The Venue Search...Part II

I am thrilled to follow up Wednesday's post with the news that Megan has chosen her reception venue!  Out of all the possibilites (which are quite numerous), she has chosen the Gandy Dancer, Ann Arbor's first class dining establishment, as the venue for her wedding reception!

Megan and I met with Kristina, the events coordinator, a couple weeks ago and she was great!  The Gandy Dancer is a really affordable venue in Ann Arbor.  Wedding receptions typically take place outside in their courtyard, which is tented.  They provide tables, chairs, white linens (including napkins), and all dinnerware and glassware.  You can fit up to 120 people comfortably by seating them at round tables of 8.  Your primary costs when you choose the Gandy Dancer are:  food & beverage, alcohol, tax, service charge, and dance floor.

 They charge 20% service charge and standard 6% Michigan sales tax.  Their most inexpensive dinner offering is $39.95 and includes a soup OR salad, choice of one of four entrees including chicken, shrimp, fish, or steak, and creme brulee for dessert.  Each entree is served with a vegetable and a starch, and water, iced tea and soft drinks are included as part of the meal charge.  If you do not want the dessert included with the package, and would like to bring in your own dessert, they will take $3 off the price - so this particular meal would cost $36.95 (plus tax & service charge).  They do have pricier options that are more inclusive - I encourage you to check these out!

The dance floor costs $250 and you can bring in whichever DJ you prefer.  There is no charge for having a private bar, you just have to pay for the alcohol (which you can set a ceiling on).  The reception area comes with uplighting, including twinkle lights strung around the beams, and they also offer round paper lanterns that hang from the ceiling if it suits your decor style (free of charge).

Kristina at the Gandy Dancer takes care of the set-up, you just need to drop your items off to her.  They are very flexible, and very willing to work with each individual situation.  They require a $250 deposit on a credit card to hold the date.  You have until 90 days prior to the event to cancel, and you can rebook for any date within the year to avoid losing your $250.  If you cancel within the 90 day window of your event you lose your $250 deposit.

You may email Kristina at gandbq@ldry.com to receive availability and specific pricing information.

Click here to view the Gandy Dancer's dinner menu

courtney@petalsplanningco.com
http://www.petalsplanningco.com/

MSU Football Schedule 2010 & 2011

We grew up in Ann Arbor & Plymouth, so we are a little biased when it comes to the fall football schedule.  However, believe it or not, I married a die hard MSU alum & sports fanatic (gasp!) so as a tribute to him and to all the East Lansing brides...this is for you:

2010 Schedule

9-4 vs. Western Michigan East Lansing, Mich. 12:00 p.m. ET



9-11 vs. Florida Atlantic Detroit, Mich. 12:00 p.m. ET


9-18 vs. Notre Dame East Lansing, Mich. 8:00 p.m. ET


9-15 vs. Northern Colorado East Lansing, Mich. TBA

10-2 vs. Wisconsin * East Lansing, Mich. TBA


10-9 at Michigan * Ann Arbor, Mich. TBA


10-16 vs. Illinois (Homecoming) * East Lansing, Mich. 12:00 p.m. ET


10-23 at Northwestern * Evanston, Ill. 12:00 p.m. ET


10-30 at Iowa * Iowa City, Iowa TBA


11-6 vs. Minnesota * East Lansing, Mich. TBA


11-20 vs. Purdue * East Lansing, Mich. TBA


11-27 at Penn State * State College, Pa. TBA

2011 Schedule

9-3 Youngstown State



9-10 Florida Atlantic


9-17 @ Notre Dame


10-1 @ Ohio State


10-8 Central Michigan


10-15 Purdue


10-22 Michigan


10-29 @ Minnesota


11-5 @ Illinois


11-12 Indiana


11-19 @ Wisconsin


11-26 Penn State

UM Football Schedules 2010 & 2011

This is for all you Ann Arbor-ites :)  There is nothing more frustrating than being stuck in game day traffic during home football games in the fall.   For those of you attending or planning fall weddings (September through November) in Ann Arbor, please take special note (home games are italicized):

