The Complete Guide To Planning Your Michigan Barn Wedding
Congrats! You’ve begun the exciting process of planning your Michigan barn wedding. To get you started on the right path, we’ve created a complete guide to planning your wedding so you can enjoy every moment of your big day.
Set a wedding budget (and stick to it)
We’re starting off strong with budgeting. Your wedding budget will be a critical factor in most wedding planning decisions. And while it may not be the most enjoyable conversation, it’s one of the most important.
Your wedding budget will include everything from the venue to flowers to the rehearsal dinner, so it can add up quickly.
When calculating your wedding budget, determine who’s contributing to the big day. It may just be you and your partner, or perhaps your parents or other family members want to chip in. Evaluate how much you can afford based on your monthly income and savings and work from there. Just because you can afford a $35,000 wedding doesn’t mean that’s the best option for you and your partner.
Determine your wedding priorities
Once you have a budget, the next step is to determine your wedding priorities.
You and your partner may have differing opinions about what is worth splurging on, so make sure you both get 1 “non-negotiable” item on your wedding day. It could be a wedding dress, open bar, or a late-night snack for your guests. Whatever you choose, make sure you allot money for it early on so you can correctly budget the rest of your planning items.
Choose a season and a couple of dates
If you’ve been dreaming of an outdoor wedding in Michigan, consider spring, summer, or early fall for your big day. But remember that no matter the time of the year, the weather is always unpredictable. Ensure your outdoor wedding venue has a backup plan if the weather doesn’t cooperate! The last thing you want is rain or strong winds to put a damper on your wedding day.
Once you have a season in mind, determine a few dates that work best for you and your partner so you can be flexible when deciding on a venue. It’s always a good idea to ask prominent family members like parents and grandparents if any dates don’t work for them. You don’t want to put a deposit down on a venue just to find out that your parents have a non-refundable vacation that weekend!
Pick a style and color palette
The season you’ll be getting married in will likely correlate with your style and color palette. There are no rules when it comes to your wedding day, but there are some tips and best practices to keep in mind:
Use in-season florals.
They will be easier for your florist to find and less expensive than out-of-season flowers.
Choose your wedding colors and search for inspiration on Pinterest and your preferred vendor’s websites. There are no ‘wrong’ colors—pick the colors that best suits your day.
Take inspiration from the venue itself!
Let the barn guide your decision on colors, flowers, and decorations. A rustic wedding venue will be decorated much differently than a traditional one.
Pick a wedding aesthetic that fits you and your partner’s personality. Whether you’re both bold and outgoing people or more minimalist and simplistic, your wedding should reflect your personality.
If you’re unsure of exactly what you’re looking for, ask your wedding vendors for some advice. They’re the experts and will likely be able to help you pick the right style and color palette quite easily!
Start working on your guest list
The size of your wedding will heavily depend on two things: your budget and personal preferences. Just because you can afford to have 75 people at your barn wedding, doesn’t mean you have to. The most important thing is that you and your partner are comfortable and happy!
Despite popular belief, not all weddings have 250+ guests. There are many different types of barn weddings, including:
Intimate weddings: These weddings are just you, your partner, and your favorite people. Intimate weddings are personal and allow you to relax and spend time with the people you love the most.
Tiny weddings: Tiny weddings are made for couples who want a small, one-of-a-kind wedding experience. These micro weddings hold up to 10 total people and are perfect for those who are looking for an effortless, stress-free wedding.
Elopements: It’s a common misconception that an elopement has to happen at the courthouse. Ranging from 4-14 people, an elopement at a barn venue can be a magical start to your forever love story.
Whatever size wedding you want, ensure that your ideal wedding venue can accommodate your wishes. Cornman Farms can accommodate weddings with guests ranging from 2 to 75 people.
Research and tour at least 2 venues
Even if you fall head over heels for the first wedding venue you see, it’s important to tour at least one other if you can. You don’t want to miss out on the venue of your dreams.
When you are researching and touring barn wedding venues in Michigan, consider:
Total wedding budget
Number of guests
Overall style
Availability
Amenities
Logistics
You may be surprised to see what’s included in your venue’s wedding package. For example, Cornman Farm’s venue packages include a getting-ready space, ceremony set up, tables, chairs, linens, officiant, florals, photography, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Compile a list of questions for your vendors
You know you need multiple vendors for your dream wedding to come to life—from the venue to the caterer to the DJ. But how do you decide which vendor is the right one? Here are a few questions you should ask all of your vendors before signing a contract:
How long have you been in business, and how many weddings do you do each year?
Do you have any examples of your work?
What is the payment structure and cancellation policy?
What is your travel radius?
Do you have a backup plan if you suddenly cannot attend the wedding due to sickness or emergency?
Do you have liability insurance?
Are you LGBTQ+ friendly? (if applicable)
Lastly, be sure to keep your guests in the know
Don’t forget about RSVPs and invitations when planning your Michigan barn wedding. Creating a wedding website can also help your guests keep the days and times straight, so no one will miss out on the festivities!
No matter the season, your perfect day starts at Zingerman’s Cornman Farms in Ann Arbor. Get in touch with our team to schedule a tour.