Mackinac Island

Weddings

Congratulations! This organizer was created as a desktop companion to assist wedding couples with their Mackinac Island wedding. In conjunction with the official wedding website for Mackinac Island, wedding couples will find helpful advice, budget suggestions and worksheets as well as gorgeous imagery from real Mackinac Island destination weddings.

Also, there are hyper links that will put you in touch with just the right person in each contact section of this guide. Just mouse over and click any web address and you will be connected.

While there is no substitute for a good wedding planner, we believe using this guide is a good place to begin and hope you will find it a valuable resource. Should questions arise, and they likely will, feel free to call us and we’d be pleased to put you in touch with our wedding specialists for further assistance.

Sincerely,

MMary McGuire SlevinExecutive Director Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau (800) 454-5227 info@mackinacislandweddings.org

Contents

Wedding Budget 4

Mackinac Island Hotel Venues 7

Ceremony Sites 19

Horse & Carriage Liveries 25

Wedding Planning & Wedding Planners 28

Cakes 33

Florists 35

Invitations 37

Music 39

Photography 41

Salons 42

Mackinac Island Fudge Favors 43

The Marriage License 45

Rehearsal Dinners 49

Reception 53

Wedding BudgetWhile most wedding couples are not experienced at event planning and budgeting on a grand scale, this budget work-sheet was designed as a guideline to help you plan how to spend your money. The following percentages will assist you with how much to dedicate to the different categories for your wedding.

Many of Mackinac’s preferred wedding vendors live on the Island during the season, though there are also those who commute. When bringing vendors from off Island, be sure to ask if you are responsible to provide ferry transport, hotels rooms and meals and add this into your budget. Many of the Island wedding vendors have working relationships with hote-liers and often have commuter ferry tickets which will reduce your cost.

We think the best way to manage expenses is by hiring a wedding consultant who can assist you from what you envi-sion to how to make it happen within your budget. Mackinac Island’s consultants are great at offer alternatives based on their deep knowledge of Mackinac Island, its venues and available vendor services.

Wedding Rings (2 percent) Bride’s ring Groom’s ringAttire (8 percent) Gown and alterations Headpiece and veil Bridal accessories Hair and makeup Groom’s tux or suit Groom’s accessories Gown PreservationStationery (2 percent) Save-the-date cards Invitation Package Programs Seating and place cards Menu cards Thank-you notes PostageHotel Rooms (15 percent) Wedding Couple Parents/Grandparents Bridal Party

Wedding Rings (2 percent) Bride’s ring Groom’s ringAttire (8 percent) Gown and alterations Headpiece and veil Bridal accessories Hair and makeup Groom’s tux or suit Groom’s accessories Gown PreservationStationery (2 percent) Save-the-date cards Invitation Package Programs Seating and place cards Menu cards Thank-you notes PostageHotel Rooms (15 percent) Wedding Couple Parents/Grandparents Bridal Party

Ceremony (3 percent) Site fee Officiant Unity Candle Marriage License Miscellaneous fees Reception (40 percent) Venue Tent Food & service Bar & Beverages Cake Mackinac Island Fudge Favors Guest bookFlowers and Decorations (8 percent) Bride bouquet Bridesmaid bouquets Flower girl Groom Boutonniere Groomsmen Boutonniere Ring pillow Corsages Ceremony flowers Reception floral decor

Music (8 percent) Ceremony musician(s) Cocktail-hour musician(s) Reception musician(s) Disc jockey service Rooms & Ferry TicketsPhotographs and Video (8 percent) Photographer Videographer Prints and albums Disposable Cameras for Candids Rooms & Ferry TicketsFavors and Gifts (3 percent) Welcome gifts Bridal-party gifts Miscellaneous feesTransportation (3 percent) Horse Drawn Wedding Carriage Horse Drawn Taxis/Shuttles Ferry Tickets Valet parking at Ferry Docks Parking at Ferry Docks Gratuities for Carriage Drivers, Valet & Dock Porters

Mackinac Island Hotel VenuesThere is something special about having your wedding in a place that caters to those who are on vacation. It is not the mere idea that you are spending the night and having a meal, but the idea that you should be generously provided with care and kindness as well as entertained as a guest with liberality and goodwill.

