Illinois-Chicago — The Knot Community

Table number/name holders

GinaV0822 — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 19:06:13 +0000

What is your opinion on the height of table number/name holders? I know I have seen some that stand 12 inches and some 6 inches. The reason I ask is that we are considering using large sand dollars on a stand(kind of like a plate holder) with the table names (islands) painted on them. They would be low to the table though. Do you think that would be a problem? Maybe 2 on each table? Or should I put them on a higher stand? My centerpieces are only going to be 12 inches so I don't really want them to clash. Or maybe I should just stick with the regular paper ones on a stand.

We are going to have about 15 tables.

Thank you :)

Alterations needed for plus size bride

ChiGirl2013 — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 16:04:21 +0000

I am a plus size bride and have always had problems with getting alterations done. It seems that not many of the ones I've been to realize that a plus size person comes in many different body types and that you can't just use the same alteration techniques/ratios as you would on a smaller person. I am also 6' tall so my alterations may be a challenge.

The last woman I used (who came highly recommended) was a 4'10, 70lb woman who barely spoke English but knew enough to say "Oh, you big girl, ah?" and "Oh, you mother feed you good, eh?" and - my favorite - "You need stop eating so much. You too big." That is NOT the type of experience I want to go through again, as it was rather humiliating and unpleasant.

Are there any plus size brides out there who have someone they have used successfully? I know most seamstresses will say they CAN do the alterations, but I'm looking specifically for someone with extensive experience with plus sized customers. I live just a few minutes from O'Hare.

Bridal Shows in Chicago

Roberta Clark — Wed, 23 May 2012 15:42:55 +0000

I have been to several bridal shows in the area and while they were somewhat infomative they all had too many photographers and not a whole lot of other services. I have heard great things about Windy City Wedding Show (http://www.windycityweddingshow.com/). Anybody been to this show?

Save the dates?

kshah05 — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 12:30:20 +0000

How are in advance are the save the dates suppose to be sent out? i was told 6 months in advance. But i just wanna make sure.

Thanks

Dress Alterations

mpulgine — Tue, 29 May 2012 21:10:31 +0000

Hey all! I posted this in another board and someone suggested I post it in the Chicago board. I'm from the NW suburbs and I'm looking for a place that will do alterations on a dress. I am probably going to wear my mom's dress and it has 80s sleeves on it that I'm looking to have removed. If anyone knows of any dressmakers or any alterations places in the area that could do this type of thing I would appreciate their names!

Need help finding GOSPEL CHOIR for hire!!!!

ezak2 — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 06:24:11 +0000

Hey there fellow brides-to-be!

So if any of you have seen Love Actually, do you remember when Keira Knightley's character gets married and right after they're married that awesome Gospel Choir starts singing??? That's what I want at my wedding!!!!

I have no idea how much a gospel choir would cost to sing one or two songs. Better yet, I have no idea where to start to look for a gospel choir to hire.

Anyone hear of someone doing this or know of local, Chicago-land gospel choirs that would be interested? Any suggestions at all would be great!

Thanks so much!!!

SEAMSTRESS CHICAGO

Henrock — Thu, 31 May 2012 23:56:12 +0000

Hi Ladies,

Can anyone recommend a good seamstress for wedding gown alternations in Chicago??? Thanks!!!!

For Sale: Cake Topper, Sparkly Flip Flops, Feather/flower hair piece, clutch

staceyd88 — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 23:58:04 +0000

A few more items that were used for just a couple of hours! Save your money for the fun stuff and get a great deal on these little details!!!

Wedding Cake Topper - paper doll style: http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/for/3057711391.html
BCBG sparkly flip flops (size 8): http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/clo/3057681331.html
White flower & feather hair clip: http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/clo/3057667640.html
White satin pintucked clutch: http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/clo/3050949416.html

In need of help from my fellow CHICAGO bridess!!

TanyaLebowitz — Fri, 25 May 2012 01:18:39 +0000

i just moved to chicago and i need all the help i can get planning my wedding!! i thought about getting a wedding planner to help me but i dont even know a wedding planner in the area that i trust let alone any vendors to plan on my own!! ) = if anyone has any suggestions on wedding planners or vendors please share!! im a new bride to be lost in the chicago area !!

ceremony site

Maybone — Wed, 30 May 2012 01:32:39 +0000

My FH and I are looking for a ceremony location in the South Suburbs. We are not church people. We may have our reception site narrowed down, but they do not offer a ceremony location. Any ideas!? Thanks!

