The fact is, a bad reception timeline can ruin the party. - waiting too long to serve dinner- speeches that go on forever - guests standing up, sitting down repeatedly - too many “things” happening before the dance floor opens- guests have too much down time; they’re just waitingThink about your guest experience & the mood of the space. When you enter your wedding reception, all eyes are on you! Your guests are thrilled to see the newlyweds enter the room and get the party started. So while you have their attention & your photo/video team is in place, knock out the photo moments & watch the mood of the room shift…🔘Entrance ⬆️ * fist pumps *🔘 Cake cutting ➡️ * cute *🔘 First dance ➡️ * sentimental *🔘 Welcome/blessing ⬇️ * time to relax a little *🔘 First course/salad ➡️🔘 Toasts ➡️ * bring the mood up a little with short sweet toasts ‼️….if these go on forever, the mood will plummet ⬇️ ‼️….put it between courses if you want to restrict time & make good use of the time gap; more party time later🔘 Entrees ➡️ ‼️….your vendors can eat now too without missing anything; ask the caterer to serve them after serving you, your wedding party & immediate family🔘 Parent dance ↗️ * we’re trending up again *🔘 Tosses ↗️ * going up more!! *🔘 PARTY!! ⬆️⬆️ * stay here all night long *So rather than putting your guests on an emotional roller coaster of ⬆️⬇️➡️↗️➡️⬇️↗️⬇️⬆️⬆️, create a steady flow & progression throughout the night. I promise it will make for an incredible experience that will have your guests raving!! #weddingreception #weddingreceptionideas #weddingreceptiontimeline
✨Alexandra & Alex share a bit about their experience with our team at SouthWind Events.
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As a wedding planner in Chicago, our goal when working with couples is to take the burden of concern & worry for any and every detail of the wedding day off the couple. We always strive to MAKE IT EASY - the wedding planning process and especially the wedding day itself.
We create comprehensive timelines and have detailed conversations with every member of the vendor team to ensure we’re all in alignment such that everyone can execute their part of the wedding day with a clear & common goal in mind. This way, even when there is a major crisis and near catastrophic accident, we can work together, shielding the couple from the chaos & problems, and let them fully and completely enjoy their wedding. Of course, after the party is over, we tell all the tales and laugh about all the things they didn’t see or even know about.
#southwindeventchicago #chicagoweddingplanner #nwindianaweddingplanner #clientreviews #clienttestimony #theknotbestofweddings #coupleschoiceaward
Wedding Day Shot Lists are a waste of time - Part 1 This applies to EXPERIENCED, PROFESSIONAL photographers only.
If you’re hiring a photography hobbyist who’s never shot a wedding before - your friend’s coworker, a college friend, or Uncle Joe - disregard everything I am about to say.
Now, if you’ve hired an experienced professional wedding photographer, most of you are wasting time creating a shot list. If your list looks like this:
- gown
- accessories
- MOB zipping dress/adjusting veil
- MOH helping with dress
- bride & groom
- bride & groom w/ bridesmaids
- bride & groom w/ groomsmen
- bride w/ parents
- groom w/ parents
- bride & groom w/ brides parents
- wedding cake
- bouquets
STOP 🛑 WASTING YOUR TIME and 💰 (with those Etsy buys).
The fact is, these shots are standard. They are common images captured at every wedding. So rather than buying a list or wasting time & energy stressing over adding 3 more “must have” shots to an album of 2,500+ images, have a conversation with your photographer to make sure these pics are part of their standard shoot. If you find there’s something they don’t normally do, then add it to your list. Otherwise, consider it common knowledge.
Bottom line, you’re paying them THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS for their knowledge & experience. Don’t insult their intelligence or their professionalism by thinking you need to tell them every shot to take on your wedding day. Cuz nobody wants to be micromanaged on their job, let alone by someone who’s never done the job in the first place.
Like & follow so you don’t miss Part 2 of what SHOULD BE ON YOUR SHOT LIST!
If you agree, comment 📸.
Have other thoughts/opinions? Let’s talk about it.
