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Supportive Bridesmaids

How to Be a Great Bridesmaid

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How to be a Great Bridesmaid

When your friend asks you to be their bridesmaid it is such an honor. It comes with lots of fun, but also some responsibilities. Once you’ve said, “yes” to becoming a bridesmaid your job begins! What does that job entail, you ask? Here is exactly how to be a great bridesmaid.

Be the calm in the storm and a listening ear.

Wedding planning can cause heightened emotions. When brides are overwhelmed, things that may seem small to others may seem tragic to the bride. Sometimes we all just need a listening ear without advice or judgment. Because of that, don’t forget to ask if they need advice or just a listening ear. It’s important to be both supportive and level-headed for your friend. Whether her dream photographer is unavailable, her wedding dress is delayed in shipping, or her veil came in at the wrong length she will be grateful to have an empathetic and problem-solving friend like you. Remember, the key is to be supportive AND level-headed.

Put all important dates and deadlines in your calendar.

Wedding costs can add up quickly and you will be surprised how quickly the year of wedding planning will go! Make sure you mark any deposits needed for dresses, hair/beauty services, or accommodations in your calendar so you are prepared. Don’t make the bride have uncomfortable conversations about overdue deposits. Keep in mind there are many celebratory events throughout the wedding planning process. Engagement parties, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners, and after-wedding brunches are all important events you’ll want to mark in your calendar.

Communicate Early

Take stock of your allotted PTO days at work. We all only have a certain number of days off available each year. Look at how many you have, pronto, and let the bride know if you cannot attend any events. While the bride may be disappointed that you can’t attend every event, she will likely appreciate you telling her far in advance.

Another important thing to communicate is your abilities based on whether you have children or are pregnant. If you’re due around your friend’s wedding date, be clear with her about that. If you have children, it’s also important to communicate what you can/cannot do based on your children’s needs or schedules. Again, the bride may feel disappointed, but it’s best to be clear up-front to prevent any last-minute surprises. Moms & women are known to be excellent multi-taskers, but it is okay if you cannot do everything as long as you communicate early!

Be excited with/for the bride!

Every bride has likely looked forward to their wedding day for a long time. It always feels good to be supported by your friends, so show your friend your mutual excitement for her wedding day. While you may have opinions about how you’d plan your own wedding, allow the bride her turn to choose whatever wedding colors and details she loves. Then, be complimentary and supportive of her choices. Likely, the bride will not make terrible choices, like in the movie 27 Dresses, but be supportive regardless. Don’t forget, no matter the bridesmaid dress, you can likely shorten it and wear it again ;).

On the wedding day, be ready to jump in!

Be on the lookout for any hiccups on the wedding day. One often missed detail is fixing the bride’s train during the ceremony and pictures! Be on the lookout during the ceremony to ensure her train is fluffed and positioned beautifully so her photos turn out well. There’s nothing worse than beautiful ceremony photos, but the train is bunched up, fluff that train!

If anyone tries to begin conflict with the bride (Let’s be real, every family has that one family member.) gently whisk her away with an “important matter.” If her hair doesn’t look like she’d hoped, advocate for her, help her fix it, or talk her off the ledge by putting it in perspective. Be ready to make her wedding day as stress-free as possible.

Being a great bridesmaid is essentially just being a supportive friend.  By following our tips on how to be a great bridesmaid, your friends will be so glad they had you by their side on their wedding day! Now you are ready to be a great bridesmaid! For more wedding planning tips and inspiration, check out more Chicago Wedding Blog posts below. And don’t forget to share this with any bridesmaids you know!

London House Bachelorette Hotel

Chicago Bachelorette Party

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Chicago Bachelorette Party

The city of Chicago has endless options when it comes to planning your bachelorette party. We highly recommend you have your bachelorette party in Chicago! Because the city feels like a destination but is close to home, you avoid the price tag of traveling. Your bridesmaids will thank you profusely when they don’t have to take up their allotted days off from work, or the expensive travel costs that come with a destination bachelorette party. We promise if you choose any of these bachelorette party ideas you won’t miss traveling at all! Are you ready to plan your Chicago Bachelorette Party? We’ve got you covered!

