Du Page Style Weddings 08

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LETTER FROMTHEEDITOR

Congratulations on your engagement!

Welcome to our very first issue of DuPage Style Weddings.

DuPage county has over 300 square miles of land which includes

forest preserves, the famous Morton Arboretum, the 116-mile

Illinois Prairie Path and countless golf courses and country clubs

all fantastic venues and settings for weddings!

We realize that as a resident of DuPage County, you have high

standards and expectations. Weve developed DuPage StyleWeddings as a personal resource tool for planning your own

unique wedding.

Were pleased to feature for the first time in our magazines, New

York-based designer Paula Varsalona. Her celebrity-worn designs

range from debutant dresses to glorious, high-fashion wedding

gowns. Youll also enjoy tips from wedding experts like cake

designers and videographers, as well as handy checklists and other

pertinent information for your big day.

Wed also like to invite you to take advantage of our exclu-

sive bridal planning event: The Navy Pier Bridal Fashion

Show & Expo at Navy Piers Crystal Gardens. This free

expo has, for years, introduced brides in the Chicagoland area

to an array of vendors and services. Dont miss it! For more

information on date, time and ticket requests, please visit us at

DupageStyleWeddings.com.

Congratulations and best of luck with your wedding planning!

Cathy Demetropoulos

Contributing Editor

Editor & Publisher

Steven N. Polydoris

Associate Publisher

& Accountant

Marie Centenail

Contributing Editor

Cathy Demetropoulos

Graphic Designer

& Art Director

Michael Skuras

Marketing

Heather [email protected]

Advertising Department

[email protected]

Editorial Department

[email protected]

Phone: 773-866-9900

Fax: 773-866-9881

Website:www.DuPageStyleWeddings.com

Printed in the USA. Published by Real EstateNews Corporation, Chicago, IL 60659.Steven N. Polydoris, President. ChicagoBride is distributed by Subscription aswell as over-the-counter sales. No materialappearing in Chicago Bride or any ChicagoBride Special Issues may be reprinted with-out written permission. Copyright RealEstate News Corporation, 2008

4 DuPage Style Weddings DuPageStyleWeddings.com

A Special Issue of Chicago Bride Magazine

A Special Issue of Chicago Bride Magazine
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.dupagestyleweddings.com/http://www.dupagestyleweddings.com/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Letter From The Editor

4

Wedding Planner Checklist

6

Choosing Your Wedding Dress

8Paula Varsalona Fall Collection

11

Shopping For A Cake Designer?

12

What Every Homebound

Couple Really Needs14

Questions to Ask When Looking For aProfessional Videographer

18

Questions to AskA Reception Site Manager

19Making it Legal!

Your Marriage License

20

Real Weddings

22

When planning your

wedding, the gown is

probably the centerpiece

of all the decisions youll

make. The rest of the

wedding is built around

your gown -- the colors,

the styles, etc.

8

A peek at

designer Paula

Varsalonas

Fall Collection11

On the Cover:Paula Varsalona, V Collection

Princess, organza trumpet gownwith bias satin adorns the bodice,neckline and hemline. A band of

self satin rosettes adorns the knee.

Gown and photo by

Paula Varsalona

DuPageStyleWeddings.com DuPage Style Weddings 5

Makeaweddingdayflowchartofevents,hourbyhour,togiveyourbridalpartyandallkeyvendors

Givecatererfinalizedguestcount

Confirmhoneymoonreservationsandbuytravelerschecks Breakintheweddingshoes

Countdown to

your big day: Our

handy month-by-

month planning

checklist

6


6/246 DuPage Style Weddings DuPageStyleWeddings.com

12 to 18Months Ahead Announce engagement to friends and family

Take engagement photo Place engagement announcement in paper Determine a wedding budget Figure out the style and size of wedding, level of formality, time of day Meet with clergy or wedding officiant

Reserve church or ceremony site (keep in mind it may be a different timethan what you want if you dont book early enough)

Reserve reception site Select bridal party Reserve florist Hire a caterer if the reception site isnt catering the event Reserve photographer Reserve band, DJ, and/or any other type of musician you want Send out Save the Date letters or cards

