Bride and bridesmaids look feel best

Brides and Bridesmaids: What to Wear to Look and Feel Your Best

There are more styles for brides & bridesmaids to wear on wedding days than ever before. However, this does pose some logistical challenges. Brides and bridesmaids have to coordinate necklines and skirts with figure, undergarments, dress lengths, and shoes. It is important to keep a few details in mind as you plan your bridal party’s wedding attire. Here is what you need to know, brides and bridesmaids, about what to wear to look and feel your best.

Curved Creative Wedding Seating

Wedding Ceremony Seating Arrangements

Wedding Ceremony Seating Arrangements

When planning your guest list, you can get creative with your wedding ceremony seating arrangements so your guests can see your special day! Especially if you are having an outdoor ceremony there are many options to choose from. That being said, not every wedding seating arrangement works for every size guest list or wedding venue. To help you decide, here are some creative wedding ceremony seating arrangements to get you thinking.

Curved Seating

If you are having a more traditional wedding but want to slightly change it up, curved seating is a great option. You can still have the traditional long wedding aisle to walk down. Your guests will love there is no bad seat in the house because of the varying of row lengths, which creates a less obstructed view. It’s also a great way to make the most use of your ceremony space if it is more wide than it is deep.

Circular Seating

Circular seating arrangements are great for more intimate weddings. Your wedding guests will be up close and personal surrounding you 360 degrees. If you enjoy having your own space, this might not be the ceremony seating option for you. However, if you don’t mind the intimacy, it is a beautiful way to surround yourselves with your loved ones on your wedding day.

Spiral Seating

If you’re going for a unique ceremony, spiral seating is a great option for you. Similar to curved seating there are no bad seats. Spiral seating works well for small or larger weddings due to it’s unique and seemingly endless shape. If you have been looking forward to walking down a long aisle, but didn’t want a traditional wedding, a spiral ceremony seating arrangement provides a long aisle with a fun twist.

Traditional Row Seating

Sometimes classic is classic for a reason. Traditional row seating works with any sized wedding ceremony and venue. If you are overwhelmed with details, row seating is the simple wedding seating arrangement you need. Guests often expect this seating arrangement for wedding ceremonies because of its traditional and common use.

Happy Planning! We hope these wedding ceremony seating ideas will help get your wedding ceremony planning started! For more wedding planning advice and inspiration check out more Chicago Wedding Blog posts below.

Monogram Newlyweds

Five Holiday Gifts Ideas For Newlyweds

Five Holiday Gift Ideas For Newlyweds

The holidays always sneak up on us. As they are quickly approaching, there is no time to waste in choosing your holiday gifts. for the newlyweds in your life! Here are five great, helpful newlywed gift ideas for the newlyweds we know they will love!

Unpurchased Registry Gifts

An easy gift idea is to buy them any wedding registry gift that was not purchased. You know they’ll love it because they picked it out. Often, there are a bunch of little things left over. This situation can make a fun gift set by wrapping each small gift individually and putting them in a decorative bowl. You can purchase small gifts as one theme, such as baking, to make a well thought out gift.

Newlywed Christmas Ornaments/Holiday Decor

Every family celebrates different holidays and differently at those holidays. Regardless of what holiday the newlyweds celebrate, a great gift idea is to get them “our first married (insert holiday here)” gifts. Whether you choose an ornament, customized wreath, or wall décor; it’s bound to be a keepsake they’ll treasure for years.

Monogrammed Gifts

If the couple changed last names, this is a great gift! You could get the bride(s) their new monogram in a necklace, clothing, or home décor. You could the groom(s) a newly monogrammed leather wallet, cufflinks, or cellphone case. The exciting and new changes couples experience after there wedding are something to celebrate. What better way to recognize their new life together than using their new initials on a gift?