Kathleen Thame Boudoir Shoot Available this Sat 6/9

tiny0183 — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 19:42:33 +0000

Hello All Bride's to Be! Sadly I recently called off my wedding and in an attempt to regain any $$ spent, I wanted to make available my boudoir appt with Kathleen Thame this Sat 6/9 in Chicago. Hair and Makeup are at 11:00am with the shoot at 12:00pm. $350 is the fee, which includes everything including the release of photo's. If anyone is interested, please let me know ASAP and I will provide additional details. Thanks!

Rustic Wedding Venue South Suburbs? Help!

hannah_76888 — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:45:08 +0000

I'm looking for a rustic wedding venue in the southern suburbs of Chicago. Think barn, rustic lodge, historical building, etc. I would like to have an outdoor ceremony on-site as well. I've checked out a couple of places, but haven't found anything that fits. I've lived in the area for about 2 years, but I know I'm not familiar with all of my options. On-site catering and rentals (tables, chairs, linens, flatware, etc.) would make my life a lot easier, but are not requirements. The fiancé's family and friends all live in the Chicago area, but most of mine live in Southern Indiana (already a 5-6 hour drive), so I'd prefer to stick with southern suburbs or even Northwest Indiana. Also, there is somewhat of a budget (hoping for $50-$60/pp). I'd love to hear your opinions!

City Venues

Runnergrl4 — Thu, 24 May 2012 19:51:38 +0000

I am helping my friend find a venue for her Aug 2013 wedding. She needs a space for 200 people for no more then $200 a person. She doesn't want to pay a seperate room rental fee. She is already looking at Drake, Knickerboxker, Palmer House ans Galleria Marchetti. Do you ladies have any other suggestions.

TIA

First Dance

kshah05 — Sat, 02 Jun 2012 22:47:07 +0000

Is it tacky to keep the first dance out of the wedding? My fiance feels really awkward dancing in front of anyone and he's just not comfortable doing it. And i really dont want to put him in a situation that he dosn't feel comfortable in. So i was just wondering if we could just keep the first dance out of the wedding.

Photographer - Liz Mazur

moorea2004 — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 03:18:16 +0000

I have not visited the Knot since getting married over seven years ago. (Obviously no need.)

I am only posting to share the name and information of a fabulous photographer we used for my parent's 40th anniversary party. (How I wish she had photographed our wedding...the photography is the one thing I've always regretted about our wedding...which is the only reason I came back to post and share Liz's info....to help another couple avoid our situation). I posted a review on Yelp for those interested in more information.

Liz Mazur Photography

Mundelein, IL 60060

(847) 477-7606

http://www.lizmazurphotography.com

Anyone looking for table number holders - I have some for sale!!

shanns81 — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 23:56:45 +0000

I have 15 available - paid over $90 retail - willing to sell for $40. Located in Aurora.

Meet up

GinaV0822 — Tue, 08 May 2012 18:50:12 +0000

Whatever happened to the post about trying to do a get together? I can't find it. Did it ever happen? I'd be up for meeting for some drinks/appetizers maybe in June if anyone is interested.

Chicago Florists!

hlg23 — Wed, 30 May 2012 13:29:44 +0000

Hey all,

I'm looking for a budget friendly Chicago florist to do small centerpieces and personals for my Salvage One wedding.

Do you have any suggestions? Any reviews on Larkspur, Veil of Enna, or Fleur? I've heard those are good but the yelp reviews are spotty.

Thanks!

Photobooth PSA

MobKaz — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 23:17:08 +0000

We hired this photobooth company for our daughter's wedding last year and could not have been happier with their service, cost, flexibility and professionalism. Just thought I would pass along news of a discount.........

