Sunday, January 24, 2010

Meet the Experts Arming the Recessionista Bride

















This event was destined from the beginning to be a smashing evening. Brides are demanding to know how they can pull off the lush lavish wedding that they've been dreaming in today's depressing economic conditions. We still want the glitz but sadly we are stretching every penny we have to get it and it doesn't have to be that way.

The evening was hosted by Ursula Guyer and Stacy Senechalle of whiteCHICAGO an ultra chic bridal boutique located in the river north gallery district. Forty-five brides came to pick the brains of the experts leading the way for Recessionista's across the city and burbs. Brides graced the white floor mingling with experts, sipping on St. Germaine champagne cocktails(thanks to Binny's) (served by Carol's Event Staffing)and sampling spring rolls and Spanish meatballs(thanks FIG Catering). After the question and answer session Fritz Pastry served up the most amazing macarons I have ever tasted!


The really great thing about this event is that it was totally driven by the bride's questions. That tells me that brides are hungry for this type of information. We discussed everything from what the mother of the bride should wear, to negotiating venues, to financial talk with your fiance, DIY projects, to how to get your family to help with some of the "dirty" work. The most important thing about being a Recessionista is knowing that you are doing your best to plan the most important day of your life, so take time to enjoy it. Know that you are not going to be able to DIY every aspect and ask for help when needed. Prioritise what is most important to you( the dress, the flowers, venue, DJ, etc) and then allow yourself wiggle room on everything else. Our experts suggest selecting 2 to 3 key items to put the bulk of your budget into. Just note that that at the end of the day your guest typically remember a few key things about your wedding and the rest gets fuzzy. Those key things are typically: 1. The food was good  2. The music was good. 3. The liqueur was good and never ran out!


At the end of the evening one bride snagged the raffel gift from mojuba and I have to say I'm jealous! This was the groom's emergency kit and the bride's come in an adorable white. What a perfect shower gift! I want one for every day!






All of these amazing and talented experts are still available even after the event if you didn't get a chance to pick their brains at the event or even if you couldn't make it!

(Listed as appearing in the photo at the top of this post)


  1. Kyra Fitzgerald, Wedding Gown Expert www.whitexchange.com/blog "Newlywed News" - info@whitechicago.com attn:Kyra


  2. Stephanie Schranz, Financial Advisor http://www.waddell.com/ stephanieschranz@yahoo.com

  3. Elise Hofer, Editor-in-Chief, CS Brides Magazine www.modernluxurybrides.com/chicago ehofer@modernluxury.com


  4. Ursula Guyer, Master of All Things Bridal http://www.whitechicago.com/ ursula@whitechicago.com


  5. Anthony Navarro, Wedding Planner http://www.livenitup.com/ anthony@livenitup.com






All of the gorgeous pictures were taken by Andre Lacour !

And thanks to Tablescapes for all the rentals!
You can view the entire photo album on my facebook page. 






















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