Chicago’s Finest Reception & Party Venues Vintage Love A˜ air · But like any wedding, country destinations also have their concerns . Unless your location is an established wedding

Comprehensive

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Chicago’s Finest Reception & Party Venues

Vintage Love A� airTown & Country:

1 Wedding, 2 Options!

Color of the Year: Radiant Orchid

Chicagoland’s Premier Planning Guide Courtesy of Moonlight Bridal

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C H I C A G O W E D D I N G & P A R T Y R E S O U R C E W W W . C H I C A G O W E D D I N G R E S O U R C E . C O M

Ombre Ombre Ombre p. 14

Banquets, Receptions, Showers & PartiesTown or Country . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4My Menu, My Way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6How to Find Your Dream Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Good Libations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10The ‘Wow Factor’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Ombre, Ombre, Ombre Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Reception & Event Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Engagement Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76Wedding Shower Guestlist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79Reception Questions & Comparison Chart . . . . . . . . . . 90Catering Questions & Comparison Chart . . . . . . . . . . . 94Sample Menu Planner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96Rehearsal Dinner Guest List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100Attendants’ Party Guest List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100Wedding Guest List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101Reception Seating Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104Head Table Seating Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107Gratuity Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Beauty, Health & FitnessUndoing the Beauty Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Bridal, Party & Fashion Shows Complimentary TicketsLuxury Bridal Expo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Complete Wedding Expo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Transworld Jewelry Fashion & Accessories Show . . . . 41ORT Party Planning Showcase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50Indie Designer Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51Chicago Antique Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57Randolph Street Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57Wedding Salon Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Cakes, Candy, Confections, DessertsNot Just Vanilla . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

CeremonyThe Perfect Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Fashions, Jewelry, Accessories for Men & WomenPut A Ring on It . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Vintage Love Affair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38The Trendy 20’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40Before you Even Try it On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44The Short Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 462014 Color of the Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48Too Busy to Shop for Your Wedding Gown . . . . . . . . . 50Something Blue for Him . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54Grooms: Sharp in Their Own Way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56Ring Sizing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89Photos & Swatches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

The Trendy 20sp. 40

Unplug Rechargep. 66

My Menu My Way p. 6

Courtesy of Moonlight Bridal

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Since 1991

www.performancemedia.us3453 Commercial Avenue, Northbrook, IL 60062

Chicago Wedding & Party Resourcewww.chicagoweddingresource.com

Gail McGrath, Publisher & PresidentSheldon Levin, Publisher & Director of Finance

Account ManagersElyse Auslender, Associate Marketing DirectorSheryl Fisher - Michael Hedge - Arnie Hoffman

East Coast, Sandra Ourusoff & Associates 212-769-7079Southwest, Betsy Gugick & Associates 972-387-1347

Lauren J Kurtz, Art & Production DirectorLory Richards, Graphic Designer

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Willie Smith Suprv. - Earl Love, OperationsSteve Dunn, Web & Internet Development

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For advertising information contact: Gail McGrath (847) 770-4621Performance Media & Gail McGrath & Associates, Inc. is a Woman Owned Business

You can view all of our programs and magazines online at www.performancemedia.usTo see our Terms and Conditions relating to advertising orders, visit our website at

www.performancemedia.us All contents copyrighted. All rights reserved. Nothing may be reproduced in any manner without written permission. © 2013

Financial Planning & InsuranceMoney Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60Budgeting Your Event . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Flowers & DecorationsBling Your Bouquet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Seasonal Flower Favorites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

General InformationIt’s Time to Tell Your Love Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Complete Wedding Planner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73Who’s Responsible . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77Planning Timeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80Ideas/Photos/Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92Vendor Information & Quick Reference Guide . . . . . 108Marriage License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110Anniversaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111Name Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111Planning Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112Advertiser Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71Wedding Rituals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118 Honeymoon & TravelHow to Pack with Panache . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66Unplug Recharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66Enter to Win a Pool Suite Stay at the Sybaris . . . . . . . . 69Enter to Win an Apple Vacations Honeymoon . . . . . 120

