Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Chicago Welcome Bags...

What better way to welcome your Out of Town guests to Chicago than with a custom Welcome Bag...they can be filled with local treats and great amenities to make your friends and families stay more enjoyable.

Advise to Brides and Grooms:
-  Plan ahead

- Create a theme and select a minimum of five items
When considering which items to purchase...consider a few favorite categories: Chicago based?  Bride and Groom's Favorite things?  Supplies your guests may have forgotten?  Enjoyable Late Night Treats?

- Begin purchasing non-perishable items early

- Don't forget to include a note to your guests
If you are including pertinent information, please include the note on the outside of the bag!

- Call ahead to your Room Block Hotels to let them know the Welcome Bags are coming.  Decide whether they will be delivered directly to the room or passed out upon check-in.  Please note, a cost could be involved if you select to have the Welcome Bags delivered to the hotel

- Plan a Welcome Bag assembly day; it goes much quicker when you have help from your family and bridal party

- Schedule a delivery time...the hotel needs the welcome bags no later than the morning of check-in

We have created many Chicago based Welcome Bags for our clients...there are so many great local items that every wedding guest would enjoy: Garrett's Popcorn, Wrigley Gum, Ferrara Pan Candy, Jay's Potato Chips, Terry's Toffee...and more!

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Ambiance

At an initial meeting with a client, we often ask the bride and groom to answer separately the following question: "what is the most important reception item to you?"  We hear a variety of answers but typically the top three are: Food, Beverage and Entertainment.  We of course hear floral and decor numerous times but lately Brides and Grooms have chosen to say ambiance rather than just great flowers and beautiful linen.  To make a reception unique to each of our clients, we transform a venue into a feeling...an emotion...something that our client's want their guests to experience.  So combined with great food, fabulous cocktails and the perfect band/DJ...the wedding reception becomes a one of a kind event!

When the ambiance is set, do not forget about the details...they are always the finishing touch to a perfectly planned wedding reception.

Photography by Susan Ryan Photography.

Monday, December 28, 2009

Holiday Engagements....

The holidays are upon us...what a wonderful time of year to get engaged!  I would love to hear your story...how did he propose?  How did he make one of the most special moments in your life unique?



Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Cocktails Part 2...

Still thinking about signature drinks and wanted to share a photo with you...please picture a perfectly landscaped backyard, a beautiful June Saturday and 175 of your closest family and friends.  Are you there?  Have you temporarily forgotten about this snowy December day?  Wonderful!  Now add...a steel drum band, delicious hors d'oeuvres and the groom's favorite cocktail...a mojito!  It was a refreshing signature drink that the guests absolutely loved!  Photo courtesy of Stephen Green Photography.

Cocktails!

As I wrap my last Christmas present, a fabulous red tin filled with vodkas from around the world (my cousin's favorite liquor)...I think about all the wonderful signature drinks our clients have offered their guests in the past.  A signature drink is a fun way to incorporate one more detail into a bride and groom's special day.  The cocktail can be a new concoction or it can be just a new name for a classic cocktail.  This May, the Bride and Groom will be offering "The Great St. Tini" after the groom's last name...St. John.  A little detail that goes along way!  And don't forget about coordinating signage...it is a must! 

To get help you get started in your search for the perfect cocktail...check out Martha Stewart Weddings!  A ton of great cocktails to select from.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Save the Dates...

As I was twittering today, (you can  follow me at BrookeRigs on Twitter) Wedding Channel proposed the following question - "Are save-the-dates really necessary?" (You can read their answer at http://bit.ly/90ejPq)
So I checked it out...I really loved their answer...it was exactly what I tell my clients...Save the Dates are not necessary but when planning a Destination Wedding or a Holiday Weekend Wedding, they are definitely useful to their guests.  They also can be just fun stationery to announce their upcoming marriage. 

Our clients have sent out all types of Save the Dates...there are those that love magnets, photos, or just beautifully designed stationery that coordinates with their formal invitation...the options are endless!

A few of my favorites are:


Save the Dates were created by Eventful Inks (Tying the Knot).
Magnets were created by Magnet Street Weddings.
Invitation and Save the Date set (bottom left corner) was produced by Checkerboard

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Salvage One Bride

On this chilly December day, I am brainstorming for one of my funkier brides for next year.  She is having her wedding reception at Salvage One...for those that have not been there...stop by!  It is amazing!  They sell the most unique furniture, lighting, decor...!  Last time I was there they were selling a subway door!  Fabulous!

The space is also available for weddings and events.  For our client's cocktail hour, they will be mingling amongst the salvaged items that are displayed on the first floor and out on their patio.  A crowd favorite outside is the tray/bath tub water sculpture!  It is something you do not want to miss!

