From Fashion Runway to Wedding Aisle
Fashion week may be over, but soon-to-be married couples are still looking to incorporate hot-off-the-runway trends into their wedding. There were many unique creations that took centerstage. Here are a few that you should expect to see throughout the upcoming wedding season.
Burgundy
This color is very underrated but fashion collections are finally giving burgundy it’s 15 minutes of fame. Designers like Nanette Lepore, Prabal Gurung and Altuzarra featured this bold hue in their fall styles. It’s romantic without being floozy and feminine without being too girly. For your wedding, you can add this color to a bouquet or a statement accessory.
Power Red
Not just any red, but “power red,” has been dubbed the color of Fall 2017 by the industry. Big names like Jil Sander, Fendi and Oscar De La Renta featured the fiery hue in their collections. Embrace this trend on your wedding day with a bold red lip.
Sheer Dresses
Fashion month took a trip to Fantasyland, showcasing pastel-colored tulle and embroidered flowers on long, sheer dresses. Wedding dress designers have already absorbed this trend into their collections, so it’s likely you will find something aligned with your taste when you’re dress shopping.
Hair Accessories
“Big hair, don’t care” was the name of the game during fashion month. Chanel brought back the 80s with thick knit headbands, and Marc Jacobs showcased oversized beanies. For a more subtle approach to this trend, consider wearing an embellished headband or jeweled hair pins.
20th Century
Nostalgia hit designers hard this season. Many collections took inspiration from the 80s, 70s and 60s. You should expect to see polka dots, oversized blazers and shoulder pads make a comeback this year. However, if puffy sleeves and neon aren’t your thing, you can still be on-trend by adding a fur scarf to your ensemble or style your hair with voluminous curls.
Looking for more inspiration for your 2017 wedding? Check out the No. 1 wedding trend to expect this year.
How to Embrace the Glitter Wedding Trend
Glitter is a popular decorative accent for weddings. The trend certainly catches the eye, but can make a presentation appear cheap if overdone. Derrick Valenti of Warwick Allerton Chicago has shared a few tips on how to embrace the glitter trend in a tasteful way at your wedding. Click here to read more in ChicagoStyle Weddings.
Benefits of Having a Hotel Wedding
Choosing the ideal location for your vows may seem like a major headache, but it doesn’t have to be. Forget Google searching restaurants and generic banquet halls. The range of amenities and sizable staff that come with hosting your special day at a hotel will make for a stress-free wedding day.
Convenience of Catering
Hotels take care of all the catering details for your wedding. Everything from cooking, serving, presentation and clean up will be provided on location. This eliminates the need to search for a caterer in addition to a venue, which will make for fewer people you need to coordinate with for the big day. The food will be fresher, as well, since you don’t have to account for delivery time.
Location of Lodging
You will need to take into consideration where out-of-town guests will be staying. This is where the convenience of a hotel wedding is unbeatable, since guests won’t have to travel far after the reception and you won’t have to worry about anyone driving home after toasting to your happily ever after.
Accessibility of Amenities
Chances are, your guests will be staying for more than one night. They will need to find ways to occupy themselves during the time before and after the wedding. A hotel wedding provides onsite entertainment sources like game rooms and bars.
Breaks for Your Budget
Most hotels are happy to offer add-on packages for on-site weddings. Rather than paying for separate music, catering and decoration companies, hotels offer combination packages to accommodate all these needs. This can save couples a significant amount of money that can be put towards other things, like the honeymoon.
Versatility of Venue
Depending on the theme or aesthetic of your wedding celebration, there is a hotel out there to suit your needs. From modern finishes to more vintage charm, the possibilities are endless. Determine what style your ceremony and reception will reflect, then find a hotel that matches these needs.
Take your wedding day photos to new heights with this unique photo op in Chicago.
Wedding Bar Trends in 2017
No couple wants their wedding booze to be a snooze. With drink trends constantly coming and going, brides and grooms want to stay on top of the latest hits. Don’t miss these staples of the 2017 wedding bar scene.
Seasonal Produce
Millennials are entering marriagehood and bringing their health-conscious habits to the party. Cocktails with seasonal, fresh fruit and herbs have become a favorite for couples and their guests. Keep in mind that your options will vary depending on the season and location of your wedding.
Craft Cider
This trend started popping up about last year and is now starting to sink its teeth in the wedding scene. It’s a popular choice for cider-loving couples or those with a smaller booze budget. And if you’re lucky enough to live in a cider-centric city like Chicago, your options are endless.
