PLANNING A SPECIAL EVENT?
Planning your special event should not deplete your life savings, or your parents life savings. Today’s technology affords us the ability to research all of the luxurious looks and styles that we love via Pinterest and The Knot, while fabulous community living magazines like Glancer introduce you to the many places where you can bring those looks and styles to life locally, with ease and on a budget. Here’s are 7 Spectacular Budget-Loving Special Event Finds that every bride and special event planner should check out.
1. The Bridal Boutique
NAPERVILLE The Bridal Boutique of Naperville carries a large variety of designer wedding gowns at affordable prices. Appointments are available for day, evening and weekends. Dubbed the “Sample” shop of the western suburbs, there is no waiting or ordering, as all gowns are available off the rack and at a discount. With over 400 gowns in stock and at a discount, brides are sure to find their dream dress right here in Naperville. www.thebridalboutiqueofnaperville.com
2. DeEtta’s Bakery
NAPERVILLE DeEtta’s Bakery was created in 2009 by Morgan and Kevin Tyschper out of a passion for artisan baked goods and breads. DeEtta’s focus is to bring scratch-made baked goods to the Chicagoland area with exceptional customer service. They source the finest local ingredients and our products use real butter, flour, sugar, and eggs. Visit the wedding gallery on their site and schedule an appointment today. www.deettasbakery.com
3. Century Memorial
NAPERVILLE Built in 1864 the charm and elegance of Century Memorial Chapel comes through in its original stained glass windows and decorative hand stenciling. The curved buttresses, carved pews and globe lighting highlight the Gothic Revival style of architecture. This historic wedding venue near downtown Naperville was moved in 1970 from Jefferson and Ellsworth Streets in Naperville to its present site as the cornerstone of Naper Settlement, a history museum. With seating for up to 175 guests, our nondenominational chapel is the perfect setting for your wedding ceremony. Come make some memories in one of Chicagoland's only historic wedding chapels! www.napersettlement.org
4. Hickory Knolls
ST. CHARLES Need a place for a wedding, baby shower, business meeting, family reunion or special event? We found a unique and special space for you! The Hickory Knolls Discovery Center is a 10,500 sq. ft. building featuring a spacious lobby that soars more than 20 feet in height, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame views of the oak savanna just outside the doors. A wide range of attractions appeals to visitors of all ages including live animal displays, interactive floor-to-ceiling murals, indoor turtle pond, wetland exhibit, and more. Available weekdays, evenings and weekends with rates starting as low as $25 an hour. Kitchen and audio visual equipment additional. www.stcnature.org/weddings-rentals
5. Zola FREE ONLINE WEDDING PLANNER Simply so great! It’s a free wedding website, registry, checklist, and guest list all in one place. First you choose a stunning design for your site by following a step-by-step guide to personalize it with photos, stories and all the info your guests need. Then, you integrate your registry so guests only have to go to one place. You can also link to other registries, too from Zola. Here, you also manage your guest list and so much more. Say "Bye!" to unwieldly text and email chains. Use Zola’s dynamic tool to help you with all things guest-related. www.zola.com
6. Tradesy
ONLINE TRADING SITE If you haven’t heard of this super great wedding site, get ready to be ultra excited. Hop online and sell what you own, buy what you want. Tradesy makes resale fast, simple and stylish - for buyers and sellers. With over 125,000 search results after typing in the word “wedding” this is no doubt the next greatest place to shop for beautiful wedding items on a budget, and also the right spot to sell your items. Check it out today! www.tradesy.com
7. Luxury Bridal Expos
NAPERVILLE & GLEN ELLYN Come celebrate all things bridal and simplify your planning. See the couture show and meet the experts. Discover top resources in Chicagoland and the best wedding professionals in The Windy City. Each Wedding Show will feature special incentives. You’ll love seeing everything in one place!
Sunday, July 30 ♥ Chicago Marriott Naperville Naperville
Doors Open: 11:30am-4pm
Fashion Show: 2:30pm
Sunday, August 20 ♥ Abbington Banquets, Glen Ellyn Doors Open: 11:30am-4pm Fashion Show: 2:30pm
