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Wedding Venue Review

So, exactly what type of occasion do you envision for your upcoming wedding? Knowing this will ease your venue search because the setting affects the overall style tremendously. From country clubs to hotels, city clubs, resorts, barns, private mansions and everything in between… you’ve got options.

 

QUESTIONS TO ASK A POTENTIAL VENUE

HOW MANY HOURS DOES MY RENTAL FEE INCLUDE? ARE THERE OVERTIME CHARGES?

Some venues charge by the hour for their facility. Know exactly what is included, and allow plenty of time for set up and tear down.

HOW DO YOU CHARGE? PER PERSON, BY THE HOUR OR FLAT FEE?

It’s always good to know how your venue charges for rental. It’s likely facilities that include catering will charge a per person rate and venues without catering will charge a flat fee or hourly rental.

CAN I BRING IN MY OWN VENDORS OR DO I HAVE TO USE A PREFERRED VENDOR LIST SUPPLIED BY THE VENUE?

Many venues will supply you with a list of their preferred vendors to use. This can be helpful to the bride who needs direction but also a hindrance for brides who know exactly who they’d like to use. Clarify with your venue if it’s required or not to use their vendors before you book.

CAN I BRING IN MY OWN ALCOHOL?

Venues that don’t carry their own liquor license may allow brides to bring in their own alcohol. This is not typically the norm, but there are a few venues out there with this option. Remember, if you do opt to bring in your own alcohol, you’ll want to hire a bar service to tend to guests.

IF NOT, IS THERE AN ALCOHOL MINIMUM?

Often venues with liquor licenses will have a bar minimum in addition to the cost of their venue rental.

HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL THE SPACE HOLD (NOT JUST OFFICIAL CAPACITY) ACCORDING TO MY ROOM SET UP?

Your room set up will greatly affect the amount of guests you can have at your wedding. You’ll want to focus on how many guests you can fit into the room with a seated dinner, estate table, dance floor or buffet set up.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE VENUE RENTAL?

Most venues have items that are included in the cost of their rental like dance floors, tables, chairs, standard linens, etc. But, there are several venues that don’t offer this and could result in an additional cost to you.

WHAT IS THE PARKING SITUATION?

Valet parking, limited options, street parking or ample complimentary parking for guests are all important things to consider.

WILL THERE BE OTHER WEDDINGS ON THE SAME DAY?

Ask whether your event will be the only one happening on property or if there will be others. Other events may infringe on your time use of the venue or create confusion for guests so best to be prepared.

HOW MUCH ARE TAX AND GRATUITY? ARE THEY INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE PRICES?

Taxes and gratuity can vary greatly. Some venues include both in their package prices while others add it on. Be sure to consider this when you are planning, as it can be an extra 30% or more.

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How to Organize a Wedding Reception

By Anne Morrissy

Planning your wedding reception can be overwhelming, so we talked to Sarah Rodriguez, wedding/event planner and owner of Chicago-based Sarah Kathleen Events, for her advice for the best way to schedule a wedding reception.

1. GUESTS ARRIVE.

Rodriguez says most couples are forgoing a traditional receiving line in favor of greeting guests at their tables during dinner. Upon arrival, guests enter a cocktail reception.

A card and gift table, sometimes identified with a small, tasteful sign, should be set up close to the entrance. The guest book can be placed nearby.

2. THE GRAND ENTRANCE.

The latest wedding trends involve getting creative with the bride and groom’s entrance to the reception. “Many couples opt for dances or some other fun theme,” Rodriguez explains. Often, the parents of the bride and groom will be introduced first. Next comes the bridal party, and finally the couple makes their grand entrance and takes their place at the head table.

3. CUTTING OF THE CAKE.

While it may seem counterintuitive to cut the cake so early in the night, Rodriguez says the benefit is twofold – first, you are able
to capitalize on having the attention of the whole room following the grand entrance. Secondly, performing this tradition early allows the caterers to cut and plate all of the cake in time for it to be served as dessert. (For couples who opt for a small “cutting cake” but serve guests from a sheet cake instead, the cutting of the cake may still take place after dinner.)

