Illinois-Chicago — The Knot Community

Bachelorette Party Ideas

Jenda92981 — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 01:49:30 +0000

Looking for some input on bachelorette party ideas in Chicago Area. Looking for other ideas then the normal stripper thing.

Thanks for your help

Parks for Weddings in the Chicago Burbs

OGracie — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 02:17:40 +0000

We're getting married October 5th, 2013. We're looking at 125-150 guests. We have our own band and belly dancers. The girls do a fire show (and are insured), so we would like to be able to go back outside after sunset if the location would allow it!

We've been on the hunt for a park in the Chicago Burbs (preferrably SW, but will consider other areas) that are within a lower budget. We also would like to be able to cater in ourselves if we end up using their facilities.

Does anyone have some suggestions for us? Positive and negative experieces would be greatly appreciated so we know where to look. A lot of the places that we looked at with outdoor areas are pretty pricey! We thought if we could hit up a park district it might help the cost.

Thanks in advance!

Escort Card Help

LawyerLover810 — Sun, 29 Jul 2012 13:13:09 +0000

I am not 100% sure what the proper way to write a name on the escort card is for a married couple.We are only doing one card per couple (unless one person is in the bidal party of course). If the couple is Bob and Sue Smith which is right:
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Smith
Mr. and Mrs. Bob and Sue Smith
Bob and Sue Smith
Mr. Bob and Mrs. Sue Smith (that one looks silly to me?)

I think it would be nice to list both names but I am just not sure what is correct? Any advice? Thanks!

Illinois= Wed items for sale, live in Plainfield, work in Lombard or Deerfield

rhymingwhiston — Sun, 29 Jul 2012 22:58:10 +0000

I have some items for sale after my wedding.
This is a black frame, 12 x 20. I hot glued the ribbon and used it for my escort cards. It was 12 bucks from Hobby Lobby, just looking to get the cost back, $12.00

This is a cork board I hot glued the ribbon on, it's smaller than the black frame. $4.00

This is an alternative guest book. I got it and put it out with a regular guest book. It it missing two pages because one person wrote a card and one got bent in transport. $5.00

I have 13 wine bottles I painted with chalkboard paint. I also have extra chalk. A dollar a bottle and a dollar for the chalk and one to cover the paint and supplies. $15.00

I used this basket for 100 bubbles and it was too big! $2.00

I bought a pack of 100 bubbles and hot glued the ribbon and I have 43 left. $7.00

I have 16 candle holders, 8 in each color. There were a dollar each. With supplies it came to 20. $20.00 I would sell the colors seperatly.
Made this for the bar, $6.00

I won't ship the items, we would have to meet up. as I said I live in Plainfield and work in Lombard, depending on the day and what you want, we could meet up on my way home from work. My husband works in Deerfield, you would have to go to him and on his schedule only. I'm not on here a lot any more, so feel free to email me Kristinkleinau@hotmail.com or text me 847-321-8819 Thanks!

Has anyone worked with Beautiful Strings?

thebrideg — Sun, 29 Jul 2012 20:39:37 +0000

My fiance and I found a group called Beautiful Strings based here in Chicago but I can't seem to find any reviews on them. I've interacted with them 100% online and their website looks fairly legit (www.beautifulstrings.com) but would love to hear if any brides have used them in the past and can let me know their experience before we book.

Thanks!!!

Old knottie needs help with wholesale jewelry store

brd — Sun, 29 Jul 2012 18:21:35 +0000

i got married in 2004, but I bought some costume jewelry for my bridesmaids at some shops that were right off lake shore drive near the wilson exit(maybe at wilson and argyle).
anyway, does anyone know if these little jewelry shops are still there and exactly where they are?

Chicago Photography

Madda7 — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 17:08:51 +0000

Hey everyone, Im looking for Photographers in the chicago southwest burbs. However, photographers in Chicago are fine too.

JP Tuxedos - Oak Forest - Reccommend or Not? Why?

traklb — Sat, 28 Jul 2012 23:57:59 +0000

Many mixed reviews about JP Tuxedos, wondering if and why people didn't like them. They have some amazing deals.

Also, if not them, who would you reccommend??

Thanks ladies!

