Naperville Nuptials
by Gail OstenWhen bride-to-be Ryann Hubbard and fiancé Chris Monahan planned their wedding, they held an image that would focus deeply on family (Chris is one of nine siblings from Arcola, Illinois), friends, faith, celebration and white winter warmth.
In the end, their mission was accomplished. With strong ties to hometown Naperville, Ryann wanted to keep all events local. From the family's parish, St. Thomas the Apostle, for the nuptials, to the new Hotel Arista for the reception, La Sorella for the rehearsal dinner, and numerous local wedding suppliers, she kept her vision rooted.
To keep planning sane and maximize the wedding budget event planner Cindy Shanholtz, owner of Effortless Events, lent both hands to help bride, groom, and family realize their vision. Ryann and Chris live in Champaign, Illinois, so having expert local counsel was welcomed.
Marrieds-to-be can be worlds apart on what constitutes the ideal wedding, and this article is only one couple's story. We hope sharing it will bring others couples a sense of how to approach their own personal "perfect."
About Warmth and Family
There was one point on which all in the Valentine's wedding agreed: "We wanted inclusiveness, and this meant the entire family and dear friends would be part of our wedding party," Ryann says. In all, that translated into five cranberry-clad bridesmaids, five groomsmen, two junior bridesmaids, eight flower girls, one ring-bearer, five ushers, two nieces each doing program and guest book duty, and one alter server.
"Having John," notes Ryann, "was our big splurge, but one that was truly special for us." Not everyone will splurge, but don't accept a singer on faith alone. Many churches have a cadre of local parishioner-vocalists, and results can vary.
Let's talk about another kind of faith. The Hubbards were the first to throw a wedding reception at Naperville's new Hotel Arista, but felt comfortable making the decision after viewing plans and watching appointments being added to the elegant 4,800-square-foot ballroom. Wedding planner Cindy Shanholtz, who had recommended the hotel as one of several choices, also worked to bring the theme together at the hotel, adding help with menu planning and seating designs, among a miles-long list of responsibilities.
"The quest was to find great, warm comfort food," Shanholtz says, "and the result was fantastic." There were passed hors d'oeuvres including mini-crab cakes and macaroni/goat cheese cubes; arugula salad flanked by cappuccino-sized cups of roasted red pepper soup; short ribs over sweet onion compote with au gratin potatoes; key lime pie tarts and cake. Manhattans, a Hubbard family favorite, were passed during cocktail hour (featuring a signature cocktail is one of the newer wedding trends), as an acoustic guitarist played.
Music can play a part during cocktail hour, with harpists near the top of the list. For a more economical solution, check soundtracks offered by the reception site or bring one from a personal collection. Sinatra could do the trick and not be too conspicuous. At dance time, about 60 percent of couples choose DJs and 40 percent select live bands, and the costs vary widely. Bands range anywhere from $5,000-$12,000, but are trumped by DJs, which charge between $1,200-$2,000.
Should I Hire an Event Planner?
Shanholtz, who opened Effortless Events three years ago but has spent more years planning corporate and individual events, says that she tries to dispel the notion that wedding planning is a luxury. "Ninety-seven percent of those throwing a wedding are employed and don't have enough time to do the research and deal with parts of planning that aren't fun," says Shanholtz. "Moms are a great resource, but even they'll admit they don't know current trends or which vendors are good and fit their budget."
If your brain conjures up comedic wedding planners Hank and Frank from the 1991 film Father of the Bride turning a simple event into an extravaganza, think again. Shanholtz says she's planned weddings of all sizes. "I've worked on weddings that are $3,000 all-in to one that cost $165,000, complete with fireworks," but there's a lot of latitude in between.
Shanholtz works on an hourly basis ($100/hour versus a percentage of the wedding cost, which she believes can spell a potential conflict), planning as little or as much as needed. Day-of coordination is $1,500, which works out right when considering the morning-to-night span of the wedding day.
Ryann says that having a wedding planner saved on expenses—perhaps even paid for the cost of the service: "But most importantly, Cindy gave us peace of mind. We got along with her from our first meeting because she was interested in knowing our vision and helping us stay true to it. She also knew when to step in and when to step out along the way."