Large Batches of Punch
This one will take you back to your high school dance days. Many couples find this to be a great opportunity to get creative with their drink, and to show guests a little bit of their personality and ingenuity. However, if you have no idea what you want to serve, ask your bartender for some ideas.
Decadent Delights
No one can resist a delicious milkshake, especially when booze is involved. Give childhood favorites, like a root beer float or an Orange Julius, a twist with flavored liqueur. If you want to get really fancy, set up an old fashioned soda fountain and allow guests to create their own concoctions.
While your bar menu should have at least one fun and festive drink, don’t forget to include a few basic options like beer and wine to accommodate guests. Let us know your ideas on creating a unique bar menu for your wedding!
Do’s and Don’ts of Social Media for Wedding Planning
To share or not to share? While it’s easy to get wrapped up in all of the excitement when planning a wedding, be careful to not go overboard with what you post on social media. Here are seven social media etiquette tips to help you in your journey to the big day.
Do: Call Friends And Family Before Posting Your Engagement on Social Media
No matter how excited you are to share ring selfies, take time to call family and personally tell them about your engagement before you post on social media. Don’t let your best friend find out through Facebook. A phone call is the most respectful way to break the news if you can’t do so in person.
Once you’ve shared your announcement, take a clear picture of your new bling and post it for friends to see. Be sure to restrain yourself from sharing shots of it from every possible angle. A single picture makes a bigger impact.
Don’t: Invite People to the Wedding Over Social
There is a place for social media in wedding planning, and it does not include inviting guests. Mailing physical invitations seems archaic thanks to the convenience of digital media, but for weddings, it’s necessary. This rule also applies for asking people to be in your wedding party. You should ask them in person because it helps show how much they mean to you.
RSVPing online is another story. Websites such as WeddingWire offer this option to keep track of which guests can and cannot attend. This is a great tool for organizing invitation replies in a single, convenient place.
Do: Create a Personalized Hashtag
Many of your guests will be posting pictures and videos from your big day. Ensure you can find these precious memories later by using a personal hashtag. Consider a hashtag generator like WeddingMix or WeddingWire if you’re having trouble finding the right one for your wedding.
Once you’ve perfected your wedding hashtag, decide where you will promote it at your venue. Place small cards at each table setting to personally inform each guest, and add more prominent signs near the bar and DJ to remind everyone throughout the night.
Don’t: Overshare Wedding Details
Resist the urge to flood your friends’ newsfeeds with documentation of your entire wedding planning experience. Stick to posting about major milestones, such as your engagement party and bridal shower. People want to hear about your wedding but not on a daily basis. This is also courteous towards those who you don’t end up inviting.
Do: Consider a Wedding Website
It may be easier to prevent oversharing on social if you have another outlet for wedding details. Create a website to host directions for guests, venue details and other wedding updates. As your wedding draws closer, this may be the place to share your wedding day itinerary.
Don’t: Link to Your Bridal Registry
While this may seem like a convenient way to let your guests know where you’ve registered, it is generally considered impolite. If a guest asks about the registry, privately provide the information to them. Otherwise, refrain from public comments about gifts.
Do: Be Inspired
Platforms like Pinterest and Instagram are great for ideas. Whether you have nearly the whole wedding mapped out in your head or absolutely no idea where to start, these channels are sure to inspire. Create a Pinterest dream wedding board, but think of it more as a brainstorming outlet than anything else. You’ll want guests to be surprised when they walk through those venue doors.
Now it’s time to get put that inspiration to work – but where to start? Finding the perfect wedding venue is an essential planning decision that sets the tone for the rest of the celebration.
Place Setting Trends for Weddings in 2017
The theme or color palette you choose for your wedding day should resonate in every detail at your reception, especially when it comes to styling each guest’s place settings. If words like ‘charger’ and ‘tablescape’ overwhelm you, Derrick Valenti of Warwick Allerton Chicago has shared the latest styles in memorable place settings to help guide you through your design process. Click here to read more in ChicagoStyle Weddings.
5 Dark Flower Options for Your Wedding Bouquet
Pinks and pastels usually take centerstage for wedding bouquets, but recently we have seen risk-taking couples going a different route with warmer, darker hues for flower arrangements. More and more brides-to-be are catching on, and so far, this trend has not disappointed. With so many options, it’s certain that you will find something that matches your taste. Here are a few dark flower alternatives we recommend.