FREE Geneva IL wedding

yowen1 — Sat, 28 Jul 2012 14:26:19 +0000

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Thank you so much & God Bless You All

PSA - Wolsfeldt's Bridal sale 7/21-7/28

n3rdl3t — Sat, 21 Jul 2012 19:04:07 +0000

I just went to Wolsfeldt's this morning to check out their annual and garage sales and it was amazing! They have veils starting at $20, bridesmaids dresses starting at $4 and a LOT of gowns for 75% off! They are located in Aurora and definitely worth a look if you still haven't found a dress yet!

http://www.wolsfelts.com/promotions.php

Photog / DJ / Photo Booth

skybrie — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 18:55:51 +0000

so these are my next planning items to do. Does anyone have any recommendations on places that combine multiple services in packages?

Restaurant reception for 70??

kit732 — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 19:46:55 +0000

Hey y'all! I'm thinking of having a restaurant reception for 70 in the Chicago area (city or Northshore area). Any ideas or suggestions?

It's going to be a Saturday night dinner, and we're interested in getting a small band to play some music during dinner.

Have any of you done this?

Thanks!

Ideas for gifts to the bridesmaids?

smende3 — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 14:18:15 +0000

I'm not sure exactly what to give my bridesmaids?

also does anyone know of places where they have goos deals for manis & pedis for groups?

THANKS!

Looking for a Polish American DJ

janeh2bg — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 15:12:53 +0000

Hi,

My fiance and I are looking for a Polish-American DJ to dj our wedding. We'd like someone who can get the crowd on the dance floor. We'd like them to have a catalog of both Polish and American hits and oldies. It would be nice if he could speak both English and Polish so that everyone at the party can understand him.

Has anyone used a dj they could recommend?

NWT Sue Wong (street size 6) gown with beading and ruffles ($200)

jules8605 — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 19:37:12 +0000

Brand new with tags.

I purchased a gorgeous size 6 Sue Wong dress for a civil ceremony, but found a cocktail dress that I liked even more. So, I have an extra dress!

It's a gorgeous and unique dress - with tons of beading & crystals, detail work, and gold accents. It comes with a few extra beads/crystals as well. It has a v-neck with a low scooped back. The dress is all vertical ruffles from the waist down - and has a bit of a vintage flapper dress feel.

It would be the perfect dress for a casual wedding, a court house wedding or a destination wedding. It's very lightweight and feels great on.

I really love this dress, but a short cocktail dress worked better for our civil ceremony. Original retail price $357.99, asking $200 OBO (additional $15 for shipping & insurance). I haven't focused on selling it for the last several months as I was inundated with last minute wedding planning. Nevertheless, the wedding's over and this dress needs a new home.

The dress size is 6 and would likely fit street sizes 6-8. It's a little long for me (in heels 5'4"), and does not have any alterations.

Please contact me at jules8605@yahoo.com for more info and additional pictures. I'm located in Chicago, but am happy to send the dress within the U.S. as well.

Avoid Pastor B of First Step Ministries!!!!!!!

mapales2 — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 23:07:57 +0000

Hey everyone-

I will have more vendor reviews soon, but I wanted to get this out to you all. I going to paste the review I wrote from wedding wire but to put things in a nutshell. He tried to run our entire rehearsal without us and he didn't have our wedding vows on the wedding day, even though he told us he had them the day before. Please read the whole review if you are considering him.

I really can't express how very disappointed I was with Pastor B. When we first met with him, my husband and I were very excited that he would be officiating our ceremony. He was very professional and he was willing to work with us to create a ceremony that was perfect for us. At first, we did not pay him the extra $150 to be at the rehearsal, but we eventually decided we would be more comfortable if he was there, so we paid him the fee. The night of the rehearsal, my husband and I were running a little late due to construction on the highways. Pastor B arrived on time, and many of our bridal party was already there. Pastor B began the rehearsal without us! The best man suggested that everyone wait for the bride and groom, and Pastor B insisted they start. My husband and I arrived 15 minutes late and when we arrived, Pastor B informed us that everyone knew what they were doing and we didn't need to rehearse anything. We asked what he had done and he said he just paired the bridal party up and had them walk down together. When we told him we wanted it done differently, he got frustrated. He had everyone go through it once, very fast, and then he told us he had to leave to be somewhere. He was only there for about $5 minutes after we arrived! Definitely not worth the $150 fee! As if that wasn't bad enough, on the wedding day, 20 minutes before the ceremony, Pastor B approached my husband and said he didn't have our vows!!! He had told us the day before he did and we didn't have to worry. My husband was obviously upset and instead of apologizing, Pastor B kept trying to make jokes about the fact that he didn't have them. Fortunately, someone in the bridal party was able to get them by going into my email and finding them. Overall we were extremely disappointed. We paid him $600 for a 5 minute rehearsal and to lose our wedding vows. I would not recommend him to anyone. He charged a lot of money and he certainly didn't earn it!