A few ideas that we are currently considering for their fun, unique, non-traditional wedding reception are:


Mini Coke Cans with silly straws - photo courtesy of Inside Weddings Winter 2009 Issue
Dara Blakeley Photography


Sangria during cocktail hour
and a few of the Groom's favorite beers!
Photo courtesy of Sur la Table.


Mac and Cheese Station...one of the bride and grooms favorite dishes...
it will be created with Cheddar and Mozzarella cheese...
Toppings will include caramelized onions, bacon, blue cheese, hot sauce...
Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings.


Kazoos from Oriental Trading to sound off the night...
What a way to end such an entertaining day!

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Color trends

When looking towards the next year...Brides want to know "what is the hot colour for 2010?"  Pantone has released their "Fashion and Home" color choices for 2010 and the winner is turquoise (pantone color 15-5519)...along with other top choices/recommendations.  Leatrice Eiseman, the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute writes: "Spring and summer naturally evoke feelings of calm ocean waters and tranquil beach vacations in cool, vibrant, tropical Turquoise. This soothing hue from the blue-green family conjures feelings of escape, especially when paired with Amparo Blue. With more warmth than the typical spring navy, this particular shade of blue is extremely appealing because of its brighter, more energetic attitude."

Last summer, one of our bride's chose turquoise, sandy beige and white/ivory as her color palette...she was channeling a beautiful beach wedding somewhere tropical but her back drop was an elegant ballroom in the suburbs of Chicago.  She wanted to incorporate her beach colors to the ballrooom without bringing the seashells to her theme.  She wanted the ballroom to be elegant and romantic.  The guest tables were dressed with turquoise bichon and ivory poly napkins.  While the flowers were shades of white/ivory with touches of green and accents of natural stones.

Photos courtesy of Stephen Green Photography.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Tented Weddings...

Tent Weddings!  We love them!  They are so personal and unique to Brides and Grooms...they are each custom based on the client's property and style.  Some clients select having a tented reception because they always dreamed of having their wedding at their parent's home and can think of nothing better than a "ballroom" created specifically for the bride.

Photo courtesy of Wedding Day Art.

While others select a tented wedding because they want to bring the outside in and what better way to do that than create a wedding and reception venue using your back yard.  Jamie and Erik knew that when they said "I-Do" they wanted to be looking at the forest that sits behind their home. It was a beautiful day, accented with the perfect details!
 

Photos courtesy of Brian Kinyon Photography.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Jennifer and Kevin May 2009

One of my favorite venues in the city of Chicago is Cafe Brauer...there is something about its timeless elegance that compliments every wedding and their beautiful decor.  Jennifer and Kevin were fabulous clients and we loved every moment of planning their wedding with them.  So in the spirit of sharing more of our 2009 favorite weddings...I have created a photo collage of some of my favorite moments throughout the day.  Thank you to Stephen Green Photography for the beautiful photos!  Congratulations Jennifer and Kevin!

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Carrie and Zach...October 2009

It was a slightly rainy day in October but that was not going to stop this fun loving couple from having the time of their lives.  They wanted a unique but still elegant venue to host their wedding reception and it was when we discovered the Wilder Mansion that we knew we had found it!  The mansion had recently been renovated when my client's booked the facilty so it was going to be something new and different for their wedding guests.  When we toured the space, I knew it was going to be a venue that I recommended on a regular basis. 

The Wilder Mansion was the perfect spot for Carrie and Zach's family and friends to celebrate their marriage.  The guests began their evening cocktailing and enjoying hors d'oeuvres on the first floor and patio...from there they were escorted upstairs for a sit down dinner.  Once dinner was complete, the party moved back downstairs for dancing and mingling amongst family and friends.  The mansion was once a home so the layout includes various sized rooms which adds a quaintness to the environment.  There was something for everyone to enjoy that evening!

A few photos from Carrie and Zach's wedding:

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Wedding Albums???

As a wedding planner, I get asked all sorts of questions...and from a variety of sources...clients, friends and new acquaintances. I also ask bride's all sorts of questions. A hot topic that I often have with clients is "what inclusions does a bride need from a photographer?" And there isn't a right or wrong answer in my opinion. I think that bride's need to speak to their  fiancé about what they want from their wedding photography. I do feel photography is one of the most important elements of a bride and groom’s day. The photos that are captured that day will be with you forever. One of my favorite trends in photography over the last few years is the photographer’s ability to candidly capture the emotions of the day. The right photographer can capture the first kiss to your new husband in a way that you will never forget the emotions you felt at that exact moment. Every bride can imagine a different use for their photos but I think that an album is very important. So if an album is not included in your photography package...make one on your own! An album allows you and your husband along with family and friends a chance to relive this fabulous moment in your lives.


A few photos that I love...


Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Chicago Weddings!

