Advices for the reception

The beginning of a wedding reception, usually starts with a cocktail where you will give your guests a chance to gather at the reception facility, deposit their gifts, and meet and mingle with other guests.

It will also provide time for lost guests to find their way to the wedding reception. The cocktail usually takes place outside the reception hall. You would better thank your guests for taking the time to share in this special day with you and made time for arriving at the reception.

Print it on the program for the wedding party, it will help your guests to know in time what will happen during the celebration and when it would be the perfect time to leave.

When you welcome them at your wedding reception, let them know how very thankful you are to have wonderful friends and family who care enough to come.

Wedding Caterer

When hiring your wedding caterer, check to see if the location for your reception provides refrigeration and cooking equipment. If not, make sure your wedding caterer is fully self supported with portable refrigeration and heating equipment.

A competent wedding caterer will prepare much of the food in hither own kitchen and should provide an adequate staff of cooks, servers, and bartenders. Ask your wedding caterer for references and look at photos from previous parties so you know how the food will be presented; or better yet, visit an event they are catering.
There are several questions to ask a wedding caterer:

• How many years has been in business
• What percentage of caterer's business is dedicated to wedding receptions
• Does caterer have liability insurance?
• Is your caterer licensed to serve alcohol?
• When does your wedding caterer require the final head-count?
• What is the ratio of servers to guests for your wedding caterer
• How much gratuity does your wedding caterer expect
• What is the cake-cutting fee?
• What is the bar tending fee?
• What is the fee to clean up after the reception
• What is the payment/cancellation policy

New directory

I found a new wedding directory - is preaty complete and you can fiind a lot of vendors. The site name is http://www.weddingdot.net/

From what i see Chicago-bride.com is the only magazine listed in there :
http://www.weddingdot.net/wedding-magazines/online-wedding-magazines.html.

Anyway - you can put this to your resource list along with theknot.com or brides.com

About the wedding dress

When you’re creating your wedding dress, incorporating the elements of this good-luck rhyme could be part of the fun. A bustle ribbon or waist stay could be a pretty pale blue. Antique lace would be beautiful as well as old. “New” probably won’t pose a problem if you’re purchasing fabric. And you might want to borrow a crinoline instead of making one. Using a family dress might be an interesting experience. For sentimental reasons, a bride may want to wear the wedding dress of a family member or even a dear friend. This is a lovely idea but one that can pose practical problems.



If the bridal dress is a good fit, but perhaps too plain, ornamentation can easily be added. If the dress is too big, it can often be altered or remade, although cutting down a dress more than two sizes can be difficult. If the wedding outfit is too small, it can sometimes be let out.

Traditionally, wedding dresses have been made from woven fabrics. But as knit garments have gained popularity, the sewing industry has responded by making available to the home sewer knit fabrics and patterns designed for knits. All knit fabrics have a certain amount of give to them, but stretch knits – knit fabrics with the addition of spandex – are also now widely available. Commercial patterns are developed specifically for either a woven fabric or a knit fabric. Choose a color for the wedding dress that is flattering with the bride’s complexion. There are beautiful shades of champagne and ecru, many of which look deliciously elegant and sophisticated on your dress.

Two-piece wedding dress provide a wonderful way to achieve your goal. A beautiful beaded top or bustier in a rich ecru color could easily be paired over black slacks and worn during the holidays or to a special event. Or an elegant silver silk charmeuse skirt would later look dazzling with a black sweater. Let your imagination go if this idea appeals to you – you’ll come up with many ideas once you start thinking about the color and styling of the ensemble just a little bit differently than the typical bridal image.

What type of limo

In the spring, bridal parties may find themselves with wedding limo options that require 8 hours minimum and rental rates 30% higher than normal. If your wedding date is in the spring, it is better starting your limo search 1 year before your wedding date. You should also plan on making reservations 1 year in advance as well. For wedding dates during other seasons, 6 months is adequate.

Generally every wedding limo company lets you decorate the limo the way your heart desires; make it an extension of your wedding theme. Flowers, ribbons, confetti there is no limit to the number of ways in which you can make the car reflect your own taste. The companies will arrange everything for you; they will also open doors for your creativity.



Wedding limo companies offer luxury and quality transportation with late and new model of luxury sedans and stretch limousines. 4 passenger long series black Lincoln towncar sedan. Need bigger bang: than you choose a white/black Lincoln towncar stretch limousine, 140” SUV Stretch limousine, to mega super stretch limousine. Tell your your needs are, they will simply arrange it for you!

Fleet of wedding limo is based on late model Stretches & Sedans. Usually wedding limo companies change their fleet after every 3 years. They are setting the standard of Comfort, Style, Care & Reliability. Generaly 6 to 20 Passenger stretch and Ultra stretch SUV Limousines, comes with complimentary bar, interior lightings, music system and flat pannel TV.

Wedding packages starts from $195 for three hours service on six passengers super stretch limos.

