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groomsman suit

A Guy’s Guide to Being a Groomsman

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A Guy’s Guide to Being a Groomsman

Congratulations on being asked to be a groomsman! It is an honor that shows how much you mean to the engaged couple. Because you mean a lot to them, you’ll want to show up as your best as their groomsman. To help you do that, here is a guy’s guide to being a groomsman.

Mark Down the Wedding Date

Once you know the date of the wedding and have agreed to be in the wedding, mark down the date and make arrangements. Everyone has only so many days off for work, so plan ahead if you have to take any days off for the wedding. If you are not sure how many days off you will have by the wedding date, make a plan. Talk with your boss well in advance if you will need to take any days off. Then, make sure you communicate with work throughout the year so they don’t forget you have a wedding coming up.

Other Wedding-Related Events

Being in the bridal party means there is an expectation you will be at the engagement party, rehearsal dinner, wedding, and the day after brunch. It’s important you ask the engaged couple what events they have planned so you can ideally be there, if not, let them know in advance. (Are you getting the hint that sooner is always better?) Some nationalities’ traditions mean even the wedding is a multi-day affair. If this is the case, be sure to ask which events you should plan on being at.

Getting Your Suit

The day you get the email or text from the bride or groom about the suit rental/purchasing information, make a date to do it. Do not wait for the deadline to go to your nearest tailor to get measured. The week you get that email/text go get measured and take care of your rental/suit purchase. If you’ll allow us to paint with a broad brush, guys tend to wait till the last minute to take care of their wedding attire. Don’t be that guy! Get it done a.s.a.p., way before you have to.

Plan for the Bachelor Party

If there is going to be a bachelor party, be transparent about your ability to participate sooner than later. If you have a particular budget to stay within, communicate that clearly with the rest of the groomsmen. Clarity & honesty is key. If there are days you know you are unavailable around the proposed time of year of the bachelor party, make that clear so there are no hurt feelings or surprises.

Wedding Gifts

When you are a groomsman you’re normally off the hook for purchasing a bridal shower gift, but you will need to bring a wedding gift. Wedding gifts can be anything from home or cooking goods to gift certificates. If you have a plus one coming to the wedding, have them bring the gift. Then, you will not forget the gift at home before the couple leaves for their honeymoon. We all know how adult friendships go, you probably won’t see the couple for a few months. So bring the wedding gift to the wedding so you don’t have to give it to them late.



There you have it, a surefire guide to being a great groomsman! Your friend will be sure to appreciate your promptness and cooperation as they plan their wedding. For more wedding planning tips and inspiration check out more Chicago Wedding Blog posts below. Happy Planning!

Silky Bridesmaid Dress

Bridesmaid Dress Style Trends

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Bridesmaid Dress Style Trends

You’ve found your wedding dress, so the next step on the agenda is to choose your bridesmaid dresses! The color, fabric, style, & neckline options are so endless. It may be difficult to choose an option that is both now and timeless. Bridesmaids, rejoice, we’ve narrowed down the bridesmaid dress trends you’ll actually want to wear again for years!

Silky Fabrics

This trend is a favorite of ours! Silk-like bridesmaid dresses come in many styles from long to short, and from fitted to flowing. If you are willing to be flexible with dress silhouette, your bridesmaids will be happy to find a style they feel best in for their body type. In this fabric, the cowl neckline is trendy and flattering for all body types.

T-Length/Midi-Length

We’ve seen a resurgence of the t-length dress! One thing to keep in mind is this trend looks best if all your bridesmaids feel comfortable wearing high heels. Wearing a t-length/midi-length dress with flats is not a very flattering line on anyone. This is an excellent option if you’re having a summer or warm destination wedding, but you do not want cocktail-length bridesmaid dresses. Bridesmaids also may feel more comfortable wearing a midi or long-length dress as opposed to a short cocktail dress. Brides, you can bring your vision to fruition while also being considerate of your bridal party’s self-esteem and any body image insecurities.

Strappy Backs

This is another great trend for warm-weather weddings! There are so many different options to choose from. Your bridesmaids will be happy to choose a back and neckline to accommodate their bra necessities or lack thereof. If you are wearing a strappy wedding dress, strappy bridesmaid dresses will be a fun complement to your dress.

Puff Sleeves

This one is definitely only for the fashion-forward who can appreciate this nod to the 1980s and 1990s. If you’re up for it, go ahead and be bold, choose the puff sleeve! They come in all options from long to short, tulle to crepe, and slit to solid. Brides, if you are pro or anti the puff sleeve, it’s best to talk with your bridesmaids to see how they feel about this trend. It can be gorgeous, but not all bridesmaids will feel good wearing a puff sleeve.

