After a year of dating long distance, Susan Gushard and Michael Patrick decided they’d both move to Boston, Massachusetts, the city where they first met. A few years after that, Michael surprised Susan with an unforgettable proposal after hiking through Franconia Notch State Park in New Hampshire.

Although their love story has roots around the city, it was immediately clear to the duo where they’d get married. “We both knew we wanted to get married in Wyoming,” the bride says, and the pair wasted no time in booking the Chapel of Transfiguration for their ceremony and Snake River Sporting Club for their July 18, 2015 reception. Mother Nature offered a few surprises (including an impromptu hailstorm and rainbow!), and Taylor Glenn Photography was there to capture every magical moment.

Susan brought her mom, dad, and future sister-in-law along to several bridal boutiques while on the hunt for her perfect wedding dress. When she tried on a white Alencon lace and silk sheath from Marisa Bridal, they all knew it was the one. Susan accessorized with pieces that felt meaningful to her, including her mother’s pearl earrings and a bracelet that Michael gave her on their first Christmas together.

Michael wore a navy suit, white shirt, brown shoes, and a soft peach colored tie. His groomsmen wore slightly darker suits with matching brown dress shoes.

Susan’s bridesmaids wore flowing chiffon Donna Morgan dresses in the same blush color but in varying styles. “I wanted the bridesmaids’ dresses to complement the natural beauty of Wyoming,” the bride says.

The ceremony took place in a beautiful log chapel in Grand Teton National Park. To warm up the wooden exterior, the couple asked their florist to decorate the door with a wreath in tones similar to the bride’s and bridesmaids’ bouquets. Inside, guests were seated in wooden pews embellished with flower-filled mason jars that had been tied to the end of each row with blush ribbon.

“Moments before I walked down the aisle, the hail came,” the bride says. “We heard it’s good luck if it rains on your wedding day, so hail must be even luckier! A rainbow followed the storm and our photographer was able to get some beautiful photos of us.”

Once the weather settled down, Susan and her father walked down the aisle to the classic Pachabel’s Canon in D Major, which was performed by an organist.

Before making a grand entrance as husband and wife at the reception venue, Susan and Michael created an unforgettable moment together exchanging personal vows by the river. “It was a special moment for us to pause and reflect on the day together with a glass of champagne by the peaceful Snake River,” the bride says.

At the reception, guests were served raspberry-peach prosecco punch, the couple’s signature cocktail, along with appetizers like beef sliders and seared scallops with bacon lardon.

Susan created DIY place cards for her guests using seed paper, small fern leaves, and pink rice flowers. For dinner, guests were seated at rectangular wooden tables adorned with tall candles in gold holders and ivory flowers with a pop of peach. They were served zucchini spaghetti in a tomato white wine sauce or grilled tenderloin with a blue cheese cream sauce, mashed potatoes, and asparagus.

After a night full of dancing and toasts, the newlyweds cut into their three-tiered honeycomb-inspired wedding cake. Susan and Michael chose a Tahitian vanilla bean cake with raspberry mousse and cream cheese frosting, but also offered oatmeal cookies and pistachio, apricot, and vanilla bean macarons for dessert. In addition to being delicious, the sweet treats fit well with the couple’s peach, rose, and dusty blue color scheme.

For this happy couple, wedding planning was all about focusing on the details. “Everything we chose, from the elements that made up the save the date and wedding invitation to the warm oatmeal cookies after dinner, had some kind of significance or meaning to us,” Susan says.

Ceremony Venue: Chapel of Transfiguration || Reception Venue: Snake River Sporting Club || Wedding Planner: Lovely Day Events || Bride’s Wedding Dress: Marisa Bridals || Hair: Debbie Ferrante of L’Equipe Salon || Makeup: Stephanie of Frost Salon || Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Donna Morgan || Groomsmen’s Attire: The Black Tux || Flowers: Lily & Co. || Invitations: Ceci New York || Other Paper Products: Of the Earth; Jan Boyd Calligraphy || Music: John Michael Haines and Bill Hummer; Jeff Eidemiller || Catering: Spoons Bistro & Bakery || Cake: Jackson Cake Company || Photographer: Taylor Glenn Photography

Considering your own destination bash? Then you’ll be inspired by another couple’s epic getaway wedding in Cape Town, South Africa, seen below.

Planning a wedding can be a lot of fun, but planning the honeymoon is even more so. Who wouldn’t love daydreaming about an adventure in a far-off location, delicious dinners for two, and as much relaxation as you can handle? But just like the wedding, planning a honeymoon brings up a big question: Who is supposed to write the check? Our experts have a few different options for who will be handing over their credit card for your honeymoon expenses.

