The Knot Chicago Weddings Spring Summer 2020_downmagaz.com

STYLE + PLANNING
POP-CULTURE PARTY
Pick your fave binge-worthy TV show
or movie and spin it into an event
even better than a chick flick night in.
Obsessed with Game of Thrones and
can’t imagine your shower without Jon
Snow? Then bring him along! Well, not
literally. Turn your party venue into a
GoT-inspired fortress, decking out the
space with House banners, a throne for
your spot at the table, a menu inspired
by the show and, of course, personal
goblet cups. If that isn’t your thing,
you could theme a party around
whatever is—like I Love Lucy, Stranger
Things and even The Office. Finish the
day by gifting everyone Netflix gift
cards so they can binge on their own.
SPLASH BASH
Think of a pool party shower as the
perfect way to tackle the heat and
unite all of your favorite ladies for
some fun in the sun. Consider renting
out a private pool at a chic local hotel
and personalize the space with fun
décor, like kitchy pool floats, Instaworthy
tropical florals and a retro,
summer-ready playlist. You and your
guests can enjoy icy refreshments
(piña coladas, anyone?) and snacks
like fresh fruit kebabs and lobster
rolls. Once you’ve all soaked up
enough vitamin D, bid your guests
farewell with monogrammed floppy
straw hats and a fun pair of sunnies
to remember your celebration.
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Make a backyard pool
feel festive by decking it
out with a slew of white
balloon “bubbles”—and a
well-stocked bar!
ON CLOUD WINE
What sounds better than time with your
favorite gals over a few glasses of vino?
(Answer: Nothing!) Celebrate your
upcoming nuptials by hosting the ladies
you love at a vineyard, restaurant or
even your home for an intimate wine
tasting. Hire a pro sommelier to run you
through a blind tasting, or compile
a selection of your favorite whites and
reds on your own for friends and
family to try out. Pair the varietals
with complementary snacks and a
charcuterie board, then send guests on
their way with a personalized wine glass
and a custom-labeled bottle of wine
to commemorate the vino-filled day.
APRÈS SKI LOUNGE
Calling all snow bunnies! Whether
you’re saying vows in the flurries or your
shower just happens to take place in
the winter season, embrace the big chill
with a chic winter wonderland bash.
Rent out a cozy lodge or restaurant with
a fireplace, then enhance the frosty
vibes with rustic décor, plush faux-fur
throws, a hot chocolate bar and twinkly
lights everywhere. Have guests rock a
“uniform” of their favorite flannel
button-downs or knit sweaters and treat
them to unique activities like sugar
cookie decorating or a cute photo booth
with ski equipment, furry hats, gloves
and witty signs. End the day with a
sweet (and cozy!) favor, like custom
mugs and hot chocolate packets. ››
FROM TOP: BERNICE BARAN/BARANBAKERY.COM; STYLED BY SARAH FENNEL/BROMABAKERY.COM; NANCY RAMOS AND VALERIA BROSS