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Magenta Bouquet

“Viva Magenta” Wedding Inspiration

“Viva Magenta” Wedding Inspiration

Each year a Pantone color is selected to be the color of the year. We think it’s the perfect way to select your wedding color. Because the color is unique to each year, it’s sure to be on trend. The 2023 Pantone color of the year is called “Viva Magenta.” If that color doesn’t say joyful celebration we don’t know what does! From its cheerful brightness to its balancing deeper tones of dark red, Viva Magenta is the perfect color to inspire your wedding, no matter the season. Here is some timely inspiration as you plan your “Viva Magenta” wedding.

Start with a bold entrance.

Place color where you and your guests will enter your venue(s) to set the tone of your wedding day. The cheery vibe will be felt the second guests enter. Choose a decorated floral arch, or large draping flowers on any tables or chairs near the entryway. While sometimes less is more, your grand entrance is one place you should go big or go home. If you are on a tight budget, you can still embrace this bright-colored hue by using less expensive flowers, such as carnations. Then throughout the rest of the venue, you can incorporate ribbons, candles, and other decors to carry the color through without the big price tag.

Your bridal party will look beautiful in flattering “Viva Magenta”-hued dresses!

No matter the time of year, your bridal party will have plenty of dresses to choose from in this flattering hue of magenta. If you are having a fall or winter wedding velvet can be a dynamic choice for bridesmaid dresses to pull out both the darker and lighter shades of this color. If you’re getting married in the spring or summer and like the idea of having different shades come out in the same dress, a silky charmeuse satin would be a lighter-weight choice. And of course, there is always the ever-classic chiffon bridesmaid dress popular for its flattering, flowing styles.

Choose a venue with a complimentary, or neutral color scheme.

If you are looking to choose this bold color, it’s important to keep that in mind when selecting your venue. If a venue has lots of red or burgundy carpets or walls, you want to ensure it will not clash with your selected color of the year. One option is to go with a venue with a neutral color scheme so your wedding color will pop. Another option would be to choose a natural or garden venue that would incorporate the magenta. There are so many incredible Chicagoland wedding venues that combine the best of both worlds, whether you’re looking for a barn venue or a grand ballroom.

Wedding favors and dessert tables can be adorned with colorful flowers, linens, beads, or candles as pops of color.

Paired with clean, white linens, Viva Magenta pops! A white cake is the perfect pairing for “Viva Magenta” flowers. Even if the white frosting has lots of detail you can still add bold-colored flowers or fabric to it. Don’t be afraid of different textures and sizes, they add more detail and softness to bold colors. A unique way to incorporate this color is to have vintage teacups for coffee service that have magenta flowers on them. Aside from being useful at your wedding, the teacups can become favors! Unique touches like this are what make your wedding memorable for your guests.

The groomsmen’s pocket squares and boutonnieres are perfect for a bold pop of Viva Magenta!

Keep your formality in mind when choosing your groomsmen’s boutonnieres and pocket squares. There are so many different flowers and boutonniere designs from rustic to classic, formal roses. We love this rustic one because of the unique flowers and simple style. Conveniently, magenta pops no matter what color suit the groomsmen wear. Therefore you don’t have to choose the largest boutonnieres or flowers to pull the eye to your wedding color.




This year brings some beautiful wedding trends! We think this joyful color will be a hit embodying the excitement you have for your new lives together. For more wedding planning advice and inspiration check out more Chicago Wedding Blog posts below. Happy Planning! Did you choose “Viva Magenta” as your wedding color? We’d love to see your wedding photos! Email them to hello@chicagoweddingblog.com.

Guest list simple

Wedding Planning: Keep It Simple

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.

Wedding Lights photo

Lights as Wedding Décor

Lights as Wedding Décor

If you walk into just about any store looking for wedding décor you will likely find an array of lights. Most venues have typical ceiling lights. If you add unique lights to your wedding décor it will create a warm and artistic atmosphere. From candles to string lights, there are so many options to choose from. To make designing your wedding décor easier we narrowed down the best lights to use as wedding décor.

Candelabras

Since the first time we saw Beauty and the Beast, we all saw the formality a candelabra can add to an event. If you are having a formal wedding, a candelabra is the perfect complementary lighting choice. You can introduce your wedding colors by using colored candles in the candelabra. If you prefer the classic, white candles you can have colored flowers draped around the bottom of the candelabra.

