The holiday season is magical; it’s when life seems to speed up and slow down simultaneously. After the rush to finish final projects at work, family and friends gather for meals, gift exchanges, and holiday parties. This season is also often magical for a special reason: many couples get engaged over the holidays! While the prospect of saying “I Do” is filled with excitement and anticipation, the accompanying pressure to plan the perfect event can be daunting. If you’re gearing up for a 2024 wedding, explore our three essential tips to kickstart your dream day preparations and ensure that your journey down the aisle is as incredible as when you said “Yes!”
Tip 1: Start With Your Guest List
Your guest list is central to all wedding planning efforts. Initially, the guest list helps ensure that you and your fiance are on the same page about the wedding size. From there, the guest list also helps to determine a realistic budget and what caterers and venues would best suit your needs.
Tip 2: Plan For Surprise Expenses
As with any event, the unexpected often happens during weddings. From catering emergencies to last-minute guest requests, planning for every possible day-of scenario is challenging. This is where having an emergency fund comes in handy. Save part of your budget (we recommend starting with 5% of the total) for any surprise expenses. Having extra cash on hand will help alleviate budget stress while preparing for your big day. In a “worst-case scenario,” you won’t need to tap into any saved funds and now have a little extra to spend on your home, honeymoon, or future expenses. Win-win!
Tip 3: Focus On What Matters Most To YOU!
We know it can be easy to be swept up in the excitement (and stress) of wedding planning. Just make sure that your choices authentically reflect you and your partner! Avoid making decisions based on what your family might want or what the latest wedding trend on Instagram says you should do. We also recommended putting down the Pinterest Board. Instead of copying someone else’s style, what colors and decorations speak to you the most? What type of vibe do you want your wedding to embody? Trust your gut and surround yourself with family, friends, and vendors who understand your wedding vision and values.
Central Park Place’s Recommended Caterers
Central Park Place does not offer in-house catering, but we allow couples to hire any caterer of their choice for the big day. If you are looking into local catering options, our team has compiled a Recommended Caterer List below!
Recommended Caterers
- Above and Beyond
- Arturo’s
- Beechwood Grill
- Distinctive Catering
- Dr. Rolf’s BBQ
- Edible Art Catering
- Hearthstone Bistro
- La Rotisserie Food Truck
- Lake Effect Kitchen
- Mary Mary Culinary
- Paisley Pig
- Porto Bello
- Quality Catering by August
- Righteous Cuisine
- Ryke’s Bakery
- Tudor Catering
- Winks BBQ
Grand Haven’s Premier Wedding Destination
We might be biased, but our team believes Central Park Place is one of Grand Haven’s hidden gems. Our facility offers numerous rooms for weddings and events of all sizes, with the option to add on our beautiful Atrium Gallery for cocktail hours and receptions. Wedding packages (starting at $1,000) include indoor rentals and outdoor options at City Beach and Central Park. Our team also offers free table and chair set up and tear down. If you want to learn more about our venue, please call us at 616-842-2550 or fill out our Contact Form today!