Anyone want to split the cost of manzanita branches?

akrysl22 — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 17:46:40 +0000

Hi everyone - I am getting married in early September and will be buying manzanita branches for half of our centerpieces (12 branches, 18-24 inches tall). I was curious if anyone would want to buy these together or "rent" them from us after our wedding? We will need them for 9.8 and 9.22. After that, they'd be yours! If so, please message me!
Thanks!

Is It The Time To Order Wedding Dresses?

riveryan — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 08:43:37 +0000

While some couples plan a whirlwind wedding with a four month engagement, most take at least a year or even two to plan the big day. Most brides want to start shopping for that dress as soon as they have a ring on their finger, but how soon is too soon, and how late is too late?
Here are the answers to some of the common questions brides have about ordering their bridal gowns:When should I order my dress? Wedding dress plaza recommends that ideally you should begin looking at dresses twelve to eighteen months before your wedding, with a view to ordering your dress about a year in advance. This will give you plenty of time for alterations to be done thoroughly, and for you to find the right accessories, flowers, and hair style to complement the dress.Brides buying a dress off the rack will still need to have some alterations done, but they may be able to get away with ordering a dress six to nine months before the wedding; around three months should be scheduled between the first and final fittings to allow time for alterations. Having a dress custom made will take longer, and will require three or four fittings, so a year is advisable. Brides that are ordering a dress online, or looking for a pre-loved gown should also order a year in advance to give them time to find an alternative if they are disappointed with the gown when it arrives.Should I wait to order it until after I’ve lost weight?Many brides want to lose weight before their big day, but waiting to order your dress until you have achieved your dream weight isn’t advisable. Unless you plan really drastic weight loss, you will probably only drop one dress size, and most gowns can be altered to accommodate this. Even if you lose weight your basic body shape should be the same at your first and final fitting.Tell the assistant that fits your wedding dress if you plan to lose a lot of weight and they will be able to tell you a date for final alterations. This is usually around six weeks before your wedding, and after this time it will be difficult to have your dress altered to account for further weight loss.If I order it too early will my dress be out of fashion?Bridal fashion is always a year ahead of itself because brides are expected to order their gowns a year in advance. However, it is true that a whole new range of gowns and styles will be released if you order more than a year before the big day.If you are really concerned about being in fashion, you should wait until the bridal wear ranges for your wedding season have been revealed, but the changes in wedding gown design from one year to the next aren’t that dramatic, and you can be sure your guests won’t know if you are wearing last year’s dress. If you buy a dress at the end of its season you might even get a discount.

To Hire Your Wedding Dress: Yes Or No?

riveryan — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 08:45:42 +0000

Here are some simple steps given by wedding dress plaza to ensure you get what you want when it comes to wearing it on the wedding day. Do your homework on the costs to hire the bridal gown. Costs vary greatly depending on the style you want, what features the dress has and how old the dress is. The quality of fabric and adornments is what puts a price tag on a dress as well as who designed it. Ask questions. Find out how many times it is being hired out before your wedding day. When you have chosen your dress, go over the dress your chosen with a fine tooth comb make note of any marks. Ask what happens if someone damages the gown before you get to wear it on your wedding day. Will the dress be professionally dry cleaned in the week prior to your wedding day? Check before hand if you are required to dry clean the wedding dress before returning it. The place where you hire the wedding dress from may have arrangements in place with other dry cleaners and don't require you to dry clean the wedding dress prior to returning it. Keep in mind that it is a lot easier if they organized this!! Will alterations be able to be made on the dress should you shed any kilos or heaven forbid!! put any kilos on before the wedding day.What if I change my mind and go with a different dress.What happens if the dress is damaged on my wedding day.It is highly likely you will be off on your honeymoon the day after your wedding day so make sure you enlist someone to get the dress off to the dry cleaner in the week after the wedding and return it to the shop that you hired it from, it will most likely be needed the weekend following your wedding day!

