Plan Your Engagement Ring

Planning your engagement ring is one of the most exciting parts of your young adult life. It’s not just a piece of jewelry; it’s a symbol of your love and commitment to your spouse forever. And it’s a great way to showcase your personal style. Are you overwhelmed with so many options and aren’t sure where to begin? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with tips to make this experience fun and stress-free, so you feel confident. Let’s plan your engagement ring!

Find Your Engagement Ring Style

Start by saving pictures of styles that you like. Whether you’re into vintage glamour, modern minimalism, or something totally out-of-the-box, save them all and see if there are common themes you like in engagement ring style. Scroll through Pinterest boards, check out Instagram hashtags, and swing by your local jewelry stores. Seeing rings in person can give you a much better sense of what really looks good on your hand.

Discuss and Confirm the Engagement Ring Budget

Talking budget might not seem fun, but it’s pivotal to your relationship and for choosing your engagement ring. Decide on a range that works for you, and remember: the perfect ring doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Plenty of beautiful, high-quality rings fit every budget. And hey, going slightly under budget means more funds for the honeymoon, right? Rip off the bandaid and have the budget conversation.

Understand the 4 Cs

You’ve probably heard of “The 4 Cs”—Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat. These characteristics help you choose a ring that sparkles like the sun or one that has a unique color. The 4 Cs are important, but they’re not the be-all and end-all. Focus on the details that matter most to you, mainstream or otherwise. In recent years, unique gemstones, such as sapphires and opals, are having a moment. Think outside the box; you never know what you might fall in love with. There’s no right answer, only the one that feels right for you.

Which Ring Setting Is the Most You?

The setting is how the stone(s) is held in the ring. The main styles of settings include prong, solitaire, bezel, halo, channel, pave, and split shank. Once you choose your setting the stone shape comes next. The main stone shapes include solitaire (round), princess, emerald, pear, radiant, marquis, cushion, oval, and asher. Search through the many styles so you are knowledgeable about what your options are. Then, be sure to try the styles on so you know what style actually looks best on your hand.

Consider Custom Designing Your Ring

Can’t find “the one” on the shelves? Why not design your own? There is more technology than ever (in person and online) to help you create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece of a ring! Customizing your ring means you get to create something truly unique. Whether it’s incorporating a family heirloom or adding a secret engraved message, these personal touches make your ring even more special. Look online, but also meet in person with jewelers. Their timeless skills are sure to exceed your expectations.

Consider Your Lifestyle

Your ring should be pretty AND practical. If you’re super active or work with your hands a lot, consider a setting and stone that can handle it. You want something that you’ll be comfortable wearing every day, without worrying about it getting in the way or being too delicate. There are many options such as different metal strengths to ensure your ring stays beautiful forever. In recent years, having a backup ring, such as one made of silicone or rubber, is a great option for people who work with their hands or have an extremely active lifestyle. If you don’t want to risk damaging your masterpiece, keep a backup ring in mind.

So, there you have it—you are ready to plan your engagement ring! With a little research to consider all your options, you’ll be well on your way to finding a ring that you’ll cherish forever.  Happy shopping! For more wedding planning tips and inspiration, check out more Chicago Wedding Blog posts below. Happy Planning!

Wedding Transportation Ideas

Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, so why settle for boring transportation? From classic elegance to a party on the road, how you and your bridal party arrive can set the tone for your wedding day. Buckle up and join us on a journey through playful, practical, and beautiful wedding transportation ideas!

Classic Car Glamor

Step back in time and make a grand entrance in a vintage car. Think sleek Rolls-Royces, timeless Bentleys, or chic Cadillacs. These beauties add a touch of old-school glamor and make for stunning photo ops. Plus, there’s something romantic about arriving at your wedding ceremony in a classic, glamorous ride.

Luxe Limousines

For the couple who wants to feel like royalty, a stretch limousine is the way to go. With luxurious interiors, mood lighting, and maybe even a glass of bubbly for the ride, a limo ride ensures you start your day in comfort and style. Don’t forget to add fun to the ride with wedding-themed decorations off the trunk post-ceremony!