Calla Lilies
The calla lily is one of the most traditional wedding flowers, but usually come in white or a subtle shade of color. Dark purple calla lilies look incredible by themselves or paired with dark roses or dahlias.
Ranunculus
It’s no surprise that ranunculus is a favorite for wedding bouquets. The flower’s dark hues and layers of delicate flowers pair well with just about any other bloom. A dark-colored ranunculus is a great way to add an exoctic element to your wedding.
Dahlias
Dark red dahlias make a great addition to a lighter-colored bouquet. The bold red petals provide a beautiful contrast to cream roses and peonies.
Peonies
While certain flowers with deeper hues can be hard to find, deep red peonies are available at most floral shops. (It’s just not as common of a flower because couples usually choose pink or white when picking peonies.) Pair them with white wildflowers for a simple, elegant arrangement.
Anemone
Stay in the family when it comes to a bouquet with anemones. Dark purple or black anemones are best paired with white. They have a very distinct design and adding different flowers will overwhelm the arrangement.
How to Incorporate Pantone’s 2017 Color of the Year Into Your Wedding
Pantone recently announced “Greenery” as its 2017 Color of the Year! At first glance, it’s puzzling as to why this color was chosen, given the fact that in previous years the colors have been delicate pastels or warmer hues.
“Greenery bursts forth in 2017 to provide us with the reassurance we yearn for amid a tumultuous social and political environment,” Pantone’s executive director, Leatrice Eiseman, described the creative process. “Satisfying our growing desire to rejuvenate and revitalize, Greenery symbolizes the reconnection we seek with nature, one another and a larger purpose.”
Adding “Greenery” elements to your wedding day can create an invigorating color scheme. Here are a few ways to incorporate this color into your wedding.
Bouquet
Recently, brides have been opting for bouquets made with a variety of foliage rather than the typical floral arrangement. Not only does this minimize couples’ expenses, it also creates a rustic, earthy vibe which has been a popular trend this year. To make a greenery bouquet, you can choose to solely focus on leaves that have interesting shapes and textures, or add a few flowers for a pop of color.
Table Runner
The best part of a lush greenery table runner is that it suits almost any theme (e.g. beachy, classic, country, farmhouse, etc.). It’s a great way to refresh your table decor and brings the table together. You can either place it with white linen for a romantic look or on top of a wood-grain table to keep with a rustic theme.
Crown
Many brides have been going the casual route with wedding day attire, and a crown of greenery mixed with flowers can be a beautiful alternative to a veil. Depending on the season or location of your wedding, you can showcase the local blooms and foliage in your crown.
Chairs
If you are looking to add more detail to each table, consider placing greenery on the backs of the chairs. You can also add a unique mixture to the bride and groom’s chairs so that they are easy to spot at the reception.
These are just a few ideas on how to add Pantone’s “Greenery” to your wedding. If you’re looking for more ways to impress your wedding guests, check out these tips.
The Best Wedding Trends of 2016
As we look forward to the new year, let’s take a look back on some of the best wedding trends that took us by storm in 2016. From metallic colors to fast food-style hors d’oeuvres, wedding planner Derrick Valenti of the Warwick Allerton Chicago hotel shares the biggest trends from the past year. Click here to read more in ChicagoStyle Weddings
5 Wedding Music Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Choosing music at a wedding seems like a relatively simple decision, but when you’re the one planning a wedding you’ll find there is a lot to consider. Seriously, a great band or DJ can be the difference between an “OK” wedding and one that people will tell their grandkids. Below are a few common music mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Not Putting in Enough Time to Research Bands and DJs
If you have a larger budget, you may opt for a band. If your budget is tight, a DJ seems like the more reasonable choice. However, you shouldn’t base your music options on your budget size. It’s possible to have a band without going over budget, or hire a DJ that won’t be tacky. It’s important to set time aside to do some research and get recommendations from friends or wedding venue.
2. Waiting to See Your Band or DJ Play the Day of the Wedding
Instead of asking for a sample playlist of your potential band or DJ, why not check out a live performance? This way you can hear what they sound like in real life, rather than waiting until your big day. If possible, go to a showcase or performance.
3. Not Including a “Do Not Play” List
While this may seem obvious, it is often overlooked. Sit down with your soon-to-be spouse and create a must-play list and a do-not-play list. Make sure to give the band or DJ plenty of time to review your requests. Additionally, don’t overdo your must-play list. Pick 10 songs and leave the rest up to the band leader or DJ since they’re the pros.
