True Bridal Luxury at Drury Lane Theatre on September 10th

Save the date and reserve your tickets to this season’s largest luxury show!  It’s all happening on Wednesday evening, September 10th at the historic Drury Lane Theatre in Oak Brook.  The doors to the event will open at 5:45pm for early arrivals and Chicago’s top wedding vendors will be on display and available until 10:00pm.

This is a great opportunity for couples and members of their bridal party to walk through aisles and aisles of incredible displays featuring invitation specialists, catering ideas, wedding cakes, florists, decorators, photographers, honeymoon experts, wedding gowns and everything else any bride or groom would need to plan a wedding of their dreams.  And if you are looking for the perfect gown, you’ll want to take a seat for the couture runway show running from 8:00pm until 9:00pm. We’ll open our show with a spotlight on gowns by Victor Harper Couture.  (To reserve tickets, order at www.BridalExpoChicago.com/Tickets )

8-17-14 aWith more than 60 exhibitors, you and your entire bridal party will discover new resources, find creative ideas to express your individuality and be able to talk one-on-one with exhibitors and experts. It’s a one-stop shop filled with amazing experts!  (Above; runway photos by Just Love Me {Photography + Design} and the gorgeous exhibitor shots are by Angela Swan Artist and Vito and Julia Photography.)

8-17-14 bIn this series of images from previous luxury bridal shows held at The Drury Lane Theatre and produced by our company, you can see previous displays by Taylor & Company- a table setting and chuppah by Taylor & Company, invitations by Greenstar Paperie, cupcake samples by Oak Mill Bakery, a place card floral display by Lavish Weddings, a giant 6-tier wedding cake by Delicity Cakes, bridal gowns by Fiancee Couture and rehearsal dinner options by Seasons 52 restaurant in Oak Brook. This is just a small sampling of what you’ll find at our September 10, 2014 event.

8-17-14 cOur fashion show presentation will run from 8:00pm until 9:00pm and include gowns priced for every gown budget: from under $1,000 to more than $10,000.  Set to music and an incredible sound and lighting experience, your journey into the world of fashion will be fun and exciting.  We’ll present bridal gowns by Lazaro, Tara Keely, Hayley Paige, Matthew Christopher, Rosa Clara, Luna Novias, Rivini by Rita Vinieris, Justin Alexander, David Tutera for Mon Cheri, Sophia Tolli, James Clifford, Cristiano Lucci, Liancarlo and Victor Harper Couture.

We’ll also show you the latest attendant gowns by Alvina Valenta, Jim Hjelm Occasions, and Noir by Lazaro. Each model is accessorized with the latest creations by Maria Elena Headpieces and all veils are provided by Nilah and Co.

Bridal Expo Chicago is simply the best show in the Windy City.  Wedding show tickets can be reserved at www.BridalExpoChicago.com/Tickets for just $10 in advance or $15 at the door.  If you have a promo code from our Facebook Page, you may qualify for 4 complimentary tickets only while supplies last.  Above runway photos are by Just Love Me {Photography + Design}.

To see and watch a video from one of our past events at Drury Lane Theatre, click below:

https://www.bridalshowexpo.com/fos_video_bride.html

 

 

 

 

 

Retro Weddings – Shaken, Not Stirred

With the return of Mad Men to prime time, the hottest show on TV has inspired a 50’s revolution in fashion and decor which will probably show up in weddings later this year. Whether it is a bridal gown with a tightly cinched waist and full skirt, a full-blown martini bar, or hints of 1950’s style sprinkled throughout the entire wedding, the ‘Nifty Fifties’  are upon us. If you have any doubts, pick up the latest issue of Newsweek, the entire magazine is devoted to ads and articles showcasing the retro style from cover to cover.

How can you get the look?

Makeup in the 1950’s was sophisticated and glamorous, simple and elegant. Strong eyebrows, neutral lids, and dark liner. As far as lipstick is concerned, you only have one choice: red. However, select a shade that compliments your skin tone so that you don’t wind up looking washed out. As always, if you use a makeup professional you hve a much better chance of acheiving the Audrey/Marilyn/Grace Kelly stlye.

 

Hair was softly curled and luxuriously smooth and with many hair types, this is not an easy task. A perfect 1950’s coiff would be a pompadour, rolled bangs or soft curls. Be aware that these styles take a great deal of time and really great products, allow for this when booking your hair appointment before the wedding.

Gowns were magnificent creations of lace and tulle. Full skirts with tiny waists, big veils, loads of detail and tea length gowns were the style. Choose a gown that accentuates the best of both you and the style of the decade. If you opt for a strapless gown, consider a bolero jacket or a shrug, each one were equally popular in the 1950’s.

 

Tuxedos have not changed drastically since the 1950’s but the difference is in the details. The ties were narrower, the shirts always pleated, the cummerbund was white or black  and the lapels were slimmer.  Straight leg pants, patent leather shoes and a spring in your step with complete the look. White dinner jackets weralso very  popular but, for the most formal occasion – tails were the norm.

To get the 50’s look, you don’t need to time travel….just tune in to Mad Men and pay close attention to the details!

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago