A Design Studio Spectacular by Oliveaire at the Meadows Club

We recently got the great opportunity to work with a beautiful couple at the Meadows Club in Schaumburg on this spectacular wedding.  From the Navy Blue Linen, Gold Chiavari Chairs with purple ties, Red Floral and crystal embellishments all together created an amazing ambiance.  Special thanks to Maha Designs for the Amazing photos!!! 

And they lived happily ever after

BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now)

Olivia

A well orchestrated wedding event at the Palmer House Hilton

We recently had the great honor and privilege to plan and manage Sarah & Hem's wedding at the iconic Palmer House Hilton in Chicago!   It was such a joy to work with both families on the magnificent event.  Enjoy their love story as told by Kina Wicks Photography!

Getting Ready (Bride)



Getting Ready (Groom)

 



 First Look

 

 First Ceremony

 2nd Ceremony





Bridesmaids

 Groomsmen

 Cocktail Reception

 Entrance

 



 Cake Cutting



 Dinner







Dessert

 

 Bride & Groom Dance

 Bouquet Toss

 



 Dancing the night away!!

And they lived Happily Ever After

BBFN

Olivia

 

 



Will you choose a Florist or an Event Designer?

Flowers and decor can be the next highest ticket item for a wedding following the venue and food & beverage.  Aside from floral centerpieces, if one wants to truly create a stunning wedding, there are selections such as linens, lighting, chairs, lounge furniture, bellowing fabric, illumination boxes and etc.....  If the budget allows you to "Pimp Up" your big day, the most common question is should I choose a Florist or an Event Designer.

Florist

These can be neighbor hood shops that have been part of the community for years.  They cater to "foot traffic" and create arrangements that are geared more towards the personal flowers.  Some florists have taken on the additional business of weddings.  However, they can be limited in their resources and inventory.  They may tend to be less "hands-on".  They will not be a one stop shop if you want to add linen, lighting, etc... to your event.  You will work individually with different vendors and connect the dots so to speak.

Price:  Value to Middle

 

Event Designers

 

An Event Designer will create an overall design concept and ensure that the visual details are cohesive with the color story and floral palette.  A Creative Director will select products from many resources and are not limited to inventory, color or design.  They will spend time with each client in creating a unique wedding day story.  It will reflect the couple's personal style and brand the event with layering of visual astonishment.  A Design Studio can offer a complete look for your event including linens, furnishings, fabrics, up-lighting, covered dance floor, custom products etc....

An Event Designer will have more flexibility on time.  Service and products will be the highest priority.  They will have a trained crew to produce the event as it has been envisioned.  Even if the company had partnered up to provide certain elements of the event, it is the Creative Director that will connect all the dots for a stunning wedding. 

Price:  Middle to High

As I always tell my newly engaged brides, inform yourself on the limitations of your wedding team.  This will allow you to create a cohesive picture of your big day.  The more you are vested with your vendors and they are vested with you, there won't be any surprises as you walk down the aisle.

BBFN (Bridal Bliss For Now)

Olivia

Enhancing Your Event with Linens

The feeling of glitz, glamour, luxuriousness and elegance can all be brought to life with the use of linens on your wedding day.   From the wide selection of fabrics, colors, and patterns to choose from, there will be something that matches the tone you are trying to set.  There are many different ways linens can be used to enhance your venue in a whimsical and romantic way.  Here are some helpful tips of advice on what linens would be a perfect match and how to incorporate them on your wedding day. 

Finding Your Perfect Linen

1.      Research

When searching for inspiration for your lavish linens, be sure to research everything from colors to the material.  Every aspect is important and everything will determine the look and feel of your venue space.  Always consider what you have envisioned and get advice from the experts and from your family and friends.  Both will help you come up with what would be perfect for the atmosphere you are trying to portray. 

2.      Color Considerations

Even though bright colors are trending this year, the use of ivories and whites for table clothes and chair covers are more popular than ever.  Here are a few reasons as to why you should consider ivory or white for your linen choices. 

·        Plain and simple, white and ivory are the easiest to decorate with because it matches just about everything.  It is very good against splashes of colors from your table napkins and your centerpieces. 

·        White and Ivory also look absolutely breathtaking with up lighting because it will somewhat turn the color of your room without blending into the backdrop.  Either of these two colors shimmers against the lighting. 

·        If you are looking to save money and you are lucky enough to have this, most venues can only provide white or ivory linens when it is a part of their wedding package. 

