http://weddings.theknot.com/Real-Weddings/ceremony-decor/results.aspx?type=3&wedding+details=ceremony+decor&pageindex=0

This summer, the city will be offering more than 400 neighborhood festivals, parades, plus food and music fests–here are some highlights…lots to come…so make sure to save these dates…and leave room for more.

June 2012.

• Do-Division Street Fest & Sidewalk Sale: June 1-3, West Town.
• 57th Street Art Fair: June 2-3, Hyde Park.
• Ribfest Chicago: June 8-10, North Center.
• Wells Street Art Festival: June 9-10, Old Town.
• Andersonville Midsommarfest: June 9-10, Andersonville.
• Printers Row Lit Fest: June 9-10, South Loop.
• Taste of Randolph Street: June 15-17, West Loop.
• Chicago Pride Fest: June 22-23, Lakeview.
• Chicago Summerfest: June 23-24, Lincoln Park.
• Chicago Green Music Fest: June 23-24, Wicker Park.
• Gay Pride Parade: June 24, Lakeview.
• Old St. Pat’s World’s Largest Block Party: June 29-30, West Loop.
• Gold Coast Art Fair: June 30-July 1, Grant Park.

July 2012.

• African/Caribbean International Festival of Life: July 4-8, Washington Park.
• Rock Around the Block: July 7-8, Lakeview.
• West Fest: July 7-8, West Town.
• Irish American Heritage Festival: July 13-15, Irving Park.
• Pitchfork: July 13-15, Union Park.
• Windy City RibFest: July 13-15, Uptown.
• DuSable Museum Arts & Crafts Festival: July 14-15, Washington Park.
• Chinatown Summer Fair: July 15, Chinatown.
• Square Roots: July 20-22, Lincoln Square.
• Taste of River North: July 20-22, River North.
• Summer on Southport: July 21-22, Lakeview.
• Sheffield Garden Walk & Festival: July 21-22, Lincoln Park.
• Fiesta del Sol: July 26-28, Pilsen.
• Wicker Park Fest: July 28-29, Wicker Park.
• Taste of Lincoln Avenue: July 28-29, Lincoln Park.

August 2012.

• Edge Fest: August 4-5, Edgewater.
• Wrigleyville Summerfest: August 4-5, Lakeview.
• Ginza Holiday Festival: August 10-12, Old Town
• Northalsted Market Days: August 11-12, Lakeview.
• Retro On Roscoe: August 11-12, Roscoe Village.
• Bud Billiken Parade: August 11, Bronzeville.
• Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest: August 18-19, Rogers Park.
• North Side Summerfest: August 18-19, North Center.
• The Boulevard: August 24-26, Logan Square.
• Bucktown Arts Fest: August 25-26, Bucktown.

Also check out http://www.vintagechauffeuring.com/ for some great vehicle options! Don’t forget to tell them An Affair to Remember sent you.

Trend #1 – Sleeves

Trend #2 – Unusual Headpieces

Trend #3 – Slits

Trend #4 – Pants

Trend #5 – Color

We would love to hear your thoughts on these trends???

Agree Upon a Budget

• Sit down with all pertinent family members, discuss who will pay for what then find a number that is realistic for everyone. Keep in mind that the time of year, day of week, formality of the wedding and anticipated guest count will impact the overall cost.

Envision the Overall Style & Theme

• First things, decide on the location for your wedding reception – upscale hotel ballroom, city loft, suburban reception hall or backyard barbeque. Start flipping through magazines and browsing wedding websites to get ideas of colors, flowers and décor (always remember to tear out the magazine ad or bookmark the website so you can remember your ideas when it comes time to booking your vendors).

Set a Timetable

• The type of year you wish your wedding to take place will affect the planning timeline (i.e. Summer weddings should be planned at least a year in advance due to the competitiveness; Winter weddings are less traditional so dates are typically still available across the board).

Determine a Date

• Summer, Fall or Winter wedding? Friday, Saturday or Sunday reception? All choices you should think about as you jump into planning. Be open to a handful of dates just in case the date you first selected is not available.

Consider Hiring a Wedding Consultant

• Now that you’re engaged, you will soon realize what a whirlwind wedding planning can become. If you work full-time, it might not be a bad idea to hire a full-service wedding planner to lead you through this (at times) overwhelming process. If you’d prefer to do all the work yourself, consider hiring a Day-of-Coordinator to ensure that everything goes as perfectly as possible on your wedding day.

And remember….this should be one of the most exciting times for you so try and not let it become overwhelming or stressful. Ask for help from friends or family members if possible!

2. Spray Tan- The last thing you need is to be the color orange in all your photos.  I recommend tanning no closer then two weeks before the wedding.

3. Facial Waxing- Wax can burn your skin or leave sensitive skin looking red.  Now that I think about it don’t even think about shaping your brows the morning of the wedding.  Leave this to a professional at lease five days before the wedding.

4. Drink too Much- Having a glass of champagne to help with the nerves is one thing but getting sloshed before the ceremony is definitely the wrong thing to do.

5. Not Eating- It’s a long day and your probably won’t get something to eat until the reception.  I recommend loading up on some carbs the morning of the wedding.  Remember though you still need to fit into your gown!

6. Try a New Hair Style/ Makeup- This is why stylist have trial runs.  You have to make sure the hair and makeup match the style of your dress.  Take a photo of yourself so you and your stylist won’t forget the style you fell in love with.

7. Surrounding Yourself With People Who Cause You Stress-  This is why we have bridesmaids.  If someone is getting on your nerves or stressing you out have your Maid of Honor escort them to the door.

8. Not Giving Yourself Enough Time-  Make sure you have enough time the morning of the wedding.  You don’ want to be late for your own ceremony.  Especially since ceremony locations have multiple weddings in one day.

9. Stress The Little Things- You’ve spent the last year or so planning your wedding.  When the day finally arrives don’t let the little things get you down.  Enjoy the day!

10. Not Hiring a Day of Wedding Coordinator- A well organized wedding planner (like An Affair to Remember) will have the whole day planned out.  They will have confirmed all details with your vendors and are there to execute your dream wedding.

“Can’t Help Falling in Love,” Elvis Presley

“Never My Love,” The Association

“You Are the Sunshine of My Life,” Stevie Wonder
“It Had to Be You,” Frank Sinatra

“At Last,” Etta James

“That’s Where It’s At,” Sam Cooke

“Make You Feel My Love,” Adele

“Chasing Cars,” Snow Patrol

“Rose of My Heart,” Johnny Cash

“Everything,” Michael Buble

“Steady as We Go,” Dave Matthews Band

“God Only Knows,” The Beach Boys

“First Day of My Life,” Bright Eyes

“Crazy Love,” Van Morrison

“What a Wonderful World,” Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

“The Luckiest,” Ben Folds

“That’s How Strong My Love Is,” Otis Redding

“When You Say Nothing At All,” Allison Krauss & Union Station

“In My Life,” The Beatles

“Lucky,” Jason Mraz

“Amazed,” Lonestar

“Let’s Stay Together,” Al Green

“Unforgettable,” Nat King Cole

“You Are So Beautiful,” Joe Cocker

“The Way I Am,” Ingrid Michelson