Charming Carriages

Channel your inner fairytale with a horse-drawn carriage. Imagine your guests’ awe and surprise as you show up in a horse-drawn carriage to your wedding! This enchanting option is perfect for outdoor venues or countryside weddings, the perfect venue types for adding fairytale magic to your wedding day.

Party Buses

Why wait for the reception to start the party? A party bus lets you and your bridal party celebrate on the go! Equipped with sound systems, dance floors, and enough space for your entire bridal party, this mobile party on wheels is a fantastic way to keep the energy going and the party rolling from one location to the next.

Vintage VW Vans

For the boho-chic couple, a vintage Volkswagen van is the epitome of cool. These colorful, retro vehicles are perfect for laid-back, outdoor weddings and make a quirky backdrop for your wedding photos. Add some floral garlands and bohemian touches to complete the theme. Some venues have a stationary one for photo locations, but rolling through the town in one brings the spirit of your wedding to the next level.

A Vespa Getaway

Are you going to Europe on your honeymoon? Channel some European charm early with a scooter ride to your wedding. Vespas and other stylish scooters are ideal for urban weddings or intimate ceremonies. Just imagine the photos of you and your partner zipping through city streets on a Vespa! Safety note: Maybe consider another option if you have a really long train and veil.

Trolley

Who doesn’t smile when they see a trolley driving by? There is something so pretty, yet practical about a trolley. Especially if you have a large bridal party, a trolley is a great option to fit everyone in and get you where you need to go with a sweeter spin on the party bus idea.

Your wedding transportation is more than just a ride; it’s an opportunity to showcase your personality, style, and wedding theme. Whether you opt for classic elegance, whimsical fun, or high-speed drama, the right transportation will set the stage for an unforgettable wedding day. Happy Planning! For more wedding planning ideas and inspiration check out more Chicago Wedding Blog posts below.

Wedding Budget, Budgeting Bliss

We know, we know the words, “budgeting” and “bliss” don’t necessarily seem like they go together, but hear us out! You don’t need to stress about your wedding budget if you make a plan and stick to it! So, grab your favorite beverage, cozy up, and let’s dive into the world of budgeting bliss for your big day! Here are our best tips for how you can go from having a stressful wedding budgeting process to wedding budgeting bliss!

Start with your priorities!

Sit down with your partner and discuss your top priorities for your wedding. Whether it’s a dream venue or wedding photographer, a mouthwatering menu, having all your favorite people there, or having a killer DJ; knowing where you want to splurge and where you’re okay with cutting back sets the tone for a clear budgeting plan. Where your priorities are will be a baseline of where to put the most of your energy and finances.

Be realistic

Take a good look at your overall financial situation and set a realistic budget you’re comfortable with. Factor in contributions from family, savings, and any other sources to determine your total wedding budget. Be honest about what you can afford so you set the stage for a stress-free planning process. Things may cost more than you expected. Even if this is true, you can still have an amazing wedding on almost any budget.

Flexibility is key.

While having a budget is essential, be prepared for a bit of flexibility. Unexpected expenses may pop up, and it’s okay to adjust your budget accordingly. That being said, always return to your first step priorities before deciding to up the budget. Have a buffer or contingency fund to save the day and keep your planning journey running smoothly. Remember to mutually agree if you choose to up the budget.

Don’t be afraid to DIY.

Tap into your creative side to DIY as much as you can! From handmade invitations to DIY décor, there are plenty of ways to add personal touches without blowing your budget. Plus, DIY projects can be a fun bonding experience for you and your partner or your wedding party. When choosing what aspects of your wedding you’d like to DIY, consider not DIYing anything on your main priority list. Choose to DIY something that will be easy and that you’ll actually enjoy doing.

Put a lot of thought into your guest list.

Your guest list can significantly impact your budget. Consider prioritizing family members and close friends to keep numbers manageable. A smaller guest list means fewer invites, meals, and overall expenses. If you’re aiming for an intimate affair, quality over quantity is the name of the game. Think about the lifelong relationships in your life, the family connections that have been made over generations; prioritize your guest list for the relationships you want to last. There will be fewer hurt feelings if you exclude a coworker than if you exclude a close family member. Choose wisely for your relationships and your budget!

