Greatest Expectations Special Events & Weddings, Inc.

If you are like many of the couples we work with you already have all of the stuff you need for your home. That said, you still want (and deserve) a bridal shower! So here are a few fun and creative ideas of “non-traditional” bridal showers … Here’s your chance to do something different and get things you really want!! Be sure to send this link to your bridal party, mom’s and anyone else who might be throwing you a shower.

Entertainment Shower

Truly for the bride and groom that have everything. Your guests will enjoy thinking outside of the box while getting creative and the happy couple will enjoy utilizing all of these fun gifts! Each guest brings a gift that entertains such as CD’s, DVD’s, magazine subscription, theatre tickets, board/card games, movie passes, books, passes/memberships to museums, video games, tickets to sporting events … Or anything you can think of that the couple is interested in and will entertain them! Consider suggesting guests pool their resources and purchase a larger item like a subscription or even airline/hotel gift certificates.

Linen Shower

We are keeping it clean with this one! Here is your chance to finally get those bed linens like DreamSacks bamboo sheets (trust me you will never want to sleep on anything else again), beautiful new towels, those placemats and table cloths you have not been willing to buy for yourself … This is a fun and easy shower that even your grandmother can enjoy!

Four Seasons Shower

No we are not talking about hosting a shower at Chicago’s five Start hotel … This is a shower where each guest is asked to bring a gift for a certain season. For example if the guest had winter, a slow cooker, a warm blanket, mugs with spiced apple cider spice or hot chocolate; for spring, a picnic basket with supplies, an umbrella stand or a variety of cleaning supplies (hit spring cleaning head on!); for summer, beach towels and flip flops, a lemonade pitcher and glasses or grill tools; for fall, dishes for a holiday meal, an apple peeler/corer, pie pan and rolling pin.

You can either indicate the “season” on each invitation (I suggest having them printed with all four and then circling or highlighting – perhaps with glitter- the season for that specific guest) or tell them their season when they RSVP.

Lingerie Shower

Get the girls together (this one is not for the groom to attend, save those surprises for the honeymoon!). A lingerie shower can be romantic and a little risqué but no doubt a lot of fun! Each guest is asked to bring some type of lingerie and they can be as creative (think wedding night) or traditional (warm cotton pj’s).

This type of shower is normally hosted at someone’s home but if you are looking for a fun alternative consider a local lingerie shop that rents their space for private parties like G Boutique (where they also feature a sex ed class) in Chicago or Baubo’s Garden in Forest Park (where you can explore their “tool shed” during the event).

I think this is a fun shower to pair with a “question and answer game”. This requires a little effort upfront but the pay off is fantastic! Simply “interview” the groom on camera and ask him loads of funny (and perhaps tricky) questions. Then at the shower you ask the bride the same questions and see how many of their responses match. If you are pairing this with a lingerie shower I say go for it and make the questions a little racy!

Holiday Shower

Everyone loves to have special things to pull out at the holidays. This is a great opportunity to help your friends stock up on their holiday ware! Simply assign a holiday to each guest and have them bring a gift appropriate to the season. Be creative when thinking of the holidays and don’t leave any out … The guests will have fun picking out something for their specific holiday. Example: Fourth of July – A picnic basket decorated in red, white and blue (inside red, white and blue plates, cups and napkins.

Gift Card Shower

This is a great shower for people who live out of state (or the country) and are not able to travel with a bunch of gifts. I suggest guests purchase gift certificates from the local shops in the bride and Grooms hometown so they can be utilized throughout their first year of marriage (i.e. grocery store, department stores, specialty shops, restaurants).

A fun spin on this is the “#10 Envelope” shower. A #10 envelope is a standard mailing envelope (the long one). The rule is that every gift has to fit in the envelope. Hopefully the guests will get really creative in fitting larger gifts in the envelope.

Basket shower

The concept here is pretty simple … guests are asked to bring their gift in a “usable” container. While it is called a “Basket Shower” encourage the guests to think out side of the basket so to speak (think luggage, hat boxes etc…)
Some examples are “Kitchen Basket” – which is filled with things for the kitchen, “Bath Basket”,”Bedroom Basket”, “Entertainment Basket”, “Movie Night Basket”, “Romantic Basket”. Use your imagination and come up with all sorts of “Baskets”!