4. THE TOASTS.

Again taking advantage of the benefit of the guests’ attention, the wedding toasts make a natural transition from the cutting of the cake. The number of toasts is up to the couple but may include the parents of the bride, the parents of the groom, the best man and/or the maid of honor. Rodriguez points out that scheduling the toasts prior to dinner is especially effective at weddings that opt for a dinner buffet or food stations, as this is the last time you can be assured that all of your guests will be in their seats at once.

5. DINNER IS SERVED.

For a multi-course, plated dinner, the logistics should be left to the catering company. However, for buffets and food station-style dinners, couples may be involved in deciding the order in which tables should be dismissed, to avoid long lines and allow the caterers sufficient time to restock as needed.

6. TIME TO DANCE.

After dinner is cleared, the couple may wish to say a short thank-you toast before transitioning to the dancing portion of the evening. This is also when a bouquet or garter toss may happen, though Rodriguez says many couples are replacing that tradition with an “anniversary dance” that invites all of the married couples to the dance floor, ultimately presenting the bouquet to the couple that’s been married the longest.

7. LATE-NIGHT SNACK.

Many couples choose to offer a late-night snack served toward the end of the evening. This often takes the form of a fun food with meaning to the couple. The late-night snack can be set out on a display table or may take the form of a food truck parked outside the reception.

8. THE GRAND EXIT.

Rodriguez says that some event planners will stage a grand exit photo in the middle of the dancing to ensure that all of the guests are there to participate. However, she recommends that the grand exit (which may include sparklers, glow sticks, paper airplanes or other fun props) be saved to the end of the dancing as a way to put a final cap on the night and encourage guests to make their exit from the venue.

Rodriguez points out that the most important thing to remember at the wedding reception is to have fun, and enjoy the company of the friends and loved ones who have come together to help you celebrate. If you’ve done your planning and hired good people, the details should take care of themselves.

ADD SOME EXTRA TOUCHES:

Many cultures have special traditions that take place during a wedding reception, from the guests pinning money to the bride’s dress at a Polish wedding to dancing the Hora at a traditional Jewish wedding. Adding these cultural traditions can personalize the reception.

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Wedding Gown Buying Guide

By Anne Morrissy

Whether you dream of a huge, elaborate celebration or an intimate, thoughtful gathering, the perfect gown is a vital element of every wedding. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of gown shopping:

Plan it out. Before you dive in to shopping for a wedding gown, make a list of things to consider, including: the location/season of the wedding (will you be outdoors? will you be in a very conservative church? etc.); your maximum budget for a dress (including alterations and headpiece); the shades or colors you prefer; and the shapes or styles you gravitate toward (though be flexible on these last two points!). Also choose who you will take with you to the salon appointments – many brides find it’s best to invite 1-3 trusted friends or family members who will give honest, gentle feedback.

Research bridal salons and make a few appointments. Smaller local bridal salons will offer a more genuine, personalized experience and are often willing to work with you on price, but their gown selection can be light. Larger bridal salons may carry a wider range of sizes and a larger selection but their sales staff are more likely to work on commission so you may experience a more high-pressure sales environment. It’s best to make appointments at multiple salons to see the full range of gown options. At each salon, be honest about your budget and resist the urge to try gowns that are vastly outside of that range.

Listen to the salon staff. While it is helpful to go in with a general idea of what you’re looking for, remember that the salon sales staff are experts and see hundreds or even thousands of women every year. Many brides find that the styles they go in coveting don’t suit them for one reason or another, and they often end up preferring the options the salon staff hand-selects for them instead. Similarly, because sizing of wedding gowns is so erratic, salon staff will have the best knowledge of which sizes to try.