9 to 11Months Ahead Shop for wedding dress, headpiece, shoes and accessories; order them

as soon as possible Make honeymoon plans and reservations Meet with bridesmaids to select their attire Compile tentative guest list Reserve rental equipment if needed

6 to 8Months Ahead Arrange for wedding day transportation Begin registering for shower/wedding gifts Order bridesmaids attire if you havent already and begin selecting their accessories Select Mothers dresses

Discuss where the two of you will live after the wedding and begin looking

for places together

Order your wedding cake

3 to 5Months Ahead Book site for rehearsal dinner Make a final guest list with names, addresses, and phone numbers and

compile a response chart so you can keep track of your guests Start the dreaded wedding workout Select and order wedding invitations (dont forget to include maps with

the invitations and purchase Thank You notes) Reserve rooms at hotels for out-of-town guests Select grooms attire Plan rehearsal dinner Make a food tasting appointment with caterer and baker Select ceremony readings and music and choose your readers Order wedding rings and engraving Get the undergarments necessary for your gown Meet with ceremony officiant again to discuss obligations to the church,

religion, etc. Purchase bridal party gifts (and dont forget the parents) Purchase wedding favors Reserve room for wedding night

TwoMonths Ahead Now is the time to be calling and reconfirming all those vendor contracts! Check requirements for medical tests and marriage license for wedding

and honeymoon Mail invitations four to eight weeks ahead Plan luncheon/special party for bridesmaids Choose gifts for attendants and future husband Meet with musician(s) to discuss song list Meet with photographer to discuss the particular wedding photos you

want taken Finalize the details for the flowers Make final fitting appointment

Organize ceremony rehearsal arrangements Start practicing your makeup if youre doing it yourself Make appointment for bridal portrait Schedule a practice hair appointment (do any hair color changes and/or

drastic cut changes now so it isnt a shock to you right before the wedding)

Start working on those vows to one another (if youve decided to write your own)

OneMonth Ahead Make appointment(s) for hair, make-up, manicure, pedicure, and/or

massage for yourself and bridal party for the day of or day before yourwedding (and dont forget about the Moms!)

Send your wedding announcement to the paper Attend your final fitting Make arrangements to change your name Put together programs Go for a practice hair and makeup appointment. Dont forget to bring your

veil or hairpiece! Attend your bridal portrait Have those vows done! Inform your bridal party of the rehearsal and dinner plans

TwoWeeks Ahead Pick up marriage license

Prepare seating chart for reception and rehearsal dinner Make a wedding day flowchart of events, hour by hour, to give your bridal

party and all key vendors Give caterer finalized guest count Confirm honeymoon reservations and buy travelers checks Break in the wedding shoes Between two and four weeks ahead, have a facial and start drinking eight

glasses of water everyday

OneWeek Ahead Pack for the honeymoon Give the ushers their instructions Confirm all transportation for the wedding day and honeymoon trip Gather attendants gifts to give to them at the rehearsal dinner Confirm all vendors again Put together your emergency kit for the big day. (Take the whole week to

do this so you dont leave out anything crucial!)

The Day Before Attend rehearsal ceremony and dinner; set a specific time for everyone

in the wedding party to meet on the wedding day and make sure everyoneknows where to go for pictures

Give gifts to the bridal party Lay out all clothes, jewelry and other accessories youll need for the next

day, including your emergency kit Discuss receiving-line procedures with parents and bridal party Leave gift for the groom to find tomorrow, or exchange gifts with one

another today Relax and get some resttomorrow is a big day!

You want everything to be perfect.Use this checklist to make sure youvecovered the necessities.

MonthlyWedding

Planner

Makeaweddingdayflowchartofevents,hourbyhour,togiveyourbridalpartyandallkeyvendors

Givecatererfinalizedguestcount

Confirmhoneymoonreservationsandbuytravelerschecks Breakintheweddingshoes


7/24 NorthShoreStyleWeddings.com North Shore Style Weddings 7


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Its best to order your gown six

months before the wedding date,

allowing for delays in shipping

and alterations. However, many

bridal gown companies also specialize

in short-order times, so if you have

less than six months, dont worry.

