Wednesday, August 27, 2025

The Signs you Actually NEED at a Wedding

 

There are only a few signs that you actually must have at a wedding.  But other signs can be helpful for guests and add to the decor and ambiance of the event. 

Here is your comprehensive list of wedding signs to consider for your big day:

Table Number Signs are a must if you are having a dinner with assigned seating, as most weddings do nowadays. Keep in mind these signs don't have to be actual numbers and are a chance to reflect the interests and personality of the couple. Interested in travel? Name your tables after places you've visited. Love to read? Name that tables after your favorite novels. Tables can be labeled anything to go with a theme!

 


Escort Cards are the other big must, since people need to know where to sit. Traditionally, these are the little seating cards that direct guests to their tables. E.G. Mr. and Mrs. John Smith, Table 5. The escort cards can create a lovely visual display, though some couples are now opting for a seating chart that lists everyone's table assignments on one large decorative sign.

 


Programs are the typical place to include descriptions of ceremony customs, bridal party names, a thank you to guests, post-ceremony instructions, and an in memoriam to departed family. But if your ceremony is pretty short and sweet, the programs can certainly be skipped. If you do plan for programs, you don't need one for every guest. We always see so many programs left over because guests tend to share or don't pick one up. Order enough for around 60-70% of your guest count.

 

Menu Cards can add some visual appeal to the tablescape but are not necessary in most cases when guests have already chosen their meal in advance.

 


Welcome Signs are an optional addition, but they can be very helpful to guests. Consider the layout of your venue. If there are multiple entrances or more than one event going on, the welcome sign can serve as a guide to indicate that guests are in the right spot or lead them to where they need to go.

 


Bar Signs are useful if you plan to have a signature drink to let guests know the specialties that they can order.

 


Gifts & Cards signs can be helpful if you have an unusual cardbox that doesn't look like a cardbox. 

 

Guestbook Signs can also help guests figure out what to do if you have an atypical guestbook.

 

Hashtag or QR Code Signs have gained popularity as couples want to inform guests how they can share photos that they take at the event. 

 


Favor Signs let guests know to take a party favor and can include a cute saying to go with what the favor is.

 


Family Photo Signs that label who people are on memory tables or in photo displays can help guests feel connected to the important people in your life.


Which signs do you plan to use for your wedding? Let us know in the comments!

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Bridesmaids Gifts that your Gal Pals will Actually Use and Love

When it comes to bridesmaid gifts, forget the robes emblazoned with "Bridesmaid" on the back or the etched champagne glass. Your crew is there for you on your big day, but being a bridesmaid is not who they are. When choosing bridesmaid gifts, think of your support team as individuals, as if you were buying them a birthday present. You'll be sure to wow them and make them feel special. 

If you're getting ready together on wedding day, you can still consider items that they could use on on the day-of, like pajamas, cozy slippers, or jewelry. But avoid the matchy-matchy looks and choose different styles for different girls, thinking of their particular personalities. Check out the variety of options on Birdy Grey, where you can search by type of gift or color.

Practical gifts that your girl group will use again are always a great option. Add a personalized touch with monogrammed stationery, makeup pouch, weekender bag, or clutch from Minted.

Think of gifts that will pamper your ladies, long after the wedding weekend, like candles, bath bombs, and beauty essentials from Anthropologie.

Give yourself time to find the perfect gift for each girl by starting shopping at least two months before the big day or at least three months, if you're considering something custom or personalized. 

Give your gifts at a special bridesmaid luncheon or at the rehearsal dinner and get ready for the surprised smiles from your besties!


Monday, February 7, 2022

Garden Gathering: A Spring Wedding at Danada House

After Covid shut the wedding world down for a year, we could not have asked for a better first wedding back in the saddle than Hannah and Kyle's at one of our absolute favorite venues -- Danada House! What I loved is that we were able to turn Covid precautions into cute, personalized details. But mostly you'll just notice the love, joy, and fun that this sweet couple had on a perfect spring day. Check out the gorgeous photos by the incredible Sarah Crost Photography:


Danada House Wedding

One thing that I love about Danada House is the beautiful bride and groom suites upstairs, where the bridal party can get ready. It was the perfect backdrop for Hannah and Kyle to exchange pre-wedding letters. Love the reaction!


When I send out my reminders to every couple, leading up to wedding day, I always include a tip to get a decorative hanger for the wedding dress, and this is why.... it makes for beautiful photos for those classic wedding dress shots!

Danada House Wedding

Hannah had a great team of bridesmaids! Bridesmaids are not just there for photos and fun, they are actually supposed to help the bride, and these ladies definitely came through!