Traditionally, the honeymoon is paid for by either the groom or the groom’s family. That’s why there’s wedding lore around newlyweds arriving at the airport, where the groom surprises his bride with their destination (and hopes she’s packed correctly!). And when it’s the groom’s parents who are paying, the couple may both have no idea where they’re headed until they open an envelope and find tickets inside.

These days, however, a lot has changed. In many instances, the groom may plan the honeymoon as a surprise, but he and his bride will foot the bill together. Or, the couple might use honeymoon planning as a welcome break from the stress of a wedding and plan the getaway together. They might dip into their savings accounts to cover the costs, or turn to a newer addition to the wedding scene: A honeymoon fund.

If a couple has arranged a honeymoon fund instead of or in addition to a traditional wedding registry, the answer to who pays for the honeymoon is actually the guests! Especially as more and more couples opt to take their honeymoon a few months or even a year after the wedding, using monetary gifts from guests to cover honeymoon costs is a great way to know exactly how much money the couple has to work with, as well as to ease the strain on their savings account after the wedding has come and gone.

See more: What to Do When You and Your Husband Can’t Afford Your Dream Honeymoon

Let us reflect on that fateful day when Kim Kardashian and Kanye West became one — a.k.a. Kimye. On May 24, 2014, Hollywood’s glitterati descended upon Florence, Italy to witness the famous pair tie the knot. From the bride’s gorgeous Givenchy wedding dress, to a towering flower wall, a Versailles rehearsal dinner, and a seven-tiered wedding cake, Kimye’s big day was definitely not short on the extravagant. But that super swanky wedding was short on members of the Kardashian clan. Kim’s brother, Rob Kardashian, was infamously missing from the Florentine festivities, as he made the decision not to attend his big sister’s wedding day. Now, over two years later, the future Mr. Blac Chyna is finally fessing up as to why he skipped Kimye’s “I do’s.”

No-show wedding guests are bound to make any bride a little bitter. But do you think Kim Kardashian is one to hold a grudge? With the upcoming wedding of Rob Kardashian and his fiancé Blac Chyna looming ahead, we have to admit that the thought crossed our minds. Would the Keeping Up with the Kardashians star repay her baby bro for missing her big day with an empty reception seat at his wedding? Well, we think she’s gotta feel for Rob after he recently came forth with why he checked ‘no’ on her metaphorical RSVP card.

“I was doing my suit fittings in Paris right before the wedding and I just wasn’t comfortable,” Kardashian told to People, explaining that he flew into Paris for those memorable nuptials, but ultimately decided not to attend Kimye’s rehearsal dinner at Versailles or their wedding in Italy. “I’m 6’1 and at my most I probably weighed 300 pounds,” said the reality star, revealing that body consciousness lead him to skipping his sister’s wedding. “There were cameras at the airport on our trip there and I was very unhappy with the person I saw in all the pictures. I’m upset I missed my sister’s wedding but it was a personal decision.”

See More: Blac Chyna Will Change Her Name When She Marries Rob Kardashian

“I just wasn’t down to have photographers follow me, so I made sure I was away from all of that,” Kardashian continued. “I’m very good at disappearing.” And disappear he did. Kardashian famously went into seclusion for the better part of two years, stepping out of the spotlight of his famous family. “I wasn’t happy with myself so I didn’t want my family to see me that way,” he said.

“The way I dealt with my issues maybe wasn’t the best, but nobody can make me happy but me,” explained Kardashian. But now, the celeb certainly does sound happy. Engaged to Blac Chyna and expecting their first child together, Kardashian is now back in the public eye and flashing his megawatt smile at the paparazzi’s cameras. “Now I want to see everybody in my family every chance I get.”

It sounds like his upcoming nuptials will definitely be a family affair! Let’s just hope Kim doesn’t go MIA as payback. After all, she did skip Chrissy Teigen and John Legend’s 2013 wedding because of a wardrobe crisis…

#RobKardashian finally speaks! In a wide-ranging interview the reclusive reality star and his expectant fianc??e, #BlacChyna, open up about their impending arrival, repairing relations with his famous sisters and dealing with his 100-lb. weight gain. For more, click the link in our bio. | ????: @michelson_ari

A photo posted by People Magazine (@people) on Aug 31, 2016 at 5:18am PDT

#BlacChyna and #RobKardashian are essentially the ???? emoji. | ????: @michelson_ari

A photo posted by People Magazine (@people) on Aug 31, 2016 at 11:11am PDT

If an earth conscious wedding dress brings to mind an ill-fitting hemp garment, you couldn’t be more wrong. Whether vintage, or made of organic materials, eco-friendly dresses take on many styles and couldn’t be more beautiful. And in an increasingly green environment, there certainly isn’t a shortage of options. Where to start? Consider the following:

1. Re-wear a gown, such as your mother’s — even better because it has sentimental value. If you’re not a fan of her ’80s-style sleeves, take it to a seamstress to redesign the look. Or, you can buy or rent a pre-worn gown.

