WeddingWire Rated 2011!

WeddingWire Rated 2011 Weddings, Wedding Planning, Wedding Websites, Wedding Venues
 

One Fine Day Events is now WeddingWire Rated for 2011

Downers Grove, IL – May 2, 2012 – WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, is pleased to announce that One Fine Day Events is WeddingWire Rated 2011 for Wedding Planners. WeddingWire Rated is an annual award program that distinguishes wedding vendors across the country for their excellence. Based on hundreds of thousands of recent wedding reviews, WeddingWire Rated is the most recognized and trusted brand among engaged couples looking to find the best local businesses for their wedding.

Reviews by our newlywed clients include detailed ratings and insightful descriptions about their experiences working with our business and staff. Our reviews provide transparency for potential clients, assisting them in making the most informed decisions for their big day.

“We are delighted to unveil the 5th annual WeddingWire Rated program,” said Timothy Chi, CEO, WeddingWire, Inc. “One Fine Day Events has made a commitment to capturing their clients experiences on the nation’s leading wedding review site.”

As the largest site for wedding reviews, WeddingWire empowers engaged couples with the most comprehensive and trusted review system available. The WeddingWire Rated program provides One Fine Day Events with a simple platform to capture customer feedback from their wedding planning experience. Newly engaged couples can easily access all of the reviews for One Fine Day Events on WeddingWire.com. We would like to thank our newlyweds for our WeddingWire Rated 2011 recognition.

For more information, please visit One Fine Day Events on WeddingWire at http://www.weddingwire.com/biz/one-fine-day-events-serving-chicgoland-surrounding-suburbs/a5b4b0640df72d7e.html.

For more information on WeddingWire Rated 2011, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.

About WeddingWire, Inc.
WeddingWire, the nation’s leading technology company serving the $70 billion wedding industry, is the only online wedding planning resource designed to empower both engaged couples and wedding professionals. For engaged couples, WeddingWire offers the ability to search, compare and book over 200,000 local wedding vendors, from wedding venues to wedding photographers to wedding cakes. WeddingWire also offers an online community and a suite of cutting-edge planning tools for weddings, including wedding websites and wedding checklists, all at no charge. For wedding professionals, WeddingWire provides free online management tools creating the only market opportunity that gives local businesses control over their clients, reviews, leads and performance. Businesses that join the WeddingWire Network appear on WeddingWire.com and other leading sites, including ProjectWedding.com, MarthaStewartWeddings.com (NYSE: MSO), Weddingbee.com, and Celebrations.com (part of the 1-800-Flowers family of brands, NASDAQ: FLWS).

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Great Wedding Photo Locations in the Chicagoland Area

Today I thought I would answer the question I receive from every bride.. “Where in Chicago should I take my wedding photos?”

There are so many unique places in Chicago to take great wedding photos…the list goes on and on.   Below, I put together a few of my favorite hot spots in the Chicagoland area for wedding and engagement photos! Enjoy!!

Chicago

Adler Planetarium, Buckingham Fountain, Kinzie Street Railroad Bridge, Lincoln Park Conservatory, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, North Avenue Beach, Northerly Island, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Northern Chicago Suburbs

Botanic Gardens, Independence Grove, Lighthouse Beach, Ryerson Conservation, Shakespeare Garden

Northwest Chicago Suburbs

Monument Park, Prairie Center for the Arts, Town Square, Volkening Lake

South Chicago Suburbs

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Lake Katherine

West Chicago Suburbs

The Arcada Theatre, Cantigny Park, Naperville’s Naper Settlement, Morton Arboretum

 



 

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How To Know When It’s Time To Hire A Wedding Planner!

Some brides think that wedding planners are a luxury item that they can’t afford.  The truth is, a planner can be extremely cost effective and can save you time and money.

One of the main reasons that people often choose to hire wedding planners is due to their connections. This is their profession and something that they do on a daily basis. They have networks of relationships and connections with establishments and vendors meaning extra discounts they can pass along to you!