Let’s begin with where to stay!

As we mentioned, staying local means fewer days of hotel costs and fewer days off work. It’s a financial win only having to book one night at a hotel. There are so many great hotels in Chicago to relax in after your fun day and night out! Some favorites are:

  • LondonHouse Chicago is a river-front hotel. It is modern and glamorous in style. This Mag Mile location is a convenient walking or short ride-sharing distance to many attractions. The rooftop bar (and views) are to die for, not to mention the spa and other package options.
  • Ivy Hotel Chicago feels like home, but the home in your city-living dreams! The look of this hotel is sleek and luxurious. With its Mag Mile location, it is also perfect for walking or short ride-sharing to many restaurants and attractions.
  • Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel is right outside the Chicago Theatre District while also being steps away from River North and the Chicago Riverwalk! Talk about the perfect location! The hotel has a contemporary look, with the added Chicago perk of a rooftop! They also have a great indoor pool perfect for relaxing with your friends the next day.
  • The Blackstone is right across the street from Grant Park on S. Michigan Ave. Its vintage, luxury style is sure to make your bachelorette party one to remember. They have great bar and restaurant recommendations all within walking distance! Stylish and a great location? Win!

Where to eat dinner, you ask? The options are endless!

The privilege of being so close to a world-class city is the huge range of culinary styles! Whether you’re looking for gourmet healthy fare or legendary Chicago Pizza, there is something for you! Here are a few of our favorites:

  • True Food Kitchen is perfect if your bridal party has any dietary restrictions or is focused on wellness! The healthy food, mocktails, and cocktails are beautiful and delicious! You won’t regret keeping this one on your list!
  • Gino’s East is the perfect pre-partying restaurant! Its atmosphere is super casual, with its legendary writing on the walls. Literally, you can write on the walls. Aside from the chill atmosphere, the legendary Chicago Deep Dish Pizza is amazing. If you have any out-of-town bridesmaids, this is a down-to-earth Chicago experience for them!
  • Carnivale Restaurant is the perfect restaurant if your group wants to start the evening off with a bang! The Latin menu is absolutely delicious and unique! They also have an extensive drink menu sure to get the party started. This restaurant touts a fun experience with authentic Latin artwork and dancers! We think it’s perfect for a lively bachelorette party!

Fun options all night long!

Chicago has a great nightlife! While there are so many great bars to go bar-hopping at we have narrowed down some of the most renowned experiences. A great night is guaranteed!

  • Howl at the Moon Chicago is an amazing dueling pianos bar! Belt out your favorite songs with your best girls and have fun dancing to all the hits you can request! Great music is a given at Howl at the Moon, but they also have Bachelorette Party packages! Being one of the more popular nightlife options, we highly recommend their “Jump the Line” package so you and your bridal party will definitely get in and not have to wait outside in line in the probably cold Chicago weather!
  • If dancing isn’t your thing, Chicago is well-known for their comedy shows! What’s more fun at a bachelorette party than laughing with your best friends? You’ve likely heard of Chicago referred to as “The Second City” but there is of course the iconic comedy club “The Second City” where you will love their talented comedians and some great drinks to go with it! If you want to continue the party afterward, the Old Town neighborhood in Chicago has so many great restaurants and bars too!
  • The Underground Chicago is a well-known nightclub. Its city dance club vibe, conveniently in River North, is perfect for the dancing queens in your bachelorette party, and if you’re a night owl! The neon lights and great DJs are sure to keep you dancing all night long! A fun bonus is it’s frequented by celebrities and professional athletes! They also have bottle service and a VIP area if you’re feeling fancy!

In short, you will have the best bachelorette party!

Because Chicago is a world-class city, we could go on and on about the endless options for your Chicago Bachelorette Party! We hope these ideas spark your excitement to have your bachelorette party right here in Chicago! With so much to offer, you’ll be so glad you had your bachelorette party in the Windy City! Are you planning your Chicago Bachelorette Party? We’d love to hear about it! Email your bachelorette party plans and photos to hello@Chicagoweddingblog.com. Happy Planning! For more wedding planning tips and inspiration check out more Chicago Wedding Blog posts below.

