Finding a wedding invitation designer that delivers your exact vision can be tricky. Luckily for our Chicago brides, we’ve rounded up skilled designers that pay close attention-to-detail with laser focus and sophisticated creativity. Here are the top wedding stationery designers in Chicago for all of your wedding needs.

1. Quintessence Papers
Offering invitations and everything-in-between, this luxury Chicago stationer continues to provide Windy City brides with connections to some of the best resources in the industry through their renowned products. With a wide variety of completely custom pieces, Quintessence Paper’s personalization and customer service continues to set the bar in stationery excellence. Read real brides’ reviews here!

2. With Grace
This award-winning boutique is one of Chicago’s premiere designers of all things invitations, stationery, and unique gifts. Targeting wedding production, With Grace’s nearly 12 years of experience has propelled it to be a leading Chicago business in the wedding industry.

See More: Create The Perfect Wedding Invitations With One Of Our Favorite Local Vendors

3. Pulp & Ink
Often labeled as one of Chicago’s most timeless examples of contemporary elegance, Pulp & Ink creates fashionable, innovative stationery. Categorized as a one-stop-shop for all things handwritten, this luxury company is renowned for its unique service of handcrafted calligraphy. Read real brides’ reviews here!

4. Olive & Violet
Through her custom invitation design and printing services, founder Taylor Crowley delivers one-of-a-kind invitation designs using some of the stationery industry’s most modern printing styles. With a resume of over 12 years of experience working in Chicago as an event planner, Crowley continues to utilize her valuable on-site planning experience to blend with her passion for creativity and wedding invitation creation. Read real brides’ reviews here!

5. Pixie
With a company goal of “bringing back the personalized touch of a simple piece of mail,” this Chicago designer continues to provide couples with exquisitely crafted special occasion invitations for all of their most memorable milestones.

Still haven’t found the stationer of your dreams? Find even more options on our Local Vendors page!

NYFW may have just kicked off, but we’re so excited to see white dresses emerging as a big trend on the runways! From floaty bohemian numbers to more structured eyelet confections, we’re loving all the bridal inspiration the New York Fashion Week runways are offering. There’s still a lot to come but here are 10 wedding dresses we loved from the first week of NYFW.

Ulla Johnson
If Ulla Johson has her way, 2017 wedding dresses are paying homage to Little House on the Prairie — in a good way! The queen of boho style (Jenna Dewan Tatum is among celeb fans) served up hand-crocheted dresses with ruffles a plenty, and we can’t wait to see this make its way down the aisles.

Zimmerman
Apparently boho style is what’s on the menu for spring 2017. Another bohemian fashion girl staple (and Princess Kate favorite), Australian brand Zimmermann also wowed with ruffles, embroidery, and intricate lace. Rustic wedding chic anyone?

Brock Collection
New fashion darling Brock Collection, designed by Laura Vassar and Kristopher Brock, also had ruffles on the brain. This time they were done with an 80s volume twist — hello taffeta, we missed you!

Adeam
This strappy, flowing Adeam gown was made for a beach wedding!

Sachin & Babi
Having just launched their first bridal collection in April, Sachin & Babi must have had “I dos” on the brain for their Spring 2017 ready-to-wear line. The ballet-inspired collection (real life ballerinas pirouetted across the presentation) offered ultra-feminine frocks in embroidered lace, and layers of ruffles — we’re seeing a theme emerge! We said it here first, 2017 is the year of the ruffle.

Rachel Comey
Rachel Comey kept things minimal and architectural with this square neck tube dress. The metallic mesh overlay adds just a bit of rock n’ roll to an otherwise simple look.

See more: The Latest Wedding Dress Trends From the Runways

Kaelen
Kaelen also took inspiration from the bridal runways. Doesn’t this shoulder-cut out maxi dress with bow accents just make you dream of a countryside “I do”?

Noon by Noor
Noon by Noor kept things equally simplistic with just a slip dress topped with a whisper of airy illusion tulle.

Creatures of Comfort
Creatures of Comfort’s take on Frida Kahlo is a bit more subdued. Designer Jade Lai kept it simple in a white frock that totally stands the test of time.

