How to Avoid Candle Catastrophes at Your Wedding

Candles can transform the look of a wedding and are one of the easiest ways to add warmth and romance to a wedding. But as a wedding planner, I've witnessed many candle mishaps that could have been avoided. Here are some easy tips to ensure your candle decor creates ambiance instead of an emergency!

1. Don't Put Candles Directly On the Floor for the Ceremony

Candles lining the ceremony aisle is a beautiful look. But if those candles are placed directly on the floor next to the chairs, a guest nearly always knocks one over. When that happens, it's not a quick and easy cleanup. You're dealing with broken glass and melted wax on the floor. Even worse, we've even seen the bottom of a guest's dress catch on fire! 

What to do instead: Elevate your aisle candles. Use risers or pillar stands so that the candles are more visible to guests, creating the same romantic glow without the risk of getting bumped.

2. Have Spare Floating Candles on Hand

Using floating candles in centerpieces is a popular trend and often quite budget-friendly. But remember, these candles are in water, and once the wick gets wet, there's no hope of it relighting. Believe me...I've tried! Guests do notice when the candles at their table go out, and it can make an otherwise stunning centerpiece feel unfinished. 

What to do instead: Ask your florist or decorator in advance to leave a few extra floating candles behind for your Day Of Coordinator or venue coordinator. That way, if a candle goes out early, it can easily be replaced.

3. Ask to See Examples of the Type of Candles for Your Decor

When meeting with potential florists or decorators, ask to see an example of the candles that they use. It's also worth asking directly whether they re-use candles from prior events. While many candles are long-lasting and may have life left in them, this is about knowing exactly what you're paying for and making sure your candles look fresh and photo-ready on your wedding day.

What to do: During those initial meetings with florists, if candles will be part of the decor that you're discussing, simply ask if they have any of their candles on hand to show you. Then, ask about whether they ever re-use them. A good vendor will answer honestly.  

Use these tips to get gorgeous candlelight without the catastophe!

Need help planning, your wedding decor? Visit us at www.CamilleVictoriaWeddings.com

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3 Eco-Friendly Wedding Tips to Celebrate Earth Day

Earth Day is the perfect reminder that even life’s most joyful celebrations can be thoughtful toward the planet. Weddings, while beautiful, can also create a surprising amount of waste. With a few intentional choices, your big day can be both stunning and sustainable.

Here are three meaningful ways to make your wedding more eco-friendly without sacrificing style or experience:

1. Reduce Unnecessary Waste

One of the simplest ways to create a more sustainable wedding is to cut back on single use paper items.

Consider minimizing paper goods like printed programs, individual menus, and place cards, which get left behind and thrown away.

Instead, opt for signage on mirrors or chalkboards that can potentially be re-used as decor for your home.

Not only does this reduce waste, but it also saves money in the budget to focus on more impactful wedding elements.

2. Repurpose Your Flower Centerpieces

Florals are a highlight of any wedding, creating the vibe and ambiance for the event. But they don’t have to be single-use.

Give your arrangements a second life by:

• Moving ceremony flowers to the reception space
• Offering centerpieces to guests at the end of the night
• Donating arrangements to local hospitals, nursing homes, or shelters

This small step spreads the joy your flowers bring while preventing unnecessary waste. Beautiful today, meaningful tomorrow.

3. Recycle What You Can

Recycling at weddings is often overlooked, but it can make a difference.

Work with your venue and caterer to ensure:

• Cans and bottles from the bar are properly sorted and disposed of for recycling
• Paper goods like leftover programs or signage are collected and recycled

Small actions really do create a big impact.

A Final Thought 🌎

Reduce, Re-Use, Recycle applies even to weddings! Every choice you make can help protect our planet while still creating a wedding day that's personal and unforgettable.

This Earth Day, remember: you don’t have to compromise beauty to be sustainable. With a little extra thought, you can celebrate your love while caring for the world you’re building your future in.

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Let’s Plan Something Beautiful (and Sustainable) 💚

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s as kind to the planet as it is beautiful, we’d love to help. From eco-conscious vendor recommendations to thoughtful design choices, we can guide you every step of the way.

Reach out to us to start planning your sustainable wedding today.

Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

https://www.camillevictoriaweddings.com/contact-us.html

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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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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 the 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 regular 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.

How do you go about creating these signs? Where do you get them? We can help!

Let's plan your perfect day!

Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

www.CamilleVictoriaWeddings.com

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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!

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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:

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!

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!

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.

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.

Just Married!

 

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!

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

Photographer - Sarah Crost Photography

Florist - Kio Kreations

Cake - Bake it with Tina

Band - Bluewater Kings

Greenery Backdrop and Lighting - Satin Chair

Photobooth - Concept One

Wedding Coordinator - Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

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