Below are some top entertainment ideas that can make your next Chicago event a day to remember.

DJ Entertainment

When you need a professional DJ to entertain your guests, make sure Chicago DJs is your first choice. We are mobile disc jockeys serving the entire Chicagoland area, playing whatever you and your guests want to hear. With music from the ’50s up to today’s hits in every genre, our DJs can cater to wedding receptions, school dances, proms, homecomings, anniversary parties, birthday parties, and corporate events. A skilled DJ does more than play music; they read the crowd, adapt the playlist to keep the energy high, and interact with your guests to keep them dancing all night.

Photo Booths

Photo booths have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years despite the prevalence of social media platforms like Snapchat and Instagram. Why are they so popular? They’re inexpensive and customizable to fit your event space and needs and encourage fun with props. Photo booths take the work off you or your guests for capturing photos, allowing them to mingle and stay present in the experience. They fit almost anywhere, and everyone at your event can use them. The photos can also go online, allowing guests to share their fun instantly!

Michael Jackson Performance by Ed Hollis

Enhance your event with a show-stopping performance by the renowned Michael Jackson tribute artist Ed Hollis. Known for his electrifying dance moves and having performed across the nation, including Las Vegas and for THE Jackson family in Indiana, Ed brings Michael Jackson’s magic to life!

Uplighting

Transform your event from ordinary to extraordinary with room uplighting. With modern LED lighting technology, you’ll have a full-color spectrum to choose from. Create whatever ambiance you desire with mood lighting, or decorate your space in festive colors matching your event theme. The uplight fixtures are placed strategically throughout the room to create brilliant columns of light that beam up the wall or architectural fixtures. Uplights are a dazzling way to tie together your design and décor elements, making your event visually stunning.

Karaoke

Karaoke is a fantastic way to engage your guests and give the spotlight to those who love to perform. Chicago DJs bring thousands of songs, ensuring everyone can find something to enjoy. Karaoke adds a unique and interactive element to any event, encouraging participation and creating lively memories! At Chicago DJs, we can handle groups of any size, and you can even opt to have karaoke for just an hour or two as part of your event.

With these unique entertainment options, your next Chicago event will surely be a hit! At Chicago DJs, we provide full DJ sound, dance lighting, and/or karaoke systems, depending on what your event requires. We also have additional add-ons, including photo booths, Michael Jackson dance performances by Ed Hollis, and more!

For additional information on our services and to explore our entertainment packages, visit us online or call (888)277-5250 with any questions about your next event entertainment options in Chicago.

The post Unique Entertainment Ideas for Your Next Chicago Event appeared first on Chicago DJs.

Choosing the right DJ for your wedding can make or break the event. They set the tone, influence the mood, and can turn your reception into a night to remember (for better or for worse), so it is important to be thorough in your search.

Here are a few key qualities to consider when hiring a DJ for your special day!

Ability to Read the Room

A great wedding DJ can intuitively gauge the room’s energy and adjust the music accordingly, whether lifting the crowd’s spirits with an upbeat song when energy dips or playing a slow dance number at the perfect moment. This keen sense of timing is pivotal in keeping the reception enjoyable for everyone.

Musical Versatility

Weddings bring together people of all ages and backgrounds, so the music should represent this diversity. A skilled DJ should have a wide music collection that spans various genres and decades. They should be able to mix different styles seamlessly to keep all your guests entertained, no matter their musical tastes.

Professionalism and Reliability

Being a professional wedding DJ means showing up on time, looking sharp, and being ready to tackle any technical glitches. It’s also about being reliable, with top-notch equipment and backup systems to keep the music playing smoothly and ensure your special day goes off without a hitch.

Excellent Communication Skills

Your wedding DJ should be an excellent communicator, not just in how they handle music requests but also in their ability to coordinate with the couple and the wedding party. Before the big day, they should discuss the playlist, understand the couple’s preferences, and clarify any do-not-play songs.

Positive Testimonials and Reviews

A trustworthy DJ should have a history of happy clients. Reviews and testimonials are good indicators of their reputation and service quality. Prospective couples should look for feedback on their promptness, performance, and ability to engage and entertain guests.

Choosing the right DJ ensures your wedding is as joyful and memorable as you’ve dreamed. The perfect DJ will not only meet all the above criteria but will also adapt to your personal style and wedding theme.

For those planning their wedding day in Chicago or surrounding areas, Chicago DJs has the professional and experienced DJ’s and MC’s you need to make your celebration memorable! All our wedding packages can be adjusted and customized to fit your specific budget and requirements.

Browse our full list of services online and give us a call at (888)277-5250 to book your wedding DJ today!  

The post Key Qualities to Look for in a Wedding DJ appeared first on Chicago DJs.

Here’s your essential guide to planning the perfect summer wedding in this bustling, great American city.

Choose the Right Venue

Start by choosing the perfect venue for the summer season. In Chicago, you have a variety of options, such as rooftop venues with stunning city views, cozy outdoor spaces by the lake, or elegant indoor settings with large windows to let in the summer light. Consider the venue’s aesthetics during the warm months and ensure it has proper airflow or air conditioning to keep guests comfortable.