Framed Wedding Photos or Newlywed Family Photos

Wedding photos are some of the most cherished photos for families. We think a great idea to welcome the newlyweds as a family and into their greater families is framed wedding and family photos. Often until weddings, there aren’t many photos with the full family, including both newlyweds. Giving wedding, or new family, photos is a great way to welcome the spouse of your loved ones into your family.

Home Appliances Or Tools

Often, after couples get married they purchase a home or move to a new rental. A great way to help the newlyweds make their home their own is gifting small home appliances or tools. If the couple loves coffee, there are plenty of fancy coffee and espresso makers to choose from. Home improvement tool sets are always useful. If the couple has new furniture to put together or fixer upper projects; tools are the perfect gift.


We hope this gave you some easy, helpful holiday gift ideas for the newlyweds in your life. No matter what holiday you celebrate; we know the newlyweds in your life would love these great gifts! For more wedding planning inspiration and advice, check out more Chicago Wedding Blog posts below! Happy planning!

Jumping The Broom Ritual

Wedding Ceremony Rituals

Wedding Ceremony Rituals

Every wedding ceremony is personalized by the engaged couple. One way couples personalize their ceremony is wedding ceremony rituals. A ritual can be religious or spiritual in nature, or simply symbolic. The choice is yours as to which you prefer. Here are some unique wedding ceremony rituals to give you some ideas.

Sand Art

Any child of the 90’s will remember the joy of sand art! Each person can choose their own color they’d like. Then, during this ritual the couples will pour both of their sands into the capsule to blend them together. As with most wedding rituals, their meaning is the union between two people becoming one. Couples can then use this capsule as a decorative keepsake.

Unity Candle

A unity candle is similar in idea to the sand. Each person will hold a lit candle and together they will light a big beautiful candle, called a unity candle. The candle makes a great living room keepsake. Who doesn’t love a good candle? Every year on your anniversary you can make use of it again by relighting it.

Jumping The Broom

Jumping the broom is a wedding ritual from the African culture, specifically Ghana. Traditionally a broom is circled over the engaged couple to cast away evil. Then, at the end of the ceremony, the couple jumps over the broom, as a solidifying of the ceremony. The jump of the broom traditionally symbolized a wife’s promise to clean their house and whoever jumps higher over the broom, typically the man, would get to make the decisions in the home. However; in the 21st century most couples embrace this tradition simply as a cultural tradition they want to pass on, not a symbol of the wife being lesser than. Many couples embrace this ritual by applying their own meaning to it such as their embracing of one another’s culture and commitment to their relationship.

Hand Tying Ritual

A hand tying ritual originated from the Pagan and Celt traditions. Some couples, however, just like the meaning of the ceremony, so it does not need to be a cultural ritual. The tying of the hands, also known as handfasting, symbolizes a couple’s commitment to each other through good times and bad. Historically, some traditions would tie a couple together for a year and if they lasted a year being tied together their marriage would last. While we are not recommending you be tied to your fiance for a year, a hand tying ritual is a great way to demonstrate your commitment to each other through good times and bad times. You can later keep the rope, maybe even braid it to create home decor.

Wine or Communion Ritual

In the Christian traditions, some couples will feed each other wine and bread symbolizing their promise to care for eachother. Some weddings do not have a communion service, but just have the couple give communion, bread and wine, to each other. Some people do not come from a religion who participates in communion. In that case, this ritual can also be a sort of blessing that the couple may never go hungry or want for anything.



Each ritual can mean something different to each couple, and that is the beauty of planning a ceremony. Unless you are getting married in a religious denomination with strict guidelines, there are many ways you can customize your ceremony to embrace symbolism that is meaningful to you as a couple. You could even get creative and create your own ritual specific to you as a couple, such as a beer pouring ritual. It is your wedding day! Structure your ceremony to reflect the love you feel for each other. From there, there are no wrong choices. Happy Planning!

