Feature Photo by Mark Trela Photography

Art, architecture and city energy sing in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. Rather than dedicated event spaces, River North’s wedding venues primarily exist in the form of luxury hotels and fine dining destinations. Just across the Chicago River from The Loop, nothing beats wedding portraits along the Chicago Riverwalk promenade! So why not host your wedding amidst some of the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Marina City corncobs, Merchandise Mart, Trump Tower and the Reid Murdoch Building? From repurposed industrial spaces to rooftop gardens with skyline views, this neighborhood provides an array of options to suit diverse tastes.

Join us as we explore the enchanting allure of River North’s wedding venues, where dreams come to life amidst the dynamic rhythm of the city.

*For the purposes of this venue guide, we’ve considered the boundaries of River North to be the Chicago River on South and West sides, N Rush Street on the East and W Chicago Street on the North.

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Feature Photo by Nicole Donnelly Photography 

While all neighborhoods have their own allure, the West Loop neighborhood has exploded onto the scene as a favored wedding destination. The ever-expanding neighborhood is a delightful gem, brimming with charm, character and, most importantly, mesmerizing wedding venues. From industrial-chic spaces to panoramic rooftops, the West Loop has it all.

From 1850 to the late 1980s, the West Loop was Chicago’s thriving meatpacking district. But as time went by, the West Loop began to change, graduating from meatpacking and evolving into the modern-day hotspot for foodies and partygoers alike. This once industrial hub has thus additionally turned into a vibrant backdrop for Chicago couples to start their forever.

Whether you’re envisioning an intimate gathering or a grand affair, these West Loop venues will set the stage for your love story. Let the love-filled, West Loop venue exploration begin!

*For the purposes of this venue guide, we’ve grouped together in the neighborhoods of West Loop, Fulton Market, Greektown and West Town.

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If you’re in the middle of your wedding planning, you know what’s coming: The Seating Chart. The RSVPs are piling up, and that one task needs to be tackled – sooner rather than later, if we’re being honest.

It’s a task that many dread, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve rounded up 10 of our favorite seating charts that we’ve featured in real weddings or styled shoots right here on chicagostyleweddings.com.

Without further ado – the seating charts of your dreams!

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By Lee Ramsay, Lee Ramsay Events | Feature photo by JC Lemon Photography

Your wedding day marks a momentous occasion in your life, and the week leading up to it can feel both thrilling and overwhelming. Whether your wedding is an intimate gathering at a lakeside park or a downtown blowout bash, creating a plan for the week leading before your wedding can help ensure everything goes smoothly on the big day.

As a wedding planner, I recommend these six steps to make the most of this final week of preparation–and to ensure you have a truly unforgettable (and relaxed!) wedding.

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Feature rooftop venue photo by Jermaine Horton at The Penthouse Hyde Park

When it comes to celebrating love against the backdrop of the iconic Chicago skyline, the city’s rooftop venues truly shine. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate ceremony under twinkling stars or a vibrant party overlooking Lake Michigan, these venues offer a slice of urban paradise. Here’s a roundup of the most captivating rooftop wedding venues Chicago has to offer.

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By Lee Ramsay, Lee Ramsay Events | Feature photo by Sammi Shea Photography

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As you diligently plan and prepare for your nuptials, it can be easy to overlook the various events that precede and succeed your big day. These events, ranging from an engagement party all the way to a day-after brunch, present opportunities to commemorate your love story in a medley of ways.

However, more events can mean a host of additional logistical questions. So we’ve compiled a list of the most common wedding-related events and their respective traditions and etiquettes. While it is worth bearing in mind that none of these events are mandatory (apart from the ceremony, of course), the more occasions to rejoice in, the more delightful the festivities will be!

• Wedding Shower
• Bachelorette / Bachelor Party
• Welcome Party
• Rehearsal Dinner
• Mehendi Party
• After-Party
• Farewell Brunch

Feature Photo by Stephanie Wood Photography

Amidst the glimmer of heirloom jewels and your face-framing lace veil, the perfume you adorn yourself with becomes an essential part of curating your wedding-day aura. Fragrance has a remarkable ability to stir emotions, evoke memories and enhance your overall experience. Join us on a fragrant journey as we explore the various scent profiles and their significance in the context of your special day.