The quaint ambiance, soothing lake breezes, romantic horse drawn carriages and three hundred years of American architecture provide a magical aura for your wedding. Profess your love amid classic architectural details, towering columns, soaring turrets, exquisite porticos, airy wrap-around porches, intimate yet whim-sical spaces filled with magnificent stained-glass, gorgeous chandeliers or barrel-vaulted ceilings while the devoted staff tends to every detail with style and grace as you celebrate your first day as a married couple. Knowing you will have proper silverware, china and glassware as well as professional wait staff and a real chef caring for you and your guests is refreshing in today’s throw away world. There are many historic hotels on the Island that are pleased to cater to your wedding needs. Whether its simply rooms for sleeping, spaces for gathering, rehearsal dinners in the hotel restaurants or a full ceremony and reception, the Island’s hoteliers will ensure every detail is handled.

On Mackinac Island, hospitality is a virtue and a way of life. Knowing this, wedding couples are ensured their meaningful union will be attended to with graciousness whether the wedding is economical or extravagant.

Grand Hotel An unforgettable romantic and memorable wedding is yours at Grand Hotel. With impeccably trained staff wedding coordinators, every detail; from cakes, floral arrangements, music and more will be organized to the smallest detail. Grand Hotel chefs can create the perfect menu while Grand Hotel Orchestra can provide live entertainment.

With three-hundred and eighty-five rooms, each decorated with its own special character and style ensures there is the right accommodation for you and your guests. Ceremonies and receptions may take place inside or outside at Grand Hotel; many with sweeping views of the straits of Mackinac.

The Grand Hotel experience requires evening wear in all areas of the hotel after 6pm: coat and tie for gentlemen and dresses or pantsuits for ladies.

ContactGrand Hotel1 Grand AvenueMackinac Island, MI 49757 (800) 33-GRAND(517) 349-4600

Onlinewww.grandhotel.com

Mission Point Resort Bordered by a flowering landscape and the glistening shores of Lake Huron, this inviting resort features two-hundred-forty guest rooms, four restaurants, an executive putting green, salon and spa, gym with saunas, swimming pool, bicycle rentals, theatre and more.

The experienced staff of wedding coordinators at Mission Point will assist you with your entire celebration including menus, cake, music, floral arrangements, photography, guest transportation, accommodations and more. The Mission Point Water’s Edge Gazebo is a popular place for ceremonies overlooking the straits of Mackinac and many historic churches are just minutes away should you prefer a church ceremony.

Stunning views, Old World hospitality and charm will surround you, creating a truly idyllic setting for your wedding.

ContactMission Point Resort6633 Main StreetMackinac Island, MI 49757 (800) 833-7711 (906) 847-3312

Onlinewww.missionpoint.com

Chippewa Hotel Waterfront Victorian era style atmosphere and modern amenities in the heart of downtown Mackinac Island may be found at Chippewa Hotel Waterfront. With sixty-one rooms with rates ranging from modest to elaborate, home of Mackinac Island’s famous Pink Pony Bar & Grill, there is plenty of space for your family and friends to call home and a classic downtown location to celebrate together.

The Chippewa Hotel Waterfront offers a breathtaking views of Haldimand Bay as well as Mackinac’s Main Street complete with the clip clop of Mackinac’s horses and carriages passing by.

With an on staff group sales manager, couples will be assisted with room blocks, the rehearsal dinner and reception for up to one hundred guests.

ContactChippewa Hotel Waterfront P.O. Box 250Mackinac Island, MI 49757(800) 241-3341(906) 847-3341

Onlinewww.chippewahotel.com

Lilac Tree Suites & Spa The Lilac Tree Suites & Spa features a lovely banquet space for up to one-hundred guests. New furnishings, beautiful artwork, a fully stocked bar, extensive menu offerings, a great dance floor and air-conditioning in a down-town location tucked away from the tourists will ensure your event is private and memorable. Your wedding will receive undivided attention as the only reception on-site at any one time.

Bridal parties can take advantage of the extensive range of massage treatments, manicures. pedicures, facials and tanning facilities in the Zen inspired Lilac Tree Spa.