Choose wisely. In a one-hour salon appointment, brides will typically try 8-13 gowns. At each salon you visit, ask if you can take reference photos to help you remember each design. Once you have seen a sufficient number of gowns, narrow the options down to your favorite 3-5 and make your choice from these. Be honest about your preferences, and don’t let anyone pressure you into buying a gown you don’t love.

Order your gown. Once you’ve found the gown of your dreams, don’t wait too long to order. While it’s possible the bridal salon may have the gown in stock in your size, it’s much more likely that they will be placing the order with the manufacturer, which can be a slow process. As a result, it’s best to order your wedding gown six to 12 months before you plan to get married.

Plan your alterations. Before ordering your gown, make sure to ask the salon about the price and process of alteration once the dress arrives. Alterations generally run from $300 to $600 and should be factored in to the overall budget. In addition to general fit accommodations, alterations also include the gown’s bustle, which can be quite complicated depending on the design. Alteration appointments generally begin about four months before the wedding – expect to attend 1-3 fittings before the gown is finished.


Start the search for your perfect gown now.

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Blooms & Baked Treats: Style Inspiration

Your cake and florals can add drama, color and energy to your wedding day. Let your vendors create works of art that reflect your personalities and style. Here are some of our favorites!

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Dreamy Designs: Our Fave Bridal Gowns for 2020

Our expert team has compiled a few of our faves for 2020, all available at Chicago area bridal stores.

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Statement Décor Trends – with Chicago Marriott Naperville

The wedding professionals at Chicago Marriott Naperville stopped by the blog to give us the scoop on one of their favorite wedding trends for 2020: oversized statement décor.

(photo courtesy of Chicago Marriott Naperville)

There are so many fabulous wedding trends for 2020! What are you loving right now?

We are all about the oversized, statement décor pieces. You can really make an impression with one or two strategic pieces. Guests are always impressed, and it’s a good way to make your wedding stand out and feel memorable.

How does the Chicago Marriott Naperville accommodate statement pieces and oversized décor?

We welcome statement pieces and oversized décor throughout our venue. Our largest ballroom has a 3,000 square foot pre-function/cocktail hour space where statement pieces and oversized décor items would be agreat addition to the space! Our traditional ballrooms are ready to be transformed with the addition of upgraded linens, ceiling draping, and lighting effects that will complement your statement pieces.

What restrictions should couples be aware of that could make certain statement pieces challenging/unacceptable?

If anything is used outdoors, couples will need to have a rain or wind plan. It’s important to know exactly where you want a piece to go so you can measure ahead of time to avoid space constraints or issues. We welcome the use of sparklers, and have a perfect spot for a sparkler send off from your reception, but some venues won’t allow fireworks or sparklers.

(Photo credit: Erin Hoyt Photography)

(Photo courtesy of: You Name It Events)

What are some of your favorite statement pieces?

It’s hard to narrow it down! We really love giant balloon arches, large personalized signs, hanging floral installments, oversized balloons, and statement light fixtures. There’s a lot of great inspiration out there right now. We encourage couples to pick a statement piece that works specifically with their personalities and wedding day vibe.

What is the first thing you should do when deciding to include a statement piece? Are there any logistical details a couple should consider before choosing their statement décor?

You should always choose something that fits with and enhances the style of your wedding. We suggest that you choose something that will be frequently used or enjoyed by guests. We have two certified wedding planners and catering sales managers on our staff to work with couples to determine where statement pieces will best fit in the space.

Do you have any rental pieces or locations that would be ideal for statement décor?

Yes! We partner with many décor companies to enhance your wedding with statement pieces and oversized items. Our Grand Ballroom has 7,000 square feet of pillar-free event space with a 3,000 square foot pre-function space. Our spacious event spaces can accomodate almost any statement piece a couple could imagine.

Feeling inspired? Visit their website to learn more about hosting your wedding at the Chicago Marriott Naperville. 

Ready to start planning your own Big Day? Check out our expert advice, stunning real weddings, and follow us on Pinterest for the ultimate inspiration.  

