About Ann Arbor
Just west of Detroit, Ann Arbor in Michigan is an excellent place to visit as well as to live. Just ask the 124,000 residents. It has a unique vibe that resonates with young professionals and is also a beautiful city overall. It is called the Tree Town since it has more than 50,000 trees lining its streets and roads.
There is always something fun to do in Ann Arbor no matter what you are into. The city boasts over 15 parks packed with activities and there are several museums, art galleries, and gardens to explore.
With so much to do, it is no wonder why so many prefer hosting large and small events in this gorgeous town. You can plan a beautiful wedding reception venue in Ann Arbor and can wow all your guests with the food and location.
Wedding Reception Options in Ann Arbor
Planning a wedding reception in Ann Arbor is quite exciting. However, making sure the reception is planned ideally will make your wedding a success. To do this, you should consult and hire professionals from Ann Arbor.
- Catering
Wedding catering helps elevate the entire reception. When you’re searching for a wedding reception venue in Ann Arbor, you should also start contacting professional caterers and trying out the food options. Offering a wide variety of cuisines to your guests will keep them happy and ensure your wedding reception party is a success.
- Photography
A professional photographer in Ann Arbor can help capture your special moments and immortalize them forever. When planning an Ann Arbor wedding reception, you should ensure that the photographer knows the venue beforehand and is ready for all styles and types of shots.
- Florists
Flowers add grace and beauty to wedding receptions. You can change the look and feel of the wedding venue with artfully arranged flowers and table centerpieces. There are several excellent florists with professional wedding experience in and around Ann Arbor that you can hire for the reception.
Wedding Reception Companies in Ann Arbor
Now that you have finalized the wedding reception venue in Ann Arbor, you should make a final choice on the professional companies and their services. We have for you a small list of experts to help with the wedding reception.
- The Movable Feast Catering
The Movable Feast Catering is a catering company with several awards in wedding catering. The menu options are vast, and they specialize in unique wedding catering based wholly on the theme and color schemes. They are also known for serving the freshest meals at weddings.
- Mishelle Lamarand Photography
Mishelle Lamarand is a well-known, highly respected, and reputed wedding and reception photographer from Ann Arbor. Her work with natural and artificial lights is stunning. You can also contact her for pre-wedding photoshoots and family portraits.
- Lily’s Garden
Lily’s Garden has managed large floral requests for weddings, receptions, prom, and more in the Ann Arbor area for more than 25 years. They are a family-owned local business, and they offer excellent floral services, arrangements, and gifts. Their service is friendly and prompt, and they always greet all customers with a smile.
Pros and Cons of Wedding Receptions in Ann Arbor
All cities have their own pros and cons, and Ann Arbor is no exception to this rule. To plan a perfect wedding reception venue in Ann Arbor, you should understand the good and bad aspects and make an informed choice.
Advantages
- Natural beauty
Ann Arbor is nicknamed Tree Town for its tree-lined streets and roads. The air is fresh and is excellent for people out on walks, runs, and sporting activities. The fresh air is also great for senior citizens, young children, and families.
- Education
Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan and is highly regarded as a place of study and learning. Ann Arbor is home to thousands of students that add to the vibrancy and liveliness of the city.
- Low crime rate
Crime rates in Ann Arbor are lower than in other cities. The low crime rate makes it an excellent location for families with children and senior citizens.
Disadvantages
- Expensive housing
Purchasing and renting homes in Ann Arbor is quite expensive, and many students and youngsters have to live with roommates. The housing costs in Ann Arbor are higher than other cities in Michigan, probably due to the high demand for good quality housing.
- Snow
The snow in Ann Arbor is relatively high, and the winter season can become unbearable. Annual snowfall reaches 43 inches and is a lot more than the nationwide average of 28 inches. If you are hosting guests during the winter, you will have to ensure that the wedding reception venue in Ann Arbor is equipped with heaters and the snow is shoveled.
- Traffic
Due to the high tourism and student population, the traffic in Ann Arbor can become quite bad. The issue intensifies during the winter when there is a thick covering of snow. The roads can get slippery and can also cause accidents due to snowdrifts and slick roads.
Famous Locations in Ann Arbor
- Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
The Kelsey Museum of Archaeology is operated by the prestigious University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. It has been a research museum since 1928 and is home to more than 100,000 pieces from ancient times – Ancient Greek and Mesopotamian relics.
- Gerald Ford Presidential Library
The Gerald Ford Presidential Library is the informative library of the 38th President, Honorable Gerald R. Ford. Located at the University of Michigan, the library also houses a replica of the Oval Office with more than 20 million audio and visual materials from his tenure.
- The Ark
The Ark is a popular music venue in Ann Arbor, playing more than 300 nights a year. It is a 400-seater theatre that has featured notable artists like Norah Jones, Don McLean, Ani DiFranco, and the Dixie Chicks. The Ark is one of the premium music venues in Michigan and is extremely popular with tourists and locals.