Modern Candelabra

Post: The Knot, Photo: Henry Photography

Fairy or Twinkle Lights

If you want a less formal lighting option, fairy or twinkle lights are a softer choice. Fairy lights are very thin lights on a wire that are easily moldable into or around shapes, such as mason jars or vases. Twinkle lights are essentially Christmas lights that come in many bulb colors and sizes. Twinkle lights can be hung from the ceiling or draped with tulle or other soft fabrics. Fairy lights tend to be done on a smaller scale such as being used in centerpieces. If you want to incorporate many different lights, fairy and twinkle lights are very complementary.

String lights

Speaking of lights that can be hung, string lights have become increasingly popular in the last few years. If you are having an outdoor wedding, reception, or cocktail hour string lights add romance to the space. String lights also make for amazing after-dark photos. If you dream of having a beautiful kiss-in-the-dark wedding photo, string lights are a great addition to your wedding décor. As with any light that is hung, it’s important to check with your venue about your hanging options before you get your heart set on hanging lights.

Tea lights

Even the smallest touch of light can make a big impact. Tea lights can be burning or battery-operated candles. They can be used in so many ways from floating in water to placed in a floral centerpiece or table. If you already have a lot of wedding décor tea lights are a perfect, smaller option that will also highlight the existing décor.

Paper lanterns

Paper lanterns come in many shapes and sizes. These lights are soft but add drama to your ceremony, cocktail hour, or reception. Paper lanterns can be hung from the ceiling or placed on the ground to frame the aisle, patio, or dance floor. Similar to string lights, lantern lights are a great option if you are having any part of your wedding outdoors. The beauty of these lanterns comes not only from the color of the paper but also from the dramatic contrast of light.

We hope these ideas will make designing your wedding décor easier. Don’t forget, even a little light goes a long way! Happy Planning! For more wedding planning inspiration and tips check out more Chicago Wedding Blog posts below.

Greenery contrasts and stand out

Wedding Flower Inspiration to Stand Out with a Popular Wedding Color

Wedding Flower Inspiration to Stand Out with a Popular Wedding Color

Every wedding year has a popular wedding color. Once you know three couples with the same wedding colors you may find it difficult to have the on-trend colors, but still, have your wedding stand out. One great way to solve this common color mishap is by having unique wedding flowers. You can stand out if you choose a popular wedding color. Here is some wedding flower inspiration to stand out with a popular wedding color.

Choose a unique cascading bouquet shape to stand out.

A uniquely shaped bouquet can be such a show-stopper! A cascading bouquet blends your bridal party’s attire and the flowers together. Often, only the bride’s bouquet is a cascade. If you choose to do this for your entire bridal party, it would be unique and add drama to a popular wedding color.

Choose greenery to add a contrasting color.

When you choose a popular wedding color, it’s important to have a contrasting color as well. Greenery is a great classic contrast color for your wedding day. No two shades or kinds of greenery are alike, so you can incorporate many different shapes and shades of greenery into one bouquet, even without flowers. If you still want to have flowers in the greenery even mixing in just a few flowers can go a long well to pull together the contrasting color with your wedding color.

Wrap your wedding flowers with ribbons.

Speaking of contrasting colors, who says you have to have only one wedding color? A distinct addition to the contrast between your wedding color and greenery is a pop of color with ribbons! Wrap ribbons around the stems of your flowers to introduce a pop of color, without having the flowers be the pop of color. The ribbons can even drape down in a cascading fashion for extra drama. If you are an all-or-nothing bride, tie it all together by introducing a pattern such as stripes, sequins, or floral to tie all your colors! Nothing like tying your wedding colors together with ribbons in a nice bow, get it?

A classic style will tone down a bold wedding color.

Choosing a tight, round, classic shape is a solid option if you are choosing a modern and bold wedding color. If you choose simpler flowers that will ensure your wedding colors are the focus of your color scheme. Classic white roses never go out of style. If you like the idea of a classic bouquet, but would miss having texture in the bouquet, add baby’s breath to incorporate texture while keeping the classic style.

Bohemian-style bouquets add a unique touch to a popular color.

Another way to have your wedding stand out from your popular wedding color is to have dramatic, artistic flowers. The Bohemian bouquet styles tend to incorporate everything from wildflowers to wheat, to greenery in an unconventional way. Often wedding guests are in awe of the unique flowers they haven’t seen in wedding flowers before. If you’re trying to tone down your wedding color and turn up the avant-garde style of your wedding, Bohemian bouquets are a great way to do that. This style is sure to become a conversation piece, as well as an eccentric touch to your wedding day.



