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West Michigan has an amazing array of venues to offer for your wedding. From rustic barns to romantic vineyards, elegant historic buildings to private lake shore homes, there’s a lot to choose from.

If you’re planning a destination wedding in Michigan, it can all be a bit overwhelming. Here are a few tips to get your search started on the right foot:

  • Do some research::Whether you contact a wedding planner for assistance, or do some online investigating, get a feel for what’s out there, and what fits within the style (and budget) for your wedding
  • Speaking of budget::Determine your overall budget, and your budget for a venue BEFORE you start shopping around and signing on the dotted line. Committing to a venue that is out of your budget could throw a real wrench in the rest of your plans if you don’t have much room to budge with extra money, and if you ask me, it’s often just painful to look at venues that are completely out of your budget. It’s like falling in love with that house or car you just can’t afford….not my idea of fun!
  • Consider the Area::So you found the perfect venue, fantastic! Before you commit, consider the area:are there hotels nearby for your out-of-town guests? Is there ample parking? Will you need to provide transportation? Will there be huge costs incurred from providing your own rental items such as tables, chairs, linens, a tent, china, etc.? If it’s an outdoor location, is there any “back up” location in case of inclement weather?
  • Read the Fine Print::Check out the venues policies and make sure things that are priorities to you are feasible. If you’ve already lined up a caterer, do they allow outside catering? Is there ample space for a band, if you have your heart set on one?

While it can be very exciting to find that perfect  venue and instinctively “sign the dotted line” to secure it on the spot, make sure you take atleast a moment to consider a few key factors, so that you can secure that venue knowing it will be just what you need to make your wedding wonderful!