About Chicago
Whether you want to immerse yourself in art and culture, shoot some breathtaking urban panoramas, or a go to a relaxing sports game with friends, Chicago has got you set. Only here can you: pay a visit to the iconic Cloud Gate and take a picture, shop and eat somewhere along the Magnificent Mile, and complete the tour by spending some time among the lovely animals at the Lincoln Park Zoo. To completely unwind, you can also go for a walk next to the sprawling Lake Michigan, or spend a day exploring the many treasures of Chicago’s many museums.
With so many unique attractions, it's no surprise Chicago bursts at the seams with things to do. What you might not know already (but certainly might expect), is that it's also a wonderful place to host a wedding shower. A city as big and grand as Chicago certainly has the perfect venue, for the perfect wedding shower, for the perfect couple. And, as you'll soon find, the it also has everything you might need to host one.
Wedding Shower Options in Chicago
You can count on the numerous professionals in Chicago to help you with your wedding shower, and to 'sweat the details' for you.
- Decorators
A wedding shower can be a small gathering of a few close friends or it might turn into a full-blown party. Whichever the case, Chicago has got you covered with its wedding shower decorators. From enchanting flower decorations and artistic creations to draperies and intricate centerpieces, your wedding shower will definitely be memorable.
- Caterers
Add some flavor to your wedding shower and pick one of the Chicago caterers to take care of the food. You can order food online or contact the companies directly and opt for a full-service menu with hot meals or enjoy some burritos and pancakes if that’s your wish. Some companies offer picnic menus for your outdoor event and you can also order beverages to accompany your meal.
- Entertainment
Wedding showers go hand in hand with singing and dancing, and Chicago provides all types of entertainment. Whether you want a karaoke night to see who’s best at performing popular hits or a band that will sing all of your favorites, you will find what you are looking for. There are companies that organize game shows and help you pick a theme for your event.
- Invitations
You can’t have a wedding shower without your guests, and picking original and funny invitations will definitely remind them to come to your event. Companies in Chicago offer pre-made designs with interesting messages, wonderful lettering, and different shapes. You can also opt for a personalized design that matches the theme of your shower.
- Boutiques
Everyone wants to look fabulous for a wedding shower, from the bride and groom to their friends and family. Depending on the budget and style, you can choose from designer dresses and suits to a more casual look. If you want to stick to a certain theme, there are stores where you can find the perfect costumes and accessories.
Wedding Shower Companies in Chicago
Organizing a wedding is not an easy task, and the activities leading to it can add more stress – that’s why you should leave it to the professionals to arrange everything for your wedding shower.
- Events by TMA
This boutique wedding & event planning company offers guidance to those who already have a vision for a bridal shower, but it can also organize the entire event. They can help with budget management, floral arrangements and design, menu development, and guest list creation.
- Lola Event Productions
While specializing in weddings, this well-known Chicago-based wedding planner also organizes social events, including showers. They offer several packages, from a customized one where you can participate in planning every detail, to the day-of coordination.
- LK Events
From vendor selection and management to theme design and budget planning, LK Events will make sure everything goes according to plan on the day of your wedding shower. They can also help you with finding a venue and supervise the event. Hire them to make your wedding shower one to remember.
Pros and Cons of Throwing a Wedding Shower in Chicago
While it’s easy to focus on the fun and happiness a wedding shower brings, you should be aware of all the pros and cons of throwing one in Chicago.
Advantages
- Venues
If you don’t want to organize a shower at home, you have a wide choice of great venues to choose from.
- Transportation
Chicago is home to one of the largest transportation systems in the country, so guests can arrive quickly and avoid traffic.
- Attractions
If you have family and friends staying over for a couple of days, they (and you) can visit a variety of interesting spots around the city.
Disadvantages
- Traffic
As with all large cities, Chicago has traffic jams, so all who attend the wedding shower should time their arrival carefully.
- Price
Whoever organizes a wedding shower should invest time into budget planning – even a small one can be expensive in Chicago.
- The weather
If you plan to have a wedding shower outside, take into consideration the Chicago weather and stick to the warmer months.
Famous Wedding Shower Locations in Chicago
- Millennium Park
Home to the Cloud Gate, this vast park near the chore of Lake Michigan is full of greenery and great locations for private events such as the Pritzker Pavilion and the Rooftop Terrace. If you want to have your wedding shower near this famous spot, you can rent a beauty space used for shoots with hair and make-up artists on site as needed.
- The Art Institute of Chicago
If you are in love with art and want to be surrounded by it even at your wedding shower, you are lucky – you can celebrate this special event with your loved ones at one of the most famous art museums in the world. Just imagine how your photos will look with a backdrop of some of the most famous artworks of all time.
- 360 Observation Deck
If you want to change your perspective on the city, you can do it at 360 Observation Deck, located at the John Hancock Center. While this amazing spot offers event spaces of its own, you can also organize your wedding shower at the nearby Victorian house with a back garden.
