How To Be A Wedding Guest in Saugatuck/Douglas
Destination weddings can be marvelously fun but also a little stressful when you don’t know your way around. If you’re attending a wedding here on the Art Coast, you’re in for an enchanting experience. To help you make the most of your time, we’ve put together this handy guide to ensure you have access to everything you need during your stay. From finding the perfect hairstylist to recovering from a hangover, we’ve got you covered.
Getting Around
Like other small coastal getaways, parking can be scarce here during the busier months. Leave your car wherever you’re staying and just use the convenient Interurban to get around. This demand response public bus system provides transportation for Saugatuck and Douglas, offering curb-to-curb service. Call 269.857.1418 to schedule your ride in advance. Fares are $1.00 for adults and children 12 and over and $.50 for senior citizens, children under 12, and persons with disabilities. Please have exact change in cash to ride.
Services like Uber also operate in the area, making it easy to hail a ride with just a few taps on your smartphone. If you’ve had a few drinks and need a safe and reliable way to get around, transportation options that go late into the evening include Old Harbor Shuttle Service (616.215.6373), Saugatuck Douglas Taxi Service (269.543.3355), Cyndi’s Moonlight Express (269.910.3222), and Moveportz Shuttle and Private Car Service (269.270.6690).
Where To Go For Hair & Mani/Pedis
Everyone wants to look their best when attending a wedding. Fortunately, Saugatuck/Douglas offers several excellent salons that can help you achieve the perfect look for the big event. Located in the heart of Saugatuck, Bella Vita Spa + Suites provides a range of hair services, from cuts to blow-outs to formal styling as well as manicures and pedicures that will leave you feeling picture-perfect. Rose + Huck Salon, located on Saugatuck’s beautiful waterfront, features skillful stylists specializing in haircuts for men and women, color application, Keratin treatments, and curly hair care. L Salon & Boutique in Douglas offers hairstyling for men and women, manicures, pedicures, and makeup application. And Palette Cosmetology Academy, also located in Douglas, is a full-service hair salon that offers very reasonably priced blow-outs and up-dos.
Locating That Perfect Bottle of Wine or Champagne
Whether it’s for gifting or making a toast at a pre- or post-wedding event, there are several local establishments where you can find fine wines and champagnes. Located in Saugatuck, the Butler Pantry offers a wide selection of wines and champagnes from various regions and knowledgeable staff who can assist you. Wine Sellers of Saugatuck is a boutique wine shop specializing in unique, hard-to-find wines. Featuring a curated selection from around the world, the store’s expert and friendly staff can provide recommendations based on your preferences. And don’t miss the J. Petter Wine Gallery, another local boutique wine shop that focuses on small-production, artisanal wines from around the world. And for locally-produced wines that represent the best of the Fruit Belt region, be sure to visit Modales Wines, Fenn Valley Vineyards & Winery, Michigan Wine Co., and Crane’s Winery.
Last Minute Cards & Gifts
With art galleries galore and specialty boutiques located throughout Saugatuck/Douglas, finding a one-of-a-kind wedding gift is easy. For a complete list of local retailers, look here. Need to express your well wishes for the happy couple in writing? Greeting cards, ranging from amusing to artistic, can be found at The Owl House, It Is What It Is, Polka Dot Mitten, and Articles.
Finding a Babysitter
If you’re traveling with children and need a reliable babysitter for the wedding day or a night out, we recommend looking for local sitters on care.com or sittercity.com.
Recovering from a Hangover
Sometimes, unforgettable celebrations can lead to memorable hangovers. Saugatuck has a few places where you can nurse your headache and recharge for the day ahead. Start your day at Uncommon Coffee Roasters with a cup of their delicious locally roasted coffee. Their cozy atmosphere and delectable baked goods are ideal for rejuvenating after a night of festivities. Or if the hair of the dog that bit you is what you’re looking for, grab brunch at Pumpernickels, where they serve Bloody Marys and bottomless Mimosas on the weekends. For over-the-counter pain relievers, hit the Saugatuck Drug Store & Soda Fountain or Alexander’s Drug Store in Fennville and start feeling like yourself in no time.