2. Take re-wearing a gown to a new level and go vintage. Check out consignment shops or vintage boutiques. You might get lucky and find something one of-a-kind.

3. Look for a dress made of organic fabrics, such as organic cotton, organic silk, or peace silk. A dress made out of recyclable materials can also do the trick.

4. Choose a designer that creates sustainable gowns, whether it’s by hand-making the dress or supporting women in developing countries. Need some options? Try any of these designers…

Daughters of Simone
Daughters of Simone’s founder Brit Castanos launched the brand by reconstructing vintage gowns from the ’60s and ’70s, and is now on her second collection. Inspired to create gowns for the “soul-baring and tenacious women of the world,” her resulting handcrafted gowns are pure bohemian magic. This off-the-shoulder “Phiffer” gown’s lightweight and airy chiffon fabric edged in crochet lace creates a whimsical touch.

Leila Hafzi
Leila Hafzi heralds itself as the first high-end ethical and eco-conscious fashion brand. Its design and production company is located in Kathmandu in the developing country of Nepal, works to establish an environmentally friendly production cycle, and is a member of The Ethical Trading Initiative — Norway. The brand’s romantic, feminine, and bohemian designs are inspired by different cultures. This flapper-style “Scarlett” dress infuses 1920s glamour.

The Cotton Bride
The Cotton Bride handcrafts their dresses from 100% natural fabrics including cotton, linen, and silk. Dedicated to grace, comfort, and beauty, this brand prides itself in a unique aesthetic that doesn’t follow the trends. This soft and romantic “Myriam” dress is made of 100% English cotton tulle, 100% silk chiffon, and 100% cotton.

Deborah Lindquist
Not only does Deborah Lindquist create her cutting-edge designs out of recycled, sustainable, and organic fabrics, such as vintage cashmere, hemp blends, and organic linen, but she also donates a portion of her proceeds to environmentally conscious and health organizations. This mermaid silhouette made of hemp/silk satin is a body conscious, bias cut slip-dress that balances Art Deco vibes and a modern, minimalist style.

Minna
Minna’s description of its label as Eco Luxe is right on point, with stylish designs made of sustainable, organic, recyclable and locally produced textiles manufactured with zero waste pattern cutting techniques. Take for example the “Anya” dress, made from a luxurious silk morocain and complete with a classic silhouette, open back, and subtle, but glamorous floor-sweeping train.

Celia Grace
Celia Grace is a member of the Fair Trade Federation, which aims to end poverty. Thus, Grace’s dresses are handmade in Cambodia and India by Fair Trade sewing groups, providing them with safe work, fair wages and benefits, and development. The brand also works to reduce environmental impact by using handmade fabrics, natural fibers, small-batch textiles, and heirloom silks. This “Jane” dress of heirloom silk has a flattering flare.

See More: 50 Things to Know About Finding Your Dream Wedding Dress

Nicole Johnson is keeping it real about fiancé and Olympian Michael Phelps. The model shared recently that there were times where she actually “loathed” her groom-to-be before they got back together and were in it for the long haul.

“There definitely were times, and I think Michael would say the same thing, where I hated him,” the 31-year-old shared with Cosmopolitan in a recent interview. “We were at odds at times.” But even though relationship was on the rocks at the time, she was still smitten. “Even when I loathed him, there were still times when I was like, ‘God, I wish I was with him.'” Girl, we’ve all been there.

The former Miss California noted that this time around is different than the last. “Michael and I both know that had we tried to have a child and get married in the previous time we were together, it probably would not have ended pretty,” she shared candidly, noting that they needed their separation to mature. “We both had a lot of growing up to do. We both had a lot of learning about ourselves to do.” A refreshingly honest account of their relationship — which shows how far they have come.

Previously, Johnson and the 23-time gold medal-winning Olympian dated in 2009 but broke up numerous times, according to ET Online. Now after finally reconciling, the two are parents to their 4-month-old son, Boomer, and last year Phelps made it official when he asked his leading lady to be his wife.

