If You Don't Like the Weather, Wait Five Minutes

January 24, 2014

A Guide to Outdoor Wedding Survival in Michigan

By: Chelsea Mills, Owner - Behind Your Design

As a little girl, you always dreamed of an outdoor wedding. You dreamed you would be walking down the tree-lined steps at your family home on Lake Fenton, or through a fall orchard with the red and gold leaves or even a spring wedding in a park with scented with roses and cherry blossoms. You envision the sun shining down on you during your wedding ceremony. The birds are chirping. A light breeze flows through the air. The guests are smiling at you. It is the PERFECT day.

Many brides and grooms get that perfect day. I wish every single one could. The reality is though, we live in Michigan. They don’t say, “if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes” for nothing. You could have a quick change of weather at any time. I’ve seen the most beautiful day turn into the perfect storm in a matter of minutes.

I have a few rules for outdoor brides and grooms. If you’re going to get married outside in the spring, summer or fall in Michigan, you have to:

1. Deal with whatever happens and be happy with it

2. Be prepared, have a plan B

3. Make sure your guests are comfortable

4. Roll with the punches (also see #1 deal with it!)

I’m not trying to scare anyone, but being prepared is the best way to have an ideal day not only for you, but also for your guests on your wedding day.

Rain, Rain Go Away

Plan A might involve all of your guests in the back yard or in a park under the trees, but a Plan B is a safe idea. Check with local rental companies to see how late you can add a tent. The 10-day forecast is a safe bet as it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Sometimes it’s best to have a back up location. Does the church you’re getting married in have hall? Does the hotel your guests are staying in have an extra room? You typically can’t hold these without plans of using them, but if they are going unused, as your event gets closer, they may be an option.

So, worst case scenario… It’s raining or it’s going to rain and it’s not just a sprinkle- it’s raining cats and dogs. Do your guests have to walk on wet grass? A trip to the store for a bunch of umbrellas for your guests to use to walk to their cars or the bathrooms can be helpful. Will it start getting muddy? As pretty as grass is- it can get really nasty fast. Think about getting some hay or mulch to put down in high traffic areas. Can you order sidewalls for your tent? Sometimes it does rain so hard that a tent can only do so much and if it is blowing, sidewalls can help a little. Have large heaters on hand to turn on in the tent just in case the temperature drops. Not only is it only planning ahead, but also it shows your guests that you care about their comfort.

Trust your gut. If you have a feeling the weather might turn bad, secure a plan B. Because if you do, the saying is, you won’t need it. But if you don’t, you probably will.

Brrrrrrrrr….

You can never depend on the weather. A corporate event I did one October was predicting warm weather ten days prior and then a few days before changed to cold weather. I ended up adding sidewalls to the tent, gas heaters inside and outside, valet parking and purchased many fleece blankets, which I had embroidered with the client’s logo to match the color scheme of the event. I placed the blankets on the lounge furniture and passed them out as gifts so the guests could stay warm. The little extra cost is worth peace of mind and the guests thought the blankets were an amazing take a way from the event.

Oh, You Didn’t Plan for Your Wedding Party to Have 80’s Metal Band Hair?

As you know, it can get windy outdoors in Michigan very quickly. On a lake or in a backyard, wind can wreak havoc on an event. For your hair, use a little extra hairspray. For groomsmen, even if they’re not the product type, have them use a little. It’s better than having your hair sticking up in pictures. Buy some travel bottles of hairspray and hair gel to put in the bathrooms so your guests can use them as well.

Are your place cards secured? Get a plan B for your place cards if they were little cards on a table. Affix them to something! I’ve used figs with pins to secure the place cards as a paperweight. I have also used acrylic frames from the photo booth company to display the names in. This also makes a great keepsake for the guests to frame their photo booth memories in. Make sure your tablecloths are weighted so they’re not blowing up onto to lit candles or centerpieces. Are your napkins going to blow away? Make sure they’re secure as well by using heaving napkin rings or placing the bread and butter plate on top of them. Wind can also make it really hard to hear. Have a microphone for nuptials and speeches even if you think it might be overkill.

Create a Memory

Creating at atmosphere in which guests can enjoy themselves is not always an easy task. If your event is in a park, string lights around the trees so there is soft light when the sun sets. If your event is at a farm, have hand painted directional signs showing them the way to the ceremony, reception, restrooms and photo booth. When the guests arrive have a beverage handed to them by an attendant who is available to direct them or answer questions they may have. Don’t have a lot of idle time; you don’t want your guests to remember being bored.

Waiter, There is a Fly in My Soup

Insects can be uninvited guests. Make sure you have citronella candles and a bug zapper. Spray for mosquitoes in advance and also have bug spray on hand.

