Welcome to Fraser Michigan’s Ultimate 2022 Wedding Planning Guide! This guide will help you plan your dream wedding, whether small and intimate or large and extravagant. We hope you find everything you need within these pages, from tips on selecting the perfect venue to choosing the right catering company.
We know that planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but don’t worry – we’re here to help. This guide includes everything you need to know about getting married in Fraser, Michigan. We’ve got all the best tips, advice, and everything you need to know about getting married in and around Fraser, Michigan.
Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials; now, let’s get you on your way to buckling down all of the final wedding details!
Start Planning Early
The sooner you start planning your wedding, the better. This will give you plenty of time to do your research, book your vendors, and ensure that everything is just perfect. Not only your wedding ceremony but everything from the minute he pops the question and she puts on her shiny engagement ring to the rehearsal dinner. And everything in between!
Most couples try to give themselves at least a year to plan their own wedding. This planning timeline may seem like a long time, but it will go by much faster than you may imagine.
If you don’t have a full 12 months for the planning process, don’t fret! Our wedding planning checklist will help you get organized and make the most of the time that you do have.
It’s never too early to start planning, so get started as soon as possible!
Set a Wedding Budget
Before you start planning anything, it’s essential to sit down with your soon-to-be spouse and set a wedding budget. A budget will help you determine how much you can afford to spend on each aspect of your big day, and it will make sure that you don’t go into debt just to have the wedding of your dreams.
Start by figuring out how much money you have to work with, and then start allocating funds to different aspects of the wedding. For example, you’ll need to account for the cost of the venue, the catering and other wedding vendors, the wedding photographer or videographer, a florist, the DJ for the wedding day, engagement parties, wedding bands, and much more. Once you have a rough idea of how much these things will cost, you can set your wedding planning budget.
Remember, you don’t have to spend a fortune to have a beautiful wedding. There are plenty of ways to cut costs without sacrificing the quality of your big day. For example, you can ask friends and family members to help with some of the tasks associated with planning and executing the wedding.
Download a Wedding Planning App
You can’t have too many resources when it comes to wedding planning. So, in addition to this guide, we recommend downloading a wedding planning app to help you keep track of all of the details associated with your big day. There are plenty of great apps on the web!
Wedding planning apps can help you keep track of your budget, to-do list, guest list, and much more. They’re an essential tool for any bride- or groom-to-be, so be sure to download one as soon as you start to plan a wedding.
Start a Wedding Registry
You can take this fun step before any extensive event planning starts. A wedding registry is a list of gifts you would like to receive from your friends and family on your big day. It’s essentially a wish list for your wedding, and it can be a great way to get started on your married life together.
You can register for anything you want, from kitchen appliances and linens to home décor and furniture. It’s a good idea to start your registry as soon as possible so that your guests have plenty of time to shop for your gifts.
Pick a Wedding Date
One of the first things you’ll need to do when planning your wedding is picking a wedding date. The date you choose will determine many other aspects of your big day, so choosing wisely is important.
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a date for your wedding. First, consider the time of year that you want to get married. Some couples prefer the warmer months, while others prefer the cooler months. Consider the weather in Fraser and plan accordingly.
Second, keep your guests in mind when choosing a date. If you have out-of-town guests, you’ll need to make sure they can take time off work or school to attend your wedding. Choose a date that works well for everyone involved.
Finally, consider the cost of getting married on different dates. Some dates, weekends and holidays, for instance, will be more expensive than others. If you’re on a tight budget, you might want to consider getting married on a weekday or during an off-peak time of year.
Choose Your Wedding Party
One of the fun parts of planning a wedding is choosing who will stand by your side on your big day. Of course, this is typically done by the bride and groom. Still, it’s not uncommon for couples to ask their parents or other family members to help with this task, as long as you trust them to make a choice that you’re happy with.
Start by making a list of all the people you want in your wedding party. Then, narrow it down to those whom you feel closest to. Once you have your final list, it’s time to start asking people to be in your wedding.
