great resources. Through this site, your bridesmaids can easily select samples online, try them on at home, mail the samples back, and order their gown!

When it comes to finding those personalized pieces that make your wedding unique, Etsy is the place to be. Etsy is great for those customized pieces, while supporting a small business. You can get anything from engraved gifts, to signs, to programs, to flower girl baskets. Whatever you’re looking for, you can find it on there. If you’ve ever passed those adorable monogrammed table numbers at someone else’s reception and wondered “Where on earth did they get those?” Odds are, it was Etsy.

While you’re browsing the web, be sure to read up on all Castle Farms’ blogs. We have an entire category of blogs dedicated solely to wedding tips and trends. If you’re stumped on where to go from here, read more Castle blogs here.

On the day of your wedding, there are even more technological resources you can use to enhance your big day. Lots of couples these days are choosing to livestream their ceremonies on social media. This can be great when sticking to an intimate ceremony setting or accommodating elderly relatives who couldn’t make it. Couples can also add other fun elements to their big day using the internet, like creating customized Snapchat filters guests can use when sharing with friends. Video booths are also great, interactive ways for guests to have fun at your reception. They can create GIFs to share on social media, or just look back and laugh at the virtual memories they created.

Whether you’re leaning towards an unplugged ceremony or something more social media-savvy, there are countless online resources that you can use when planning your wedding!

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

Written by Karrie Mueller on March 17, 2020. Posted in Blog, Wedding Tips & Trends. No Comments on 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Modern Twists on Old Traditions

Written by Karrie Mueller on February 27, 2020. Posted in Blog, Wedding Tips & Trends. No Comments on 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!

Your Dream Wedding on a Budget: How to Prioritize So You Can Afford Your Castle Wedding

Written by Karrie Mueller on February 18, 2020. Posted in Blog, Decor Ideas, General, How-To, Table Design, Wedding Decor, Wedding Tips & Trends, Weddings. No Comments on Your Dream Wedding on a Budget: How to Prioritize So You Can Afford Your Castle Wedding

You’re engaged! Now it is time to start planning the big day – the venue, the flowers, the photographer, the caterer…oh my. Yes, there’s certainly a price tag that goes along with a wedding, BUT, there are ways to prioritize your budget so you can afford the wedding of your dreams. Follow these tips below on where to save and where to splurge while planning your wedding…

Where to Save

The Décor: Believe it or not, some of our favorite weddings have been less lavish and more creative (and budget-friendly!) in terms of décor. Simple, minimalistic touches like all white color story with a few accent colors such as gold, grass green or blush have a big impact while using a small budget. Here’s a good rule of thumb – the less your décor relies on flowers, the more affordable – and interesting – it can be. Incorporate non-floral elements into your bouquets and centerpieces, such as air plants, fruit, branches, even feathers. Another budget friendly approach? Candles! Add clusters of candles in varying sizes and heights or use floating candles in clear, water-filled bowls. Websites such as Pinterest will also provide tons of ideas in terms of budget-friendly inspiration for wedding décor. And when you host your wedding at Castle Farms, the beauty of the Castle provides an elegant backdrop that doesn’t need a lot of “dressing up” to make it perfect for your big day.

The Guest List: When you’re in love, you want to share it with the world. We totally get it! However, the larger the guest list, the bigger the expense. It is so important to base your guest list on the price point that you know you can afford – even if it means having to make cuts.

The Date: Another easy way to save is by choosing the right date. If you are getting married during peak season, do so on a Friday or Sunday. If you are set on having a Saturday wedding, consider having the event out of peak season. To learn more about available dates at discounted rates, schedule an appointment with one of our expert Venue Coordinators at Castle Farms.

The Cake: One of our favorite cost-cutting trends is with the cake! Instead of a costly traditional wedding cake, the bride and groom have their own mini-wedding cake, while each reception table has its own cake that serves as an edible centerpiece – a fun and interactive twist on the wedding cake – genius! Or – skip the cake altogether and offer a dessert bar that is yummy without breaking the bank.

Where to Splurge

The Venue: The wedding venue should be top priority when planning your wedding. It should be a place that speaks to you, one that allows you to tell your love story and express your personality and unique style. At Castle Farms, we offer a stunning environment for every style and size of wedding – from elegant garden rooms to regal stone-featured rooms, with the flexibility to choose your own vendors – making it easier to meet your budget and have the wedding of your dreams.

The Planner: While allotting a huge amount of your budget to a wedding planner is unrealistic, think twice before skipping a planner altogether. You may consider hiring one for the day of the wedding. By doing so, it will allow you and your fiancé the freedom to enjoy your wedding day rather than being distracted by the schedule, vendors and any unpredictable logistical issues. When you book a venue at Castle Farms, you will have a designated Venue Coordinator who will start reviewing your weddings plans with you two months prior to the big day. This will become your go-to Castle team member for all your venue needs – prior to and on the day of the event. In addition, you will have an assistant Venue Coordinator who will take care of the little things i.e. keeping the restrooms stocked, making sure the room temperature remains comfortable and making sure the vendor’s needs are taken care of.

The Photographer: Always, always hire the best photographer you can afford – even if it means making major cuts to other areas of your budget. You only have one shot at capturing these priceless wedding moments, so don’t take a chance on hiring a photographer that is just okay.

If you are interested in learning more about any of our exquisite wedding venues at Castle Farms, please contact us today at (231) 237-0884!