Michigan-Grand Rapids — The Knot Community

Grand Exit Ideas

kharden94 — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 22:04:39 +0000

Hi
I am in need of a grand exit idea for my wedding. I am getting married in downtown grand rapids and i dont know if they allow confetti or sparklers. Any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated!

Grand Exit Ideas

kharden94 — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 22:04:25 +0000

RSVP DATE OR WEDDING DATE?

Knottie6c04759d1da7a161 — Thu, 14 Jun 2018 15:45:08 +0000

The wedding is September 15th, but we are requesting RSVP's to be returned to us by August 15th. Etiquette says to mail invites 8-10 weeks prior to the wedding. Would you use your actual wedding date or the RSVP date to calculate when to mail them?

Thanks!

VENUES!

Knottie1464532108 — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 14:15:39 +0000

Hi! So I have been actively searching for a venue for our reception that allows outside catering. Every place I have called said they don't allow outside catering! Please if anybody can help that would be great!!!

"Active" Bachelorette Party Ideas

Knottie1452565096 — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 19:07:12 +0000

Hello! I'm a GR native currently living on the East Coast. My sister is throwing me a small bachelorette with some close college friends in West MI, but we've both been gone too long to know what there actually is! I’d like to do something active or with an activity. I’ve poked around at the idea of brewery tastings, paint party things, etc. but does anyone have any other ideas? Timing is limited, so this will be a late afternoon gig most likely.

Vintage Car Rental West MI?

[Deleted User] — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 17:15:35 +0000

Hi everyone!

Our wedding is next year July 2017. So quite a ways out but I'm already thinking transportation...I'd love to get a vintage car (our wedding theme is Art Deco/1920's) for the FI and I to drive off into the sunset with. After a few searches I haven't had any luck finding a company in the area. Our wedding is going to be at the Bissell Treehouse in GR so something near-ish that would be ideal.

Any one know of a company or individual who rents out vintage cars?

Flower girl dresses

loznakhe — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 21:51:33 +0000

Looking for stores for flower girl dresses that have more variety and styles that are not just the same ol plain flower girl dress. Anyone have any good ideas?

Outdoor Venue Alcohol Restriction questions/help!

Knottie1454897796 — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 17:29:16 +0000

Hey fellow wedding planners,

We are running into a slight hiccup in regards to finding a outdoor location or venue that doesn't have a no alcohol policy. We've mostly looked at local camps (like Camp Roger for example), and due to it being a public outdoor area, they do not allow alcohol.

Does anyone know of any venues (that are on the cheap side!) where this is not a problem? And/or clever alternatives and work-arounds?

We are both quite new to this planning business, so any information shared would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you so much!

Photographer recommendation?

akgriggs34 — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 03:54:46 +0000

Does anyone have some recommendations for photographers near Kalamazoo/Grand Rapids that they love that within a $1,500-$2,000 price range? (I know there are lots of amazing people out there for $3,000-$3,500.) Thanks in advance!

Looking for affordable hair and beauty for wedding in Holland, MI

Knottie1442536909 — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 18:12:51 +0000

My fiance and I are getting married in Holland, MI at this beautiful estate. I wanted to have on-site hair and makeup for myself and the bridesmaids because the photos would be amazing. However, I am having a difficult time finding a place that is affordable. Does anyone know of anyone who may be starting out or do this as a side job near that area?

Any ideas would be appreciated!

Rehearsal Dinner Venue

Knottie14915973 — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 13:50:52 +0000

I am looking for a rehearsal dinner venue close to East Grand Rapids (where the church is) or downtown (where the hotel is). We would like something affordable and not too fancy. We narrowed it down to Gardellas, Derby Station, or Uccellos on the beltline. I have heard great reviews of Gardellas but I'm a little worried about parking because it will be during art prize. I like Derby a Station and Uccellos but I don't know much about their event process and have heard mixed reviews. Does anyone have any insight on these places? Or have any other ideas for venues? I would love to do founders but they only have beer and some people in our wedding party don't like beer :( thanks in advance for the help!

small wedding venue ideas

Knottie35233451 — Sun, 18 Oct 2015 13:32:47 +0000

I'm looking for ideas for a venue for a small wedding of about 50 or less in Michigan. Maybe a winter wedding. any ideas?