See More: If Your Guy Has These 21 Habits, Marry Him Right Now

Clearly these two have come a long way, and they now understand what it takes to be in a relationship for the longterm. “I don’t think you can be in a good relationship unless you love yourself to the fullest and you want to help the other person become a better person. We definitely needed that time apart to recognize that about ourselves and to appreciate one another.” Wise words, Mrs. Soon-to-Be Phelps!

On the topic of her fiancé retiring, the model says Phelps probably won’t swim professionally again, but if he does, it would only be for the cutest reason ever: Boomer. “Then again, you never know. Maybe he misses it so much and maybe Boomer convinces him that he has to go back so Boomer can remember it.” The good news is her man has four years to make his decision, so our fingers will be crossed for a while. In the meantime, we’ll be ready and waiting to stalk their wedding photos — Boomer as best man definitely has a nice ring to it.

So excited to spend a lil r&r with these 2!! @m_phelps00 @boomerrphelps #mymen

A photo posted by Nicole Michele Johnson (@nicole.m.johnson) on Aug 17, 2016 at 12:57pm PDT

My happy lil family ???? @m_phelps00 #proudfianc?? #family #bestfriend

A photo posted by Nicole Michele Johnson (@nicole.m.johnson) on Aug 16, 2016 at 3:26pm PDT

Amazing date night with my amazing fianc??e! So honored to introduce @future!! #vmas

A photo posted by Michael Phelps (@m_phelps00) on Aug 28, 2016 at 11:28pm PDT

Gotta love when you play rummy and you go against the one person you're not upset if you lose 2!???? #bestfriendforlife

A photo posted by Michael Phelps (@m_phelps00) on Aug 25, 2016 at 12:22am PDT

Picking a bridal party is something that takes careful planning, deduction, and thought. So after all of the decision-making you do pre-wedding when it comes to your best girls, it would be tragic to have one of your ‘maids drop out of your bridal party, or worse, having to ask one of your bridesmaids to “step down.” But, after the fall out, the unimaginable happens: your bridesmaid asks for a refund. What should you do?

Whether the reason for this falling out is due to a friendship that’s been on the rocks for a while — or because you’re dealing with a friend who is just not showing her supportive side to you during a time when you need it the most, having a bridesmaid leave her role pre-wedding is something that isn’t out of the norm. But unfortunately, this awkward (usually one-sided) conversation ending your bridal party unity can continue on a downward spiral with the request for a refund. If this does happen, here’s how to handle it.

If your ex-bridesmaid does ask you for a refund, it can get tricky. They may want you pay them back for the bridesmaid dress they ordered — or even some of the money they spent on your bachelorette party and bridal shower. When this request comes your way, you will wonder if you should dig into your wallet or worse — your wedding budget — to return the money they spent.

Before you respond about her request, first consider the core reason behind her removal from the bridal party. If it was purely your bridesmaid’s decision, then you don’t owe a refund. If you had to ask her to leave your bridal party because of her unruly behavior or lack of support, you may want to cover the costs that she incurred — or at least offer to give her back money for the dress.

Ultimately, it is up to you if you want to return the money and more importantly, salvage the friendship. But both of those things shouldn’t be decided upon or discussed during your wedding planning process. You’ll be under enough stress and to-do list tasks — and the emotional stress may be too much to bear. Once you’ve made your decision or accepted your ex-maid’s decision, it’s best to ignore the drama until you’ve come back from the honeymoon fresh, rejuvenated, and ready to handle the situation.

See More: Ways to Help Your Bridesmaids Save Money on Their Dresses

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.

Saying “I do” to being your BFF’s bridesmaid comes with a lot of responsibility — not to mention a lot of money. From paying for the out-of-town bachelorette party to your wedding-day makeup look, the price you have to pay to stand by your bestie’s side on her big day can be a little, well, disheartening. But luckily there’s one thing you can probably save on. After Pinterest reps did a deep-dive into their database for BRIDES, they found that the most-pinned bridesmaid dress is surprisingly affordable — AND totally on trend.

Pinned more than 170K times, it’s not a shocker to see why girls all over the social media site are flocking to this simple yet elegant bridesmaid dress featuring a lace illusion neckline. And with a price point of $160, we may just stock up on this dress ourselves! The flowing, floor-length gown comes in a variety of colors, some of which are blush, wine, navy, and black. Because these colors are so simple, it’s super easy to find other mismatched bridesmaid gowns that fit the same color scheme. Totes trendy!