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Wedding Planning with a Positive Mindset

You just got engaged and there are so many things to consider: choosing a date, establishing a budget, building your wedding website, researching wedding venues, and checking your mindset. Checking your mindset? That’s right! Licensed Clinical Social Worker Pamela Rak is sharing her professional advice all about building a positive mindset during the wedding planning season and beyond.

(Photo credit: TWA Photographic Artists)

Our mindset is our belief about whether or not we are able to achieve our fullest potential. And our mindsets are incredibly important (maybe even more important than our wedding itself!) as we prepare to get married. Developing a growth-based mindset that believes in possibility helps us to be our best for ourselves, increases our effectiveness in relationships, and manages our expectations and assumptions (which can contribute to destructive habits).

Last year, our son, Nick, asked his girlfriend, Emily, to marry him. Nick and Emily wanted their wedding to be a true representation of who they are. I wanted to honor their vision, intention, and preferences for their special day. We all know the old adages about mothers-in-law, so I adopted a positive mindset from the beginning. I decided I would be supportive, encouraging, and curious. I would offer traditions as ideas but not mandates and be available but not intrusive. After the wedding, I wanted to be able to be proud of the way I conducted myself and I wanted them to feel like they had the wedding they wanted, with pleasant memories to carry forever.

Adopting a positive mindset isn’t as difficult as you might think, but it doesn’t often come naturally. Below I’ve compiled 5 ways you can start improving your mindset as you step into the somewhat stressful season of wedding planning. Your positive mindset will serve you well as you plan, and even better as you navigate life as a newlywed.

1. Pay attention to your self-talk.

Eliminate words like can’t, never, always and should. These words tend to keep us fixed in our thoughts. Instead say: “I’ll try,” “Let me give that some thought,” or “I’m willing to consider.” Choosing more positive, open minded words will increase your willingness to actually be open minded.

2. Be patient with yourself.

Anything that requires change will take time and effort. Process, learn, and correct self-defeating habits as they pop up. You won’t be able to completely change your mindset overnight. Celebrate your effort, perseverance and improvement!

3. Include imagery into your tool box of coping and problem solving strategies.

Imagine ways you can create the wedding you want, even if something isn’t exactly as you first thought it would be. Look for possibilities and find silver linings wherever possible. Dream about the way you’ll feel at the end of the night. The specific shade of your linens probably won’t matter in the grand scheme of things.

4. Share your ideas and feelings.

A wedding is an event, but a marriage is a lifestyle. Start practicing your communication and ability to calmly share your feelings with your partner now.

5. Create a vision board.

It’s easier to get the results you want if you know what you’re truly looking for. Decide with your partner what the top priorities for your wedding are and focus on those few things. Be willing to let small details slide.

6. Work with a therapist.

Learning helpful strategies and tools for communicating and decision making is important long past your wedding day. Consider including a therapist to help you navigate your expectations and disagreements during your engagement and well beyond into your marriage. Post-wedding blues are a very real challenge, and a therapist can help you work through those and all the challenges of newly married life.

Pamela Rak is a LCSW with over 32 years providing mental and behavioral health counseling. Her clinical approach is goal-oriented, collaborative, pragmatic, supportive, and, based upon strategies that follow best practice research methods. For more information on working with Pamela, please visit her website or contact her via email.

 

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Vendor Viewpoint – Fulton Market Kitchen

Fulton Market Kitchen

The events team at Fulton Market Kitchen dropped in to share some of the unique details about their creative, innovative venue. All photos by Carey Primeau Photography.
Couples looking to host a wedding in Chicago have hundreds of options. What makes Fulton Market Kitchen so unique?

Fulton Market Kitchen is a true multi-sensory experience within a single venue. We are a working restaurant, event venue and art gallery. Our walls are lined with original murals and artwork on loan from local and national artists. We find that our couples are just as unique as we are! Couples looking for a venue that includes it all, with a true wow factor, inevitably find their way to Fulton Market Kitchen.

