living local in West Michigan
Planning a West MI Wedding? We've got some local recommendations for ya!
Wedding season is approaching which means that we HAVE to talk about planning a wedding in West Michigan of course. We had to keep our list below centered around the Grand Rapids area specifically due to the popularity of wedding services in the surrounding West Michigan area. If we expanded our list to West Michigan as a whole the list would be way too long!! So, without further or do, here are our recommendations for the perfect Grand Rapids wedding.
Keep scrolling for a list of local photographers, venues, florists, dress shops, and more!!
Before we dive in, if you are looking for a new home as part of this process, we’d love to help!
Our real estate agents LOVE working with newly engaged and newlyweds to find their perfect home match. Click HERE to learn more.
Check out these local photographers!
Mallory Chrisman Photography
Bridget K Photo
Wildcrest Studio
Avery Phillips Photo
Andi B Photography
Haley Chicoine Photography
Emily DeKoster Photography
Morgan Tidey Photography
Olivia Anderson Photography
Sydney Marie Photography
Emily Moelker Photography
Patty Leonor Photography
Nicole Christine Photography
Anna Vanderberg Photography
Dear Fern Photography
Kailee Marie Photography
Charla Dee Photos
Mista Marie Photography
Amelie Ferdais Photography
Next up, pick your dream venue!
The Downtown Market
The Downtown Market gives airy greenhouse vibes with the sun shining through the windows adding to the aesthetic. The views of Downtown Grand Rapids just make the venue come together and you can also enjoy an outdoor terrace. (The sunset and golden hour pictures from the terrace would be UNBELIEVABLE!)
The Rutledge
A dimly lit building with exposed brick and an open space for all the wedding festivities is everything you want and more! The Rutledge is conveniently located Downtown Grand Rapids and so all of your aesthetic photo ops are quite literally just around the corner. Not to mention, the big chalkboard wall is customizable and SO cute!
Venue3Two
Want your wedding day to feel like an absolute fairytale? Introducing you to Venue3Two where you can celebrate your love in a 1920’s mansion with a conservatory ballroom. They have a gorgeous outdoor space along with a sophisticated and beautiful indoor space.
New Vintage Place
The New Vintage Place is an old factory turned into an absolutely gorgeous venue giving off a vintage/rustic vibe. Some of the amenities they offer include free on-site parking, a cocktail lounge, outdoor amphitheatre, and more!
The High Five GR
Welcome to another wonderful GR wedding venue full of personality and poise! The High Five GR is a beautifully renovated loft that is perfect for your wedding celebration! Once a roller rink, this space is the perfect place to have a fun celebration of your love!
Frederik Meijer Gardens
Not only is Frederik Meijer Gardens a top attraction in GR but it also makes for a stunning spot to get married! This affordable and fairytale-esque venue makes for an enchanting wedding day. With indoor and outdoor access Frederik Meijer Gardens offers a variety of options for your day!
The Broadway Avenue
A modern and whimsical space providing a smooth transitioning day with the variety of services offered! The Broadway Avenue is a uniquely designed space perfect for the bride looking for a bright and trendy venue! Visit their website to learn about ceremonies, receptions, catering, and more.
The Grand Rapids Art Museum
As surprising as it might sound, the GRAM is actually a super cute and put together place to hold your wedding. A clean and sophisticated vibe is exactly what you’ll get for your special day and they offer a variety of event spaces to choose from.
The Bissel Tree House at John Ball Zoo
What’s more perfect than getting married in a gorgeous tree house? The Bissell Tree House at John Ball Zoo is seriously breathtaking and is a great space for a wedding. With a wrap around covered deck and floor to ceiling windows overlooking a downtown view this venue is truly sparkling with love.
The Amway Grand Plaza
The Amway Grand is a Grand Rapids staple piece and overall attraction but also a great place to celebrate your special day! They have a space that will set your wedding apart from any other with a perfectly detailed ballroom, spa and salon wedding services on site, and so much more!
AND, you can't forget about some of the most important details, flowers! Here are a few of our suggestions:
And of course, we can't neglect the dress shops in GR that are perfect for finding your dream dress!
Renee Austin Wedding
Renee Austin Wedding is West Michigan’s premiere bridal salon, featuring the latest designs in bridal couture for the fashion forward Bride.
Their exclusive collection showcases gowns from elegant, glamorous, and modern to chic, classic, and feminine. The staff will help you find the perfect gown to match your glowing personality.
Shop designers like Justin Alexander, Cassablanca, Watters, and other well known designers.
While you’re in the boutique, make sure to snap a picture in front of the AMAZING flower wall outside painted by local artist Daydreams by Paige.
Second Dance Bridal & Formal Consignment is the first and only consignment shop in Grand Rapids, Michigan that specializes in upscale formal wear.
They carry budget friendly dresses from a variety of designers. You can even preview some of their new and used dresses online, but head into the store for the biggest selection.
While you’re there, check out their bridesmaid & mother of the bride options as well!
Mmmm, Spring Sweet offers the most darling space to shop for your wedding gown in. Enter their little boutique downtown Holland and head upstairs to their dreamy show room.
Schedule an appointment before you go! It is a very intimate and private experience just for you and your friends & family.
Their dresses are detailed perfectly with tulle that’s feather soft, intricate beading, delicate lace, dreamy silk and just the right amount of shimmer.
They are able to work with a variety of price ranges starting as low as $500 for their current sample sale dresses!
Check out their site for more details and a list of designers.
Beckers Bridal
Beckers Bridal has been serving brides in Grand Rapids (and beyond) since 1934. Beckers Bridal provides a LUXE experience for brides that are looking for an elevated bridal experience.
They pride themselves in customer service – answering all of your questions, supporting your decision making, and helping to make your vision a reality!
Dearly Loved Bridal
Talk about a cool shop, Dearly Loved Bridal is a consignment shop that firmly believes that you should have a stress free shopping experience and options that are in budget!
Not to mention, 10% of all sales go towards supporting survivors of domestic abuse.
Plus, gals. You can bring your previously worn & loved gown here to sell to future brides. Bring your beautiful dress in to the store for a quote or get one online!
True Society
This adorable dress shop has it all. They have dresses from a wide range of prices and designers and the cutest little try on stations.
True Society really personalized your wedding dress shopping experience and has your best interest in mind. Head to their website to learn more about booking an appointment with one of their experienced stylists.
Ok, you've got some of the major things planned for your big day, now for some of the finer details!
When you start planning day-of activities as a bride, you know that beauty services is one thing you’ve got to think about. Here are our recommendations for some hair, makeup, and tanning people to work with on your dream day!
MAKEUP
- Hanna Wagner Design (Hair and Makeup)
- Nicole Renee Beauty
- Afterglo Studio (Hair and Makeup)
And to all the brides out there who are planning their West Michigan wedding, we hope this guide helped to give some ideas and that your day is no less than perfect!
If you are looking for housing in the greater West Michigan area, we would love to help you and your spouse find your dream home. Don’t hesitate to reach out and we can connect you to one of our real estate experts to start the process! 🙂