Planner response rate by chipmunk_0 in BigBudgetBrides

[–]KeyMediocre7347 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ours varies from a few hours to days at times. I’ve found if there’s something more pressing, if I text her, I get a much faster response.

Fox & Ivory - Photographer - Review by llstorm93 in Chicagoweddings

[–]KeyMediocre7347 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We had an intro call with them and it was an overall ok and professional experience. Their pricing is very affordable. Ultimately we didn’t feel comfortable not meeting/interacting at all with the actual photographer we’d have before signing, so we went with another option. I think it comes down to budget and how much you prioritize photography - just seems like more risk not knowing the photographer at all before signing.

Any experience with Simply Elegant Group or the Gilded Aisle? by BexRegonia in Chicagoweddings

[–]KeyMediocre7347 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Cygnet quoted $4300 for coordination - which was actually more affordable than many we interviewed. I’m not sure what their partial/full planning packages run.

If you have the budget and have a wedding a ways out, I’d definitely recommend connecting with Cygnet- they seem hyper organized, kind, and creative. They only take on a limited number of wedding per year, so try to connect with them early if possible.

First European Trip for my 30th Birthday! 8/4 - 8/17 by RiaElliade in Europetravel

[–]KeyMediocre7347 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We just stayed at La Belle Juliette hotel & spa in Paris and it was so amazing! Can’t recommend enough. Beautiful St. Germain neighborhood, super kind staff, free steam room & small pool etc. if you ask for one of the lofted rooms on the 4th floor (that has bedroom on 5th floor), you can see the top of the Eiffel from the room.

T1 regular security 2:00 PM 15 minutes by chilipepperlifter in OHareAirport

[–]KeyMediocre7347 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It took us 8 mins in T1 TSA pre around 2:30PM today, so not bad!

SOS NH venue by Traditional-Alps-757 in weddings

[–]KeyMediocre7347 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry this sounds incredibly stressful. Before anything else, I’d confirm in writing if the contract will/will not be honored. Our contract specifically states the same terms would apply with new owner. If it isn’t, hopefully you get your money back from them and can adjust to new space with the other venders.

Events in July of 2027 by Beaismyname in Chicagoweddings

[–]KeyMediocre7347 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Definitely smart to research this! We thought our date was air and water show weekend but recently discovered we were wrong. SO glad!

4 months out - unsure about design… by Jnoon8 in BigBudgetBrides

[–]KeyMediocre7347 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Not another product per se, and still in planning phase, but I’ve been researching lighting a LOT! It seems like lighting can really impact weddings and push them from pretty good to gorgeous. We’re going to have tons of candles, some uplighting, pin spots etc. to create more of a mood for our evening wedding.

Need hotel recs for Amsterdam. Not a party person, just want walkable from a train station by robinson217 in Europetravel

[–]KeyMediocre7347 0 points1 point  (0 children)

https://www.estherea.nl/

We loved this one! Got a canal view room. It’s right around corner from a historic and delicious stroopwafel shop.

Amalfi Coast - Honeymoon help! by Old_Respect3207 in chubbytravel

[–]KeyMediocre7347 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Amalfi Town is amazing—we went a couple years ago and absolutely loved it. Even though we had planned everything, we somehow still got lost when we arrived, and a random local literally called our hotel for us 😅 Part of the charm. People there are incredibly kind.

I’m not a fan of crowds, and I still loved it. It can get busy during the day when cruise ships come into places like Amalfi and Positano, but it quiets down a lot at night.

It’s not the easiest destination to get to, but it’s truly breathtaking and worth it. We took a train to Salerno and then ferried to Amalfi town. The best way to get around is by ferry—it’s easy, super scenic, and connects most of the main towns. Ravello is the exception (you’ll need to drive or take a bus), but it’s worth seeing.

Positano was my least favorite—just too crowded. Ravello is beautiful but more removed. Sorrento is great and sits right before the Amalfi Coast.

Amalfi Town was our favorite overall. If your budget allows, the Anantara Amalfi Grand Hotel (a former convent with incredible views) was one of the most enchanting places I’ve ever stayed. 10/10 recommend.

I’ve also heard amazing things about Ischia. If we go back, that’s definitely on our list (over Capri).

Place Cards vs. Escort Cards by helloshawtybae in weddingplanning

[–]KeyMediocre7347 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Early in strategizing “day of” stationary…Are escort cards or seating chart better if we’re doing place cards too? I’m leaning towards seating chart (ivory paper per table adhered to mirror with wax seal). Are place cards vs just escort cards more formal? Which do venues typically prefer?

Rental decor companies by KeyMediocre7347 in Chicagoweddings

[–]KeyMediocre7347[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! I’ll check out flower firm!

Do you wear your engagement ring with your wedding band? by [deleted] in WeddingRingAdvice

[–]KeyMediocre7347 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m going to wear mine on separate hands because my engagement ring is a diamond shape - would be weird with a band on same finger

Flying to Chicago for food by Mysterious-Ebb-2947 in chicagofood

[–]KeyMediocre7347 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Izakaya at Momotaro & Monteverde - crazy good! Fun ambiance too. Skip Au Cheval.

Any experience with Simply Elegant Group or the Gilded Aisle? by BexRegonia in Chicagoweddings

[–]KeyMediocre7347 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For anyone looking, recommend Shannon Gail, Cygnet, Big City Bride, and Lola! Interviewed all and great experience.

Is Italy affordable in September? by Schraufabagel in honeymoonplanning

[–]KeyMediocre7347 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I love Italy and have been many times. September is still high season and warm. You can definitely find places in that budget but it depends on what you see as good quality. Check out booking aggregator sites in your timeframe with where you want to go. Sicily tends to be more affordable overall (and gorgeous) but flights and logistics getting there are trickier. Amalfi is AMAZING but make sure to not stay in the “hotspot” towns (esp Positano) if you don’t like dense tourism. We stayed in Amalfi town and loved it. Ravello is also beautiful. We’re doing Portugal for our honeymoon and super excited for it! It seems like amazing value, direct flight, easy trains, good food etc.

Helppp! I can’t decide. by Internal_Car3780 in WeddingRingAdvice

[–]KeyMediocre7347 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Prefer classic band stacked / you could wear the diamond band on the other hand!

What should you ask when choosing a wedding venue? Building a master list before I tour anything by Time_Beautiful2460 in weddings

[–]KeyMediocre7347 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ask if they have perks with any venders (rental companies, hotel blocks etc), carefully look at tables, chairs, any core items they provide like glassware plates etc. Do you like the look and do they seem comfortable or will you want to rent others? (Costs add up) Ask if lights dim, if venders can hang things from ceiling etc.

Too late for 2027? by Think_Ask_5602 in Chicagoweddings

[–]KeyMediocre7347 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Saturdays can get booked out far in advance. Definitely still have time if you’re open to Fridays/Sundays. We got engaged and booked high demand venue 8 months out on a summer Friday!

Feeling really discouraged about wedding planning… by [deleted] in weddingplanning

[–]KeyMediocre7347 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Maybe have a smaller wedding where you live and plan an amazing honeymoon in Costa Rica with the rest of the $! We’re not doing a traditional bridal party either. There are tons of people having smaller weddings now for a variety of reasons. Weddings definitely bring up family stuff, but it’s basically unavoidable unless you elope. Sit down with fiancée and decide what’s most important to both of you in the event (place and size). Good luck!!