Invitations, Stationary, Program, Gifts & FavorsLocal Favor Favorites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51Stationary Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88Envelope Addressing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88Guest Alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 DJ’s, Music & EntertainmentLet the Music Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Top 50 Wedding Songs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Musical Selections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Photography, Videograpy, Photo BoothsThe Photo Hunt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Unforgettable moments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Wedding Movie Madness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33Photography Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Registry & First HomeFirst Home Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58Registry Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Transportation & ParkingRiding In Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Bling Your Bouquet

p. 26

Vintage Love Affairp. 38

Party Planning Guidep . 73

Enter to Win a Luxury Honeymoon

p . 120

Win a Romantic Getaway

p . 69

Free Tickets to Chicagoland's Best

Bridal Showspp . 24, 34, 72 Courtesy of www.etsy.com/shop/blingmybouquet



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By Anna Sachse, CTW Features

Sure, the city where you live (or the one where you grew up) would make a deeply personal backdrop for your big day . But perhaps you’ve always pined for a more pastoral celebration . Urban fêtes and country soirées both have lots of pros – and they have their party-downer cons . Here, three wedding planning experts share insight to help you decide which setting is right for you .

Go to TownAt the top of the list for why an urban wedding should win out? Practicality . First, you have your pick of venues, from traditional hotel ballrooms to modern museums and art galleries to hip converted warehouses, restaurants and more, all of which are likely practiced at working with big events . Many may even include everything from tables to lighting and the sound system with their venue fee or catering minimum . Similarly, getting married in town enables access to numerous qualified vendors, allowing you to pick the caterer, florist, baker or DJs that best suit your needs, personality and budget . There are no travel fees, delivery charges will be minimal if any, and competition may open the door to special packages, discounts or deals . Plus, it’s easy to meet with your vendors pre-wedding on a lunch break or after work if you need to hammer out centerpieces

or sample the menu . In addition, metropolitan weddings are über-convenient for guests . Those who live close by don’t have to pay for lodging and may be able to use public transportation to avoid driving after a night of revelry . Out-of-towners can simply book a room upstairs from or within walking distance of your bash . As for a city affair’s downsides, traffic takes the cake . Check ahead of time to see if there’s preplanned subway or train work and informing guests on your wedding website . You’ll also want to mention if any large events (festivals, football games, races) may impede public transport or clog the roads for drivers . And be sure to note parking garages near the venue . You don’t want to walk down the aisle with half-empty rows because half your guests are driving around in circles looking for a spot . More things to make you think twice: If you have chosen a major city, expect to pay a premium for all your vendors, and know that those venue fees and minimums don’t come cheap . Traditional event spaces can feel generic and their included linens, chairs, dishes, etc . can be boring or beat up, thus you may end up shelling out a pretty penny for alternative rentals and décor . Finally, you aren’t alone . if any part of your wedding is outside, you’ll likely get some gawkers .

1 wedding, 2 options . A big city celebration has modern conveniences, while a country setting

offers its own ‘rustic chic’ charm . Here’s how to make your choice


W W W . C H I C A G O W E D D I N G R E S O U R C E . C O MC H I C A G O W E D D I N G & P A R T Y R E S O U R C E

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Country StrongWhether you’ve got your heart set on saying your I do’s amid a field of flowers, at a vineyard or in a barn, a key advantage of having a country wedding is that there’s already gorgeous scenery to serve as the backdrop . The often big, open spaces make it easy for you to create whatever atmosphere you want: elegantly Old-World, woodsy and sweet, a festive ranch hoedown, or a glamorous garden party with bocce ball and croquet . These settings typically have a ton of natural character, minimizing the need for extra embellishment . If there’s no onsite catering, you also can save money by bringing in your own alcohol, which is a great way to showcase your favorite local wineries, breweries and distilleries . And you’ll likely having the ceremony and reception in

the same place, which means you won’t have to pay for two venues or transportation between sites . If the location is too far away from town for guests to make it a day trip, another bonus is that you can make a weekend out of it . You’ll have more opportunity to spend time with all your loved ones, especially if you plan group activities like wine tours, hay rides or hikes .But like any wedding, country destinations also have their concerns . Unless your location is an established wedding venue, everything from the table and chair rentals to creating a cooking space for the catering team to furnishing generators, lighting and portable bathrooms might be your responsibility, warns Lord, not to mention all the cleanup afterward . For this reason, even if you’re having a very informal event,

Lord strongly advises hiring a wedding planner or day-of coordinator who can handle all the details, plan for contingencies and ensure everything runs smoothly . Keep in mind that you’ll also have less local vendors to choose from, or will have to pay more for city-based vendors to travel or make deliveries to your locale . If it’s very remote, you’ll want to make sure there’s enough lodging for friends and family nearby, or organize transportation to get guests safely to and from town in a timely manner . And don’t forget about unpredictable weather . In most cases, some element of the event will be outdoors, so definitely have a Plan B for rain, excessive wind or extremely hot weather . © CTW Features



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From the cocktail hour to the Champagne toast, drinks are a key component of most modern wed-dings . Th ey can make good food great, and they warm strangers both to each other and the dance fl oor .