Wedding Decor Colors

How To: Choose Your Wedding Color Scheme

How To: Choose Your Wedding Color Scheme

Often couples choose a trending color for their wedding color scheme. When wedding planning, there are no wrong choices. However, we do have some suggestions to choose your wedding colors in a different way. Trending colors come and go, but if you choose a color scheme that is so ‘you’, it’ll be timeless & unique. Here are five steps to choose a color scheme that is ‘you’!

First, Narrow Down Your Top Colors And Use A Layout App To Put Colors Together.

Start looking at color options. Then narrow down some of your favorites. Afterward, ensure all colors and textures knit together cohesively by using a layout app. You want to ensure the flowers, ties, suits, dresses, & shoes coordinate.

Second, Instead Of A Trending Color, Think Of Colors That Are ‘You’.

Next, from all those options think about which options are very ‘you’ and nix the excess options. We all can easily tell the year most weddings were by the color of wedding they chose. Navy, blush, burgundy, & gray/blue are all beautiful trending colors that have been widely used. That being said, if you love to wear black every day, black can be a great color for your bridesmaids. You do not have to choose a trending color. If you have a favorite color, say green, that is a color choice you know you’ll love for years to come. Choose colors that can complement each other and reflect your personal style.

Third, Check With Bridesmaids & Groomsmen Attire Designers To Ensure Your Colors Are Possible.

This is often a step brides/grooms forget. Not every designer has fabric in every shade of color you can imagine. Some colors are rotated in and out by year. So before you announce your color scheme; ensure it’s easily accessible to your bridal party. It’s not worth going on a wild goose chase for a color that doesn’t exist. That being said, there are hundreds of color options. You are sure to find at least one of your favorites from step two that you love.

Fourth, Gather Your Decor Ideas.

Now that you’ve narrowed down your colors, choosing coordinating decor is your next job.  When choosing decor you can use one of the coordinating colors you may have eliminated to be a pop of color, contrasting with your bridal party color. Looking at your wedding decor options will also help you solidify your overall color scheme as you keep in mind your venue and wedding flowers.

Fifth, Put It All Together.

You’ve chosen your ‘you’ color, found your bridal party’s attire, and put together your decor ideas and pops of color! Now it’s time to put it all together. At this point, it helps to print everything out so you can see it on paper. You can cut out pictures from magazines, or just print out the final version of the layout we discussed. Then you can present your scheme to your vendors so they can help you bring your ‘you’ wedding color scheme vision to life!



For more wedding planning tips and inspiration, check out more Chicago Wedding Blog posts below! Happy Planning!

Wedding Reception Add-Ons, Coffee Cart

Wedding Reception Add-Ons

Wedding Reception Add-Ons

A new trend we’ve been loving is wedding reception add-ons! Wedding reception add-ons are unique options you can add to your wedding reception, usually food or activity related. These options add extra fun and uniqueness to your wedding. If you want your wedding to stand out from the rest, here are some fun, and yummy, wedding reception add-ons to inspire you!

#1 A Lemonade Stand

If your wedding is during warm weather this is a great add-on idea for you! You could do different flavors of lemonade or iced tea. You can also add fruit to your lemonade/tea options. This is a refreshing way to keep guests cool and happy.

#2 A Donut Stand

Who doesn’t love donuts? Donuts come in all flavors and designs from classic to gourmet. If you love dessert or just want an extra fun snack for your wedding donuts are the in choice; and delicious. The donut displays are equally as unique as the donut options. You could add the donuts around your cake, or you can even have a wooden donut display. The sky’s the limit if you love donuts!

#3 Coffee Bar

Do you love coffee? If you don’t want sleepy guests on the dance floor, choose a coffee bar! You can have a signature drink, or have options for your guests. So many people are coffee-obsessed, so this option has become very popular. Also, coffee pairs very well with desserts.

#4 A Photo Booth

There are many fun ways to do a photo booth. You can make it in to a guest book by using the photos for the guest book. It even works as a wedding favor so the guests can take their keepsake photos with them. Who doesn’t love taking funny photos with props with your friends? This fun activity is great for a break from the dance floor, or right after dinner before dancing.