Guest list simple

Wedding Planning: Keep It Simple

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Wedding Planning: Keep It Simple

During the time of the pandemic, couples made the best of smaller weddings out of necessity. Then, extravagant weddings filled with entertainment, experiences, and desserts galore came next. While both of those weddings can be equally meaningful and special, we propose another option: simplicity. Here are the main areas of wedding planning you can simplify to keep your wedding planning stress-free.

Bachelorette/Bachelor Party

While elaborate vacations are fun, they are not necessary to have a great time. The most important element is not the location; it’s the people you are with! As a result, you should put extra thought into the guest list. Only invite those who you enjoy spending time with! Inviting people you don’t enjoy being around is a recipe for a bachelor/bachelorette party disaster. Once you determine the list, it’s important to choose a date on which you know they can come. Send a survey to your closest and best with two or three date ideas. Then spend the decided date having fun with your friends locally. You could go to your favorite restaurants or bars or hang out all day at your house watching Netflix. Whatever you do, do it with your favorite people and it’s sure to be a special day you’ll never forget.

Guest List

The guest list is easily the most stressful aspect of planning a wedding. That being said, your marriage is still valid whether you have ten people or 300. Once you have your allotted guest number that fits your budget, focus on ease. If going through and cutting people you are close to off the guest list stresses you out, then have a bigger wedding. Remember, we are focusing on simplicity, therefore less stress. Simple doesn’t have to mean small. However; if having a huge party stresses you out, have a small wedding. There is nothing wrong with keeping such a special day more intimate if that’s what feels best to you. People will have dissenting opinions no matter what you do, so take the stress out of it and stick with what simple means to you.

Guest list simple

Photo: MBD Wedding Photography, Venue: Heritage Prairie Farm, Wedding: Fatima and Nolan

Décor

We all can recognize the beauty of elaborate candelabras and giant floral arches everywhere, but there is also so much beauty in simplicity. The easiest way to simplify your wedding décor is to go to the venue and take a mental list of their existing décor, lighting, and color schemes first before you start buying décor. You may not have to decorate much if they already have a beautiful, standard setup. Instead of having details everywhere, think about where you want people’s eyes to go. Do you want them looking at each other at their tables? Choose lower, simple centerpieces. Do you want their eyes on you the whole night? Dress up the sweetheart table while keeping the rest of the venue more simple. If your venue has a bold color scheme already, use soft, simple colors and less ornate décor.

Simple wedding decor

Photo: MBD Wedding Photography, Venue: Riverside Receptions, Wedding: Missy and Dan

We hope these ideas will help you simplify your wedding planning and take the focus from the details and put it back on to getting married. The more you can simplify, the less stressful your wedding planning will be and the more meaningful your wedding can be. Happy Planning! Share this blog post with a friend who is beginning their wedding planning. For more wedding planning tips and inspiration check out more Chicago Wedding Blog posts below.

Bachelorette Party Sailing

Bachelorette Party For The Bride Who Doesn’t Want To Party

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Bachelorette Party For The Bride Who Doesn’t Want To Party

Are you a bride for whom big crowds and attention is an anxiety inducing thing and not something to celebrate? We’ve got some great bachelorette ideas for the bride who wants to slow it down, chill, and not party like it’s their last day on earth. You don’t have to do the strippers, get blackout drunk, or spend thousands of dollars – your bridesmaids will thank you since they’re the ones usually footing the bill!

Why not try a spa day bachelorette party with your girls?

Plenty of spas offer reserved space for parties of 4 or more. You can even do couple’s massage but with all your gal pals. You can go the extra mile and rent out a hotel room near the spa too and keep the chill vibe going even after the facials, massages, pedicures or skin peels. Grab a few bottles of wine or sparkling beverages and enjoy your ladies’ company in the privacy of a hotel room.

