With its stunning parks, iconic landmarks, and scenic waterfronts, it’s no surprise that couples are interested in taking advantage of Detroit’s outdoor scenery for their weddings. The city provides endless possibilities to create a unique and memorable wedding, but it may require extra planning than if you were to choose a more traditional venue. Here are six tips for planning your dream outdoor wedding in the city of Detroit.
Finding the Ideal Backdrop
The city has no shortage of impressive backdrops for your special day, and you’re bound to find something to suit your and your partner’s personalities. Some people want landmarks in their background, while others prefer lush greenery. There’s no doubt you’ll find somewhere special!
Incorporate Your Personalities
If you love history, consider having one of the city’s many landmarks in your background. For art lovers, look for an outdoor space at an art gallery or choose your favorite mural when you’re choosing your location. According to the Wedding Planner Institute, 39% of women and 44% of men incorporate hobbies, special interests, and ‘fandoms’ into their special days.
Detroit has a rich cultural scene, popular sports teams, and a thriving music and art community. If you’re a die-hard sports fan, find ways to include that in the ceremony or reception. While you can do things such as include your team’s colors in your decor, a more subtle but just as meaningful way would be to have one of the stadiums visible from your venue.
Choosing Vendors
Your vendors will make or break your experience, but you can decide how much you want them involved in the day. Although they require extra coordination, doing everything yourself can get overwhelming and might not save you as much money as you think, especially when it comes to flowers, food, and music. Since Detroit has the highest population in the entire state, you’ll be able to find someone that can work with your price range and style.
Dealing With Permits and Regulations
If you’re working with an outdoor venue, they’ll tell you about the necessary regulations and permits. But, if you’re using somewhere like a public park or even someone’s backyard, you may need additional permits and follow specific regulations. They could include noise permits, crowd permits, alcohol permits, and more. Before you commit to a venue, find out what you will need to obtain the space and throw your dream event.
Considering a Backyard Wedding
Backyard weddings are increasingly popular and a great way to save money while celebrating with your friends and family in a familiar place. Over 40% of homeowners used their outdoor space for entertaining in 2017, and that number continues to grow. If your space isn’t appropriate, talk to family members or friends to see if they would be willing to host the event at their home.
Plan for Restroom Facilities
Detroit is the biggest and most populous in the state of Michigan. With this being said, you may have a big wedding guest list! Therefore, an essential aspect often overlooked when organizing an outdoor wedding is restroom facilities, especially if the wedding is in someone’s backyard. Two or three restrooms are fine for small gatherings, but they’re not enough for even a few dozen people. Renting porta potties will ensure that there are facilities for everyone. You’ll probably need roughly one to every 25 people, so make sure you rent enough.
An outdoor wedding in Detroit gives you the freedom to create an event that reflects your unique personality while embracing the city’s natural beauty. During your planning, check out places that include your interests, like art or sports, and obtain all the necessary permits before you do anything. Think about logistics like the vendors you’ll need, restroom facilities, and more for your dream wedding!
Metro Detroit Mommy writer Kelsey.