Discuss options with your vendors.

Don’t be afraid to channel your inner negotiator when dealing with vendors. Many vendors are open to customizing packages to meet your needs, especially if you’re booking multiple services with them. Polite negotiation can lead to significant savings without compromising on quality. Many vendors have multiple package options, you just may have to ask.

Stay organized and on top of the details!

Once your budget is set, track your expenses diligently. Use spreadsheets, budgeting apps, or good old pen and paper to keep tabs on where your money is going. Regular check-ins and communication with your fiancé will help you stay on track and make adjustments as needed. You’ve probably heard money fights are the number one cause of divorce: Stay on the same page with your fiancé before agreeing to anything with anyone in regards to your wedding budget!

Don’t forget to have fun and celebrate small wins along the way.

Celebrate those small budgeting wins along the way! Whether it’s finding a great deal on décor or sticking to your allocated budget for attire, every win brings you closer to your dream wedding without the financial stress.  Don’t deprive yourself of little treats along the way. Just be mindful of how quickly your daily Starbucks can add up to equal having a few more wedding guests at your wedding.

Remember, your wedding is about celebrating love, not breaking the bank. With a little planning, creativity, and budgeting savvy, you can create a magical day that’s as budget-friendly as it is unforgettable. Happy Planning! For more wedding planning tips and inspiration check out more Chicago Wedding Blog posts below.

Iconic Wedding Photo Locations in Chicago

Calling all Chicago-loving couples ready to tie the knot! Are you planning your wedding photos to be in the city? From stunning skylines to historic architecture, Chicago offers so many iconic landmarks that make for the perfect backdrop for your wedding photos. Let’s explore some iconic wedding photo locations to capture the beauty of your wedding day in the Windy City!

“The Bean” (Cloud Gate)

Millennium Park’s iconic sculpture, commonly known as “The Bean” or its formal name, Cloud Gate, is a must-visit for unique and reflective wedding photos. Its curved, mirrored surface captures you and the cityscape with a unique perspective. Early mornings or evenings often offer the best lighting for magical shots. Excitedly, “The Bean” is reopening after scheduled maintenance Spring of 2024.

Chicago Riverwalk

Stroll along the picturesque Chicago Riverwalk for a blend of urban charm and natural beauty. Capture romantic moments with water, unique bridge and skyline views as your backdrop. Sunset or twilight creates a dreamy ambiance for your photos. If you want some extra fun, and are getting married around St. Patrick’s Day, the river may be a pop of green as it’s famously dyed green for the holiday.

Buckingham Fountain

The grandeur of Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park provides a gorgeous backdrop for wedding photos. The fountain’s shooting and cascading water and the Chicago skyline create dramatic photos, especially during the fountain’s amazing evening light shows. That being said, all throughout the day there are Lake Michigan and skyline views, which makes it a one-of-a-kind Windy City wedding photo location.

Art Institute of Chicago

If you love art, consider taking photos at the Art Institute of Chicago, a treasure trove of culture and stunning, Modern architecture. The grand stone front steps with massive lions are a bold backdrop for your photos. If you’re looking for a more natural setting, there are beautiful trees nearby as well as a peaceful South Garden walk in the back! This is a great spot to take a deep breath and soak in your wedding day!

Adler Planetarium/The Museum Campus

This is a photographer-favorite spot because of the amazing views! Lake Michigan makes for a gorgeous backdrop for any photos, but especially at the Museum Campus! Looking at photos, you’d be convinced this was oceanfront. This photo location kills two birds with one stone by checking the boxes of the full Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. It’s a win-win if you’re trying to add some nature to your city wedding.

Wrigley Building and Michigan Avenue Bridge

Embrace Chicago’s iconic architecture with photos near the Wrigley Building and the nearby Michigan Avenue Bridge. The bridge’s ornate details and the bustling city traffic of the Magnificent Mile make for the perfect city backdrop filled with Chicago energy. Couples love the classic clocktower views that really makes for timeless wedding photos. If you love city photos, this is a great must-see.