Hot, Hot, Hot!

August can make for days of unbearable heat! Make sure your guests have shade and plenty of bottled water. Make a pitcher of lemonade and ice tea and have that around too. Plan on your programs being doubled as fans during the ceremony. Add a tent and large commercial fans if you don’t already have one. Butter cream frosting can melt! Make sure to tell your baker that you’re going to be outside so they can use fondant on the cake instead. Make sure your guests are facing away from the sun for your ceremony. Or purchase sunglasses for everyone to wear during the ceremony, this can also make a great photograph afterwards! You don’t want them all squinting at you!

You’ll Laugh About This Someday

So, what if the weather isn’t the best? What if it’s not as you dreamed? At the end of the night, you’re still going home with the love of your life. That is what should be most important. Make this your mantra. Say it over and over again when you feel like things aren’t going quite as you planned.

Make the most out of it. Take fun pictures in the snow. Act like you’re blowing away in the wind. If you’re really adventurous - dance in the rain or jump in the lake. Why not, your going to get wet anyway?

Make sure your guests are comfortable. Then, have a glass of wine! You can’t control the weather, but you can be prepared.

A Journey Overseas: Our Australian and New Zealand Visit

By Chelsea Mills • April 19, 2026
Exploring Sydney and Cairns in Australia and visiting Auckland, Rotorua and Taupo in New Zealand.

Drive Your Brand Further with Custom Golf Balls

April 15, 2026
Custom branded golf balls are one of those promotional items that just make sense. Whether you run a golf course, a tournament, a resort, or simply want a unique way to connect with clients, they offer a fun and practical way to keep your brand in play. Golf balls are naturally tied to relaxation, leisure, and connection . That makes them a powerful marketing tool. When your logo is on something that people are actually excited to use, your brand becomes part of a positive experience. Every swing, every round, and every time someone reaches into their bag, your business is right there with them. For golf-related businesses, branded balls are an easy win. They are great for member giveaways, tournaments, pro shop merchandise, and corporate outings. If you are not in the golf industry, they still make an excellent client gift or a memorable handout that feels personal and unexpected. It is a simple way to say “thanks for your business” while staying top of mind long after the first tee. Behind Your Design has recently created custom golf balls for The Ally Challenge , Epic Machine , and Lewis & Knopf . Each one was designed to reflect the brand while still feeling clean, professional, and ready for the course. And let’s be honest, it is hard to find a promotional item with more staying power. These are not getting tossed in a drawer and forgotten. They are getting teed up, driven down the fairway, and maybe even lost in a water hazard or two. Either way, your brand is along for the ride. When it comes to marketing, combining business with leisure is a hole-in-one strategy. It builds connection in a relaxed environment where people are already in a good mood and open to engagement. That kind of brand association is priceless. If you are ready to put your brand in play, contact Behind Your Design today and start creating custom golf balls that keep your business top of mind from the first tee to the final putt.

Fidget, Focus, and Your Brand Front and Center

April 15, 2026
If you’ve spent any time around kids lately or scrolling online, you’ve probably noticed one thing. Fidget toys are everywhere. From the viral popularity of NeeDoh stress ball style products to satisfying squeeze cubes and rings, these small but mighty items have become go-to tools for entertainment, stress relief, and focus. And right now, they are not just fun. They are a smart branding opportunity. Why Fidget Toys Work Fidget toys hit a sweet spot that most promotional products do not. They are: Used daily and not tossed in a drawer Helpful for focus and stress relief Appealing across ages, especially kids and teens Easy to share and talk about Whether it is in a classroom, at a desk, or during a meeting, people reach for these again and again. That means your brand gets seen again and again too. Real Examples, Real Impact We have recently helped clients turn this trend into something meaningful and memorable. Tanglewood Home Care created custom Sensory Squeeze Fidget Cubes as a thoughtful resource for individuals who benefit from tactile support. These are not just giveaways. They are tools that provide comfort, support focus, and create a positive connection back to the brand that provided them. We also partnered with Kettering University on a custom Orbit Fidget Ring. This is the kind of item students can use in class or meetings to stay engaged and focused without distraction. It is subtle, functional, and something they will actually keep. A Trend Worth Tapping Into Fidget toys are not just a passing moment. They have become part of how people manage stress and stay engaged, especially in environments where focus matters. Because they are already trending heavily online, they come with built-in attention. When your brand is part of something people already enjoy using, it does not feel like marketing. It simply fits into their daily routine. More Than a Giveaway The best promotional products are the ones people do not throw away. Fidget toys check that box easily. They are interactive, memorable, practical, and easy to customize with your brand. Most importantly, they create a positive experience every time someone uses them. Create Something People Want to Keep If you are looking for a fresh way to get your brand into people’s hands and keep it there, custom fidget toys are worth considering. From squeeze cubes to rings and beyond, we can help you create something that is not only on trend, but actually useful. Because when your brand becomes part of someone’s everyday routine, that is when it really sticks.