I absolutely love Google...who doesn't!  Today, while browsing the internet, I decided to google "Chicago Weddings."  There were over nine million hits...the top hits directed me to local wedding magazines and the others that I checked out had "chicago weddings" in their webite.  Who knows what 9,000,000 and 1 was regarding... So I thought I would blog about a couple of my favorite websites for brides:

Number 1 - the very elaborate photo gallery on The Knot
Number 2 - Style Me Pretty
Number 3 - Hostess with the Mostess - it covers entertaining across the board!  Great DIY ideas for the creative bride and hostess!

These websites/blogs are filled with great ideas for brides...I spent most of my time on party favors...I found this absolutely adorable idea for an exit favor!



...the perfect box accented with a sticker from My Wedding Labels.  Inside the box are two mini milks and individually wrapped donuts.  So much fun!  Photo courtesy of Hostess with the Mostess.

We love late night snacks...although it was awhile back, this wedding will always share a place in our wedding hall of fame...the wedding guests went home with milk and cookies!  The bride and groom's favorite late night treat.  Both were accented with labels from My Wedding Labels.

Photography by Stephen Green Photography.


Monday, December 7, 2009

Modified Candy Station...


We already know that Candy Stations are a hit at every wedding but sometimes they need to be modified to coordinate with the Bride and Groom's style.  In September, we created a dual purpose sweets station...during the wedding reception, cookies, cupcakes, M&M's, mixed nuts and Hershey Kisses were available to guests to enjoy as they danced the night away.  But these same sweets were also available as a take home treat...a portion of the cookies were individually bagged along with individually boxed up cupcakes...both were accented with custom coordinating labels.  Guests had the opportunity to enjoy each type of cupcake and cookie...some types as wedding dessert and others as a late night treat!

Friday, December 4, 2009

Wedding Cakes!

One of my favorite details of a wedding is the wedding cake!  Brides have so many fun options to select from.  Some opt for traditional wedding cakes and others think outside the box...this bride went for classic elegance!  So in keeping with my "Thinking back in 2009" theme...I love this wedding cake!  It was created by one of my favorite Chicago bakeries, Take the Cake.  The bride's colors were pale pink and white accented with copper.  The wedding reception took place at one of Chicago's most beautiful venues, The Chicago Botanic Garden

Although this June wedding was a bit mild, the still guests enjoyed the outstanding view from McGinley Pavilion.  It looks out to the Great Basin at the Garden. 

Thursday, December 3, 2009

December...

December is one of the most enjoyable times of year...it is filled with friends and family and holiday spirit!  It is also a very popular time of year to get married.  One of my most favorite stationary moments of this year is occuring this weekend!  We assisted our client with coordinating Save the Dates and Invitations.  Our clients loved the set so much that we carried the designed motif throughout their reception details.  From wedding programs to menu cards, table numbers and programs...there was one coordinating element...the motif...it began with the Save the Date and will continue until everyone says goodnight to the Bride and Groom on Saturday!  One of our favorite photographers (Brian Kinyon Photography) is photographing the wedding and I am looking forward to sharing the details with you!  For great invitations and coordinating pieces, we are consistently using Checkerboard (http://www.checkernet.com/) along with our in-house custom printing system!  We are all about the details and this wedding hits the spot!  Congratulations Amy & Brian!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Candy Stations!

Candy stations have been the rage for many years BUT they don't get old...wedding guests enjoy them and we love designing them! One of our favorites was created for a wedding and reception at The James Hotel (http://www.jameshotels.com/).  Photography by Vrai (http://www.vraiphoto.com/).  The candy was chosen first by color then by type...the table was designed to mimic the color scheme of the wedding.  The guests enjoyed Chocolate Turtles, M&M's, Sugar Peaches, Chocolate Raisins and more...each guest received a to-go candy bag to fill for the ride home.

Candy stations are always being re-invented but like all details, they should coordinate with the reception and of course the Bride and Groom's tastes!  We added To-Go Cupcakes and Cookies to a Favor Station Table in September when we heard those were favorites of the Bride and Groom!  Everyone enjoyed the twist... 

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Looking back at 2009...

Wedding season 2009 is officially over for Tying the Knot but our break is short this year...our first 2010 wedding is on January 2nd! 

As I look back at the year...it was filled with weddings of all sizes and shapes!


At each wedding, I take a moment to photograph my favorite details..a little instant gratification and it is a helpful tool to showcase our work immediately to future clients...

Today I am highlighting a beautiful rustic elegant wedding we created in April.  The bride was very detailed oriented and wanted unique touches everywhere...her budget did not allow us unlimited resources so we needed to offer creative solution for her to get everything she always dreamed of...and we did!  The placecard/favors are homemade apple butter jars with yellow gingham fabric toppers attached with twine sitting a top wood logs...the table numbers are hand cut wood boards with brown stamped numbers...the centerpiece vases are mason jars...and the votives are accented with coordinating green ribbon and twine...rustic elegance without breaking the bank!