OverviewTh e key elements of a wedding bar include wine, beer, bubbly, cocktails - plus soda, “mocktails” and other nonalcoholic drinks . Determine which drinks you want based on these factors:1 . Budget: Fancy, formal aff airs may off er premium versions of all beverages all night long . But couples with limited funds might prefer to serve only carefully selected wines and beer and perhaps a signa-ture cocktail . You also can limit the full open bar to just the cocktail hour, but be aware: many member of the bridal world, from editors to etiquette experts, say a cash bar is the ultimate no-no .2 . Guests: If you’ve invited a gaggle of gourmands, you may want to emphasize fi ne wine . A ton of college friends? Perhaps (a lot of) cheap beer is fi ne . Or maybe spirits are a must because the older generation only drinks gin martinis .

Drinks & DollarsPlan for one drink per person per hour of the reception . If serving a special sparkling wine for the toast - perhaps a budget-friendly Spanish Cava or Italian prosecco - allot one additional glass per adult . Traditional venues usually have set prices, but you may be able to trim costs by paying a nominal corkage fee to bring in your own vino . If your venue allows you to provide all alcohol yourself, kegs are the more aff ordable beer option at approximately $1 per 12-ounce glass of craft beer or 63 cents per glass of domestic . Smaller gather-ings are better off with bottles that can be purchased in quantities . When it comes to wine, look for deals on labels from an up-and-coming region like SouthAfrica, or ask about close-out prices on the last few cases of a vintage . As for liquor, a 750m1 bottle contains about 17 drinks, making it a good deal, but remember that you will also need ice, mixers and more bartenders . © CTW Features

Drink up! Stock a perfect bar that keeps the party going all night long

by Anna Sachse, CTW Features


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Busy bakers share the crave-worthy cake fl avors they see trending for 2013, plus other creative combinations that should be .

Th e Hot ListInstead of settling for 150 servings of, say, white cake with lemon fi lling, today’s newlyweds-to-be typically want a dif-ferent unique fl avor (such as chocolate cake with caramel and banana fi llings) for each tier . But basic off erings are getting supplanted by stacks of sweets that remind couples

of their heritage (red velvet, Italian cream), their childhood (funfetti, bubblegum), the season (spiced pumpkin, caramel apple), or their foodie favorites (salted caramel, chili choc-olate) . Couples are gravitating toward more decadent, luscious fl avors that are evocative of fi ne desserts . Popular picks in-clude Caramel Toff ee Fudge (dark chocolate cake with choc-olate truffl e cream, caramel sauce, and English toff ee bits) and Coconut Passion, a sponge cake with coconut cream, coconut Swiss meringue buttercream, and a passion fruit reduction .

Up-And-ComersWhile couples certainly are getting more open-minded about variety and not-just-vanilla fl avors, there are more unexpected tastes such as chocolate Guinness cake with beer buttercream or unusual fruit fi llings such as pomegran-ate and mango . Embrace exotic fruits, such as dragon fruit or even durian . For example, cactus pear gelée to use as a cake fi lling . Daring combinations include guava cake with pink peppercorn and raspberry buttercream and cinna-mon-vanilla cake with Mexican hot chocolate buttercream . You want guests to put their fork into a slice of wedding cake and to be shocked that it’s so tasty . © CTW Features


