Were in the early stages of planning our wedding, and it has truly been a nightmare to find a DJ. Half of the ones who are recommended are booked out already, and the other half haven't really passed our vibe check. I can assure you were not picky but were looking for someone who's easy to work with and can keep the night alive. Any recomme͏ndations would be great.
Anyone have a vendor they just can’t shut up about they loved so much? For anything!
Does anyone have opinions / feedback on any of the below bands we are considering for our 2027 wedding. Open to other suggestions - looking for options who will carry entertainment through for cocktail, dinner and dancing.
Yazz Events - Heatwave
David Rothstein Music - Avalon Band
Ron Bedal Orchestra (11 piece)
is there anywhere in chicago or the burbs that can do a sheet tiramisu like this?
Is it realistic to have a budget of $55k for 160 people at the Wellsley? This would include F&B/Venue Fee/Tables/Chairs/Gratuity/Taxes
If anyone has had or is having a wedding there I would love to hear about how your budget broke down.
Thanks!
We are looking to have a party that allows us to use our own caterer due to some religious food requirements for some of the party. We have about 250-300 people. Looking in Chicago or west suburbs if Chicago not possible/available. Thanks!
Has anyone had their wedding or event at either of these venues? I’m torn between both and would like some help deciding. Celeste’s price point is better and I do like how they have different rooms for reception, cocktail hour, etc. But Gibsons Italia is so pretty and I would imagine the food is better as well. I’m curious if anyone has had their ceremony/cocktail hour/reception and what their experience was like. This would be for a Summer wedding with around 30 people. Thank you!
Hi everyone, looking for a DJ for my June 2027 wedding!
We’re hoping to find someone with great energy behind the booth, who enjoys getting to know us as a couple so they can understand our tastes and build the vibe around that. We’d also love someone who offers a strong uplighting package with additional lighting effects that sync with the music.
Thank you!
Hi!
I’m planning on getting married in 2027 and looking at venues that can seat up to 75 people and our total budget is 30-40k(venue, catering, flowers,etc.) , any recommendations for venues around downtown that are already nicely decorated and beautiful to photograph that fit this? Has anyone had experience with Tortoise Supper Club, I’ve read a couple threads but no transparent costs
Hi! I put save the dates for my wedding in the mail (USPS at Ashland and Wellington) on Monday, May 11th. As of today (5/19) people who live in Houston, NC, and DC have received theirs, but friends who live within the city and family in the suburbs still haven't. It seems as though the vast majority of guests have not received. I'm freaking out a little. What has other peoples experiences with the mail been like lately? Has it seemed to take over 2 weeks?
Hello,
Can someone recommend or point me to anyone that can help do an 1hr-1.5hr shoot in the loop? Me and my fiance are planning on doing our court marriage on June 18th and wanted to do a shoot after.
Any recommendations would be appreciated!
Why does every artist on Zola feel like a scam? I know many are freelance artists, but it’s super hard to tell the difference especially with instagram profiles. I feel like people can easily steal pics. Any suggestions on making sure you find a legit artist for makeup and hair?
Does anyone have recommendations on boudoir photographers. Prefer the west suburbs but very willing to travel further. What was your experience? How much did you pay? Thanks!
We’re getting married at the Union League Club on a Saturday in March, hoping to host our out of town guests for pre-wedding welcome drinks the night before. We were originally thinking about hosting at the club but it’s ~$10k F/B min before tax/tip.
Does anyone have a recommendation for a good spot to host ~100 people for just welcome drinks? Standing/cocktail, no food needed (because we’ll be doing a small rehearsal dinner beforehand). Also what can I expect to pay, is $10k the norm?? I don’t have a set budget just trying to figure out what the standard is. THANK YOU!
Recently downsized our guest list to 91 (kids were removed lol)
We have a small budget 25k for venue/f&b. I know it seems impossible but i’m really hoping to stick around that budget number.
We are looking for a venue available April-June 2027
some places we’ve been looking at:
cindy’s (scared to get a quote)
cantingy park
beatnik
galleria marchetti
firehouse
conservatory garden
chef o’neill’s
cog hill golf course
We live a state away and we’re actually heading out there this weekend! We are going to try and see some of the places such as: cindy’s, beatnik, chef o’neills.
Has anyone had a wedding at any of the listed places above and how much did you end up spending?
Wondering which of these places should I maybe cross off my list?
Anyone have any venues to add? Willing to look anywhere in the city!
What was the biggest unexpected cost or thing that you under budgeted for?
Hi everyone,
I'm a June 2026 bride looking for an affordable wedding photographer.
My fiancé and I are doing a small (<20 people), family-only ceremony in Geneva, IL on a weekday. The place we're renting only hosts ceremonies, so we're only going to need 2 hrs max of coverage for photos.
Does anyone know of any photographers who charge an hourly rate that they can recommend, or are there any on this sub who might be interested? TYIA!
Update: thank you everyone for all of your suggestions! we ended up finding someone to do our pictures (: I appreciate all the help!!
Hi all!! I’m looking for suggestions for a day-of coordinator who would set up decorations in our reception space (while we are at our ceremony elsewhere) and then coordinate our venue/spotify playlists/timeline during the reception for our October wedding! We aren’t looking for any planning help. Thank you!
Or any other amazing band options for a 2027 wedding!
I've always wanted a black wedding dress, but now that we're actually planning... I have no idea where to go for one!
I have no interest in shopping online for the dress.
I'm open to something completely custom as well. Budget isn't an issue.
I'm in the SW burbs, interested in anywhere in the city or burbs.
Thanks!