Around the Clock Shower

Yes, this is exactly how is sounds but there is a lot of opportunity to have fun and get some seriously unique items here. Each guest brings something for a certain time of day. example: for 8 a.m., a coffee maker with mugs that match their dishes; for 7 p.m., cookware and a jar of spices; for 9 p.m., a popcorn maker and some movies … Don’t forget about late night, those are the gifts really fun to watch the bride open!

Around the House Shower

Not unlike the Around the Clock Shower, each guest brings a gift for a certain room of the house. You might bring towels for the bathroom, a vase or picture frame for the living room, a teapot for the kitchen, lingerie for the bedroom. The Bride and Groom need help with every room in the house, so don’t leave anything out (including the backyard)! Obviously you will have more than one guests with each room (unless they have a really large house!) but that works out perfectly … Who just needs one set of dishes?

Wine and Cheese Tasting Shower

This is a great couples shower. Arrange for an elegant afternoon or early evening of wine tasting (wine, cheese and finger foods, what more could a guest ask for?). Ask the guests to bring a gift that is fit for entertaining (wine glasses, cheese markers, cocktail plates). Have some fun with this and consider these wine line reviews, they will keep your guests entertained all night. If you are really ambitious consider having a wine tasting contest!

Stock The Bar Shower

Invite the guys because they’ll want to be included! Have guests bring a bottle of wine to share, and a gift to help stock the couple’s bar. Encourage them to bring bottles of the couples favorite liquor, bar mixes, glassware … Anything you would use when cocktailing!

Alphabet Shower

I love this idea! On the invitation spell out the Bride and Groom’s names and assign each guest a “letter” from their names, the gift must start with the coordinating letter! At the shower, serve cookies with letters on them (this is a great guest favor). For a game idea, ask t he guests to write down an attribute of marriage that begins with the same letter – something they would like to share with the bride.

Kitchen / Cooking Shower

Clearly the gifts are easy to figure out here but I love the idea of asking guests to email you recipes, then create a cookbook for bride (you could even make copies as favors for all the guests). If you simply do not have the time to coordinate an actual cookbook, enclose a blank recipe card with every invitation and asked that each guest write down a favorite recipe on the card to bring to the shower. Then present the bride a recipe box which filled with “tried and true” recipes. Suggest that the guests write a personal note on their recipe card for the bride to enjoy through out the years. For the bride, this is much more practical than receiving a cookbook of recipes which no one has tried before, and, at the same time, it adds a very personal touch! If you really want to take this one over the top hire a personal chef to come to the shower and give a cooking lesson!

The Pampered Wife Shower

Sometimes you have a bride who truly does have everything they need. If you’re sure the bride doesn’t need (or want) more housewares, then shower her with items to really pamper herself with like spa gift certificates, candles, bubble bath, and wine. I am sure she will thank you for it for a long time to come!

Another fun and eco-friendly thing to consider is a “display” shower … Ask your guests not to wrap their gifts. When the guests arrive set the gifts out for all to see and enjoy. It is also a great way to avoid the awkwardness of gift opening!

Here at Greatest Expectations we consider ourselves experts in “the details.”  We believe that little things go a long way, don’t have to cost a fortune, and make all the difference.

One thing we love to do is a Signature Cocktail.  Most catering companies will help you customize a specialty drink from the items already included in your bar package, so this little detail often does not end up costing you anything extra at all!

We suggest picking a “cocktail” that best represents you and the type of event you want to have.  We have seen things from the super traditional “Blushing Bride” (peach schnapps, champagne and grenadine syrup garnished with a raspberry) to the “Bomb Shell” named after one of our most fun brides, Shelley (vodka, cranberry, orange juice, splash of pineapple and 7-up garnished with a pineapple wedge). One couple who got engaged at a Mexican Restaurant served Sangria as their Signature Cocktail (you can have your caterer prepare this fresh which may cost a little extra but is totally worth it or purchase a pre-made mix and just add in the fruit).

If your event has a strong color theme you may want to consider a drink that matches your decor like this Blood Orange Martini (vodka, triple sec or flavored orange liqueur and blood orange juice. For this wedding we used a red star fruit as garnish) from our Red Hot Wedding.

