Divine Decorum: Expert Advice for Parties and Weddings

Q: I just got engaged and went to a bridal expo in Chicago. I was so overwhelmed; I didn’t even know where to begin planning for my wedding day! I’m beginning to dread looking for all the big details like a florist, bakery, and entertainment. Help!

Suzzie, Chicago, IL

A: Unfortunately, bridal expos can be really difficult for the newly engaged. There is so much information and so many different venues it’s hard to think straight! I would recommend contacting an event planner or a friend or family member that just got married. Those people are a great resource for where to begin in the wedding planning process. Another option is to look for a smaller bridal event – even our company holds what we like to refer to as a “boutique” bridal event that is limited to 75 brides.

Q: My wife and I want to throw our son a huge graduation bash. He just finished is master’s degree and we’re both so proud of him. At his high school graduation, money was tight so we weren’t able to do an event of this magnitude. What would you recommend is a good place to start for a 25-year-old’s graduation?

Sean, Schaumburg, IL

A: Congrats to your son! That’s a huge accomplishment and deserves a fantastic celebration! Since he’s a bit older and many of his friends are already working, I’d recommend upping the ante a bit when it comes to the event. For a backyard graduation party, why not rent kegs of imported beers – ones you usually don’t find – and host a huge barbeque, complete with gourmet food stations? This will appeal to the casual feel of a backyard celebration, but will also offer some “classier” options for the older audience. Another option would be to host an evening cocktail event, which would allow for the guests to get dressed up a bit, eat passed hors d’oeuvres and enjoy a martini luge for the more adventurous drinkers! Whatever route you want to go, stay true to yourselves and your son’s personality and it will be a blast!

Q: My one and only child is getting married! I'm so excited for her but there are a lot of things I'm not too familiar with when it comes to a big wedding (I was married at a courthouse many years ago). When do the bridal party and parents typically give their speeches? Before, during, or after dinner?

Marie, Barrington, IL

A: It is always a bit of a challenge to determine when speeches should occur. Let me tell you this: whatever you choose will be unique of your child's wedding and will be perfect - there is no "right" answer. Typically, speeches are given after the plating of the first course, and can continue between courses throughout the evening. This gives the audience an opportunity to eat while they don't have to socialize with other guests at the wedding.