Even after 30 years of planning weddings, Linda Shafer-Schuemann is still seeing new trends.
“The biggest thing today is that people are shopping online before coming to see me,” says Shafer-Schuemann, the senior catering manager for the Hilton Chicago Northbrook.
Instead of visiting multiple venues, today’s brides are surfing the wedding venue websites and reading reviews before going to view the physical space. After careful research, the couple comes to visit and is ready to start planning. With visions of television weddings dancing in their heads, today’s couples want it all. Shows like “Say Yes To The Dress” have brides in a state of matrimonial mania.
Start with a theme
Themed weddings are definitely in, says Shafer-Schuemann. Couples use themes to make the event personal and memorable. Whether it’s a fanciful Halloween wedding with guests arriving in costumes, a proper Victorian formal affair or a Disney-esque princess fantasy, couples are willing to spend the dollars to convey the theme. Chicagoland Couples often contract with vendors like Yanni Design Studio or M&M Special Events to bring in towering candles, dramatic curtains, opulent flower arrangements and whatever else is needed to make the dream theme into a reality. Venues like Hilton Northbrook, which is open to working with these specialty vendors, is one of the most popular locations for weddings.
What‘s old is new again
Wedding trends seem to disappear and reappear, according to Shafer-Schuemann. Twenty years ago Gobo lights, which can project the wedding couple’s names or initials, were all the rage. After falling out of style for a while, the trend has now returned. Some brides and grooms walk down an aisle illuminated with their initials projected from Gobo lighting instruments. Colorful charger plates are another blast from the past that have become popular once again. With a rainbow of colors available, these charger plates bring home the wedding colors.
Music in the air
Live bands are less popular than D J’s at today’s weddings. “Bands need a lot of room to set up and couples don’t want to sacrifice the dance floor space. You have to have a big dance floor,” says Shafer-Schuemann. “But trios and small bands are often showing up for the wedding ceremony itself,” she adds.
Focusing on the feast
Food is still a major player in the wedding plans but plate service is not necessarily the norm. Shafer-Schuemann says that couples want the meal to be an event. One popular option involves setting up multiple serving stations where guests can graze around a salad bar, choose favorite sauces for personal plates of pasta, have shrimp tempura deep-fried to order or create custom fajitas.
Many couples go beyond the champagne toast by offering guests a signature cocktail created for their special day. The wedding cake does not always reap the highest calorie count at today’s weddings where sweet tables filled with truffles, tarts and temptations galore are too beautiful to refuse. After guests work off the calories dancing, the late night snack table provides sliders, pizza and sandwiches to keep the party going.
The educated couple
Couples today are more likely to be in their late 20s or early 30s, according to Shafer-Schuemann. Since they are older, they are more focused on specific wedding goals and have few more dollars to spend to create their matrimonial magic.
“Today’s bride and groom have been to several weddings already and know what they want and don’t want. They have been dreaming on Pinterest and are filled with ideas. It has made my job more enjoyable because they are ready to do whatever it takes to have the wedding of their dream,” she notes.
The wedding venue must be able to meet their expectations with an impressive space. The Hilton Northbrook recently completed an elegant remodel of its lobby and ballroom with a very urban but chic image. There is a contemporary feel with plenty of gray, red and black with a hint of gold. There are several modern touches including multiple user-friendly stations where guests can hop on free WiFi and post the photos of the bride and groom cutting the cake before the first slice is removed.
“The room is absolutely breathtaking,” says Shafer-Schuemann.
With a garden terrace reception area, crystal chandeliers and dramatic colors, it is the perfect space for a perfect wedding. Call 847-509-7010 to schedule time with Hilton Chicago Northbrook’s wedding planning team.
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