The Lilac Tree Suites & Spa offers thirty-nine suites with a spacious living room and bedroom with a king or two queen beds. All suites are appointed with air-conditioning, refrigerator, coffee maker and nightly turn down service.

ContactLilac Tree Suites & Spa P.O. Box 540Mackinac Island, MI 49757(866) 847-6575

Onlinewww.lilactree.com

Accommodations DetailsHotel

Contact

Email

Phone

Room Block Code

Room Block Expires

Number of Rooms

Room Rates

Arrival Date

Departure Date

Check in Time

Notes

The CeremonyWith so many places to marry on Mackinac, it can be hard to choose. Places to marry include the gorgeous freshwater coast, a beautiful grotto, on a sailboat in the harbor, amidst the flowers in one of the many beautiful gardens, embracing the Victorian era in a pretty gazebo, at one of the many overlooks in Mackinac Island State Park, in military splendor at Fort Mackinac, on the porch of Grand Hotel, overlooking the water at Mission Point Resort, to traditional wedding in one of Mackinac’s historic houses of worship. When choosing a ceremony site, take the following into consideration; the number of guests, the mobility of your guests, the season and type of weather anticipated, family tradition, religious ceremony and associated regulations.

Outdoor weddings are very popular on Mackinac Island. It is important to have the location reserved well in advance and have a back up plan for rain (umbrel-las for all or a secondary site reserved). Also, take into consideration how you and your guests are going to get to and from the ceremony site. Horse drawn taxis may be booked in advance though you must know the pick up and drop off point and who is going to pay to transport your guests to and fro...average taxi rates range from $4.75 to $10 per person each way.

There are some areas of the Island that are off limits, so be sure to check with the Tourism Bureau, Mackinac Island State Park or city of Mackinac Island first.

ContactHistoric Mission Church Non Denominationalwww.mackinacparks.com

Kehillat Hatzav HagadolJewish Congregationwww.mackinacsynagogue.org

Little Stone Church Union Congregationalwww.littlestonechurch.com

Somewhere in Time Gazebo Non Denominationalwww.mackinacparks.com

Ste Anne’s Church Catholic www.steanneschurch.org

Trinity Church Episcopalwww.trinitychurch.org

Mackinac State Historic ParksBegin your lives together on Mackinac Island, a place where, according to Great Lakes Indian Tribes, life first began. Historic Mission Church is a non-denomi-national Puritan styled building. The church is available to rent for the rehearsal, wedding ceremony as well as for photo shoots on your wedding day. It’s not surprising that couples want to wed in the Somewhere In Time Gazebo , donated to Mackinac State Historic Parks from the set of the movie filmed on Mackinac Island starring Jane Seymour and Christopher Reeve. Nestled in the woods adjacent to Fort Mackinac, it is a private yet scenic spot for nuptials. Con-structed as a military post during the Revolutionary War, Fort Mackinac contains 14 original buildings, manicured parade grounds and the Fort Tea Room restau-rant (operated by Grand Hotel) overlooking the straits of Mackinac. This is a perfect location for a wedding and reception, especially for devotees of Ameri-can history. ContactMackinac State Historic ParksBox 370Mackinac Island, MI 49757(906) 847-3328 or (231) 436-4100

