Behind the Scenes at Chicago's Bridal Market

Bridal Market -- that most coveted trend-setting event of the year in the wedding world. For a few days, the Merchandise Mart turns into a wedding wonderland of white, as local bridal salons and boutiques crowd the floor to watch runway show after runway show, carefully curating the collections they'll carry for the next season. This exclusive event is generally for wedding pros only, but ChicagoStyle Weddings is taking you back stage to peek at this fashion soiree and glimpse a few of 2016's most exciting trends.

Be sure to let us know which gowns are your favorites in the comments!

Badgley Mischka Bride made a gorgeous appearance!

Brides by Demetrios featured a stunner by Cosmobella and some gorgeous ball gowns. 

We are always huge fans of Maggie Sottero! Their runway show was so fun!

This Paloma Blanca gown was just beautiful! 

This simple Mikaella by Paloma Blanka is so feminine!

YSA Makino is always a winner with us! Just look at those details!

Enzoani's runway show was just gorgeous. Their Kacey gown featured here is so elegant with its removable capelet!

These Calla Blanche gowns are just stunning! I can't get enough of them! 

Pronovias brings their A-game with every collection. 

Rosa Clara's bridal collections are known for being soft and feminine! This gown embodies that perfectly!

A new key player in the market place, Sophia Tolli for Mon Cheri has some true glamour!

So thrilled to have been part of Bridal Market Chicago! A huge thanks to them for having our magazines our for guests to take with them and enjoy! We look forward to being a media partner again for Spring Bridal Market! 

Five Top Trends and How to Make Them Work

GUEST POST BY HOLIDAY INN CHICAGO MART PLAZA RIVER NORTH



In her 12 years involved in weddings in and around the Chicago area, Janet Donovan has seen her fair share of weddings. Now the Catering Director of Sales at the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza River North, Janet shares her favorite trends to help guide couples in planning the ultimate wedding.


1. Add Some Color
Groomsman ties and bridesmaid dresses shouldn’t be the only splash of color on your wedding day! Don’t be afraid to stray from the traditional white and ivory and play around with color to let your style and personality shine through. From colorful floral arrangements to patterned table linens and napkins, the amount of color is up to you!
             

2. Holiday Spirit  
Getting married around the Holidays? Play up the festivity of the season and use the holiday as the theme to your wedding celebration. An extra bonus if your wedding venue already decorates the space!
           

Life on Prints

Life on Prints

3. Fabric Isn’t Just Meant for the Dress
Speaking of decorating the space, fabric treatments are a great way to transform a room with an elegant, customized touch from blinged-out chair covers and fabric wall draping, to ceiling swags and modern spandex. Add uplighting to really set the mood for your perfect day.
         

CAM Photoz

4.  Seamless Transition
We all know how hectic getting around Chicago can be, so why not keep it easy on yourself and your guests by having your ceremony, reception, and after party all in one place? Hosting your wedding at a hotel not only keeps the day-of less chaotic from traveling from location to location, but the details of your planning and wedding day will stay consistent -- and it even eliminates the need for vendor rentals ranging from chairs, china, stemware, catering, and your dance floor.
             

5. Chicago Never Goes Out of Style 
Let our great city play a role in your wedding day! From place cards and table numbers to the skyline and Chicago River as your backdrop, there’s no better place to be than Chicago!

Katherine Salvatori Photography

All photographs were taken at the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza River North. If you’re interested in planning your wedding with Janet at the Mart Plaza, contact her at 312-529-1124 or email her at wedding@martplaza.com.


Special thanks to Timothy Whaley & Associates, CAM Photoz, Life On Prints, Katherine Salvatori Photography, and Sprung Photo for the use of their images.

RAVINI by Rita Vinieris Spring 2016 Runway Gowns!

Straight from the runway, check out this stunning collection from RIVINI by Rita Vinieris for Spring 2016! Let us know which gowns are your favorites in the comments!