When planning for your wedding, the

gown is probably the centerpiece of

all the decisions youll make. The rest

of the wedding is built around your

gown the colors, the styles, etc.

You dont have to dress up to go

shopping for your gown, but make

sure you at least bring a pair of dress

shoes and style your hair the way

you may want it on your weddingday. Since you want to get a realistic

picture of what youll look like, try to

look your best. Add some makeup as

well. Try to bring a folder contain-

ing pictures from bridal magazines to

give the consultant in the bridal shop

a visual of what you are looking for.

The average wedding gown costsabout $800, so if youre not used tobuying expensive dresses often, this

may be the most expensive dress youever buy. With the cost of the head-piece and shoes, youll be looking atquite a pricey investment, but is itworth it? If not, there are several waysyou can find a gown that will still fityour dreams and budget. Dont settlefor a dress if youre not completely inlove with it. If not, shop around. Thereare plenty of gowns and plenty of

When planning your wedding, the gown is probably the centerpiece of all the decisions youll

make. The rest of the wedding is built around your gown the colors, the styles, etc.

Chosin Yu

ddin Drss



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styles. You may spend nearly 12 hoursin your gown, so be sure it fits com-fortably, and remember youll be doingeverything from hugging to dancing tothrowing (your bouquet) in it. Make sure you look at different

styles of gowns when shopping for

yours. Keep an open mind when

shopping; certain styles that youthought would not compliment you

may turn out to be the best gown

youve ever tried on. Dont rule out a

style until youve seen yourself in it.

Theres no reason why you shouldnt

take your time on as many gowns as

possible. Youll probably be wearing

it only once, right? Make it perfect.

Try to bring a few people and only

a few who are close to you when

youre shopping for the gown.

Call shops ahead of time to schedulean appointment if necessary. Some

shops dont prefer appointments, butits always best to call first. Saturdaysare usually the busiest day to shop,so try to shop on another day ofthe week. Ask about alterations rightaway. Some shops add quite a bit to theprice of the gown for alterations. Justbecause you wear one size in ready-to-

wear womens clothing doesnt meanthat youll fit into that same size informal wear. Find out from the bridalshop consultant how different manu-facturers determine sizes. If you planon losing weight before the wedding,order the gown using your currentmeasurements. They can take it in at afuture date, but letting it out may notbe possible.

At the bridal shop, remember somekey questions. Will they deliver thegown to the ceremony site? Do theystuff the sleeves with tissue? Do they

use a bodice form? Will the train betied up or draped over a hanger? Askthe consultants how the train will bebustled, meaning that hooks and eyesor buttons are sewn onto the back ofthe gown in certain places. All thesethings factor into the look of yourgown on your wedding day. You dont

want it to look as if you slept in it.You can narrow your search for a

gown by trying on silhouettes, whichshow the gowns overall shape and line.There are several types of silhouettes: The ball gown is a full skirt with

an off-the-shoulder bodice and a

natural waist.

A sheathis snug and without a waist.The skirt usually is straight. This typeof dress looks amazing on any womanwith a well-proportioned figure. The A-line is a fitted bodice that

flares wider from the bust to the hem.

DuPageStyleWeddings.com DuPage Style Weddings 9


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This type of dress seems to flatter

most body types. It also helps tominimize the hips.

An empire has a cropped bodice,

high waist and slightly flared skirt. It

looks nice on tall and slender brides.

A blouson gives a loose, drooping

shape from the shoulder to the waist,

where it is gathered.

The princessis a slim bodice that

helps to accent the waist. Vertical

seams flow from the shoulders to the

hem of the flared skirt. This one fits

petite brides very nicely, but they

should try to avoid too many ruffles

and a bustle.

