3 Things that ACTUALLY Reduce Wedding Day Stress

 As a Chicago Wedding Planner for the past 16 years, I've seen A LOT of what can happen at weddings. Everyone wants a stress-free and fun wedding day. Over the years, it has become clear what couples can do in advance to make that goal a reality. 

Here are 3 things that will actually reduce wedding day stress:

1. Decisions Made Early

Last minute choices = Last minute stress

Ideally, all vendors should be booked, wedding participants notified, timeline locked in and setup details planned by 3 weeks before the wedding. 

Even a small change made suddenly can invite disruption. We had a wedding many years ago where on the day of the wedding, mere minutes before the ceremony was to begin, the family decided to change what had been practiced at the rehearsal and have the Father of the Bride walk a grandparent down the aisle. A seemingly small change, but that meant that the dad would need to circle back and get back in line to walk the Bride down the aisle. Instead of dropping off the grandparent at the seat and then walking back up a side aisle to get back in line with his daughter, he decided to weave through some back hallways so he wouldn't be seen and ended up getting lost in the maze. We were ready to cue the bride's entry, but her dad had gone missing! That all happened because of a last minute decision that differed from what had been planned and practice. 

Even the smallest details should be decided upon in advance. 

2. A Realistic Timeline

While a wedding day is long, from early morning hair and makeup to the last celebratory midnight song of the reception, it always feels like it flies by to the couple. So, a wedding day timeline is crucial. A packed timeline can look efficient on paper, but it's one of the biggest stress triggers on wedding day. 

Buffer time = Calm energy

Think through logistics like transportation and especially photo timing. It can be tempting to jump on all of the trends, like taking not just a first look with your spouse-to-be, but also a first look with your bridesmaids and then one with your dad too. Then, add in sunset photos, and don't forget that goofy reception photo with your high school friends and then your college friends. But also factor in some time for the surprise outfit change. You can probably see where this is going. On the day-of, making each of these photo-ops and trending moments happen often means pulling the couple away from the festivities. 

Having constant photo-ops and to-dos to check off can make for a rushed day and prevent the couple from really feeling present.

When nothing feel rushed, everything feels better.

Pro Tip: Plan 10 minutes of alone time with your new spouse after the ceremony to enjoy some hors d'oeuvres and catch your breath. It will help you soak in the moment.

3. Someone Else Handling the Details

If you or your family are setting up items, answering questions, and solving problems, then you're not fully present and savoring the moment.

A LOT happens behind-the-scenes. I could write an entire book about our experiences handling unexpected moments and solving problems at weddings. Most often small issues crop up, like a broken strap on a bridesmaid dress or the wrong number of place settings at a table. But we've also dealt with larger issues, like the florist delivering the wrong flowers or the DJ's equipment malfunctioning. 

Hire a day-of-coordinator to run the show!

Your only job on wedding day should be to:

Look Fabulous

Relax

Enjoy the Day

Make calm a priority on your wedding day!

In need of wedding planning help in the Chicago area? Contact us for a complimentary consultation.

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Molly & Kenny: A Sweet Spring Wedding at Columbus Park Refectory

 

As the first hints of spring have arrived in Chicago, I found myself reminiscing about Molly and Kenny’s beautiful and heartfelt wedding at Columbus Park Refectory. Tucked away like a true hidden gem, this historic venue is full of charm with a brick and stone exterior and sweeping grounds that come alive when winter finally gives way to green.

Spring at the Refectory feels almost poetic. Soft light filters through and the entire space carries a quiet romance that perfectly matched Molly and Kenny’s vision. They embraced their wedding planning in a way that felt natural and effortless, nothing overdone, nothing forced, just thoughtful details woven throughout the day.

What made their celebration so special was how deeply personal it felt. Molly and Kenny chose meaningful touches that reflected who they are, allowing their personalities and love to shine, proof that you don’t need excess to create something unforgettable.

It was the kind of spring wedding that feels both fresh and timeless, where sweet moments unfold against a backdrop rich with history, and where two people begin their next chapter surrounded by beauty, warmth and the people who know them best.

Check out the fabulous photos from one of our fave photographers, Henington Studios.

As the Bride & Groom get dressed and ready for the big day, it's a chance to exchange heartfelt messages.

A perfect First Look moment, full of emotion!

The VIP made an appearance!

The gorgeous grounds of Columbus Park Refectory

Guests fill the space, eager for the big moment!

A few minutes of alone time after the ceremony let the couple catch their breath and create a special moment

A charming polaroid photo guestbook 

Personalized touches reflect the couple's personality and interests

Pure joy!

Congratulations to Molly and Kenny!