Prioritize Timing for Outdoor Events

Chicago summers are beautiful, but they can also be quite warm. For an outdoor wedding, consider planning your ceremony for later in the day when the sun is less intense. An evening reception means you’ll catch the golden hour for stunning wedding photos, followed by a cooler night of dancing and celebration so you and your guests are more comfortable. 

Fully Embrace the Season

Embrace the season with a vibrant summer-themed décor and catering palette. You could incorporate bright florals, light fabrics, and a nautical or botanical theme that complements Chicago’s lush landscapes. 

To create a magical atmosphere for your guests, consider including these suggestions:

• Use outdoor elements for your décor, such as string lights in a garden or candles on a rooftop.
• Pair these visuals with a seasonal menu with light, fresh ingredients like chilled soups, grilled entrees, and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Ensure the comfort of all your guests by not only offering refreshing cocktails but also a wide range of non-alcoholic options. This will keep everyone hydrated and happy throughout the festivities.

Provide Exceptional Entertainment

No summer wedding is complete without the right entertainment to energize the atmosphere as the evening cools down. At Chicago DJs, we offer various customizable packages that provide everything you need for your wedding day entertainment! All our packages include an experienced MC/DJ with at least five years of expertise to ensure smooth event flow and adherence to your music preferences so you can rest assured you’re in good hands.

We also have a list of reputable vendors with whom we partner whenever possible to ensure your event’s success, from planning to transportation!

Please browse our services online or call us at (888)277-5250 for more information on our professional DJ services in Chicago and surrounding areas.

The post A Guide to Planning the Perfect Summer Wedding in Chicago appeared first on Chicago DJs.

Here are a few reasons every wedding can benefit from hiring a professional DJ!

The Expertise of a Professional DJ

A skilled DJ possesses a deep understanding of musical genres and eras, capable of blending old classics with modern hits to engage every guest. Their expertise ensures the dance floor remains alive, filled with energy and joy from the ceremony’s close to the reception’s end.

The Role of a DJ as an Event Coordinator

More than just music curators, these professionals adeptly manage the event’s flow, coordinating with caterers, photographers, and other vendors to ensure each moment unfolds smoothly. At Chicago DJs, we have worked with numerous reputable figures in the wedding and party industry and often partner with them to enhance the event’s success. This network of collaboration ensures every detail, from the timing of speeches to the coordination of special moments, is handled with expertise!

Creating the Perfect Atmosphere

Choosing the right DJ is crucial to setting the perfect atmosphere for any wedding, whether calm and serene or lively and energetic. Chicago DJs enhances this experience by providing a professional sound system equipped with two speakers and a subwoofer (if required), as well as microphones for your ceremony, speeches, and/or toasts. We also add to the ambiance by offering dance-floor lighting, “uplighting,” monogram lighting, and photo booths, creating an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

Personalization and Customization

Every couple has a unique story; a professional DJ ensures their music reflects this. An extensive music library from various decades and genres, along with access to the internet, allows couples to tailor their wedding soundtrack, making each moment feel personal and deeply meaningful.

Reliability and Peace of Mind

Entrusting your wedding’s music to a professional means counting on someone with years of experience and a commitment to making your day flawless. The assurance of having a seasoned professional handle the unexpected gives couples peace of mind, allowing them to immerse themselves fully in the joy of their celebration.

For those planning a wedding in Chicago or the surrounding areas, Chicago DJs is a name that stands out when it comes to professional DJ services. With well over 25 years of experience in the industry, we offer musical expertise and comprehensive packages that include high-quality sound systems, interactive DJs in proper attire, and a vast music library with an online planning system.

All our wedding packages are fully customizable to fit your specific needs and budget. We also offer additional add-ons, including photo booths, “Michael Jackson” dance performances, karaoke, and more!

Get a quote online today, or call us at (888)277-5250 for more information on our professional DJ services in the Chicago area and discover how we can make your wedding day unforgettable.

The post Why Every Wedding Needs a Professional DJ appeared first on Chicago DJs.

When you first get engaged, you probably can’t wait to start planning your dream wedding. However, there’s one less glamorous step that has to come before the rest— budgeting. Alexis Alvarez, owner and lead planner at Lillian Rose Events, dropped by the blog to share her expert advice for handling your wedding budget.  Photos by TWA Photographic Artists.

Have honest conversations with every possible financial contributor.

Let’s be honest, money conversations are yuck, but when you’re in the beginning stages of planning, it’s so important to know the real figures you’re working with. Before you start shopping for venues and interviewing pros, sit down with any parents or grandparents that might be contributing to the overall wedding budget, as well as each other, to decide what everyone is comfortable spending. Besides talking about numbers, you should also discuss any decision-making power financial contributors expect to have.

Always overestimate.

When trying to determine your per category spends, always overestimate. You’d rather end the wedding with a surplus than to go over budget. Other categories to budget for in advance: tax (11.5% in Chicago), service charges (18-25%), cash tips, and a miscellaneous fund for last minute, unexpected expenses.