4. Neglecting to do a Sound Check
Add this to your wedding day checklist, but have a friend or family member manage it. Depending on the venue, certain limitations could arise (i.e. power supply, sound amplification, specific end-time). Have the band or DJ do a walk-through, especially if they haven’t played in the space before.
5. Creating a Music Program Just for Dancing
There should be music playing during every moment of your reception. Of course, the genre will vary depending on what occurs. When people are mingling and eating at their tables, opt for soft jazz or classical music. When the dancing starts, obviously you will want something more up-beat to get people moving. Discuss this with your band or DJ ahead of time. They will help you create a schedule.
Putting in time to curate a rockin’ playlist is essential to having a memorable wedding day. While music may not be at the top of your wedding checklist, it is certainly a priority. If you have additional wedding music questions or comments, we would love to hear them!
4 Things to Do Right After You Get Engaged
Engagement season is upon us, and many of the newly-betrothed will be left completely scatterbrained as to what to do next. Before you can get to the actual planning of your wedding, here are a few steps you should take right after you get engaged:
Call Family & Friends
Social media makes it super easy to share the exciting news, but it’s always a good idea to call close friends and family and let them hear it from you personally. This will also set the stage for your wedding invite list, helping you decide who truly matters the most to you.
Get Your Ring Sized & Insured
Get your ring sized so that it’s not slipping off your finger or cutting off your circulation. Also, speak to an insurance broker about coverage in case your ring needs to be repaired or replaced. You may need an official appraisal before you can officially add the ring to your insurance, so call the insurance broker to see what paperwork is required. Better safe than sorry!
Set a Date with Your Venue
Couples rush to decide when their special day will take place, but you can’t actually make that decision until you speak with your venue. Wedding locations can book up years in advance, so the earlier you meet with your venue to lock in a date, the better.
Create a Budget
Before you can get into the fun stuff, you should set a budget for the wedding. You and your fiancee should be in agreement of how much you’re willing to spend as well as if family members are willing to contribute. This isn’t exactly a fun conversation to have while you’re basking in your engagement glow, but it’s one of the most important.
Now comes the fun part: wedding planning! If you are looking to celebrate the big day in Chicago, we would be happy to assist you in anyway possible.
Finding Your Perfect Wedding Venue
Finding a dress, picking out a cake, and hiring a florist are all crucial elements of putting together a wedding, but the first item on any engaged couple’s wedding to-do list should be finding the perfect venue. To make the task feel less daunting, Derrick Valenti, director of catering at the Warwick Allerton Hotel Chicago, has put together a list of steps to ensure that couples find the right place for their ceremony and reception. Click here to read more in ChicagoStyle Weddings
The No. 1 Wedding Trend to Expect in 2017
The new year is right around the corner, and if you’re getting married in 2017, it’s likely your wedding planning is well underway. There are many trends that wedding planners predict will pop up next year, but one in particular is still as strong as ever: vintage.
There’s something romantic about adding objects and heirlooms that have stood the test of time for decades — even hundreds of years! The venue is one of the most important components of your special day because it’s one of the things guests always remember about a wedding.
Need some inspiration on creating the perfect vintage wedding? Here are a few stylish ideas set in the Tip Top Tap, Warwick Allerton Chicago’s exclusive wedding banquet hall.
Vintage Candlesticks
A simple way to give your wedding an elevated vintage vibe is through an assortment of well-placed candles and candlesticks. Focus on height to accentuate the room’s lofty 25’ ceilings, giving your wedding scene a hauntingly beautiful effect. This decor options works for any budget, as candlesticks can be thrifted and painted, purchased as is or provided by a florist or wedding planner.
Breathtaking Canopies
The traditional wedding altar is making a comeback. Using canopies to frame the happy couple in gorgeous linens reflects the classic elegance of the occasion while giving it a unique twist. Hang them from an original antique 1920s chandelier to create a floating alter in the center of the room. That’s where all eyes will remain until after “I do.”
Old World Photo Opps
Weddings of the past rarely featured photo shoots at different locations — they stuck to the venue. Use the entire venue for inspired photographs that are both timeless and full of character. From side-building fireplaces, to antique furniture scattered throughout the venue, and floor-to-ceiling views of the city, couples can plan a wedding photo shoot of their dreams.
Infuse Your Wedding with Autumnal Beauty
The beauty and romance of fall is undeniable, and makes for the perfect addition for autumnal weddings. Here are a few tips and trends for happy couples looking to celebrate the season alongside their nuptials.
