Advantages of Having a Winter Wedding

 

 Photo Courtesy of Arising Images

www.arisingimages.com

Have you considered having a wedding in the winter months?  My guess is most of you have not thought about this option.  Having been involved in planning weddings for over 13 years, I think this is a wonderful time of year for a wedding.  Here's why:

1.   You have a wider selection of Wedding Venues and Vendors

If you don't start planning soon enough for a spring, summer or fall wedding, you can miss out on securing the venues and vendors you prefer.  You may need to plan as far as 18 months to two years in advance for the most popular venues and vendors in your area.  Holding your wedding in the months of January through March gives you a much better chance of booking where you want your wedding to take place and the vendors at the top of your list.

2.   Discounts for Off-Season Weddings

Sometimes you can get off-season discounts from your venue and vendors.  Not all them will offer this, but some do in an effort to book during the slow wedding season.

3.   Combine two events into one

Dream Wedding and Event Planners just planned and coordinated a spectacular New Year's Eve wedding.  Everyone had a wonderful time at the Reception, but adding New Year's Eve into the mix ramped up the party even more.  You could combine your wedding day with Valentine's Day if it falls on a weekend.  We always plan and coordinate weddings around the three major summertime weekend holidays:  Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day.  The advantage for your guests is they have an extra day off work to relax, especially if they are from out of town.

 

Photo Courtesy of Blaine Siesser

www.BlaineSiesserPhotography.com 

4.   Romance, romance, romance....

Weddings are all about romance, but there's something special about winter weddings.  When you think of snuggling up with a cup of hot cocoa in front of a fireplace while there is snowstorm outside, especially with the one you love, it's almost like "comfort food".  Is there anything more romantic than the picture below inside a comfy limo with the snow swirling around outside?

 Photo courtesy of Jess and Nate Studios

www.JessandNateStudios.com

5.   Higher attendance 

The typical percentage of regrets for summer weddings is 20%.  This is because people have personal and family vacations planned and can't do it all.  In the winter months, however, people have settled in to the work and school routines after the Holidays and are happy to receive an invitation to a special event like your wedding day!

6.   The weather is more "predictable"

In the summer months, everyone hopes and prays the weather is sunny and warm with no rain predicted.  Even if it is planned to be held indoors, couples hope for the best so they can grab a few outdoor pictures in between.  In the winter, everyone knows it will be cold and can dress accordingly.

7.   Photos in the winter are gorgeous

Let's face it.  None of us enjoys shivering in the cold, but a fresh snowfall is beautiful.  Photos taken in the snow are romantic and fun.  You can still step outside for a few minutes to get some amazing wedding photos taken in the winter. 

Photo courtesy of Arising Images

Photo Courtesy of Blaine Siesser

So, you might be thinking, "Maybe...".  I say, "Why not?"  If you love the idea of a winter wedding with all of the beautiful decor that comes with it, your reception can be one that is talked about and remembered fondly for years to come.  There are so many advantages to consider holding your wedding event during the winter months.  Contact us for more information at 734.582.0200. 

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It's all about your Wedding Cake!!

CHOOSING YOUR WEDDING CAKE

Whether you choose a traditional white tiered cake with handmade sugar flowers, natural flowers or a more contemporary design in a bright color, what is certain is that after the Bride, your cake will be the focus of attention at your Wedding Reception.  

Choosing your wedding cake can seem like a daunting task.  I hope you find these words of wisdom helpful in finding your perfect wedding cake.

CHOOSING A CAKE DESIGNER

When choosing a cake designer, ask to see examples of their cakes.  Not only will this inspire you, but it will showcase their skill and expertise.  A talented cake designer can replicate any picture you bring them.  Have a tasting before ordering your cake.  Many cake designers will have a range of exquisite flavors, different fillings, and are often able to design a cake that incorporates more than one flavor.

ORDERING YOUR CAKE

When you meet with your cake designer, take along any pictures, inspiration or swatches of material you have for your dress, color schemes, flowers, venue, etc.  This will inspire them and make sure they make your cake so it matches the design and feel of your Reception.

 

The best cake designers can get booked up to one year in advance of your wedding date.  If you have your heart set on a particular designer, make sure you contact them in plenty of time.  For most cake designers, though, order you cake around 6 to 7 months in advance.  Once you have booked your baker, you will be asked to confirm the date of delivery and pay a deposit.  You will need to have secured your venue, have a idea of the budget for your wedding cake, and discuss the delivery time of your cake with your Wedding Planner at Dream Wedding and Event Planners.

When thinking about the size of cake you need, consider the number of guests who will be attending and whether you will be serving the cake as dessert or part of a dessert table.  This will affect the number of slices you will be serving.