Onlinewww.mackinacparks.com

Ceremony Site NotesContact

Phone

Email

Address

Restrictions

Special Requirements

Equipment Needed

Florist Contact/Details Flower Details

Rehearsal Date/Time

Ceremony Date

Ceremony Time

Distance from Hotel

Distance from Salon

Distance from Docks

Horse Drawn Taxis required for bride? Yes No Time & location

Horse-drawn taxi required for groom? Yes No Time & location

Horse-drawn taxi required for guests? Yes No Time & location

Carriage Contact Carriage Ride after Ceremony? Yes No

Time of pick up

Notes

Horse & Carriage Liveries There are many styles of beautiful horse drawn wedding carriages on Mackinac Island. For a one to two hour rental, the horse drawn carriage will pick the newlyweds after the ceremony at a set time. Then, the wedding couple can embark on a romantic interlude before the reception. Many ask their photographer to record the carriage ride and Mackinac’s expe-rienced photographers will follow along on a bicycle in order to get the appropriate images of your first moments as a married couple. The clock starts ticking for your wedding carriage upon arrival so it is important to have your wedding coordinator and photographer keep track of the time during the post ceremony site photo shoot so you can enjoy a full car-riage ride. Many brides prefer to have the carriage for three hours in order to bring them to the ceremony, wait during the ceremony and then take the newlyweds on a long carriage ride to many locations on the Island for their wedding portraits. Experienced Island photographers will help you choose your portrait locations before the wedding day. They are a valuable time resource as they know how long it will take to get you to the shoot locations and then back to your reception on time.

Horse drawn taxis are used to move your guests and must also be booked in advance. Because taxis are dispatched and incredibly popular, calling one at the last minute on the day of your wedding to get you to the ceremony or to move a large group is not advised. It is imperative to contact the taxi service to book your horses as soon as you know how many people you are moving from point A to point B and who is paying for it. Reservations are necessary for wedding carriages and especially for horse drawn taxi service. Horse drawn taxi fees are assessed according to zone and per person each way. Horse drawn wedding carriages range from $250 to $600 per hour and taxis range from $4.75 to $10 per person each way. It is customary to tip taxi drivers and wedding carriage drivers.

To view wedding carriages and contacts for Mackinac Island Carriage Liveries, click on www.mackinacislandweddings.org.

Livery Company Notes Company

Contact

Horse Drawn Taxis required for bride? Yes No time, place:

Horse-drawn taxi required for groom? Yes No time, place:

Horse-drawn taxi required for guests? Yes No #, time, place:

Wedding Carriage Type

Number of Seats

Hourly Rate

Hours Booked

Location Pick Up

Pick up Time

Location Drop Off

Post Reception Pick Up

Post Reception Drop Off

Number of Guests

Other Horse Drawn Taxi Needs: Time & location

Other Horse Drawn Taxi Needs: Time & location

Notes

Wedding Planners &Wedding Planning Events Organizing a wedding is not something most have experienced, therefore the wedding coordinator is the perfect person to turn to when getting married and has become essential. Wedding coordination fees vary greatly from coordinator to coordinator and are surprisingly affordable. Some charge a flat percentage of the overall budget, generally 10 to 15 percent while others base their fee on the number of guests or hours worked. Whichever, you are paying them as a consultant, coordinator and for their organization skills. It is their experience with the destination and their ability to negotiate contracts with venues, restaurants, florists, musicians, photographers and other wedding vendors that will saves valuable time and money.

While its hard to admit, family dynamics can have a negative impact when planning your wedding and the wedding planner often acts as the mediator or counselor which reduces stress for everyone.

There are two wedding shows on the Island each summer, Mission Point hosts the first each May and the Tourism Bureau hosts the Destination Dream Wedding Weekend each October. Both are perfect for meeting vendors and doing site visits. Another valuable resource for wedding planning is the Mackinac Island Wedding Guide which is produced by the photog-raphers from Island Photo. With nearly two decades of wedding experience, their guide is complimentary and very detailed with stories written by professionals as well as real Mackinac Island wedding couples who share their experiences. ContactFor the Love of Mackinac(888) 847-3691www.fortheloveofmackinac.com

Mackinac Island Wedding Specialist (231) 436-5686www.mackinac.com/weddingspecialist/

ResourcesDestination Dream Wedding Weekend(800) 454-5227www.mackinacislandweddings.org

Mackinac Island Wedding GuideTo order a complimentary copy: (888) 597-3729www.mackinacweddingguide.com

Mackinac Island Wedding GuideThe complimentary Mackinac Island Wedding Guide is a complimentary magazine, which is available throughout the Island and may be ordered online.

It is filled with helpful articles, editorials, and is packed with wedding planning contacts exclu-sive to Mackinac Island. One of the guide’s best features is its wedding testimonials. Gaining insight directly from wedding couples about their Mackinac wedding is priceless. Who knows...maybe your wedding will be featured on the cover one day. Cheers!