Ask questions.

If you’re not sure what a fee is for, there is never any shame in asking. Ask your wedding planner what they recommend budgeting for specific categories. The more knowledge you have on why you’re paying for certain things the less daunting the final dollar amount will feel.

Know your top 3.

Go into the booking phase of planning knowing what your top 3 priorities are for your wedding. This can be broken down in a couple of ways: food, photo, floral OR can be broken down by emotion: stress-free, celebration, meaningful. The first way gives you specific areas of spending that you value most, helping to guide where you’re likely to spend more of your budget. The latter helps to tell you what you’re wanting to get out of the end result of your wedding planning experience and will help prevent “shiny object syndrome” when every decision can be tethered back to what emotional value you’ll receive from an area of spending.

Don’t expect discounts.

You’re not just paying for a vendor’s time on the wedding day. There are real-life business expenses behind every estimate that you’re given. For example, your photographer has thousands of dollars of equipment that they use not only on the wedding day itself but also to maintain their wedding day equipment and to edit, store and share your photos. Your wedding planner drives tens of thousands of miles a year and spends hundreds of hours every year developing vendor relationships that benefit you. So when you’re asking for a discount, it’s got to come from somewhere. Sometimes vendors give referral clients a discount because they are easier and less expensive to book since they’re not paying an advertising source for your business. Overall, discounts should come as a pleasant surprise, not an expectation.

Ready to start planning your own Big Day? Check out our expert advice, stunning real weddings, and follow us on Pinterest for the ultimate inspiration.  

Lillian Rose Events: https://www.lillianroseevents.com/

Chicago Style Weddings: https://www.chicagostyleweddings.com/

The post 5 Things to Remember When Creating Your Wedding Budget – with Lillian Rose Events appeared first on Chicago DJs.

As couples globally are facing the COVID-19 pandemic, taking the right actions and navigating this ever-evolving scenario is proving to be challenging for many. Like you, here at The Knot, our teams are making daily decisions through the lens of how to best keep our couples, employees and partners safe and healthy. So, as you’re planning your wedding during the coronavirus pandemic, know that we’re here for you. We’ll continue to update our guide to planning a COVID-19 wedding as new information is available from the CDC and WHO, as well as from experts within the wedding industry.What’s Inside:

1. Staying Organized
2. Finding Your Vendors
3. Celebrating Virtually
4. Inviting Friends and Family
5. Navigating Your Registry
6. In-Person vs. Virtual Guest Attendance
7. Your Relationship During Quarantine
8. Additional Resources

In addition to the COVID wedding ideas and resources below, we’ve updated The Knot Wedding Planner App with new COVID-specific features to help you adapt to postponement, rescheduling and more. We’ve also created an interactive map to give you state-by-state guidance.Get the Latest COVID Guidelines by State

Stay up to date on the most recent capacity guidelines and travel restrictions across the U.S.A. with our interactive map.Visit the Covid Guidelines Map

Remember that you’re not alone right now. Many couples have been impacted, countless weddings have been postponed, and we know it’s a challenging time for so many impacted by this pandemic. We want to be here for you every step of the way. Because love most certainly isn’t canceled, and that includes the joyful journey of planning your wedding.BACK TO TOP

1. Staying Organized While Planning a Wedding During COVID

For those wondering how to plan a wedding during COVID, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re just engaged and planning from the start, looking for logistical help on how to postpone, or hosting a safe and small minimony now with a big celebration down the road, our tools for planning a wedding during COVID make it all easy.

Recently Engaged Couples

Don’t let COVID take away any of that newly engaged glow. Kickstart your planning journey with The Knot’s Wedding Checklist.Just Engaged? Here’s How to Start Planning Virtually

Trust us, there’s still plenty that can be accomplished at home and via video chat. But first, take a moment to bask in that newly-engaged glow.

How to Enjoy Your Engagement In Light of COVID

Congratulations! This is a milestone moment in your life, so you shouldn’t feel guilty about celebrating your engagement and future wedding, even amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The Future of Weddings After COVID

According to the CDC, group gatherings should be limited in size to reduce the spread. What does this mean for weddings during and after COVID? Here’s what industry experts say.

Postponing Your Date

Trust us, you’re not alone here: 35% of couples who had upcoming weddings have postponed to 2021 or later. So, we created the Rescheduler tool to make rebooking, picking a new date and coordinating with their vendors super easy. Here are additional COVID wedding resources for postponing your date due to COVID.of couples who had upcoming weddings have postponed to 2021 or later.Shifting Your Wedding Timeline Due to Coronavirus

For couples with wedding dates in 2020 and early 2021, we did the math for you. Here’s exactly how to shift your planning timeline based on your wedding date.

All the Steps You Need to Take to Postponing Your Wedding

You’ve made the tough decision to postpone because of COVID, now what? Here are all the steps you need to take to officially push back your wedding, broken down into a handy checklist.

Email Templates to Use If COVID-19 Pushed Back Your Wedding

No one should have to stress over email etiquette right now. To help, we’ve written out a set of templates so all you have to do is copy and paste. (And hit “send” of course.)