Variations of the High/Boat Neckline

Speaking of classics from the 1980s and 1990s, the high/boat neckline has more options than ever before! If you like to have more of an open neckline, you can choose a racerback halter. If you prefer more coverage in your necklines, a wider boat neckline will look and feel amazing. This is one option every body type will find a style they feel comfortable in.

The Square Neckline

We are so glad this trend is hanging around! This neckline is flattering on just about everyone! It gives you the clean lines of a boat neckline with the openness of a v-neckline. The clean lines are flattering and the square brings the eye up to your bridesmaids’ beautiful faces. If you’re looking to be more unique than the classic v-neckline, but still have a more open neckline, this is a perfect choice.

Have you chosen your bridesmaid dresses yet? Did you recently get your wedding photos back and would like to share how you chose your bridesmaid dresses? We’d love to hear! Email credited photos and vendors to hello@chicagoweddingblog.com to potentially be featured on our blog.

Helping Bride Wedding Planning

How To Help The Bride

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How To Help The Bride

Are you a bridesmaid, friend, or family member wondering how to help the bride? That’s very thoughtful of you. That being said, there is a right and wrong way to offer your help to a bride. We will help you navigate the do’s and don’ts of how to help the bride with her wedding planning.

Do’s:

Help her assemble wedding items.

Especially the week of the wedding, a brides to-do list is massive. Help the bride by offering to do tasks she doesn’t need to be present for such as putting together welcome bags. If the bride is putting together her own centerpieces another great way to help is to put them together for her. The more tasks you can take off a bride’s to-do list, the less overwhelmed she’ll be.

Treat her to coffee and/or food.

It’s easy for a bride to get exhausted from wedding planning and organizing as the wedding day approaches. Coffee is a great way to show the bride you care and to help her get her tasks done. The day of the wedding it is very important the bride remembers to eat. Help her out by offering to bring her favorite breakfast so she feels ready for her wedding weekend.

Simply ask, “What can I do to help you?”

Sometimes brides have everything under control, however it’s always helpful to know there are extra sets of hands to help. Some bride’s feel awkward asking for help as they don’t want to bother anyone. Because of this, it makes it easier for them to get their tasks done without having to worry about inconveniencing anyone.

Don’ts:

Ask the bride questions you can easily google yourself.

We’ve established brides have endless tasks as their wedding day approaches. Forget the address to the reception? Phone a friend. Don’t remember what time the ceremony starts? Ask around. Brides have enough ducks to keep in a row without having to answer unnecessary questions.

Give too many opinions when helping the bride.

Brides have dreamed of and planned for their wedding day. If they want the centerpieces off-centered, great! If they want chairs to be stacked upside down, you got it! The name of the game is if you offer help, you’re helping the bride fulfill her vision, not your own.

Offer to help, but then don’t help.

Often wedding tasks have to be done in a timely manner due to a busy schedule. It’s important to not distract from the task at hand. If the bride has asked you to help make sure you’re being productive as opposed to socializing. You always have the option to politely decline if you don’t want to help. Better to say no than add more stress to the bride.



Are you a bride to be? What are ways you would like your loved ones to help, or not help, you? Tell us in the comments below! For more wedding planning inspiration and advice, 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.

Wedding Decor Colors

How To: Choose Your Wedding Color Scheme

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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!

Arcade Bachelor Party Ideas

Bachelor Party Ideas

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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!

Bridal Party Proposal

Four Unique Ways To Propose To Your Bridal Party

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Four Unique Ways To Propose To Your Bridal Party

Pinterest has become a hub of DIY and wedding planning. Because of this, ways to propose to your bridal party have become more creative. If you want some unique ways to ask your bridesmaids & groomsmen without breaking the bank, we’ve got you covered! Here are four unique ways to ask your bridal party to be in your wedding.

Option #1- A handwritten note on the back of a meaningful photo of you together.

It’s always nice to receive handwritten notes. Friends love reminiscing on memories by looking at old photos. When you combine those two ideas together it makes for a special keepsake. If you want to go the extra mile, purchase a clear plastic or glass frame so your friend can always see the front and back of the photo and note.

Option #2- A custom sticker put on a mini bottle of champagne or the bridal party’s drink of choice.