Even though there are many different benefits to having white and ivory linens, the use of colored linens can also look just as magnificent.  It may be a little more tough to mix and match and get the lighting right, but we have seen some exquisite venue spaces with colored linens before.  Be creative and follow your heart on what you believe fits your personality and your vision. 

3.      Other Ways to Use Fabric Besides a Table Cover

Chair Covers: The use of fabric to cover a chair can turn a fabulous chair into a spectacular piece of art that flows with the scenery.  Sure we have seen couples choose to use the venues chairs without a cover or order specialty chairs that match the décor, but the use of a cover and possibly a wrap around of another color, really pulls the whole room together. 

Backdrop:  A very unique way of incorporating fabrics into your wedding day is by using a backdrop made of all linen.  Although this might be an expensive way to incorporate linens because of all the yards it will require, you could use this backdrop at both the ceremony and the reception.  The below picture shows a backdrop that we did in the past that incorporates two different colors and if you look close enough you will see that it has elements of crystal curtains throughout. 

 

 

Aisle: Flowing fabric aisles definitely gives off a romantic and flowing feel to a ceremony space.  Although it may be tough to keep everyone off of it before you walk down the aisle, it will be well worth it.  We have seen some beautiful aisles that are made of linen and are topped with flower pedals going all the way down to the alter or the Mandap.  Below is a picture from one of the weddings we did the décor for that has a breathtaking fabric aisle with floral elements. 

 

 

Mandap and Stage: At Oliveaire we specialize in South Asian weddings.  With the above picture, you can see a gorgeous fabric Mandap made out of all linens with a hint of floral elements.  The stage is also covered with a beautiful soft white fabric.  This luxurious way of decorating a Mandap looks absolutely romantic and the lighting brings out the beautiful pink color.    

4.      Steps You Should Take

1.      Research information and size of tables, chairs and other measurements where you might be incorporating linens.  This information includes if your venue space provides linens or areas close to you that can provide you the linens you want.

2.      Find out Costs.  Call around to many different places and compare costs on the amount of fabric you will need and their services to deliver and possibly set up. 

3.      Consider the costs and envision the best possible outcomes that stay within your budget.

4.      Before ordering, make sure this fabric brings to life the look and feel you have been dreaming about.

5.      Once you are sure, make an order with the company and make sure before your big day that they will be ready on time and that they have everything you ordered. 

               Linen simply adds pure elegance and pulls your dream décor all together.   When choosing your extraordinary linens, make sure to gain as much knowledge as possible, brainstorm and get advice from your close family and friends.  Having all of this information can only help and it will make choosing a lot easier and a lot more fun.  Follow your vision and nothing can go wrong!   

BBFN

Olivia

2015 Hot Trend - Bollywood Inspired Weddings

Large Indian weddings — events that can cost six, sometimes seven, figures — are increasingly coveted by the area’s largest and more luxurious venues.  Bollywood has inspired a hot trend for all types of weddings in 2015 and beyond.    

So what is this fixation upon Bollywood-style and other exotic weddings?  First and foremost it is the opportunity to do something different and daring.  The rituals, Indian music, vibrant shades of orange and red, beautiful saris and the tradition of henna-painted hands, etc. add an element of spice to a well-worn formula, a bit like ethnic food and music would to our daily lives.  Chicago has always been ahead of the times when it comes to a cultural twist on events.  Take a stroll down Devon St. and see all the beautiful Indian & Pakistani influences.

Here are some style tips if you would like to add a cultural Indian influence to your wedding event

Style Tip 1     

Using Metallics in your invitation adds unexpected sparkle, and sets the tone for your magical day.

Style Tip 2

Get creative with your centerpieces.  Cultural weddings are amazingly colorful events.  A floral elephant is a work of art that people will be talking about for months.

Style Tip 3

Use crystal and jeweled accents in your décor to instantly add glam to any room and transport your guests to a faraway place.

Style Tip 4

Pick a colorful sari if you are comfortable wearing one, the colors are limitless.  If not, embellishments such as a colored sash, or ruffles and flowers on your traditional wedding dress count can really add an exciting element to your event.

 

 

Perhaps, there is an underlying myth that these culturally rich marriages are more stable because non-western cultures have superior family values.  In any case Bollywood inspired weddings have enormous crossover appeal into our western society, and it is easy to add an element of rich culture to your wedding if you desire.  The most important element to remember; a Bollywood theme has one aim and objective, and that is fun! Find some great entertainment and go out there and have fun with your culturally infused ideas. 

