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 immediately.
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
vendors for further assistance.
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

Sincerely, Salons 42

M Mackinac Island Fudge Favors 43

Mary McGuire Slevin
The Marriage License 45
Executive Director
Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau Rehearsal Dinners 49
(800) 454-5227
info@mackinacislandweddings.org Reception 53
Wedding Budget
Wedding Rings (2 percent)
Bride’s ring
Groom’s ring
Attire (8 percent)
While most wedding couples are not experienced at event Gown and alterations
planning and budgeting on a grand scale, this budget work- Headpiece and veil
sheet was designed as a guideline to help you plan how to Bridal accessories
spend your money. The following percentages will assist you Hair and makeup
with how much to dedicate to the different categories for your Groom’s tux or suit
wedding. Groom’s accessories
Many of Mackinac’s preferred wedding vendors live on the Gown Preservation
Island during the season, though there are also those who Stationery (2 percent)
commute. When bringing vendors from off Island, be sure to Save-the-date cards
ask if you are responsible to provide ferry transport, hotels Invitation Package
rooms and meals and add this into your budget. Many of the Programs
Island wedding vendors have working relationships with hote- Seating and place cards
liers and often have commuter ferry tickets which will reduce Menu cards
your cost. Thank-you notes
Postage
We think the best way to manage expenses is by hiring a
wedding consultant who can assist you from what you envi- Hotel Rooms (15 percent)
sion to how to make it happen within your budget. Mackinac Wedding Couple
Island’s consultants are great at offer alternatives based on Parents/Grandparents
their deep knowledge of Mackinac Island, its venues and Bridal Party
available vendor services.
Ceremony (3 percent) Music (8 percent)
Site fee Ceremony musician(s)
Officiant Cocktail-hour musician(s)
Unity Candle Reception musician(s)
Marriage License Disc jockey service
Miscellaneous fees Rooms & Ferry Tickets
Reception (40 percent) Photographs and Video (8 percent)
Venue Photographer
Tent Videographer
Food & service Prints and albums
Bar & Beverages Disposable Cameras for Candids
Cake Rooms & Ferry Tickets
Mackinac Island Fudge Favors Favors and Gifts (3 percent)
Guest book Welcome gifts
Flowers and Decorations (8 percent) Bridal-party gifts
Bride bouquet Miscellaneous fees
Bridesmaid bouquets Transportation (3 percent)
Flower girl Horse Drawn Wedding Carriage
Groom Boutonniere Horse Drawn Taxis/Shuttles
Groomsmen Boutonniere Ferry Tickets
Ring pillow Valet parking at Ferry Docks
Corsages Parking at Ferry Docks
Ceremony flowers Gratuities for Carriage Drivers, Valet &
Reception floral decor Dock Porters
Mackinac Island Hotel Venues
There 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.

Contact Online
Grand Hotel www.grandhotel.com
1 Grand Avenue
Mackinac Island, MI 49757
(800) 33-GRAND
(517) 349-4600
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.

Contact Online
Mission Point Resort www.missionpoint.com
6633 Main Street
Mackinac Island, MI 49757
(800) 833-7711
(906) 847-3312
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.

Contact Online
Chippewa Hotel Waterfront www.chippewahotel.com
P.O. Box 250
Mackinac Island, MI 49757
(800) 241-3341
(906) 847-3341
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.

Contact Online
Lilac Tree Suites & Spa www.lilactree.com
P.O. Box 540
Mackinac Island, MI 49757
(866) 847-6575
Accommodations Details
Hotel

Contact

Email

Phone

Room Block Code

Room Block Expires

Number of Rooms

Room Rates

Arrival Date

Departure Date

Check in Time
Notes
The Ceremony
With so many places to marry on Mackinac, it can be hard to choose. Places to
Contact
Historic Mission Church
Non Denominational
marry include the gorgeous freshwater coast, a beautiful grotto, on a sailboat in www.mackinacparks.com
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 Kehillat Hatzav Hagadol
Island State Park, in military splendor at Fort Mackinac, on the porch of Grand Jewish Congregation
Hotel, overlooking the water at Mission Point Resort, to traditional wedding in www.mackinacsynagogue.org
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 Little Stone Church
guests, the season and type of weather anticipated, family tradition, religious Union Congregational
ceremony and associated regulations. www.littlestonechurch.com