Some other notables on the top bridesmaid dresses board:

These light blue, off-the-shoulder gowns from Amsale have completely stolen our hearts. In such a muted shade of blue, it’s perfect for brides who want a light color palette.

Going for a little bit more of a glam vibe, this chiffon, halter bridesmaid gown is great for a bride who is seeking bling for her bridal party.

See More:The Maid of Honor’s Guide to Avoid Going Broke Before the Wedding

If your ‘maids can afford pricier attire, why not go for this $900 M’oda ‘Operandi stunner? With see-through panels and a gorgeous print, it’s ideal for an elegant, seaside wedding.

Have champagne taste on a Bud Light budget? Go for these simple (and $64!) Lulu’s maxi dresses that feature a stunning open back.

So now that we’ve covered the bases of top bridesmaid dresses, check out the top engagement ring, wedding dress, and wedding cakes that are trending on Pinterest. You may be surprised!

We’ve never seen an engagement ring selfie this adorable! Actress Jena Malone is engaged to her love, photographer Ethan DeLorenzo, and her announcement on the ‘Gram has got us feeling all the feels. A too-sweet snapshot featuring both her sparkly engagement ring and the precious face of her baby boy served as Malone’s engagement debut. And we’re warning you now: Prepare for cuteness overload.

It’s been a summer of major changes for the 31-year-old actress, who welcomed the arrival of her first child with her beau — a baby boy named Ode Mountain — back in late May. “The best weekend of our lives!!!” Malone captioned the first photo of their family of three on Instagram. “What an incredible blessing to be chosen by this amazing, kind, gentle, and beautiful soul to be his parents. Humbled and in complete awe that we get to experience the most ancient and transcendent love that exists.” And now with this relationship upgrade, it’s been a whirlwind few months for Malone — but it sounds like she couldn’t be happier! And we couldn’t help but smile ourselves when we first caught a peek of her #EngagementRingSelfie / baby pic combo.

See More: 70 Amazing Engagement Ring Selfies

The Hunger Games star just posted her engagement announcement to social media, via a sweet snapshot that got up-close and personal with her little one’s cherubic face and captivating blue eyes, and — oh yeah — her new bridal bling. “One day, after all the youthful rushing quiets in your heart, you realize there’s nothing more you need,” Malone wrote alongside the nearly perfect pic. “Nothing more you want to achieve than to build your life around love. And oh the things we will get to build together. I couldn’t be happier. I love you Ethan.”

And just in case you missed that sparkly engagement ring glittering on Malone’s hand in the background, the Donnie Darko actress added a “#isaidyes” hashtag and the diamond ring emoji for good measure. (But really, how could you miss that megawatt rock?)

One day , after all the youthful rushing quiets in your heart, you realize there's nothing more you need. Nothing more you want to achieve than to build your life around love. And oh the things we will get to build together. I couldn't be happier. I love you Ethan. #isaidyes????

A photo posted by Jena Malone (@jenamalone) on Aug 30, 2016 at 12:55pm PDT

The best weekend of our lives!!! What an incredible blessing to be chosen by this amazing , kind , gentle and beautiful soul to be his parents. Humbled and in complete awe that we get to experience the most ancient and transcendent love that exists. Thank you Ode Mountain DeLorenzo Malone.

A photo posted by Jena Malone (@jenamalone) on May 31, 2016 at 9:26am PDT

No matter how much you love your mother, she’s bound to get on your nerves — even on your wedding day. That was certainly true for these five brides, who are here to share how their moms drove them completely crazy during the wedding planning process.

“My mom and I fought incessantly about the guest list. She insisted I invite family members I hadn’t seen or spoken to years. Then, two of the guests cancelled just three days prior to our wedding date, and they didn’t even have decency to tell me directly. They told my mother, who did not tell me. Instead, she let the seats go empty and paid for rather than letting me know so I could let a few people join last minute. I am still mad about it eight years later. She should be embarrassed to have fought so hard for these people who clearly did not care about us, never sent a gift, never apologized for cancelling last minute — all so that I could have fewer of my friends attending the wedding as a result.” — Michele

“As if it wasn’t bad enough that my mother completely overtook the planning process, she also overtook the wedding day. I’m pretty sure all my vendors wanted to kill her. She argued with my hairstylist about the best way to pin my updo. She told my photographer how to arrange us in posed photos. She told the limo driver which route to take us to the church. I felt so embarrassed the whole day.” — Tara