 

BBFN (Bridal Bliss For Now)

 

Olivia

How “Real” is Reality TV When it Comes to Planning Your Wedding

I love watching “Say Yes to the Dress” & ‘Four Weddings” as much as the next girl. WE TV can distract me for a few hours at a time as I watch couples navigate all of the decisions that go into wedding planning. However, as someone who works in the wedding industry I am watching from a different point of view than a bride-to-be or single girl daydreaming about her big day.

 

Reality TV does a great job of inspiring brides. The best, brightest and most cutting edge trends are highlighted for all to enjoy. Wedding related television shows have guided brides in their gown style, inspired décor and bridal party attire color selections and no doubt helped to create some fantastic celebrations.

However, I fear that reality TV has also given brides some unrealistic expectations when it comes to their big day. Many of these shows do not disclose costs, or at least the full cost of their wedding. For example, it is common to see a bride with a $3,000 budget for a wedding gown on television. Given that the gown is often budgeted at 5% of the total wedding cost, we can guess that this gown is part of a $60,000 wedding. The average wedding cost in the United States is $24,000, which creates an average gown budget of $1,200, quite a difference.

 

 

There are also costs that are unseen to the untrained eye. In addition to the base cost of any wedding related item you need to leave room in your budget to account for tax (often close to 10%), labor, shipping and/or delivery and service charges (most commonly found with your caterer or venue). These fees can range anywhere from 18% to 24% of your total bill. This will grow proportionally with your overall wedding budget.

 

Finally, for better or worse, there needs to be accommodation for the cost of living in different locations. The price of labor will likely be higher in a large metropolitan city (i.e. Chicago, New York) than it is in a smaller city. If you have your heart set on a product only available in a larger city you may end up paying more in shipping fees to get it to you. This information is not meant to scare you, rather provide you information to set realistic expectations.

 

 

Floral designers, bridal gown consultants, and wedding planners truly do love when an inspired bride comes in. It is lovely to work with a couple who know what they are looking for on their wedding day. So, watch all the reality TV you would like to, and keep notes on your favorite ideas. When it comes time to start your planning, be up front and realistic with your budget. Hire professionals you trust, and work with them to create the day that you have been dreaming of.

BBFN (Bridal Bliss for now),

Olivia

Ideas on Selecting Your Special Wedding Date

What does it mean to have “the perfect wedding date?”  To each couple this will likely mean something very different.  Some couples opt for days that have a special significance to them, while others choose the date based on a specific month or season.  No matter the reason for the date you choose, it’s important to keep many aspects in mind before signing contracts. 

Special Significance

Is there a specific event or occasion that occurred, or does occur, on your wedding date?  Or does it just hold significance to you as a couple?  Many a times couples would like to get married around the day they met, or the anniversary of their first date.  This way it will make the past memory even more significant.  It is important to realize that your “special date” may not be available, or may not fall on the particular day of the week you hope to host your wedding. Be prepared to make compromises.  Sometimes you will have to settle for a wedding date that is close to your “special date.”  If you are lucky enough to have your wedding on a significant date to you and your fiancé, then it will the celebration even more special. 

The Four Seasons

            Some couples know a particular season in which they would like to get married, but not necessarily a particular month or date.  Each season does come with its own advantages and disadvantages in regards to hosting your special day.  For example, if you want rich colors to be a part of your wedding, then you are an autumn bride.  However, daylight begins to decrease in these months, so if you want outside photographs be sure to schedule accordingly for these pictures.  Of course, this will also impact you if you want an outdoor ceremony or receptions.  If you are interested in a fall wedding, then try November.  Fewer couples choose to get married then, which could mean more openings at your desired venue.  Of course, avoid Thanksgiving for increased rates and as you know our Chicago weather is quite unpredictable during this time.

 

 

            So you’re interested in an elegant white winter wedding?  During winter you of course will have to be conscious of the limited daylight hours.  Prices may be cheaper in months like December, January, and February since fewer couples tend to get married during these times.  Do keep in mind that there are exceptions to these price breaks, Christmas and New Years are often more expensive in terms of locations and vendors. Out of town guests will also likely have increased travel costs.  In addition, some of your out of town guests may have their own vacations that they have already planned during the holidays.  February can also be more expensive for flowers, especially roses, since vendors see an increase around Valentine’s Day.