Remember, you don’t have to have a large wedding party. If you only want to ask a few close friends or family members to stand by your side on your wedding day, that’s perfectly fine. There’s no right or wrong number when choosing your wedding party.
Create Your Guest List
Once you’ve chosen a date for your wedding, it’s time to start creating your guest list. This can be a daunting task, but it’s important to invite everyone you want to be there on your big day.
Start by making a list of all the people you and your partner want to invite to the wedding. Then, start narrowing it down based on your budget and the size of your venue. If you’re having a smaller wedding, you might only be able to invite close family and friends. You can invite extended family, friends, co-workers, and other acquaintances if you have a larger wedding.
As you create your guest list, remember that you’ll need to send invitations at least six to eight months before the wedding. This will give your guests plenty of time to RSVP and make travel arrangements.
Send Out Save The Date Cards
These cards are sent out to your guests to let them know when your wedding will occur. They’re typically sent out 6-8 months before the big day, but you can send them earlier if you have guests who need to make travel arrangements.
You can design and print your own save-the-dates or order them from a printing company. Be sure to include all of the crucial details, including the date, time, and location of your wedding.
Hire a Wedding Planner
One of the best things you can do when planning your wedding is hire a professional planner. A good planner will take care of all the details of your big day, so you can relax and enjoy the festivities.
A wedding planner can be a great asset, especially when planning a large or complicated wedding. They can help you find the right vendors, stay within your budget, and keep track of essential details.
Some wedding venues, such as Premier Events Center in Clinton Township, Michigan, may have an in-house full-service wedding planner that can save you the trouble of searching for wedding planners while figuring out how to plan a wedding.
Decide on a Theme or Color Pallet
One of the first things you’ll need to decide on is a theme or color scheme for your event when wedding planning. This is a crucial step in the process because choices for wedding invitations, decorations, and more will all be influenced by the theme or color scheme you choose.
If you’re having trouble deciding on a theme, try thinking about what represents you and your partner as a couple. For example, do you both love the outdoors? Consider a nature-themed wedding. Are you both avid travelers? Travel-themed wedding events and pre-wedding events might be perfect for you!
Choose Flowers and Decorations for the Ceremony and Reception
This is one of the most fun items on the wedding planning checklist! After all, what’s more fun than picking out pretty flowers and decorations for your big day?
This step is a long process that may not be finished until just before the wedding! Start by looking through magazines or online for wedding inspiration. Once you’ve got an idea of the style you like, set up appointments with a few local wedding vendors such as florists and event planners.
And don’t forget to ask your fiancé for their input! This is a big day for both of you, and it’s essential that you’re both happy with the way everything looks.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding flowers, consider using silk flowers instead of real flowers. Silk flowers can look just as beautiful as real flowers, and they’ll last much longer!
Create a Wedding Website
In today’s tech-savvy world, most couples create a wedding website during their wedding planning so you may share important information with their guests. A wedding website is a great way to keep your guests up-to-date on all the latest wedding news, from the wedding date and wedding venue to the registry and sharing of engagement photos or photos of your engagement ring! Also, if you decide on a wedding hashtag for social media, mention it on your website!
Creating a wedding website is easy and can be done for free with sites like The Knot or Zola. Simply create an account, choose a template, and start sharing essential bits of your wedding plan with your guests!
Announce Your Wedding to Friends and Family
Now that you’ve set the date, created your guest list, decided on your wedding party, and debuted your wedding website, it’s time to start spreading the news!
The best way to get the word out about your big day is by sending out formal save-the-dates and wedding invitations, but announcing your wedding day plans on social media is a great way to get the word out fast.
Suppose you’ve given yourselves plenty of time to plan a wedding. In that case, save-the-dates should be sent out at least six months before the chosen wedding day, while you should send wedding invitations out at least eight weeks before the big day.
Plan an Engagement Party
Traditionally, the bride’s parents host the party. However, nowadays, couples often throw their own engagement party or forgo one altogether. If you do decide to have an engagement party, it’s important to plan it well in advance so that you can send out invitations and give your guests plenty of notice.
