2011 Wedding Trends
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Reception Ideas
Adding color and light to accent a black & white wedding is a big trend for 2011.
As 2010 comes to a close, I thought it would be fun to post some 2011 Wedding Trends.
Color: Add bright colors such as orange, green, fuschia or purple to complement a classic black and white wedding. Your florist and lighting designer will be a great resource to help you select the perfect color palette for your big day.
Photography: Engagement shoots have become more than simple portraits of the engaged couple in one static setting; the shoot has turned into a unique photo session that really exemplifies the couple’s personality. The location, theme and even poses have become more and more creative. Be sure to brainstorm unique ideas with your Photographer when planning your engagement session.
Outdoor Weddings: Outdoor wedding ceremonies and receptions will be a huge trend in 2011. Many brides fall in love with the idea of having of an outdoor ceremony at their favorite park, lake or golf course. Don’t forget to speak with your catering manager to discuss a back up plan just in case the rain decides to bless your big day!
Edible Wedding Favors: In 2011, we will see more and more couples giving their guests something sweet to take home. Trendy ideas include cake-pops, chocolate truffles, gourmet popcorn and cookies. How fun would it be to share your favorite regional candy with all of your guests–from Frango Mints, to Saltwater Taffy…the possibilities are endless.
Be sure to visit my blog next week for Part 2 of 2011 Wedding Trends. Until then, have a safe and Happy New Year!
Vendor Spotlight: Sara Boal, Renaissance Chicago O’Hare Suites Hotel
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Resources
The beautiful Renaissance Ballroom.
Finding quality vendors for your Wedding Day can be a challenging task, after all, most plan a wedding one time in their lives and can feel overwhelmed at where to start. I sat down recently with one of the newest members of the Renaissance Chicago O’Hare Suites Hotel, Sara Boal to learn more about her role and what services the hotel can offer our clients.
- Tell me about yourself and your role at Renaissance Chicago O’Hare Suites Hotel? I am the hotel’s newest addition to their team as the Director of Catering & Social Events. I have been in the industry for 10 years now & am excited to have taken this next step in my career with the team here at the Renaissance.
- What is unique about Renaissance Chicago O’Hare? The Renaissance exudes the soul of a boutique with the amenities of a state of the art Chicago airport hotel. Located steps from the “L” Blue Line to Chicago & boasting 24 hour complimentary airport shuttle service to O’Hare, this hotel is a traveler’s reprieve. This stylish hotel provides the ultimate in event space perfect for elegant an elegant wedding reception.
- What type of events make up most of your business? The Renaissance plays host to many large corporate client events, and from a social event aspect our Renaissance Ballroom has been the ideal choice for Weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, and Holiday parties.
- What other services does your hotel offer? Discover the local happenings wherever you are with Navigator by Renaissance®. Our in-the-know guides live in the area, so they can recommend the best, most authentic, undiscovered side a city has to offer. You’ll experience what’s true and real about the places you’re going – the story behind the story, the insider view, the history you may not uncover otherwise. From the best place to enjoy a glass of microbrew to an underground music spot, we’ve got you covered so you can return home with a great tale to tell. Renaissance Navigators will help you live like the locals live so you can discover something wonderfully new on every visit.
- What is your favorite Holiday Tradition? My Grandfather used to take walnuts and crack them open just perfectly, fill them with various dollar amounts, seal them without a trace, and we each got to pick one from his Santa Hat on Christmas. It was always excitement as to who would crack open their walnut and have the lucky $100 bill! We were very fortunate to have played that game ever since I can remember. When my Grandfather passed away, my Uncle has been generously carrying on the tradition so the memories of our walnut game and my Grandfather live on forever!
- What is your favorite Holiday song? Mariah Carey-”All I want for Christmas is you.”
To learn more about this beautiful hotel, please visit their website: www.renaissancehotels.com
Tags: Renaissance Chicago O'Hare Suites Hotel
Contest Winners Announced
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under News and Updates
Our team at Something 2 Dance 2 would like to thank all of our past Brides & Grooms who voted for us in the Knot Best of Weddings 2011 contest. We will find out early next year if our company was selected as one of the Best in the Chicagoland area.
The lucky winners of the $200 Visa Gift Card are Meagan & Tom Begley who were married on June 4, 2010 at the beautiful Hotel Baker in St. Charles.
And our $100 Visa Gift Card winner are Heather & John Doyle who were married on March 17, 2007 at Stonegate in Hoffman Estates.
We truly appreciate all of the wonderful comments that were posted on weddingchannel.com, weddingwire.com and our Facebook fan page regarding our team of DJ’s at Something 2 Dance 2.
Tags: facebook.com, Hotel Baker, knot.com, Something 2 Dance 2, Stonegate, weddingchannel.com, weddingwire.com
New Year’s Eve Wedding Ideas
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Reception Ideas
It is hard to believe that December is already here and along with it came our first Chicago snow. It feels like it was only yesterday that we were working with our Brides & Grooms in planning summer outdoor wedding ceremonies. We are very excited for our Brides & Grooms who will be tying the knot on December 31. What better way to ring in 2011, with all of your family and friends celebrating your special day. Here are a few fun ideas for those of you planning a New Year’s Eve Wedding.
*Create a signature NYE drink. There are so many things you can do to jazz up your champagne toast. Try adding fruit nectar to your champagne to create a Bellini, or for a unique twist, how about toasting with Prosecco.
*Share your favorite 2010 memories. Instead of the traditional table numbers, post fun photos with captions at each table of your favorite moments in 2010.
*Don’t forget the Party Favors. I am sure we all have fun memories of noisemakers, party hats and even feather boas. Why not add some fun favors for your guests to enjoy during the New Year’s Eve countdown. Use classic colors like Black & Silver to really set the mood.
*Set the stage for a midnight surprise. Have balloons and confetti placed in netting over the dance floor to drop at midnight. Have your DJ count the seconds with your guests and kick off the New Year with your favorite dance song.
And most importantly, keep it fun, keep it personal and have the time of your life!
