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!

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.

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?

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.

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. 

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!