A party is an excellent opportunity to celebrate your love and commitment with close family and friends. It’s also a chance to get everyone excited for the big day!
Start Looking at Venues
Once you’ve got a date and guest list in mind, it’s time to start looking at venues!
One of the most critical aspects of your wedding will be the venue. The venue you choose will set the tone for your entire day, so choosing wisely is essential. Take your time and look at various options before making a decision.
When searching for a venue, there are a few things to consider. First, consider the size of your guest list and find a venue that can accommodate everyone comfortably.
Second, think about the type of atmosphere you want to create. Do you want a formal affair? A rustic outdoor wedding? Something in between? Once you’ve got a good idea of what you’re looking for, you can search for venues that fit your needs.
You don’t need to book your venue just yet, so if you haven’t found the perfect place, don’t worry! You may need to do numerous walk-throughs of different locations before finding the perfect wedding venue.
Choose Music for Your Ceremony and Reception
One of the items on our wedding planning checklist that tends to take more thought and sentiment is choosing music for your ceremony and reception. This task may take months to complete, so it’s best to start early.
What’s a wedding without some good tunes to dance the night away?
Start by making a list of your favorite songs and songs you know your wedding guests would be happy to hear. Then, once you’ve figured that out, start brainstorming ideas for the type of music you want to be played at your wedding.
If you’ve decided to hire a live band, it’s imperative that you give them a list of songs they should know for your wedding reception.
Choose a Caterer
Your catering choices will be another of the most critical decisions regarding wedding planning. Not only will your caterer provide appetizers and a meal for your big day, but some caterers can design a specialty wedding cake just for you!
When choosing a caterer, it’s crucial to find one that you can trust to provide quality food and service. Ask around for recommendations from friends or family who have recently gotten married. Once you have a few caterers in mind, set up tasting appointments so that you can sample their food before making a final decision.
Some venues, like Premier Events Center, may have on-site catering services that you can use. Hiring wedding professionals with a kitchen and banquet hall in the same venue includes convenience and peace of mind knowing everything will be taken care of on your big day. There is less chance of guests getting a lukewarm meal or an error in what was ordered. And, if you do run into these problems, an on-site kitchen allows for an immediate remedy to the situation!
However, finding an external caterer is still an option if you’re not interested in using services at the reception venue.
Start Planning Your Reception Menu
The food you serve to friends and family at your wedding reception should highlight your wedding day! Of course, you want the food to be delicious, but you’ll also want to make sure there’s something for everyone.
If you’re having a hard time deciding what to serve, try thinking about your favorite foods. What are some of your family’s traditional dishes? What are some of your favorite comfort foods? What meal went over really well at a recent wedding you attended?
Once you’ve got a few ideas in mind, start looking at catering menus and see what options are available. If you’re unsure what you want, ask the caterer for recommendations. They should be able to help you come up with a menu that everyone will love!
Don’t Forget About the Cake!
Your wedding cake is the centerpiece of your wedding day! Not only should it be delicious, but it’s also a beautiful decoration that will add to the overall look of your reception.
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a cake. First, decide what kind of cake you want. Do you want a traditional tiered cake? A more modern sheet cake? Something else entirely?
Once you’ve decided on the type of cake, it’s time to start thinking about flavor. What flavors do you and your spouse-to-be enjoy? Do you want a classic vanilla cake or something more unique, like strawberry lemonade? The sky is the limit for wedding cake flavors, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
After you’ve decided on the flavor, it’s time to start thinking about design. Do you want a simple cake with a few small decorations, an elaborate cake with sugar flowers, intricate details, or even a handmade topper?
Start looking at wedding cake pictures online or in magazines for design inspiration once you’ve got a good idea of what flavor or type of cake you want. You can also ask your caterer or venue for recommendations of local cake artists. Once you’ve found a few that you like, set up tasting appointments so that you can sample their cakes and see if they’re the right fit for your big day!