Gold Wedding Decor for Sale

Knottie44640932 — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 01:52:10 +0000

Happy Wedding Planning!
I hope all you fabulous bride-to-be's are enjoying the planning fun and not stressing too much.
I have some items from my recent gold, coral & navy themed wedding for sale. I have the following for sale as a lot:
1 tabletop chalkboard sign
1 rustic sandwich chalkboard sign
2 gold metallic metal ornate flower boxes (for flowers, programs, etc and can be spray painted any color)
8 metal IKEA lanterns (can be spray painted any color)
9 small glass round bud vases/candle holders
3 coral metal buckets (can be spray painted any color)
2 medium circular glass vases/candle holders
3 square glass vases/candle holders
3 sets of IKEA LILL tulle curtains (perfect for a gathered tulle backdrop or any other backdrop use)
1 gold metallic ornate frame (no glass) (can be painted any color and fits any standard poster board)
Asking $125 or best offer. Please contact me at sbrobertson316@gmail.com if interested or if you have any questions.

Decor For Sale

Knottie58689550 — Sun, 15 Nov 2015 01:05:49 +0000

Selling table and room decor. Colors were hops green, blue, and purple. Black table clothes, purple table runners, hydrangeas, bulb lights, bridal party bouquets and boutonnieres, and clear glass vases.

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/for/5316280031.html

Kalamazoo Knottie?

SpartanCat — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 23:50:09 +0000

Anyone in the Kalamazoo area know of inexpensive venues? We are still figuring out the ceremony part but it will most likely be a Catholic ceremony so we're looking for reception only. Any suggestions?

Also, does anyone have any tips on in house caterers vs booking your own caterer? I'm at the beginnings of planning and the options are making my head spin. We were thinking about July of 2016 but since we haven't even found a venue we might push back to 2017 to save up more money. So this may be a more "in the future" sort of thing

Halp?

Henderson Castle in Kalamazoo, MI - Anyone used them?

[Deleted User] — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 17:20:11 +0000

I'm looking to find someone, anyone, that has had their wedding at Henderson Castle in Kalamazoo, MI! I need validation on this venue, please please please comment below!!!

Opinions on Goei Center - Grand Rapids

hutch103 — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 00:17:20 +0000

Hi All,

I am currently looking for venues in Grand Rapids and I loved The Cheney Center but it's all booked for 2016 summer/fall. Has anyone had any experiences having the wedding at Goei Center in GR or been to weddings there? Any opinions to help me out? It doesn't seem as cool as the Cheney Center but still looks nice. I'm looking for a lofty, brick/timber feel.

Thanks all xoxo

Caterer?

thatgirl2 — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 19:38:38 +0000

I'm looking for a caterer in the Muskegon area. I only have 70 guests, but I'm getting quotes starting around $30 per head (including the 15-20% fee it seems they all charge). I've been asking for buffet quotes, but I've also asked about switching my wedding to a different day, heavy apps, sit down, or family style options. No matter what I cut, the price seems to stay at the $25-$30 range. I don't need to cut the cost much, my budget is really closer to $20-$21 per person (again, already including the 15-20% fee).

I also considered a drop-off catering and me DIY thrift store china, use an outside rental or heavy/nice plastic ware, but I don't have a planner or otherwise, so I'd be stuck clearing dishes at the end of the night.

Does anyone have experience with Drop off catering? Or, does anyone have a suggestion for a Muskegon caterer (at less than $30/head for 70 people).

Best Kalamazoo area spas?

chloe97 — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 19:40:34 +0000

Hi Michigan Knotties- One of my BMs lives in Richland, near Kalamazoo and I'm looking for a recommendation for a spa where I could get her a gift card that she could use to get a massage or facial. Any ideas? Thanks!

Reception venue

Knottie29169670 — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 00:17:52 +0000

Does anyone know of a reception venue in or around the Grand Rapids area that let's you bring your own food and beverages? In other words just a place to rent while we do the rest. I can't seem to find anything.