#5 Graham’s Homemade Ice Cream Bars

Graham’s in Geneva, Illinois will provide their homemade ice cream at your wedding reception! Their chocolate is to die for and their ice cream is like the cherry on top! Your guests will talk about these desserts for years!

Did you have add-ons at your wedding reception? Are you planning on having wedding reception add-ons? We’d love to hear what you are doing and see photos! E-Mail them to hello@chicagoweddingblog.com . Happy Planning! For more helpful wedding planning tips read the blog posts below!

Creative Wedding Ideas

Creative Wedding Ideas

Creative Wedding Ideas

The world is pretty stressful right now, but do not despair! We’ve got some great creative wedding ideas for you as you’re stuck inside and still wanting to plan. You will have your big day and if you’re looking for some “out of the box” ideas we’ve got you covered.

First, we have an idea for the artsy couples.

Let art literally inspire you and be part of your wedding! We are seeing brides use famous art pieces or inventing their own logos on invitations and décor. We also love the idea of having a reception at an art gallery. What  wedding venue is more chic and trendy than an art museum? Your guests will have extra entertainment looking at your favorite pieces and it’s a great conversation starter.

Second, if you’re a couple who is all about your guest list, then we suggest the “themed guest experience”.

A small wedding party tends to love this option since you can do more. Think creatively from hiring performers like belly dancers, magicians or even animal acts. It’s all about the guest experience for this idea. You can surprise your guests with a night out in the city or have costumes to change into.

Thirdly, if you’re a bride who doesn’t want to wear white, then this creative idea is for you!

Wear a bold color. No one is making you wear a white wedding dress. So, if you’d rather look at other hues like gold, rose, black or lavender. The color wheel is your friend and you can rock any color you want. We love the idea of wearing a color that matches your theme like black for a more Gothic ceremony.

No matter what creative idea you come up with you can make your big day a night to remember! For more wedding planning tips and advice check out the blog posts below! Happy planning!

Presentation Flowers

Wedding Flower Styles

Wedding Flower Styles

Wedding flowers are one of the most important visual elements of your wedding. Consequently, it’s important to look determine your floral style. Once you determine your wedding flower style you can easily play with other colors and textures. To help you with this here are wedding flower styles to inspire you.

Bohemian Organic Flower Styles

This flower style has been popular for some time now. Different than the clean, classic style these looser bouquets have asymmetrical shapes and textures incorporated. One aspect of this style is flowing greenery, stalk, and cascading wildflowers. Some examples of bohemian, or organically shaped, bouquets are cascade or hand tied bouquets. If you like bigger bouquets with organic shape this is your wedding flower style.

Classic Circular Wedding Bouquet

This style is a great idea for those who like a clean symmetrical look. Typical classic nosegay or biedermeier bouquets look tighter than the bohemian style. Because of this, they’re usually rounder and incorporate less cascade elements. If you like a look that is smaller and less dramatic for your bouquet, look into classic, circular bouquets. This style is perfect for a classic wedding.

Angled And Horizontal Wedding Bouquets

If you don’t like the vertical look of flowers, a presentation style bouquet may be the perfect choice for you. Think of the bouquet given to beauty pageant queens. This shape is one with which they cradle in their arms. Typically longer stemmed flower are better for this choice. If you like that look, search into a presentation bouquet option.

Unique, Fresh Vintage Flower Styles

Some vintage shapes are slowly making a comeback. One idea we’ve seen used as decoration and as a bouquet is a hoop wedding bouquet. These flowers are attached to a metallic or plastic hoop. This style is perfect for you if you like to be one of a kind! Another circular shape option is the Pomander bouquet. This type of bouquet is a ball shape. This is attached to a ribbon or loop from which it is carried. If you like to be unique with a vintage flair, these flower styles are perfect for you.



