Bridal Elegance is proud to be named as the place to go to find your bridal gown and bridal party attire in the Grand Rapids area! Read the article below for all kinds of great local tips on planning your Grand Rapids wedding!
How to Plan a Wedding in the Grand Rapids, Michigan Area
updated: January 6, 2011
Plan your ideal wedding in the Grand Rapids area.
Grand Rapids makes an ideal wedding destination with its large selection of venues, proximity to Grand River and cultural historical sites and communities. Providing both quaint, intimate settings as well as large lavish ones, you have many options in the Grand Rapids area. Once you have set your wedding date you can begin making the important decisions that will help to create your dream wedding.
Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need:
- Wedding planning book
- Pen
- Computer
- Phone
- Contact information
- Wedding date
- 1Visit a variety of venues before deciding where you would like to have your ceremony. Fountain Street Church offers weddings for nonmembers and has a package deal that includes a ceremony coordinator, music, candles and a social hall. Cascade Christian Church is another church in the area that allows members and nonmembers the opportunity to marry in the church. You may even bring your own pastor. Wedding chapels in the area include Point of Grace Wedding Chapel and Apple Blossom Chapel and Gardens. These chapels offer non-denominational services, historic buildings and affordable pricing. Consider a garden or the beach for an outdoor ceremony, or the Twin Gables Inn to have your ceremony on the pond, beach or vineyard. Book your ceremony location 12 months ahead of time if possible.
- 2Discuss your ideal reception location. Include in your conversation factors such as size, price, type of decor and style. The venue you select will depend mostly on your personal preferences. Consider the Mosaic Space for a modern affair that includes 4000 square feet of space adequate for 175 guests, a stage, kitchen and bar. If you would like a cultural venue that is different from the norm, try the Grand Rapids Public Museum that features its own catering and beverage service with hundreds of options from which to choose. Another option is to have a personal cruise for your wedding aboard the Grand Lady Riverboat in Grand Rapids. Catering and entertainment is provided as part of your package and you can personalize your cruise to suit your needs.
- 3Shop for your wedding dress and the rest of the bridal party attire. Bridal Elegance offers standard and plus-size bridal gowns, bridesmaids dresses and tuxedos.
- 4Retain the services of a minister for your wedding. Take any religious classes or premarital counseling as required by your church or officiant. If you are having a ceremony outside of a chapel or church, consider having a friend receive her officiant's license through an online ordination such as the one offered by American Fellowship Church or look online for a list of all available officiants in the area on Wedding Wire.
- 5Order your flowers or plan to create your own floral arrangements. Ball Park Floral offers lush bouquets for the bride and bridesmaids. Designing Dreams creates a variety of bridal bouquets as well as upscale ceremony and reception arrangements.
- 6Book the services of a musician, dj or other entertainment group. Go to the Grand Rapids Bride website for a comprehensive list of musical vendors as well as photographers, videographers, rental companies and bakers. Arrange for all necessary services.
- 7Visit the Kent County Clerk's Office and apply for your marriage license. Complete the necessary paperwork, pay the fee, and avail yourself for blood tests as required by your state.Only the bride or groom is required to apply in person or you may opt to apply online for a minimal $3 fee as of 2011. You must provide proof of identification and age. The license is valid for up to 33 days and you must apply at least three days before your wedding.
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Tips & Warnings
- Plan ahead of time as much as possible to have adequate time to tend to all of the details. Keep copies of vendor contracts and save the company phone numbers in your cell phone for convenience.
- Keep in mind the cold Grand Rapids weather common most of the year. Use indoor sites during the evening hours or inquire about ways to heat outdoor areas.
References
Resources
Who Can Help Sponsored
Photo Credit
bride and groom image by cherie from Fotolia.comLooking for more help or ideas? Call our experienced staff and let us help you plan the wedding of your dreams!
Bridal Elegance
6865 Cascade Road SE
Grand Rapids, Michigan
(616) 956-1119
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