Chicago Wedding Planner

Can you guess whose hands those are? Yep, that's me! One of our many tasks on the day of the wedding is to pin on boutonnieres and distribute corsages



I just love this shot because it shows how the guys can have fun with the details too...love the variety of socks! And let's take a closer look......



The groom's socks are such a cute and whimsical touch!


First looks are all about the reaction, and you can feel the anticipation in this photo! On the day-of, we often work with the photographer to make the first look happen seamlessly.




There are so many great places for photos around Danada House! It's got to be a photographer's dream!



Photo by Camille Victoria Weddings LLC


Photo by Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

We called this the Covid station, complete with hand sanitizer and masks. In those crazy Covid times, vaccines were still relatively new, so there were cute wristbands to indicate a guests' comfort level for socializing. Green meant vaccinated and ready for a hug!



A special reserved chair was such a sweet and touching way to commemorate a loved one.

Danada House Wedding





In a special wine ceremony, the bride and groom mix two of their favorite wines into one. On the day-of, we setup the special ceremonial items, making sure the wines are out and open and ready to go.


Danada House Wedding

Just Married!

Danada House Wedding



 

I just love how Sarah, the photographer, captured a little bit of fun and silliness! I don't normally post the family photos, but many people may not realize it's one more thing we help out with on wedding day! We work with the photographer and will call out the family groupings, so photos are quick and easy, and the couple can make it to cocktail hour!


Sibling love! So cute!


Escort cards and favors all in one!



Photo by Camille Victoria Weddings LLC


Photo by Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

Another inside "Covid station." As you can see, the green wristbands were popular...people were ready for hugs!


Danada House Wedding

A room with a view! 
The glassware really adds a lovely extra pop of color to the beautiful tablescapes.


We create a custom, full wedding day timeline for every wedding. Timing may sound mundane, but it can really add an element of surprise and pizzazz to a wedding. In this case, Hannah and Kyle went right into their first dance when they did their grand entrance into the reception. It makes for a wow-factor moment!



Beautiful cake and special cake server and forks.







There are so many ways to incorporate a couple's personality and interests into the wedding decor.
These adorable record table number signs show their love of music.


Another Covid precaution, at that time, was to create special dance zones for each table around the room. These markers on the floor indicated the dance areas, and the play on words turns a safety precaution into a good-humored and cute detail.


Yep, we lit up the night by popping all of the glow sticks for a bright display. 
The glow sticks were multi-purpose for fun dance props and to wave goodbye at the end of the evening.


A cool keepsake from the photobooth. 
These photobooth scrapbooks are one of the many things we gather up at the end of the night to make sure it gets home to the newlyweds.




Their 1st anniversary is now just around the corner! 
Congratulations Hannah and Kyle!

Vendors:

Venue - Danada House
Florist - Kio Kreations
Greenery Backdrop and Lighting - Satin Chair
Photobooth - Concept One
Wedding Coordinator - Camille Victoria Weddings LLC










Thursday, February 4, 2021

Botanical Beauty: A Blooming Wedding at Garfield Park Conservatory

With the pandemic still looming, we are looking back at some of our favorite weddings from years past. Megan and Richard's September 2019 wedding at Garfield Park Conservatory was a lush landscape of greenery. Around every corner of the Conservatory was a beautiful photo-op. But the true beauty came from the bride and groom's grace and genuine love. Check out the highlights with these gorgeous photos by Rebekah Albaugh.


A mother-daughter moment

Sharing faith and blessings

Talk about a scenic route! 
The path to the ceremony patio passed through a variety of vistas from jungle-like vegetation to arid desert cacti. 

A dual program and fan for a hot day!

Gorgeous, natural bouquets from Carousel Flowers

Pure joy for husband and wife!

Photos by Camille Victoria Weddings LLC
Part of what wedding planners do is setting up those special, personalized touches. 
Gone are the days of the traditional guestbook! 
Megan and Richard encouraged guests to write notes of well wishes, thoughts, and advice 
for them to open on their anniversaries.
A memory table paid tribute to family members to keep them close on an important day.

My favorite photo of the day by one of my favorite photographers! 
Rebekah Albaugh captures the most beautiful moments and is able to set up a photo while still putting a couple at ease. I even assisted with this shot!
Wedding planners have to be a jack of all trades, and we step in where needed on wedding day. I held a background light to help make this photo just right, before I shuffled the bride and groom into the reception to cue their grand entrance!

Reception Time! What a room!

Photo by Camille Victoria Weddings LLC


As wedding planners, we help the newlyweds make a smooth getaway!
Not only do we distribute bubbles, cue the getaway car the get in place, and get the guests lined up outside, but we also give some tips to the bride and groom to stop for a kiss for a great photo and memorable moment!

Congratulations to Megan and Richard!

Vendors:
Photographer - Rebekah Albaugh