A trend toward saving

It may seem an unlikely source for bridal stories, but Crain's Chicago Business contained a worth-reading report in its June 2 issue. Titled "Dream Wedding Meet Reality," the story asked if the all-out fairytale wedding is becoming passe. Wedding and event planner Marina Birch, who we highlighted in this blog earlier this month, was quoted as saying even her clients working with six-figure-plus budgets are scaling back a bit, not wanting to appear crass during economic hard times.

The story also included interviews with a handful of local couples who discussed where they saved and where they splurged. In the savings department, some soon-to-be bride and grooms opted for an 'iPod wedding' instead of hiring entertainment while others opted for a cheaper suburban reception location, seasonal flowers or decided to present Polaroid photos taken at the wedding as favors.

Anyway, just know this, if you're feeling the squeeze, you're not alone and it appears that being frugal has never been so trendy. Read the story here.

It's in the bag

Courtesy of CEO Bags

We know you're out there—those ultra organized brides-to-be with a streamlined system. Well, we're jealous. We just used old-fashioned file folders. And we're thinking this new offering could have been the ticket to our success--the missing link in our journey to organized nirvana. (My husband would joke it's going to take more than just a bag!) Anyway, here it is, the CEO (wedding) bag.

After all, you are the boss and the chief executive officer of your wedding (and we know it can sometimes seem like a job in itself!). This bag has all the tools of the trade (pens, highlighters, stapler and more) with room for all your notes, cards, lists, phone numbers, and contracts. You unzip the bag (which conveniently lays completely flat) and voila—your own instant workspace. There's also a notepad, a business card holder, and holders for CDs and DVDs! And you can fit your laptop into a sleeved compartment, too.

We liked the looks of this one—an orange canvas bag with brown croc trim. Prices range from $189-$229 depending on style. It sounds a bit expensive for a bag for your wedding planning, but we're guessing you could put it to good use afterward as well.

When presentation matters

Courtesy of Anna Shea Chocolates

My mom happens to be a great cook, but when it came to my birthday (I always requested chocolate cake) she struggled to perfect the layer cake. It always tasted fantastic, btw, but never seemed to look the way she wanted. I know I've resorted to serving apple pie a la mode in a bowl when the pie was too runny. (No problem, I thought, as long as it tastes good) But when it comes to your wedding, presentation does matter. And when it comes to choosing chocolates as wedding favors, Anna Shea Chocolates delivers in both arenas. Anna's packaging happens to be as lovely and refined as the elegantly crafted, hand-painted Belgian and French chocolates she's known for. And with this New York-based chocolatier opening her first Midwest boutique in The Arboretum of South Barrington, you can see it for yourself. Also know this—the new Anna Shea Chocolates & Lounge also includes a wine bar and may prove a promising spot for wedding showers or a small engagement party. And there's definitely no need to bring dessert!

Small but mighty

Courtesy of Hearty Boys

I don't know if you've ever tried the South Beach Diet (it came in handy to drop some pregnancy weight after son #1) but there's a cauliflower puree dish that's surprisingly good (my husband disagrees!) and is intended to give you the feel of mashed potatoes without the carbs. Anyway, when I recently attended a wedding event catered by the Hearty Boys I was so captivated and fascinated by a similar (more scrumptious and decadent) side dish that I had to track down the chef for details. It was actually pureed celery root with truffle oil and it was amazing. Let's just say that if they grabbed me with a pureed vegetable dish, I'm assuming the rest of their fare would impress as well. Although our time at the event was limited, (we missed the appetizer round and the dessert--darn!) we can tell you this. The Hearty Boys (of Food Network fame) specialize in small plate portions with clever presentations (check out this pic of a ceviche station featuring mahi mahi, tuna and watermelon and scallops and mango.) And the plates were gone within seconds of their arrival, which means either the guests were pretty hungry or the food was not to be missed.

An eco-chic treat

Courtesy of Divine Chocolate

Warning: Diet Hazard Ahead! Please forgive us slimming down brides, but here's a treat worth veering off that pre-wedding diet (not that we ever needed much arm twisting!) --it's a feel good chocolate. Divine Chocolate, a fair-trade brand chocolate made from cocoa grown by Ghanian farmers is the tempting culprit.

Here's why. When you buy these creamy chocolate bars or tins of cocoa profits from the sale get funneled back to the growers to build schools, fund mobile medical clinics and clean drinking water.

We recommend considering the dark chocolate mini bars wrapped in gold and black wrappers as wedding favors or if you're so moved you could incorporate Divine cocoa powder, white chocolate or other Divine Chocolate flavors into your wedding cake. We're also thinking that the company's mini chocolate bars or cocoa tins could make for a cozy welcome basket for out-of-town guests, especially this winter.