Picture-Perfect Branding: Why Photo Prop Signage Works

April 15, 2026
There’s something special about capturing a milestone moment, especially when it’s paired with a great photo. Whether it’s the excitement of closing on a new home, celebrating a big win, or marking a major life event, people want to share those moments. That’s where photo prop signage becomes a powerful and often overlooked marketing tool. Take a real estate office providing a custom acrylic sign for new homeowners. It might say something like “Just Sold!” or “Welcome Home,” while also showcasing the agent’s name and brand. Every time a client snaps a photo and shares it on social media, that brand goes right along with it. Celebrating Them While Promoting You The beauty of photo prop signage is that it doesn’t feel like advertising. It feels like part of the celebration. You’re giving clients something fun and share-worthy while naturally weaving your brand into the moment. Instead of a traditional ad people scroll past, you become part of a story they want to share. Built-In Visibility & Repetition Marketing is all about repetition and recognition. The more people see your brand, the more familiar and trusted it becomes. Photo prop signage helps make that happen in an organic way: The same sign shows up across multiple clients and celebrations Shared photos extend your reach beyond your immediate audience Your branding becomes associated with positive, meaningful moments Over time, that consistent visual presence can make a real impact.

A VIP Night to Remember at Medawar's

April 14, 2026
Behind Your Design recently had the opportunity to once again partner with Medawar’s in Flint Township to create a VIP experience for their most valued customers. This is a relationship that means a great deal to us because it goes all the way back to 2009 when we first began working with their team. Over the years, our partnership has grown into one that includes trust, creativity, and a shared commitment to delivering meaningful experiences. For this event, our team handled everything from the initial invitation design and mailing, to the digital Evite and event signage, making sure every detail felt consistent and elevated from the very first touchpoint. The goal was to create something that felt special before guests even arrived. When guests stepped on site, they were welcomed into a fully transformed outdoor lounge experience inside a heated tent. The space was designed to feel warm, inviting, and luxurious , with a hand-rolled cigar station, passed hors d’oeuvres, live acoustic music, craft cocktails, comfortable lounge seating, an ice sculpture, and an interactive luxury vehicle display. It was all about creating an atmosphere where people could slow down, connect, and enjoy the evening. Inside, guests were able to browse and try on beautiful jewelry in a relaxed, social setting while enjoying cocktails and conversation. The experience was intentionally designed to feel personal rather than transactional, giving guests the space to truly appreciate the craftsmanship behind each piece. We also created curated gift bags for attendees that included thoughtful, high-end items like cigar cutters , a premium lighter , stainless steel mugs , jewelry boxes , and watch cases . Guests were entered into a drawing for a stunning diamond necklace, adding a fun moment of anticipation to the night. Inside the showroom, a coffee bar and dessert offerings from CRUST Bakery rounded out the experience. Looking back, this event is a reflection of a long-standing partnership with Medawar’s that we truly value. From their brand refresh in 2023 to years of event design and marketing support, we’re grateful to continue evolving alongside their team and helping bring their vision to life in memorable ways.

From Spills to Squeaks: Promo Products That Save the Day

April 14, 2026
When it comes to branded promotional products, the best items aren’t just eye-catching, they’re useful, trusted, and kept. That’s exactly what makes these co-branded essentials featuring Tide and WD-40 such standout options. They go beyond typical giveaways by becoming everyday problem-solvers your audience will actually carry, use, and appreciate. Practical Products People Reach For A Tide to Go + Oxi pen is the kind of product people need in real-life moments for coffee spills before a meeting, lunch mishaps in the car, or last-minute touch-ups before an event. It’s compact, easy to store, and incredibly effective, making it something users will keep within arm’s reach at all times. Pair that with the WD-40 Precision Pen, and now you’ve covered both personal and practical needs. From fixing squeaky hinges to loosening tight bolts, this kit becomes a go-to solution for quick fixes at home, in the office, or on the road. Built-In Brand Trust = Instant Credibility One of the biggest advantages of these products is the power of co-branding with names people already trust. Tide and WD-40 aren’t just recognizable, they’re relied upon. When your brand is placed alongside them, it inherits that same sense of reliability and quality. Instead of introducing your audience to something unfamiliar, you’re aligning your brand with products they already know work. That creates a stronger, faster connection and makes your promotional item feel more valuable from the start. 
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