For more wedding planning inspiration, tips, & ideas take a look at more blog posts below! We know there are so many places to look for wedding planning inspiration. Thank you for reading Chicago Wedding Blog. Happy Planning!

Arcade Bachelor Party Ideas

Bachelor Party Ideas

Bachelor Party Ideas

It’s 2020, gents. There are better ways to celebrate your upcoming wedding day. Either in movies or real life, we’ve seen the cringe-worthy proverbial bachelor parties where men go to a strip club; despite the fact they’re soon to be married. If you are looking for a fun, yet relationship affirming bachelor party; here are some great ideas you won’t regreat.

Challenge Your Friend Group To An Endurance Test

Have you ever heard of a “Tough Mudder?” The Tough Mudder will test your group’s endurance by putting you through a ten mile long obstacle course! What better way to get healthy before you begin your married life than an obstacle course challenge with your best friends? A little healthy competition is always fun. It will create memories sure to last for a long time.

Go On A Staycation

You can all stay home, but plan a weekend together. Go to your favorite: restaurants, bars, bowling alleys, or arcades. You don’t have to go far away on a vacation. Spend a weekend celebrating your friendship by going to all your favorite places and simply having fun. You know what you have fun doing, so keep it simple and go do that.

Try Something New

Never tried Zumba before? Take your groomsmen to do that! Never played golf before? Go find a golf course! How about a painting class? Or if you’re feeling brave, a ballet class. The most hilarious times with our friends often come from new situations. Whether you’re incredibly uncoordinated or a professional-grade athlete; this idea will be fun for everyone. Just don’t forget your sense of humor.

Enjoy The Great Outdoors

A less expensive option for a bachelor party is camping. The stay is free as long as someone already has a tent. All you’d have to provide is the food for you to grill up. You could also pay to do extras such as canoeing, kayaking, or tubing. You can easily tailor this one to your wedding budget. Who doesn’t love a night under the stars with a bonfire?

We hope these bachelor party suggestions gave you some unique ideas. No matter what bachelor party you choose, it is sure to create memories for you to laugh about for years. For more inspiration and wedding planning tips & tricks check out the blog posts below!

Micro Wedding Decor

Micro Weddings

Micro Weddings

For the couple who are introverts at heart and want a small wedding we are loving the micro wedding trend! It’s as the name implies – only your nearest and dearest are invited to your big day and that makes it a great intimate gathering without all the decision fatigue. Planning a huge wedding is an event in itself and some couples just don’t have the time or will power to get through that. The answer is a micro wedding!

A micro wedding is not only less stress for you, but also nice if you’re on a tight budget.

The average cost of a wedding since 2017 is around $34,000. That’s money you could definitely be spending on your future together not just one day! The micro wedding is not an elopement. It has all the traditions of cake, dancing, wedding ceremony, flowers and speeches. The time allotted isn’t micro, just the budget and size of your wedding party.

The size of your micro wedding can range from 5 guests to 50.

Any more than that and the cost and constraints go up. Of course, having a small wedding means you get to lavish your closest friends and family like royalty. Typically the cost per plate goes up as much as $150 per person, but that’s still within a smaller budget since you’re only inviting a few people. Think Champagne and cocktails that you can customize, party favors that are more personal to the wedding guests, and getting to talk to everyone that comes. You don’t have to have wedding planning stress about making rounds in a huge venue, but instead will get to speak with your loved ones on a personal level for more than five minutes.

Since the size of your guest list is smaller you can consider smaller venues as well!

For micro weddings your venue selection isn’t as limited. You can find unique spaces like libraries or museums that only accommodate a tiny group of people. The venue for your micro wedding can enhance the vibe you’re going for immensely. Even if it’s a destination micro wedding, you can use the setting to decorate for you like a gorgeous sunset, mountain top or aquarium. A lot of venues will have special “mirco wedding” packages available as well!