Mackinac Island Wedding Guide(888) 597-3729www.mackinacweddingguide.com

Destination Dream Wedding WeekendEach October, the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau puts on a great wedding weekend where soon to be joined families can experience everything Mackinac Island has for a perfect destination wedding.

Meet with wedding professionals, view ceremony sites and reception locations, taste test culinary creations by the Island’s chefs, pub crawls and more. This is also the perfect opportunity for families to get acquainted while assisting with the planning of the wedding. Wedding professionals are assigned to different venues so that couples can meet and greet with a variety of service providers including wed-ding planners, photographers, musicians, videographers, and more. Designed to assist wedding couples in the initial stages of planning and give them an understanding of the Island, this weekend really lets families know how the Island works and how easy it is to have a Mackinac Island wedding.

ContactMackinac Island Tourism Bureau(800) 454-5227www.mackinacislandweddings.org

CakesThere are excellent pastry chefs and bakers living and working on Mackinac. Because of the unique environment, most hotels and restaurants will only permit pastry chefs and bakers they know and trust...heed their advice.

If you are having an outdoor reception and your cake is to stay on display for any length of time understanding Mackinac’s seasons and bird culture is paramount. For peak summer, steer clear of whipped cream, butter cream and meringue and opt for more durable frostings like fondant or butter-based butter cream to ensure your cake stays beautiful and delicious. Often, additional charges will be assessed by the venue for storing, setting up, providing a cake table and cutting, serving and packaging your cake for you and your guests.

If you should want to save the top of your cake for your first anniversary as is tradition, ask your venue if they will freeze your cake and hold it in their freezers until its time to go home. Having a mini sized cooler on hand to transport your cake home packed with ice bags would also be useful. If this sounds too compli-cated, many wedding couples simply order a small cake in the style of the wed-ding cake for their first anniversary.

To view cakes and connect with Mackinac Island Wedding Cake Companies, click on www.mackinacislandweddings.org.

Florists Beauty is in the details and flowers set the visual mood at your ceremony and reception. There are two full service florists right on Mackinac Island and they understand the seasons, locations and how to deliver the flowers to your venue with ease. They also are aware of the venues and the rules for decorating wheth-er in a historic church or on the wedding carriage. Mackinac florists can also advise you about your floral choices, how to help you set a budget, last minute arranging and more. On Mackinac Island, flowers are generally delivered at the last possible moment to ensure they arrive fresh and to prevent wilting. Flowers and floral arrangements will be delivered by horse drawn dray, by bicycle with a specially made cart or by garden cart.

It is not wise to bring flowers or hire off Island florists as storage is very difficult to find on island. Also, and importantly, the last thing you need to do on your wedding day is to be figuring out how to get your flowers off the boat and to your wedding. Many brides prefer to have their wedding coordinator work direct-ly with the florists after the flowers have been chosen. Island coordinators have a wealth of experience working with florists on Mackinac and many will assist with the set up and removal of your flowers from your venue.

To view wedding flowers, visit www.mackinacislandweddings.org.

Invitations & Mailing When planning a destination wedding, it is polite to send out Save the Date cards so people can include your wedding in their plans with advance notice. Often, guests from distant areas will incorporate their vacation plans around your wedding. We suggest sending out Save the Date cards may be mailed from four months to one year prior to your wedding. Invitations should be mailed six to eight weeks prior to your wedding day.

The design, color, motif and paper that you select for your wedding invitations is the first impression guests will have of your style as a couple and sets the tone for your wedding. Invitations are generally printed in the following methods: engraving, lithography, thermography, letterpress or blind embossing. Traditionally, the mother of the bride addresses the wedding invitations. However, she may outsource this responsibility to a professional calligrapher or a friend with excellent penmanship. It is always suggested to order extra envelopes.

The Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau offers a complimentary service to all wedding couples by mailing out the Mackinac Island Postcards to your guests. This is a helpful resource directing guests to the Island website, www.mackinacisland.org so they may choose their lodging and other things to do while attending your wedding. Just email your guest list in the Micro-soft Excel format to info@mackinacislandweddings.org. The Tourism Bureau will mail postcards in conjunction with the date you mail out your Save the Date cards or your formal invitations. Either way, be sure to mail your list one month prior to the date you are doing your mailing to allow sufficient time for staff to label, prepare and mail your postcards. d If you would like to have a Mackinac Island postmark on your wedding invitations, contact the Mackinac Island Post Office at (906) 847-3821 for details.