Vendor Team:

Venue - Columbus Park Refectory

Chicago Wedding Planner - Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

Photographer - Henington Studios

Dress - Grace & Ivory

Hair & Makeup - Pin Me Up Chicago

Caterer - Blue Plate

Florist - Southside Blooms

Band - True Company

 

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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:

Venue - Garfield Park Conservatory

Wedding Planner - Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

Photographer - Rebekah Albaugh

Gown - Jasmine Bridal

Caterer - Food for Thought

Video - Petit Four Films

DJ - Spinnin Discs

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What We Learned about Planning Weddings during the Covid-19 Pandemic

 

Yes, 2020 was a rollercoaster for weddings! We shared in the heartbreak of couples, who faced uncertainty and made hard decisions about such an important day of their lives. As wedding planners, our job is to plan ahead, and with ever-changing guidelines and restrictions, it has certainly been a whirlwind.

We are hopeful that with the vaccine’s arrival, we will start to see a return to normalcy for celebrations soon! However, it's expected that it will still be some time until the vaccine is widely distributed. That means many of the restrictions affecting events will likely still be in place for a while in 2021. But, with 2020 under our belt, this time around, we have ideas of what to expect. So, we thought we would share some tips on how to prepare, if your wedding is coming up in 2021.

Know your Location and Limitations

In Illinois, various phases and mitigation tiers indicate what restrictions events must follow. When events have been able to take place, the different restrictions have limited events from 10 to 25 to 50 guests, depending on the phase and tier.

The events industry in Chicagoland is preparing for a scenario where events will hopefully be happening by Summer 2021, but there will likely still be strict guest count limits. Know the county that your venue is in and keep track of its tier level, so you can prepare for the limitations that may be dictated.

Review your Guest List

With guest counts likely limited well into summer, go ahead and review your guest list now to prepare for cuts you may need to make, if there is a 50-person limit, a 100-person limit, etc. 

Be sure to check who is included in that guest limit. Vendors that are in the room for the duration of a reception, such as a bartender, DJ, photographer, and videographer, may count towards that limit.

Don't overlook the benefits of a smaller wedding. We were delighted to find that while a 50 person event may not be what you imagined, it can be elegant, intimate, and even more special. 

Consider How to Eat

Regarding catering, with Covid precautions still in mind, many venues or catering may no longer offer buffets, stations, or family style. Even if that more communal type dining is allowed, consider whether your guests would be comfortable with it, at this juncture. In talking with caterers, a seated, plated dinner seems to be considered the safest option. 

Be sure to also ask your caterer about cocktail hour and how hors d’oeuvres will be handled. We saw caterers still doing passed hors d'oeuvres, but the guests could not touch the tray and take the food themselves. Servers would give the hors d'oeuvre to each guest with tongs or serving utensils. Alternatively, you could just have individual hors d'oeuvres plates for each guest already placed at the tables. 

Plan for Safe Seating

A smaller guest count does not necessarily mean that a smaller venue space is needed. Keep in mind the tables themselves will need to be spaced at least 6 feet apart. It’s best to space people at the table, as well, with four people at a 60 inch table (which normally seats 8-10) or six people at a 72 inch table (which normally seats 10-12) being recommended. 

Consider the Great Outdoors

Check if your venue offers any outdoor options, such as a tent. Being outside may or may not affect your permitted guest count, but it is thought to offer some extra Covid safety. Just be aware that there still needs to be air passing through the tent. A tent that’s enclosed on all sides would likely not provide more protection than an indoor room. 

Mention Masks

Mask wearing is likely still going to be important and required in Illinois for some time. Creating cute signs that encourage guests to wear masks, providing special wedding masks for guests to take, having straws to use during cocktail hour so guests can drink while still wearing their masks, putting the mask expectations on a menu or in the program are all ways to help ensure that guests abide by the mask requirements.

When events were happening in 2020, guests were supposed to wear a mask at all times, except once they were seated at their dinner table. Any time they got up from the table, they were supposed to wear a mask. Consider telling the bridal party, family members, and close friends these expectations so they can set an example for other guests.

Follow the Rules

Guidelines continue to change, so be sure to check the rules that are in place at the time of your wedding. Talk to your venue and caterer well in advance about what you can expect, in terms of restrictions and guidelines. Don’t try to skirt around any of the rules. Many vendors now include clauses in their contracts that they can leave the event, if they feel safety measures are not being adhered to. Even more importantly, the restrictions are in place for your protection. Don’t put your family and friends at risk.

Those are the basics that my team has experienced so far with Covid weddings. Most of all, we have learned that Covid can’t stop love. Weddings may be smaller and they may look a little different, but they are still a reflection of the love that a couple shares, and that is a beautiful thing!