Hire a Photographer
Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event; the next point in this wedding planning checklist is to hire a photographer to memorialize all of the special moments and capture your wedding style in beautiful photographs.
It’s crucial to find a photographer whose style and previous work you connect with. For example, do you want traditional posed photos? Candid shots? A mix of both?
After you’ve found wedding inspiration on the type of photos you want, start asking friends or family members if they have any recommendations for photographers. Be sure to look up their portfolios on a website, social media, or in person.
Once you’ve got a few names in mind, set up consultations to meet in person and get an idea of their personalities. You will be spending a considerable amount of time with your photographer on your wedding day, so it’s vital that you find someone you feel comfortable around!
During your consultation, be sure to ask about their rates, packages, and what’s included in each. It would be best if you also asked to see a full wedding gallery from a recent event to get an idea of their workflow and how they capture the day.
Once you’ve found the perfect photographer, book their time for your wedding date and cover the deposit!
Hire Entertainment
Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, but that doesn’t mean it has to be perfect.
One of the most important things to remember during your wedding planning is that this day is about you and your spouse-to-be. So while it’s important to please your guests, don’t forget to do what makes you both happy!
One way to make sure your wedding day is everything you’ve ever wanted is to hire entertainment you’ll both love. This can be anything from a live band to a DJ, magicians, or even fire dancers!
The options are endless, so it’s essential to think about what kind of atmosphere you want to create on your big day. For example, if you’re having a more laid-back affair, a live band might be the perfect fit. But if you’re looking for something more high-energy, then a DJ might be a better choice.
No matter what you decide, be sure to hire entertainment that you and your spouse will enjoy!
Apply for a Marriage License
After choosing a date, setting up things like reception venues, and sending formal invitations, take the time to apply for a marriage license. In Fraser, you can obtain a marriage license by visiting the Macomb County Clerk online or in-person and filling out an application.
Be sure to bring all necessary documentation when applying for a marriage license. Also, heck your state’s guidelines on how long your license is valid!
Start Looking for an Officiant
If you haven’t already started looking for an officiant, now is the time to do it!
An officiant is someone who will officiate your wedding ceremony, and it’s important to find a licensed officiant whom you feel comfortable with.
The first step is to decide what type of officiant you would like. For example, do you want a religious officiant or a secular officiant? Once you’ve decided that, start looking for someone who meets your criteria—research officiants in your area online and be sure to check out their reviews!
Start Planning Your Rehearsal Dinner
The rehearsal dinner is a beautiful opportunity to spend time with your closest family and friends before the big day. It’s also a great chance to get everyone acquainted if they haven’t already met!
When you plan a wedding rehearsal dinner, start by deciding on a date, time, and location for the rehearsal dinner. Then, once you’ve figured that out, start brainstorming ideas for the menu.
And don’t forget to ask your fiancé for their input! This is a big day for both of you!
Find the Perfect Wedding Dress
Next up on our wedding planning checklist is finding the perfect wedding dress!
Shopping for wedding dresses can be an exciting and daunting task when you plan a wedding. Still, it’s important to remember that there is no “perfect” dress. The most important thing is to find something that makes you feel beautiful and confident on your big day.
Start by looking through magazines or online for dress inspiration. Pinterest is a great place to find your wedding style and see all the latest trends!
Set up appointments at a few local bridal shops once you’ve got an idea of the style you like. Be sure to bring along a supportive friend or family member and any accessories you might want to wear on your big day.
Finding a dress that fits all of your criteria can take some time, so be patient and keep an open mind. This may be one of the most complex parts of the planning process for some brides, but it’s important to remember that the dress is just one part of your big day.
And don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes on your bridal boutique adventure!
Choose Bridesmaid’s Dresses
After finding your own wedding dress, it’s time to start shopping for bridesmaids’ dresses!
This can be a fun task, but it’s essential to keep in mind that not everyone in your bridal party will have the same taste as you do. So while it’s important to find a style that you love, it’s also vital that the members of your bridal party are comfortable in their dresses.
Start by looking through magazines or online for dress inspiration. Set up an appointment for you and your bridesmaids at a few local bridal shops once you’ve got an idea of the style you like.