For Mackinac Island inspired wedding invitation companies, visit www.mackinacislandweddings.org.

Music An important part of every wedding is the music. There are many excellent musi-cians, bands and disc jockeys available to provide music for the rehearsal dinner, wedding ceremony and reception on Mackinac Island. Music is used at the ceremony to announce the specific order of events, each ceremonial event is often accompa-nied by a piece of music chosen by the bride and groom or recommended by the musician(s). Disc Jockeys are often the reception choice for many couples because of the versatility of their play lists. Island disc jockeys are more than willing to tailor their play lists to your taste.

Using musicians experienced with working on Mackinac Island is paramount. Those who know how to get around, know the venues, who to work with, set up and tear down logistics and how long it takes to get from one place to the other is of primary importance. This will ensure the music is being performed when and where its needed and most importantly, beautifully for your wedding.

Contact: Dance Hall DJs(877) 368-7280www.dancehall-djs.com Gregor MacGregor III, Piper(800) 529-8805 gregormacgregor.bagpiper.com

John Kissane, Pianist(906) 430-7051www.myspace.com/johnkissanemusic

Mary McGuire, Guitarist(906) 847-3463www.marymcguire.com

Photography What should you look for in a photographer? A witness. Knowing what you want and how much you can afford are an important con-sideration when hiring a photographer. When researching photographers, check their websites thoroughly before calling to see whose style most suites your taste. Creating portraits of the intimate moments and shared group moments is key to having a well rounded wedding album. The right professional photographer can spot a candid opportunity and knows how to pose groups so all are in view and look their best.

Once you have narrowed your list, call and talk to them about your wedding date and your needs. Be sure to take the time to get to know the photographer so they can get to know you and what you would like stylistically. Feel free to refer to im-ages on their sites or blogs so they understand your thoughts. Once you decide, ask about pricing, and deposit requirements in order to reserve your date.

Because of the unique environment and physicality of working on Mackinac, it is of utmost importance that the photographer you hire has a solid body of work to show their experience shooting weddings on Mackinac Island.

For all Island wedding photographers, click on www.mackinacislandweddings.org

ContactAndrejka Photography(805) 331-0146www.andrejkaphotography.com

Jim Nelson Photography(877) 537-2925 www.jimnelsonphotography.biz

McCoy Photo Duo(615) 435-3711www.mccoymade.com

Paul Retherford Photography(231) 945-1793 www.paulsweddings.com

Photography by Blair(800) 968-9998www.photosbyblair.com

Resort Photography(866) 841-1500www.resortphoto.com

Z Photo Media(216) 469-8267www.zphotomedia.com

Salons There are plenty of salons on Mackinac Island to have your ensure your pampering needs are met for the big day.

Many offer facials, body wraps, jetted spa baths, tanning, manicures, pedicures, styling and make up for the entire bridal party.

To view all Mackinac Island salons and spas, click on www.mackinacislandweddings.org.

Mackinac Island Fudge FavorsFudge favors are an Island tradition since the Victorian era. Mackinac Island is known for fudge made with only the finest and freshest ingredients and fudge favors have been a tradi-tion for every Mackinac Wedding since the Victorian Era.

Spoil your guests with Mackinac Island Fudge Favors. The fudge shops offer many flavors and the fudge is packaged in cute little boxes with the names of the bride and groom as well as the wedding date. Be sure to let your venue know to have a table set up for your fudge favor display or have the wee boxes at each place setting at the reception. Fudge is known as “Mackinac Island’s Sweetest Souvenir.”

ContactJoann’s Fudge(906) 847-6357www.joannsfudge.com

Murdick’s Fudge(906) 847-3530www.murdicks.com

The Marriage LicenseMichigan residents may marry anywhere in the state of Michigan but must apply for their marriage license in the county in which one of them lives. Non-resi-dents need to apply for their marriage license from the Mackinac County Clerk’s Office to be married on Mackinac Island.