As you plan your wedding, choose the color that you love! There is no need to sacrifice uniqueness simply because you choose a popular wedding color. We hope these bouquets inspired you to choose wedding details to set your wedding apart from the rest. For more wedding planning tips and inspiration check out more Chicago Wedding Blog posts below! Happy Planning!

Burnt Orange Wedding

Color Inspiration- An Orange Wedding

One of the hot wedding colors coming for 2021/2022 season is orange! Orange does not have to be for Halloween. There are so many shades of orange and coordinating colors to help you create your wedding vision. Here is some orange wedding color inspiration for the orange wedding of your dreams!

Engaged Do's and Dont's Couple

Wedding Planning Do’s and Don’ts

Wedding Planning Do’s And Don’ts

Congratulations on your recent engagement! In the age of the internet you have endless options for wedding planning advice. That being said, before you search all over for different topics; we’ll make it simple for you. While wedding planning can be undoubtedly stressful, we can help with some wedding planning do’s and don’ts to avoid common unnecessary bumps in the road.

Do’s

1.) Get your engagement ring insured.

Could you imagine losing the most treasured, expensive piece of jewelry you’ve ever owned? You would be heartbroken, your fiance may puke. Let’s avoid that by ensuring your engagement ring is covered by an insurance policy just in case something happens to it. Better safe than sorry with such a meaningful piece of jewelry.

2.) Take time to enjoy your engagement before rushing into wedding planning.

It is so stereotypical to say this, but it’s true. “Slow down and soak this time in. It goes by so fast!” Soak in your engaged bliss by sharing the story with your loved ones. Or you could have a Zoom or in person celebration. Go on celebratory, “We’re engaged!” dates. As long as you give yourself a year to plan your wedding you are just fine. Remember you choose the date anyway, so enjoy it!

3.) Day dream and gather ideas and inspiration early.

Without putting pressure on yourself (because, remember, we are not rushing) look up different wedding colors, venues, and attire. Gather pretty ideas of inspiration so when you get planning you already have a starting point. Colors and photos of inspiration from bridal magazines or online blogs are great places to start. The options are endless, so best to narrow it down early.

Don’ts

1,) Ask for too many opinions.

This one always ends up becoming an issue for everyone. It’s great to talk about your plans with your loved ones, but remember the more opinions you open the door for, the more you will receive. Well-meaning relatives and friends often share their excitement for you by giving you wedding opinions and advice. Even then, you do not have to take that advice. Remember, it is your wedding. Trust you gut! At at the end of the day, those who matter will be so happy for you and the details will be forgotten.

2.) Plan a wedding you can’t afford.

We all love looking at dreamy online wedding photos. However, what you cannot tell by looking at the photos is the cost of that extravagant wedding. Some wedding dress photos on Pinterest, for example, will say they cost $900, when they actually costs over $3,000. Remember, don’t believe everything you read on the internet. Photos are great for inspiration, not always your budget. Even so, there are ways to achieve the same aesthetic in a budget friendly way. Websites like Oriental Trading and Amazon are great for inexpensive wedding decorations.

3.) Forget to keep your wedding day in perspective.

Your wedding day is sure to be one of the most memorable, exciting days of your lives! Nevertheless, don’t forget a wedding is a day, a marriage is a lifetime. Continue dating each other just as you did before you were engaged. The wedding planning process can bring ups and downs. Hold close to each other, supportive friends, and family to help you keep small inconveniences and stresses in perspective. At the end of the day, you get to marry the love of your life. And, truly, The Beatles had it right when they said, “All You Need Is Love.”

We hope these quick and easy wedding planning do’s and don’ts help you avoid wedding planning mishaps. There are so many positive experiences you have while planning your wedding. Apply these great tips and it’ll be easier to focus on the good and lessen your wedding planning stress. Happy Planning!

Wedding Venues

Chicago Wedding Venues

Great Chicago Wedding Venues

Chicago may be called the Second City, but it’s first in our hearts. Our amazing city has a wide variety of wedding venues and styles that work for any wedding vision or budget. If you are beginning your venue search, let us help begin your search by showing you some of our favorite Chicago wedding venues.