Outdoor weddings are very popular on Mackinac Island. It is important to have

Somewhere in Time Gazebo
Non Denominational
the location reserved well in advance and have a back up plan for rain (umbrel-
www.mackinacparks.com
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 Ste Anne’s
taxis may be booked in advance though you must know the pick up and drop off Catholic
point and who is going to pay to transport your guests to and fro...average taxi
www.steanneschurch.org
rates range from $4.75 to $10 per person each way.
Trinity Church
There are some areas of the Island that are off limits, so be sure to check with Episcopal
the Tourism Bureau, Mackinac Island State Park or city of Mackinac Island first.
www.trinitychurch.org
Mackinac State Historic Parks
Begin 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.

Contact
Mackinac State Historic Parks Online
Box 370 www.mackinacparks.com
Mackinac Island, MI 49757
(906) 847-3328 or (231) 436-4100
Ceremony Site Notes
Contact

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 Planning
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 coordi-
nator 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, coordina-
tor and for their organization skills. It is their experience with the destination and their ability to negotiate contracts with
venues, restaurants, florists, photographers, musicians 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.
Contact Resources
For the Love of Mackinac Destination Dream Wedding Weekend
(888) 847-3691 (800) 454-5227
www.fortheloveofmackinac.com www.mackinacisland.org

Mackinac Island Wedding Specialist Mackinac Island Wedding Guide

(231) 436-5686 To order a complimentary copy: (888) 597-3729
www.mackinac.com/weddingspecialist/ www.mackinacweddingguide.com
Mackinac Island
Wedding Guide
The complimentary Mackinac Island Wedding
Guide is a complimentary magazine that is
available throughout the Island and may be
ordered online.
It is filled with helpful articles, editorials, and is
packed with wedding planning contacts exclusive
to Mackinac Island. Though, the guide’s best
feature 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) 597-3729
www.mackinacweddingguide.com
Destination Dream Wedding Weekend
Each 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.

Contact
Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau
(800) 454-5227
www.mackinacisland.org
Cakes
There 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
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. Invita-
tions 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 Visitors Guide to your guests. This is helpful for guests to choose their lodging and other things to do while visiting
the Island. Just email your guest list in the Microsoft Excel format to weddings@mackinacisland.org (for a preview of the
guide online, click on www.mackinacisland.org/downloads.html). The Tourism Bureau will mail your guides the around 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 guides. 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 excellent musicians,
bands and disc jockeys available to provide services at the rehearsal dinner,
ceremony and reception on Mackinac Island.

Music is used at the ceremony to announce the specific order of events, each
ceremonial event is often accompanied by their own individual pieces recom-
mended by the musician(s) and chosen traditionally by the bride and groom.
Disc Jockeys are often the reception choice for many couples because of the
versatility of their play lists. Island DJs are always willing to tailor their play lists
to your taste.

Experienced Island professionals 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. This
will ensure the music is being performed when and where its needed.

Contact:
Dance Hall DJs Mary McGuire, Guitarist
(877) 368-7280 (906) 847-3463
www.dancehalldjs.com www.marymcguire.com
Photography
What should you look for in a photographer? A witness.
Contact
Andrejka Photography
(805) 331-0146
Knowing what you want and how much you can afford are an important con- www.andrejkaphotography.com
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 Jim Nelson Photography
(877) 537-2925
having a well rounded wedding album. The right professional photographer can
www.jimnelsonphotography.biz
spot a candid opportunity and knows how to pose groups so all are in view and
look their best.
McCoy Studio
Once you have narrowed your list, call and talk to them about your wedding date (615) 435-3711
and your needs. Be sure to take the time to get to know the photographer so they www.mccoystudio.biz
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. Photography by Blair
(800) 968-9998
www.photosbyblair.com
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. Resort Photography
(866)841-1500
For all Island wedding photographers, click on www.mackinacislandweddings.org www.resortphoto.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 Favors
Fudge 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.”

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

Murdick’s Fudge
(906) 847-3530
www.murdicks.com
The Marriage License
Michigan 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.

