As far back as ancient civilizations, wedding flowers have been used to ward off evil spirits, symbolize fertility and encourage new beginnings. During the Victorian era, “floriography” became a popular practice in weddings, with specific flowers carrying specific meanings – for example, orange blossoms representing purity and roses symbolizing love. Nowadays, many engaged couples want […]
Capital City Wedding
Posted inSpecial Issues
Not just traditional diamonds
Diamonds had a monopoly on engagement rings for decades. Now, couples are considering other stones and three trends have emerged as a result. Today’s couples are prioritizing color, conscience and cost-effectiveness. Couples have a rainbow of options for stones. According to brides.com, some are choosing sapphires, opals, aquamarines or emeralds. Vogue.com cites other choices as […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Wedding cake trends
Planning a wedding is all about details. From choosing the perfect dress to deciding on a venue, dialing in details both large and small is key to creating the day of your dreams. The cake itself serves a dual function both as a visually stunning focal point of the reception and as a sweet finish […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Wedding venues
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum The ALPLM offers venues for wedding ceremonies and wedding receptions, including the three-story atrium in the library. The museum plaza, the building’s magnificent rotunda, makes a spectacular backdrop for receptions, with a replica White House and a log cabin. Couples can even be introduced from the White House. Couples […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Wedding caterers
Arena Food Service, Inc. Since 1985, Arena Food Service has provided chef-driven catering services for events of more than 25 guests. Arena catering offers a wide range of menu options and styles to fulfill the needs of your unique event. With a wide range of ancillary services such as linen and china rental, table, chair […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
The Wedding Issue
More than 40% of engagements in the U.S. occur between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day, so this is the time of year many couples are starting to plan their weddings. We talked to area business owners involved in the wedding industry to find out the latest trends. An increasing number of people are looking beyond traditional […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
The Wedding Issue
The pandemic put a pause on weddings, leading to a wedding boom in 2022. Now the annual number of weddings has returned to normal levels, but couples are increasingly likely to ditch tradition in favor of personalizing the venue, the ceremony and even the food. Instead of feeling obligated to invite every coworker and second […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Personalizing the food
Of all the choices that must be made when planning a celebration, the food and drink that’s served can provide a unique opportunity to personalize and differentiate the experience. This season couples are more inclined than ever to buck tradition and plan a party that reflects their own style and interests and the food is […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Big benefits for smaller weddings
Thank the pandemic for helping make weddings smaller. The current trend of micro weddings – 50 guests or less – started shortly after COVID began, according to Springfield wedding planner Corrine Mayfield, co-owner of Shawfield Events & Design. “We saw micro weddings really take off after the start of the pandemic, when people were forced […]
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After the big day
I planned a wedding in Old City, Philadelphia, more than 14 years ago. I fondly remember the hustle and bustle of figuring out a venue, finding the right dress, sampling menus, curating a guest list and interviewing vendors. The vibe was celebratory, light and fun. Because I was to be wed in a Catholic Jesuit […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Wedding venues
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum The ALPLM offers venues for wedding ceremonies and wedding receptions, including the three-story atrium in the library. The museum plaza, the building’s magnificent rotunda, makes a spectacular backdrop for receptions, with a replica White House and a log cabin. Couples can even be introduced from the White House. Couples […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Wedding caterers
Arena Food Service, Inc. Custom menus and service proposals are always available. Unlimited number of guests served. 993 Clocktower Drive, Suite D, 217-698-2944. arenafoodservice.com. info@arenafoodservice.com. Bloom Hospitality & Catering Family owned and operated in central Illinois. Offers modern American cuisine from fine dining to table-top charcuterie platters. Owner-operator Gabi Thompson and her team provide a […]