A Basquewaist is one in which thewaistline begins inches below the nat-ural waist and forms a U or a V shape.This style tends to give a woman withan average body a near-perfect figure.It seems to be one of the most slender-

izing wedding dresses and goes wellwith full-figured brides. Finally, the miniskirtis pretty self-

explanatory. The hem falls just above

the knee.

After deciding on a shape, deter-

mine the color you favor. In search-

ing for the right color, remember

that it doesnt have to be white.

The traditional color of the gown

was not white. Only after Queen

Victoria married in a white dress didit become the standard for modern

marriages. In fact, brightly colored

materials, especially red, were favor-

ite colors of brides in ancient times.

In America, brides of the Victorian

period who were from affluent fami-

lies wore white gowns as a way of

showing that they could afford such

a dress. After all, with none of the

modern amenities, it was rather dif-

ficult to clean an all-white dress. By

the way, the white gown did not beginto represent purity until this century.

Once youve decided on the color,

then you can choose the details, such

as beading and neckline.

Looking to save money? If you sewor know a decent seamstress, you maymake your own gown and veils. Also,check out resale shops or bridal discountstores. You may go home with a greatgown right off the rack and at a deeply

discounted price. Or you can keep youreye out for sales at bridal shops. You can wear your mothers gown,

which, in many cases, could be back

in style these days (or it can blend

with the theme of your wedding).

As for your bridesmaids dresses,

try to order them from a national cat-

alog. In some cases you may be able

to save up to half of what you would

have paid at a shop. You can always

rent, too. This works especially if you

dont have much time to work with.Try to pay with a credit card. That

gives you more recourse if there is

ever a problem. And watch out for

shops that havent been in business

long. Too many brides-to-be have put

down hefty deposits only to realize

later that the shop has closed down.

If you pay with a credit card and the

shop doesnt provide what was prom-

ised, you may be able to withhold full

payment until it is resolved. Once youve chosen the basic gown

style, you have numerous styles of

necklines, sleeves, lace, fabrics and

headpieces/veils to choose from.

Remember that the gown sets the

level of formality for both the cer-

emony and the reception. When

shopping for yours take your time

and have fun.

Some shops dont prefer appointments, but its alwaysbest to call first. Saturdays are usually the busiest day

to shop, so try to shop on another day of the week.


Photo by Stephanie Clark


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Paula VarsalonaMadison CollectionSilk satin, A-line gown has a plungingV neckline and deep midriff of Alencon

lace. Natural waist is marked with aSatin bow and streamers of ribbon.


12/24

Wedding couples today have unlimited

options. Make your cake your own and let

it showcase who you are. Here are some

expert tips:

Choices for wedding cakes today are very

exciting and delicious with a variety of

available flavors. Carrot cake and cheese-

cake are gaining popularity for weddings.

The most popular icings used on wed-

ding cakes are butter cream and fondant.

Fondant is the smooth porcelain like finish

so popular today.

Book with someone who has been in busi-ness for at least one year. It takes that longto know what youre doing. Make sure youare comfortable that the people makingyour cake will be dependable and on time.

Ask the following questions while at your

cake appointment:

- What is the payment policy?

- What is the cancellation policy?

- Is a deposit required, and when?

- When is final payment due?

- Are there any additional

charges for set up and delivery of

the cake?

- Are the cakes priced per serving,

or one uniform price based on the

complexity of the cake?

- What are the charges for hand-

made decorations, gum paste

flowers, cake bases, etc.?

ShppingF A

CakeDesigne?

Continued on Page 16

Choosing the right cake can be a daunting task. Not only should it make an impression visually but the

flavors you choose should blend for just the right taste. Below are some useful cake designer tips to help you.


- Is there an additional charge

for fondant covered cakes, or for

fillings beyond basic butter cream?

- Does the designer offer a cake

tasting event? These events can

offer up to 20 different cake flavors

for you to taste.

Make sure you actually taste the cakebefore ordering it. Be especially sureyou taste the fillings. Many great cakeshave been ruined by artificial tastingingredients used in fillings.

Look for a cake designer who special-izes in wedding cakes. The more weddingcake knowledge and experience they have,the greater the chance of a perfect cake.