Wedding Coordinator

sgjrn — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 21:39:09 +0000

My good friend recently got engaged and she is overwhelmed and looking into hiring a wedding coordinator. She has talked with some that are said to cost upwards of $4000. Does anyone have any recs that may be on the less expensive side but still do a good job? She basically needs day of and some pre wedding coordination. She is not opposed to finding her own vendors. thanks.

I won Photography stuff at Bridal show and am not using it...

loca4pook — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 23:47:54 +0000

If anyone is using Bella Vie Studios, I won a free 3X3 accordian mini album

If anyone is using Eminjayin Photopgrahy, I won 250.00 off.

Send me a private message and they are yours. I chose to go with Fred Fox so I won't be using either of them

I will shoot your wedding video for $300 total

[Deleted User] — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 20:16:11 +0000

I'm a freelance videographer (recent Columbia College Chicago grad in film/video) and am looking to shoot weddings all around the Chicagoland area. Here's a link to a wedding I just shot: https://vimeo.com/45324273

I'm willing to do a full day shoot, as well as edit and produce your video on DVD or digital format. I do highlight videos, which are usually around 10 minutes or so--using the best looking shots presented in a cinematic way with music. I also will include a longer (mostly un-edited) version additionally for brides that want to see all the speeches captured, full ceremony, etc. I beleive most people do not want to sit and watch an hour long video whenever they want to look back at their wedding; when it's much quicker and more appealing to have a short highlight video showcasing the best moments. The reason I'm doing this fairly cheap is because I'm looking to build my portfolio faster.

I'm looking for weddings this summer and fall! Please let me know asap if interested and we can dicuss setting this up. You can e-mail me at "flamingzombie89@aol.com" or contact me by phone at 630-234-2607.

In case you were wondering, I shoot on a Canon 5D mark ii in full 1080p High Definition.

Thankyou and I look forward to hearing from you!

-Daniel

Five Favourite Trends From The Spring/Summer Bridal Shows

riveryan — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 02:57:37 +0000

The frocks this season were fresh, fabulous and utterly fashionable. Made in a slew of colours both broody and bright, cut yards shorter than ever before, and sewn with copious amounts of tulle, it’s certain the gowns seen on the S/S 2013 runways are for the stylish and edgy bride. Discover the top five trends that are set to be seen down aisles and on celebrities in the upcoming months.

Burst of colour
Ex-Voguette Vera Wang’s colourful gowns from last season have led the way and inspired many designers to be daring and inject colour into their spring/summer collections. The most popular colour of choice was red. Both Vera Wang and Oscar de la Renta showed vibrant cherry hues along with broodier burgundies. Romona Kevezal also chose to design in red, along with black, silver and navy. The number two colour seen this season was blue. Oscar de la Renta’s sky-coloured frock was heavenly while Douglas Hannant’s navy floral print was Versailles chic.Peplum frenzy
Easily 2013’s hottest trend, the peplum has been popping up all over town. From catwalks to red carpets and now in stores too, its popularity is due to how flattering, feminine and fun the style is. This bridal show season, designers took advantage of the chic shape and designed gowns with large peplums, as seen on the runways of Angel Sanchez and Carolina Herrera. Christos featured peplums of the smaller variety.Get shorty
The silhouettes and shorter skirts of the 20s, 50s and 60s were all channelled this season. Ines di Santo created a feathery flapper frock with unparalleled beading. Oscar de la Renta’s ballet gown was part white swan and part 50s prom dress. And Romona Kevezal, Rivini, Carolina Herrera and Oscar de la Renta all took clues from the mods.Tulle galore
When it comes to bridal gowns tulle is essential. The fabric of fairytales, tulle not only moves well but creates an air of elegance. This season, hot shots Oscar de la Renta, Vera Wang and Reem Acra all added layers upon layers of tulle creating gowns with overskirts, capes and larger than life floor-length frocks.The individual
Just as Tom Ford did when he debuted his women's collection in spring/summer 2011, three designers this season designed with particular women in mind. Carolina Herrera, Romona Keveza and Oscar de la Renta designed gowns for friends, family and muses. At Herrera there was the fashion forward peplum, the seventies Jagger suit and even a trench coat gown. At de la Renta there was a ballerina, a Pre-Raphaelite femme and flamenco inspired frock.