Here are some tips on how to know when it’s time to call a professional:

  • If you are an unorganized person and a bad procrastinator to begin with, you need to hire a planner
  • If you are getting married somewhere other then close to where you live (i.e. destination wedding) you need to hire a wedding planner
  • If you have been engaged for months but haven’t started any planning yet, you need to hire a wedding planner
  • If your wedding is a couple months away and you haven’t finished planning everything, you need to hire a wedding planner to help finish up those last minute things
  • If you are very stressed while planning your wedding, you need to hire a wedding planner
  • If you want to make sure your wedding runs smoothly, you need to hire a wedding planner
  • If you want to relax and enjoy your one fine day, you need to hire a wedding planner

 

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7 Bridal Show Tips

Bridal Shows can be fierce..especially when you aren’t prepared!  I’m here to offer some tips to help you tackle your next bridal show.

1.)  Wear comfortable shoes! There’s no time for rest.. you’ll want to get in and get out so dress comfortably!

2.)  Bring someone with you. Trust me, you’re going to need an extra set of hands to help you schlep all of the info that you collect from different vendors.  Whether it be your mother, fiance, maid of honor or all three..these extra hands can help you make decisions and make the show fun!

3.) See if you can pre-register for the show. Registering early will save you time at the door and in some cases, may also get you discounted tickets if they aren’t already free.

4.)  Print out adhesive labels with your info ahead of time. Many vendors will want your name, address, and email address and let’s face it.. no one wants to write their info over and over!  Printed labels will be your saving grace.  Simply peel and stick and you’re good to go!

5.) Try to visit every vendor.  Even if you already have that particular category booked, it doesn’t hurt to stop and see what others are doing.. who know, you may stumble upon a few good ideas that you didn’t consider!

6.)  Create a temporary wedding email account. Keep things organized with a separate email account this way your regular email will not be bombarded with offers.

7.)  Bring Cash or Credit. Many vendors offer show specials and you may want to lock down your date right there and then. By being prepared, you can kill two birds with one stone!

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Destination Beach Wedding Inspiration Board

I’ve been thinking more and more about all you lovely Brides opting for  a destination or summer coastal style wedding and wanted to share with you some of the inspiration that’s been swimming around in my head.

Whether your ceremony is seaside or lakeside, there is something so loving and peaceful about being surrounded by nature!  For coastal fun, I love the look of a seashell, starfish or a coral motif.

From top left to right: table decor, coral place card holders, beach side wedding gift basket, destination save the dates, aqua wedding cake, coral bottle stopper, bridesmaid dress, beach sign, wedding programs, rustic wedding sign.

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7 Must Have Items For Your Bridal Emergency Kit

Zippers could stick, buttons could break, and hair could go wild.. I make it a point to have on hand everything you could possibly need to allow me to handle any last minute situation.  But chances are, you will want to prepare your own wedding-saving kit.  Here’s what you will need, and only a few reasons why you might need them:

1.  Sewing Kit: You never know when someone might loose a button or rip a seam!  And don’t forget the mini scissors – there’s always something that needs cutting, weather it be a loose thread or the price tag left on a dress or accessory.

2. Super Glue: I once saw a bridesmaid break her heel right before the ceremony — super glue came in reeeeeally handy.

3. Pins, Pins, and More Pin:. A single pin works wonders! Bobby pins will tame wild locks of hair.  Extra corsage pins will keep your groomsmen looking schnazzy.  Safety pins – they can prevent a multitude of dramas.  The pin, safety or non-, is by far one of the most versatile object ever invented! If your strap breaks, it saves the day; if one of your groomsmen loses a button, it saves the day; if the flower on your groom doesn’t want to stay on, it saves the day! No need to say more? Make sure you have an assortment of these must haves in your emergency kit!

4.  Pain Relievers and Other Medications: Allergy and stomach remedies are essentials for any bride. It is better to be prepared in case you get a headache or your allergies act up that your not sneezing during your vows.

5.  A Stain Remover: Don’t let a stain or spot on your dress ruin your entire day. Seamstress chalk is ideal for covering up any minor imperfections. For wine stains, first dab the dress with a wet cloth (never rub!) and cover the remains with the chalk. Baby powder is another great option for covering grease, lipstick or ink stains.

6. Touchup Kit: Packing extra makeup and a compact mirror in your clutch will help you keep that glowing bride look all day long. There are sure to be tears, so don’t forget tissues too! To save space, look for sample sizes of your favorite products & include a few blotting tissues to help you get rid of any unwanted shine.

