WEDDING PREP SEASON

I think we can all agree that weddings involve ample planning and forethought. Sure, you may decide to go to the courthouse or elope, both of which require less preparation and no seating chart, but there’s still planning to be done. What are you wearing? Who’s taking your photos? When is the big day? 

Many bridal-related websites offer wedding timelines and checklists to ensure you’re on track. For example, at 12 months out, secure a venue; 11 months out, hire a photographer; 9 months out, buy your wedding dress; 4 months out, choose your cake – you get the idea. There’s a lot to consider and figure out before and for your special day. 

 

Now, the cool thing about being located in Northern Michigan, specifically in downtown Petoskey, is that we here at PEcado are well-versed in the popular and lesser-known venues, vendors, and tricks and trades of the event industry. After all, we’ve dressed plenty of mothers-of-the-bride, mothers-of-the-groom, and wedding attendees. We’ve even supplied brides with their after-party dresses! And from May through September, we see many bridal parties and wedding guests enjoying the fun features of our quaint and lovely downtown area.

So, let’s take a trip down the wedding timeline and explore some planning milestones!

12 Months – Venue

Top wedding venues include the picturesque Inn at Bay Harbor, the contemporary NOMAD of Bay Harbor, the historic Perry Hotel, the pristine Bay View Association, and Charlevoix’s charming Castle Farms. However, there are other locations that might pique your interest, such as Gypsy Farms, Gabriel Farms, of Bliss Garden Farms – yup, Northern Michigan likes its farm locales. But don’t worry, these aren’t your typical Old MacDonald animal farms, but romantic and rustic venues with all the amenities you’ll need!

Another breath-taking site is East Park near Bay Harbor. The stunning view of the Little Traverse Bay, Harbor Springs, and Petoskey make for quite the ceremony backdrop!

11 Months – Photographer

A big element of planning is finding the best photographer to capture your day on digital film and video. Today, it seems like there’s a photographer on every corner, ready to help commemorate your day, or any event, but it’s vital that you find the right photographer who understands your vision for your big day. 

Three great photographers are Northern Territory Imaging, Alex Childress Photo, and Erin Leigh Imagery. Each company takes their craft seriously and is constantly expanding their repertoire, pushing creative boundaries, and staying up-to-date with photography technology. What more could you ask of a wedding photographer?

If you’re wanting to get more creative and art-focused, consider hiring an artist to paint a moment of your ceremony or reception! Local artist Patrick Wise is a live event painter who specializes in capturing you and your guests on canvas while the celebration unfolds.

9 Months – Dresses

Now, we aren’t known as a wedding dress boutique or bridal salon; however, we do carry a Ukrainian brand of evening wear whose wide variety of designs can all be ordered in white – because nowadays, practically any dress or style of gown can be a wedding dress. And besides, it’s about what you want to wear and feel the most beautiful and comfortable in!

 

 

Olya Mak carries dresses for all occasions but specifically offers their OM Wedding line with gowns designed just for brides. The “Dinah” and the “Maggie” are two styles we currently have in-store, and either would make for a stunning choice.

Even some of our Gepur options would make for gorgeous ceremony dresses!

Right around the time you’re selecting your wedding dress would be a good time for the mother-of-the-groom and mother-of-the-bride to pick their outfits too. We’ve had the pleasure of working with many mothers as they search for the perfect dress to wear for their son’s or daughter’s upcoming nuptials, and one of the favorites has been Olya Mak’s “Lavinia.” With its classy one cape sleeve and floor-length skirt, the moms will look like royalty.

And if you don’t find the dream outfit in-store with us, we can help you order the perfect bridal attire or accessory!

4 Months – Cake

In a world where cake still reigns as king for wedding receptions when it comes to traditional dessert, some brides and grooms are opting for other confections. Dessert bars and buffets are popular options, as are treats like mini cupcakes, macarons, little cheesecakes, cookies, pies, and even the unexpected doughnut walls that made a sticky splash this past summer. It’s all about what tickles your sweet tooth!

And Northern Michigan is lucky to have a variety of confectionery artists and bakers with delicious wares for you to taste-test. Small Batch at the Cupola, Johan’s Pastry Shop, Simply Sweet by Jessica, European Pastries of Petoskey, and JoJo’s Cookies are just a smattering of what our region has to offer.

Day Of – Attendee Activities

Sure, we’re jumping ahead, but another great thing about downtown Petoskey, and Northern Michigan in general, is that it is chock-full of places for your guests to check out and things for them to do while you’re taking wedding photos between the ceremony and reception.

Stop by one of the art galleries and peruse the work of local artists; grab a coffee at North Perk Coffee, Populace, Roast & Toast, or Beani’s Coffee Lounge in Boyne City (it’s gonna be a long night of dancing, after all); or start the party early and grab a fun drink at Beards Brewery, Ernesto’s Cigar Lounge and Bar, or High Five Spirits.

So, regardless if you decide to follow a timeline, and no matter how small the affair, give yourself enough time to pick out your dress, decide on desserts, and find the perfect photographer! And if you need help with the dress part, stop by and see us – we may have a few suggestions.

P.S. To make your wedding prep season go smoothly, don’t forget to relax especially leading up to the big day. Consider enjoying one of beautiful Northern Michigan beaches, doing an early morning yoga at Lavender Hill Farm or have a spa day at the Inn of Bay Harbor or Willoway Spa. But if you like one of us here at PEcado and last minute sun tan is not the best idea, Spray Tans by Lexie with naturally based solutions will give you a warm glow for the big day – plus, Lexie is located at Willoway Spa!! 2 in 1 😉

Written by Alex Dailey
Edited by Alona Kelly