1.) The Crystal Gardens Wedding Venue At Navy Pier

With views of the iconic Navy Pier and Lake Michigan this is one of the Chicago wedding venues that is a couple favorite. Whether you’re looking for a wedding of 80 people or 500 people, The Crystal Gardens can accommodate your wedding. This venue is the best of both worlds by bringing the outside in by the gorgeous plants and its full glass sky view. Similarly, the water fountain elements add a touch of whimsical outdoor magic to this wedding venue. Their address is: 700 East Grand Avenue, Mezzanine Level, Chicago Illinois. Their phone number is: 312-595-5436.

2.) The Bridgeport Art Center Wedding Venue

You have so many options in one venue if you choose to get marrried at the Bridgeport Art Center. For cocktail weddings in the Skyline Loft, the capacity is from 100-900 guests.  A sit down wedding in the Skyline Loft, has a capacity  of 100-600 guests. In the Sculpture Garden they can accommodate a 900 person cocktail party or a 550 people sit down wedding. This Chicago wedding venue is known for its wide-open space with beautiful exposed brick walls and rich wooden beams. However you choose to theme your wedding, the Bridgeport Art Center is easy to customize to your vision. Their address is 1200 W. 35th Street, Chicago, Illinois. Contact them by e-mail at events@bridgeportart.com.

3.) Chicago Botanical Gardens Wedding Venues

The Chicago Botanical Gardens has a variety of indoor and outdoor wedding venues on site. Capacity of their many venue options range from 50 for a small sit down ceremony, to 1500 people for a cocktail reception. Additionally, they offer a plan B in case your outdoor wedding is met with inclement weather. If the guessing game of weather makes you nervous, they also have plenty of indoor or tented options with beautiful views of the gardens. You can find the Chicago Botanical Gardens at 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe, Illinois. Their events phone number is 847-835-8370. Contact them by e-mail at events@chicagobotanic.org.

4.) Galleria Marchetti

Speaking of bringing the outside in, Galleria Marchetti has had that down to an art for over 90 years! Galleria Marchetti has beautiful ivy wall backdrops, a tent with chandeliers, garden views, & set as a hidden gem in the city. This beautiful venue has both Italian and European design vibes making it aesthetically stunning. Their La Pergola venue has sweeping windows and a garden vibe; fitting 160 people for a seated reception, or 300 people for a cocktail reception. The Pavilion is their larger space. It is a beautiful, open air tent; fitting 450 people for a seated reception or 900 people for a cocktail reception. Galleria Marchetti’s phone number is 312-563-0495. Their address is 825 West Erie Street, Chicago, Illinois.

5.) Keith House Chicago

Looking for a small wedding venue? We found it! The last few years small weddings have ranged from trendy to mandatory. Regardless of your reason for having a small wedding, you can still have a stunning wedding venue. The Keith House has the options of both an outdoor courtyard and an indoor historic home. They can host up to 75 people for a people for a cocktail style wedding, or 50 people in the same sit down room. The Keith House Chicago, has options for every budget. Couples can choose from having just a ceremony, just a reception, or a ceremony and reception. To contact them by phone number, call 312-907-7909. Their address is 1900 South Prairie Avenue, Chicago, Illinois.

6.) Exchange 312

Are you looking for an urban-chic wedding venue? Exchange 312 is perfect for you! The walls are beautiful exposed brick.  Additionally, they unique furniture making this venue a photographer’s dream! Their setting in the middle of Wicker Park. Exchange 312 accommodates weddings from 100 seated, up to an 150 people reception. Design details from floor to ceiling are custom and curated. Even the bathrooms are beautiful! The Exchange 312’s phone number is 312-956-4080. Their address is 1714 West Division Street, Chicago, Illinois.

7.) The Lakewood Chicago

The Lakewood Chicago is a fun, modern venue in Chicago. This venue, in the West Loop neighborhood, is beautifully bright and white. Their white color scheme makes it easy to tailor to your wedding theme. If you are looking for a seated wedding reception they can accommodate from 120 to 200 people. They also have optional floor plans tailor to your wedding style and decor. The Lakewood has onsite catering from Paramount Events and Truffleberry Market.  They also have a unique greenhouse where they grow their own produce! If you are an Eco-friendly couple, this is a great venue for you. The Lakewood’s address is 1758 West Lake Street in Chicago, Illinois. Their phone number is 312-366-2293.