The wedding party

Your first dance with your new husband at the wedding reception is sure to leave you slightly breathless. This is also a favorite moment for your parents and your guests.Next is the Parent Dances. And we know you'll be overcome by a wave of love when you see your husband waltz his beaming mother around the wedding party room.

The wedding reception Cake Cutting. The band leader or master of ceremonies announces the event. The groom places his right hand over the bride’s and together you cut the first slice. You then offer one another a bite. The rest of the cake is cut in the back and served to the guests of the wedding party.



And now one of the most important moments of the wedding greeting: The Bouquet Toss. Tossing your bouquet to your single woman friends is the perfect way to ensure romance on your wedding day. While guests usually expect at a wedding reception a bouquet toss, there are many women who would rather not be singled out and embarrassed because of their unmarried status. This is especially true if there are only a handful of single ladies at your wedding.

A fun way to raise a few eyebrows at the wedding reception, not to mention your groom's blood pressure, the garter toss starts with the groom slowly removing the garter from his bride's leg. The groom then tosses the garter to his single male friends, and legend has it, whoever catches the garter will be married within the year. Don't be surprised if your maid of honor gets all starry-eyed and gives you a quick hug when her boyfriend emerges as the lucky winner.

Remember, these people know you. They are at your reception to celebrate with you. So let them see your excitement and your commitment to what you are about to promise.

Wedding Dresses Spring 2008

This is a nice video with wedding dresses.

Invitations

The traditional/formal wedding invitations are white, soft cream, or ivory with raised black lettering. The printing of the invitations is done on the top page of a double sheet of thick quality paper; the inside is left blank. The contemporary ones are typically an individualized presentation that makes a statement about the bride and groom.

Informal wedding invitations are often printed on the front of a single, heavyweight card and may be handwritten or preprinted.



If all your guests are to be invited to both the ceremony and the reception, a combined invitation may be sent without separate enclosure cards. Order one invitation for each married or cohabiting couple that you plan to invite.

The officiant and his/her spouse as well as your attendants should receive a wedding invitation. Order approximately 20% more than your actual count. Allow a minimum of two weeks to address and mail them, longer if using a calligrapher or if your guest list is very large.

You may also want to consider ordering wedding invitations to the rehearsal dinner, as these should be in the same style.

Music in Chicago

Latin music had its beginnings in Cuba in the 1800s. Latin music influences, however, did not begin to enter mainstream American popular music until the 1930's. During the 1950's and 1960's these influences became particularly strong, with Latin music and Latin dances such as the mambo, cha-cha-cha, samba, and the bossa nova becoming extremely popular. Latin Chicago wedding musicians of today are large,modern Latin Chicago wedding musicians include brass and wind instruments, piano, an upright bass, 'trap drums', four or five saxophones, three or four trumpets, and one or more trombones. A wide variety of latin percussion instruments also flavor the music. Conga drums, claves, and maracas are the best known percusssion instrumets of a Latin band. Keep in mind, you do not have to hire a full Chicago latin wedding musicians. A typical latin Chicago lwedding musician plays all types of Latin music,the most popular genres of Latin music today are salsa music and merengue.

Swing music is a style of jazz originating in the 1930's and 1940's. Swing music was made famous by such big bands as Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Woody Herman, and Count Basie. Swing Chicago wedding musicians vary in size anywhere from 7 or 8 performers to as much as 18 performers.

A typical swing Chicago wedding musicians band consists of saxophones, trombones, trumpets, a rhythm section (piano, bass, guitar, and drums), and vocalists. Swing Chicago wedding musicians are hired to play at many types of events including weddings, dances, concerts, conventions, parties, and corporate events.

Country music, once known as Country and Western music, originated in the southeastern United States in the 1920s with roots in the blues, traditional spirituals, and folk music. A good country Chicago wedding musician will kick any party into high gear, so hire a country Chicago wedding musician band or country singer for your next special event!

wedding shoes for your special day

Some brides choose strappy sandals or dyeable pumps as their wedding shoes, while others opt for less traditional footwear like wedding flip flops or even sneakers. Finding the perfect pair of shoes doesn't have to be stressful, but there are a few things to keep in mind before you buy.

Choose comfortable wedding shoes. Sure, those four-inch white heels may be a perfect match for your dress style, and look fantastic on your feet in the store, but standing in them for hours on your wedding day is another story. You want to be focused on having fun with your new spouse, friends and family, not on keeping your balance as you teeter down the aisle or sit with aching feet.

There are plenty of cute wedding shoes that take comfort into consideration as well as style.Take wedding shoe fabrics into consideration. There are numerous types of shoe fabrics out there, such as satin, silk, velvet and lace.

Not only are wedding shoes a reflection of your personal taste, but they must also be compatible with your wedding venue. Silk wedding shoes can easily stain in grass or on wet ground, and leather pumps are unique but will be far too hot for a summer wedding. Don't fall in love with a particular pair of wedding shoes before you buy your bridal gown.