And don’t forget to ask your bridesmaids for their input! Your bridal party doesn’t have to love every aspect of their dress, but they’ll be the ones wearing them. As long as they are comfortable and feel beautiful on your wedding day, that’s all that matters!
Pro Tip: If your wedding party loves the attire you have picked for the wedding ceremony, it will show in your wedding pictures!
Rent or Buy Tuxedos
The next item on our wedding planning checklist is finding the perfect tuxedo or suit for your groom and groomsmen! You should take some time to decide on whether you want to buy or rent your tuxedos for the day.
If you’re not sure where to start, take a look at some of the latest fashion trends for inspiration. Then, once you’ve got an idea of the style you like, set up appointments at a few local formalwear shops.
And don’t forget to ask your groom and his party for their input on their ideal groomsmen attire! They’ll be the ones wearing the tuxedo or suit on your wedding day, so it’s vital that they’re comfortable and feels handsome in their wedding attire. (Even if only for the sake of your own wedding pics!)
Purchase Wedding Bands
Yes, “purchase wedding bands” is on the wedding planning checklist, although it may seem obvious! The wedding planning process can get hectic, and what good is a wedding planning checklist if it doesn’t remind you of all of the essential tasks!
Your wedding rings symbolize your love and commitment to each other, so it’s crucial to find something you both love and feel comfortable wearing daily!
Start by researching online or in magazines to get an idea of wedding rings that appeal to you. Set up appointments at a few local jewelers once you’ve got a picture of the style you’re drawn to.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to ask your fiancé for their input! It’s always good to get feedback from your partner on such a necessary purchase to make sure you’re on the same page!
Book the Honeymoon
As soon as you start planning a wedding, it’s time to think about your honeymoon! This is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, so it’s essential to take the time to plan it out.
Start by deciding on a destination. Do you want to go somewhere tropical? Or somewhere with a lot of history? Once you’ve decided that, start looking into hotels and resorts.
Pro Tip: It’s important to book your honeymoon as soon as possible to ensure that you get the dates and room you want without any hassle!
Do a Final Dress Fitting
If you haven’t already, be sure to make time for a final dress fitting in the last two to four weeks before your wedding! This is an essential step in the wedding planning process because it ensures that your dress will fit perfectly on your big day.
Make sure to bring your shoes and undergarments to the fitting so that the tailor can get an accurate idea of how the dress will fit.
And don’t forget to schedule a hair and makeup trial run around the same time to see how your whole look comes together!
Run a Hair and Makeup Trial
A hair and makeup trial goes hand in hand with your final dress fitting.
This is also an excellent opportunity to meet with your hair and makeup artists to discuss your vision for your wedding day look.
Be sure to bring any pictures you found on wedding websites or social media that you would like to use as inspiration.
During the trial, your artists will be able to assess your hair and skin type and give you an idea of what will work best for you. They’ll also be able to experiment with different looks until you find the one that you love.
Don’t forget to take pictures to remember what you liked and didn’t like!
Confirm Pay All Wedding Vendors
It’s important to confirm all of your vendors in the weeks before your wedding and pay for their services. This includes your photographer, videographer, florist, band or DJ, caterer, event planning company, and anyone else providing a service for your wedding dates.
You should confirm your vendors at least one month in advance, but it’s better to do it sooner. This way, you can ensure that they are still available and that there haven’t been any changes to their business or contact information.
It’s also a good idea to reconfirm your wedding day timeline with all of your vendors. This way, everyone is on the same page, and there won’t be any surprises on your big day!
Write Vows and Select Readings for the Ceremony
If you haven’t already, now is the time to start writing your vows! This is a vital part of the wedding planning process. Your vows can make your ceremony truly personal and unique.
Start by brainstorming a list of things that you love about your partner. Then, narrow it down to the top three or four most important things to you. Once you have your list, start writing out your vows using those things as a guide.
If you’re having trouble getting started, there are plenty of resources online that can help you. There are also many books with sample vows that you can use for inspiration.
