Tips & Tricks For Flawless Grand Rapids Destination Weddings

September 7, 2024
Reading time:
2 Minutes

Planning a destination wedding is fun, exciting, and okay we’ll admit it – it’s overwhelming. Finding vendors and booking important aspects of your wedding through emails and calls alone can be nerve-racking. That’s why finding reputable vendors is a must. 

In this Grand Rapids destination weddings guide, we’ll walk you through all the tips you need to know to find vendors you feel confident about booking. 

✨ Navigating Long-Distance Wedding Planning ✨ 

Planning a wedding from afar might sound like a challenge, but with the right approach, it can be smooth sailing. 

  1. 📜 Start by creating a detailed timeline that accounts for travel, vendor meetings, and virtual check-ins. 
  2. 🧑🏻‍💻 Lean into technology—video calls, online planning tools, and shared documents will become your best friends. 
  3. 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Enlist a local wedding planner who knows the Grand Rapids scene inside and out—they can be your eyes, ears, and hands on the ground, ensuring everything goes off without a hitch. 

Remember, it’s your big day, so delegate where you can and focus on enjoying the process!

Researching and Selecting the Perfect Venue

When it comes to picking the perfect venue in Grand Rapids, the options are endless and oh-so-dreamy! However, picking the venue is the foundation for planning your wedding, so after you’ve selected a wedding planner, choose your venue next. From charming barns nestled in the countryside to sleek downtown lofts with panoramic views, there’s a space for every wedding style. Start by envisioning your ideal day—what does it look like? Is it an intimate garden affair or a grand ballroom celebration? 

Once you have a vision, dive into research. Visit websites, read reviews, and don’t shy away from virtual tours. And here’s a pro tip: Always ask venues about their experience hosting destination weddings—they might offer packages or services tailored just for couples like you!

✨ Tips for Seamless Communication with Vendors ✨

Good communication is key to planning a wedding, especially from a distance. But planning your very special day without ever meeting in person can create stress. Stick to these 5 pro tips for seamless communication with vendors:

  1. ✅ Establish Clear Expectations Early On: From the start, make sure you and your vendors are on the same page regarding your wedding timeline, budget, and specific vision. This helps avoid any misunderstandings down the line.
  1. ✅ Schedule Regular Check-Ins: Set up a consistent schedule for updates, whether through emails, phone calls, or video chats. This keeps everyone aligned and ensures no detail slips through the cracks.
  1. ✅ Use Shared Planning Tools: Utilize tools like Google Docs or wedding planning apps where both you and your vendors can access and update important information in real-time. This keeps everything organized and transparent.
  1. ✅ Agree on Preferred Communication Channels: Determine whether you and your vendors prefer to communicate via email, text, or phone, and agree on response times. This helps prevent unnecessary delays and keeps communication flowing smoothly.
  1. Be Polite and Appreciative: A little kindness can go a long way. Vendors are more likely to go above and beyond for clients who are friendly, respectful, and appreciative of their work. Positive relationships lead to positive results!

✨Must-Have Local Touches for Your Grand Rapids Wedding ✨

One of the best parts about a destination wedding is embracing the local flair, and Grand Rapids has plenty to offer! 

  1. 🥗 Local Menu: Incorporate local flavors into your menu with farm-to-table dishes or a craft beer tasting station featuring the city’s renowned breweries. 
  2. 🎉 Local Party Favors: Consider adding Michigan-made favors like artisanal chocolates or personalized maple syrup bottles. 
  3. 🌸 Local Decorations: For décor, why not use seasonal flowers from local growers? Ask the local florist what Michigan is known for when it comes to flowers. 
  4. 💃 Local Interactive Entertainment: Use social media to find the local bands that will get guests up on their feet. For the best customizable wedding entertainment in Grand Rapids, go with Hipstr. We are local, fun, and get your guests interacting in special moments. 

These little touches will not only make your wedding feel uniquely Grand Rapids but will also give your guests a true taste of the area. It’s these details that make your destination wedding one-of-a-kind!

✨ Unique Wedding Photo Booths In Grand Rapids: Hipstr ✨

Elevate your wedding with Hipstr's sleek and elegant photo booth rentals. Voted “Best of Weddings” by The Knot, Hipstr is your go-to for outdoor wedding photo booths in Grand Rapids or for those luxurious indoor weddings. Our booths are designed to adapt seamlessly to any venue, from historic locations to scenic outdoor settings. Whether your wedding is at a classic estate or a chic garden, Hipstr’s customizable features like themed backgrounds and instant photo sharing will enhance your celebration.

So Why Choose Hipstr for Your Grand Rapids Wedding? Let's show you the Hipstr Magic...


  • How can Hipstr enhance the guest experience at a destination wedding?

Hipstr enhances the guest experience at a destination wedding by offering a fun and interactive way for guests to capture memories. Our customizable photo booths are designed to match your wedding theme, creating a cohesive and immersive experience. With features like instant sharing, guests can immediately upload their photos to social media, making them feel more connected to the celebration. Plus, we offer 6 totally different photo booth packages to choose from. 

  • What makes Hipstr's photo booths a fit for the unique demands of outdoor and historic venues?

Hipstr’s photo booths are uniquely suited for outdoor and historic venues due to their adaptability and elegant design. Our booths are compact and versatile, meaning they can be set up in a variety of locations without detracting from the venue's natural beauty or historic charm. Whether it’s an outdoor garden wedding or a celebration in a historic mansion, our booths seamlessly integrate into the environment, adding a modern touch without compromising the venue's aesthetics. 

  • How does Hipstr handle the logistics and setup at destination weddings in Grand Rapids?

Hipstr handles the logistics and setup at destination weddings in Grand Rapids with efficiency and precision. We coordinate closely with your venue and wedding planner to ensure that our photo booths are set up quickly and smoothly, with minimal disruption to your event. Our Hipstr Host takes care of everything, from setup to tear down and keeping the party going in-between. 

Make your destination wedding unforgettable with Hipstr’s modern photo booth rentals, designed to capture the joy of your big day in the most stylish way possible.

FREE 1 month membership

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

You may also like