Wedding Trends and Advice for Marrieds-to-Be
- Stick to your vision. Yes, you'll consider others' thoughts, but guard against your wedding becoming hostage to everyone else's wishes.
- Weddings are smaller. Indeed there are still epic wedding celebrations, but the trend is for the smaller, 125-person version. This allows for a more intimate setting and more mingle time and can free up money for better menus and cool venues.
- Even if you're cost-cutting, no cash bar. Instead, opt for wine, beer and soda choices. And no shots with Red Bull...this portends trouble.
- Textured table linens are the rage. Many brides are looking at interesting textures in tablecloths—e.g., pintucks, bengalines. These, as well as trendy custom plates and chairs, are rental items, so your reception venue won't stock them. Translation: more cost, but a differentiator if you're so inclined.
- Planning can save money. Ninety-two percent of people, even if they have established a budget, have little idea what various services cost and how to negotiate. Consider weighing the cost of a professional planner against what can be saved. A planner doesn't have to be involved in every aspect of the wedding. Feel comfortable with the planner, their pricing and vision, and check references.
- Bridal gowns don't have to break the bank. Work with your bridal shop to help you with styles and budgets. Ryann spent less than she originally anticipated with the help of a pro at Joyful Occasions. If your dress is lower on the priority list, consider "previously acquired" gowns and/or accessories. The Bridal Boutique of Naperville offers some lovely pre-owned alternatives.
- Don't skimp on the bridal bouquet. It will be in every photo!
- Consider bridesmaids' budgets. You might want to spend on your wedding dress, but how about your bridesmaids? With desired fabrics and color palette in hand, Ryann found bridesmaids' dresses for under $200, asked bridesmaids to wear any pearls they owned and buy silver shoes of their liking. Hair styles and makeup were their choice, not mandatorily group-dispensed at a salon.
- Monochromatic is in (so is yellow). Lovely is the bride who is white on white. Also picture your bridesmaids with same-color flower bouquets, but different flowers. Jen is more of the Gerber daisy type, Elizabeth is mums, and Melissa is a rose girl. Dresses that feature yellow—complementing navy blue, grey or green, for example—is the newest hit.
- Photography is more fun. Albums look more like a yearbook, not faded photos from yesteryear. Prices range from $3,000 for basics to $12,000 for the works. Latest trend is the photo booth, normally housed in the cocktail area. Photos of guests are dispensed instantly, with guests taking their pick and one photo being inserted in a photo album for the couple.
- Keep "reception videos" to a dull roar. If some well-meaning attendant insists on creating a video of the couple for the reception, keep it short (5-7 minutes). Better yet, save it for the rehearsal dinner.
- Groom cakes return. An old tradition resurrected, the bride designs a custom cake for her groom, usually shared at the rehearsal dinner. Ryann had Chris' cake fashioned after the football stadium at Notre Dame, his alma mater.
- Chocolate fountains on the way out...but dessert is still in. Says Shanholtz, "Grandma doesn't feel the reception is complete until she's had her cake and coffee." Hate tasteless wedding cakes? Get a small cake for your photo op, and then order the cake (or pie) you love. One recent wedding featured Portillo's scrumptious chocolate cake. How about a cookie or chocolate sundae station? Having White Castle sliders, pizza, Mexican treats, for a limited number of people near the end of the reception is big, too.
Idol-Idyllic Wedding at Century Memorial Chapel
Naperville residents Gina Glocksen, finalist from "American Idol" season six, and groom Joe Ruzicka, Neuqua Valley High School science teacher/musician, exchanged vows last new year's eve at Naper Settlement's Century Memorial Chapel, built in 1864.
"When we first stepped foot in the Chapel, we immediately knew it was exactly what we wanted—almost as if it was made for us," Gina says. "The Gothic Revival Chapel had a very warm feeling inside."
In addition, the couple, who met through their joint love of music, wanted to play somewhat non-traditional wedding music and have Joe's uncle act as officiant—preferences that might not fly in some churches. Music most meaningful to the couple was performed by the Neuqua Valley High School string quartet, resonating through the Chapel to the delight of 250+ family and friends.
"Also important for us was great scenery for wedding photos," comments Gina. "There was a little log cabin on the settlement, and our best pictures are right in front of it. It looked like we were somewhere in Colorado."