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Paula VarsalonaMadisonCollectionDupioni, empire, beaded Alencon lace

bodice with trumpet, princess skirt andchapel train. Center back is graced withrum pink, silk satin streamers.



Casual DinnerwareDinner PlatesSalad/Dessert Plates (these are versa-tile and can be used for both)

Soup Bowls (look for bowls that can beused for cereal or an ice cream sundae)

Coffee Cups or MugsCovered Vegetable and Casserole DishesLarge Serving or Buffet Plates

SilverwareForks, Knives, Spoons

Soup SpoonsServing Spoons

Glasses and BarwareJuice Glasses (they come in fourand six ounce)

Beverage Glasses (range from eight to12 ounces)

Coasters

BedroomFitted SheetsFlat SheetsMattress PadComforterBlankets/Quilts/Duvet and Duvet CoverPillowsPillowcases

BathBath TowelsHand Towels

WashclothsBath MatsShower Curtain, Curtain Liner, RingsHamperSoap Dish/Dispenser, Toothbrush HolderWastebasket

KitchenCoffee PotToaster

MicrowaveFry Pans, Saucepans, BakingPans, Cookie Sheets, Pots

BakewareMeasuring Spoons & CupsPasta and Vegetable StrainerPlastic ContainersCutting BoardDishcloths, DishtowelsOven Mitts and Pot

HoldersMixing Bowl Set

Kitchen Utensils: Salad Tongs, Spatula,Large Mixing Spoons, Can Opener, Veg-etable Peeler, Salt & Pepper Shakers

Miscellaneous Iron/Ironing BoardVacuum CleanerLuggage SetVases, candleholders, candy dishes,serving trays & platters

When youre just starting off together in a new place, its hard to know what youll really need and whatcan wait. If youre ready to register for wedding gifts, youre definitely going to want to registerfor the following must-have items:

What Every Homebound Couple Really Needs


15/24 DuPageStyleWeddings.com DuPage Style Weddings 15



Ask friends and relatives for refer-rals. There is no substitute for first-handexperience.

Go to bridal shows. You will have achance to see the display cakes up close,and taste at least one sample of their mostpopular wedding cake.

Shop around and compare. If youhave time, go to several establishments,taste the cakes, ask questions, and lookat the designs.

Talk to the cake designer directly.That way, you will have a better chance

of getting your ideas across to the actualperson who will create the cake.

Before going to see the cake designer,do your homework. Check out cake pic-tures in magazines and on the internet.Bring these pictures to the appointmentalong with photos of your dress, swatchesof your colors, your invitation and anyother information that might be helpfulin designing the cake.

When you go to see the cake designer,ask to see pictures of cake ideas as well asa portfolio of her own cake designs. If dis-play cakes are available, ask to see them. Apicture is not as telling as an actual cake.

Book the appointment with the cakedesigner as soon as you know the date ofthe wedding. Everyone wants to get mar-

ried between May and September, and ifyou book early, you will have a betterchance of getting the date you want. Ayear in advance is not too early.

If you want a fondant covered cake, besure you taste a sample of the fondant used.Fondant can range from delicious to reallyawful tasting depending on the brand.

Try to keep really dark colors like

black and red to a minimum. Hugeamounts of food coloring are needed toachieve these dark colors, and they canbe tasted in the icing. This way, you canalso avoid having your guests smile backat you with red and black teeth.

For smaller budgets, you can havea smaller cake made, and then serveadditional sheet cakes to the guests. Thesheet cakes would be made with the samerecipe as the wedding cake, but it would

not be highly decorated, thereby savingyou a little money.

Small cakes can be made to appeartaller and grander by showcasing themon a pedestal or higher cake base. Youcan also stretch the size of the cakeby choosing a cake design with pillarsinstead of a stacked cake. The space

between the tiers can be filled with flow-ers or other decorations.

Many couples choose to design theircakes and even the whole wedding accord-ing to a theme. The theme could be Fall,with fall colors and leaves on the cake; ora medieval theme with a gown that lookslike it came from the middle ages, and acake to match.

