Tips for Using Chicago Wedding Magazines

May 4, 2006

First off, let me say that I like looking at a few of the Chicago wedding magazines on the market.  They’re slick and jam-packed with loads of wedding dress photos.  But, it’s really easy to get sucked into a wedding panic while perusing the ‘zines.

I already talked about the way a few Chicago wedding magazines publish several issues a year, but only change their editorial twice a year.  They change the cover, add a few wedding vendors, and put essentially the same wedding magazine back on the market.  You can read the blog entry here: The Truth about Chicago Wedding Magazines

However, you can use these wedding magazines to work in your favor.  Here are a few tips:

1) Dog-ear the pages that reflect your vision of your wedding.  This can include pictures of the wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, reception site decor, flowers, favors, anything.

2) Place post-its on the pages that have ads for wedding vendors you’d like to contact.  Remember to do as much research online at The Knot, WeddingChannel or ChittieLounge.com, a message board for expatriates of The Knot.  The brides-to-be on those boards have lots to say about different vendors.  Can’t hurt to get their thoughts and opinions.  Plus, it gives you a chance to connect with other brides.

3) After you’ve done these two things, put the magazines down.  I know that’s a scary thought.  I can hear a few Chicago brides now: “But, I haven’t planned my wedding to the very last detail yet!” Trust me, you have time.

4) Start keeping a wedding journal with all of your thoughts for your wedding and include some of the information from the wedding magazines.

5) Bounce a few ideas off your fiance’, friends and any other brides you know.  This is not intended to confuse you, but to get a reality check if you go overboard with your planning.

That third step is very important.  If you stare at wedding magazines 24/7, it’s really easy to become obsessed with your wedding planning.  If you become obsessed, then it’s harder to make clear-headed decisions regarding your wedding vendors and wedding budget.  You will be signing contracts with vendors and writing large checks to book them for your wedding.  When dealing with money, it’s best to breathe and take your time.

I’ve already shared how obsessed I became during the first few months of my engagement.  It wasn’t fun and I put way too much pressure on myself.  Everyone kept asking me if I’ve booked all my wedding services:  Did you book the reception site?  What about the photographer?  I think I started hyperventilating from the barrage of questions I received on a daily basis. 

I wish someone would have told me that everything was going to be fine and that I’d have an amazing wedding no matter what.

Take care!

Alison

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