Confirm with your baker whether you will be providing any flowers for decoration or if you would prefer edible sugar flowers.  Also, make sure you advise your designer if they need to make allowances for guests with nut or other allergies.

Of course, don't forget the cake stand.  Some bakers will have stands for you to rent, or your Planner at Dream Wedding and Event Planners can locate a rental for you.

CUTTING YOUR CAKE

Believe it or not, wedding cakes are a long and ancient tradition dating back to the Roman Empire.  In those days, the Groom would break a loaf of bread over the head of his new Bride as a symbol of dominance.  Thankfully, times have changed and the meaning behind the cutting of the cake has evolved in a joyful celebration representing the start of the couple's life together.

You cake can be cut after your Grand Announcement into the Ballroom and served as dessert, or after dinner, at which time the cake slices can be served later in the evening with coffee, summer fruits or ice cream.

The bottom line is this:  Select the designer of your cake that reflects you as a couple, the formality of your wedding reception, and taste.  If a wedding cake does not taste as good as it looks, it is a waste of money.  I'm sure you want your Guests to enjoy every aspect of your Wedding Dinner and Reception, and everyone looks forward to a delicious slice of the Wedding Cake!

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Selecting the Right Wedding Venue

 

  Photo Courtesy of Jess & Nate Studios

Now that you're engaged, you are embarking on the search for the perfect ceremony and reception sites.  Before you get started, here is a list of what you need to know:

1.    Talk with your fiance and families about how many guests you plan to invite.

2.   Determine your budget - the most amount of money you want to spend on absolutely everything.

3.   Hire Dream Wedding and Event Planners for their expertise and advice. It can be overwhelming.

4.   How do you want your ceremony and reception to feel to you and your guests? 

5.   Make sure your reception venue is "roomy" enough to comfortably fit all of your guests.

6.   When you are standing the room, try to visualize where everything will happen.   

    
7.   Look for columns or any obstructions that might block your guests' view.

8.   How private is your reception space for your party?

9.   Lighting is key.  Try to visit you space at the exact time of day you are planning the event.

10. Determine if the curtains/carpet will blend with your color selection.

11.  Does the room have good acoustics so your music sounds good?

12.  Make sure there is plenty of parking.

These are just the "tip of the iceberg", but important elements to keep in mind during your search.  Dream Wedding and Event Planners will assist you in every aspect of your planning journey.  They will help you with every detail, often addressing pros and cons that you would not be aware of.

Destination Weddings in Michigan

When couples throughout the Country think about destination weddings in Michigan, it is common for them to consider a Beach wedding on one of the Great Lakes or at the Grand Hotel on the fabulous Mackinac Island. Michiganders, however, know all too well that some of the most spectacular venues and cathedral churches are located right in the Detroit Metro area.

 

  

In the downtown Detroit area, there are magnificent cathedral churches with a rich historical background like the ceremony above planned by Dream Wedding and Event Planners. (Photo courtesy of Blaine Siesser Photography).  The First Congregational Church of Detroit is another Ceremony favorite that offers tours of The Underground Railroad with a rich history as one of the national forerunners in the Anti-slavery movement. There are numerous churches in the Detroit Metro area with over 150 years of history and unique architectural design. 

Dream Wedding and Event Planners participated in the design of the forest-like ceremony pictured below for their Clients in an indoor venue in the Detroit Metro area while it was still snowing outside. (Photo courtesy of Jess and Nate Photography)

If you are searching for unique, impressive Wedding Reception venues, consider one of the elegant venues in Detroit, Michigan.  They have grown in popularity due to their ambiance and spectacular cuisine (picture courtesy of Inspired Art Photography).  

Michigan's mansions have a storybook beauty with vibrant, manicured gardens and historical ambience. These are just the "tip of the iceberg" among the diverse, breathtaking locations from which to choose.

Regardless of your style, budget or guest list, be certain the venue of your choice fits your personality and style.  

Why hold your Wedding Ceremony and Reception at a hotel venue?

There are definite advantages for planning your wedding ceremony and reception at a hotel.  You will save time and money by choosing a hotel for your wedding and guest room block.  Here are some of those advantages:


1)  The Bride, Groom and Wedding Party will not need to book transportation services (limo or party bus) to take them to and from the church or ceremony site, then to the reception location.


2)  If the Ladies are getting their hair and makeup done at the hotel, they will already be onsite the night before the Wedding Day.  They will not need to travel from a home or other hotel suite to the ceremony venue.

