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 […]
Capital City Wedding
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 […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
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 […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Wedding 2023
Today’s couples want to express their unique story, and while they may give a nod to tradition, they’re not afraid to break new ground. From black wedding dresses to repurposing décor to geometric-shaped cakes, we talked to area experts to find out more about the current trends. And if you’ve recently gotten engaged, we have […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Kids and weddings
Deciding whether or not to invite children to a wedding can be a big question mark for many couples. Some guests may consider children to be a nuisance, while others may think that not inviting children is rude. A couple planning a wedding will be hard-pressed to make every guest happy, and so ultimately, the […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Wedding cake trends: A mix of new and classic
Couples are mixing it up this year when it comes to wedding cakes. Some want cakes with new designs or elements, like cupcakes, while others are going back to classic styles. There are many options to suit a variety of preferences. Julie Shuler, owner of The Cake Shoppe in Springfield, has received multiple requests for […]
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Custom glam
When Emily Yohn went bridal dress shopping for her April 2022 wedding, she started out searching for a white dress in a modern bohemian style. She knew she didn’t want a ball gown. Dress after dress was cast aside, Yohn says, “because it just wasn’t giving me ‘the feeling.”’ Just as she began to grow […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Wedding venues
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum now offers venues for wedding ceremonies, 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 […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Wedding caterers
Arena Food Service, Inc. Custom menus and service proposals are always available. Unlimited number of guests served. Prices are dependent on services rendered. 993 Clocktower Drive, Suite D, 217-698-2944. arenafoodservice.com. info@arenafoodservice.com. Conn’s Hospitality Group Official caterer of The Inn at 835, Merchant House and Elkhart Hill Farm & Vineyard, specializing in weddings, corporate and social […]