How is Fulton Market Kitchen adaptable?

Although aesthetically different, we can certainly accommodate all “traditional” aspects of a wedding. We offer space for ceremonies, cocktail hour and seating for dinner. We offer day-of services, a bridal suite and optional add ons like a live artist.

What about the size of events? How does Fulton Market Kitchen cater to small, intimate weddings vs. big, boisterous ones? 

We host a variety of weddings each year that range in style and size. Small, intimate weddings flow between spaces to accommodate an on-site ceremony followed by a reception. Typically for small-scale weddings, we host the ceremony in our 2nd floor studio and recess to our 1st floor Peoria Room for the reception. Large-scale weddings typically work with a venue buyout and utilize the entire space. We can seat up to 225 and 300 for a cocktail style reception.

Why does Fulton Market Kitchen enjoy hosting weddings?

We love love. Fulton Market Kitchen is a one stop shop for weddings. We accommodate all needs from DJ, photo booth, live artist, florals and more. We love getting creative with clients to create a night the couple and guests will never forget.

What are your tips for couples who are just starting the wedding planning process, especially those who are still trying to pick a venue?

Take your time, analyze your top three most important desires and find a venue that doesn’t require a compromise. The city is full of venues. Fulton Market Kitchen is the venue you’ll want to revisit each year and that guests will always remember as the backdrop of your Big Day!

Fulton Market Kitchen,  located in Chicago‘s hot West Loop neighborhood, is all about creating a memorable event for your guests. The versatile space can be tailored to accommodate every type and size of event, with a professional events team that will work with you on every detail. Click here for more information about booking your wedding at Fulton Market Kitchen or email Lale Ketcham at [email protected].

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Styled Shoot – Romantic Boho-Chic

This gorgeous sunset shoot at Farmington Lake evoked seriously romantic vibes. All photos by Danielle Heinson Photography.

This styled shoot is romantic and ethereal, thanks to the perfect details, soft color palette, rustic chic location and the perfect golden hour light. Farmington Lake, a romantic outdoor venue in Mokena, Illinois, was the ideal setting for this relaxed and dreamy shoot. The team worked with a color palette featuring green and hues of pink to complement the natural outdoor elements. They expertly mixed earthy elements with elegant details for a curated boho-chic feel. The result was simply lovely— an elevated, effortlessly chic inspiration for an outdoor farm wedding.

Vendor List

 Photography: Danielle Heinson Photography
Floral & Styling: Preoccupied Bride
Hair & Makeup and Planning: Tamara Makeup + Hair Artistry
Stationery: Amore Creative
Calligraphy: Jessica Draper Calligraphy
Venue & Décor: Farmington Lake

Ready to start planning your own Big Day? Check out our expert advice, stunning real weddings, and follow us on Pinterest for the ultimate inspiration.  

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Jenny by Jenny Yoo – Spring 2020 Collection

Jenny Yoo spring 2019

Take a look at every stunning piece in the Jenny by Jenny Yoo Spring 2020 collection.

The Jenny by Jenny Yoo collection exudes a fresh and vibrant charm that is feminine and alluring. Modern and daring 3D floral applique is embroidered upon mixed-media aprisings of voluminous taffeta, lofty organza, and delicately sparkled tulle. Texture is further showcased in sculpted crepe, soft pleated tulle and playful fringe embroidered cap sleeves. The Spring collection introduces a capsule of light-weight and brilliant veils to perfectly compliment bridal styles. Appealing to the spirited and youthful BHLDN bride, Jenny designs four exclusive and refreshing gown that are crafted to perfection. Characterized by contoured silhouettes and plunging V-necklines the Jenny by Jenny Yoo collection tells a contemporary story of the light-hearted and sultry bride.

All photos by Kat Alvarez. See more from Jenny Yoo here.

Annalise

Bennet

Channing

Cordelia

Easton

Ellison

Frances

Gabriel Veil

Gretchen

Miranda

Natalie

Tegan

Try on your perfect gown at one of our favorite local bridal boutiques, click here.