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A love aff air with lace is making vintage-inspired wedding gowns a bridal favorite . But, for brides who want the real deal, actual vintage wedding gowns are another way to em-body an era of yesteryear . Additional publicity generated by two new shows – “L .A . Frock Stars” on the Smithsonian Channel and the “Dukes of Melrose” on Bravo – trumpeting the benefi ts of vintage dresses has only added to the interest . A recent ep-isode of the “Dukes” showcased Ashley Madekwe, of the ABC drama “Revenge,” searching for a wedding dress and fi nding a $2,800 Oscar de la Renta style for her reception . Vintage dresses, those that herald from the 1920s to 1980s, come with a story or can inspire one in the mind of the buyer, only adding to the romance of the occasion . For brides, the uniqueness of the dress is very important these days . Oft en confronted with racks of sameness at brid-al stores, brides appreciate the good quality construction and timelessness of vintage . Certainly, brides can save money by going the vintage

route . Designer gowns can carry more cachet, but the price tag vaults, especially if it’s found at a high-profi le store, such as Decades, the subject of the Bravo show . A Jean Patou by Christian Lacroix vintage white lace strapless gown is com-manding $8,000 on the store’s website . Designer names can certainly woo a buyer . Selection of a wedding gown is so terribly personal, though, that if a bride fi nds the right one, it doesn’t matter who designed it . Luxe looks selling at Th e Frock .com, a website that skews towards designer styles, can provide fashion dreams come true for brides . On trend with the inclusion of gold coloring is a Christian Dior gown from around 1955 in white tulle and gold silk duchess satin with a trained bow selling for $5,900 . Or those lace fans will appreciate the cir-ca-1960 Valentino beaded lace sleeveless gown that sells for $4,700 . For 21st century brides, dresses that are in demand at Mill Crest Vintage are Mod-style dresses in trapeze styles or gowns that incorporate crochet elements for a boho appeal .

At Th e Vintage Bride, tea-length gowns are key, off ering a feminine and playful silhouette . Silk and satin styles also are popular along with silk georgette looks . In terms of eras, gowns from the 1920s and 1930s are catching the eye of brides at Mill Crest Vintage, inspired by looks from “Downton Abbey” and the new fi lm adaptation of “Th e Great Gatsby,” due out in May .Th e 1950s off er up a number of “classic” styles that have a lot of appeal . Th e beauty of vintage, too, is that the gowns can be al-tered . Depending on the dress, seamstresses can add built-in bras or can even make the dress larger . Of course, maintain-ing the integrity of the dress is what’s important, so brides should make sure they have a supportive maid of honor to lend a helping hand . Th ere is something about the laborious job of fasten-ing 40 satin-covered buttons down the back [of a gown] that feels ceremonial .

© CTW Features

Brides in search of the perfect unique look are taking to vintage shops for the chic styles of yesteryearBy Nola Sarkisian-Miller, CTW Features


MOONLIGHT®www.moonl ightbridal .com

A Touch Of Elegance 404 W US Hwy 40 Troy 618-781-6150 Anointed Couture 18065 Harwood Ave. Homewood 708-799-6492 Bridal Couture 116 N. Main St. Edwardsville 618-656-2222 Bridal Elegance 205 W. Etna Road Ottawa 815-433-3050 Bridal Palace 3204 North University St. Peoria 309-685-0313 Bridal Palace 121 South Main St. Morton 309-263-8155 Candices' Bridal 1828 W. Jefferson St. Springfield 217-726-7905 Carole Frew's Bridal 305 Piasa St Alton 618-433-952Castaways Bridal 985 W. Pershing Road Decatur 217-875-4156 Champagne & Lace Bridal 1600 Vandalia Ave Collinsville 618-345-5223Country Lace Bridal 2202 Eastland Dr. Bloomington 309-827-3133 Eva's 15641 South 94th Ave. Orland Park 708-403-3334 Eva's Bridals & Fashions 3339 N. Harlem Ave Chicago 773-777-3311Evyliz Bridal 132 W. Downer Place Aurora 630-906-6545 Farmer's Daughter 203 E. Main St. Fairfield 618-842-7766Francia Bridal Salon 47 S. Washington St. Hinsdale 630-325-4100 From This Day Forward 204 N. Carlton Farina 618-245-2277 Gigi's Closette 1520 E. Lake Ave. Glenview 847-729-5110 Hannah's Boutique 9644 W 131 St Palos Park 708-398-4055I Do Bridal 421 North 32nd St. Quincy 217-224-5721 Imagen Boutique 646 Ashland Ave. Aurora 630-236-1471 Laurel Bridal Gallery 5251 N. Harlem Ave. Chicago 773-631-8390 Lindsey Lane Bridal 200 E Sangamon Ave Rantoul 217-893-0703Satin N' Lace PO Box 271 Milledgeville 815-225-5188 Shelley's Bridal 104 W. Main St. West Dundee 847-426-5806 That Girl Boutique 11359 S. Harlem Ave. Worth 708-448-6701 The Bridal Sampler 2021 Midwest Rd. Ste. 305 Oak Brook 630-501-1286VIP Occasions 351 North York Rd. Elmhurst 630-833-4696