See More: 5 Common Wedding Fights You Might Have With Your Mom

“On my wedding day, my mother persuaded everyone to convince me to not wear my glasses while walking down the aisle. It was hard for me to see, and I nearly fell. My groom rescued me as we walked up the steps.” — Ruth

“My mother was one-of-a-kind. Nothing made her happier than when her two girls got married. The problem is she wanted to invite 1,000 people — 700 of whom we did not know. For my wedding, we had to create an A List and a B List. Only after the A List RSVPs came in did we plan to send the B List their invitations. But my mother took the B List and mailed it before the A List responded. We got lucky because many of our A List guests responded that they couldn’t come, so we were able to accommodate the B List guests.” — Lisa

“It sounds sweet, but my mom couldn’t stop crying on our wedding day. Like, she sobbed nonstop. It started long before I even had my dress on and continued to the end of the reception. I was so worried about trying to comfort and calm her down that I had trouble focusing on how I was feeling — other than stressed, of course.” — Abigail

Getting married in the Windy City? Chicago is full of absolutely stunning venues, from the Adler Planetarium to Salvage One to The Field Museum. The city’s mix of modern, historic, and architecturally unique spaces give every couple a wealth of options to choose from, and can fit in with all sorts of themes — and budgets. So how much should venues on the coast of Lake Michigan cost? Katie Kozlowski, senior wedding & event planner for Bliss Weddings & Events, let us know what Chitown couples can expect to shell out for their wedding venue.

Hotel Ballrooms
Rather than a rental fee, hotel ballrooms have a food and beverage minimum that couples have to meet (or exceed) in order to use the space. “Packages at different hotels range from $140 per person to over $300 per person, with a total minimum ranging from $20,000 to $60,000 before service fees and tax,” says Kozlowski. Sounds like a lot, but the great bonus is that the house selection of tables, chairs, linens, dishes, glassware, and kitchen equipment are all included. “But read the details carefully. City taxes, service charges, and administrative fees add up and need to be budgeted for before you sign a contract to avoid unpleasant surprises down the road!” Kozlowski explains. Want different linens, a creative charger plate, or upgraded chairs? These rentals will add an additional cost to the bottom line.

Lofts and Blank Spaces
Chicago is full of unique blank space venues, ranging from intimate urban lofts to dramatic historic buildings. “The range in prices is just as large as the range in options!” Kozlowski reveals. Venues on the lower end might start at $2,000, but more popular venues cost between $7,000 and $10,000, and larger civic buildings could range from $12,000 to $17,000 — and that’s for just the space! “You’ll need to hire a caterer to bring in the food and beverages, as well as kitchen equipment, bars, tables, chairs, and place settings,” says Kozlowski. “Your wedding planner can also help connect you with some more of the creative pieces you’re looking for, like lounge furniture or unique dishware. Catering (including rentals and staff) runs between $150 and $250 per person but, says Kozlowski, “Each venue (and your personal tastes) will play a role in what that final number comes out to be. And don’t forget to budget for gratuity!” You’ll also want to read the fine print for fees like engineering, union rules, security, and other add-ons that aren’t covered by the actual rental fee.

See more: Plan Your Nuptials With the Best Wedding Planners in Chicago

Restaurants
If you’re thinking of having your wedding in a restaurant, you’ve got two options. The first: Private event spaces. “Many restaurants in Chicago have spaces separate from the main dining room that can accommodate up to 75 guests (with a few offering space for even more!),” says Kozlowski. This could include a separate entrance and restrooms dedicated to the space, or even a full separate floor and dedicated event staff. “There’s no rental fee associated with these spaces, but instead a food & beverage minimum you have to meet, plus tax and a steep service charge.” While it can be pricey, foodie couples tend to gravitate toward this option because they know exactly what type of cuisine they’ll get, and can offer guests their favorite local meals.

“Your other option is a full restaurant buyout, which is fun for a couple who wants the ‘restaurant’ ambiance as part of their celebration,” Kozlowski continues. “There’s no shortage of amazing spaces to choose from in Chicago, and some restaurants can accommodate up to 300 guests!” The fee to rent the entire space will vary from restaurant to restaurant, but expect a food & beverage minimum of at least $60,000, plus tax and gratuity, for a five-hour event. “You’ll want to consider the layout of the space, and work with your coordinator or planner to create a floorplan using the existing tables — remember that most restaurant tables seat 4-6, while most wedding tables often seat 8-10, so you’ll have to be creative.” But, Kozlowski explains, “The stylish décor, flattering lighting, and hip location can make a restaurant a very trendy choice!”