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Devoted October 2017

Park Venue!

SoonToBeASlabaugh, on January 9, 2016 at 6:12 PM Posted in Planning 0 7

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Hey there!

Today my FH and I decided on our venues! The reception venue wasn't a hard decision at all and we actually chose the first venue we toured in downtown Grand Rapids. The ceremony venue however was a little more difficult and we finally decided on Riverside Park, also in Grand Rapids. MI.

This park is very special to us. It's where we had our first date and where he proposed to me so when we thought of it we jumped at the chance. And after finding out that the park is available on our date we decided to go for the plunge and contact the parks and recreation department.

We're still waiting to hear back but I was wondering if there are any brides on WeddingWire who got married/are getting married at a park? What was difficult/is difficult about reserving it as a venue? Any tips/suggestions for a park wedding? How did you decorate? How did you do seating? We're looking into it all, but what was your experience with a park wedding? (or outdoor)

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7 Comments

Latest activity by Private User, on January 21, 2016 at 1:48 PM

Master September 2015
Reggie · on January 9, 2016 at 6:39 PM
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The most difficult thing about park weddings IMO is that you have to bring in anything you want there. So you'll have to bring in chairs, restrooms, etc. Anything you need you have to bring because there's nothing there unless you happen to be near a pavilion with bathrooms or such.
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Devoted June 2017
Hannah · on January 9, 2016 at 6:57 PM
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I dont have any adive but…. I Love RIverside Park! We are from GR also and looked into having our ceremony thier. Its a beatiful place! Im sure you will figure out how to make it beautiful! Have fun!
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Master May 2016
WolfWedding2016 · on January 9, 2016 at 6:59 PM
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I am at a "park" but it actually has all the tables/chairs/fridge & kitchen/etc. there are also restrooms. I'm not finding anything more difficult than if I had picked a vendor without a caterer on site. I've included a picture of ours-does yours have a building in case it rains? There are parks with just pavilion style stuff, and parks that are just like regular venues - it just depends on what yours includes.
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Master August 2015
Julia T · on January 9, 2016 at 7:01 PM
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The park venues in Georgia usually come with the table and chairs and kitchen area. I don't know if it's the same where you are from. Something I notice when I was looking for my venue. The parks usually close at 10pm so your wedding would have to be over before then.
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Master September 2015
Reggie · on January 9, 2016 at 7:05 PM
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Well, she said the park was only for the ceremony. I can't imagine they wouldn't at least be on to the reception by then!
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Devoted October 2017
SoonToBeASlabaugh · on January 9, 2016 at 9:23 PM
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Thanks everyone! Since we're using the park for the ceremony we know that we'll have to bring everything and we're trying to figure something out for where the bridal party will wait/stay while we wait for the ceremony to start--since there are only bathrooms and a outdoor shelter at the park. Any suggestions?
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Super May 2016
Private User · on January 21, 2016 at 1:48 PM
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No advice on the ceremony set up--our reception is actually at a local garden that has sentimental meaning for me and my fiance. But I love that you chose a park for your ceremony!

Is the park isolated or near anything? I would be on the lookout for anything that might cause unwanted noise during your ceremony. Have you thought about music and whether or not you'll need any microphones during the ceremony? As far as somewhere to wait before the ceremony--could you rent a limo or something like that? We are renting a Mercedes Sprinter limousine--it's more square-ish and not as long as a limo, but has a really nice interior.

http://www.svlimo.com/fleet/mercedes-sprinter-limousine.html
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