            If you have always wanted a fresh feel to your wedding, full of pastels, then a spring wedding will fit the bill.  Do remember that if you want an outdoor ceremony/reception, Chicago’s weather can be unpredictable again to say the least, which could mean snow for your March wedding!  The benefit of having a spring wedding, especially April or May, is that many flowers are in season, which could help in the overall look you are trying to achieve.

 

 

            Who could forget about summer?  It is the most popular time to get married!  Since the summer months are in high demand, especially June, August, and September, the prices for vendors can be higher.  However, the benefits of beautiful weather, long days with lots of sunlight, and endless amount of available flowers may just make the extra costs worth it.  Do remember that not everyone likes the sticky heat and summertime bugs if an outdoor wedding is what your heart desires.

 

Make the day about you, but keep your guests in mind

            The wedding day should be all about you as a bridal couple.  The date you choose will likely affect your dress style, your flowers, the lighting, and possibly even your venue.  While it is your wedding day, it is important to talk it over with immediate family, as well as close friends (such as those whom you wish to have in your bridal party), to ensure they can attend.  It is your day, but you want to be positive the people you want there to celebrate with you are present.

 

            Selecting the date for your special day can be more complicated than you originally thought, but as with all aspects of wedding planning, if you think it through you are sure to find the perfect fit.  This is your fairytale…dream as large as you

BBFN (Bridal Bliss For Now)
Olivia

I've been Asked to be a Bridesmaid, Now What?

Whether it’s your sister, grade school friend or college roommate, some important woman (or man) in your life has invited you to be a part of their bridal party. If you’ve ever been part of a wedding party you know this role comes with fun times, and responsibility.

Here are our top 5 tips on how to best support your bride to be:

1. Start Saving – There is no getting around it, standing up in a wedding is going to cost some money (dress, shoes, showers, etc.). If you say yes to being in a wedding, you are saying yes to the cost of being in the wedding as well. Be realistic about your budget, and if you have any concerns talk to the bride to be before accepting the role. Once you’re on board, spend with a smile. This is someone you love, and she would do (or has done) the same for you.

2. Offer an Opinion – when asked to do so. Respect the decisions the bride feels confidence in making on her own, and offer honest opinions when she asks for them (also remember that she may not take ALL of your suggestions)

3. Lend a Helping Hand – A bride’s to do list is never-ending, or so it seems. As her big day approaches reach out to her, see what you can do. It may be tying ribbons, sorting through contracts to make a contact info. sheet, or going out for a glass (ok, bottle) of wine to de-stress. The bride might not want to ask for help, since you’ve done so much already, but she will appreciate you offering more than you know.

4. Run Interference – Unfortunately there are always going to be people involved in a wedding who cause a bit of trouble. We all have the complaining cousin, opinionated sister-in-law or friend who forgets this day is not about them. Be a buffer between the troublemaker and bride. She has enough to worry about. You may end up with a headache from listening to all that complaining, but someday karma will send the favor back to you.

5. Have Fun – Be her right hand (and left, when necessary), through her wedding day prep, ceremony and all of the formal activities. When it comes time for the reception, kick back and have fun. The bride will most likely be most relaxed during this time, and will take away many happy memories of her guests celebrating the love between her and her new husband.

Abide by all of these guidelines and you are sure to win “Best Supporting Bridesmaid” in our book!

BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),
Olivia

Meet the Team: Ashley Carpenter - Event Architect

 

 About you:

·        Any Nicknames:

o   Ash, Carp, ACarps (My Friends are Very Creative) J

·        Favorite color:

o   Purple

·        Favorite Television Show:

o   The Real Housewives (Any City) & Vanderpump Rules (Reality Television is a guilty pleasure of mine)

o   Parks & Recreation

o   Nashville

o   All of my favorite shows sadly do not air anymore: One Tree Hill, The Office, & Friday Night Lights

·        What you like to do in your spare time:

o   Spend time with my family, boyfriend, friends & my puppy!

o   I belong to the UFC Gym where I box & kickbox (overall love to be active)

o   Snowboard

o   Concerts & sporting events

o   I am constantly dancing (Have been since I was 3)

Why did you become a Wedding Planner?