The old school sleepover, but bachelorette party version.

Remember those days when you had a few girls over and gossiped the night away? Why not re-create that for your bachelorette party? It’s a low budget idea that can include a bunch of girls. It doesn’t have to be your house, maybe your maid of honor can host or you can rent out a hotel room. Big pillows, painting nails, plenty of adult refreshments and food will make the sleepover not your average high schoolers!

The next idea is certainly pricey, but also very private; rent a sailboat!

What’s better than having a chartered yacht take you and your friends/family out for a scenic tour of the water? You can drink responsibly since you won’t be driving, and some chartered boats may provide food and beverages depending on how long you want to rent it.

Have you tried Glamping?

Check out Glamping Hub for the most up to date places you can take your bridesmaids to go hang out in nature. There are a lot of styles of glamping; take your pick of teepees, tents, cabins, etc. It’s all the fun of camping but with electricity and toilets. If you’re a nature loving bride this is the perfect place to celebrate your upcoming marriage.



See! If you’re a bride who doesn’t feel comfortable partying, there are plenty of fun options. Whether you enjoy the outdoors or indoors, vacation or home, you will have an amazing crazy-free bachelorette party. For more wedding planning advice and ideas check out more Chicago Wedding Blog posts below.

Budget Friendly Bachelorette Fun

Budget Friendly Bachelorette Party

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Budget Friendly Bachelorette Fun

Photo Credit: Pexels

Budget Friendly Bachelorette Party

Playing bridesmaid for a best friend can be exciting! When it comes to planning the bachelorette party for that friend things can also get pretty expensive. Luckily, you don’t need to drain your life’s savings to afford a bachelorette celebration. Here are some great ideas for a budget friendly bachelorette party.

Plan Some Low-Cost Ladies Night Fun

If you really want to save money on entertainment for the bachelorette festivities, a portable streaming stick TV device can hook you and your friends up with the latest streaming services. You can also stream must-see chick flicks for a relaxing ladies’ movie night in with your friends. Need to put a little more pizazz into your girls’ night? You can play some fun bachelorette games during your girls’ night in. You can even take some games out on the town. If you are feeling adventurous, be sure to check out pole dancing parties.

Pick Up Healthy and Inexpensive Snacks

Healthy foods and drinks are a safe bet, especially when everyone is trying to stay trim for the big day. If you decide to put together a movie night for the bride and bridesmaids, opt for a few healthy snacks, such as popcorn or guacamole with chips, that won’t break the bank. Another option for saving money is to pick food from some Costco faves. This is an especially helpful tip if your bridal party is on the larger side. You can download a few coupon apps, too, so you can search for deals on bachelorette party foods, games, favors, and anything else you need to celebrate.

Don’t Rule Out a Budget-Friendly Girls Getaway

Staying in or staying local is a great way to save on bachelorette party costs, but sometimes getting out of town is more fun! Thankfully, there are some low-cost destinations perfect for bachelorette getaways. For example, flights and hotels for an Austin trip won’t break the bank. There are plenty of hip restaurants, activities, and bars to keep your group thoroughly entertained. Alternatively, you can check out other destinations, such as Savannah or even Puerto Rico. Set a clear expectation for expenses so all are prepared. Split the costs evenly so it is fair for bridal party.

Be Sure to Snap Some Cute Selfies and Photos

Hiring a pro to take photos of the big day is a must, but you don’t need to spend money on a pro to capture some bachelorette party memories. If you really want to wow the bride and other guests, think about setting up a DIY photo booth with a few props and decorations. An over-sized chalkboard with some fun messages is super simple and inexpensive to set up. The items you purchase can be used for other events or even home decor to make the most of your shopping. Before you step in front of the camera for those photo ops, also research some selfie tips, so you can frame your photos later.

Preparation Is Key

If you don’t plan carefully, bachelorette party expenses can really start to add up fast. So use the tips above and talk though budget concerns with the other bridesmaids, and even the bride. After paying for dresses, shoes, and wedding expenses, everyone is sure to welcome a chance to save money while still making lasting memories together.