And if your last name inspires a food or drink you should roll with it!  When our clients Kristin and Ben Apple got married they featured these beautiful Apple Martini’s (vodka, sour apple pucker and apple juice garnished with an apple slice).

Not all specialty drinks need to be served in martini glasses!  Thinking outside the “glass” is a fun way to spice things up.  We served this cucumber lemonade (a Berghoff Catering Group secret recipe) in white wine glasses.

I love the shapes of these glasses … There are so many choices out there!

I love the idea of adding a little “flare” to your signature cocktail with personalize garnish labels, swizzle sticks or umbrellas!

** photos curtsey of Warner Foto, Amanda Hein Photography, Rosalind Weddings, SnoStudios and theknot.com.

I am so excited that I had a chance to interview Susan Jablonski from The Left Bank (one of my favorite stores and wedding mecca’s in Chicago!).  I have known Susan for many years and she is truly exceptional!  I love walking into The Left Bank and seeing all of the beautiful and inspired items she has available.  The customer service is top notch and I promise you will feel extra special the entire time you are there!  The Left Bank has a fantastic website where you can purchase many of the fabulous items sold in the downtown Chicago shop.  You should also check out their outstanding blog Everything But The Dress!

Because Susan is so amazing, she has provided the most beautiful brooch for us to giveaway to one truly lucky reader. (I will have a hard time parting with it.  I have it placed lovingly on my desk just to soak it in while I still can.  This is a beautiful piece of jewelry)  Read through the interview to discover how to win the brooch!

You have been in business a long time – how did The Left Bank get its start (and where did you get the name)?

The Left Bank is turning 15 years old on May 1 of this year! We began importing jewelry from France and as word got out about our unique jewelry, brides soon followed.  I’ve been a Francophile for nearly my  entire life, so I named the business after one of my favorite neighborhoods in Paris that is filled with petite boutiques, cafes and great nightlife.

How is it different today than when you first started?

Through the years, we’ve evolved and added a tremendous collection of veils, headpieces and those tough to find wedding shoes.  I believe the key to staying in business is to constantly evolve and embrace change.

What is your favorite thing about owning the shop?

Meeting wonderful people and sharing stories. When I first began, I was worried about not meeting people and expanding my friendships, but I was completely wrong.  We’re a small business, so it’s wonderful chatting with our clients and getting to know them.

This is exactly how Susan and I first met.  I purchased my wedding head piece at The Left Bank and we just became fast friends!

What is your favorite thing you sell?

My favorite things are our one-of-a-kind pieces that are crafted out of vintage components and turned into modern luxe jewelry.

Personally, I own way too many things from the shop

You got married not too long ago (congratulations!), what was your favorite and least favorite part of the planning process?

Ah, we’re 2 year newlyweds.  I was fortunate that I relied a lot on friends in the industry but did not make my mind up until the month before.  Being in the business I was inundated with friends asking me questions about the details, which was a bit tiresome, but a natural question.  I make very fast and efficient decisions, and with so many wonderful choices out there, I waited.  That goes without saying that I would not recommend this type of decision making to those outside the biz!

And neither would we!  Ladies, do not follow Susan’s example here!

What do you like most about married life?

Married life is great, but I’ve been independent since I was 4 years old (my sisters say!) so it’s taught me more patience.  I’ve married someone the complete opposite of me which keeps me more balanced.  I definitely believe in the “yin/yang” factor with relationships.

Did you wear a veil?

Yes, I wore a beautiful Italian Tulle veil which was super soft and draped beautifully over my gown.

I would have expected no less from Chicago’s veil expert!

What is your favorite museum in Chicago?

My favorite museum is the Art Institute and love the new Modern Wing. The AIC has a phenomenal collection and have always loved the Thorne Miniature Rooms.

If you could travel anywhere outside the United States where would it be and why?

Definitely France, I feel completely in my element there.

Describe the perfect Saturday night.

I work weekends, so a nice long bath and a glass of bubbly is heavenly.

I can totally  identify with this!

What is your favorite number?  Why?

Easy…22…my birth date!

What is your favorite saying?

“Make your life a dream and your dream a reality”
“Fais de ta vie un reve, et de ton reve une reality”…  Saint Exupery

If you were a color what color would you be and why?

