History of Chicago Wedding Fashion on Display

Did you know that Chicago brides in the early 1800s once donned wedding dresses that were brown, green blue or even black? They had to use their wedding gown as their special occasion gown as well!

If you are in the Chicago area, be sure to check out Chicago History Museum's "I Do! Chicago Ties the Knot." The exhibit showcases 150 years of Chicago wedding fashion, and includes wedding and bridesmaid dresses, accessories and men's attire.

The Chicago history museum is located at 1601 North Clark Street. Adult admission is $14, seniors and students 13-22 are $12. Children 12 and under are free. The museum is also free for everyone on Mondays!

Wedding Send Off Ideas

We've had a short hiatus from blog writing (okay, 6 months) but we're happy to be blogging again! Hope you like this one...

The tradition of throwing rice at the bride and groom as a wedding send-off is almost non-existent today. Many churches and other ceremony venues have banned throwing rice because it leaves a huge mess for them to clean up. Also, people can slip and fall on the rice, which is a liability for the venue (and not so great for wedding photos). Here are some great ideas for sending-off the newly married couple without the mess!

Bubbles

Perfect for a warm, daytime wedding. Large selection in bottle/wand design and easy to coordinate with wedding colors.

Bells

Easy to handle, easy to decorate, and available in various types, bells are a great way to "ring in" the happy new couple! Appropriate for any time of the day and can be used at the reception to request newlywed kisses.

Ribbon Wands
Beautiful ribbon wands are new on the wedding scene and look elegant in white, or can coordinate with the wedding colors. Best for daytime weddings.

Dove Release

A long-standing tradition for weddings, white doves are symbols of love, hope, peace and the soul. They also mate for life and, according to superstition, if you see a pair of doves on your wedding day you will have a long and happy marriage.

Sparklers

Definitely a good choice for an evening wedding, sparklers create an atmosphere of fun and excitement. Just be certain of the weather; rain and wind could ruin this happy send off!

Glow Wands

Send off the young, fun couple (who are also planning a pretty rowdy reception) with glow wands! Clearly suited for the night sky, glow wands can really spice up a reception - and kids love them too!

Couture Envelopes

As modern couples become more adventureous with their wedding invitation designs, wedding invitation envelopes are evolving as well. Plain White envelope? Plain Cream envelope? Nope. A couture envelope guarantees that your invitation will stand out in the mail!

Try a bright, bold colored envelope that coordinates with your invitation set ... make a statement with the invitation graphic printed on the envelope ... consider an envelope liner made from beautiful paper that has colors and patterns that complement the invitation design.

Incorporating couture envelopes into the invitation will help complete your custom wedding stationery set!

Marion Street Cheese Market

If you are in the Oak Park area, stop in at Marion Street Cheese Market. They have an incredible selection of artisan cheese from local farms and renowned cheesemakers throughout the United States and Europe. Along with their expansive selection of cheeses, Marion Street Cheese Market offers fine wines and craft beers that pair well with their cheese offerings.

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The Marion Street Cheese Market cafe also offers a small plates menu that celebrates farm fresh, organic produce from local growers. Special tip: visit on Wednesdays when they take 30% off their wine, beer and cheese flights!

Simply Elegant Bridal Event

"Simply Elegant ... An Original Showcase of All Things Wedding" is being held at the beautiful Historic Pleasant Home in Oak Park, Illinois on February 19 and February 20.

Local wedding industry professionals will be showcasing their unique services in addition to Three Graces Design. From Parvaneh, an incredibly talented wedding dress designer - to Chris Guillen, a photographer that truly captures a moment - to the Becca Kaufman Orchestra (BKO) whose music will have our guests on their feet all night long ... this event promises not to be your typical bridal show!

Delicious hors d'oeuvres from 2MayToz, Maya del Sol, and Marion Street Cheese Market, pastries by Maggie Roeder Cakes and wine will be available for sampling. Brides who register for the event will receive a fabulous "swag bag." With a donation of an item of evening wear for The Glass Slipper Project the $10 admission fee will be waived. Space is limited so make your reservations now at weddings@greatestexpectations.com.