Another benefit (as if we needed more convincing!) most of the Divine Chocolate bars (except the White Chocolate, which contains whey products) are considered vegetarian, and the Divine Dark Chocolate and the Divine Dark Chocolate with Mint are vegan.

Look for Divine Chocolate at Hannah's Bretzel and New Leaf Grocery in Chicago and suburban locations of Sunset Foods and Wild Oats stores.

Two-for-one

Courtesy of Watters and Watters

We don't need to tell you about the growing to-do list associated with planning a wedding. What we can offer is a way to cross two key items off your list at once.

This weekend, Watters and Watters hosts a trunk show featuring both its bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses at Macy's on State Street in Chicago. Expect to encounter wedding gowns in romantic uncomplicated styles with specialty fabrications that won't break the bank.

Bring your buddies to check out the bridesmaid dresses which range from classic silhouettes to those with a more modern touch. For a preview, visit the Watters website to search for your favorite wedding gown which the site pairs with complementary bridesmaid and/or flower girl dresses. That means done, done and done!

The trunk show runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, May 30, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 31, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 1. Call 312-781-3545 for appointments, which are suggested.

Picture perfect

Photo by Jeremy Lawson

Maybe you're looking for a wedding photographer who is one step beyond your standard staid portrait taker. Maybe someone with a little flair, a little sense of humor, a little zest. Then let us introduce you to Jeremy Lawson, a Chicago photographer who specializes in drawing out a couple's personality, whether it means catching the twosome rocking out with a microphone and guitar, suggesting different and/or symbolic locations (this couple met at a Starbucks) or just capturing a poignant moment.

Lawson spent years photographing musicians and also includes commercial and fashion (Elle and Elle Decor) work on his resume, but he says he loves the spontaneity of shooting a wedding. His goal is not only to capture a collection of great photos but also to make sure the couple has a good time in the process.

(FYI, our first hand experience tells us not to underestimate that quality; you can check past posts for my own wedding day photographer snafu.)

All cupcakes are not equal

Courtesy of Sugar Bliss Cake Boutique

Some foods say elegance (think caviar) and some foods say home (pancakes and scrambled eggs) and then some foods speak to the essence of childhood joy (think cupcake). And it seems as if we've found a cupcake (actually some 20-plus flavors of them) that has it all—elegance, made-from scratch simplicity with a good dose of fun (and yum!) Sugar Bliss Cake Boutique specializes in extra moist cupcakes topped with its signature Sugar Bliss bloom, creamy frosting shaped in the form of a flower (that's the elegant part—check out the picture). And unlike some of its fancier counterparts, this cupcake doesn't sacrifice any of its homemade qualities in the process. Sugar Bliss also can create custom colored frosting to coordinate with your special day, presenting cupcakes or mini cupcakes on a tiered platter or packaged individually as favors. Look for the company's first retail space to open along North Wabash in Chicago's Loop this summer and sample for yourself.

A real deal

Photo by Joshua Freiwald

Who doesn't love a deal? Well, our friend who's getting married this summer found one when she bought her Demetrios gown valued at $1,000 for $425 at I Do Bridal Consignment on West Belmont Avenue in Chicago. She also scored some good savings on her veil ($70) and her alterations ($100 or less!).

Here's how to do the same: Go see Kathy, the owner, who has hundreds of once-worn or sample gowns, with plenty of up-to-the-moment styles a la 2008 and others dating back to the 1930s. Dresses, which tend to be half their one-time retail cost, run $200 to $2,000 with lines varying from David's Bridal to Vera Wang.

"We tell them save all their money for their honeymoon," owner Kathy Modjewski said. "You're only in the dress for 10 hours."

Those looking to go green may also consider selling their dress back after the wedding. "It's a great way to recycle," Modjewski said.

Service, at the 1,300-square-foot boutique which is closed on Monday, is by appointment only. Call 773-205-1234 for further information.

Dress-ing the bride

Courtesy of le Dress

The dress takes on a new level of importance when you're getting married. First, there's finding the most significant one--your wedding dress--and then there's the matter of selecting bridesmaid dresses. Then, will you don a dress to your engagement party, your shower and/or your rehearsal dinner?

Well, there's a brand new store (literally set to open next week) to serve all your dress-ing needs. Simply called, le Dress, this shop in the city's Wicker Park neighborhood specializes in just what you think. It's 100 percent dresses, many of which look to be shower or rehearsal dinner ready, btw.

Some, like this crinkle chiffon dress for $350 by Saja, pictured here, may present a fine option for a bridesmaid dress. And le Dress offers 15 to 20 percent off based on the quantity of dresses purchased. Prices range from $40 to $500 for dresses from ABS by Allen Schwartz, Betsey Johnson, Shoshanna, Trina Turk and other lines.