Wedding Dates to Avoid in 2021, 2022 and 2023

You’ve made the tough decision to postpone, but to when exactly? Here’s a cheat sheet of holidays and other dates to be mindful of as you’re rescheduling your date.

It’s Okay to Be Sad About Having to Postpone Your Wedding

Know that what you and your partner are feeling is valid, and your feelings shouldn’t be discounted. It’s best to face those feelings head on. Here’s how to do that.

Get Legally Hitched Now, Celebrate Later

Of couples that got married in 2020, a third of them are planning another celebration. So if you’re looking to become legal spouses sooner rather than later, we love the idea of hosting a socially-distanced minimony now, and continuing to plan a larger wedding for the future.Get the Latest COVID Guidelines by State

Stay up to date on the most recent capacity guidelines and travel restrictions across the U.S.A. with our interactive map.Visit the Covid Guidelines Map

The Event Everyone’s Throwing Before Their Postponed Wedding

Meet the minimony, a smaller bash before the actual day. Read up on how to host your own—plus everything else you need to know.

How to Safely Throw a Wedding Right Now

The good news: You can still celebrate with your loved ones. Even better news: We’re here to help you do it. Read on to find out how.

Elopement Announcements to Share the Good News

Say ‘I do’ now, celebrate later? We support you! Here are our favorite festive ways to announce your newlywed status.

How to Have an Instagram-Worthy Elopement

Take a page out of this influencer’s book and steal her epic elopement.

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2. Find Your Wedding Pro Team

Planning is still happening—in fact, 52% of couples have booked or hired a vendor since the onset of the pandemic. There’s no doubt that as you’re planning a wedding amid COVID, having an expert by your side can be a huge help. More than 75% of couples say their vendors were understanding of the unique situation and accommodating to new requests or updates.of couples have booked or hired a vendor since the onset of the pandemic.

Get Started

For couples that have either recently gotten engaged or have yet to find their vendor team, we recommend getting started by browsing wedding venues via the local directory.Find Venues With Outdoor Reception Spaces

Hosting an open-air celebration is one of our favorite COVID wedding ideas.

See Venues Without Leaving Home with a 360° Virtual Tour

Because who doesn’t love the idea of booking a venue while still wearing pajamas?

Plan Your Wedding While Social Distancing

Tackle dress shopping, vendor relationships, and more wedding planning during COVID (actually get a lot done).

Plan With Your Pros

Already have your venue locked down? (Way to work that checklist!)Use the Vendor Manager to Find and Book Pros

This is all you need to put together your wedding pro team.

Keep Planning on the Go with The Knot App

Or let’s be real, while snuggled up on the couch.

How to Support Your Vendors During COVID

Your wedding pros are always deserving of a little TLC, but especially now during the coronavirus pandemic.Your Wedding Vendors Are Small Businesses—Here’s How to Support Them

First things first: Postpone and plan for the future, don’t cancel.

Thoughtful Ways to Thank Your Wedding Pros

Our favorite ways for showing your vendors some love—which is a good thing to do now, but a great idea always.

How Pros Are Helping Out Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic

From dress designers and bridal salons shifting to mask production, to venues providing shelter for healthcare professionals, our wedding vendor community is truly an inspiration.

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3. Celebrate Your COVID Wedding Virtually

This year, celebrating your love may look a little different—and that’s okay! Remember what’s important: Celebrating this special milestone moment with your friends, family and people most important to you.

Communicate With Guests

According to a recent study by The Knot, which surveyed people who were supposed to attend a wedding amid the coronavirus pandemic, 71% of guests say it’s important to receive information on health and safety measures before RSVP-ing. Even more specifically, 63% of guests want to know your mask policy, and 60% want to know the size of the guest list. Here’s how to keep that communication clear and straightforward.of guests say it’s important to receive information on health and safety measures before RSVP-ing.Create a Wedding Website (and Keep It up to Date)

With all that’s going on, having a centralized location for all your COVID wedding updates and virtual event details is critical. The Wedding Website was never so important, TBH. You can even add an FAQ page to answer all of guests’ potential questions.

Send Your Guests Text and Email Alerts

Make sure guests don’t miss a thing! Send text and email notifications for major updates to your Wedding Website. Our favorite part? Those email updates will match your website design, so they’ll be right on theme.

What Guests Want to Know About Your COVID Safety Measures and How to Tell

Hosting a COVID wedding, full of masks, socially-distanced seating and other health and safety measures? Love it. Here are the best ways to let guests know about all those great precautions ahead of time.

Throw a Virtual Wedding Event

For couples looking to get married late 2020/early 2021, 43% are planning to add a virtual component for guests that can’t attend in person. Spoiler alert: We love this trend! Here’s how to pull it off without a hitch.Share Your Virtual Wedding Link Via Your Website

Including your livestream/broadcast link on your website makes it super easy for your guests to dial in to your virtual wedding. (Psst! You can even add an FAQ page.)