Rehearsal Brunch Locations in Grand Rapids, MI

mrsesd — Wed, 27 May 2015 14:43:58 +0000

Good morning!

Our wedding is 1/1/16 - New Years Day, as such we're planning a rehearsal brunch on 12/31 to avoid a crazy dinner rush that evening. Does anyone have any suggestions in the Grand Rapids area?

Thanks in advance!

Are you using paper or online invitations? + Get an invitation coupon code!

KnotHolly — Tue, 12 May 2015 14:36:25 +0000

Hi Knotties!

We want to know what’s really trending these days. What type of invitation will you or did you use for your wedding?

Will you use a traditional invitation, like this one from Wedding Paper Divas?

Or will you go the paperless route and send out online invitations, like this one from PaperlessPost.com?

Let us know below!

P.S. Anyone who responds before May 29th, 2015 will be sent a 20% off Wedding Paper Divas coupon!

We love this Michigan couple’s flowers! What do you think?

KnotRiley — Mon, 04 May 2015 20:05:30 +0000

Hi Knotties!

This bride, from Grand Rapids, MI, went with an orange and white calla lily bouquet.

What do you think of her bouquet? We’re looking for Knotties’ top choices for florists in your area. If you’re already married make sure you post below who you used (and loved!).

If you’re still searching for the perfect florist, check out other Michigan brides for more inspiration!

Kid friendly reception

KrysMathews4 — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 19:08:53 +0000

Ive found tons of places I really like but I don't believe they would be good for our young kids. We have 7 kids together 5 are under 7. And then there more kiddos coming. I want a place I can set up have it look amazing and have dancing but I also want something for kids to do so there not bored or I don't have to worry about things getting broke etc. In the grand rapids area.....ideas

Outdoor Ceremony-Grand Rapids, MI

Knottie07344994 — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 18:10:49 +0000

Does anyone know of anywhere where we could have just an outdoor ceremony? I have already found where I want our reception, but they don't offer ceremonies. I would love to have a beautiful outdoor ceremony! If anyone has any suggestions please let me know!

Who’s your favorite band or DJ in your area?

KnotRiley — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 14:43:43 +0000

Hi Knotties!
In honor of our new Top 10 Wedding Songs for 2015 list, we want to know: Are you going with a band or a DJ? If you’ve already hired your musicians or DJ, tell us who it is in the comments below to help give other local Knotties some great ideas and referrals.
Oh, and if you’re getting close to the date and you’ve already made your must-play list for the reception, head over to our Wedding Music Board to share!

Smaller Wedding Locations in Grand Rapids

Bartless — Tue, 03 Mar 2015 21:51:38 +0000

Hello all!
I am currently planning a wedding for Sunday September 6 2015. We have a very simplistic theme: urban - think hard wood, exposed brick, exposed beams. We have looked at McFadden's and Bar Divani and love them, but the food and beverage is at $50 a plate, which is a little too expensive. (I know this is probably cheap for some, but we have a very small budget). When we have found cheaper food, the room rental is $1000. Too much! I think our main problem is that our wedding is only 70-80 people, so most places we have looked are made for 250.
Anyone have ideas for smaller venues?

Brann's Waddell Center

lincoln16 — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 19:15:50 +0000

Has anyone used the Waddell Center in Grand Rapids for their reception? Would love to hear about your experience!

Richland/Hickory Corners/Augusta

Knottie43010257 — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 03:18:01 +0000

I have my dream venue in Hickory Corners but they will only hold receptions no ceremonies! Does anyone know of places open to holding only ceremonies that are possible outside or unique? Preferably not far away from the surrounding area for ease of my guests! Please help!!! I don't want to settle on not my dream reception venue!

Outdoor Wedding Venue?

[Deleted User] — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 16:14:26 +0000

Does anyone know of any places in the Grand Rapids area (and surrounding areas) that would be great for an outdoor wedding and reception??? I just moved to the area, so I don't know of any hidden gems around here. I would prefer not to go somewhere that is required to use their caterer. Thanks!