The cake, and especially the topper,can be designed to showcase the interestsof the bride and groom. The cake couldbe topped by a couple of skiers, or acouple sitting on a stack of luggage, wait-ing to go on a far away trip.

Centerpiece Cakes specialize in cakesthat resemble flower centerpieces that can

sit in the middle of the table until ready tobe cut. www.centerpiececakes.net

Continued from Page 12

ShoppingFor A CakeDesigner?
http://www.centerpiececakes.net/http://www.centerpiececakes.net/


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Paula VarsalonaV Collection

Tissue taffeta, sexy, dropped torso gownwith irregular pleating drapes the bodice.

A deep flounce of multi-layered tullecascades at the hem and over the shoulders.

Chicagoland Stores:Vanessas Modern Bride

847-818-0480

Doris Bridal847-433-2575


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Q. How long have you been in business?

A. A more experienced videographer

should do a better job for you. Using an

established business means that they are

in business for the long-term and probably

will not shut down next week.

Q. Are you the one who will bevideotaping my wedding?

A. Make sure you speak to the person who

will actually videotape your wedding. Many

larger studios use freelancers, and it is

important to speak with the actual videog-

rapher ahead of time to make sure you get

everything you want and to make sure you

are comfortable with the videographer.

Q. How many cameras do you use?

Does that mean a second videographer?

A. If you are having two cameras, thenfind out if that means a second videogra-

pher or just a camera on a tripod. Having

a second videographer is more expensive

than just a camera on a tripod (usually

kept on wide angle). A second videogra-

pher can be well worth the extra cost due

to the extra coverage you will get. Be sure

to discuss camera placement and any vid-

eotaping restrictions ahead of time with

your videographer.

Q. What type of cameras do you use?

A. Most professionals still use the 3-chip

digital cameras. However, High-Definition

(HD) cameras are the newest cameras

(either 720p or 1080i). As is the case

with most new technology, the drawback

to HD wedding videography today is the

cost - videographers will need all new

HD cameras and HD editing equipment

so this can result in a higher price. There

is no standard HD delivery format avail-

able at this writing (07/07). Will it be

Blu-Ray or HD-DVD? Only time will tell.

Videographers also require more light when

shooting in HD (3-chip digital cameras

require less light) which can be an issue if

you have a candlelight ceremony or a dark

reception hall - but great if your event is

outdoors. HD really shows off details (cake,

flowers, dress), but this same attentionto detail can also show (wrinkles, scars,

imperfections) when videotaping people.

You make the call whether the trade-offs

are worth having HD.

Q. What kind of lighting do you use?

A. Some videographers use lights on their

cameras, others do not. Some videogra-

phers will use a stand-alone soft-box light

that gives off soft, even lighting . Ambient

lighting at the reception hall will also help

the photographers pictures turn out betterand the flash or video light will not seem

quite so harsh.

Q. How many and what kind of

microphones do you use?

A. Audio quality is just as important as

video quality. At the ceremony, have the

groom wear a wireless microphone and

have another one on the podium for any

readers or singers. At the reception, make

sure everyone who is giving a toast or bless-

ing is using a microphone; this includes the

person who is introducing the bridal party.

Be sure to discuss audio placement ahead

of time with your videographer.

Q. How do you edit the wedding video?

A. The best technology is non-linear edit-

ing (on a computer). Ask how many hours

your videographer spends on editing since

it will make a difference in the final price.

It is not unusual for videographers to

spend between 30-40 plus hours on the

computer editing a wedding. Expect a

price difference (and quality difference)

between those who edit non-linear and

those who do not.

Q. Can I have my wedding on DVD?

A. DVD is the preferred delivery format in

videography. DVD is a much betterquality picture than VHS tape because

there is no loss of quality when going

from a digital master tape to DVD. Some

videographers can customize their DVDs

with multiple chapter stops/scene selection

and a customized case with your wedding

picture on it. Your wedding video can last

for generations without any deterioration

when archived to DVD. I believe provid-

ing the finished production on DVD is a

must-have!

