BigCityBride Blog

One of the best Chicago holiday adventures you and your significant other can experience together is Ice Skating in Millennium Park.  Located right next to the Chicago Bean, McCormick Tribune Ice Rink has been voted one of the best ice rinks in America.  Bringing in more than 100,000 visitors each year, it is on the must see list for Chicago.

Skating in the rink is free, and on-site skate rentals are only $10 a pair.  So bring your sweetie and create a memory this winter in Chicago!

Location: McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, 55 North Michigan Avenue
Open: November 20, 2009-March 14, 2010
Sunday: 10:00am-9:00pm
Monday-Thursday: 12:00pm-8:00pm
Friday: 12:00pm-10:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am-10:00pm

Don’t Forget About Holiday Hours!
Thursday, December 24: 10:00am-6:00pm
Friday, December 25: 10:00am-4:00pm
Thursday, December 31: 10:00am-8:00pm
Friday, January 1: 12:00pm-10:00pm

Afterward, squeeze into a booth for hot cocoa or an espresso drink at Lavazza Cafe or stop by Sugar Bliss Cake Boutique to sample a festive cupcake.  They have a number of holiday treats ranging from Chocolate Peppermint to Vanilla Eggnog.

December is the most popular month for marriage proposals, and in January couples start planning their Big Day.  By mid-January many Saturday’s are snatched up.  At Big City Bride we have our ear to the ground and can provide you with the hottest venues, available dates and insight to set your plans in the right direction.  Call day or night 773-525-PLAN (7526) to have a trusty planner by your side.

It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!  So if you are looking for a fun activity during this holiday season, then head on over to the Lincoln Park Zoo for a spectacular light display.  The light display is open nightly from 5 to 9pm starting December 18th till January 3rd (closed December 24th & 25th).  Did I mention that it is FREE ADMISSION?  So there’s no excuse not to stop by the zoo with your significant other, friends, or family for a priceless evening!

At the zoo you can enjoy photos with Santa Claus, creating crafts, and temporary tattoos, and stay war and toasty by sipping hot chocolate.  Also, don’t miss the musical light-show on the South Lawn!  If you want to make it an all night event, you can also dine at the Park Place Cafe!

You have had the perfect wedding, with the perfect flowers, and now you want to remember it forever.  How can you remember your day long after it is over?  Here are a few ideas…

First things first, make sure within two days of your wedding you place the flowers in a large plastic bag.  Then blow air into the bag since it contains carbon dioxide that keeps the flowers fresh.  Then close the bag and put it in the refrigerator.  What ever you do, don’t place it in the freezer!

One idea is to get a Shadow Box made.  You can put your bouquet inside as well as invitations, garter, a picture of the new married couple, or an other memorable items from your wedding.  The Shadow Box displays your memories on the wall so you can see them every day!

Another idea is to get a Keepsake.Jewelry Box made.  All you would have to do is bring your bouquet to a floral preservationist.

If you don’t mid getting rid of your bouquet you can recycle it into paper instead.  All you have to do is send your bouquet to Woman Craft, Inc. and your memories will become a book, picture frame, thank you notes, and more!

Whether you have it displayed on a wall, visit it every morning when you are picking out the accessories for your outfit, or create personalized stationary keep your wedding with you long after it is over.

If you are still searching for that perfect venue for your Chicago wedding this may be the spot for you.  Many Chicago brides are in the hunt for a venue that is hip, fresh, and modern.   The New Modern Wing of the Art Institute may fit all the criteria you are searching for to create the perfect Chicago Wedding.

The new Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago opened May 2009.  With 4 new rooms fro events, each one offers something difference to the modern Chicago bride.

• Griffin Court is a striking two story glass and steel atrium and will accommodate 500 guests for an elegant seated dinner or can be combined with gallery viewing for receptions up to 1,200 guests.
• The Rooftop Sculpture Terrace, restaurant, and event space will feature dramatic views of the Chicago skyline and Millennium Park.  This versatile space will accommodate up to 450 guests for seated dinners or flowing receptions up to 1,200 guests.
• The New Trustee’s Room will accommodate up to 160 guests for a seated dinner and feature dramatic views of the Chicago skyline and Millennium Park.
• The museum gallery and event spaces may also be combined for flowing evening receptions, for over 5,000 guests.

Fitting for any guest size the Modern Wing of the Art Institute is a great option for your modern Chicago wedding.