The latest wedding trends encompass each of the four seasons, something Chicago has no shortage of. And whether you're getting married in the fall or the winter this year, Master Bridal Consultant Frank Andonoplas has the know-how on making your wedding beautiful and affordable. Andonoplas is one of 59 master bridal consultants in the world, and the only one in Chicago!
Summer
Cake - Cakes are no longer just white butter cream, but the use of color is very popular. Some are hand painted fondant, some are adorned with dozens of handmade flowers. The cake shown during this segment costs an estimated $15 a slice, for a total of $1,800.
Fall
Gone are the hand tied, white rose bouquet. I am showing a gorgeous cascading bouquet of autumnal color. Estimated price is $450.
Winter
Invitations are much more interesting that just single panel, ivory stock with Citadel Font. I am showing a boxed invitation to a winter wonderland wedding in the Windy City. Estimated at $85 each.
Spring
Tabletops - Think fresh, light, airy colors, raised center pieces, green and yellow tones. Table top includes rented linen, china, glassware, flatware, raised centerpiece on crystal riser, chairs, charger, menu card and napkin treatment. Cost of a table for 10 would go for $875 per table.
More information on the displays:
Winter Invitation: Produced through Frank Event Design (chosen from among 40 lines of invites), frankeventdesign.com
Summer inspired cake: Sarah's Pastries and Candies
Spring Table:
Overall Concept: Frank Event Design
Linens: BBJ Linens
Rentals: Tablescapes
Flowers : Blumen
Fall Bouquet
Anna Held Flower Shop
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Bridal event at The Drake
Monday, January 17, 5 to 8 p.m.
For nearly a century, The Drake has remained the premier choice for so many timeless Chicago wedding celebrations, which makes The Drake Hotel the perfect location for our Bridal Event. Join us on January 17 from 5 to 8 p.m. and experience the ideas ofMaster Bridal Consultant Frank J. Andonoplas first hand.
While you are here, you'll encounter four vignettes featuring Frank's latest ideas for weddings of each season: spring, summer, fall and winter. You'll also have select access to review products and services from some of the city's most sought-after vendors and view a runway show of the latest bridal fashions.
To RSVP, simply e-mail Emma Martens or call her directly at 312-932-4334.
British royal wedding could recharge sagging bridal industry
CHICAGO -- Prince William and Kate Middleton are finally getting married after years of dating. Many predict the April royal wedding could recharge the sagging American bridal economy in 2011. Almost 30 years ago when Prince William's parents wed, it triggered wedding trends and inspired thousands of marriages. Those who work in the bridal industry hope the same thing will happen this time around.
"I was one of those who stayed home from work and watched Lady Diana marry Prince Charles," said Frank Andonoplas, Chicago's only master wedding planner. "As soon as Diana stepped out of the carriage in that beautiful, billowing, very grand gown, the wedding industry changed. More formal weddings became the rage and the trend lasted for a long time."
Andonoplas was recently nominated for the "Gala" award, the bridal industry's version of the Oscar. He designs weddings here in Chicago and around the country and his work is often featured in bridal magazines. Andonoplas has remained in high demand despite the tough economic times but says his industry needs the jump start a royal wedding can provide.
The number of people currently getting married in the United States is the lowest since the Census Bureau began tracking them 100 years ago. The marriage rate plunged even further when the recession hit in 2008.
"We are all hoping Prince William and the lovely Kate will give our industry a boost," Andonoplas saidc. "They are young, great looking and charismatic, I think they will be trendsetters."
He predicts formal more traditional weddings will make a comeback again thanks to this latest royal wedding. He says there are many ways how to have an elegant "royal worthy" wedding on a budget.
Andonoplas' wedding studio, Frank Event Design is located in the historic "pink lady" the Edgewater Beach on Sheridan Road in Chicago. A wedding florist and wedding dress designer are also in the building so it is "bridal central" in Chicago.
