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

 

 



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

Design Studio Showcase: Khan & Hussain Wedding: Intercontinental O'Hare

BBFN (Bridal Bliss For Now), 

Oliva

Oliveaire Design Studio Showcase: Chandrasekaran & Lamoreaux Wedding: Intercontinental O'Hare

BBFN (Bridal Bliss For Now), 
Olivia