Things Your Virtual Wedding Definitely Needs

Ensure their virtual celebration goes off without a glitch with our top tips—from creating a virtual dress code to designating a ‘streaming administrator’ for your event.

What To Wear To A Virtual Wedding

Here’s what couples and guests should know about choosing attire for a Zoom wedding—and the mistakes to avoid.

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4. Invite Friends and Family to Celebrate With You

We’ve got your COVID wedding covered, no matter where you are in your journey: Just engaged, postponed, recently wed—and everything in-between.Find the Stationery You Need for Any Wedding Status

Start by browsing save-the-dates, wedding invitations, day-of stationery and thank-you cards in your style, and sample any design from home with our free sample pack.

The Free Stationery Reprints You Need if Changing Your Date

So you can order with confidence, and get a free reprint on your wedding paper should your wedding day details change.

Everything to Know About ‘Change-the-Date’ Cards

Postponed weddings amid COVID have resulted in a new type of announcement: Meet the change-the-date, a more flexible sibling of the save-the-date.

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5. Navigating Your Registry Amid COVID

Where do wedding gifts and registry fall into all of this? We know there are a ton of questions and a lot of confusion surrounding wedding gift etiquette amid the COVID pandemic — here, we dig into the answers and the guidance.Start Your Wedding Registry

If you haven’t created your registry yet, there’s no better time like the present with everyone spending more time at home. Choose from themed collections or even register for a Cash Fund.

The Ultimate Registry Checklist

Not sure what to put on your registry, exactly? No sweat. We’ve outlined everything you and your future spouse might need for your newlywed nest.

How to Manage Your Registry Once You Postpone

We know, asking for wedding gifts might feel a bit strange right now, but trust us—you’re not alone. We’re answering all those tricky registry-related FAQs.

How to Ask for Charity Donations Instead of Wedding Gifts

Having a registry doesn’t necessarily mean you only have to ask for physical gifts. Here’s how your wedding can support a good cause.

Five Simple Ways to Make Your Registry Easy for Guests

While The Knot Registry is already super easy to navigate, there are ways you can optimize your registry for friends and family’s use. Consider these our insider registry secrets.

Here’s the Right Way to Share Your Registry

The pandemic has thrown so many etiquette rules in limbo. Consider this your source of truth for the best ways to get your wedding gift wish list in front of the right people.

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6. For the Guests: Attending In-Person or Virtually

With so many weddings impacted by the coronavirus, wedding guests are likely asking very similar questions about next steps. Here’s what to do as a COVID wedding guest, what to say (what not to say) and how to address even the most commonplace questions like gift etiquette for a postponed wedding.Find a Couple’s Wedding Website

Whether you plan to attend IRL, virtually, or just by sending good vibes on the day of, keep up to date with wedding plans through the couple’s Wedding Website.

Things Not to Say to Someone Who Just Postponed Their Wedding

As a friend or family member, the most important thing you can do is show support.

How to Be a Great Wedding Party Member During COVID-19

You were supposed to be in a wedding that just got postponed—what to do? First things first, be there for your friend. .

A Guide to Being an IRL Guest

Couples themselves are having to scramble and make new plans amid the pandemic to comply with local guidelines, so what’s a wedding guest to do?How to Safely Attend a Wedding Amid COVID

Here, our handy COVID wedding etiquette guide for those guests who have a wedding on their calendar in the coming weeks or months.

Get the Latest COVID Guidelines by State

Stay up to date on the most recent capacity guidelines and travel restrictions across the U.S.A. with our interactive map.Visit the Covid Guidelines Map

Our Favorite Wedding Face Masks for Guests

Find the perfect mask to match whatever you’re wearing with our shoppable guide to wedding masks for guests, including everything from simple designs to bold colors.

Wedding Gift Etiquette Amid COVID

Trust us: Your engaged friends who just had to postpone their wedding due to COVID could use a wedding gift now more than ever.How to Locate a Couple’s Wedding Registry

Looking to give a special couple in your life a little happiness right now? We love that! Share the love and send a gift through their registry.

Here’s Why Wedding Gifts Are More Important Now Than Ever

Remember that it’s the thought that counts. Plus, we break down exactly when to give a gift based on COVID-specific scenarios, including virtual weddings, elopements and more.

Gift Giving Etiquette for Postponed Weddings

Where do wedding gifts fall in all of this? We know there are a ton of questions surrounding gift and registry etiquette. Here, we dig into the answers.

Show Support from Afar

While hugs and coffee dates might be off limits due to social distancing, being there for a friend isn’t.How to Be a Good Friend to Someone Whose Wedding Was Impacted By Coronavirus

Here’s how to show some kindness to those people in your life who are dealing with the stress of postponing their day.

How to Throw a Virtual Bridal Shower or Bachelorette Party

If social distancing has thrown a wrench in your pre-wedding event plans, here’s how to still make the to-be-wed in your life feel celebrated. Plus, our favorite virtual bachelorette party and bridal shower games (that are actually fun).