Weddings are mostly about the newlyweds, but there are a few moments that turn the tables onto their single friends, instead. Yup, we’re talking about the bouquet toss. It’s tough enough being single at a wedding, surrounded by couples in love, and it’s even more tough when you have to join the other non-married gals on the dance floor to wrestle over a bouquet. So, do you have to participate at all? Our experts weigh in.

When the DJ or band leader calls for all of the unmarried women to head to the dance floor so the bride can toss the bouquet, your instinct might be to head to the bar or the ladies’ room to avoid being singled out. The good news is, there’s no need to hide at all! No matter your relationship status, if you don’t want to participate in the bouquet toss, it’s totally up to you. (After all, elbows and stiletto heels can be dangerous, even if you’re trying to stay on the fringes of the crowd!)

As soon as the bouquet toss is announced, however, keep an eye on the dance floor. If your friend is having a small wedding or doesn’t have very many single guests, you may want to find a spot that’s on the dance floor, but not in the line of fire, to show support and fill out the crowd a little bit. If you’re a bridesmaid who isn’t already engaged or married, you really shouldn’t skip this tradition — your matching dress is a dead giveaway that you’re part of the bride’s squad, so take one for the team! That doesn’t mean you have to actually try to catch the bouquet, though. Instead, fill out the group but steer clear of anyone who seems extra eager to catch the coveted flowers so you don’t accidentally get tripped or stepped on.

See more: The Best Wedding Bouquet Toss Songs

Looking for some ultra-romantic wedding inspiration? Then look no further than our real weddings video channel, packed with tons beautiful celebrations and countless ideas to steal for your own big day. Each week we take a deeper look at one of our favorite new love stories, and today’s inspiration comes courtesy of Cait and Rhett’s incredible summer wedding in New Orleans.

The team from 63 Films joined this twosome at the Pavilion of the Two Sisters for a ceremony and reception dripping with Nola flair. From a drive through the beautiful city and a Spanish moss-covered ceremony to the couple’s glamorous reception décor and Mardi Gras-inspired exit, Cait and Rhett totally embraced the style of the city where they swapped vows.

See More: 32 Ideas for a Neutral Wedding Color Palette

It’s not hard to see why the bride and groom selected this venue for their big day: The stunning backdrop was worth every penny, and they certainly got their money’s worth during a first look portrait session and open-air ceremony. Manicured gardens, lush trees, and an abundance of moss made for an unforgettable setting. The couple made the outdoor ceremony all the more romantic with a live pianist and guitarist and by surrounding the space with plenty of glowing candlelight.

They turned up the charm and party vibe for their reception. Feathered umbrellas gave a nod to the city’s traditional first line and streamers in traditional Mardi Gras colors made for the perfect locally inspired exit. All in all, it’s safe to say this bride and groom totally captured the fun-filled vibe of the city throughout their big day.

Your wedding ceremony is the most sacred part of your big day — a time that many couples will remember as heartfelt, intimate, and exciting. So when picking someone to marry you, it’s kind of a big deal. Whether you pick someone you have known forever or find someone that fits you and your partner as a couple, it’s an important decision that will set the tone of the rest of the day — and the rest of your lives. If you’re unsure of what to look for or what questions to ask, have no fear — here are the six things you must ask your officiant before booking them for your ceremony.

1. Will you be able to create a personalized ceremony?
Some officiants will take the time to create and write a personalized ceremony for you and your partner — and some will use a generic template. If you want a ceremony that fits more of your personality, be sure to ask if this is something the officiant can do for you before the wedding.

2. Do you have a video we can watch of you at a past ceremony?
You might have found a skilled and revered officiant with positive reviews and testimonials on their website, but before hiring them, ask for videos from past weddings where they have acted as officiant. This will be the only true way to see their style, presentation, and poise when officiating (guests’ tears are a bonus!).

3. How do you handle a noisy guest?
In the unfortunate situation that you’ll have one or two rowdy guests who are either whispering during the ceremony or loudly Snapchatting every moment, it’s important to know how he or she will handle it. Depending on the answer, this will let you know the level of professionalism when settling the situation.