In addition to writing your own vows, you may also need to select readings for the ceremony. Many beautiful passages can be read during a wedding ceremony, so take some time to browse through different options.
You may want to ask a close friend or family member to read one of the passages, or you can ask your officiant to help you choose something meaningful to you as a couple.
Practice Your Vows
Now that you have your vows written, it’s time to start practicing! This is an important step in the process to plan a wedding because it will help you feel more confident on your big day.
Start by reading your vows aloud to yourself in front of a mirror. Pay attention to your posture and your facial expressions as you speak. Then, start practicing with a family member or friend.
It may feel awkward at first, but the more you practice, the more natural it will become. In addition to practicing your vows, you should also take some time to familiarize yourself with the ceremony itself.
If you haven’t already, ask your officiant to send you a copy of the ceremony script. This way, you’ll know exactly what will be happening and when. It’s also a good idea to attend a few weddings as a guest so you can see how the ceremony is typically conducted.
Pro Tip: If you haven’t attended a wedding in the past, you may benefit from looking up ceremonies on youtube or searching for a script on google before your own wedding day.
Pack for Your Wedding Night and Honeymoon
As your wedding day gets closer, you will need to start thinking about what you’ll need to pack for your wedding night and honeymoon.
Wedding nights are often hectic, so it’s best to pack everything ahead of time. This way, you won’t have to worry about forgetting anything important.
Be sure to pack your wedding dress, shoes, jewelry, and any other items you’ll need for the ceremony and reception.
If you’re planning on going on a honeymoon right after the wedding, it’s a good idea to start packing for that as well. Make a list of everything you’ll need and start packing a few weeks in advance, so you’re not rushed. Also, don’t forget your honeymoon suite reservation information!
Create a Seating Chart for Guests
If you haven’t already, now is the time to start working on your seating chart. Whether you have a big or small wedding, seating assignments can be a daunting task. Still, it’s important to get it done to focus your energy on wedding checklist items that are more fun, such as bachelorette parties and cake tastings!
Start by making a list of all the people invited to your wedding. Then, start grouping them based on their relationship to you. For example, you may want to put all of your cousins in one group and your friends in another.
Once you have everyone grouped, start assigning them seats at the tables. If you have a large wedding, you may want to create multiple seating charts so people can choose their own tables.
If you’re having trouble figuring out the best way to seat everyone, many resources online can help you. You can also ask your venue coordinator or planner for assistance. You can even enlist friends and family to help fill you in on who may or may not get along with whom. (The last thing you want is to make a seating chart for your wedding guest list that ruins your own wedding!)
Be Sure to Get a Good Nights Sleep and a Healthy Breakfast
Wedding days are long and often stressful, so it’s crucial to ensure you get a good night’s sleep the night before.
It would be best if you also ate a healthy breakfast on your wedding day. This will help you stay energized and focused throughout the day.
If you’re feeling especially nervous, some calming teas can help you relax. You may also benefit from listening to a guided meditation, if only so you can take ten minutes for yourself without someone asking you a question! Finally, avoid having more caffeine than usual, as it may make you more anxious.
Choose Premier Events Center to Host Your Big Day
Now that you know how to plan a wedding, it’s time to start looking for venues! If you’re looking for a modern, stylish venue near Fraser, Michigan, look no further than Premier Events Center.
We offer a variety of two separate event spaces that we can customize to fit your specific needs, including combining the two rooms for a bigger space. In addition, we have a state-of-the-art kitchen on-site with a catering staff that is happy to accommodate your every need and an in-house event planner on standby, ready to help you with the finer details of your big day.
We understand that every wedding is unique, so we offer various services and packages that we can tailor to your specific event.
Our team is dedicated to making sure your wedding day is perfect, from start to finish. Contact us today to schedule a tour of our facility, inquire about availability and pricing, or book your wedding and reception event!
We hope this guide has helped you with your wedding planning. If you have any questions that we did not answer here, please feel free to contact us. We are always happy to help!