Q. How do you stay up-to-date in the

video business?

A. Video technology is an ever-changingfield (like the computer field) and profes-sionals need to stay current. A videographershould be a member in local and nationalassociations. Ask the videographer if he/she has ever been to any seminars or con-ventions. Any videographer belonging toWEVA (Wedding & Event VideographyAssociation), Associations of BridalConsultants (ABC) and/or Associationfor Wedding Professionals, International(AFWPI) is a big plus.

Q. How can I see samples of your work?

A. Be sure you are seeing samples by the

actual videographer who will be videotap-

ing your wedding. This is especially impor-

tant when dealing with larger studios that

may have several crews that they send out

on the weekend. Some videographers will

send out demo tapes and others will ask

Questins Ask WeLing F

PssinaVdegapheby Kris Malandruccolo, Elegant Videos by Kris



19/24 DuPageStyleWeddings.com DuPage Style Weddings 19

Questions to Ask

A Reception Site Manager

Do you provide catering, or site rental only?

Is the fee based upon the use of particu-

lar rooms or floors of the facility?

Is there enough space for a dance floor,

or do we need to provide a portable one?

Has our caterer worked at this site before?Are there available rooms for the wedding

party to change their attire?

Can both the ceremony and reception be

held at the site?

Is there a special place for the receiving line?

Are the restroom and cloakroom facilities

adequate?

Will there be any other weddings held in

this space on the same day and if so, how

much breakdown (cleanup and setup)

time is necessary between events?

Are there ample parking facilities?Do you have an emergency generator?

If the site is in a historic mansion or muse-

um, how much space will be provided for

our guests? Should we purchase insur-

ance to protect against damage?

Questions to Ask

When Choosing anUnusual or Outdoor Site

Does this site provide lighting, electric-

ity, heat, air conditioning, shelter, kitchen

facilities?

Can the caterer work with the available

kitchen facilities, or will he/she need to

bring in a generator, refrigeration equip-

ment, and work stations?

Does the caterer have sufficient access to

service elevators and service entrances?

Are there enough electrical outlets?

Is the site so remote that guests will be

unable to leave early?

Has the caterer worked under similar

conditions in the past?

Questions to Ask

When Erecting a Tent

Is it waterproof, heated, air conditioned?

Does it come with windows and flooring?

Is the floor a firm surface or soft layer of

plastic (which high heels can sink into)?

Will poles and wiring be exposed?

you to schedule an appointment to visit

them. Some videographers have video

clips (called streaming video) on their

website where you can view their work

while you are on the internet. If pos-

sible, try to meet with the videographer

before you sign the contract.

Q. What other services or special

effects do you offer?A. This allows the videographer to talk

about what else they offer and how

they may differ from other videogra-

phers. Some examples are childhood/

dating photo montage, wedding/honey-

moon photo montage, bridal prepara-

tions, love story video (the two of you

describing how you met, etc.), short-

form video, highlight video, recap video,

concept video, rehearsal coverage, big

screen presentation, bridal elegance,

storybooks, etc. This is also a good

time to ask the videographer if they use

special effects such as black & white,

sepia-toned, slow-motion, animation,

etc. There are many options to choose

from!

Q. What about the Agreement?

A. When you decide to hire the vid-

eographer, ask to see a copy of theAgreement. Ask how much of a res-

ervation fee is required and when the

remaining balance is due. Make sure

everything you want in your wed-ding video is spelled out. As it gets

closer to your wedding day, the vid-

eographer should request a planningmeeting either over the phone or in

person. Most videographers are hired

six months to one year in advance, so

you need to make sure nothing haschanged. Ask your videographer if

they will attend your rehearsal - some

videographers attend, some do not.It should also state when you will get

your finished video.

Q. What will you charge to videotape

my wedding based on the coverage I

am looking for?

A. If you are on a certain budget, let

the videographer know that upfront.If your budget is flexible, wait to ask

about pricing until you have explained

to the videographer what you are look-

ing for and after the videographer has

talked about skill, equipment and ser-

vice. A professional videographer with

up-to-date digital cameras and non-

linear editing can start around $2000.