4. How long do your ceremonies usually last?
If you’re looking to have a quick ceremony, discuss your time limits and expectations beforehand. Some officiants are totally amenable to creating a ceremony in accordance with the couples’ wishes — and others have a standard amount of time and programming to which they like to adhere.

5. How many pre-wedding sessions do we have with you?
If you’d like a very personalized wedding ceremony, you may want to meet with the officiant several times before the wedding so that he or she can get to know you as a couple. Sometimes officiants charge more for those pre-wedding meetings, so it’s best to know in advance.

6. Will you help us obtain our marriage license?
Chat with your officiant beforehand to see if he or she will be able to mail in your signed marriage license after your wedding day or if you have to handle it yourselves. Some officiants will prepare the documentation for you — which is a definite luxury while you’re enjoying some R&R on your honeymoon.

See More: 5 Things to Look for in a Wedding Officiant

Jen Glantz is a “Professional Bridesmaid” and the founder of Bridesmaid for Hire. She’s the author of All My Friends Are Engaged and frequently wears old bridesmaid dresses to the grocery store and on first dates.

This means we can expect that wedding invitation in the mail any day now, right? We’ll take the fit of giggles Gwen Stefani burst into when asked about if she has plans to remarry, as a definite “I do!” On a recent appearance on the radio showOn Air With Ryan Seacrest, the celebrity host asked Stefani if she sees herself getting married again. And her adorably awkward answer has us hoping that Stefani and her sweetheart, country singer Blake Shelton, are heading down the aisle — soon!

You can’t play coy with us, Stefani! There’s no hiding how truly smittin’ the pop princess is with her country singing beau. From their sweet snapshots taking over social media to their surprise romantic duos during Stefani’s This Is What the Truth Feels Like concert tour, there’s no shortage of evidence that these two are hot and heavy, with engagement rumors always swirling whenever Stefani steps out with new bling on her finger. And the “Make Me Like You” singer’s response when put on the spot during her recent radio interview only amplifies the wedding bells we’ve been hearing for these two cuties.

“I don’t know! God, I don’t know!” said a giggling Stefani when Seacrest asked if she would ever marry again. “Everything is going so quickly. I’m in the moment and um… Look at me! You got me tongue-tied!” Those nerves definitely mean nupitals are in her future, right? We’re crossing our fingers!

Once the superstar collected herself, Stefani went on to reflect on how far she’s come since her divorce from Gavin Rossdale. “I look at this year and I think, I just feel so awake,” she said, stating that she’s so grateful for the creative release thanks to her recent concert tour. (And we’re just going to assume from her supportive sweetheart, too…)

Rumors of a secret engagement between Shelton and Stefani broke last month when reports surfaced that the pair have already recruited a wedding planner to help with the big day details. So does Stefani’s coy, nervous answer mean that she’s trying to keep her to-be-wedded status under wraps? We’re betting yes! BRB — going to check our mailbox for that wedding invite…

See More: Memorable Vows from the Best TV and Movie Weddings

Forget ring selfies, let’s think about all the photographs of your hands that will happen on your big day — and all the Insta shots you’ll post of your feet in cute sandals on your honeymoon. So to make sure that your extremities are looking their best for your big day and beyond, head to one of these top Los Angeles nail stations that take manicures and pedicures to the next level.

Mars
This spa originally started in Tokyo and the West Hollywood outpost is steeped in the Japanese tradition of attentive, high-quality service. If you are looking to get gel nails (a smart idea for your wedding day!) this place specializes in applications that won’t damage nails — and Mars can even offer you a vegan manicure for the animal and dairy-conscious. As as extra treat, splurge for the Ashitsubo reflexology treatment, a 60 minute foot massage that hits all the key pressure points for an instant de-stresser.

Kure
This sweet spot in Silver Lake is a peaceful respite on L.A.’s east side. With a minimalist aesthetic and free mimosas it’s the type of place you’d want to put your feet up even if they weren’t painting your toes! Opt for the “Refresher” — a basic mani/pedi that offers a homemade sugar scrub, hot towel, massage and polish, for $20 and $25, respectively. For a more long-lasting treatment, try the Geli-Kure that’s guaranteed to last chip-free for at least 2 weeks.