📸 @ab.photogs
#weddingphotography #weddingplanningtips #weddingphotographytips #chicagoweddingplanner #2024bride #2025bride #shotlist #weddingplanningadvice
Let’s be honest here…wedding planning isn’t the most glamorous job. True, it looks great come wedding day, but the months leading up to it aren’t all roses & rainbows. Couples will complain about the cost of a professional wedding planner because they don’t truly understand our value. What we bring to the table. How essential we are to the flow & execution of your day. How calming we are to the chaos that could be your wedding day. All things that can’t truly be quantified or monetized. What can be quantified though are- the countless days of client indecision- the number of calls, emails, and texts received from a couple and their vendors- the meltdowns that happen because your MOH wants to wear a 3” heel, instead of 4” or because the only napkins available are blush pink, not bashful - the number of times we because a relationship counselor, an emotion support person, or a scapegoat (we get blamed for YOUR decisions)Not to mention- the cost to pay a team to be away from their families to support you for an 8-15hr day- the cost to run this business - cell phones, software, systems, insurance, marketing, accounting, legal support, and so much more. So when you ask why does a wedding planner cost so much, consider the fact that we are doing far more than just “planning”. And far too many of us truly aren’t charging what we are worth!
A little BTS of the epic #KOExperience2023This gorgeous wedding celebrated the beauty of love, family & legacy at the iconic JW Marriott hotel in downtown Chicago. Thank you to the PHENOMENAL TEAM who helped make this day possible! Planner: @southwind.events Venue: @jwmarriottchiPhotography: @Jlaurynphotography Videography: @thischarmingheart Florals & decor: @siblanaevents Bridal Hair: @quinceebooker, @nickirougebridalteamBridal Makeup: @daniellerochonmakeupParty Makeup: @beautybybeshara, @cmitchellartistry, @nickirougebridalteamParty Hair: @polishedcrownstudio, @beautypowerhouse, @iprotecttresses, @nickirougebridalteamBarber: String quartet: @divisistrings DJ: @djmatrix Sound: @yaboidiggsBallerina: @msb_dance_Choreographer: @_shaesaladyCake: @alliancebakeryPhoto booth: @lavish_exposure
“Loving you is the greatest gift of my life”
The love Matt & Jackie share is one of fairy tales and childhood dreams. It’s so pure, genuine and beautiful, and it was a pleasure witness.
Happy Anniversary! May your love continue to grow in depth and breadth with each passing day. 🥂
#chicagoweddingplanner #chicagowedding #chicagocubsnation #southwindevents #southwindeventschicago #happyanniversary
Quick tips for making your wedding day just a little easier #southwindevents #southwindeventschicago #weddingplanningtips #weddingplanningadvice #chicagoweddingplanner
We have teamed up with Malcolm Maholmes (Canva$) to share 3 questions couples should ask DJs before they hire them! #weddingplanningtips #ihearcanvas #southwindevents #weddingdj #chicagoweddingplanner #chicagoweddingdj #justgotsaved
Wedding morning beauty tips - get up early, have hair clean & fully dry, get some rest, & drink plenty of water! #weddingdaybeauty #weddingdaaybeautytips #bridalmakeup #bridalhair #bridalmakeuptips #bridalhairtips #bridesmaidbeautytips #weddingplanningtips #weddingtips #weddingphotographytips #southwindevents #chicagoweddingplanner #nwindianaweddingplanner #yourfavoriteweddingplanner
Seal it with a KISS 💋
One of the most iconic pics from any wedding is the first kiss as a married couple. But how do you create the perfect moment? Here are a few quick tips:
💋Hide the officiant – have the officiant take a step or two to the side as they pronounce you married. This way, when the photographer captures the photo, their face isn’t in the background.
💋Keep it natural – do what feels comfortable and natural for the two of you, but save the “extras” for your private time later.
💋Hold your kiss – skip the quick peck! Hold that kiss for 3-5 seconds to give your photographer a chance to get a good shot.
💋Have fun – if you two have special handshake, dance or something, incorporate that into your kiss moment. This is yet another way to make sure your wedding is not only memorable, but unique & special to the two of you!
#weddingdaymoments #firstmarriedkiss #weddingkissphoto #weddingplanningtips #weddingtips #weddingphotographytips #perfectweddingkissphoto #perfectweddingkiss #southwindevents #chicagoweddingplanner #nwindianaweddingplanner #yourfavoriteweddingplanner
Seal it with a KISS 💋One of the most iconic pics from any wedding is the first kiss as a married couple. But how do you create the perfect moment? Here are a few quick tips:💋Hide the officiant – have the officiant take a step or two to the side as they pronounce you married. This way, when the photographer captures the photo, their face isn’t in the background. 💋Keep it natural – do what feels comfortable and natural for the two of you, but save the “extras” for your private time later. 💋Hold your kiss – skip the quick peck! Hold that kiss for 3-5 seconds to give your photographer a chance to get a good shot. 💋Have fun – if you two have special handshake, dance or something, incorporate that into your kiss moment. This is yet another way to make sure your wedding is not only memorable, but unique & special to the two of you!#weddingdaymoments #firstmarriedkiss #weddingkissphoto #weddingplanningtips #weddingtips #weddingphotographytips #perfectweddingkissphoto #perfectweddingkiss #southwindevents #chicagoweddingplanner #nwindianaweddingplanner #yourfavoriteweddingplanner
Wedding Toasts 🥂
Wedding speeches/toasts too often fall into one of 3 categories…the marathon (too many speakers), the song that never ends (speakers talk waaayyy too long), or rapid fire (a series of insanely quick speeches). But how do you create the perfect speech/toast moment at your wedding? Here are 2 simple tips:
🥂 Limit the number of speakers to 2-4 people. Who they are isn’t as important as the nature of their relationship to you. Make sure they’re people who love you and know you & your relationship.
