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BANQUETS, RECEPTIONS, SHOWERS & PARTIES
Cathy Cassatta, CTW Features
If you’ve always dreamed of an over-the-top
fairytale wedding, from your venue to your
dress and everything in-between, your dream
can come true. Make your day as magical as
you envision with these tips.
PALACES, PLEASE
Nothing says fairytale like a castle. The
aesthetic is already there and your guests will
surely feel like they’re witnessing a prince and
princess exchange vows.
If a castle is out of your range in cost or
proximity, renting a mansion is a good
alternative. Whichever venue you go with,
pick one that works with your colors rather
than spending on covering the carpets and
so forth.
Also, ensure you have enough space to
execute your vision. The ceilings should be
high enough and sturdy enough to hang
chandeliers. When you walk into a reception,
the first place the eyes go is up. Chandeliers
add drama and opulence even in the most
derelict of spaces.
DELIGHT WITH DÉCOR
Just like fairytales are different, so are décor
options. Choose between tender pastel colors
for dark overstated venues and colorful
combinations for ‘blank space’ venues
with lots of natural light. Go for grand tall
centerpieces in spaces with lots of volume
but choose numerous smaller compositions
where you want to create a cozy atmosphere.
Always use lots of candles and dim the lights
for extra ‘wow.’
Flowers can do wonders, too. Try doing a
moss wall embellished with flowing ivy and
accenting it with white, peach, and dusty
pink flowers.
Lush arrangements and over-growing
nature give a “Sleeping Beauty” look while
placing flowers under cake plates, clear glass
whimsical vases and clear glass cloches can
remind guests of “Beauty and the Beast.”
In fact, incorporate accents related to any
fairytale that you desire. An antique teapot
on some of the tables with flowers designed
within, old fairytale books adding to some
of the tablescapes, a glass slipper as another
table accent, giant vintage mirrors and small
pastel blue bird accents.
LOOK THE PART
Your dress can take you and guests into a
world of allure. Pick a style that’s best for your
shape and that’s full of fairytale details. Then
accessorize.
A detachable cape is the perfect accessory
– one that drapes between the shoulders
and attaches at the top of each shoulder to
the lining of the sleeve. But capelets are not
just for the cold shoulder. Go for luxury
combined with glitz by choosing a crystal-
encrusted cape for a signature statement.
Gloves can also add elegance. They can be
wrist length, over the elbow, satin, lace or
even sheer.
For lovers of Romeo and Juliet, your season
has arrived. Romantic wedding dresses
with cinched waists, voluminous shoulders,
flowing fabrics and 3D floral embellishments
are all unforgettable.
And bridesmaids can get in the glamour
game too by glimmering down the aisle
in a full sequin dress. A jeweled sash can
complete the look. Additional accessories
that will help add that extra sparkle to a
bridal party include chandelier earrings or
some pretty metallic heels.
© CTWFeatures
Step into a Fairytale
Wedding
Add glitz and glamour to
your day with white, peach,
gold, and millennial pink
12 | SPRING 2018
CHICAGO WEDDING & PARTY RESOURCE
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