See More: Get Wedding-Ready Hair At One Of Our Favorite Local Hair Salons

Chi
This Beverly Hills nail salon and spa boasts luxury nail care and all-organic spa services. Get your hands ready for their wedding-day close up with a Therapeutic Hand Treatment ($70) that sloughs off dry skin with their signature Jade & Ginseng Scrub. Follow that with a soy paraffin soak for an extra skin-softening moisture boost. There’s a huge variety of gel nails, as well as Minx Nails, which are a ‘green’ alternative to fake tips using a natural polymer on nails, applied like a sticker. Their semi-circle setup with mani/pedi stations also makes it ideal for spa parties with friends.

Bellacures
This spot opened on Robertson Blvd in 2006 and has now expanded to include six different locations in the LA area. Known for being hyper sensitive to hygiene — with each customer receiving their own disposable files and plastic liners in the foot-soaking pedicure bowls — it’s no wonder that A-listers like Reese Witherspoon and Cameron Diaz have been spotted getting their digits done here. Fans of all things organic (think: sugar or walnut scrubs and grape seed oil moisturizer), Bellacures will feel like a total earth-friendly treat for your hands and feet.

La Vie L’Orange
For a totally decadent pre-wedding experience, try the Orient Express pedicure bath — complete with pink rose petals and cucumber slices floating in olive oil, geranium essential oil, and homemade orange-blossom potion. The base of the soaking bowl is filled with black stones and crystal marbles. With their tropical courtyard setting, this spot in the middle of bustling L.A. really feels like a vacation from all of your wedding planning.

Now that your nails are taken care of, what about your hair and makeup? Find the perfect beauty specialist for all of your wedding day needs on our Local Vendors page!

Turns out consigned engagement rings are having a major moment! At least that’s what The RealReal has discovered. The site specializes in high-end consignment: yes that means used Chanel, Saint Laurent, Dior, Cartier, and more at a fraction of the price. This month, the brand released its mid-year report which took a deep dive into what’s trending in the luxury market. With over four million members, Chief Merchant Rati Levesque believes The RealReal’s discoveries and conclusions veraciously echo what’s going on in the retail space.

RealReal naturally has a wedding shop, which features every type of ring imagineable. And we were surprised to learn that brides-to-be are falling hard for consigned engagement rings: to the tune of a 280 percent jump this year. To get to the bottom of this pronouncement and to gather some 2017 predictions, we talked to The RealReal’s Senior Category Director of Fine Jewelry and Watches Michael Groffenberger.

What do you attribute to the brand’s 280% increase in engagement ring sales?

Our new valuation offices have provided an open and transparent environment for consignors to comfortably consign their engagement rings, which has increased the supply of engagement rings on The RealReal substantially. At these valuation offices, we offer fine jewelry and watch consignors a luxe and personal place to receive a free valuation of their fine jewelry and watch pieces with one of our gemologists. There is no obligation to consign. After a successful pilot in NYC in August of last year, we have scaled the valuation office concept to Chicago, Los Angeles, and now San Francisco.

You sell everything from Cartier to rings that don’t have a specific brand name, but are the best in quality. How do you approach what you feature?

We use GIA’s four Cs to evaluate the quality of a diamond ring (cut, color, clarity and carat weight). In general, we do not accept diamonds that have unstable treatment or enhancement done to the stone. Our certified gemologists test all stones for these things in order to ensure we are representing the product appropriately. Brands are definitely less of a major factor in engagement sales, since diamonds are evaluated using the same GIA standards regardless of which brand places them in a mounting.

What tips should a spouse take before purchasing a consigned engagement ring? And what about wedding bands?

Focus on the diamond (and make sure the company has described it thoroughly), mountings are generally inexpensive and can be remade by a skilled jeweler easily. If the diamond is the size, shape and quality you are looking for, it is something you should buy. Remember that diamonds are all billions of years old, so getting hung up on whether or not it is new or used is not important. For wedding bands, I recommend focusing on the ring size and the fit of the ring overall. Most wedding bands cannot be easily sized, so it is important to check your ring size and make sure that the ring you are buying will fit.