Soups, Stews and Glazes
Fall wedding menus are filled with meats paired with maple and bourbon glazes. Side dishes include chef-elevated fall veggies with a gourmet twist, making side dishes as enticing as the main course. Soups, particularly creamy squash soups and bisques, make the list for top wedding menu.
Unique Tip: Introduce a Soup Station, allowing guests to choose from several soups and add toppings like cheese, bread crumbs and chives.
Wild and Leafy Florals
Freshly picked, wild-looking bouquets still reign in wedding florals. For tabletops, opt for green and leafy arrangements featuring succulents, eucalyptus, wheat greens, acacia and bay leaf branches. Add pops of color with Brazilian pepper berries, hypericum berry spray or raspberries. Unexpected and whimsical add-ons include thistles and small leafy twigs.
Unique Tip: Wine-colored roses and dahlias are excellent fall florals that enhance drama and beauty.
PANTONE-Recommended Colors
Color trend-setting specialist PANTONE® announce the top wedding colors for each season, and their fall wedding recommendations include the loveliest shades of cranberry, brick, dark green, and gray-blue. These shades add depth and richness to wedding plans.
Unique Tip: Choose a fall color palette and one summer color (like ice-pop red) for a fresh look.
The versatility and ease of translating autumn’s beauty into a wedding is one of the main reasons why fall weddings have become increasingly popular. If you are looking to plan a wedding in the fall, we would be happy to discuss more!
5 Ways to Take Your Guests’ Breath Away
If you’re a “go big or go home” couple, you’ll no doubt be searching for ways to take your wedding guests’ breath away at every turn. The good news? Extravagance doesn’t necessarily mean a big budget if you know where to place your wedding dollars for maximum effect.
Click here to read the rest of the article in this month’s Chicago Style Weddings.
5 Reasons You Can’t Go Wrong with Roses
The rose has been a symbol of love since the days of Ancient Greece, and the tradition of giving roses to a significant other began in Victorian times. This classic flower has been a major staple in wedding ceremonies and receptions for decades, but it’s it has recently seen a surge in popularity thanks to its versatility and easy availability.
Click here to read our guest post in Chicago Style Weddings, and to view more photos from Warwick Allerton Chicago weddings.
A White Wedding
Your wedding color palette will infuse itself through every aspect of your special day — from your shower to the post-wedding thank you notes. If you want your nuptials to be a snow white affair, don’t force yourself to choose bright colors. Embrace the beauty of a completely white wedding.
A monochromatic bridal bouquet is gorgeous with any style of wedding dress.
Simple white blooms in glass vases provide the perfect outlet for your monochromatic theme.
Add white candles in all shapes and sizes to give your reception an ethereal feel.
Drape your ceremony in white linen to make your vows picture perfect.
Keep Your Wedding Cake on Trend with These Top Designs
Your wedding cake is one of the most iconic symbols of your special day, a completely custom design tailored to the bride and groom. Wedding cakes provide a rare opportunity as you can go as crazy and unique or as classic and understated as you want. It’s tough to decide!
Our own Hannah Bunbury works with brides and grooms at the Warwick Allerton Chicago in creating their perfect wedding day, and she shared her wedding cake trend predictions with Chicago Style Weddings. Click here to read the article.
Katie and Mike’s Magical Day
Summer weddings at the Warwick Allerton Chicago are awash in colorful hues and pastel pops. When Katie & Mike were married at the Tip Top Tap Ballroom, they chose top Chicago photographer Katherine Salvatori to capture their bright and sunny wedding day.
Set the Tone with Bold Blooms
Florals are a key accessory for any wedding day, showing off your chosen color palette to your honored guests. Let your blooms become a focal point in your ceremony and reception decor by choosing bold red and fuchsia flowers. Check out some of the gorgeous arrangements below from Warwick Allerton Chicago brides and grooms.
A simple black and white wedding cake is made stunning with red roses.
Simple candles mixed with bright bouquets create a stunning display.
Add a Unique Chicago Touch to Your Wedding Photos
When planning that all-important wedding day shot list, don’t forget to incorporate some of the unique photo opportunities Chicago provides. You’ve chosen the Windy City as the setting for your big day so make sure to take advantage of it!
Beau Buttacavoli, director of catering at the Warwick Allerton Hotel Chicago, has put together several suggestions for brides and grooms to incorporate our beautiful city into their wedding day photographs. Click here to read more in ChicagoStyle Weddings.