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Jenny Yoo Collection – Spring 2020

Take a look at every stunning piece in the Jenny Yoo Collection – Spring 2020.

Namesake bridal, Jenny Yoo Collection introduces an all-star line-up of soft, opulent gowns that are designed with a contemporary and daring take on luxe fabrications. Focusing on dimensional elements of appliqued petals, plunging cuts, drop waist skirts, and bonded Chantilly lace, each piece is both youthful and timeless, cretaing a unique appeal and statuesque shape to the bride ti adorns. This season composites mixed media layers of cascading embroidered tulle against soft silk chiffon or tulle cape-like streamers, while clean and form-fitting Crepe molds with lavish embroidered tulle. Jenny Yoo Collection bridal promises allure and shape, with a charming and whimsical romance.

All photos by Kat Alvarez. See more from Jenny Yoo here.

Adara

Alouette

Audrey

Aveline

Bardot

Claret

Constance

Etienne

Lisette

Sinclair

Talisa

Try on your perfect gown at one of our favorite local bridal boutiques, click here.

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Jenny Yoo Bridesmaids Spring 2020 Collection

Take a look at every stunning piece in Jenny Yoo Bridesmaids’ Spring 2020 collection.

This Spring bridesmaid collection is defined by the impeccable tailoring of clean, simple silhouettes that showcase understated glamour and a natural femininity. Premiering a sleek and fluid new fabrication, Jenny Yoo’s Matte Georgette reveals uncluttered lines that effortlessly shapes the wearers’ natural frame. Delicately hand-painted by our New York design team, debuts the Painted Petals print complementing this season’s soft hues and dainty trim. A balance of chic high and deep V-necklines complete Jenny Yoo x Bella Bridesmaid’s annual collection, including an exclusive Luxe Velvet style. With a new decade approaching, the dress of the decade has been re-designed for today’s fashionable and contemporary woman.

All photos by Kat Alvarez.See more from Jenny Yoo here.

Aeryn

Alessia

Brenna

Brett

Colton

Dahlia

Dani

Ensley

Hollis

Jada

Kaelyn

Kinsley

Layne

Mallory

Rae

Taryn

Tessa

Try on your perfect gown at one of our favorite local bridal boutiques, click here.

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Edith Èlan 2020 Collection

Edith Elan 2020 collection

Take a look at every spectacular piece in Edith Èlan’s 2020 collection, right here.

“Our 2020 bridal collection is all about reimagining the past for the modern bride, with new styles in timeless silhouettes. The new collection features delicate embroideries, whimsical fabrics, and charming flower details.”

This is the fifth collection by Gretchen Anderson and Lourdes Castañeda, the design duo behind the brand. The collection features 10 new wedding dress styles in a variety of silhouettes and 3 new veils. All with the signature modern-meets-vintage aesthetic synonymous with the bridal brand. Also new to this collection are three new fabrics: a love-embroidered tulle, a textured floral jacquard, and a flower-embroidered tulle with sequins.

“We found this season’s inspiration in the vintage 1930s prints of Louis Icart. Specifically, the ones titled Lilies and Orchids. We loved the romance and the garden-esque feelings of the prints. Elements we wanted to bring to life with whimsical fabrics, and beautiful embroideries.”

Want to see more from Edith Èlan? Click here.

Bobbie

Dolores

Eloise

Gladys

Imogene

Jane

Joan

Marlene

Milly

Norma Jean

Embroidered Cathedral Veil

Sequin Veil

Swiss Dot Veil

Try on your perfect gown at one of our favorite local bridal boutiques, click here.

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Vendor Viewpoint – Taureaux

The fabulous events team at Taureaux dropped by to share all the details about how their elevated yet inviting, French-inspired restaurant is the perfect spot for your Big Day. All images supplied by Taureaux.
Couples looking to host a wedding in Chicago have hundreds of options. What makes Taureaux so unique?

