All those college parties have culminated in this important night — your bachelorette party! It’s time to gather all your best friends and hit the town. More and more, we see brides and bridesmaids celebrating in local restaurants, bars and breweries, but West Michigan has plenty of other options. Whether you’re looking to bond with some yoga or shop for the wedding night, we’ve got something for you.

So, you want a wedding unlike everyone else — something that will stun your friends on Instagram and be labeled anything but conventional. Perhaps that’s a vintage cottage winter wedding in the middle of nowhere at a private Airbnb, or maybe it’s at a regular venue with unique food options. Chances are, you’ve spent more hours on the internet than you care to admit looking for eccentric vendors to make your special day different than the rest. Close your laptop, grab a cup of joe, and read through our recommendations to make your wedding truly unique. 

Sam Vanderlist has been in the business for 15 years, cultivating a relaxed, chill vibe. So it’s no surprise that she’s “hands off — as much as I can be.” In her off-season, she “macramés all kinds of shit” and is renovating a camper van. We asked the elopement and wedding photographer to share some inside scoops on how to have the best photo session. 

A mobile boutique bartending service in a renovated horse trailer means good, wild fun.