Lavender, it’s calm, vibrant  and regal at the same time.

We have known each other for a very, very long time … What is your favorite thing about working with Greatest Expectations?

Heather, you always make me smile and I admire how you’ve grown your business and family.  When I meet your clients, they exude the same grace and professionalism as you. Kudos to you for being one of the top wedding planners!

Thank you Susan.  Those are extremely kind words and they mean a lot coming from you.  I do have some fantastic clients as well

Now onto the contest!!  Head on over to Everything But The Dress, look around and enjoy the blog.  Then come back here and post a comment telling us one thing Susan “Cannot live without”.  We will draw a random winner on Wednesday, February 10th.

GREATEST EXPECTATIONS SPECIAL EVENTS & WEDDINGS, INC.  NAMED WINNER IN THE KNOT BEST OF WEDDINGS  2010!

Chicago, Illinois January 21, 2010 — Greatest Expectations Special Events & Weddings, Inc. is pleased to announce they have been selected as a 2010 winner in The Knot Best of Weddings, a special section in The Knot Chicago magazine and on The Knot Chicago Website, the number-one wedding resource that’s most trusted by brides.

The Knot Best of Weddings 2010 provides a “by brides, for brides” guide to the top wedding professionals across the country, and is a must-have when it comes to selecting the best-of-the-best wedding resources. From New York florists and Seattle bridal salons to DC makeup artists, engaged couples will find detailed feedback on local wedding businesses reviewed by thousands of newlyweds who had great things to say.

“We are beyond thrilled to have received this enormous honor!  A very special thank you goes out to all of our brides for helping make this possible.”

# # #

About The Knot Inc.
The Knot Inc. (NASDAQ: KNOT; www.theknot.com) is a leading lifestage media company. The Company’s flagship brand, The Knot, is the nation’s leading wedding resource, reaching well over a million engaged couples each year through the #1 wedding website, TheKnot.com. Other products from The Knot include The Knot national and local magazines, The Knot books (published by Random House and Chronicle) and television programming bearing The Knot name (aired on the Style and Comcast Networks). The Company also owns WeddingChannel.com, the most visited wedding gift registry website.

We know that not every bride plans to change her name … But if you are planning a name change then I have the perfect solution for you!!  MissNowMrs offers an easy and affordable solution to changing your name.  This one stop shop will help get your name changed everywhere from Social Security to the DMV, USPS to your Credit Card Companies and everything in-between!

I was one of those women who wanted to take my husband’s name but not get rid of my maiden name.  Let me tell you, the process was confusing and took way too much time.  To be honest, I still have not changed my name for my air miles, which seemed to be the most difficult part of the process (go figure, airlines!).

With three simple steps you will be on your way from Miss. Single to  Mrs. MrRight! So don’t waste time and energy dealing with this on your own … Let the smart ladies at MissNowMrs do all the dirty work for you so you can enjoy being a newlywed!

** Two lucky readers will get gift cards from MissNowMrs that will cover the complete cost of their online services (a $29.95 value).  So here is where we find out if you are reading this blog and paying attention … In order to win the gift cards you simply need to post a comment telling us what you are most looking forward to about married life.  We will draw names at random on January 29, 2010.

And the winners are Michelle and Abigail! I will be sending you both emails to get your mailing address and send your MissNowMrs gift cards right away!! Congratulations!!

This wedding was glamour on a grand scale!! We all had so much fun working with Rachel and David on their beautiful black, white and hot pink wedding!  Rachel, who is the oldest of three girls has excellent taste and we really bonded.  The planning process was like hanging out with an old friend.  I also truly enjoyed getting to know her mother!  We had a lot in common since I was pregnant with my third daughter for a majority of the process.

The setting was just right at Ivy Room at Tree Studios.  Any opportunity to work with Donna and her team at the Ivy Room is a welcome one!  I just adore this picture of Rachel and David against the “Ivy Wall”. Breathtaking!

Jewish law requires that all weddings on the Sabbath be after sundown.  That meant this Labor Day weekend wedding started after 7:30 p.m. (and lasted well into the wee hours of Sunday morning eventually moving to Pops for Champagne!)  The first event was the Ketubah signing.  I have always loved this tradition, it one of the most beautiful parts of any wedding ceremony. Once this event is over the couple is “married in the eyes of Jewish Law”.