Instructions and the application to marry in Mackinac County are online at www.mackinacounty.net. Be sure to observe filing deadlines and expiration dates for your marriage license and plan accordingly.

The Mackinac County Clerk’s office is located on the first floor of the Mackinac County Courthouse in St. Ignace and is 5 to 7 city blocks from the ferry docks in St. Ignace.

ContactMackinac County Courthouse100 S. Marley, Room 10St. Ignace, MI 49781Phone: (906) 643-7300Fax: (906) 643-7302

Onlinewww.mackinaccounty.net

Rehearsal Dinner NotesSite Reserved

Time from: until:

Contact

Phone

Email

Address

Restrictions

Special Requirements

Equipment Needed Decorating Ideas

Rehearsal Meal NotesOn site catering yes no Catering contact

Number of courses 1 2 3 4 5

Type of service plated buffet

Menu

Bar from: until:

Bar Service Host (master bill) Cash (Guests pay individually) Limited

Notes

Music from: until:

ContactCarriage House Dining Room(906) 847-3321www.iroquoishotel.com

Horns Gaslight Bar (906) 847-6154www.hornsbar.com

Pink Pony Bar & Grill(800-241-3341www.chippewahotel.com

Yankee Rebel Tavern (906) 847-6249www.yankeerebeltavern.com

Rehearsal DinnersA rehearsal dinner occurs after the wedding ceremony rehearsal, which usually takes place the night before the actual wedding. Its the perfect opportunity for the wedding party to get better acquainted and most importantly, it’s when the bride and groom thank everyone taking part in the wedding.

Traditionally the groom’s parents pay for the dinner and planning is left up to the mother of the groom. Tradition includes many toasts from the bride and groom to offer thanks and from the wedding party to wish the bridal couple a happy marriage. If you’re not having a bridesmaid’s luncheon, this is also an appropriate time to give bridesmaids and groomsmen gifts.

Early in your wedding planning it is important to choose the rehearsal dinner restaurant and make reservations once you have arranged your wedding cer-emony rehearsal. Mackinac Island is fortunate to have many excellent restaurants that are great at assisting with the rehearsal dinner. Depending on the size of your guest list, the restaurant may offer a customized menus in varying price points and will advise on bar menu ideas. Many offer menus online so you can get a good idea of their pricing and menus before you call or email. If you do not need to have a rehearsal, work with the restaurant on choosing the best time for your dinner. To stay in your budget, heed the advice of the restaurant when choosing hors d’oeuvres, dinner selections, beverage selections and dessert.

Carriage House Dining Room The Carriage House is that special place for your gathering on Mackinac Island whether you are planning a small ceremony, rehearsal dinner, intimate bridal luncheon or reception,.

Located at Hotel Iroquois, The Carriage House specializes in small, exclusive events, catering to your special wedding memories. The culinary excellence, ambience, impeccable service and attention to detail will make your occasion truly memorable.

Hotel Iroquois’ Carriage House offers the ideal waterfront location for your wedding event with an upscale medley of classic American cuisine.

ContactHotel Iroquois Main StreetMackinac Island, MI 49757(906) 847-3321

Onlinewww.iroquoishotel.com

Pink Pony Bar & Grill Located in the heart of downtown Mackinac Island, the Pink Pony Bar & Grill is a popular venue for memorable wedding events including engagement parties, bachelor/bachelorette parties, wedding showers, rehearsal dinners, bon voyage brunch and of course, a perfect wedding reception.

From twenty to a hundred, The “Pony” can cater your event in a variety of dining areas to fit any budget. Located in the Chippewa Hotel Waterfront there are breathtaking views of the harbor from the lake side deck or patio. For those who wish to remain indoors, you can still savor the same view from the Pink Pony’s beautiful Harbor View Dining Room.

Rates include linen rental, set-up and breakdown, table decoration set-upassistance, event coordination, menu printing and design and guaranteed space reservation. A back-up location in the event of inclement weather foroutdoor events will be assigned if necessary.

