With hundreds of vendors vying for your attention, planning your dream day can be stressful. We’re here to help with these wedding planning tips!
1. Let Your Setting Tell Your Story
What type of ambiance are you dreaming of for your wedding? Whether it’s unique and intimate, elegant and extravagant or simple and rustic, your venue will set the mood. Keep logistics in mind as well: How many guests are you inviting? What type of weather is likely? Answering each of these questions will help you find the perfect venue.
Photo by Ashley Slater Photography
2. Feature Your Favorite Local Foods
Wedding foods have a number of different styles, presentations and costs. Whether you prefer a buffet, plated meal or a more unique way to showcase your cuisine, it’s important that you enjoy it. Looking for a fun, relaxed meal? Try a food truck!
With an amazing local food scene, there’s no need to travel to find the best food for your guests. Many caterers offer Northern Michigan focused spreads.
Photo by Dan Stewart Photography
3. Small Touches Make Big Statements
The little details of your big day are what make it special, unique and truly your day. Think of all the activities, foods, drinks and products that you love as a couple, and share them with your guests.
Do you love going out for donuts together? Try a donut dessert! Big fan of Northern Michigan honey? Make it a fabulous party favor. Get creative! More ideas here.
Photo by Northern Art Photography
4. Wedding Planning for Any Season
We’ve all dreamt of a June wedding, but have you seen this gorgeous February wedding in Northern Michigan? Each season Up North comes with its own charms, challenges and beauty. Don’t be afraid to choose the month that means the most to you. Tip: wedding vendors often offer discounts in the off-season (December–April)!
Photo by Lux Light Photography
5. Meet Local Vendors On This Exclusive Wine Tour
All the best Northern Michigan vendors AND wine tasting? Sign us up! MyNorth has made it easy by getting together the North’s best wedding vendors at some of the most beautiful wineries (and wedding venues!) this area has to offer. Wine & Weddings is an exclusive event taking place on April 27 at 10 wineries on the stunning Leelanau Peninsula.
Meet top wedding vendors, including florists, caterers, dress shop owners and event planners at each winery and enjoy samples of local wines. Bring your bridal party, your partner, friends and family to get everyone in on the fun.
Photo by Oden & Janelle Photographers
45 North Vineyard & Winery
Located in the heart of the Leelanau Peninsula, 45 North Vineyard and Winery offers an ideal vineyard setting for your wedding paired with exquisite, award-winning wines.
Amoritas Vineyards
This winery and tasting room conveniently located in Lake Leelanau features grapes sourced from picturesque vineyards in Northern Michigan.
Aurora Cellars
A full production boutique winery with old world charm nestled in the heart of the Leelanau Peninsula. Aurora Cellars Terrace hosts intimate vineyard weddings and rehearsal dinners.
Black Star Farms
A unique wine and culinary destination in the heart of Traverse City’s wine country that features a stunning barn, charming inn, and a backdrop of rolling vineyards, perfect for a winery wedding.
Boathouse Vineyards
Handcrafted wines made from grapes grown and hand-harvested on their family-owned vineyard located atop a rolling hill on the Leelanau Peninsula.
Ciccone Vineyard
Set atop the highest hill on Hilltop Road and overlooking Grand Traverse Bay with panoramic vineyard views, this setting is magical. Ciccone hosts weddings under a 150-year-old maple tree on the “Criesta,” a grassy ceremony site.
Laurentide Winery
A boutique winery located in lovely Lake Leelanau on the 45th parallel that specializes in cool-climate wines.
Leelanau Wine Cellars
Forty years after their opening, Leelanau Wine Cellars is still family owned and operated, and boasts a distribution of over 200,000 cases per year. With a view of Grand Traverse Bay, their tasting room is truly beautiful.
Rove Estate Vineyard & Winery
Perched at 1,165 feet, this tasting room sits at the highest point in Leelanau County. The elevation not only creates breathtaking views and memorable sunsets but the perfect conditions for making award-winning wines and hosting your wedding.
The tasting room is nestled between rows of pine trees with an outdoor patio overlooking West Grand Traverse Bay. The location of the farm is ideal for growing heritage cider apples, aromatic hops and wine grapes.
Vendors on the 2019 Wine & Weddings Tour
The following businesses will be at the event with samples, photos, brochures and more. On the day of the event, ticket buyers will receive a map and information on where to find each vendor.