Fred Fox Photography

loca4pook — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 13:28:18 +0000

Has anyone used them? if so, were you happy? Also, which photographer would you recommend from their choices?

Best Wedding Dress In This Season

riveryan — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 03:00:29 +0000

WeddingDressPlaza picks of the best gowns and new trends, straight from the autumn/winter 2012 bridal shows.

While the world was wooed by the Duchess of Cambridge’s McQueen creation, the imaginations of the leading bridal designers have been elsewhere. At the autumn/winter 2012 bridal shows, top designers presented gowns in colours, cuts and styles that were more red-carpet reality than fairytale fantasy. Badgley Mischka and Carolina Herrera reinvented the classics, while Vera Wang took inspiration from witchcraft and showed a variety of daring nude gowns along with nine black tulle-laden creations. Our favourites for the season:

Peachy keen
Judging by this pretty-as-a-peach gown, we have a feeling Ethiopian-born New Yorker Amsale Aberra visited the recent Musée Bourdelle exhibition of visionary couturier Madame Grès. Aberra has harnessed Grès’ sublime use of jersey and, with her drapery, has shown she’s on her way to becoming as memorable as the legend.Bringing sexy back
Designer Claire Pettibone left us breathless with her beautiful lace and ribbon crossover back. Perfect for both athletic and slender physiques, the shape is truly elegant and much more interesting than a traditional strapless back.

Silver screen siren
Since style maker Katie Shillingford wore a grey Gareth Pugh gown on her big day, we’ve had our eyes peeled for something similar that we could get our hands on. Enter Douglas Hannant’s tiered masterpiece. Made of delicate silver Chantilly lace, this halter gown will never date.

The show stopper
A little bit Versace, a little bit Halston and a lot Marilyn Monroe, we’re loving Monique Lhuillier’s gown for the confident, sexy bride. Pair its demure neckline and daring side split with a fake tan and dancing shoes for a fun and flirtatious night.

Beach chic
In a collection filled with classic mermaid silhouettes, this Reem Acra gown is a subtle and wearable alternative. With its undulating skirt and shell-like bodice, this sleek silk gown is completely modern while being utterly timeless, and is ideal for the barefoot beach bride. Wear with tousled hair and finish with turquoise accessories for a relaxed, sun-filled day.

View of Skyline?

wrigleyville — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 15:10:54 +0000

We're looking for a venue that has a great view of the skyline, something like a penthouse or the top of a hotel or a cool loft. We considered Adler and Shedd for the view, but I'd like to be closer to the Loop so my guests will have a great "city" feeling (many of them are coming from remote areas where they don't get to see skyscrapers very often).

scstar17

bellaluna290 — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 23:46:44 +0000

YGPM!

Finding a Bakery

soontobespitzer — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 17:39:07 +0000

Hi, so we are now 3 and 1/2 weeks from the wedding and still don't have a cake! Now we aren't looking to spend $500 on a cake, if neccessary we might go to the local grocer. But before doing that I wanted to see if anyone has some suggestions for bakeries in/near the Naperville, Wheaton, Glen Ellyn area

Nicole Klochan - Photographer Update

tracey525 — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 14:39:33 +0000

All, I spoke with my photographer this afternoon and everything is sorted out. I would remove this post completely because I don't want my panic attack/freak out to impact potential future clients, but I can't fully, as others have replied, so instead I'll edit my original posting.

I did have a panic attack/total freak out today because our photographer's site was down, but I now know that it's because it's being revamped. We have so far had a very good experience, loved our engagement photos and got them back very quickly. We are looking forward to working with her this fall.

Looking for a reception venue for 250+ guests in the Naperville area. Please help!

jaso68 — Tue, 29 May 2012 14:36:32 +0000

I looked through the venues listed on theknot but have not found something that is close enough, and allows for 250 guests or more.

I'm looking for something affordable and unique even. I would not like to use a regular banquet hall or hotel, but if I don't find anything else, I might have to.

I would even be ok with using a nice house with a big beautiful yard, an outdoor place with a nice big tent, a barn, a loft, a nightclub, or something of that sort. I am open to the venue catering or bringing my own caterer.

I would not like my guests traveling too far (15-20min ok) since the ceremony will be at a church where the officiant has known my family my whole life. The church is located in the Aurora area but I know Naperville might have nicer places.

Please help with some ideas! Im really open to any suggestions! THANK YOU! :)