Videographers with S-VHS cameras and

less editing will probably charge less. A

more seasoned professional offering

many extras can charge upwards of

$5000 and more. These prices are only

a guideline as pricing can vary region

to region. It is hard to put a price on

talent unless you view their work.

Remember, your videographer is creat-

ing a family heirloom. Great video is

not expensive, it is priceless!

Kris Malandruccolo, an international

award-winning professional videogra-

pher from the Chicagoland area, is the

owner of Elegant Videos by Kris. Kris,

an award-winning columnist, writes forEventDV magazine. Kris is the first and

only videographer to become a Master

Wedding Vendor through the Association

of Bridal Consultants. Kris is an inter-

national speaker on various topics of

professional videography. For further

information, please visit her website at

www.elegantvideosbykris.com

Video InfinityCreating Digital Memories

847-695-6943

[email protected]

www.video-infinity.com

Weddings Special Events Corporate Sporting Events
http://www.elegantvideosbykris.com/mailto:[email protected]://www.video-infinity.com/http://www.video-infinity.com/mailto:[email protected]://www.elegantvideosbykris.com/


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Maing t Legal!Yu Maag License

The marriage license

should be obtained

from the county in

which the wedding

ceremony is to take place. The

license is good for only 60 days,

so time this according to your

wedding date. Both of you must

be present when obtaining your

license, which must be at leastone day prior to the marriage.

When the application is signed

and the fee is paid, the clerk will

issue you your license, but it will

not be valid until the next day.

No medical documents or blood

tests are required.

You must have proper iden-

tification showing that both of

you are over the age of 18 and/

or will be 18 on your wedding

day. (Special restrictions apply

for persons age 16 or 17) The

proper documents relating to a

former marriage may be neces-

sary, depending on the county.

Costs for the marriage license

range from $15 to $30. It is a

good idea to bring cash becausesome counties do not accept

checks. A valid drivers license

is usually sufficient for iden-

tification, but some counties

require additional identification.

Here is a partial list of Illinois

Marriage License Offices. Always

call ahead before you go in case

information is changed.

Cook County:118 North Clark Street, Chicago

312-443-5663

10220 South 76th Avenue, Bridgeview

708-974-6150

69 W. Washington St.,

312-603-0906.

5600 West Old Orchard Road, Skokie

847-470-7233www.cookctyclerk.com

Lake County:18 North County, Waukegan

847-377-2400

www.co.lake.il.us

McHenry County:667 Ware Road, Woodstock

815-334-4242

www.co.mchenry.il.us

DuPage County:421 North County Farm Road, Wheaton

630-407-6500

www.dupageco.org

Kane County:719 S Batavia Ave, Geneva

630-232-5950

www.co.kane.il.us

http://www.cookctyclerk.com/http://www.co.lake.il.us/http://www.co.mchenry.il.us/http://www.dupageco.org/http://www.co.kane.il.us/http://www.co.kane.il.us/http://www.dupageco.org/http://www.co.mchenry.il.us/http://www.co.lake.il.us/http://www.cookctyclerk.com/


21/24

Join us for the Chicago BrideBridal Fashion Show and Expo at

Navy Pierand meet well-known

wedding professionals with great

services and advice for planning

your wedding.

Chicago Bridemagazine will show-

case this years best bridal trends

with a runway show featuring

gorgeous wedding gowns from

top designers.

During the show, enter to win one of

many great raffle prizes donated by

various generous wedding specialists

For more information visit our

website, ChicagoBrideMagazine.com

Chicago Bride Magazinepresen

The Bridal FashioShow and Expo atNavy Pier


22/24

REALWEDDINGSGenevieve Thiers

& Dan Ratner

Ceremony:

Great Hall, Caf Brauer,

Chicago

Reception:

Caf Brauer, Chicago

Photography:

Rick Aguilar Studios

Consultant:

Joyce Westin Dunne

Dcor:

Kehoe Designs



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Du Page Style Weddings 08

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Transcript of Du Page Style Weddings 08