7. Perfume and Sprays: Keep yourself looking and feeling fresh all day by packing travel sized bottles of your favorite perfume. Travel sized hairspray will help keep everything in place and of course you don’t want to forget a mini bottle of deodorant. And while a little antiperspirant can’t calm your nerves, if you spray it on your (or your groom’s) palms, it can help cure any sweaty palms before the ceremony and prevent any mishaps while exchanging the rings.

So now you have packed all of the wedding day emergency kit essentials and still have room to spare. Why not add a few more items? When it comes to this important day, you can never be too prepared. Additional items you can add to your wedding day emergency kit include:

  • Clear finger nail polish – to stop any runs that may begin in your or your bridesmaids’ pantyhose. If however, you want to be 100% prepared, then bring a spare pare of hose.
  • Mints, travel sized mouthwash or travel sized toothbrush and tooth paste – to keep your breath minty fresh all day
  • Scotch, masking or double sided tape – whatever you think you may need
  • Needle & thread – to fix any last minute wardrobe emergencies that may arise. Just make sure you have thread to match the outfits of everyone in your bridal party from you and your groom, to the bridesmaids and groomsmen
  • Travel sized comb – to tame any unruly tresses
  • Eye drops and/or spare contacts – to combat any eye irritation you or your husband-to-be may experience throughout the day
  • Lint roller – to keep your bridesmaids and groomsmen looking their best all day
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    5 Things Every Bride Should Do Before Planning A Wedding

    Bling, Bling.. You Got the Ring! You’re engaged.. so now what?

    Here are 5 things to help start you off on your exciting journey!

    1.  Get ring sized and insured- Although you cant fathom even taking your ring off, as soon as you have it sized get it insured.
    2.  Establish a budget!- After telling your parents the big news, start seeing if any family is willing to help. Put together a budget, with everything itemized. (Refer to our last blog which tells you a couple things a bride might forget when putting together a budget)
    3.  Decide on a date- the date of the wedding can efftect the budget. In some cases having your wedding on a Friday or Sunday could save you some money.
    4.  Hire a professional wedding planner- Professional wedding planners like One Fine Day Events have abundant knowledge of local wedding vendors. Planners can help save you time as well as money by recommending vendors that will fit into your budget and style.
    5.  Come up with a guest list- Even if its a rough guest list, it will give you an idea of how much the recpetion would be.
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    Spring 2012 Color Palette – Margarita, Bellflower & Sweet Lilac

    This week I’m celebrating Spring and I don’t know about you, but I absolutely love this color combo.. bright, cheerful and oh-so romantic.  I can’t help but smile!

    From top left to right: Lovely Lilac Bouquet, Subtly Sweet Wedding Cake, It Takes Two Invitation, Striped Tie, Daisy Die Cut Card, Miniature Garden Shovel Favor, Cupcakes

     

     

     

     

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    Hot Wedding Colors for Spring 2012

    Spring has finally sprung  – do you know what’s in for this season?  According to Pantone (the color experts!) this seasons top picks consist of vivid brights, soft muted tones and fun-loving pastels.  I’m thrilled to see that many of my clients palettes are right on board with these tones!! My personal favorite.. Cockatoo!  Stay tuned for some inspiration boards to come..

     

     

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    10 Things You Should Factor Into Your Wedding Budget

    Keeping your wedding on a budget can be one of the hardest tasks a bride can face.  Especially when things keep popping up that you didn’t know you would have to pay for.  We put together a list of some things that are commonly forgotten to add into the budget.
    1.  Tax and Gratuity for Vendors
    2.  Postage for Invites and RSVP return cards
    3.  Cake Cutting Fee - some vendors charge extra to cut and serve the cake (double check in your contract)
    4.  Dance Floor - it is not uncommon for venues to charge for a dance floor (Make sure you read the fine print)
    5.  Make up and Hair Trials - you still have to pay the make up and hair artist to do a trial run before the wedding
    6.  Religious Classes - some Church’s require you to take pre marriage classes before saying “I Do”
    7.  Church Music - in some cases the Church fees do not include the music. Check ahead of time to make sure you do not have to pay extra for a pianist/organist etc.
    8.  Dress Alterations
    9.  Marriage License
    10. Food for the Helping Hands - do not forget to add the DJ, wedding planner, photographer and videographer in your final head count. Since these vendors will be putting in a long day and do not have time to run and get food, it is customary to feed them while they are at the wedding.
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