8.) Greenhouse Loft

Speaking of Eco-Friendly Venues, Greenhouse Loft is perfect for couples looking for a green wedding venue. For example, they reduce waste, use Eco-friendly cleaning supplies, and even have an on-site composting facility. Their modern atmosphere, glass walls, and convenient location make this venue a must see. They also have a beautiful courtyard perfect for photos, ceremonies, or cocktail hours. The Greenhouse Loft has a capacity of under 200 guests for various layouts. The Greenhouse Loft’s address is 2545 West Diversey Avenue in Chicago, Illinois. Their phone number is 312-733-5762.

9.) The Drake

The Drake Hotel Chicago is the epitome of Luxury Chicago Wedding Venue. You have a choice of four different rooms. First, The Gold Coast Room has amazing Lake Michigan views. It has the capacity of 100-900 people depending on the type of wedding format you choose. Secondly, The Grand Ballroom, built in the 1920’s,  reflects a modern take on the 1920’s. The Grand Ballroom overlooks Walton Street and has a capacity of up to 500 people. Third, The French Room has beautiful, silk walls and damask details. The French Room can hold up to 350 people. Lastly, The Carmellia Room overlooks The Mag Mile and the lakefront. It has beautiful white wooden walls and blue and gold accents. The Carmellia Room holds up to 200 people. The address of The Drake is 140 East Walton Street in Chicago, Illinois. Their phone number is 312-787-2200.

10.) Salvatore’s Chicago

Salvatore’s wedding venue is located in the neighborhood of Lincoln Park in Chicago. Its dark wood accents bring back old world charm with modern romance. If you love food, you’ll love having your wedding at Salvatore’s, who specializes in amazing wedding cuisine and events. Salvatore’s can accommodate weddings up to 200 people.  Their address is 525 Arlington Place in Chicago, Illinois. Their phone number is 773-528-1200.

11.) Row 24 Events And Productions

Row 24 is a fun, warehouse chic venue right on Michigan Avenue. They have beautiful exposed brick walls and dangling chandeliers from the ceiling. The venue has a beautiful, private bridal suite just for weddings. Depending on the format of your wedding, Row 24 can accommodate up to 250 people. Row 24 is a historical landmark, built in 1903. Their bar is spectacular and designed with 1920’s vibes. The address is 2411 South Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Illinois. Their phone number is 312-374-3165.



As you can see, Chicago has more than a few amazing wedding venues! We hope this gives you a great list to get your Chicago venue search started! For more wedding planning advice, tips, & inspiration check out the recommended Chicago Wedding Blog posts below. Happy Planning!

Bridal Party

How To Choose Your Bridal Party

How To Choose Your Bridal Party

Congratulations on your engagement! When you plan your wedding everything from wedding colors to guest count is dependent on your bridesmaids and/or groomsmen. There are a few factors you should keep in mind when you think about how to choose your bridal party. Here are some ideas to help you choose.

Unequal Numbers

Let’s begin with saying, there are no rules. If your fiance has 5 groomsmen and you have 2 or vice-versa it is not the end of the world. That being said, having equal numbers in a bridal party is important to some couples. If you do have an uneven number, do not panic. You can have the bridal party walk down the aisle without partners. You could also have the bridal party ready at the altar at the beginning of the ceremony. Another idea is you could double up and have groups of 3 walk down the aisle. Either way, it is okay to have equal or unequal numbers for your bridal party.

Gender Of Bridal Party

Do you have a gender diverse friend group? It is no problem! In fact, it is something to celebrate. As long as you know your wedding colors it is easy to color coordinate any group of people. When you plan your bridal party, do not worry about separating genders. The gender makeup of your bridal party will not matter as long as you and you fiance choose your long term closest friends and family.

Long Term, Thick And Thin, Friends & Family

Some of us have a makeup of friends as our family; and that is a beautiful bridal party to have. Others have so many cousins they are close to, so there is not much room for having friends in the bridal party. The most important factor is not the relation to you, but the long term quality of their relationship with you. There is nothing worse than adding someone into your wedding to not be in contact with them a year later. Think long term. There are many ways to involve people who you’d like to be a participant without having them in a bridal party. Some people make amazing wedding guests, but not bridal party participants.

