With as many weddings as we service year-round, we’re privy to emerging wedding trends across Michigan. So, if you want to know which elements are hot right now, we can give you some first-hand insight. We’ve seen everything (and we do mean everything), but we’ve put together a list of the biggest trends and our favorite items that we think are going to continue be big this year. If you need some wedding inspiration, look no further!
The top wedding trends in West Michigan that we’ve been seeing are:
- Barn Weddings
Barn weddings are sweeping the nation, and with all the beautiful outdoor space and rural areas in Michigan, this trend has caught on here faster than many other areas. In fact, barn weddings have become so common that they’re even dominating the scene in the spring and fall, which is surprising since they were initially just a summer wedding trend when weather was most ideal for being outside.
Farmers have been turning barns into rustic elegant wedding venues in record fashion to capitalize on this trend, which is good news for wedding planners and brides and grooms-to-be because it provides more options for the big day. This budget-friendly and guest-favorite option is a win-win for everyone attending. (It’s also a Pinterest favorite, which means it’s going to have significant staying power.) Don’t expect this trend to go away anytime soon!
- Lakefront Weddings
With Michigan’s many lakes and lengthy Great Lakes shoreline lakefront weddings have been popular for a long time. This isn’t a new trend but that doesn’t make it any less wonderful. Lakeside weddings are picturesque and elegant in a way that other wedding venues just can’t mimic. If you’re looking for an outdoor wedding venue with a lot of charm to impress guests, look no further than a Michigan lakefront setting.
- Repurposing Sports Venues
In West Michigan we love our sports teams – everything from minor league baseball to hockey. Many sports venues double as wedding reception venues for fun-loving couples that want a unique setting with lots of amenities. Using a venue that’s capable of hosting lots of guests and providing catering makes planning very easy because you don’t have to cut down your guests list or worry about bringing in your own food and beverage vendors.
- Craft Beer Bar
Gone are the days of traditional bar offerings at weddings! In West Michigan we know (and love) our craft beer. Instead of offering guests wine and spirits, consider hiring a local brewery to stock the bar with the unique flavors of their beer lineup. If you plan far enough in advance, you may even be able to have a special personalized brew made for your big day that incorporates your favorite flavors!
- Non-Traditional Cakes
Cupcakes, strawberry shortcake, cherry pie, apple strudel – these all make wonderful cake substitutions. Using local produce is a great way to bring the West Michigan spirit into your big day in a way that’s sure to impress guests. If you’re planning a summer wedding, these lighter seasonal favorites are a great way to embrace the season.
- Luxury Bathroom Trailers
Maybe it’s because Michiganders love outdoor weddings and maybe it’s because they’re just plain awesome, but luxury portable restroom trailers are sweeping the wedding scene. These aesthetically appealing portable bathrooms are a great way to keep your event classy while also providing the necessities regardless of where your event is being held.
- Holiday Dates
Having your wedding over a holiday weekend used to be frowned on because it meant that guests had to choose between their own holiday plans and attending your wedding. However, in recent years it’s become more acceptable to have your wedding over popular holidays like 4th of July or Memorial Day weekend. Couples that choose to have their weddings up north or lakeside can provide guests with an opportunity to get away and have fun with their families before and after the wedding.
Kerkstra Luxury Portable Restroom Service Inc. provides portable restroom service across Michigan and luxury restroom trailers for all of the states surrounding the Great Lakes. Take a look at our mobile restroom trailers and request a quote today!