Lincoln Park Conservatory

Escape into natural greenery and vibrant flowers at the Lincoln Park Conservatory. Depending on which direction you take your photos, no one would even know you are in a city! The botanical gardens are absolutely magical. The natural atmosphere is a breath of fresh air from the hustle and bustle of the city streets. In the gardens there are so many amazing photo spots because of the unique sculptures and vibrant flowers. This is also a great Chicago engagement photo spot!

Chicago Theatre Marquis

Chicago is well-known for its vibrant theatre scene. While there are so many gorgeous theatre marquis in Chicago, the most iconic has got to be the Chicago Theatre. If you appreciate theatre, or just love the vibrant lights and vintage charm the Chicago Theatre Marquis, this location adds such a classic, Chicago feel to your wedding photos.

Whether you prefer urban chic, natural beauty, or a blend of both, Chicago’s iconic landmarks offer endless possibilities of breathtaking wedding photos. Choose your favorite spots, work with a talented photographer, and let the beauty of Chicago enhance your wedding day photos. Cheers to a lifetime of cherished memories in the Windy City! Happy Planning! For more wedding planning tips and inspiration check out more Chicago Wedding Blog posts below.

Good Luck Charms for Your Wedding Day

So, you’ve found the one, set the date, and now you’re diving into wedding planning. But, have you thought about adding extra luck to your wedding day? We’ve rounded up some positive, fun, and charming (get it?) ideas to make sure your wedding day is extra lucky and full of good vibes. Here are some good luck charms for your wedding day.

Something Blue, Something Booze

Why not kick off the festivities with a touch of blue in your signature cocktail? Whether it’s blueberries or a dash of blue food coloring in your drinks, a fun drink will not only be a hit with your guests but will also check off that “something blue” tradition. Cheers to a little liquid luck!

Lucky Socks (or Underwear, We Don’t Judge!)

Who says wedding attire has to be all serious and traditional? Slide into some fun and funky socks or lucky underwear to add a secret boost of confidence. Plus, when you hit the dance floor later, you’ll be doing it with a little extra flair. Extra luck and bonus points if your bridal party participates too!

Fortune Cookie Favors

Why not send your guests off with a sweet treat and a touch of luck? Customize fortune cookies with messages that reflect your personalities or even predict your future together. It’s a fun and yummy way to add a touch of luck for everyone on your wedding day.

Wish upon a… Lantern

While it’s said to be good luck to wish upon a star, you can create your own kind-of-shooting star by wishing upon floating lanterns. This is a fun wedding reception experience once it gets dark outside. You and your guests can release the lanterns into the night sky with wishes of your hopes and dreams for the future. Just make sure you check the local regulations – we want good luck, not a fire hazard!

Photo of a Loved One Who’s Passed

Incorporate your special guardian angel into your bouquet to give extra touches of love and luck. It could be a small locket with a picture of a loved one, a tiny charm that represents your shared interests, or even a piece of jewelry that’s been passed down through generations. It’s like your guardian angel holds your hand down the aisle, how special!

A Guestbook of Good Luck Wishes

There are many ways to make wedding guestbooks little works of art. A great way to incorporate luck into your wedding day is to have your guests write their wishes and advice for you on little cards or little shapes of wood. Then you can later either make an album or wall decor piece filled with wonderful wishes of good luck and great advice for your marriage! Such a personalized way to add some good luck!

A Sixpence in Your Shoe

The tradition of having a sixpence in your shoe is said to bring good luck and prosperity to your marriage. Who couldn’t use some extra luck and prosperity? If you are also of old English heritage this is an easy cultural tradition to add to your wedding day good luck charms! This could also make a cute wedding gift for the bride or groom.

Fill your wedding day with extra luck to ease the last-minute jitters and add positivity to your wedding day! Whether it’s a subtle touch or a bold statement, these good luck charms are all about enhancing the fun of your special day. Embrace the fun and may your wedding day be filled with love, laughter, and luck that lasts a lifetime! For more wedding planning tips and inspiration, check out more Chicago Wedding Blog posts below. Happy Planning!