2010 Michigan Football Schedule

Sat., Sep. 4 vs. Connecticut Ann Arbor, Mich. 3:30 p.m. ET
Sat., Sep. 11 at Notre Dame South Bend, Ind. 3:30 p.m. ET

Sat., Sep. 18 vs. Massachusetts Ann Arbor, Mich. 12:00 p.m. ET

Sat., Sep. 25 vs. Bowling Green Ann Arbor, Mich. TBA

Sat., Oct. 2 at Indiana * Bloomington, Ind. TBA

Sat., Oct. 9 vs. Michigan State * Ann Arbor, Mich. TBA

Sat., Oct. 16 vs. Iowa (Homecoming) * Ann Arbor, Mich. 3:30 p.m. ET

Sat., Oct. 30 at Penn State * State College, Pa. 8:00 p.m. ET

Sat., Nov. 6 vs. Illinois * Ann Arbor, Mich. TBA

Sat., Nov. 13 at Purdue * West Lafayette, Ind. TBA
Sat., Nov. 20 vs. Wisconsin * Ann Arbor, Mich. TBA
Sat., Nov. 27 at Ohio State*  Columbus, Ohio

2011 Michigan Football Schedule

Sept. 3 WESTERN MICHIGAN
Sept. 10 NOTRE DAME
Sept. 17 EASTERN MICHIGAN
Sept. 24 SAN DIEGO STATE
Oct. 1 Bye Week
Oct. 8 at Wisconsin*
Oct. 15 INDIANA* (HC)
Oct. 22 at Michigan State*
Oct. 29 at Iowa*
Nov. 5 MINNESOTA*
Nov. 12 ILLINOIS*
Nov. 19 at Northwestern*
Nov. 26 OHIO STATE*

Go BLUE!

courtney@petalsplanningco.com
http://www.petalsplanningco.com/

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July!!!

We are so amazingly blessed to live in a country that supports women business owners, and allows us to chase after our dreams.  This year has been fabulous so far, we have had the opportunity to work with amazing clients and outstanding vendors.  A GIGANTIC thank you to all of you who continue to cheer us on!  We are streamlining processes, and brainstorming for ways to serve each of clients and vendors better!  We have some new marketing materials on the way, and will be doing some giveaways the beginning of next year...stay tuned!!!

While the 4th of July is certainly an inspirational time for weddings and the use of the colors red, white, and blue...it is also an inspirational time for yummy BBQ treats!  If you wish to forego the traditional wedding cake and have something a little more unique to serve at your wedding, rehearsal dinner, or backyard bbq, here is one of my FAVORITE summer treats...

FRUIT PIZZA

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup butter
1/4 cup white sugar
1 3/8 cups cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
2 cups fresh blueberries
2 cups sliced fresh strawberries

Directions

* Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 12 inch pizza pan.
* To Make Crust: In a large bowl, mix together flour, butter and sugar; dough should be dry. Spread into pizza pan. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until brown. Allow to cool completely.
* To Make Filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until fluffy. Fold in whipped topping. Spread into cooled crust. Top with fruit.
 
And of course you need cocktails at a 4th of July celebration!!!  Here are some of my favorite:
 

Ingredients *for one drink*

3 Oz Vodka
4 Oz Pineapple Juice
2 Oz Cream of Coconut
1 Teaspoon Confectioners' sugar, or more if desired
1 Cup Crushed Ice
2 Slices Pineapple, speared with 2 maraschino cherries on toothpicks, for garnish

Directions

* Combine the vodka, pineapple juice, cream of coconut, sugar, and ice in a blender.
* Blend on high speed until frothy and well combined, about 30 seconds.
* Pour into 2 chilled glasses, and garnish with the pineapple slices and umbrellas.

