Wedding planning can be stressful! DJ Paul Michaels wants to make your planning process as effortless and fun as possible with this monthly Wedding News Digest. Below are articles with helpful Chicago Wedding tips, or a bit of laughter. Happy Wedding Planning!
ENGAGEMENT TIP: Planning a proposal for this upcoming Valentine’s Day?
One of the most romantic days of the year: Valentine’s Day is filled with joy and love! Getting engaged on this special day is even more extravagant. For those of you looking to take your relationship to the next level, HowHeAsked.com has the do’s and don’ts of proposing on Valentine’s Day.
WEDDING PLANNING TIP: Planning a Rehearsal Dinner
With Chicago Restaurant Week from January 30 – Feburary 12, 2015, you have the perfect opportunity to try Chicago’s top restaurants and a potential rehearsal dinner spot.
- How formal does a rehearsal dinner need to be?
This can be as casual or as formal as you would like it to be, make it your own! - Ask how many guests can the restaurant’s private dining space hold?
Typically you can find the capacity listed on the restaurant’s website. Always call to ask because the type of meal service you want could cause the capacity numbers to change (ie) a seated dinner vs. a cocktail reception. - Know how much you want to spend per person, but you can ask how much it could cost per person?
Most restaurants just have a package for food, alcohol packages are usually separate. Be sure to ask if prices include tax OR gratuity (which can be about 18 – 22%). If you have a specific budget, you can tell the private events manager and see what packages they can create for you. - How much are the alcohol packages?
There are a variety of options: cash bar, based on consumption, or an open bar.
- What is the food and beverage minimum and/or rental fee for the space?
To guarantee space, most restaurants require a food and beverage minimum (the total amount that the client must spend order to book the space). Some locations also have a room rental fee – ask if that can be waived if you meet the food and beverage minimum. If you are short of the minimum, ask for extra food or beverages (ie) appetizers, one more liquor option, etc. Food and beverage minimums are normally determined by the space your are renting, the number of guests attending, and the date and time!
Tell us your favorite restaurant in Chicago or where you are thinking of holding your rehearsal dinner!
WEDDING PLANNING TIP: How to get an Illinois Marriage License
One of the items on your checklist should be applying for your marriage license. In the state of Illinois, you are required to have both parties (ie. bride-groom, bride-bride, groom-groom) present at the time of your application. When you apply, be sure to bring a valid form of US photo identification – Driver’s License, Passport, you get the gist!
Chicago Style Weddings has further details about cost, restrictions and locations.
CELEBRITY NEWS: Adam Levine drops in on LA couples
US Weekly has the scoop on Maroon 5 surprising newlyweds with an unexpected performance at their weddings. DJ Paul Michaels already has this on your next playlist!
We were awarded the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards 2015!
Thanks to all of our clients who reviewed us! Our recent newlyweds have earned us the prestigious WeddingWire award, which means we are in the top 5% of wedding professionals nationwide! We can’t thank you enough.
