Wedding flowers by Scarlet Petal Florist Chicago, IL

Budget Conscious Tips: Bridal Gown

Last night I caught an episode of, “Say Yes to the Dress” on TLC. It honed in on how important a wedding dress really is to a bride (and groom on this show).  The featured bride initially decided to go with a simple and affordable dress, but then became jealous of a friends gown and decided to go out and find an outrageously priced replacement to complete her perfect day. Luckily for her, her wealthy fiance decided to flip the bill.  

I have to admit that the dress I ended up with on my wedding day was not the one I imagined it would be. While searching on my own, I came across a pricey little boutique and found a ghostly looking, empire-waste dress with long shear sleeves that fell over my hands. I absolutely loved it! I couldn’t wait for my mom’s final opinion since this would be her wedding gift to me .  Unfortunately, she didn’t care for it and talked me into buying  a different one altogether that better suited me AND her budget.

Your  wedding dress should define you and your style. You shouldn’t have to compromise, even if you’re on a budget.  There are ways  to buy what you love without spending a fortune.  A close friend of mine fell in love with a Monique Lhullier dress, but unfortunately she couldn’t afford it. She ended up going to a local dressmaker and they created an original design inspired by the Monique Lhullier. 

Jenny, the Co-Owner of Scarlet Petal, found her sample gown at the Bride’s Against Breast Cancer event. Not only did she find her perfect dress, but the proceeds from the sale went directly towards a great charity.

I’ve found a few places in the city that offer alternatives to department and boutique store prices. Explore these shops and have fun!

I Do Designer Bridal Consignment  (Appointment Recommended)

6742 W. Belmont Ave.
Chicago, IL 60634  (773) 205-1234

Cynthia's Consignment
2218 N. Clybourn Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614  (773) 248-7714

Weddings 826
826 W. Armitage Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614  (773) 529-8871

Silver Moon
1755 W. North Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622  (773) 235-5797

White Chicago
222 W. Huron St.
Chicago, IL 60610  (312) 397-1571

Here Comes the Bride
190 N. Swift Rd #J
Addison, IL 60101  (630) 261-9950

Wedding Belle’s
334 W. Main St.
Barrington, IL 60010 (847) 304-0414

 

Budget Conscious Tips: Reception Locations

Being budget-conscious and planning a wedding don’t necessarily go hand-in-hand, but with the economy on everyone’s mind these days  I thought I would start offering some budget-friendly ideas that may help. 

Let's start by focusing on reception alternatives and ideas’, considering this is where most people start when planning their own wedding.

Stay tuned for future posts, as I will try to cover all aspects of your wedding.

Reception Locations:

Be Flexible!  Many venues will offer discounts if you get married on a Friday or Sunday vs. Saturday.  Or, get married during off-peak times of the year.  January – April tend to be quieter for popular wedding locations and you’ll probably have more negotiating power. 

Try to think outside the box when selecting your reception location.  Consider your favorite restaurant, as many have private dining areas that can be sectioned off.   One of President Obama’s favorites,Spiaggia, has a separate private dining area located on their second level.  It seats up to 200 people for a quaint Italian experience along with a breathtaking view of Michigan Avenue.  BIN 36 can accommodate 86 for a sit down dinner along with phenomenal wine selections, and Frontera  Grill can host your event for up to 150 for a Sunday brunch fiesta.   Neighborhood restaurants like Jane’s in Bucktown will close down for a private event, but remember that for the offer to be enticing to them, they need to make as much as they would if they were open for the night!

What about a Chicago city park? The Jackson Park 63rd Street Beach House is located directly on the sands of Lake Michigan and is equipped with a covered Promenade. The Cancer Survivors Park right off the Magnificent Mile is filled with wild flowers and flower gardens, and the spanish-influenced Columbus Park Refectory contains two waterfalls and abundant native plant life.   

 Want a grand ambiance? How about a theater or performance venues?  The Chopin Theater in Wicker Park is an independent arts theater that has an old opera house feel. The Redmoon Theater, a former ink factory transformed into a playhouse on the west side of Chicago, offers avant garde props that will leave your guests talking about your wedding for years.

One last tip to consider, after you say “I Do,” think of treating your guests to an “Open Bar”.  Venues like West Loop Studio and the Harold Washington Library allow you to supply your own liquor ( a huge cost savings if you have a rowdy guest list).  Local liquor store Binny’s will deliver and then pick-up any of the leftovers.