We are a hidden gem in the heart of the Loop, located around the corner from the historic Chicago Board of Trade building. With the capability of hosting both the ceremony and reception onsite, we leave more time for celebration! Getting here is easy! We’re close to the expressway and validated garage parking is available for just $10. We are a full-service restaurant and work with food and beverage minimums, not room rentals. We provide all of the food, beverage, staff and existing furniture. We can also help with tried and true vendor recommendations, such as florists, musicians, officiants, full-service wedding planners and more.

How is Taureaux adaptable?

Our team is happy to collaborate with each couple and explore different ways to make their ideas (or at least a version of it) possible! We can also work with our sister restaurants to provide special menu options. For example, our sister restaurants can provide everything from a late-night pizza station to a custom wedding cake or a sweets table.

What about the size of events? How does Taureaux cater to small, intimate weddings vs. big, boisterous ones?

For the couples that are looking for more of a traditional setup including a ceremony, seated dinner and dancing reception, the ideal group size is 110 or below. For those who are looking for more of a reception-style setup with food stations, we can accommodate up to 350 guests!

Why does Taureaux enjoy hosting weddings?

From the initial inquiry to the wedding day, we love having the opportunity to help create beautiful memories for the couple and their loved ones.

What are your tips for couples who are just starting the wedding planning process, especially those who are still trying to pick a venue?
  1. Decide on a preferred wedding date and estimated guest count. The pricing you receive may be based on the season, day of the week and even timeframe. Having a few backup dates and being flexible may save you money, giving you the option of allocating more towards something else that’s important to you. Generally speaking, restaurants work with food and beverage minimums so that you’re able to eat and drink what you’re required to spend.
  2. Do not underestimate the power and value of a wedding planner! They have a lot of great insight as well as knowledgeable recommendations. They worry about the logistics and details leading up to and on Big Day so that you don’t have to! Your wedding planner wants to make sure you’re able to fully enjoy the planning process and your wedding.
  3. Enjoy the process with your fiancé and rest assured that your guests will be none the wiser about any ideas that didn’t come to fruition, so no need to stress about the small stuff!

Taureaux is an elevated yet inviting, French-inspired restaurant and bar in the heart of Chicago’s Loop neighborhood. Their private dining team, as well as indoor and outdoor settings, are offered to enhance your Big Day. Contact [email protected] for more information.

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Anne Barge Fall 2020 Bridal Collection

Take a look at every spectacular piece in Anne Barge’s Fall 2020 collection, right here.

This season, the Anne Barge brand will celebrate 20 years. Inspired by their very own vintage designs, the Anne Barge Fall 2020 collection is the epitome of combining timeless silhouettes with new modern details. Gowns from the Anne Barge archives are re-interpreted this season, bringing new life to traditional and classic styles. This collection will not only showcase the brand’s evolution over the years but will also pay tribute to its original roots. Clean architectural designs are made with fine Italian Kalika, for a simple yet refined look, while all over floral Alençon laces add an ultra-femme touch of elegance. Layers of delicately floating tulle are accented with 3D textures and metallic floral embroidery. Jumpsuits, bustiers and illusion necklines have been perfectly introduced into the collection for a nod to the present-day bride. The Anne Barge 20th anniversary brings meaning and depth to the brand’s past collections while also looking ahead to another 20 years of timeless yet contemporary designs. All photos by Colling Pierson Photography.

Want to see more from Anne Barge? Click here.

Martini

Cosmopolitan

Majestic

Bellini

Evermore

Pearls of Wisdom

Confetti

Toddy

Moet

Paloma

Santé

Soiree

Legacy

Harmony

Heart and Soul

Waltz

Collins

Amaretto

Manhattan

Wyler

Crystal Twilight

Living in Bliss

Julep

Dance with Me

Dream Weaver

Altar Ego

Chandon

Prosecco

Eternal

Mi Amor

Everlasting

Try on your perfect gown at one of our favorite local bridal boutiques, click here.

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