Top 10 Ways to Personalize Your Chicago Wedding
By Cynthia Sally
Professional Makeup Artist, www.cynthiasally.com
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- Hand-painted Aisle Runner with names/Monogram – great photo opp!
- Gobo Lighting with names/monogram – your initials will look great on the dance floor.
- Wedding cake – top your wedding cake off with some personality!
- Hang decorated letters on the church doors of your initials – your guests will be impressed before they even get through the door.
- Have your unity candle or sand ceremony containers personalized – they will make a great keepsake for years to come!
- Put your monogram on all your stationery – invites, save the dates, programs, menus, etc.
- Caricatures or painting – display at your escort table to wow your guests.
- Favors – make a donation to your favorite charity or have a candy buffet with your favorite sweet treats.
- Centerpieces – ask your florist for non-traditional alternatives.
- Unique table numbers – use pictures of the couple or creative themes.
Specialty Items to Purchase for Your Reception
Reception Must-haves that Serve a Purpose
By Lindsay Sally
Owner, www.bigdayboutique.com
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It’s all about the details and some special details at your reception should not be overlooked. Keep these items on your list and in your mind so you aren’t purchasing them at the last minute. The web is a great resource to find items that coordinate with the overall feel of your reception. Read more
Your Wedding Flower Needs
A Checklist of Flowers You May (or may not) Need
By Kristen Janes of Kio Kreations
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There are so many floral items to consider for your big day. This list covers basically everything floral that’s ever been done at a wedding…so don’t feel that any of these items are a “requirement” but rather a list to reference what you may or may not need. And don’t forget the flowers to your pre-wedding events too! Read more
How to Hire a Florist in 5 Easy Steps
5 Simple Steps For Hiring a Florist
By Kristen Janes of Kio Kreations
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There are basically 5 easy steps to hiring a great florist for your wedding: Research, Contact, Consult, Review and Book. It’s as simple as that. Not sure where to begin? Just follow the steps below and your florist will be booked in no time. And don’t think you are “booking too early” if your wedding is over a year out. If anything, you might be able to secure a great florist at a great price for being ahead of the game. Read more
Why Hire a Florist?
10 Reasons Why it’s Better to Leave Floral Design to the Professionals
By Kristen Janes of Kio Kreations
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There are a bunch of reasons why NOT to do your own wedding flowers, but here are ten to get you started… Read more
Wedding Branding
Making Your Wedding More You
By Lindsay Sally of Big Day Boutique
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Once you sit down to start planning the details of your wedding, it can become overwhelming and confusing. You have read countless magazines, seen a hundred different styles and it can be difficult to know where to start. A way to tie it all together is by using a custom monogram. You can incorporate your colors, names and even a unique design that can be used in all the details of your wedding. It can be something as simple as the initials of the bride and groom or you can make it more elaborate with a design such as damask.
Creating a unified look using a monogram
Where to begin
Once you sit down to start planning the details of your wedding, it can become overwhelming and confusing. You have read countless magazines, seen a hundred different styles and it can be difficult to know where to start. A way to tie it all together is by using a custom monogram. You can incorporate your colors, names and even a unique design that can be used in all the details of your wedding. It can be something as simple as the initials of the bride and groom or you can make it more elaborate with a design such as damask. Read more
Use Etsy as a Resource
Get to Know ETSY!
By Lindsay Sally of Big Day Boutique
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Brides are always looking for ways to make their special day unique. One of the best resources we recommend is www.etsy.com. Etsy is a website where incredibly creative people sell their handmade products as well as offer custom designs. Read more
The Hottest Gift Card Holders
Vogue Vessels for Your Cards
By Kristen Janes of Kio Kreations
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There’s not need to go “old school” with a satin sack or treasure chest to hold your cards. Today’s gift card holders have a modern twist with chic form and easy function! Whether you DIY, buy or rent your card-holding vessel, there are a ton of options out there for you. Here are some of our favorites…
Calligraphy for Your Wedding
Personalization Done by Hand
By Kristen Janes of Kio Kreations
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One of the best ways to make your wedding look unique and upscale is to add formal, handwritten calligraphy. From hand-addressed envelopes to painted script signs, calligraphy makes ordinary look extraordinary. But where do you find a calligrapher to ink your envelopes? Look no further than ETSY. On Etsy, you can find a variety of sources who can personalize your day with their beautiful penmanship.
Make an Impression with Paper Products
Pretty Paper Products for Your Reception
By Kristen Janes of Kio Kreations
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In addition to flowers and linens, paper also plays a role at your wedding reception. From escort cards to table numbers to menus, pretty paper products can make a big impact to your decor.
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