·        When I first attended Illinois State University, I went in as a Nursing Major… which I figured out very quickly that it was not for me.  Looking for advice from my friends & family on what to do next, 100% of them said that I should be an Event Planner of some sort.  From a very early age, I have constantly planned everything from Family Vacations, to Birthday Parties, to even hanging out with my friends.  So I switched majors, and actually did an Internship with Oliveaire, an internship at The Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island, SC, & one with Paulette Wolf Events in Chicago, & fell in love with this industry!  Everything from utilizing my skills and working with people, to creating a dream day for my clients & the rush I get on the day-of the event, is something that has totally captured me and assures me that I am in the right line of work!  I absolutely love what I do, and it comes across in my work & my events! 

What is your favorite part of planning a wedding?

·        There are so many reasons why I love planning Weddings!  First off, I love getting to know the couple’s story, getting to know them personally, & creating a bond with them that grows throughout our Planning process.  I believe it is so important to really get to know your clients & to form a trusting relationship!  I am planning the biggest day of their lives, and I want them to trust me 110% and to know that I am there for them no matter what!

·        I also love the feeling that I get on-site & when I get into “Planner mode”.  Making sure everything is absolutely perfect & seeing all of my hard work come together to create the couple’s Dream Wedding, is such a great feeling! 

·        But I have to say the best feeling is seeing how grateful & happy the client is, & knowing that they will remember this day for the rest of their lives, and that I was such a big part of that!  I love making people happy, and there truly is no better feeling!

How would you describe your style as a planner?

·        As I have mentioned many times, organization is one of my greatest skills, and is something I use on a day-to-day basis as a planner.  As organized & serious as I can be about my job, I am a very kind & emotionally invested planner, especially when meeting/chatting with my clients! On-site I am very serious, constantly running around and checking to make sure that everything is perfect!  It is my goal to stay on-time, and that all the details are exactly how the client wanted it!  Once everything falls into place, I start to relax & really enjoy being there & directing/assisting where needed.  I make sure the client is constantly happy, fed & enjoying their day. 

What one piece of advice would you give to a newly engaged couple?

·        Advice that I would give a newly engaged couple is do your research, start planning right away, give yourself enough time to plan all of your details, and most importantly, enjoy the planning process & especially enjoy your wedding day!  This only happens once, and you do not want to look back on these months, years, and on your special day as a negative & stressful time!  This is exactly why we recommend hiring a planner, it is the Wedding Gift to yourself that keeps on giving.  Allow an expert to guide & assist you with details that you may not have thought of before, or do not want to stress about!  On the day-of your event, be the Bride & Groom, and allow your family & friends to be the family & friends, and allow your planner to be the one setting up inventory, checking in vendors & confirming their and the venue’s set-up, and making sure everything is going according to plan.  Like I said before, it’s your Wedding Day, enjoy it to the fullest & focus on the perfect moments & the ones you love the most!  

Do you have a favorite wedding moment or event?

·        My favorite event was a beautiful wedding this past December, & the Bride, the Groom & their families could not have been more kind & loving!  The whole planning process was an amazing experience & the client was constantly available, always so generous & appreciative, and I not only got to know the Bride as a client, but as a friend as well!  The event went perfectly, and they deserved every perfect moment of it!  Not only was I thanked many times on-site, I received a letter from the Bride, telling me how appreciative she was and how happy she was about the entire planning process & especially how her event went!  When I still read her letter, it gives me so much happiness & gives me the confidence that this is what I am supposed to do!

How would you describe what you do every day?

·        Another reason why I love my job, is that my days are NEVER the same! From meetings with clients, venues & vendors, to completing necessary paperwork, and constantly on my email & phone calls answering questions that my clients or vendors may have.  I also assisted in creating our Global Event Resource Certification Conferences, and have our first ever conference in April, so I have been very busy with this as well!

What advice would you give someone who wants to start working in the event industry?

·        Make sure that you are EXTREMELY organized, are able to multi-task, and love working with people.  If you can’t say that you are able to do all of these three things, than this business may not be for you. 

·        Also, be prepared to work weekends & nights!  99.9% of weddings happen during the weekend, and most clients cannot meet or take a call until after they are done with work, so make sure you are 100% okay with this before joining this industry.

·        You are about to go into a career that may be very overwhelming at times, but I promise, if you really have a passion for planning & providing the services capable of producing a couple’s dream day, than it will also bring you so much happiness!  Passion is the most important thing to have for this business, and if you have that, it will shine through your work & your events!