ContactPink Pony Bar & Grill P.O. Box 250Mackinac Island, MI 49757(800) 241-3341

Onlinewww.chippewahotel.com

ReceptionReceptions are how the family says thank you for coming and celebrating this union. On Mackinac Island, many begin their reception with a cocktail party and hors d’ouver tasting while the bride and groom are on their carriage ride. At an after-noon reception, wedding couples often opt for something wedding professionals call “heavy apps.” This is where the wait-staff circulates with trays of assorted appetizers which is an excellent option for those who want to have a variety of tastes ranging from pate to fresh shrimp to gourmet mini burgers.

The dinner is an important part of the evening reception and there are many ways to approach its presentation. Some prefer a plated or seated dinner, which is particularly good if the wedding couple are oenophiles and want to pair wine with each course. Because a seated dinner takes time, other couples prefer to have a buffet. The buffet is also good if the couple wants to get to the toasts and dancing right away. Many assume a buffet will be less expensive than plated dinners, but generally they are not. This is due to portion control as the chef will know exactly how much to prepare whereas the buffet is often endless for a specific period of time. Many chefs are pleased to provide plated dinners as “duos” which is one plate with two smaller entrées.

When choosing the theme, music and menu for the reception, it is important to keep the details between as few people as possible. Limiting input will help maintain the budget as well as reduce stress about conflicting preferences.

If the wedding couple would like to have announcements during the reception; announcing the couples entrance, seating for dinner, the father/daughter dance and wedding couple dance or any other traditions, , it is best to provide a list to the lead musician or disc jockey who will assist with announcements throughout the reception.

For places to host your receptions, visit www.mackinacislandweddings.org.

Reception NotesReception Location

Time from: until:

Contact

Phone

Email

Address

Deposit Paid? Yes No

Restrictions

Special Requirements

Equipment Needed Decorating Ideas

Reception Meal NotesOn site catering Yes No Catering contact

Number of courses 1 2 3 4 5

Type of service Plated Buffet

Menu

Bar from: until:

Bar Service Host (drinks on master bill) Cash (guests pay) Limited

Notes

Music from: until:

Checklist & ContactsCake Name:Email:Phone:Deposit amount & due date:Final payment & due date:Delivery time:Notes:

CatererName:Email:Phone:Deposit amount & due date:Final payment & due date:Arrival time:Notes:

Ceremony VenueName:Email:Phone:Deposit amount & due date:Final payment & due date:Arrival time:Notes:

DressesName:Email:Phone:Deposit amount & due date:Final payment & due date:Delivery date:Notes:

Ferry CompanyName:Email:Phone:Deposit amount & due date:Final payment & due date:Arrival time:Notes:

FloristName:Email:Phone:Deposit amount & due date:Final payment & due date:Delivery time:Notes:

Horse Drawn Wedding CarriageName:Email:Phone:Deposit amount & due date:Final payment & due date:Arrival time:Notes:

MusicName:Email:Phone:Deposit amount & due date:Final payment & due date:Arrival time:Notes:

OfficiantName:Email:Phone:Deposit amount & due date:Final payment & due date:Arrival time:Notes:

PhotographerName:Email:Phone:Deposit amount & due date:Final payment & due date:Arrival time:Notes:

Reception VenueName:Email:Phone:Deposit amount & due date:Final payment & due date:Arrival time:Notes:

Rehearsal Dinner VenueName:Email:Phone:Deposit amount & due date:Final payment & due date:Arrival time:Notes:

SalonName:Email:Phone:Deposit amount & due date:Final payment & due date:Arrival time:Notes:

StationerName:Email:Phone:Deposit amount & due date:Final payment & due date:Delivery date:Notes:

Horse Drawn TaxiName: Mackinac Island Taxi phone: (906) 847.3323E-mail:Deposit amount & due date:Final payment & due date:Arrival time:Notes:

TuxedosName:Email:Phone:Deposit amount & due date:Final payment & due date:Delivery date:Notes:

VideographerName:Email:Phone:Deposit amount & due date:Final payment & due date:Arrival time:Notes:

Wedding PlannerName:Email:Phone:Deposit amount & due date:Final payment & due date:Notes:

Additional Notes

Mackinac Island

WeddingsMackinac Island Weddings

PO Box 501Mackinac Island, MI 49757

www.mackinacislandweddings.org(800) 454-5227