 

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Julia & Patrick: Holiday Romance

With snow still on the ground, I can't help but reminisce about our winter weddings. Julia and Patrick embraced the season, creating an ambiance of holiday magic and romance. The personal touches throughout the day showcased such an endearing love of family and warmth to counter the cold day. Check out the gorgeous photos by Colin Lyons Photography:

Ah technology....

When traveling around Chicago in winter, one must prepared with proper shoes!

In tribute to her parents, Julia's bouquet was wrapped with a piece of her mother's wedding dress and her father's dog tag

Love this unique vantage point of the Chicago skyline!

In true fairy-tale fashion, a horse and carriage whisked the bride and groom away after the ceremony.

The bride and groom's East Side/West Side chair signs added a little whimsy to the elegance of the Mid-America Club.

A family heirloom cake topper made the wedding cake extra special.

The Head Table

A classic table setting with candle favors for the guests, basking the room in a candlelit glow.

Lush greenery made the room seasonal yet romantic.

Foam glow sticks made magic happen on the dance floor!

A glowing sendoff for the Bride and Groom.

Congratulations to Julia and Patrick!

Vendors:

Wedding Coordinator - Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

Reception Venue - The Mid-America Club

Photographer - Colin Lyons Photography

Florist - Flowers for Dreams

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Top Ten Wedding Photo Locations in Chicago

by Camille McLamb

reprinted as appeared on chicago.thewedding.com

photo by Emily Gualdoni Photography

With its impressive architecture and unique attractions, Chicago provides a variety of stunning backdrops for photography. Many couples take advantage of the city’s features, spending a few hours on wedding day, either before or after the ceremony, to take wedding photos around town. Whether you want skyline vistas or garden foliage, here is my top ten list of wedding day photo spots in Chicago:

Chicago Marquee
A shot of the newlyweds with the famous Chicago Theatre marquee will make it clear for posterity where you got married. The lights on the sign are spectacular at night, but the colorful sign grabs attention for great daytime shots, as well.
Address: 175 N. State St.

The Bean
This quirky sculpture, formally named Cloud Gate, is a popular tourist destination and a favorite with wedding parties. The reflective surface can make for some artistic shots. But it can be crowded, and you likely won’t be the only wedding group there.
Address: 201 E. Randolph St.

Buckingham Fountain
A Chicago landmark that is a fun stop for a summer wedding. The fountain’s water display occurs for 20 minutes every hour. Inspired by the Palace of Versailles, the fountain provides an elegant setting for group photos while still being outdoors.
Address: 301 S. Columbus Dr.

Adler Planetarium
For some of the best skyline views, couples head to Adler Planetarium. With the lake and the beach there too, it’s a scenic spot for photos. But be sure to allow for plenty of time getting to and from the museum campus.
Address: 1300 S. Lake Shore Dr.

Art Institute Garden
This little courtyard garden on the Art Institute’s south side provides a respite from the hustle and bustle of Michigan Avenue. Generally a quiet space, the canopy of trees, sculpture fountain, and stone benches offer nice photo opportunities and a moment of peace. 
Address: 111 S. Michigan Ave.

Michigan Avenue at Wrigley Building/Riverwalk
On the other hand, if you want to capture the energy of the city, go for a shot of the couple on the median of Michigan Avenue, as cabs and cars whisk by. You can then head down the spiral stone stairs to the Riverwalk for some photos of the Chicago River and surrounding famous architecture.
Address: 400-410 Michigan Ave.

Kinzie Street Bridge
For that industrial Chicago feel, Kinzie Street Bridge, with its high steel trusses, has become a must. It’s a great location for the full wedding party, but be prepared to wait, as other wedding groups take their turn.
Address: Kinzie St. & N. Canal St.

Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool
If you want to get back to nature, the Lily Pool offers rocky limestone paths, a prairie style shelter, and, of course, plenty of lily pads. Located in Lincoln Park, it is a national historic landmark.
Address: 125 W. Fullerton Parkway

Union Station
When planning the photo locales, don’t forget to consider a possible rain plan! With its massive stone columns, elegant staircase, and detailed ceiling, Union Station provides a grandiose indoor stop for photos.
Address: 225 S. Canal St.

Chicago Cultural Center
Stained glass domes, curving staircases, and marble walls with colorful mosaics create a magnificent backdrop. The location near Millennium Park is convenient if an unexpected rainstorm interrupts your photos, or if you simply need a break from the heat! 
Address: 78 E. Washington St.

When choosing your photo stops around town, map out the route in advance to best maximize your time around town. When planning the number of stops and amount of time for the trip, be sure to take into account likely city traffic. Rather than worrying about making it to each planned stop, be flexible and enjoy each location! You’ll get beautiful photos but will also be making memories in the process, as you spend time with your closest pals and newly minted spouse!

Tell us your favorite photo spots in the city!

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