This is a yummy and easy option. Purchase printable stickers from any office supply store. You can design on your computer using the brand of choice app, and TADA, you have a fancy & fun bridal party proposal! If your bridal party isn’t the alcohol type, that’s fine! How about a specialty coffee drink?! Decide which drink is your bridal party’s favorite and choose that option.

Option #3- A T-Shirt Or Custom Apparel

When you are getting married there are many fun outings with your bridal party. Who doesn’t love cute or comical bridal party coordinated apparel? You could go simple with bridesmaids bride tribe shirts such as these cute ones from Liz & Kate boutique in Geneva, IL. Or some fun ones for the guys like these groom squad shirts. If you wanted to go a bit simpler, bridesmaid and groomsmen hats are easy to find at many local brick & mortar shops.

Option #4- Give them a box of their favorite sweet treat with a note on the inside of the box asking them to be in your bridal party.

This one is an easy DIY if you like baking. If not, there are many local bakeries or candy shops that make it easy to fill up a box with their favorite things. Who doesn’t like getting candy and cookies?! You can find bakery boxes at any local craft store. Check out some of your local bakeries may even help you out and box it for you.

Three Wedding Planning Conflicts and How To Handle Themhttps://unsplash.com/photos/xCmvrpzctaQ

Three Wedding Planning Conflicts And How To Handle Them

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Three Wedding Planning Conflicts And How To Handle Them

You went from dating to engaged, excitement ensued. Now the engagement bliss is fading. This means it is time to get wedding planning. Let us prepare you: while wedding planning is fun, there are many emotions, traditions, and people’s opinions involved. These things can complicate not only your wedding planning, but also your relationship. Here are three examples of wedding planning conflicts and how to handle them with a problem solving guide.

1. Your parents or in-laws have a different wedding vision than you do.

Most of the time, your loved ones mean well. Let’s assume that for the purpose of this section.

  • First things first: handle your own family, let your fiance handle theirs. If your parents want a large wedding and you don’t, explain to them you appreciate all they want to give you, however you and your fiance are only comfortable with a smaller wedding. If your in-laws have the differing opinion, your fiance should explain on behalf of both of you how you feel, what you are going to do, and why. This will set a healthy boundary between in-laws and your relationship. Here is more advice on family communication .
  • Second things second: Give your family space and/or time for them to understand your vision. They probably envisioned the kind of wedding they’ve wanted to give you your entire life. They have seen your grow up. This is a sentimental time for them. Maybe they still can’t believe you don’t want a glamorous fairytale wedding as you loved in your storybooks. They will need some time to slow down and refocus on what you actually want. Here is more advice on narrowing down the size of your wedding .

2. Drama over who, or who is not, in your bridal party.

Here we go, from movies on TV to fiction books there are numerous stories based around these wedding planning conflicts alone. There are so many emotions built into a wedding day. Your loved ones want to be there for you, but maybe you envisioned a small or no bridal party. Maybe your family wants you to include your sixth cousin, twice removed. Let’s talk out some scenarios.

  • First things first: Think of those people who have always been there for you and always will. Sometimes friends fall away, but family never will. Unfortunately sometimes it’s the opposite. Either scenario, think long and hard about those permanent, loving people in your life and include them. That being said, “loose lips sink ships.” Before you are absolutely sure who is going to be in your wedding do not talk about it to avoid unnecessary hurt feelings.
  • Second things second: Think long term. A wedding is one day in your life. The situations and their effect on your relationships, both good and bad, will continue long after your wedding. When considering who or whom not to have in your wedding think about the long term effects that choice could have on your relationships. Is it a good idea to include one friends instead of a pair of two because you have a large family? Or would it be better to only have family in your wedding to not hurt that one friend’s feelings? Every situation is different, but remember this is one day. Make the choice that will have the best results to continue happy, healthy relationships moving forward. Here is more advice if you want a small wedding party.
  • Third things third: (Because this is a big topic) Every situation is different. These ideas are simply prompts to help you think through your options. Some couples are in the middle of a very difficult family dynamic. Because this is unfortunately common, let us let you off the hook, trust your gut! This should be the happiest day of your life. Do not allow people who want to manipulate or harm you, or your relationship, into your wedding or life simply because it’s easier to placate them.

3. Friends or family don’t like my (fill in the blank).

Everyone has opinions. That does not mean you need to change yours because of them. If you want to wear an orange dress on your wedding day, you rock that like the queen or king you are! Everyone can choose to wear what they want when it is their turn to plan their wedding. The same rule applies for if they don’t like your: food choices, hair style, fiance, church vs. outdoor ceremony, and even riding in on an elephant instead of a horse. All jokes aside, if no one is put in danger by your choices, it’s your day! Wear, do, eat what you want, and enjoy!