Bachelorette Party

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It’s that time – the bachelorette party! Whether you’re the one planning it or you’re the bride for whom it’s thrown, the bachelorette party is the time to let loose and laugh a lot. We decided to go with a 50 Shades of Grey theme seeing as how the second movie, 50 Shades Darker just came out last weekend! What a perfect time for a little something sexy and daring!

You can do so much with this fun theme for a bachelorette party. You can make it as silly, scandalous or smoldering as you want! Our first idea is to fashion a room, whether it’s your house or you rent out a place, into a lux and decadent space. You can use glittery golds and grays to give it a sexy atmosphere without it going NC-17! Use pinwheels to decorate, use props from the books. Try having a delicious cake with icons from the book such as hand cuffs and a mask.

 

 

Another idea would be to have a sultry ice cream station along with the food! Your bride to be can load up on whipped cream and toppings. It gives the sweet to the salty!

You can even read from the book to spice up the bachelorette party! Why not take direct inspiration from the source? The 50 Shades is a trilogy so you can pick out any of your favorite parts. Extra points for role playing and voice acting! Any bride to be will be thrilled to have a little risk at her party – you can incorporate blind folds and whips for fun!

 

We hope you’ve got a spicy bride that loves thrills at her party.  But if you’ve got a bride who prefers more low key there’s a simpler way to party: rent out a row of seats in the theater for the girls and see the movie! You all can dress up in little black dresses, masks, silvery heels and big makeup! Any way you slice it, the bachelorette party is meant to be fun and no restraints! Feel free to touch on everyone’s wild sides!

Bachelorette Pole Dance Party

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Bachelorette Pole Dance Party
Technically, it’s the maid or matron of honor’s job to scout out the bachelorette party but there’s no harm in hinting! If you’re bold, sassy and sexy–and hey, you are–why not try something unique and perhaps a little risqué? There’s a hot work out called Pole Dancing, and while the name may be tied to strip clubs, this dancing fantasy is not about taking your clothes off. Pole dancing can be more of a gymnastic art form than stripper girl. It’s a total body work out that also lets women’s inner kittens come out to play. A bachelorette pole dance party is more for you and your girls to make great memories and also tone those bodies!
Dance studios such as Naperville’s Tease Dance and Fitness or Geneva’s Tiger Lily Vertical Fitness offer private sessions on the weekends for bachelorette pole dance parties. You’ll be instructed in the fine art of pole dancing by a certified pole instructor. Learn how to strut around the pole and do spins that make you feel like you’re flying. It’s a great way to burn those calories off as well as get your sexy on! You can go barefoot or bring heels to show off those legs. The attire is usually general work out style–shorts, tank and a sports bra. Or, you can spice it up with boas, sparkly bras and bride short shorts. There’s no such thing as too much glitter here. If you’re not into dancing around a pole, they also offer strip tease classes that give you moves to make your man melt.

Call each studio for more information on pricing. It’s a lot of fun and a safe, woman empowering environment. Check with the studio about how many girls are able to fit in one dance room but there’s usually room for up to 6. They have candles, large mirrors and teach you stretching before warming up the poles. It doesn’t hurt that you burn a lot of calories in addition to it being the best bachelorette pole dance party ever! You may even find you pick up a new work out hobby.

Go give it a chance or, if you’re the one planning it, give your bride a night they won’t forget!
bachelorette party

Bachelorette Party

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Technically, it’s the maid or matron of honor’s job to scout out the bachelorette party but there’s no harm in hinting! If you’re bold, sassy and sexy – and hey, you are – why not try something unique and perhaps a little risqué?

There’s a hot work out called Pole, and while the name may be tied to strip clubs, this dancing fantasy is not about taking your clothes off. Pole dancing can be more of a gymnastic art form than stripper girl. It’s a total body work out that also lets women’s inner kittens come out to play.