Ingredients


1 ounce watermelon schnapps
1 big splash cranberry juice
1 very thin slice jalapeno or serrano pepper
1 slice lemon
1 slice lime
1 1/2 ounces tequila
1/4 ounce blue curacao
1/2 ounce simple syrup
Watermelon wedge, for garnish (optional)

Directions

* Mix the schnapps and cranberry juice in a shaker; pour into an ice-filled glass.
* Muddle the jalapeno pepper, lemon and lime slices, tequila, blue curacao and simple syrup (to make a batch, dissolve sugar in equal parts hot water and chill) in the shaker. Slowly strain into the glass over the red layer. Garnish with watermelon, if desired.

HAVE A VERY HAPPY & SAFE 4TH OF JULY!!!

courtney@petalsplanningco.com
http://www.petalsplanningco.com/

Setting your Date

You’re engaged!!!!! Now you need to set a date… here are some dates to avoid and some that you may have never considered.


Holiday weekends are great, right? Well, maybe not. Yes, you do have an extra day and it makes a Sunday wedding a good possibility. However, the cost of travel is likely higher. Some people may already have plans that don’t include your big day, so be sure to ask around before you commit to a holiday weekend.

You also need to consider the religious and cultural activities that surround certain holidays for you & your guests.

Other dates to be careful of:

Valentine’s Day - your floral bill will likely double…be aware.

New Year’s Eve - most reception sites are booked for parties, so the cost to rent a facility if there is one available is increased.

Also, know what is going on in the town you will be getting married in. Try to avoid weekends of home sporting events, big reunions, homecoming, and any large conventions that might be taking up venues and hotel space. For example, any bride and groom getting hitched in Ann Arbor, Michigan in the fall should look at the home football schedule. Those couples getting married in Detroit, Michigan in the summer should check the schedules of concerts at Ford Field and the Tigers baseball team.

Aside from cutting down your guest list, the next best way to save some serious cash on your wedding is to get married during "off" season and/or on a Friday or Sunday.  Weddings in December, January, February and March are sure to get a deal.  Another bonus is that if you choose a day close to Christmas, your venues may very well be decorated already, which could save you money on flowers and decorations.
Holiday Dates for 2010-2011

Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Monday, January 18, 2010
Monday, January 17, 2011

Presidents' Day
Monday, February 15, 2010
Monday, February 21, 2011

Palm Sunday
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Sunday, April 17, 2011

Passover (begins at sunset the night before)
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Tuesday, April 19, 2011

April Fool's Day – a quirky day that could be a lot of fun for the right funny couple.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Friday, April 1, 2011

Easter Sunday
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Sunday, April 24, 2011

Mother's Day- be sure to check with Mom first.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Sunday, May 8, 2011

Memorial Day
Monday, May 31, 2010
Monday, May 30, 2011

Father's Day –make sure Dad is ok with this.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Sunday, June 19, 2011

Independence Day
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Monday, July 4, 2011

Tisha B’Av (begins at sunset the night before)
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Labor Day
Monday, September 6, 2010
Monday, September 5, 2011

Rosh Hashanah (begins at sunset the night before)
Wednesday, September 8, until nightfall on Friday, September 10, 2010
Wednesday, September 28, until nightfall on Friday, September 30, 2011

Yom Kippur (begins at sunset the night before)
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Saturday, October 8, 2011

Columbus Day
Monday, October 11, 2010
Monday, October 10, 2011

Halloween – either make it a Halloween themed wedding or don’t be upset if people show up dressed for the day.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Monday, October 31, 2011

Thanksgiving
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Thursday, November 24, 2011

Hanukkah (begins at sunset the night before)
Thursday, December 2, until nightfall on Thursday, December 9, 2010
Wednesday, December 21, until nightfall on Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Christmas
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Sunday, December 25, 2011

Kwanzaa
Sunday, December 26, 2010, until Saturday, January 1, 2011
Monday, December 26, 2011, until Sunday, January 1, 2012

New Year's Eve
Friday, December 31, 2010
Saturday, December 31, 2011

http://www.petalsplanningco.com/
kate@petalsplanningco.com