Wedding Trends That Perfectly Suit a Historic Estate Wedding Venue in Michigan
A wedding is so much more than a celebration—it’s the merging of two lives, two families, and two stories. Today’s couples are rewriting how these stories are told. According to Vogue, more couples are opting for meaningful, personal celebrations close to home rather than far-flung destination weddings. This shift isn’t just about practicality—it’s about grounding the biggest day of your life in a location that feels authentically you. For those dreaming of a timeless yet personal celebration, an estate wedding venue offers the perfect backdrop. Michigan’s rich history and lush landscapes make it an ideal choice for couples embracing some of these top wedding trends. Here are a few of Vogue’s new wedding trends that perfectly suit a historic estate wedding venue in Michigan.
Hometown Elegance: Celebrating Where Your Roots Are
Hand carved wooden tulip place card also served as a favor tying in the local Dutch culture of Holland, Michigan.
Destination weddings may still hold some appeal, but more couples are choosing to stay closer to home. As Vogue highlights, even couples with the means to host a destination wedding are leaning toward hometown celebrations. That may mean literally in your backyard or a stateside destination to a favorite weekend getaway spot. This trend taps into something personal—your wedding is no longer just an event; it’s a reflection of your journey.
When Vogue asked seven of the world’s top event planners what the biggest 2025 wedding trends will be, the answers weren’t all over the map. Instead, they were (quite literally) local: Multiple planners said that more and more couples are opting for hometown weddings, whether it’s in the bride’s backyard or a nearby venue the groom’s family has gone to for generations—even if their budget allows them to throw a splashy international party.
How This Plays Out in Michigan:
Picture this: a ceremony at a historic wedding venue like The Felt Estate, surrounded by rolling hills and Lake Michigan’s gentle breeze. Every corner of the venue carries a sense of history, from the handcrafted woodwork throughout the mansion to the natural gardens filled with native plants for pollinators. The venue isn’t just a pretty setting—it’s part of the story you’re telling.
For many couples, hometown weddings also mean deeper connections with guests. Your loved ones won’t need to fly across the globe to be with you. Instead, they’ll arrive at a location steeped in shared memories and Midwestern charm. This also opens up opportunities for multi-day celebrations: think a welcome dinner at a local winery or a farewell brunch overlooking the lake.
Pro Tip: When planning your wedding at a Michigan estate, incorporate personal touches that highlight your connection to the location. For example, a custom cocktail using cherries from Michigan orchards, beer from your favorite local brewery, or a dessert table featuring Holland’s famous Dutch pastries.
Mindfulness and Wellness: A Grounded Celebration
The wedding day is full of high emotions and moments both big and small, but today’s couples are all about finding balance. As noted by Vogue, couples are embracing mindfulness in their celebrations, incorporating wellness activities like yoga, sound baths, and guided meditations to center themselves and their guests. This isn’t just about trends—it’s about ensuring you’re fully present for the most meaningful day of your life.
A trend we have been seeing a lot for 2025 is wellness activities over the weekend—lots of tennis matches, pickleball tournaments, organized hikes, and relay races. —Stefanie Cove
How This Works at a Historic Michigan Venue:
Venues like The Felt Estate in Holland, lend themselves perfectly to this trend. With sprawling grounds, quiet wooded areas with paths to Lake Michigan, and a mansion full of spacious rooms, it’s an ideal setting for a group stroll through nature, a sunrise meditation on the beach, or yoga session before starting a busy wedding day.
Additionally, incorporating mindfulness into your timeline can make the day more enjoyable for everyone. Instead of rushing from ceremony to reception, consider adding a slightly longer cocktail hour in the gardens where guests can mingle and take in the beauty of the surroundings. Instead of rushing photos and still missing cocktail hour - you can join your wedding guests for a drink and hors d'œuvre or steal away with your new spouse for a few quiet moments together. A relaxed timeline means less stress and more time to savor every moment.
Pro Tip: Set the tone for mindfulness by creating a schedule that prioritizes downtime. Your planner can help you carve out quiet moments for yourself—whether that’s sipping tea with your wedding party in the estate’s library or meditating under a canopy of century-old trees.
Fashion Meets History: Corseted Elegance
Bride getting ready in the wedding party suite at a historic mansion wedding venue near Chicago.
This is the year of the statement gown. According to Vogue, bridal designers are blending the traditional with the contemporary, reimagining classic silhouettes like corsets for the modern bride. This resurgence of corsets is perfect for weddings at historic venues, where fashion and architecture can work in harmony. It goes beyond bridal gowns - statement fashion is in for all nearlyweds and wedding guests. It’s time to dress to impress.
Fashion is stepping it up for weddings! From embroidered capes and dramatic trains to bold second (or third) looks, couples are making wardrobe choices that reflect their personality. This red-carpet-inspired trend is all about owning the moment and showing up in style. —Fallon Carter
How to Style This Trend at a Michigan Estate:
A corseted gown feels right at home in a venue like The Felt Estate in Holland, a 1920’s mansion designed after 1700 & 1800’s European style architecture. The structured elegance of the dress mirrors the grandeur of the setting, creating a cohesive aesthetic that feels straight out of a luxury editorial. Pair the gown with heirloom-inspired accessories—think delicate lace gloves or a vintage hair comb—to tie the look together.