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7. Love and Your Relationship in Quarantine

People are actually feeling stronger in their relationships as a result of social distancing and spending more time together, according to a recent study, but that doesn’t mean this time is without struggles. Below, find our expert advice for navigating and maintaining a healthy relationship through it all.How to Keep the Spark Alive When You’re With Your S.O. All Day

While one might think that quarantining together isn’t ideal for romance, there are definitely ways to make the most of your time together.

The Challenges Couples Are Facing During COVID-19

Here’s what couples are going through, and how to work through those common issues.

12 Ways to Celebrate Your Original Wedding Date If You’ve Postponed

It’s time to #takebackthedate in the time of weddings and coronavirus. Here are our favorite ideas for making the day feel celebrated.

Small Things You Can Do to Make Your Partner Feel Special

Our favorite tips for showing your S.O. your appreciation during this trying time, from ordering their favorite food to simply putting down your phone and actively listening.

14 Quarantine Couple Activities You Haven’t Thought Of

Dinner and a movie on the couch is great and all, but sometimes you’ve got to spice things up. (Luxury spa night, hello!)

Our Favorite Self-Care Products for Couples to Help You Both Unwind

If you’re looking for permission to do a little #treatyoself splurge, this is it.

12 Ways to Maintain a Healthy Relationship While Social Distancing

The shelter-in-place and stay-at-home guidances are putting many couples in closer proximity than normal, which could have an impact on your relationship.

Relatable Tweets About Social Distancing With Your Partner

“Turns out that my husband knew how to clean thoroughly this whole time.”

The Shows and Movies to Binge-Watch While Wedding Planning

Pop the popcorn and grab your sweats—you’ve got a very important date with the couch.

What Is a “Homeymoon”?

A honeymoon at home, of course! Here are our favorite ideas and top tips for pulling it off—no passport required.

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8. Additional Resources

Despite the challenges of COVID-19, love has ultimately prevailed: 71% of couples with weddings scheduled for 2020 found a way to get married regardless of how it looked and 76% have had some type of post-ceremony celebration with close family and friends.of couples with weddings scheduled for 2020 found a way to get married regardless of how it looked.

COVID Wedding Ideas and Advice

Our mission: To make your COVID wedding as ‘gram worthy as possible.Wedding Masks That Will Actually Look Cute in Photos

Plus, real couples who rocked them in style.

Transitioning Your Wedding Colors to a Different Season

Postponing your wedding doesn’t mean sacrificing your aesthetic. If you want to adjust your palette to align with certain times of year, there are ways to do that.

Our 15 Favorite Social Distancing Signs

These will totally work with the rest of your wedding’s decor.

How to Include Hand Sanitizer in Your Wedding

Help guests stay safe and sanitized with these super cute ideas.

Wedding Customs to Reconsider Amid COVID-19

Plus, alternative COVID wedding ideas for what to do instead.

My Instagram Feed Is Making Me Hate the Wedding I Planned

It feels like we’re on our phones now more than ever, which makes it pretty easy to obsessively scroll through flawless wedding photos and feel all kinds of envy as a result. Avoid the spiral — here’s how.

Toxic Positivity Is the Mental Health Concern You Should Be Aware of Now More Than Ever

Planning a wedding during a pandemic is hard—it’s okay to admit that.

Creating My 120-Person Guest List Was Hard Enough, Now It’s Down to 30

Firsthand advice from one bride’s experience of cutting her guest list for COVID.

Here’s How to Adjust Your Guest List in the Time of COVID-19

If your wedding guest list is taking a hit due to social distancing guidelines, we’re here to help you navigate those uncomfortable conversations.

Coronavirus and Wedding Insurance 101

We spoke to the experts to determine which kinds of coverage are most helpful right now.

What Honeymoons Will Look Like After COVID-19

We tapped hospitality experts to find out exactly how airline travel, resorts and hotels, and honeymoon experiences are adapting to a post-pandemic world.

Get Attire and Beauty Help

Even while home, the shopping hasn’t stopped for some. With local bridal salons and businesses of all types evolving to digital experiences, your dress and other at-home styling tips are simply a click away. The same applies to beauty advice, too. Now is the best time to work on upkeep without considering drastic transformations. Leave that to the pros.How Wedding Dress Shopping Will Change Due to COVID-19

Bridal salons are bracing for a new normal—here’s what to expect.

Bridal Salons Answer the Top COVID-Related Dress Concerns

Have questions about your wedding gown and shopping amid COVID-19? Thanks to a few boutiques, we’ve got all the answers for you.

The Proper Way to Store Your Dress Right Now

Spoiler alert: Not in plastic.

How to Do Your Hair and Makeup for Your Virtual Wedding Events

Get computer-camera ready for your virtual bridal shower or minimony with this advice straight from the experts.

The post The Knot’s Official Guidebook for COVID-19 Wedding Help appeared first on Chicago DJs.

Planning a wedding is notoriously stressful. But for wedding planners, putting on a huge event is a piece of cake.

With wedding season coming up, INSIDER consulted a number of experienced wedding planners to find out their best advice for engaged couples preparing for their big day.

Here’s what the professionals say you should absolutely do.

Set a budget.