A photo posted by therealreal (@therealreal) on Aug 24, 2016 at 6:26pm PDT

Are there are any dos and don’ts to buying consigned rings?

Do act fast! Our engagement rings are priced very fairly given the diamond market. Because we remove all of the middle men from the process of diamond trading, the prices are significantly lower than new rings even though they are identical. (With most jewelry dealers, diamonds can change hands 4-6 times before reaching an end consumer, adding expense along the way.)

Don’t get hung up on why the ring is consigned. Consignors part with rings for a multitude of reasons, some good and some bad, and it can just as often be the case that a ring was consigned after bringing joy to someone’s life for many years.

Are there any wedding accessory and ring trends you can predict for next year?

The halo setting will subside as people look to more simple, single stone mountings .

See more: Everything You Need to Know About Engagement Ring Shopping

Is there anything else we need to know about consigned engagement rings?

Consigned engagement rings are a great way to purchase a beautiful ring at a reasonable price, while avoiding some of the significant environmental impacts of mining rough diamonds from the earth. Not only is it a good deal, but it is sustainable, and trust me, the recipe for pure carbon hasn’t changed much over the last billion or so years, so the end result for you is exactly the same.

Give your bridal shower guests something they really want — favors they can eat on the way home! Whether you’re matching your theme, giving out the bride’s favorite treats, or taking inspiration from the rest of your shower menu, these favors are sure to be a hit! Plus, these sweet and savory recipes are easy to make in big batches for a large party, or cut down for a more intimate affair. And the bride won’t be the only one smiling about these adorable treats — you’ll have leftovers to indulge in after the party’s over!

Lemon and Rosemary Marshmallows
These fluffy marshmallows are the ultimate year-round shower gift. Sweet, tart, and herby from the rosemary, they’re the perfect one-bite treat. Package them in pretty cellophane bags with a matching yellow ribbon. Get the recipe at here.

Rosemary-Infused Olive Oil
Have a bride that loves to cook? She and your guests will love adding this herb-infused olive oil to their pantry. If you’re looking for variety, consider infusing your olive oil with a few different types of herbs, like basil or thyme. Then guests can choose their own flavor profile. Get the recipe at here.

Flower Lollipops
Turn your kitchen into a candy store to make this pretty petal pops. Infused sugar and some edible flowers go a long way in making these suckers both flavorful and adorable. Your guests might even find them too pretty to eat! Get the here.

Heart-Shape Rice Krispie Treats
Who doesn’t love an old-fashioned Rice Krispie treat? Given the love for these marshmallow-y treats, it only makes sense to shape them into hearts and dip them into white chocolate! Send a wrapped one home with each of your guests. Get the recipe here.

Edible Sea Glass
If your bride is throwing a beach wedding than these sugar crystals are perfect for her shower! With some sugar and food coloring, you can create your very own edible sea glass. And these beautiful crystals look even better in a bag labeled “Two Less Fish in the Sea.” Get the recipe here.

Marbled French Macarons
Follow up your bridal tea with these pretty-in-pink marbled macarons. Pack these delicate treats in cardboard gift boxes lined with tissue paper. They’ll make for elegant party favors your guests will truly admire — and devour. Get the recipe here.

See More: 43 Edible Wedding Favors Your Guests Will Love

Pumpkin Butter
Throwing a shower in the fall? Go seasonal and give your guests the gift that keeps on giving — pumpkin butter! Fill mini mason jars with this sweet, autumn treat, then attach a card with recipe suggestions like using this spread in French toast, dessert ravioli, or atop a bagel. But be warned, this butter is so delicious guests might just spoon it up! Get the recipe here.

Tea Bags
This is an easy favor that guests will enjoy long after the party is over! Fill canvas bags with loose tea leaves, then attach a pretty wooden stirring spoon to the bag. A cute message printed on the bag, like “Tea for Two” or “To have and to hold” makes a great addition to this favor. Get the recipe here.