Val Stefani


MOONLIGHT®27 I l l inois Locations

A Touch Of Elegance 404 W US Hwy 40 Troy 618-781-6150 Anointed Couture 18065 Harwood Ave. Homewood 708-799-6492 Bridal Couture 116 N. Main St. Edwardsville 618-656-2222 Bridal Elegance 205 W. Etna Road Ottawa 815-433-3050 Bridal Palace 3204 North University St. Peoria 309-685-0313 Bridal Palace 121 South Main St. Morton 309-263-8155 Candices' Bridal 1828 W. Jefferson St. Springfield 217-726-7905 Carole Frew's Bridal 305 Piasa St Alton 618-433-952Castaways Bridal 985 W. Pershing Road Decatur 217-875-4156 Champagne & Lace Bridal 1600 Vandalia Ave Collinsville 618-345-5223Country Lace Bridal 2202 Eastland Dr. Bloomington 309-827-3133 Eva's 15641 South 94th Ave. Orland Park 708-403-3334 Eva's Bridals & Fashions 3339 N. Harlem Ave Chicago 773-777-3311Evyliz Bridal 132 W. Downer Place Aurora 630-906-6545 Farmer's Daughter 203 E. Main St. Fairfield 618-842-7766Francia Bridal Salon 47 S. Washington St. Hinsdale 630-325-4100 From This Day Forward 204 N. Carlton Farina 618-245-2277 Gigi's Closette 1520 E. Lake Ave. Glenview 847-729-5110 Hannah's Boutique 9644 W 131 St Palos Park 708-398-4055I Do Bridal 421 North 32nd St. Quincy 217-224-5721 Imagen Boutique 646 Ashland Ave. Aurora 630-236-1471 Laurel Bridal Gallery 5251 N. Harlem Ave. Chicago 773-631-8390 Lindsey Lane Bridal 200 E Sangamon Ave Rantoul 217-893-0703Satin N' Lace PO Box 271 Milledgeville 815-225-5188 Shelley's Bridal 104 W. Main St. West Dundee 847-426-5806 That Girl Boutique 11359 S. Harlem Ave. Worth 708-448-6701 The Bridal Sampler 2021 Midwest Rd. Ste. 305 Oak Brook 630-501-1286VIP Occasions 351 North York Rd. Elmhurst 630-833-4696

Val Stefani



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Sure, long gowns are still the queen of the wedding aisle, but these days, more and more designers are also opting to in-clude short and sweet, sexy or vintage-inspired dresses in their collections . Among the many innovative short looks at the fall 2013 bridal shows, Th eia walked a sparkly cocktail dress with a dramatic, kimono-style over-shirt down the runway, St . Pucchi and Jenny Lee were inspired by fl owers, Pronovias played with high necklines and swingy skirts, Marchesa fea-tured layers and ruffl es, and Reem Acra had a lace peplum and fl apper-style feathers . Feeling a little nontraditional yourself? Here’s what you should know about this fashion-forward, less-fabric-is-more trend .

When to Wear OneShort wedding dresses are always appropriate . However, they do typically feel less formal, so unless you’re well-known for your unconventional personality and style, you’ll defi nitely want to consider your event’s venue and vibe . Going short isn’t the best fi t for traditional, black-tie or church weddings . But it might be a playful addition to an urban/modern fête, a daytime party, or a more casual aff air at the beach, on a farm, or at home . If you want to make your short frock a touch more for-mal, pair . it with a long veil . For cool season soirées, who doesn’t lovesshort dresses with tights – try bright colors like fuchsia or turquoise, or go with sophisticated and universal-ly fl attering black .

