Only 20% or so of the couples getting married each year are brave enough to have the ceremony and reception outdoors.  Far too many couples worry about the weather spoiling their plans.   Weather is easy to deal with.  Any good wedding venue should have a plan B in place.  I know at our place we have a plan B, C and D even though we have never used plan C or D.

The biggest party spoiler that I have seen is Alcohol.  Alcohol when used in moderation is fine just like everything.  I have seen alcohol turn a dream wedding and reception into a nightmare.  I have seen it change great memories of a wonderful party that was perfect into the party we wish we never had.

Although I have never seen or had a physical fight at any of our weddings we have all heard stories and seen videos of them.  Nothing will ruin a party faster than a fight.  I watched four friends subdue a guest for three hours one time.  It was a disaster for the five dates who had come to have a good time and celebrate.

Alcohol normally adds some fun to a party but when it’s over done it can zap all of the fun out of your celebration.

Here is my advice if have a friend or family member that you know drinks too much and spoils things (because of past actions) don’t invite them.  I don’t care who they are in relationship to you.  Not inviting them may cause you some problems in the future but you can be sure they won’t spoil your special day.

There is nothing worst than a friend saying years later ”Oh I remember your wedding.  It was your wedding that  ( _______ fill in the blank) vomited all over the DJ and the dance floor.”

I can tell several horror stories like these.  Stories where great wedding events were destroyed because of the stupidity of one guest and too much alcohol.  Again my advice is don’t invite “that guy, those guys, that couple.”  In 98% of the cases I have been involved in if there is going to be trouble it’s the guys that gets out of hand.  But I have seen some girls get way out of control too.

Oh sure Jim, it is easy for you to say don’t invite them they’re not your friends or family.  You’re right.  So look for a blog from me in the future ”How to explain why you were not invited to my wedding.”

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With all the joy that goes into planning your wedding and reception I thought that it is worth taking a moment to reflect on the passing of a very important person who has bought more joy to wedding receptions and dance floors than maybe any other person.

Larry LaPrise, the man who wrote “The Hokie Pokey” died peacefully at the age of 93.  The most traumatic part for his family was getting him into the coffin.  They put his left foot in.  And that’s when the trouble and trauma started.

Smile …… You know that was funny.

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Whether its pre-ceremony zip lining with the soon-to-be in-laws, finding a pristine beach to say their wedding vows or saving money – more couples are seeing the advantages to choosing Northern Michigan for their destination wedding. “It’s a weekend for all of your guests without the heavy price tag of a plane ticket,” said Brie Woodhouse, sales manager of Boyne resorts. As for some of the favorite spots that couples are choosing — Lighthouse Point, Treetops Resort, Boyne Mountain Resort and Boyne Highlands Vacation Resort.

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In the song “All Summer Long” Kid Rock sings “it’s the simple things, like where and when” and nothing is more important than the “where” when it comes to outside wedding and receptions in Northern Michigan.

The starting point is to write down what you have always dreamed of for your wedding location.  Was it a park?  By the water? In a garden? Next to a stream?

What time of year did you dream of is it spring, summer or fall.  There aren’t many outdoor weddings in winter but they can be done if that what you want.

Possible outdoor wedding locations can be found all over northern Michigan.  Many are free.  Free outside wedding locations still have rules just like rented locations.  It is important to know the rules before you decide on any location.

If you want to have a Champagne toast immediately after your ceremony and alcohol isn’t allowed what do you do?

Things like where is everyone going to get dressed become an issue too.

How is music going to be provide is another challenge.  Along with how do you resever a public space?  What are you going to have to rent? Chairs, tables, tents are just a few of the basics.  Who is responsible for set up and removal of these items?

Outside weddings can create special issues to overcome but they are the most memorable weddings you’ll ever attend.

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There is nothing more special to the bride and groom than their wedding day. That is why planning for a wedding is not an easy task. You want that day to be perfect, right down to the decorations.

When hosting an outside wedding and/or reception, you must keep in mind that there could be a slight breeze or other weather conditions that could hinder your beautiful decorating ideas. A few things to keep in mind when planning an outdoor wedding or reception:

• If you plan to have candles as a table decoration, consider using containers that would keep the wind from blowing out the candles such as deep votives, fishbowls, or hurricane lamps.
• In order to prevent table coverings from flying about, use large vases, pins or tape.
• Since this is an outside wedding, should the weather not cooperate and become a bit chillier than expected, use space heaters by tables and the dance floor.

We have a lot of experience with outdoor weddings and receptions and can help you plan your perfect day so that mishaps do not occur.

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If you are choosing to have your wedding and/or reception located outdoors, you have come to the right place.  Lighthouse Point offers the wedding couple and their guests with a unique wedding experience, overlooking the lake in the northern part of Michigan.  This is a one of a kind wedding destination that will be forever remembered by you and your guests.

If you plan to choose an outdoor wedding ceremony, planning in the late fall and winter is a must.  Due to the ever changing seasons in Northern Michigan, we hold our outdoor wedding ceremonies from the month of May through the beginning of November.  We only provide about 14 or so weddings per year so planning a head for this beautiful unique wedding day of your dreams is a must.

Please visit our website at www.lighthousepte.com for more information about our services.

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