Dance studios such as Naperville’s Tease Dance and Fitness or Geneva’s Tiger Lily Vertical Fitness offer private parties on the weekends for bachelorette parties. You’ll be instructed in the fine art of pole dancing by a certified pole instructor. Learn how to strut around the pole and do spins like the fairy! It’s a great way to burn those calories off as well as get your sexy on! You can go barefoot or bring heels to show off those legs. The attire is usually general work out style – shorts, tank and a sports bra. Or, you can spice it up with boas, sparkly bras and bride short shorts. There’s no modesty here and no judgment!

If you’re not into dancing around a pole, they also offer “strip tease classes” that give you moves to make your man melt! Again, no clothes come off, and the sultry, sensual moves are taught by professional, certified instructors.

Call each studio for more information on pricing but most studios are reasonable. It’s a lot of fun and a safe, woman empowering environment. Check with the studio about how many girls are able to fit on one dance room. They have candles, large mirrors and teach you stretching before warming up the poles.

Go give it a chance or if you’re the one planning it, give your bride a night they won’t forget!

How to Plan a Bachelorette Party by SimplyBridal

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How to Plan a Bachelorette Party

A bachelorette party is typically organized by a bride’s maid of honor and bridesmaids to mark the end of her “singlehood” and journey into married life. The guest list almost always consists of the bride’s closest female friends and relative, who get together for a day or night of celebrations.

Although there is no set theme or plan for a bachelorette party, there are important factors to consider when it comes to planning the event. Most importantly, make sure you start by consulting with the bride about the type of event she expects. Once you’ve established this, allow yourself enough time to make the appropriate arrangements, such as organizing invitations, transport, accommodation and itinerary.

To help you keep on top of your party planning, SimplyBridal has put together a handy timeline to ensure you throw the bride a bachelorette party she’ll remember for many years to come.

How to Plan a Bachelorette Party

Pajama Party for the Bachelorette!

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Could this quite possibly be the most adorable idea for a Bachelorette party ever? Long have we associated the infamous “ last night out” as an event filled with debauchery, alcohol, and crazy hangovers.  But it seems for more and more brides, and their girlfriends, when it comes to celebrating the bride in her all-girls glory, the tide seems to have turned to a new, more civilized celebration. We are still seeing Vegas getaways and crazy nights out, but it’s nice to know there’s a more subdued alternative like spa days, wine tastings, and luxe sleepovers. This girls-only fete is the ultimate in sleepover chic and we just had to share.

Pj party

Cassandra, the host of this soiree, is the editor of the fabulous blog, cocokelley.com.  She brings lovely interiors, housewares, and fashions to her readers daily and some days you can find some super inspiring wedding details that can translate to all kinds of events. Like everything she does, this ladies night was full of whimsy, fun and thoughtful details that are perfect for honoring the bride-to- be! Take a look at our favorite elements and take notes for your next girl’s night in!

custom pj

Customized pajamas? Yes, please! These girls were surprised with custom monogram pajama sets from the ultra chic line, Eberjey.  You can find similar ones at Target and can easily find a screen printing company locally to add a monogram. Nothing says special like a personalized gift or favor that lets your guests know you thought enough of them to create something just for them that they will be able to take home with them!  We couldn’t be more in love with this idea and think it’s perfect for all kind of occasion and gifts.

masks

The sleep theme gets a major makeover with an interactive sleep mask decorating station. Complete with sequins, glue, paint, markers and other adorable sew-ons, each girl can goof around or make something truly gorgeous to wear for the night. It gives your guests something fun to do without taking any one activity too seriously. Remember, this is a grown- ups night but that doesn’t mean you can’t go old-school with crafts when it comes to your theme!

food

No sleepover would be complete without the plethora of junk food and beverages. In this case, the quintessential popcorn and candy is abundant in chic bowls, but this time the drink of choice is champagne.  Feel free to think beyond these staples to fun and female friendly trays of sushi, fancy cheeses, and gourmet pizzas to pair with your bubbly! Also consider a mini chocolate bar or tiny desserts you can pick up and nibble on throughout the night! Bachelorette party of not, it sounds like a great way to spend time with your girls and enjoy the joys of just being a girl!

Photos by Sunshine Charlie