Chicagoland Photobooth is excited to announce our Summer Special! $75 off any booking, plus FREE props! See our website for more details: www.chicagolandphotobooth.com

Help me find these, please!

mrsbstau — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 15:39:21 +0000

I have been looking for a couple of months for this lantern that I found online. I can't seem to find it anywhere. Have any of you ladies seen it online/in stores anywhere? I love everything about it! Thanks for your help in advance!

http://www.justinien.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Wedding-Centerpieces4.jpg

Videographer?

cschneider16 — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 04:35:45 +0000

I've been going back and forth about whether we need a videographer for out wedding... but I think it would be something I would miss if we didn't do it. Does anyone have reccommendations? We just want one for the ceremony and the speeches, first dance, etc., so we would only really need them for a few hours. Thanks!

"I Do" Video by Leo Gerardi...

emmily429 — Sat, 02 Jun 2012 03:23:36 +0000

Has anyone ever worked with Leo? The prices are very reasonable, and the video samples look great...just wondering! Thanks!!

Best Bridal Salon to go to with a good amount of people?

elliemonster2012 — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:43:51 +0000

Morning girls!

So 80% of my family wants to know "WHEN ARE WE GOING DRESS SHOPPING!?!" And while I really appriecate all the enthusiasm, it is kind of really overwhelming!

My mom passed away 4 years ago so my aunts and my FMIL and her sister wanted to come. I do not plan on buying a dress with the influence of 10 women around me haha, but I want to make a day of it. From going with other friends, I've noticed I am drawn to smaller boutiques and salons over the huge large ones. I actually already have a specific dress in mind that I want to go try on with my BM's and my FMIL in a small salon, but I need a place for the massive trying on of the dresses event with everybody else.

House of Brides? Evas? I've heard such horror stories about HOB and would never buy from them, but it seems like they have a pretty large selection and large "viewing" area if you will.

Help? HA.

For Sale: White clutch and birdcage card holder

staceyd88 — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 16:34:57 +0000

Well, now that the wedding is over I am trying to get the guest room back in order and get rid of some of these barely used items. Here's the first batch...

White satin pintucked clutch: http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/clo/3050949416.html

Bird cage card holder: http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/for/3050886797.html

HELP plz ;) 09/02 wedding need photographer

sna12 — Fri, 04 May 2012 11:07:39 +0000

good morning, we need a photographer for our quickly approaching wedding! Ceremony and reception will be downtown. Approximately 50 people. We need a photographer, preferably with two shooters, that are local to Chicago. Budget is $2500.00... Including a disc. Thanks in advance! Shantamatthews4@gmail.com

Chicago budget photographer

mary+alex — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:38:47 +0000

Hello everyone:) I'm looking for a budget photographer for my July wedding. I would like to keep it under $1000. Anybody know of anybody that does good photoraphy for cheap? Thanks so much:)

Illinois-ohare area

kshah05 — Mon, 14 May 2012 01:53:10 +0000

Hey everyone,

I just started planning my wedding, and I'm trying to find out if anyone was able to find any decently priced venues around the ohare area/suburbs? I'm trying to figure out a way to not spend a lot of money on my venue and the food. Any one have any ideas on venue and food that won't be pricey? We will have about 250 people or less. We just want to find a place with will be willing to be flexible as far as money. We dont want to have to spend more then a few thousand on the food and venue, we are trying not to spend so much. Any suggestions?

Thanks

What to book next

buriostegui — Thu, 31 May 2012 14:23:11 +0000

So we signed our contract for the venue yesterday yeayyyyy!! We decided to go with Old Orchard Country Club in Mt. Prospect we have the date set for June 28, 2013 now it feels a little more real! What I am wondering now is what to book next??? I was thinking of photagrapher since it probably will take us a while to decide, any suggestions or thoughts???

mandm928

Cony&Ben — Thu, 31 May 2012 02:12:48 +0000

I just saw your PM today and replied!

The Intercontinental Chicago on Michigan

christi.mayo — Wed, 30 May 2012 15:23:10 +0000

Hey Chicago Knotties!

Have any of you attended or had your reception at the Grand Ballroom at the ICH on Michigan? Would love to hear some feedback on the space/staff there!

I know the coordinator there, Budi Tanzil, also worked at the Palmer House prior to the ICH, so if you worked with him, would love to hear feedback on him as well!