🥂 Limit the time to 2min per speaker. You would be surprised just how long 2 mins actually is when talking. This video is less than one minute. However, if you give most folks a time limit of 2 mins, they often talk for 3-5mins, which is a very reasonable and appropriate timeframe. The point here is that folks talk longer than you ask them to. So tell them 2 mins & you’ll get a great speech in under 5min.
#weddingplanningtips #weddingspeeches #weddingtoasts #southwindevents #chicagoweddingplanner #weddingadvice #yourfavoriteweddingplanner #weddingplanning #2024wedding #2023wedding
Wedding Toasts 🥂Wedding speeches/toasts too often fall into one of 3 categories…the marathon (too many speakers), the song that never ends (speakers talk waaayyy too long), or rapid fire (a series of insanely quick speeches). But how do you create the perfect speech/toast moment at your wedding? Here are 2 simple tips:🥂 Limit the number of speakers to 2-4 people. Who they are isn’t as important as the nature of their relationship to you. Make sure they’re people who love you and know you & your relationship.🥂 Limit the time to 2min per speaker. You would be surprised just how long 2 mins actually is when talking. This video is less than one minute. However, if you give most folks a time limit of 2 mins, they often talk for 3-5mins, which is a very reasonable and appropriate timeframe. The point here is that folks talk longer than you ask them to. So tell them 2 mins & you’ll get a great speech in under 5min. #weddingplanningtips #weddingspeeches #weddingtoasts #southwindevents #chicagoweddingplanner #weddingadvice #yourfavoriteweddingplanner #weddingplanning #2024wedding #2023wedding
Honoring those present in body & in spirit #weddingplanningtips #memorytable #placecards #placecardtable #escortcardtable #escortcards
A bride's beauty radiates from within, but flawless skin sets the perfect canvas for stunning bridal portraits. ✨. Here are 6 tips for beautiful skin:🌟Keep your skin clean🌟Stay hydrated (water, not soda or alcohol)🌟Eat healthy🌟Avoid excess sun🌟Reduce your stress🌟Get plenty of restWedding planning tips beautiful brides skin care #southwindevents #chicagoweddingplanner #weddingplanningtips #bridalbeautytips #bridalskin #bridalportraits #weddingpics
Wedding Gifts 🎁 Far too often these days, guests come to weddings empty handed. The hard truth is that many of those guests aren’t financially unable. They are simply selfish & cheap, because most anyone can give SOMETHING to the couple. However, for those who do recognize & practice the etiquette of gifting and are unsure just what they should actually give, here are a few tips based solely on your relationship to the couple:🎁 Coworker or distant relatives: $50-$100🎁 Good friend or family member: $100-$125🎁 Close family or bestie: $150+These dollar amounts can be reflected in cash or gift value. Now, if you honestly can’t afford to give based on your relationship, don’t feel obligated, BUT you ought to bring something that adequately reflects your love for the couple & your support for them as they enter this new phase of life together. #weddinggifts #weddinggifting #weddinggiftideas #weddingwishingwell #honeymoonfund #weddingguest #weddingguests #weddingguestetiquette #weddinggiftregistry #southwindevents #chicagoweddingplanner #nwindianaweddingplanner #nwiweddingplanner #nwieventplanner
Wedding Guest Etiquette – Part 2More tips for being a great wedding guest. ⭐️ RSVP…on time! ⭐️ Don’t try to bring your kids to the adult only wedding⭐️ Don’t try to coordinate your outfit with the wedding colors, unless the couple asks⭐️ No wearing any shade of white or ivory#weddingwednesday #weddingguests #weddingadvice #weddingtips #southwindevents #chicagoweddingplanner #nwindianaweddingplanner #2023wedding #2024wedding #2025wedding
