IH Blog

Check out Independence Harbor's "Last Minute" available dates for April of 2019. Available April 2019 dates offer lower guest minimums of just 100, Free Facilities Rental, Free Garden or Fireside Ceremony and Winter Menu Pricing (our lowest pricing structure). Choose complimentary up-lighting in your choice of colors to give your wedding that WOW. Some dates offer an additional photo hour with your photographer prior to the ceremony at no charge. April is daffodil season at "IH" and our gardens offer hundreds of the happy flowers...Just Spectacular!

'Tis the season for booking weddings! The most popular engagement times are Christmas time and Valentine's Day. This is the perfect time to reserve your date and be certain that the date you have your heart set on is yours!

Have you considered a winter wedding? Perfect for an organic theme...think natural greens, lanterns, pinecones and gorgeous creams and whites accented with glittery silver or gold. Guests look forward to a social event in the winter when things get a bit quiet after the Holidays,...and best of all, you will realize significant savings over prime time pricing. Why not consider some fun winter only offerings such as a Hot Chocolate station, or passed warm apple cider with cinnamon sticks. Independence Harbor is dressed for winter with white lights in the trees and antique carriages and sleighs and of course our magnificent stone fireplace will be lit to showcase your winter wedding photos. 

You're engaged. Congratulations!

Now it is time to choose the perfect venue for your wedding ceremony and reception.

Before you schedule an appointment, it is best to have an idea about how many guests you will be expecting at your celebration. Many venues, including Independence Harbor, require minimum purchases, which are largely based on your guest count.

Set a tentative budget. You want to be sure that the venues you are considering are going to fit within your budget.

View the venue's website or request a menu package be sent to you. Carefully look for information such as guaranteed guest minimums, event hours, and pricing details...What is included in the price?  Are there additional fees beyond the package menu price?

Are you flexible on the time of day, day of the week, or the month for your wedding? Independence Harbor offers significant price and minimum reductions for April and November, the months just before and just after "Prime Season". Getting married on a Thursday night during "Prime Season" is considerably less costly than a Prime Saturday Night Wedding.  And, getting married in the winter months (December through March), is the most budget friendly time to tie the knot! 

Are you flexible on your date? Most couples reserve wedding dates within one year of their engagement. At "IH", we reserve dates up to two years in advance, so...if you are considering only one special date and you are not flexible with that date, you are best to make your reservation sooner than wait.

Make an appointment for a tour of the venue. Consider a day other than a weekend for your tour, as venues are typically busy with weddings and other events on weekends...and may not be able to allow you access to their entire facilities. If you can plan some time in your schedule to view venues during the week, you will be less rushed and have the full attention of the wedding professional you meet with. Prepare a list of questions in advance of your tour...so you are certain to gain all the information you need to make an informed and well thought out decision.

Visit our website at www.ihweddings.com for detailed information on "I.H.".

And remember to Enjoy the Planning!

I have worked at Independence Harbor for 9 years now in sales and planning. When meeting with couples who are considering an "IH" wedding, I answer detailed questions about ceremonies, food, etiquette, and the flow of the wedding.
Last Thursday night, my husband and I attended the wedding of Kristin and Greg at Independence Harbor. Greg is the son of a longtime college friend of my husband, and we were honored to be guests at Kristin and Greg's special day.
The evening was chilly and rainy. Though a Garden Ceremony was planned...Not to worry...the "IH" team had prepared for both the garden ceremony and an indoor "fireside" ceremony in the event the Bride and Groom made the decision to bring the ceremony inside. Once the "fireside" ceremony was confirmed, the ceremony began right on time as requested by the Bride. Kristin and Greg were so happy and both looked amazing.
During the cocktail hour, a beautifully presented Macaroni and Cheese Martini Bar was served complete with "IH" signature food art carvings including  sculpted pumpkin art. At the same time, a variety of delicious hors d'oeuvres were served butler style..and the party was on!
The dinner was kicked off with great toasts by Kristin's sister and best friend, and a rousing roast by Greg's best man.
A soup course was followed by a choice of Baked Stuffed Shrimp or Sirloin of Beef. Everyone at our table raved about the meal (myself included). Our servers were very attentive and meal service was efficient and smooth.
An interactive Ice Cream Sundae and Mousse Bar followed the main meal, and was a huge hit for dessert. Coffee was served tableside as well.
The Bride and Groom clearly enjoyed themselves...it was a fun party with a big dancing crowd.
It was so much fun to be with close friends, and to watch a beautiful young couple starting their life together, and it was a great opportunity to experience what we do at "IH" from the "Other Side" point of view.
Congratulations and Best Wishes to Kristin and Greg for a wonderful married life! 

Set the tone for your wedding with personalized Table #s and More:

Framed photos of the Bride and Groom at different ages adorned with lace, flowers, burlap or bling.
Mini Chalkboards
Vintage Maps or Postcards
Book Covers or Titles
Empty wine bottles featuring your favorite wines (think of the fun you will have preparing those centerpieces)
Mix and Match different metals and style picture frames
Games...think Scrabble, Monopoly or Clue

Some other thoughts at naming your tables: Favorite movie titles, Flowers (perfect for a garden venue), Travel locations that you have visited, Favorite places of yours as a couple, Favorite songs or books.

We have completed our Dining Room renovation and, we are getting WOW reviews!

Our design plan incorporates neutral tones including greys and creams allowing couples to integrate their own color scheme and design elements. Our new champagne colored chiavari chairs add a touch of glimmer and work well with silver or gold. With full length windows overlooking our stunning gardens, you have the perfect palate to work with.

Give us a call to schedule a visit to see the makeover and discuss your wedding.

Fall is the perfect season to introduce some heartier food selections into your wedding. "I.H." offers an array of Fall and Winter choices. Appetizer options include Butternut Squash Soup Sips or Creamy Tomato Soup Sips with Mini Grilled Cheese Bites.

Available soup courses include Butternut Squash Bisque with Pumpernickel Croutons, or Pumpkin Soup with Chili Cran-apple Relish, or add a Butternut Squash and Sage Ravioli course with Spiced Maple sauce.

Entrée offerings include Roast Chicken Breasts with Apple Cranberry stuffing and Herb Roasted Lamb Chops with Wild Mushrooms and Rosemary.

And a Hot Chocolate Station as compliment to your wedding cake is so popular!

One of the recent trends in wedding ceremonies is "Unplugged Ceremonies". Many couples are asking their guests to turn off their phones and enjoy the ceremony "in the moment".

Independence Harbor is renowned for its extensive perennial gardens, offering ever changing color and beauty. with acres of manicured grounds, "I.H." provides the perfect setting for your ceremony and reception. In September, our summer gardens are at their fullest maturity and beauty. 

Love the fall jewel color tones? Check out our October gardens with thousands of garden chrysanthemums accented by spectacular foliage, compliments of Mother Nature. Fall dates are available for 2019. Why not schedule a tour to see what we have to offer?