Read This Before You Choose Your Wedding Dress

Your wedding dress is the most important, memorable dress you will ever wear. No pressure, right? All kidding aside, it’s important you are thoughtful before you choose to finally purchase your wedding dress. Making emotional purchases can lead to regret. Don’t worry; ask yourself these important questions and you can confidently choose your wedding dress. Now, friend, read this before you choose your wedding dress:

Are you buying this wedding dress because YOU love it, or because you don’t want to let a family member or friend down?

Talk to any bridal consultant, and they’ll tell you this is one of the most common dilemmas brides face. Because wedding dress shopping is so special, brides tend to bring many family members and friends, but that means more opinions. Remember you will be the only one wearing your wedding dress on your wedding day. Your family should be happy with whatever you feel beautiful in. You will never regret trusting your gut, even if it lets down Aunt Shirley. You can do this!

Is this wedding dress really in your wedding budget? Did you consider alterations or other wedding costs?

We’ve all heard stories about the bride who sees a dress online, falls in love with it, but then sees the price tag…cue the letdown. You truly can find a wedding dress you love at many price points. Do not put yourself into financial ruin for any reason, but especially not for a dress you’ll only wear once. Go in with a firm budget. Be clear to the bridal consultants you only want to see dresses in your budget. You will surely find the dress of your dreams and won’t have the forever regret and anxiety from the price tag. Trust us, don’t do that to yourself!

Is there another dress you like more?

This may seem like a silly question, but oftentimes brides end up loving a dress that was so different from what they originally expected. Then, they second guess themselves and settle for what they originally thought as opposed to the one they fell in love with.

For example, a bride is sure she’ll get a mermaid silhouette dress only to fall in love with a ballgown. Because of her original expectations, she doubts herself (even though she fell in love with the ballgown). She then buys the mermaid dress, only to regret it when it’s too late… because when else is she going to wear a ballgown? Yikes, right? So be flexible with your expectations; you may surprise yourself, and be really happy you did!

Your wedding dress is not just any dress. You’ve likely dreamed about how you might look on your wedding day for quite some time. Because of that, it’s important to be thoughtful when you choose your wedding dress. Once you ask yourself these questions, you will surely make a wise and confident choice for your wedding dress, leading to a wedding day with no regret and only celebration! You got this! Now, go shop confidently!

For more wedding planning tips and inspiration check out more Chicago Wedding Blog posts below! Happy Planning!

2024 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards®

PRESS RELEASE

Music By Design Named Winner in 2024 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards®
Chicagoland, January 5, 2024. — Music By Design was announced as a winner of the 2024 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards®, an accolade representing the top wedding professionals across the board in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism reviewed by couples on WeddingWire, a trusted wedding vendor marketplace.

To determine these distinguished wedding professionals, WeddingWire analyzed reviews within its Vendor Directory across more than 20 service categories—from venues and caterers to florists and photographers—to find the most- and highest-rated vendors of the year. The winners exhibit superior professionalism, responsiveness, service and quality when interacting with the millions of couples who turn to WeddingWire to help with their wedding planning process each month. Wedding professionals who win WeddingWire Couple’s Choice Awards® are members of WeddingPro, a leading B2B wedding brand. As the largest marketplace and community for wedding professionals, WeddingPro connects businesses with more than 20 million unique monthly visitors who are planning weddings on The Knot and WeddingWire, as well as with hundreds of thousands of pros in the industry. Through its online marketplaces, educational programs and community-building events, WeddingPro is dedicated to helping wedding professionals build relationships with couples and pros that grow their businesses. Music By Design is honored to be one of the top vendors in DJ in Chicagoland on WeddingWire.

For more information about Music By Design, please visit us on WeddingWire.
To learn more about the Couples’ Choice Awards®, visit www.weddingwire.com/couples-choice-awards.

About Music By Design
Music By Design is an entertainment company that provides DJ Services, Photography and Photo Booths throughout Chicago and surrounding areas in Illinois. Since 1993, an expert team of DJs has been providing stellar entertainment solutions for prospective newlyweds. From R&B, electronic, pop, and hip hop to classical, country, and global songs, their vast song catalog has something for everyone.