The ceremony, which took place directly following the Ketubah signing, was in the main ballroom with the most amazing and beautiful seven layer Chuppa you can imagine with lots and lots of romantic candle light.  Ronsley Special Events really did a great job with everything.  The ceremony was a magical setting in all white (except for the beautiful black chivari chairs provided by Tablescapes).

We were blessed with perfect weather for cocktails in the courtyard (seen below light up beautifully with pink up-lights thanks to Sound Investment).

From there guests went back inside to a totally transformed space with rich pink lighting, the most luxurious black and white silhouette linens from BBJ Linens and to die for centerpieces from Ronsley Special Event.  We alternated tables with the all white tall centerpieces featuring Calla’s and Orchids and short square centerpieces of hot pink roses in an opaque black vessel … Of course there was tons of candlelight throughout the room!

The treats just kept coming as the guests were blown away by the sounds of the Larry King Orchestra, tastes from Weddings by Blue Plate and the piece de resistance, a four tiered PB&J cake, dripping in handmade silver and crystal flowers, from none other than Amy Beck Cake Design … Ok, so it was Amy’s, to-die-for, chocolate bourbon cake with peanut butter mousse and fresh raspberry filling … PB&J couture style!

All around this wedding was a blast.  It was such a pleasure working with Rachel and David (and their families!) and being surrounded by some of my favorite vendors.  That always makes events run smoothly and a lot more enjoyable!  The beautiful photography is courtesy of Matt Blum .

As a little icing on the proverbial cake … Chicago Social Brides Magazine decided to feature Rachel and David’s wedding in their December 2009 Issue.  Be sure to pick up your copy today to see it in person (you can also view the entire issue online).

Every once in a while, when I have some time to kill (ok … So about twice a year, but that is not the point!) I will Google Greatest Expectations.  I was prompted to do so the other day.  We were lucky enough to be listed in a national magazine (yeah!) the only problem is the magazine used my name only and not the company name.  Oh, and they spelled my name wrong.

That had me thinking … What happens if I typed my misspelled name in and did a search.  Well, it turns out that about five hits down you do find the real Heather Lynne Vickery and Greatest Expectations thank goodness!

I also discovered that we had been blogged!!  I love that.  I’d like to thank  Tickled Pink Brides in Orlando Florida and Rusty Worden Photography in North Carolina for the blog love they sent our way.

And to remind you about some blog love from the past you can always visit OneWed and Northern Nuptials.  We thank them for allowing us to be part of their beautiful sites and hope to do so again!

Now go forth and plan!!

Amsale Trunk Show at Belle Vie Bridal Couture

January 15th & 16th

Reem Acra Trunk Show at Belle Vie Bridal Couture

January 22nd & 23rd

For all Belle Vie trunk shows, preview the latest designs and receive special savings on gowns and accessories when purchased together.

Belle Vie Bridal Couture ~ 34 East Oak Street  ~ 312.751.2222

By appointment only!!

Paloma Blanca Trunk Show at Mira Couture

Friday, January 22nd 9 AM – 5 PM

Saturday, January 23rd 9 AM – 3 PM

View the Spring 2010 line and receive 15% off your entire order!

Mira Couture ~ 1 East Delaware Place ~ 312.255.1699

By appointments only!!

AvantBride NYC at The Left Bank

January 22-24

Avant Bride boasts a unique and eclectic collection of combs, headbands, pins and veils.

The Left Bank ~ 1155 W. Webster Avenue ~ 773-929-7422

Appointments suggested, but not required.

Be sure to check out the Aire Barcelona Trunk Show at The Dress by Nicole!!

January 22nd – 24th

This is the trunk show you’ve been waiting for-Aire Barcelona! Come see the 2010 collection and take advantage of their special 10% discount on all Aire Barcelona gowns purchased during the event!

While you’re in the store, be sure to shop and help them celebrate their one year anniversary with 20-60% off on select in-stock gowns and accessories.

Appointments recommended as space is limited!!

Please call 630.653.3737 or Email nicole@shopthedress.com

The Dress By Nicole
131 W. Wesley St.
Wheaton, IL 60187

Special Hours:
Open Sunday from 11 AM – 4 PM