Friday, December 30, 2016

I Do's Top 10 Weddings from 2016


Up next on the Top Ten...

#6 "The Bridal Box"


Ok, ok; this isn't necessarily a wedding, but we can't help but add it to the list! We are absolutely excited about our new product launch! These cute little boxes come to your doorstep once a month and are filled with cute and practical goodies to help you in your wedding planning! What's not to love!

Thursday, December 29, 2016

I Do's Top 10 Wedding from 2016

Speaking of glass plates; here's what's next on our Top 10!

#7 "Glass Beaded Chargers"
Photo by: Rachael Schirano Photography

Although the I Do Crew doesn't love hauling these beauties (lugging these take some serious muscles), they sure do love the statement they make in a room!


Wednesday, December 28, 2016

I Do's Top 10 Weddings from 2016

What's next on our Top 10 countdown...


#8 "Stylized Shoots"


Over the year; we've been honored with wonderful opportunities to collaborate with other Midwest vendors for various stylized shoots! This one made our coveted list because of the simplistic but impressive layering of antique and woodsy elements. Our favorite parts are the diamond glass plating, the pop of plum, and the personalized script on the mason jar, which serves as the perfect topper!


Tuesday, December 27, 2016

I Do's Top 10 Weddings from 2016


Continuing on with our Top 10 countdown...


#9 "Rich Reds"

Photo Credit: Erin B. Miller Photography
Location: Kickapoo Creek Winery

Bold burgundy, cranberry, scarlet and everything in between came in with a punch this fall. We've just purchased some new inventory to accommodate this color palette, so we're hoping it sticks around. Plus it's just soooo pretty! If you're planning for a fall wedding then this could easily be your secret weapon, and why; because it can be paired with just about anything from neutrals to other rich jewel tones.


Monday, December 26, 2016

I Do's Top 10 Weddings from 2016

It's that time of year again! Join us as we count down to the New Year to reveal our Top Ten Weddings from 2016!


#10-"All Things Gold"


Photo courtesy of Melissa Mata Photography


From gold linens to chiavari chairs, a huge trend this year has been all things GOLD, and it doesn't seem to be slowing down! A venue can be dripping from ceiling to floor in this regal hue, but when it's paired with a soft white and textured damask linens it shows off more of a regal look versus it being over the top! If metallics are part of your color scheme then consider the venue's architecture, and use it as an accent as shown at this wedding at the Pere Marquette.


Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Cha-Ching- Part 2: Why DIY Might Cost More

While wedding season tends to die down during the Winter months, the engagement season is just getting started! Soon we'll be seeing posts of lucky couples "ringing" in the holidays with a whole new reason to celebrate! However; with a new ring comes great responsibility when dealing with wedding planning, and for those that have already got started: you know how much money it entails. Our team here at I DO already did an earlier post on how we can help you save money (click HERE), but we felt that we needed to do a part 2 to help you better strategize! Scroll down for further tips!


Tip #1: Transformation

You may be saving money on using linens already included in the venue package, but you may find them to be a weird off-color, dull, transparent, or has other wear & tear from previous events. Sure; you'll save a little more money with that option, but your wedding will more than likely look like a carbon copy of other events. Standout by renting higher quality linens that will better fit your color scheme!

Setup: Before Pic

Setup: After Pic

Tip #2: Quality


Speaking of quality; you may opt to save some bucks by purchasing from other lesser known sites, but you'll often find that the "hanger appeal" is more attractive and practical than it is in real life! Save yourself the frustration by renting from an esteemed company that have linens on hand, so you can see it in person. We offer free consultation for this reason. Book an appt either in Peoria, Champaign, and also the Quad Cities!

Tip #3: Shipping & Extras



Surprisingly; an average wedding uses as much as 200lbs of fabric, so  the weight can drastically increase the shipping cost, and sometimes it can even be more than the items themselves! Also; you must consider that things happen (ie; accidents or more guests show up than expected), so you always have to buffer your final counts or you run the risk of not having enough to complete the look. So while the base price may be cheaper the shipping may end up costing you more in the long run. Save yourself a freak out session on your big day by renting because our team is prepared for those unexpected last minute shortages!

Tip #4: Prep Work & Setup



Still not convinced to rent?! Purchased linens arrive in small compressed packaging, which means countless hours of ironing & rehanging. If you have a large wedding then you have to consider ways in which to best transport them. Plus; more often than not; you or your family will be responsible for the entire setup as most venues only provide that service with their own linens. After everything is over; you have to spend the extra time or money to tear them down yourself, launder them & get them ready to be resold! We can't tell you how many times we've had to deal with hardened gum, wax, and wine stains. If there's irreparable damage then forget about getting your money back! So save yourself a lot of sweat equity by just renting out your linens and décor items because in the end; you'll be glad you did!


Happy Planning,

The I Do Events Team




Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Cha-ching! How To Save Moolah While Wedding Planning


So you've been a Pinterest Fanatic lately since your engagement (admit it; we know you've been addicted even before now-wink, wink!). However; wedding dreams of grandiose décor often come with a hefty price tag that most people can't afford! So the big question is; how can you still have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank? The simple solution: by just being a bit more budget savvy. Here's some quick tips below:

Tip # 1: Book a package
If you're in love with certain décor details like the forever trendy; chiavari chair, or want the reception to be decked out in succulent linens like satin or sequins then you'll want to get more bang for your buck by selecting one of our Packages. Instead of paying per item the packages include select linens, centerpieces and other elements at a set price per guest, which allows you to shave off some excess expense!


Tip #2: Use a textured floor length linen for a big wow

While satin and sequins are beautiful; using them on every guest and head table can be costly, but that doesn't mean your wedding has to look dull! Choose a luxurious textured linen for your specialty tables to make a lasting impression! Sometimes less is more!

Tip #3: Book a venue that doesn’t require same night teardown
We get it; you want everything done on the same day so that you don't have to worry about it the next morning. While that's certainly ideal, that option costs more simply due to the staffing required and time limitations often set by the venue. So do your pocketbook a favor by electing to have your event torn down the next day! It can mean $100 in savings!!

Tip #4: Include a few extras in your counts

Image result for add
It happens; a few (or a lot) more guests decide to come through even though they never sent in their RSVP and plus one (how annoying)! However; you still want to make sure everyone has a place to sit, so it's best to factor in a buffer for your final guest count instead of coming out of pocket for last minute and unexpected expenses.

Tip #5: Follow us on social media for specials
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Who doesn't love discounts?! Following us on social media like Instagram or Facebook often means you'll be the first to find out about special deals that can be applied to certain products and services! A simple "like" and a follow can mean more savings in the long run!

Tip #6: DIY using our rental items
If you're doing almost everything yourself (setup and all), and have almost everything you need, but just need a little something extra to complete your look, then you can simply elect to rent out just a couple of our items instead of going out and buying items that are often hard to resell.


You can find more budget tips by following the link: http://ido-events.com/budget-tips.html

Happy Planning,

The I Do Events Team