Get the Best of Both Worlds If you’ve fallen in love with a particular little white dress, but can’t quite imagine saying your I do’s in it, wear a long gown for the ceremony and then changing into the short option for your entrance at the reception, before the cake-cutting, or when you’re ready to hit the dance fl oor . Dresses that play with proportion e .g . shorter in front and long (even trailing) in the back are very trendy right now . And Watters, Anne Barge, Lazaro and more are craft ing two-in-one beauties – chic, short sheaths with long, fl ow-ing tulle or silk organza detachable overskirts . Mix in short white dresses for your other bridal events, like showers and bachelorette parties

Who Should Do ItAny woman can wear a short dress, but just as with longer gowns, certain silhouettes will work better on your specifi c body type than others . Have great gams that you want to show off ? Go mini! Or for a more demure look you can try tea-length, look at short designs by Elizabeth Dye, Ivy & As-ter, Th eia and Encore . A-lines and (if not large-busted) empire waists are great for apple-shapes, cupcake dresses are good for hourglass and pear-shapes, and sashes or skirts that fl are at the bottom can create a waist on athletic types . Petite in both height and stature? Blair suggests amping up your short frock’s impact with a train .

© CTW Features

Sure, long gowns are still the queen of the wedding aisle, but these days, more and more designers are also opting to in-clude short and sweet, sexy or vintage-inspired dresses in their collections . Among the many innovative short looks at the fall 2013 bridal shows, Th eia walked a sparkly cocktail dress with a dramatic, kimono-style over-shirt down the runway, St . Pucchi and Jenny Lee were inspired by fl owers, Pronovias played with high necklines and swingy skirts, Marchesa fea-tured layers and ruffl es, and Reem Acra had a lace peplum and fl apper-style feathers . Feeling a little nontraditional yourself? Here’s what you should know about this fashion-forward, less-fabric-is-more trend .

When to Wear OneShort wedding dresses are always appropriate . However, they do typically feel less formal, so unless you’re well-known for your unconventional personality and style, you’ll defi nitely want to consider your event’s venue and vibe . Going short isn’t the best fi t for traditional, black-tie or church weddings . But it might be a playful addition to an urban/modern fête, a daytime party, or a more casual aff air at the beach, on a farm, or at home . If you want to make your short frock a touch more for-mal, pair . it with a long veil . For cool season soirées, who doesn’t lovesshort dresses with tights – try bright colors like fuchsia or turquoise, or go with sophisticated and universal-ly fl attering black .

Short dresses are a white-hot trendon today’s bridal runways




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A little pre-planning now will let you sit back and enjoy the ride, later!By Jim Gorzelany, CTW Features

Whether you want to be transported in a modest town car or a full-blown, stretched-out SUV limousine on your wedding day, you’ll want to ensure ahead of time that your fi rst drive together as a married couple will be a memorable one . Your budget will largely determine what type of vehicle you can secure, be it something classic like a stretched Cadillac or Lincoln limousine, or something fl ashier like a stretched-out SUV, such as a Hum-mer H2 or Lincoln Navigator . Many rental companies tend to get booked quickly during the spring and sum-mer peak periods, so don’t let your wedding get too near before booking your transpor-tation for the day . Compare prices among fi rms for sim-ilar vehicles, but don’t make a decision on price alone, experts say . Look for a well-es-tablished company that maintains a large fl eet of newer vehicles – the fi rm usually will be more reliable and be able to provide a ready replacement if your limo gets side-lined . Ask whether the company carries lia-bility and medical insurance for their vehi-cles’ passengers, and always seek references from recent customers . Make sure you know exactly what you’ll be getting for the quoted price . Most companies charge by the hour, with a three-hour minimum . Be sure to inspect the vehicle you’ll be renting to ensure that it’s in good shape and includes the amenities you’re promised . Be sure there’s enough room for all riders to fi t comfortably . Don’t ignore the details, such as wheth-er the driver will be dressed in a uniform or dark suit (instead of a T-shirt and jeans) . Can you consume alcoholic beverages in the limo? Can you hang a “Just Married” sign or other decorations on the vehicle? Finally, be sure to read the rental con-tract thoroughly before signing . It should denote the make, model and year of the vehicle, the date of service, pick-up times


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Chicago’s Finest Reception & Party Venues Vintage Love A˜ air · But like any wedding, country destinations also have their concerns . Unless your location is an established wedding