Services Offered
The specialist team at Music By Design places great importance on providing a truly personalized customer experience. You can avail of an initial consultation or schedule an online webinar to begin planning the soundtrack to your dream day. From R&B, electronic, pop, and hip hop to classical, country, and global songs, their vast song catalog has something for everyone. From curated playlists, photography to photo booth rentals and high-end
lighting, wedding experts are on hand to make your wedding one to remember.

About WeddingWire
WeddingWire is a trusted online and app-based marketplace, connecting couples with local wedding professionals across the US and internationally through WeddingWire.in and WeddingWire.ca, with a suite of comprehensive tools that make wedding planning easier. Operating within the $250 billion global wedding industry, WeddingWire helps couples find the right team of wedding professionals to plan and execute a wedding celebration personalized to them. Couples planning their weddings can read millions of vendor reviews and search, compare and book from a directory of hundreds of thousands of vendors local to them.

Visit WeddingWire online at WeddingWire.com, WeddingWire.ca, and WeddingWire.in and follow on social media:
Facebook.com/WeddingWire and @WeddingWire on Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.

Music By Design The Knot Best of Weddings 2024

Music By Design named winner in The Knot Best of Weddings 2024

Chicago, IL — Music By Design is pleased to announce they have been selected as a 2024 ­­winner in The Knot Best of Weddings, a special section featured on The Knot. The Knot is the number-one wedding destination, most trusted by brides.

The Knot Best of Weddings 2024 provides a “by brides, for brides” guide to the top wedding professionals across the country, and is a must-have when it comes to selecting the best-of-the-best wedding resources. Whether they’re trying to find the wedding dress salon with the best service in Chicagoland, the most creative wedding photographers, top cake bakers or a chicago wedding dj, engaged couples across the country want the inside scoop on the best from real brides.

Music By Design is also included in The Knot Hall of Fame. Comprised of winners of the annual Best of Weddings, a by-brides-for-brides guide to the top wedding vendors in 80-plus cities across the U.S., the Hall of Fame inducts wedding vendors who have won four or more Best of Weddings awards. This honorable list of includes less than 5 percent of wedding professionals. Music By Design The Knot Best of Weddings 2024.

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About XO Group Inc.
XO Group Inc. is a global media and technology leader devoted to weddings, pregnancy and everything in between, providing young women with the trusted information, products and advice they need to guide them through the most transformative events of their lives. Our family of premium brands began with the #1 wedding brand, The Knot, and has grown to include WeddingChannel, The Nest, The Bump, TheBlush and Ijie. XO Group is recognized by the industry for being innovative in all media – from the web to social media and mobile, magazines and books, and video – and our groundbreaking social platforms have ignited passionate communities across the world. XO Group has leveraged its customer loyalty into successful businesses in online sponsorship and advertising, registry services, ecommerce and publishing.

Planning a Wedding in a Time Crunch

You’ve heard you’re supposed to plan your wedding a year in advance, but you only have six months. Deep breaths, it is doable! With a little flexibility and resourcefulness on your end, we can help you make it happen. Planning a wedding on a time crunch does not need to be done in panic mode. Here is how you can calmly and successfully plan your wedding in a time crunch.

Be flexible with your vendor selection.

While your dream wedding photographer may be unavailable, do not panic! Wedding vendors are expert networkers! Ask your dream vendor for a referral who has a similar style and/or service. Wedding vendors understand the importance of your wedding day, they will only recommend someone they know will do an amazing job!

Consider a less conventional day of the week.

While the most common day of the week to get married is Saturday, Friday and Sunday weddings are great backup options! Friday and Sunday weddings tend to also be less expensive than Saturdays. Another added bonus to having a Friday or Sunday wedding is that your dream, ideal venue is more likely to have available openings.

Make a priorities list.

While planning a wedding you can quickly get caught up in endless details. To avoid wasting time and money, make a list of your wedding priorities. If you care less about dinner than you do about dessert, put more of your precious time and energy into planning a delicious wedding dessert bar. Trust the experts where you can, or give the job of selecting the dinner menu to your parents or spouse. When you’re in a time crunch it’s important to keep your focus on what is actually important to you.

Start planning your attire right away!

Wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses can take quite some time to come in. Choose your wedding colors and dresses as quickly as possible to allow time for shipping and fittings. If you, the bride, are in a time crunch consider purchasing an off-the-rack dress.

Call bridal shops to ask if they have a sample sale or an off-the-rack selection. There are bridal shops that specialize in off-the-rack bridal sales. Alternatively, if you are looking for a conventional bridal shop, call them before you book your appointment to ensure they can get your wedding dress there in time for your fittings and wedding day.

For bridesmaids on a time crunch, it may be impossible to have a fun shopping day with all your bridesmaids in the same room. Because of this, consider allowing them to pick any style of dress in your chosen color. Then, you don’t have to worry about one style being flattering on every bridesmaid. They can choose what they feel good in and you’ll be happy they’re wearing your favorite color.

Groomsmen, oh, groomsmen!

We’ve all been to weddings where that one groomsman didn’t order his suit till the week of the wedding. With a wedding being planned in a time crunch, that is not an option, gents!  Get to a suit shop today. Get your measurements done so you can check it off your list and not show up to your best friend’s tripping down the aisle wearing pants that are too long for you.

We promise it is totally doable to plan a wedding on a time crunch. As long as you are strategic as you choose your vendors and attire you can still have the wedding of your dreams. Happy Planning! For more wedding planning tips and inspiration, check out more Chicago Wedding Blog posts below.

2024 Wedding Trends

While so many aspects of planning weddings are classic, there are always wedding trends unique to that year. 2024 wedding trends are taking on some fun trends from custom decor to retro fashion. As you plan your 2024 wedding, consider embracing these unique 2024 wedding trends.

Custom Acrylic Wedding Signs

For many years, rustic wood signs were the most popular option for wedding signage. In 2024 however, clear acrylic wedding signs are the up-and-coming option. We love how they are see-through and airy, but can also be bold and eye-catching by incorporating your wedding colors. These signs can be used for anything from table numbers to seating arrangements. Keep your wedding day organized with these beautiful, trending signs!

A Second Outfit for the Bride

We’ve known many brides to change into a second wedding dress for their reception, but it’s becoming a popular wedding trend to change into a much more casual outfit– even custom pajamas for part of the, or the entire, wedding reception. There are many ways to embrace this trend. Some brides are adding a monogrammed jacket to their ensemble. Other brides are completely changing into a casual, white outfit. If you choose to embrace this 2024 wedding trend, you can customize it to fit your taste!

Couples are opting for simple wedding colors, as opposed to having a wedding theme.

Gone are the days of a themed wedding, for example, Disney or a specific sports team. Couples are opting to have the design of their wedding day be looser, with less specific themes. Couples’ wedding colors are even becoming softer, unlike the past few years of bold colors. While couples are not necessarily simplifying the expense put into their wedding day, they are being more strategic with where that money is placed– and it’s not on themed wedding decor. Couples are choosing simpler custom, colorful decor and florals.

More than ever, pets are included on the wedding day.

While many couples have had their beloved pets be ring bearers or flower girls, more couples than ever are having their pets included in more of their wedding day. For these couples, a rise in dog-sitting wedding services is welcome news. Dog-sitting wedding services should be a must on couples’ to-book lists when it comes to including their pets on their wedding day. Someone needs to take Fido out, especially if it’s in the middle of the wedding ceremony.

Old is new!

Many 2024 couples are embracing our childhoods and including disposable cameras or Polaroid cameras for guests to take photos with. We love the idea of a photo wedding guestbook. A photo wedding guest book is when guests take an instant photo booth or Polaroid photo and sign it in a photo album for the newlyweds. Other “old” trends being embraced are 1990’s inspired fashions, such as bridal gloves, dropped waist dresses, and spaghetti straps with straight necklines. But, hey, let’s not call the 1990s old yet, okay?

Did you recently get engaged? Are you planning a 2024 wedding? Which of these 2024 wedding trends are you including on your wedding day? We would love to feature your wedding! Email credited photos to hello@chicagoweddingblog.com. For more wedding planning tips and inspiration check out more Chicago Wedding Blog posts below. Happy Planning!