Wedding Flowers Chicago

Couples planning their wedding for this Spring, are faced with an unprecednted challenge.  Safety guidelines designed to combat COVID-19 make social gatherings and food service virtually out of the question, travel is becoming increasingly difficult, some critical wedding vendors may be temporarily closed, and no one knows when precautions will be lifted.   What's a couple to do? 

Whatever you do, don't panic.  We'll get through this together.  But, If you're facing this dilema, here are a few valuable tips and options to consider.

Contact your vendors, starting with your venues, hotels (if any), food providers, and florist.  Most will be very accommodating, offer suggestions, and even tentatively hold alternate dates for you in the future.  Many will also be glad to apply some or all of your deposit to a future date.

Don't be in too much of a rush to reschedule.  We'll all know a lot more in weeks to come.  And, don't feel you're alone.  Thousands and thousands of couples all over America are having to adjust their wedding plans just like you.

Can't wait to get married?  Consider a small private ceremony now and a large post-wedding reception later.  For the ceremony, you can probably include your maid of honor, best man, officiant, and parents, if you wish.  Your other guests will understand and many will even be grateful.  If you pursue this option, consider making it a virtual wedding by streaming your ceremony to family and friends, so they can share the moment with you regardless of their location, age, or health concerns.

The good news?  According to WeddingPro, 96% of couples facing the Spring 2020 challenge are rescheduling at least their reception, with roughly 60% opting for July through October, 15% shifting to 2021, and 23% still deciding on a date.  So, if you're thinking about doing the same, you're definitly in good company.  Most importantly, your wedding can still be a truly beautiful and memorable event, and years from now you'll have a great story to tell your kids and grandkids, too.

Credits:  Photo courtesy of Kristina Taheri Events and Phillip's Flowers.

We loved being a part of this exquisite wedding at Old Saint Patrick's Church in Chicago and the Crystal Tree Golf and Country Club in Orland Park.  The bride and groom, Monica and Tom, were incredible, and their wedding flowers were, too.  Monica carried an elegant bouquet of graceful mini calla lilies.  Other flowers the couple selected included Amelia roses, white tulips, and white hydrangeas.  The reception had an elegant white and gold theme with alternating height centerpieces, Italian Ruscus accents, and romantic candlelight throughout.  And, the wedding cake was truly a work of art!  See more of this stunning wedding, captured by Andre LeCour and recognized by Weddings Chicago, at Clementine Custom Events.  Congratulations Monica and Tom.  Your wedding day was spectacular!

Credits:  LaCour Images, Clemintine Custom Events, Crystal Tree Golf and Country Club, Old St. Patrick's Church

Lauren and Alan discovered  each other online.  After a first date at Blackthorn Pub in Mt. Greenwood, they became fast friends.  Over time the relationship grew.  Alan popped the question during a family trip to Michigan in December 2019, and Lauren said, "Yes."  Their beautiful wedding was the following November, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Chicago, followed by a stunning candlelight reception at the Hyatt Lodge in Oak Brook.  For her floral designs, Lauren chose a natural, botanical theme, with roses, garden roses, cybidium orchids, delphinium, stock, blue thistle, Dusty Miller, echeveria, and more.  Friends and family celebrated with great food, live music, lots of dancing, and a wonderful candy station, too. It was all captured beautifully by Victoria and her team at Sprung Photo.  Congratulations Lauren and Alan.  Your wedding was wonderful, and you are, too!

Thank you WS Photography for sharing these great images from Marissa and Andrew's gorgeous wedding day.  From the inspiring ceremony at St. Clement Catholic Church to the elegant reception at the University Club of Chicago, everything was picture perfect.  We loved the colors and texture's in Marissa's bouquet.  And, the venues were exceptional, too.  But, it was the sweet couple and their loved ones that made this November wedding so wonderful.  What a treat to play a part.  Congratulations Andrew and Marissa.  It was a joy to help you celebrate your incredible day

Credits:  WS Photography, Five Grain Events, The Mix Musical Service, Smiling Toad Video Productions, Absolute Limousine Service, Concept One Photograhy, and Nika Vaughan.