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Inspired by the bright lights and bold colors found in Miami, vibrant wedding details are making a big splash. Statement shoes paired with short dresses help beat the heat and the fun fashions don’t have to stop with the bridal gowns. Unique neon touches will show guests the way and keep the party going all night long!

“Hot Nights, Cool Vibes” Handpicked by… Sarah Rodriguez, Owner of Sarah Kathleen Events

Above Photo by Aquila “Quilz Tamay” Flores

1. Amazonica Table Linens, Lola Valentina
2. Flamingo Decor, The Whole Sch-bang Wedding Event Styling
3. Chelsea Pearl Cat-Eye Sunglasses, Lele Sadoughi
4. Getaway Palm Tree Heel, AKIRA
5. Neon Flamingo, WEBB Production
6. Neon Table Numbers, DecorFab
7. Petit Chou Mini Dress, Veronica Sheaffer
8. Sun-Kissed Glow Cream Bronzer, Charlotte Tilbury

Feature Photo by Photography by Lauryn

Your wedding day is a time of celebration, but it can be challenging to feel truly joyous in the absence of a loved one. However, incorporating meaningful moments or gestures into your wedding can be a beautiful way to honor their memory. Whether you opt to commemorate them publicly or privately, consider including their impact on you in some way.

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Feature Photo by Lauren Ashley Studios

What is the soundtrack to your love story? Choosing songs for your wedding can either be super exciting or completely overwhelming. It is, however, an important step in establishing the vibe and sound that will make your wedding unique.

THE RULES

When planning the music for your wedding, it’s important to remember that there are no hard and fast rules. But, if you’re looking for some helpful guidance, here are a few things to consider:

• Create a Spotify or Apple Music playlist so that whenever you hear a song you both like, you can quickly add it to the playlist to remember for later.
• Make a list of “must-play” songs to ensure that your favorite tunes are included on your special day.
• Create your list of “do-not-play” songs, which might include tracks that hold bad memories or that you simply don’t like.
• Tailor your choices to your own favorite genres and use music as a storytelling device. Personalize your wedding soundtrack by including artists you’ve seen in concert together, “your song” and even covers of classics done by contemporary artists.
• Consider the special moments of the day — such as entrances, cake cutting, first dances and the bouquet toss — and select songs that fit the occasion in terms of tempo and theme.
• Think ahead and communicate any specific requests to your sound operator. Things can happen quicker than you anticipate, so if there’s a particular part of a song you want played during a specific moment, be sure to let them know so they can edit or cue up the song accordingly.
• Finally, don’t be afraid to include your favorite songs, even if they don’t fit into the dancing portion of the evening. These songs can be played during dinner or cocktail hour to ensure that they don’t go unheard.

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WRITTEN BY Tanvi Chauhan, Visit Savannah | Photography by Ashlee C Photography

A charming and romantic atmosphere nestled in timelessness awaits you in Savannah, Georgia. The city oozes with historic charm, from the magnificent oak trees draping the skies with Spanish moss to the cobblestone streets carpeting the ground. Discover why Savannah stands out as the ideal wedding destination for Chicago couples to start their forever.

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Smiles can light up a room, but the grins on display at this West Loop love affair could light up the whole city. At Morgan’s on Fulton, the essence of the neighborhood was showcased with a chic and sexy flair — and a whole lot of pink. From champagne towers to espresso martinis, each element embodied a fun and flirty vibe. With cake icing covering a mischievous fingertip and hot pink pumps kicked up in the air, this shoot captures the youthful giddiness that comes from being swept off your feet.

From the planner…

The champagne tower, the outfit change, the bouquet, the makeup, the hair … all of those little details really bring this fun flirty vision to life!

– NATALIA MANGIERI, OWNER & PLANNER, NCM EVENTS CO.

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WRITTEN BY Gina Anderson, Urban Allure Events | Photo by Cat Galletti

Are you dreaming of saying your vows atop the mountains of Aspen or perhaps barefoot on a gorgeous beach off the Pacific Ocean? What about among the lush treetops in the jungles of Costa Rica? The world is your oyster and there are a lot of visions to decide between! Before you dive deep into destination wedding planning, start by clearly discussing with your partner about what you both want. But wherever your destination wedding vision takes you, here’s everything you need to know.

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