Traditional Meets Contemporary, Featured in Style Me Pretty
Warwick Allerton couple Melissa and Matthew created a glamorous yet unique black and white affair by mixing in beautiful textures, unique patterns and killer lighting. So glamorous, in fact, that it caught the eye of top wedding blog Style Me Pretty! Click here to check out the article or view some of the amazing photos below.
We love how the simple white chuppah plays off the black and white of the room.
The Warwick Allerton catering team went above and beyond to create this gorgeous cake table.
An intimate receptions for friends and family.
A perfect evening for a perfect couple.
Honeymoon in Fiji Winners!
Congratulations to Bobby and Alex, the winners of our Honeymoon in Fiji giveaway! This perfect couple received airfare and three nights at the Warwick Fiji in the gorgeous Coral Coast.
Bobby and Alex were among five Warwick Allerton Hotel Chicago couples in the running for this first-ever contest. Runners up received a complimentary welcome party or wedding shower.
Stay tuned for more news on contests and giveaways!
Upgrade Your Signature Cocktail
The signature cocktail offered to your wedding guests is a fantastic yet simple way to showcase your personality as a couple. Don’t get bogged down by what you think this beverage should be — instead, take a look at what you both enjoy and think of who you can share it with those you love.
Click here to read tips from the Warwick Allerton Director of Catering featured in ChicagoStyle Weddings.
Congrats Gina & Matt
We couldn’t be happier for Gina and Matt, a lovely bride and groom who chose the Warwick Allerton as their Chicago wedding venue. Their picturesque nuptials have been featuring on local wedding blog Borrowed & Blue.
Be sure to read about their urban glam day
Art Deco Glamour
The Allerton Hotel has been a staple in the Chicago skyline since it was completed in 1924. Designated as a Chicago landmark in 1998, Michigan Avenue wouldn’t be the same without this vintage beauty.
The Allerton Hotel was the place to be in Chicago’s Roaring 20’s, boasting 1,000 small apartment-style rooms for the men and women working in the bustling city. Men and women were not allowed to reside in close proximity at the time, so there were separate floors for each. Residents enjoyed their time at the Allerton, taking advantage of the building’s social events, sports leagues, library, solarium and in-house magazine.
Breathtaking vintage photo of a modern Warwick Allerton Hotel bride.
The famous Tip Top Tap, a swanky lounge at the top of the hotel, was open throughout the 1940’s and 1950’s. Many Hollywood stars were guests of the Tip Top Tap, including Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball. Later, in the 1960’s, it was even home to to Don McNeill’s Breakfast Club radio broadcast.
While the space closed to the public in 1961, the sign has long since become part of the building’s charm. Today, brides and grooms can give their special day a true vintage flair with one of several spaces ready to accommodate any and all needs. Contact the catering department for more information.
A Visitor’s Guide to Planning a Chicago Wedding
Planning a Chicago wedding from afar can post challenges for even the most Windy City-savvy couples. While enticing skyline photo-ops and classic city fare can add to allure, there are some unique opportunities and hidden pitfalls to keep in mind. Fortunately, Warwick Allerton Hotel Chicago’s resident wedding planner, Beau Buttacavoli, has put together some tips for the big day:
Go Beyond Popcorn & Deep Dish
Chicago is known for these culinary staples, but it is also a city with a huge local and artisan food and beverage movement. Distilleries, microbreweries and boutique bakeries dominate the scene. Give guests an authentic taste of what the city has to offer by scouting these local vendors and incorporating their offerings into welcome baskets, gifts and tours for those in attendance.
You don’t get much more unique than a photo under the Tip Top Tap sign!
Don’t Limit Photo Locations to Downtown
There is no denying the the cityscape creates iconic imagery. However, each neighborhood in the city offers a unique visual experience. From elevated walkways like The 606 to local walls of graffiti, the city has more to offer than just skyline views and “L” tracks.
Tackle Traffic
Chicago’s traffic is as unpredictable as its weather. Aside from building in additional time for guests to navigate their way between venues, take advantage of the alternative modes of transportation. A young adventurous wedding party can hop on Divvys and add to the experience of the day. Trolleys are a classic option as well but take it up a notch by taking over a car on Chicago’s “L” to create a party train.
Prepare for All Weather Scenarios
The city is known for it’s completely unpredictable weather — think 50 degrees in August or a snowstorm in April — so having a contingency plan for your dream outdoor ceremony is crucial. If you don’t like to have unknowns hanging over your day, consider taking the party indoors for the reception and have the best of both worlds.