Contact Online
Mackinac County Courthouse www.mackinaccounty.net
100 S. Marley, Room 10
St. Ignace, MI 49781
Phone: (906) 643-7300
Fax: (906) 643-7302
Rehearsal Dinner Notes
Site Reserved

Time from: until:

Contact

Phone

Email

Address

Restrictions

Special Requirements

Equipment Needed

Decorating Ideas
Rehearsal Meal Notes
On 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 (All drinks on master bill) Cash (Guests pay individually) Limited

Notes __________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

Music from: until:

Rehearsal Dinners
A rehearsal dinner occurs after the wedding ceremony rehearsal, which usually
Contact
Carriage House Dining Room
takes place the night before the actual wedding. Its the perfect opportunity for (906) 847-3321
the wedding party to get better acquainted and most importantly, it’s when the www.iroquoishotel.com
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 Horns Gaslight Bar &
mother of the groom. Tradition includes many toasts from the bride and groom
Restaurant
to offer thanks and from the wedding party to wish the bridal couple a happy
(906) 847-6154
marriage. If you’re not having a bridesmaid’s luncheon, this is also an
www.hornsbar.com
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- Pink Pony Bar & Grill
emony rehearsal. Mackinac Island is fortunate to have many excellent restaurants (800-241-3341
that are great at assisting with the rehearsal dinner. Depending on the size of www.pinkponybarandgrill.com
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 Yankee Rebel Tavern
not need to have a rehearsal, work with the restaurant on choosing the best time (906) 847-6249
for your dinner. To stay in your budget, heed the advice of the restaurant when www.yankeerebeltavern.com
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.

Contact Online
Hotel Iroquois www.iroquoishotel.com
Main Street
Mackinac Island, MI 49757
(906) 847-3321
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 beautiful
Harbour view Dining Room.

Rates include linen rental, set-up and breakdown, table decoration set-up
assistance, event coordination, menu printing and design and guaranteed space
reservation. A back-up location in the event of inclement weather for
outdoor events will be assigned if necessary.
Contact Online
Pink Pony Bar & Grill www.pinkponybarandgrill.com
P.O. Box 250
Mackinac Island, MI 49757
(800) 241-3341
Reception
Receptions 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 Notes
Site Reserved

Time from: until:

Contact

Phone

Email

Address

Deposit Paid? Yes no

Restrictions

Special Requirements

Equipment Needed

Decorating Ideas

Reception Meal Notes
On 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 (All drinks on master bill) Cash (Guests pay individually) Limited

Notes

Music from: until:

Checklist & Contacts
Cake Dresses Horse Drawn Wedding Carriage
Name: Name: Name:
Email: Email: Email:
Phone: Phone: Phone:
Deposit amount & due date: Deposit amount & due date: Deposit amount & due date:
Final payment & due date: Final payment & due date: Final payment & due date:
Delivery time: Delivery date: Arrival time:
Notes: Notes: Notes:

Caterer Ferry Company Music

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

Ceremony Venue Florist Officiant

Name: Name: Name:
Email: Email: Email:
Phone: Phone: Phone:
Deposit amount & due date: Deposit amount & due date: Deposit amount & due date:
Final payment & due date: Final payment & due date: Final payment & due date:
Arrival time: Delivery time: Arrival time:
Notes: Notes: Notes:
Photographer Salon Tuxedos
Name: Name: Name:
Email: Email: Email:
Phone: Phone: Phone:
Deposit amount & due date: Deposit amount & due date: Deposit amount & due date:
Final payment & due date: Final payment & due date: Final payment & due date:
Arrival time: Arrival time: Delivery date:
Notes: Notes: Notes:

Reception Venue Stationer Videographer

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

Rehearsal Dinner Venue Horse Drawn Taxi Wedding Planner

Name: Name: Mackinac Island Taxi Name:
Email: phone: (906) 847.3323 Email:
Phone: E-mail: Phone:
Deposit amount & due date: Deposit amount & due date: Deposit amount & due date:
Final payment & due date: Final payment & due date: Final payment & due date:
Arrival time: Arrival time: Notes:
Notes: Notes:
Additional Notes
Mackinac Island

Weddings
Mackinac Island Weddings
PO Box 501
Mackinac Island, MI 49757
www.mackinacislandweddings.org
(800) 454-5227