Event-Proofing Your Detroit Wedding: Tips for Dealing with the Impact of Concerts, Construction & Festivals
Hey there soon-to-be bride or groom! Planning your dream Detroit wedding is an exciting journey, but have you considered the potential challenges that big events can bring?
- Picture this: you’re ready to say “I do,” but suddenly, traffic jams and parking nightmares threaten to derail your perfectly planned wedding timeline.
- And what about those stunning wedding photos? With crowds and limited access to popular locations, you might not be able to get the photos you envisioned.
Planning ahead for your Detroit wedding is key! In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the art of wedding preparation in the midst of downtown Detroit’s buzzing event scene.
2023 Events That Could Affect Your Detroit Wedding:
- May 27-29, 2023 Movement Festival
- Held in Detroit’s Hart Plaza every Memorial Day weekend since 2006, this annual festival celebrates Detroit’s hallowed place in techno and EDM history by bringing together an expansive bill of DJs and artists.
- June 2-4, 2023 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear
- The 1.7-mile downtown route features 10 turns and a u-turn at the Joe Louis fist on Jefferson Avenue. The downtown course would include running Jefferson, from Rivard down to Hart Plaza, doubling back toward Bates and then taking Atwater and other streets back past the Renaissance Center and back to Rivard.
- June 9-10, 2023 Taylor Swift Eras Tour
- Swift’s concert is scheduled to be at Ford Field in Detroit on June 9 & 10, 2023 and you better believe other downtown events (like weddings) will be greatly impacted, but more on that here.
- June 10-11, 2023 Motor City Pride Festival
- Motor City Pride is Michigan’s largest pride celebration, with over 50,000 participants. The event will be located in Detroit’s Hart Plaza. Festival: 1 p.m.-9 p.m.
- June 27- July 02, 2023 Rocket Mortgage Classic
- Metro Detroit welcomes back the Rocket Mortgage Classic for the 5th time to the Detroit Golf Club! All public parking Thursday-Sunday will be at Wayne State University, with shuttle service to and from Detroit Golf Club.
- June 29-30, 2023 Morgan Wallan Tour (Ford Field)
- July 8-9, 2023 Drake Concert (LCA)
- Drake and 21 Savage will perform at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday, July 8 and Sunday, July 9. Both shows are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
- July 14 – 15, 2023 Kid Rock Tour (LCA)
- July 15, 2023 Ed Sheeran Tour (Ford Field)
- August 5, 2023 WWE: Summerslam (Ford Field)
- August 5, 2023 Madonna Concert (LCA)
- The pop megastar will perform her first local concert in eight years when she plays at Little Caesars Arena on Aug. 5 as part of her Celebration Tour.
- October 13-15, 2023 Detroit Free Press Marathon
- The 2023 Marathon route is going internationally again in 2023 and kept the additions of Detroit features like the Woodbridge neighborhood, the District Detroit, Eastern Market, the Dequindre Cut and a finish line at the foot of Campus Martius. Full Marathon Route.
2024 Summer Events That Could Affect Your Detroit Wedding
- March 29-31, 2024 NCAA March Madness
- Experience March Madness® in Detroit on March 29 & 31, 2024 at Little Caesars Arena when the University of Detroit Mercy and Oakland University host the Midwest Regional of the NCAA ® Division I Men’s Basketball Championship.
- April 25-27, 2024 NFL Draft
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The area around Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza will serve as the event site for the Draft, which has become one of the most anticipated sports events of the year for the hundreds of thousands of fans who attend the three-day event and millions more who watch and engage around the world.
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Construction You Need to Know About
- Belle Isle Conservatory closed until 2024
- Weekly road construction updates from MDOT
- George George Park parking lot under construction summer 2023
- It is scheduled to be completed late August/September this year. This means that George George will have almost no parking at all for the summer. If a bridal party wants to use the park, they can pull up and disembark from their limo but have to walk through the construction zone to get to the main area of the park.
Avoid Wedding Day Disasters: Tips to Protect Your Big Day
Plan Early and Communicate: Start your wedding planning process well in advance, especially if it coincides with a big event. Secure your venue, vendors, and accommodations as early as possible. Be sure to communicate with your wedding team and guests about the event’s impact, potential challenges, and any necessary adjustments to schedules or logistics.
Check Event Dates and Locations: Bravo! You’re already doing that by reading this blog 🙂 Stay informed about the specific dates, locations, and anticipated impact of the big event. Keep an eye on road closures, parking restrictions, and changes in public transportation routes. Consider adjusting your wedding date or venue if the event’s footprint directly conflicts with your plans.
Transportation Logistics: Arrange transportation options for your guests, ensuring they can navigate the event-related traffic or parking challenges smoothly. Consider providing shuttle services or sharing detailed transportation information to help guests reach your wedding venue hassle-free.
Communicate with Vendors: Reach out to your wedding vendors and discuss the potential impact of the event on their services. Ensure they are aware of the event’s schedule and any logistical changes it might entail. Collaborate with them to find suitable alternatives or workarounds if needed.
Photography Planning: If your desired Detroit wedding photography locations are affected by the event, work with your photographer to identify alternative spots or capture the essence of the event itself as part of your wedding photos. Downtown Detroit has many picturesque areas, so be open to exploring different backdrops that still showcase the city’s charm.
Inform Your Guests: Keep your guests informed about the event and its potential impact on their travel plans, parking options, and accommodations. Share relevant information, such as alternative parking areas, public transportation details, and suggested routes, to help them navigate the city smoothly.
Flexibility and Contingency Plans: Embrace flexibility and have contingency plans in place. Consider potential scenarios and prepare backup options for outdoor ceremonies or receptions if needed. By being adaptable and prepared, you can navigate any unforeseen challenges with ease and ensure a memorable wedding day.
Embrace the Energy: While big events may bring some logistical challenges, they also infuse the city with vibrant energy and unique experiences. Embrace the excitement and incorporate elements of the event into your wedding, such as themed decorations, event-inspired cocktails, or after-party arrangements, to make your celebration even more memorable.