“Having a budget is super important,” Amy Shey Jacobs of Chandelier Events told INSIDER. “Money is a really tough thing to talk about, especially when it is your money,” or there are “multiple parents contributing to the wedding.”

“My big thing is don’t leave the money discussion ’til the end,” she said, adding that the wedding budget informs the shape of the event, down to the type of venue and size of the guest list. “You want to understand how much you have before you go shopping for the wedding you’re going to have. Once you have that structure it allows you to figure out your priorities.”

Prioritize.

Celebrity wedding planner Andrea Freeman of Andrea Freeman Events said she asks her couples to think of five wedding “must-haves,” around which they can begin to plan the wedding and spread the budget accordingly. “For example, if fashion is really important to the bride, we’re going to make sure that a good portion of their budget is allocated towards bridal” style, she said.

Jacobs’ approach to planning is similar. “If food and a great band and photographer are your big three priorities, then that’s where you put the bulk of your budget,” she said. “If your priority is more about having as many people in the room as possible… you could have a wedding during the day on a farm, because you can fit so many people in the space and the food might cost less.”

“Pick your priorities and map it out with your budget, with your nuts and bolts.”

Consider your guests.

Yes, the wedding is about the couple — but it’s also about the guests.

Jacobs recommends sorting out your guest list early on in the planning process, so you know how many people you can comfortably cater to.

Planner Amy Katz of Amy Katz Events advises her couples to consider their guests when they pick their wedding date. “Avoid wedding dates close to holidays, especially in the summer,” she told INSIDER.

Where your guests stay is also important. “Do give your guests several options for accommodations when traveling,” Katz said. Giving multiple accommodation options should suit a range of budgets, and make your guests feel more comfortable.

Use online planning resources.

Whether it’s a big or small wedding, organization is everything.

“I would absolutely recommend setting up a wedding website as well as using a registry app,” renowned wedding planner Colin Cowie told INSIDER. Managing your registry via an app, like Zola, makes it easier for you and your guests to keep track of things.

“The digital planning process is much more streamlined than the wedding binder,” Cowie said.

Don’t forget to have fun.

That said, you don’t want to take all the fun out of wedding planning by getting hung up on lists.

“With all the organization tools out there it makes it very easy to be organized, but I really do not want couples to become so wed to the details and the checklist that they lose sight of the inspiration,” Jacobs said. “Do let yourself have fun.”

Make it personal.

In a world where Pinterest makes pretty much every wedding look the same, it can be hard to come up with unique ideas.

Jacobs emphasized having a wedding that “feels like you… and not a wedding that you saw on Pinterest.” While it’s perfectly fine to copy ideas that reflect you, you can make even the smallest wedding details personal, down to the food you serve. The planner recommends serving food that you had on your first date.

Freeman suggests thinking about your interests, and going from there. “For the couple who are really into food trucks or the latest food trends, maybe we bring in a food truck at the end of their evening,” she said.

As Katz said, couples should “inject personality into every aspect of the wedding.”

If you can afford it, hire a professional.

Of course wedding planners are going to recommend hiring a wedding planner, but it’s arguably the easiest way to get things done while still having fun.

Katz said that hiring a planner means that you know “everything is organized and executed properly.”

“This planning process can be stressful, but don’t forget to enjoy your time as an engaged couple,” Cowie said. “Don’t try to be superwoman — hire a planner and let them do their job!”

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Wondering how to choose wedding music? In the midst of thinking about flowers, cakes, dresses, honeymoon destinations, vows, and everything else, your ceremony music timeline is yet another aspect of your wedding to figure out. Music sets a tone, stirs up emotions, and shares a message with your guests, so picking the right songs is key—as is making sure they’re a good fit for the ceremony you have planned! We turned to our experts and asked them to share their top tips for getting that music right.
Know the Basics
How many songs do you need for a wedding ceremony? There are three big moments to pick music for: Both of your processionals (one song each) and the recessional. Your groom’s processional could also be the song the wedding party walks down the aisle to, or you could give him a tune all his own, as you’ll have.

Check with Your Venue
If you’re having a wedding in a house of worship, the first thing to do before you choose any songs is to talk to your officiant and see if there are restrictions to what you use. Some more conservative venues will have a specific list of traditional (often religious) songs for you to choose from, others might allow anything as long as it’s instrumental and has no recorded words, and the most progressive may be open to whichever music you choose (with the officiant’s review and approval first). Find out what rules you need to follow, and go from there.

Consider Your History
No matter how long the two of you have been together, there’s bound to be a song, artist, or genre of music that you both really connect to. Think back: Is there a tune you love to belt out in the car? One you always dance to in the kitchen? A song one of you has heard that makes you think about the other person? Or maybe a concert you went to together by an artist you really love? Any of these will help guide you toward a song or two that are really meaningful.
Read the Lyrics
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s crucial that you read the lyrics before pressing “play” at your ceremony. Think about “Every Breath You Take” by the Police. It pops up at weddings all the time, but Sting himself has insisted that it’s about jealousy, obsession, and a lost lover—not how you want to kick off your marriage! Make sure the song is telling the story you really want your guests to hear, and keep an eye out for any lines or verses that may ruffle feathers.