  • First things first: Remember often people’s opinions are said to you with good intentions. Maybe they wish they would’ve worn a more traditional wedding dress and don’t want you to have the same regrets.  It is possible to acknowledge their good intentions while also staying true to yours. Many wedding planning conflicts can be solved with saying, “Thank you for looking out for me, but I prefer a different direction.”
  • Second things second: Don’t ask for opinions if you don’t want them! Too many opinions will lead to definite confusion. If you want someone’s opinion on your dress, wedding colors, or kind of animal you ride into the sunset on; choose them wisely. Not everyone has the same taste. Ask someone whose tastes are similar to yours so you can be confident your wedding day stays true to your vision.



We hope this wedding planning conflicts problem solving guide helps you have a seamless wedding planning process. For more expert wedding planning advice, check out the other blog posts on The Chicago Wedding Blog. 

Music By Design The Knot Best of Weddings 2019

Music By Design The Knot Best of Weddings 2019

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Music By Design The Knot Best of Weddings 2019

Music By Design The Knot Best of Weddings 2019

Music By Design named winner in The Knot Best of Weddings 2019

Music By Design The Knot Best of Weddings 2019
Chicago, IL (November 29th, 2018) — Music By Design is pleased to announce they have been selected as a 2019 ­­winner in The Knot Best of Weddings, a special section featured on The Knot. The Knot is the number-one wedding destination, most trusted by brides.

The Knot Best of Weddings 2019 provides a “by brides, for brides” guide to the top wedding professionals across the country, and is a must-have when it comes to selecting the best-of-the-best wedding resources. Whether they’re trying to find the wedding dress salon with the best service in Chicagoland, the most creative wedding photographers, top cake bakers or a chicago wedding dj, engaged couples across the country want the inside scoop on the best from real brides.

Music By Design is also included in The Knot Hall of Fame. Comprised of winners of the annual Best of Weddings, a by-brides-for-brides guide to the top wedding vendors in 80-plus cities across the U.S., the Hall of Fame inducts wedding vendors who have won four or more Best of Weddings awards. This honorable list of 331 inductees includes less than 2 percent of wedding professionals. Music By Design The Knot Best of Weddings 2019.

# # #

About XO Group Inc. 
XO Group Inc. (NYSE: XOXO), is a global media and technology leader devoted to weddings, pregnancy and everything in between, providing young women with the trusted information, products and advice they need to guide them through the most transformative events of their lives. Our family of premium brands began with the #1 wedding brand, The Knot, and has grown to include WeddingChannel, The Nest, The Bump, TheBlush and Ijie. XO Group is recognized by the industry for being innovative in all media – from the web to social media and mobile, magazines and books, and video – and our groundbreaking social platforms have ignited passionate communities across the world. XO Group has leveraged its customer loyalty into successful businesses in online sponsorship and advertising, registry services, ecommerce and publishing.

For more information, please contact weddingreviews@theknot.com.

View official press release

First Look

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We discuss today the pros and cons of having a First Look on your wedding day! Most brides don’t let the groom see their dress until the wedding day. Some brides like to let their groom see them just before the ceremony for a great, intimate moment together before they walk down the aisle.

The Pros of having a first look:

  1. If you or your husband to be are feeling nervous before the big reveal it’s nice to have the first look to reassure each other. Not only will the photographer capture real moments, but it’s a great way to spend a little time just the two of you. You can take time to truly connect before the chaos of the celebration.
  2. The time of day can also impact your decision to have a first look. If you’re getting married in the winter the light fades pretty early. So, having a first look earlier ensures you can use natural light for great photos.
  3. Another reason is just practical. A first look gives you time to get those pictures out of the way so you can get to the cocktail hour and reception sooner.

 

The Cons of having a first look:

  1. If you are a traditional couple that can be the only reason needed to skip it. If you want the magic of the moment when you’re walking down the aisle that’s not a problem.
  2. Timing can be an issue as a con as well. If you get married earlier in the day then that means your time table will need to be pushed up as well. You may have to get ready earlier and that also possibly means your bridal party may have to get ready too. Some brides include their party after the first look too
  3.  It’s not as private as you think. The photographer and assistants or videographer may be far away, but they’re still there to capture the moment. If you’re camera shy you may not get the genuine moment you want.