Whether your wedding will be casual or elegant, classic or modern, modest or over the top, here are five things every bride should know to make sure her wedding flowers and reception decorations are picture perfect on her wedding day.

Bailie and Tyler | Photo courtesy of Jenna Marie Photography

1.  Your wedding flowers are too important to trust to just any florist, friend, or family member.  Find an experienced wedding florist with the resources you need to make your wedding gorgeous and worry-free.  Ask about his or her experience, credentials, awards, and support team.  A professional company that has decorated hundreds of weddings will bring years of valuable experience to your wedding, too. 

2.  Every wedding is unique, and floral design is a creative, collaborative process.  So, meet with your wedding florist in person.  Call to schedule a convenient time.  Feel free to bring a few pictures or fabric swatches.  Ask questions.  Be open to ideas.  And, understand that the initial proposal is only a starting place.  Once you find the right vision and chemistry, minor changes are easy.

3.  Remember the "big picture," especially when it comes to price.  While some large event companies and downtown city florists may charge a little more due to overhead, most florists' prices are surprisingly similar.  Where they differ is usually in quality, creativity, overall ambiance, and execution.  So remember, it's not just about price; it's more about value and the overall impact.  A great florist will bring you the "best bang for your buck" with a combination of the right flowers, design elements, rental options, and services for you.  Just be honest about your financial comfort zone, be open to suggestions, and get ready to be "wowed" by the results. 

What's a typical budget for wedding flowers?  It can be anything from as little as $1,500 to more than $50,000, with most weddings and receptions in the $3,000 to $6,000 range.  The choice is up to you.  What can be done with your budget depends a lot on the florist you choose.

4.  Looking for the best value?  Don't get too hung up on one unusual flower.  Availability and price can vary by season.  Let your florist know what flowers you love, but be open to one or two alternatives, too.  Your florist can advise you on the best quality and value for the look you want to achieve.

Floral Centerpiece | Photo courtesy of Kristina Taheri Special Events

5.  Take time to discuss details.  Flowers help pull everything together.  So, in addition to your bouquet, the bridal party flowers, and the reception centerpieces, consider entry and aisle decorations, alter arrangements, corsages for mother's and grandmothers, an arch, chuppah, or mandap, the head table, cake decoration, candles, and even powder room accents.  Extra touches make a big difference, and many florists will be happy to transport some items from the ceremony to the reception, so you get the most out of your gorgeous designs.

For wedding flowers that "wow" but don't "break the bank," find a florist who's experience, talent, and team will take things to the highest level for you.  Meeting in person is usually the best way to start.  You don't have to be an expert, that's the florist's job.  You just need to get acquainted, share ideas, and start the collaborative process.  An experienced wedding florist will guide you from there.

Getting married in the Chicago area?  Call to schedule a free consultation with a wedding expert at one of the Phillip's Flowers locations in Elmhurst, Hinsdale, La Grange, Lombard, Naperville, Westmont, and Wheaton.  Or, call (630) 719-5186 to speak to the wedding team at our Design Center today.

Ranked among the top 1% of florists in North America, Phillip's Flowers is a fourth-generation, family-owned florist specializing in weddings and events throughout Chicago and suburbs.  Phillip's buys its fresh flowers direct from around the world, has a team of talented wedding and event designers, works with Chicagoland's finest venues, and is known for its creativity, reasonable prices, personal service, and attention to details.

Thank you Rebecca Haley Photography for sharing these wonderful images from Sarah Jane and Timothy's wedding.  What a sweet couple and a beautiful September day!  The ceremony at St. Isaac Jogues in Hinsdale was stunning, the bride was gorgeous, the groom was such a gentleman, and so much fun, too.  You could see they really enjoyed every moment and memory together.  And, the setting at Oak Brook Bath and Tennis Club was just perfect.  What a hidden gem.  And, thank you, Sarah Jane and Tim for letting us play a small part in your special day.  It was such a treat to get to know you, and we wish you all the love in the world.

Credits:  Planning by Storybook Weddings & Events, Hair by Fix Hair Chicago, Accomodations by Oak Brook Hills Resort