There are hundreds of styles of wedding shoes available to fit any type of season, bridal gown, and most importantly, the bride's unique personality. By keeping all of these factors in mind while shopping, you'll find the right pair of wedding shoes for your special day.

Wedding hotel in Chicago

Choosing the perfect Chicago wedding hotel can be quite an interesting thing, due to the fact that there are plenty of luxury places.Here are some ideas in case you plan the Chicago wedding of your dreams.

You should consider the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza as one of the Chicago wedding hotels,for your wedding reception. From beginning to end, you will find sophisticated legance, panoramic views of the Downtown Chicago skyline and first class cuisine and service.This Chicago wedding hotel shall provide everything you need from deliciously prepared meals to the attentive service your wedding requires, so all you need is to enjoy the most perfect and stress free day of your life.

Whether you choose the Wolf Point Ballroom or the Sauganash Ballroom of this Chicago wedding hotel, every detail of your wedding will display beauty and style: spectacular settings, exquisite catering, spacious & elegant ballrooms and a professional staff to help you plan your most important day. If out-of-town guests play a part of your grand event, the Chicago wedding hotel will provide comfortable and inviting guest rooms.

Another great choice could be a Chicago wedding hotel , such as Radisson Chicago Hotel & Suites that has everything that Chicago brides and grooms need to make their wedding day an unforgettable extravaganza. The staff at the Radisson Chicago wedding hotel are extremely courteous and helpful in everyway. you will truly feel like valued guests.

This Chicago wedding hotel is able to accommodate wedding receptions of up to 150 people,the Chicago wedding hotel offering a perfect mix of warmth, exclusivity, and convenience. You may choose from one of their many elegant event spaces, each of which offers its own special ambiance. With an entire floor of event space at your disposal, you’ll revel in a spacious, yet intimate environment.

If you’re currently searching for the perfect Chicago wedding hotel to get married, look no further.Check this resource also:http://chicagobride.wordpress.com/

bridal salon

For the most important day in your life, you'll want to look your best, that is the reason you have to find the perfect bridal salon in Chicago, where you can get everything you need, starting with the dress and ending with the perfect accessories.You do not want to look like a million other brides. The bridal salon's in Chicago collection is as diversified as their customers.

Gowns ranging from traditional to contemporary, simple silhouettes to jewel encrusted ball gowns, clean lines, delicate European laces, hand-stitched embroideries and sparkling crystals make for a stunning array of gowns.

A luxury bridal salon in Chicago knows how to get women noticed. Most important a bridal salon in Chicago must get the attention upon the wedding dress and bridesmaid gowns and that they can deliver on the perfect bridal dress even if it is for the barefoot beach wedding or an elegant, formal ceremony. bridal salons in Chicago focus on designing wedding dresses and
bridesmaid gowns, but also offer chic cocktail collections and elegant special occasion gowns.

Every advertise of the bridal salons in Chicago invite you to explore the world of romance and bridal couture and to find the perfect wedding dresses.Before going to any bridal salon in Chicago you must have an ideea of what you are looking for, becouse a bridal salon in Chicago has the solution for every budget.

If you are desperately seeking the perfect bridal dress or wedding gown or just the right bridesmaid dresses, or even match the wedding accessories a bridal salon in Chicago delivers contemporary wedding attire based on classic elegance. bridal salons in Chicago also assures custom wedding dress collection just to have a guide to the perfect wedding gown.

Bridal gown

When you’re creating your bridal gown in Chicago , incorporating the elements of this good-luck rhyme could be part of the fun. A bustle ribbon or waist stay could be a pretty pale blue. Antique lace would be beautiful as well as old. “New” probably won’t pose a problem if you’re purchasing fabric.

And you might want to borrow a crinoline instead of making one.Using a family a bridal gown in Chicago might be an interesting experience. For sentimental reasons, a bride may want to wear the a bridal gown in Chicago of a family member or even a dear friend. This is a lovely idea but one that can pose practical problems.

If the a bridal gown in Chicago is a good fit, but perhaps too plain, ornamentation can easily be added. If the a bridal gown in Chicago is too big, it can often be altered or remade, although cutting down a dress more than two sizes can be difficult. If the a bridal gown in Chicago is too small, it can sometimes be let out.



Traditionally, bridal gowns in Chicago have been made from woven fabrics. But as knit garments have gained popularity, the sewing industry has responded by making available to the home sewer knit fabrics and patterns designed for knits. All knit fabrics have a certain amount of give to them, but stretch knits – knit fabrics with the addition of spandex – are also now widely available. Commercial patterns are developed specifically for either a woven fabric or a knit fabric. Choose a color for the bridal gown in Chicago that is flattering with the bride’s complexion.

There are beautiful shades of champagne and ecru, many of which look deliciously elegant and sophisticated on your abridal gown in Chicago.Two-piece a bridal gown in Chicago provide a wonderful way to achieve your goal. A beautiful beaded top or bustier in a rich ecru color could easily be paired over black slacks and worn during the holidays or to a special event. Or an elegant silver silk charmeuse skirt would later look dazzling with a black sweater