Chicago Wedding & Party Resource 2018 Fall / Winter

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4 | FALL & WINTER 2018 CHICAGO WEDDING & PARTY RESOURCE
It’s the Most Wedding-ful me of the Year
Fall has overtaken summer as the ‘it’ wedding season.
Here’s what you need to know to throw the wedding of your dreams during peak season
By Nola Sarkisian-Miller, CTW Features
Along with adversely impacting our
planet, global warming is influencing
a less-serious activity: weddings.
According to statistics, fall has
overtaken summer as the most popular
wedding season with 40 percent of
couples planning fall ceremonies. Fall’s
warmer months and cheaper fees
are a huge selling point.
So, if brides want to lock in a special
date during this busy time, they
shouldn’t wait.
“The number one thing to do is plan
ahead,” says Jaclyn Watson, who
owns an eponymous wedding planning
firm, catering to $250,000 to $1 million
weddings. “Book at least eight months
out to ensure you get your preferred
date, venue, planner and photographer
secured.”
Another thing to consider is how much
work a couple wants to invest in the
wedding. Would the duo prefer to
research everything or book a package
complete with catering and wedding
vendors and coast through the planning
process?
“Brides tell me that they like the
flexibility of a wedding where they
control the details,” says Mandy Connor.
“Others say that it can cost more than
they realize so make sure the venues are
upfront about all of that.”
For those who are DIYers and call
Pinterest home, brides can realize their
dreams of a rustic, yet modern wedding
at sites that require couples to bring in
everything from catering to music.
Another option to consider is how long
you want that wedding celebration to
last. If couples would love a marathon
of events, finding a locale that can
comfortably suit you and guests for a
weekend or more can help edit down
your search.
“If you’re considering a destination
wedding, find a place that can really tell
your story and offer activities that you
would all like,” Watson says.
Often finding that crimson fall foliage
and that serene wedding setting means
traveling out of the way. If convenience
is of utmost importance, think about
accessibility, especially if you’re the type
of couple that needs to revisit a wedding
site multiple times before the big day.
When it comes to planning outdoor fall
weddings, couples naturally couples
about the remote chance of inclement
weather, so make sure venues offer Plan
B contingencies. For fall color fanatics,
Oct. 14th to Nov. 18th guarantees the
most “brilliant” hues.
For other couples, it’s all about the
glorious food and ensuring guests aren’t
treated to a requisite chicken dinner,
even in warmer climes.
© CTW Features
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