Personalities

And last, but not least, one of the trickiest factors when choosing your bridal party. Of course you want all your closest people in your bridal party. However; those few friends who are on again/off again with how they treat you will not make good bridal party participants. It is important to remember wedding planning is stressful. You want only those who will be supportive of you in your bridal party. You do not have to have anyone in your wedding unless you truly want to.

Always remember your wedding day is one day in your life. The wedding planning process goes on for months. Keep the people who care about you the most close to you. Those who will be lifelong friends make amazing bridal party participants; no matter the numbers or genders that make up your bridal party.



We hope this helps give you some ideas for how to choose your bridal party. For more wedding planning inspiration check out the blog posts below. To submit your wedding to be a featured wedding please e-mail hello@chicagoweddingblog.com Happy Planning!

Burgundy and Blue Wedding

Wedding Color Palettes

Wedding Color Palettes

You’ve dreamt of your wedding day for a while now and what do you see? Yellows, blues, purples, reds? We are seeing an increase in picking more than 2 colors for your wedding color scheme. So, you’re in luck if you just can’t pick a few favorite colors. Here’s how to incorporate multiple colors in wedding color palettes.

When thinking of color palette for your wedding day you may want to consider time of year, venue and the theme.

If you’re a bold bride it’s tempting to use all bright, flashy colors. We love pairing those huge flashes of color with at least two neutrals like beige, cream or navy. The pop of color like a deep red or gold will garnish the elegant feel.

If you want more than 2 colors for your wedding palette, we also suggest looking at the theme.

If you’d like a summer theme think of wedding flowers. You could use green and cream for neutrals while also incorporating the variant colors of peonies or hydrangeas ranging from sapphire blue to sky blue and put a yellow in there for sizzle. If your wedding is in the fall we love browns and creams paired with crimson, gold and oranges.

On the flip side, if you like just one color, you want to be sure you don’t over use it!

You want your colors to be complimentary not distracting. Decide which color you want to be dominant and pick other colors/neutrals accordingly. One great way to do so is a pop of color. For example using grays, blues, and silvers can be a neutral if you use a few splashes of burgundy. Burgundy is a bold color, so if you add in a few splashes of it, it won’t be overwhelming.

Lastly, if you want a large color palette for your wedding, try textures.

Sometimes colors that you wouldn’t think go to together, look okay if their texture is different. You could also use the same shade but in different layers and subtly different hues such as a cream table cloth with a white runner down the middle. Your color palette is endless so take your time and be creative! You can take risks by seeing colors in fabrics and flowers before you commit to one.



Happy planning! We hope this will help you choose your wedding colors. For more wedding planning inspiration and advice check out the Chicago Wedding Blog posts below.

Why You Should Hire A Wedding Planner

Why You Should Hire A Wedding Planner

The cost of a wedding planner can be priceless if you arrive at your big day refreshed, excited and rested! There are many reasons why you might want to hire a wedding planner. The price of wedding planners vary, but you can find one on any budget. It just depends on what you want your planner to do and how involved you want them. Here is why you should hire a wedding planner:

A wedding planner can often save you expenses and are well worth the investment.

A good wedding planner will keep your budget in mind and do the legwork cost breakdowns. They are great at keeping you within your budget by coordinating your guest list with venues you can afford.
In addition to saving you money, a wedding planner will save you time. You’re probably both working full time to afford this amazing wedding. A planner will be the go-between to venues, bands, caterers and flower shops. They will leave the decisions up to you, but once you make a choice, the wedding planner will put it into action, which frees you up to do the things you need.

A wedding planner can be a great idea if you’re very detail oriented.

A planner pays attention to every little detail so you don’t need to. They will most likely have contacts in the industry. That will save time and energy if they know off the bat who will work within your budget. The wedding planner will keep your day organized as well, down to when it’s time to walk the aisle and wrestling your belligerent uncle in line. You don’t need to stress about forgetting cake toppers or favors when you’re planner is already on it.

They lend fresh eyes and ears to your dream wedding.

We all have a vision of our wedding day and a planner can help make it unique. They have the connections and knowledge of trends to help you plan a wedding just for you. We think a wedding planner is well worth the expense because you only get one day and why not make it as fabulous as possible? You don’t need it ruined because you forgot to schedule your wedding makeup or hair!



Did you use a wedding planner? Who did you use? Why did you love working with them? We would love to feature your wedding. E-mail credited vendors and photos to hello@chicagoweddingblog.com . For more wedding planning tips & advice check out more Chicago Wedding Blog posts below!