Brides, vendors to meet at 'Grace Meets Glamour' Feb. 22
If he put a ring on it over the holidays, what's next?
When you consider that engaged couples must mull over wedding and reception venues, whittle guest lists without irritating the soon-to-be in-laws, land a great photographer and videographer, write vows, select centerpieces, caterers, cakes, flowers and invitations, pore over budgets and find THE dress, it's no wonder that the 21st century wedding has spawned Bridezillas and deflated any exhilaration in planning the big day. The Internet makes available so many choices that it can actually complicate an already challenging task. Enter Christina Currie Events and breathe a genuine sigh of relief.
Christina Currie has been putting together events, from the quietly elegant to the unquestionably spectacular, for over two decades so she knows how to pave the path to connubial bliss.
"I feel the couples sometimes lose the focus that they are marrying the love of their life," she explained, "and I remind them the joy of planning their wedding should be relaxing and stress free. I try and help keep everything simple and in perspective for the bride and groom."
The business owner actually warns couples to steer clear of social media, something that definitely altered the wedding industry.
"Brides have everything at their fingertips and therefore they are even more overwhelmed. I stress that Pinterest is not always your best friend and minimize using search engines for wedding ideas," Currie advises. "AND don't watch any reality TV!"
The anti-anxiety solution may be the "Grace Meets Glamour" bridal affair, from 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Chicago Marriott Northwest hosted by Christina Currie Events Inc. The event in Hoffman Estates will introduce you to some of the leading companies in the local wedding industry: photographers, stationers, musicians, bridal salons, artists and florists, among them. The day will feature a bridal fashion show and live music while serving cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and wedding cakes. Unlike many bridal expos that limit interaction with vendors, "Grace Meets Glamour" is designed to encourage discussion and advice with brides and grooms directly and aims to be an extraordinary source of inspiration and ideas.
"When brides arrive at the Marriott they will receive a pearl necklace which allows all the vendors to differentiate brides from their guests," Currie explained. "Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be passed as the brides mingle with top Chicago wedding vendors. We'll be showcasing four vignettes with lots of details that will provide many ideas on how our brides can dress their tables. Toward the end of the bridal event, we have an amazing fashion show that will showcase gorgeous bridal dresses from one of my favorite designers in Chicago," she said.
Since there is a limit of 75 brides with their guests, Currie and her team ensure attendees will benefit from personalized one-on-one attention that's crucial to stress-free planning and peace and perfection reigning on the big day. "Each vendor will offer guidance and assure you get top-notch advice so you feel more familiar with the planning process," the Barrington business woman remarked.
"By the end of the show, I hope to answer your large decision-making, such as picking the theme, creating the right mood, floral types, entertainment and photography. Together with the vendors, you will receive over 30 years of wedding design experience."
The cost is an easy $5 donation that goes toward Wish Upon A Wedding, an organization that is near and dear to the event planner's heart. Get the details and register at christinacurrieevents.com/grace-meets-glamour.
The master of all things nuptial reminds couples to accept that it's not possible to please everyone involved, so she strongly suggests working only with reliable vendors based upon referrals from friends or a wedding planner.
"Book your vendors early to ensure you get the ones you wish for your wedding," she recommends, "and always ask to see how your ceremony and reception will be set up. Have a plan A and B in place, for inclement weather. Most important, be present! Enjoy each and every moment, soak up the love and joy. Always keep in mind that you're marrying the love of your life!"
Trends for 2015
What will this year's wedding season look like according to the pro? Marriages in 2014 witnessed a profusion of pinks, whites, and creams. "2015 will bring the same colors but more muted," she predicted.
"That monochromatic look is going to be popular for winter weddings. We'll see lots of vintage lace from table linens to invitations.
"Centerpieces are no longer just for the center of the table. Our florists are being asked to suspend the centerpieces from the ceilings above the tables.
"Floral chandeliers are another way to give an ethereal feel whether indoors or outdoors."
She expects the trend of personalization to continue as couples invent new ways to put their personal stamp on their wedding day. And who can't be excited about the emergence of food trucks as caterers? "They are fun and trendy to have at the end of your event as a midnight snack. Affordable and so much fun," Currie noted.
The measure of her success is surely the 500-plus celebrations Currie has helped to construct but also the satisfaction she feels after each of them.
"I enjoy helping others celebrate their milestones," she reflected. "Each and every event is different and I am able to meet so many fabulous people. After 22 years, I still look forward to meeting new people and assist them with their special day!"
Christina Currie
"Celebrating with Style"
Multi-honored N.I.C.E. Award Winner
Christina Currie
"Celebrating with Style"
Multi-honored N.I.C.E. Award Winner
<a href="www.christinacurrieevents.com">www.christinacurrieevents.com</a>