For nearlyweds, grooms, wedding parties, and wedding guests lean into classic styles with a modern twist. Tuxedos with velvet lapels or muted jewel-tone ensembles complement the opulent vibe of a historic estate while keeping things fresh and on-trend.
Pro Tip:
Work with your photographer to plan shots that highlight the interplay between your attire and the venue. A full-length portrait on a grand staircase or a candid moment in the fields with the historic mansion in the distance can capture the magic of your day while emphasizing the beauty of the estate.
Late-Night Takeaway Boxes: A Sweet (or Savory) Goodbye
Wedding favors are being reimagined and the hottest trend is as practical as it is delightful: late-night takeaway boxes. According to Vogue, late-night takeaway boxes with tomorrow’s brunch inside are the best way to skip the brunch... but have something for the next morning that is fun and special. Think bagels with spreads and amazing pastries. This idea not only replaces the traditional farewell brunch but also sends your guests home with a memorable and thoughtful parting gift.
Late-night takeaway boxes with tomorrow’s brunch inside are the best way to skip the brunch... but have something for the next morning that is fun and special. Think bagels with spreads and amazing pastries. The best recently was in New York—a breakfast bagel and cream cheese from Sadelle’s! —Stefanie Cove
How to Incorporate This at a Michigan Wedding Venue:
Michigan is home to incredible local bakeries, coffee roasters, and artisanal food producers, which means your late-night takeaway boxes can be a showcase of the region’s best flavors. Picture this: a box filled with delicious pastries from a local bakery, fresh bagels with Michigan-made cream cheese or jam, and a bottle of cold brew from a Grand Rapids roastery.
Historic estate venues like The Felt Estate offer the perfect opportunity to present these boxes in style. Imagine a beautifully arranged table near the exit of your reception, with each takeaway box customized to reflect the theme of your wedding. Add a handwritten note or a tag that ties the gesture back to your celebration—something like, "A Little Something for the Morning, Love [Your Names]."
Why It Works:
Replacing a traditional wedding favor that’s often left behind or tossed - a takeaway box is something guests can enjoy back at their hotel room or in the morning. Not every guest can make it to a farewell brunch the next day—some might need to catch an early flight or head home for other obligations. Late-night takeaway boxes ensure everyone gets to experience a personal thank-you, even if they’re rushing out the door. Plus, it’s a fun way to extend the hospitality of your wedding into the next day, leaving guests with a tangible (and edible!) reminder of the beautiful night.
Pro Tip:
Incorporate locally inspired treats for an authentic Michigan touch. Consider including mini pies or breakfast pastries with fillings like Michigan cherries or apples. For a more luxe touch, provide an espresso cup or mini jars of Michigan honey.
Why Michigan’s Historic Estates Are Perfect for Weddings
Wedding Trends That Perfectly Suit a Historic Estate Wedding Venue in Michigan
So why do these trends feel tailor-made for Michigan? The answer lies in the state’s unique combination of natural beauty and architectural charm. From estates surrounded by rolling dunes to mansions surrounded by gardens and forests, Michigan wedding venues offer unparalleled versatility and romance.
A Venue with Stories to Tell:
Take The Felt Estate as an example. Originally built in the 1920s, it combines European style architecture with modern amenities. Whether you’re hosting an intimate water garden ceremony and reception or a wedding chapel ceremony and grand reception under a tent, the venue effortlessly adapts to your vision. Plus, its proximity to Lake Michigan means you can capture stunning sunset photos just minutes away.
A Nod to Nature:
Michigan’s historic estates are often surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. The Felt Estate’s gardens and surrounding forest are more than just a backdrop—they’re a character in your love story. Imagine exchanging vows at the center of a centuries old water garden or dining with views of rolling hills and forests.
Authentic Connections:
When you choose a venue that feels like an extension of yourself, the celebration becomes more than an event—it becomes a reflection of your identity as a couple. From hometown weddings to meaningful weekend vacation destinations, it’s all about connection. For decades families from Detroit, Chicago, and across the midwest have come to Saugatuck and Lake Michigan for their vacations making it a meaningful location for a mini destination wedding weekend. Your guests will feel it, too, as they toast your future surrounded by the warmth and beauty of Michigan.
As weddings evolve, this year brings us trends that are more about connection, meaning, and beauty. A historic estate wedding venue in Michigan offers the perfect stage for these values to shine. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and heartfelt charm, it’s a place where your story can unfold in the most magical way.
Whether you’re ready to chase every trend or do it all your own way - this year is all about meaningful, personal celebrations. Michigan’s historic estates are ready to make your dreams a reality. This isn’t just your wedding—it’s your legacy, written in the heart of Michigan.
Photography Credit: Kelly Sweet Photography
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