Photo courtesy of Jess & Nate Photography

 

 

3)  Everyone (Wedding Party, Families and Guests) will be much more relaxed knowing they are already on location for all of the festivities of the Wedding Day.  You will not need to reserve shuttle services for your guests from their hotel(s) to the ceremony and/or reception.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4) The Wedding Party can decide to rent a limo or party bus to go offsite for pictures on their wedding day, especially if they choose to have a "First Look" and see each other privately before the official Ceremony planned for the early evening.  Check out Dave and Carmen's pictures around downtown Detroit, Michigan:

 

 

All Photos Courtesy of Adam Czap Photography

 

 

 

5)  The Bride and Groom have the advantage of seeing their Reception Ballroom all set up prior to the Reception start time since they are on site all day.

 

 

 

 

6)  Also very important is the convenience factor for your Guests.  They will arrive the night before or the morning of the wedding, valet their cars, and will not need to leave again until they depart the day after the wedding. 

 

 



 

 

There are many beautiful hotels in the city and beyond that are a great choice for Weddings.  Ask your Wedding Planner, Kathy Byrum of Dream Wedding and Event Planners to research and recommend the hotel(s) that best suits your style and budget.





 

 

 



Your Engagement Pictures and Why Have Them Taken

Engagement is your promise to each that you will marry.  Having your Engagement pictures taken is an important part of that engagement.  Some couples ask, "Why bother?".  There are several reasons why you should definitely have these taken before your wedding day.

Having your Engagement picture photo shoot is indispensable because this is a "once in a lifetime" part of your journey together towards the wedding.  They are part of the emotional aspect of getting engaged and planning your wedding.  In the years to come, you will reminisce about this special moment in time.

Photo Courtesy of Blaine Siesser Photography

 

 

 

They can be used as your Save-The-Dates to send out about eight months before the wedding day.  It will give your guests a more personal feeling about you as a couple and will look forward to the wedding.

 

 

 

 

 

It will get you both comfortable with your wedding photographer.  It is critical that you like your photographer (determine this when you initially meet with him/her before hiring) because it will definitely show on your wedding day that you are not yourselves.  This is not a time to be unfamiliar with your photographer who will be spending the entire day and evening with you.

 

 

 

Photo courtesy of Adam Czap Photography

 

 

 

You can use one of your favorites pictures to frame and display on an easel at your Reception.  Some couples display it with the glass on the picture.  Others like to leave the glass off and have a wide border with pens available for their guests to write well wishes to them right on it.

 

 

 



 

 



 

Typically your photographer will include the Engagement Session as part of his/her photography package.  Don't miss out on such an important event in your lives.  You will regret not doing so down the road. So, schedule your pictures well before the wedding day.  But most importantly:  Have fun!





 





Transportation Tips for your Wedding Day

 

Photo Courtesy of Jess and Nate 

Selecting your Limo, Party Bus or a Rolls Royce for Transportation on your wedding day is more important than you might think.  You need to make sure the company you select is dependable with great drivers and a well-maintained vehicle.  Here are a few tips for picking the right company and vehicle:


Book your car company at least six months out, sooner if you can.

You should hire your car company sooner than later so you can get the vehicle of your choice with the right company.  After you have your wedding date, ceremony and reception locations and your timeline determined, start researching.  Dream Wedding and Event Planners can save you time and money by helping you research our preferred limo companies that have proven track records with our past couples.  They can also pass on a discount to you simply because we are handling the details for you.

Photo Courtesy of Jess and Nate

The Style of your Vehicle

A classic white limo is perfect for a traditional wedding.  If this is not your style, you can match your ride to your taste.  You can have a classic car take the Bride to the Church then around town with the the new Mr. and Mrs. for pictures between the Ceremony and Reception.  But what about your Wedding Party?  You can hire a fun party bus or limo so they can celebrate going around town with you.  You can ditch the classic car at a certain point and hop into the limo or party bus with your wedding party for the final pictures.  Then everyone can head back to the Reception together having the time of your lives.

Photo Courtesy of Blaine Siesser

Be sure to visit the car rental company to see the vehicle of your choice.

We don't want any surprises on your wedding day, especially with your limo, party bus or specialty car.  You can most certainly view the fleet of vehicles they offer on their website, but seeing it in person will give you the reassurance that you have selected the car that is right for you and your wedding party.



When choosing the rental time, plan for lateness or delays.

Dream Wedding and Event Planners will help you put together a very detailed, comprehensive Timeline from the beginning of your day until the very end.  It is critical to allow for the Ladies or the Men starting a little late on their way to the Ceremony or taking a bit longer than you plan for after-Ceremony pictures around town.  Kathy Byrum, your Lead Planner will make sure everything stays on schedule so you don't keep your Guests waiting.  However, it is always wise to set aside a certain portion of time in the schedule for traffic issues or other tie-ups.  Again, the last thing we want is for anyone to feel late or rushed at any time.  This is your wedding day...  Your only focus should be getting dressed, arriving and having a wonderful time.