Choose a Theme
For a little more cohesion, choose a theme to tie your processional songs together. That could be songs in the same genre, songs with a similar tempo, or songs from the same era. This will lead to a more even flow between songs as you and your wedding party process.
Think About the Feeling You’re Trying to Create
Of course, you want the main feeling to be “love” — but do you want something calm and subdued, upbeat, or a fun surprise your guests might barely pick up on, like an instrumental version of that rap song the two of you can’t help but dance to? Don’t be afraid to pick an unexpected genre, especially if there’s an acoustic or instrumental version that will nod to your favorite tune without busting out the hard rock on your way down the aisle.

Make it a Surprise
To really personalize the ceremony, you and your partner could each choose your processional songs in private, and not share them until you walk down the aisle. Find a song that represents the way you feel about your partner, a tune they love that you know they’d be thrilled to hear, or one that holds a special memory. Let your planner or whoever is operating the sound system know what you’ve chosen, and make sure you both have tissues on hand!

Celebrate!
Your recessional song should be one that’s up-tempo, happy, and primed to get the party started. After all, you’ve just tied the knot! Pick a song that will make you want to dance down the aisle, and will have your guests singing along. Go for a surprise here too! This could be anything from a gospel choir singing “Oh Happy Day” to “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours” by Stevie Wonder to Beyoncé and Jay Z’s “Crazy in Love.” Have fun with this one!

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by The Knot (theknot.com)

If you’re having 25 guests at a buffet, you may or may not want to give people specific seating assignments. But if you’re having 75 guests or more and serving a seated meal, you’ll want to make sure everyone’s got a specific place to sit. Why? For one, people like to know where they’re sitting—and that you took the time to choose where they should sit—and with whom. It’s also helpful if you’re serving several different entrée choices, because the caterer and waitstaff can figure out beforehand how many chicken, beef and vegetarian dishes a given table gets, because they know who’s sitting there. Read on for stress-free tips on how to seat your guests.

Start Early

There are couples who’ve been at kitchen tables the night before the wedding (or even wedding morning) just starting their seating chart. Don’t let this be you—you’ve got more important things to think about at that point. Sure, it’s fine to make last-minute changes, but try to get the chart mostly done at least a week before the day.

Break It Down

Create a new spreadsheet. If you haven’t already, insert a column into your guest list document categorizing all the invitees by relationship: your friends, your family, your partner’s friends, your partner’s family, your family friends, your partner’s family friends and so on. This way, you’ll be able to easily sort the list and break it down into more logical table assortments. Now you’ll need to separate these lists into distinct tables.

Create a Paper Trail

If you’re more visual, draw circles (for tables) on a big sheet of paper and write names inside them (make sure you know how many people can comfortably be seated at each table). Or you could write every guest’s name on a sticky note and place it accordingly.

Head Up the Head Table

A traditional head table is not round, but long and straight, and it’s generally set up along a wall, on risers, facing all the other reception tables. Usually the newlyweds sit smack-dab in the middle (where everyone can see them), with the maid of honor next to the groom, the best man next to the bride, and then boy/girl out from there. Flower girls or ring bearers usually sit at the tables where their parents are sitting. Decide to sit this way, or plan a sweetheart table for a little one-on-one time.

Switch Things Up

But you don’t have to do it that way. All the bridesmaids can sit on the bride’s side, and all the groomsmen on the groom’s. Or maybe you’re not into being on display, or you don’t want your wedding party to feel isolated from other guests. Let your wedding party sit at a round reception table or two with each other and/or with their dates, and have the head table be a sweetheart table for the two of you. Another option: You two sit with your parents and let that be the head table, with the wedding party at their own tables.

Place Your Parents

Traditionally, your parents and your partner’s parents sit at the same table, along with grandparents, siblings not in the wedding party, and the officiant and his/her spouse if they attend the reception. But if your or your partner’s parents are divorced and are uncomfortable about sitting next to each other, you might want to let each set of parents host their own table of close family and/or friends . This could mean up to four parents’ tables, depending on your situation—or have the divorced parent who raised you (or your partner) and his/her spouse/date sit at the table with still-married parents. Remember, the parent-seating question is a flexible one. Set it up in whatever way best suits everybody. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to talk to the parents in question about it before you make your final decision.

Tame Tensions

There may also be situations in which certain family members just do not get along. Maybe they haven’t spoken in years. Maybe the last time they saw each other there was a drunken fight. Understandably, you want to keep them as far apart as possible. Think about these kinds of relationships (or lack thereof) before you even start making your chart, so you can take them into consideration in the first place and begin by seating Aunt Jane at table three and Aunt Lucy across the room at table 15. Trust us—they’ll appreciate it.

Provide Reunion Time

All of your college or high school friends will be psyched to sit at a table together. It also gives them all an opportunity to catch up with each other, because they may not have seen each other for a while.

Your guide to wedding reception seating etiquette, here.

Four reception seating mistakes your guests don’t want you to make, here.

Happy planning!

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