Spiced Pumpkin Seed Brittle
Sweet, spicy, and crunchy. That’s all you need to know about this pumpkin flavored brittle. Oh yeah, and that it’s dipped in chocolate! Make a big batch for your guests, then put the pieces in pretty goodie bags as a treat for their drive home. Get the recipe here.

Blackberry Vanilla Cupcake in a Jar
Nothing makes eating on the go easier than throwing your recipe in a jar. So skip dessert at the shower and send it home with your guests instead — in the form of cupcakes in a jar. This blackberry and vanilla version is sweet, but light enough that they won’t feel guilty for eating the whole thing! Get the recipe here.

Hot Chocolate Mix
Winter showers may need a little help warming up. So hand out hot chocolate mixes to your guests as they walk out the door. Fill jars with hot cocoa mix, chocolate squares or chips, and marshmallows for basics. Take things up a notch by tying a mini bottle of Kahlua to the jar to get the party started. Get the recipe here.

Layered Ice Cream Pops
They are going to want to eat these favors right away — and they’re going to have to! Layered ice cream bars combine three of your bride’s favorite ice creams into one pop, stacked on top of a tasty graham cracker. Serve these with napkins (for the drips!) as they leave. Get the recipe here.

Sriracha Caramel Corn
“Sugar and spice and everything nice, that’s what little girls are made of!” Honor your little girl growing up with a sugar (caramel) and spice (sriracha) popcorn blend that will have your guests asking for a second jar. This sweet and spicy snack is the perfect favor for a foodie bride. Get the recipe here.

Marbled Oreos
This favor couldn’t get any easier — or look any prettier. Store bought cookies are dipped in dyed white chocolate for a beautiful marbled treat. Stack them together inside clear gift boxes for a stunning presentation. Get the recipe here.

It used to be that tying the knot in your early 20s was the norm. But now, with more and more couples choosing to wait to get married, it begs a certain question: Are they on to something? Is there a best age to get married — and is it in your 30s?

Research shows that waiting to wed gives you the best chance of marital success. That’s because, psychotherapist and relationship coach Toni Coleman explains, “as we move through developmental stages, we gain self-awareness and new experiences that teach us about ourselves and help us to understand what really matters to us and makes us happy. The biggest problem those who marry young face is that as they grow they grow apart, and find they want different things then they did when they were younger.”

Lesli Doares, marriage coach and author Blueprint For a Lasting Marriage, agrees that there is truth to the idea that waiting longer to wed can lead to a lasting union. “However, there is a point of diminishing returns,” she warns. “If you wait too long, you might be inclined to settle for a less-than-ideal partner. Or, you may also become so set in your ways it becomes difficult to make room for your spouse’s way of doing things.”

See More: Could These 3 Questions Predict the Success of Your Marriage?

So, with that in mind, is there an ideal age to tie the knot? Doares and Coleman believe that while the answer will vary from person to person, generally, the magic age is 25 and older. Coleman says 25 years old is a maturity milestone, while Doares believes that our late 20s are the time when we’ve attained a clearer sense of who we are and what we want. “And that makes it easier to find a compatible partner,” she points out.

But because everyone is different, our experts recommend considering milestones rather than years when it comes to determining whether you’ve reached the ideal age to marry.
“Reaching certain milestones can be helpful for having a successful marriage,” Doares says. Those include living on your own, as well as defining the career path you’d like to take, even if you’re not quite on it yet.

There are emotional milestones you should hit, too. “Knowing who you are as a person and having dealt with any emotional wounds allows you to marry as a healthy individual,” says Doares. “This may be the most critical milestone and it is missed by many people. It also isn’t age dependent — some people get clear early in life and others never do.”

Lastly, if you tied the knot (or are considering tying the knot) young, your marriage is hardly doomed. “In some ways, people who marry young have more flexibility than those who marry later in life,” says Doares. “One of the best things they can do is put off having children. It is this, rather than early marriage, that creates a lot of the pressures and challenges.” What’s more, says Coleman, is it’s important for young couples need to get on the same page. “Their success or failure will hinge on being able to stay connected and on the same path — even as their needs, wants and priorities might shift and change,” she says.