52nd Annual
Wonderful World of Weddings
January 4-5, 2020 | Wisconsin State Fair Park | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
SEE THE BEST WEDDING trends, concepts and resources all in one place. Take away ideas you’ll want to incorporate into your wedding and names of vendors that will help make your dreams come true.
Also, enjoy sampling all the wedding cakes, desserts and foods; talking to your favorite professional experts of the nearly 200 on site; and watching professionally choreographed stage and runway fashion shows.
Before you attend the 52nd Annual Wonderful World of Weddings, be sure to read this special section so that you’re even better prepared for your big day.
You Say ‘I Do,’ but Your Parents Should Have a Say, Too
FUN, HAPPY, AND MEMORABLE weddings typically have contributions from the parents – and we’re not talking about just financial ones. Most couples would agree that their parents should have a say in their wedding. But how much?
It probably depends on a number of factors, including your relationship with them, how much you trust or value their opinions, the type of wedding you’re having and how much they are paying.
It’s your day, but don’t forget, it’s an important day for your parents, too – one they’ve surely been looking forward to for a long time. Here are some wedding-related decisions in which it makes perfect sense to involve your parents and make them happy.
Setting Your Budget
A crucial first step is figuring out how much you can afford to spend. If you would like your parents to help pay for your wedding, discuss this with them politely but directly. You’ll need to know not only if they can contribute, but exactly how much.
If you and your partner wish to pay for your wedding all by yourselves, that’s impressive. In that scenario, you would have a complete say in the decision-making. However, your parents may have been putting money aside for the event and might want to assist with payment. Before you move forward, make sure everyone knows how the wedding is being paid for.
If your parents are contributing financially to your wedding, proper etiquette is to list them on your wedding invitation by name. Show them a proof of the invitation before you finalize it to make sure they’re OK with the wording.
Finalizing the Guest List
Who’s in? Who’s out? It’s a good idea to discuss your guest list with your parents before you finalize it. If your parents are contributing financially, they should get a say in who’s invited. There are bound to be some disagreements – do your mom’s college roommates really need a table? – but it’s best to work those out beforehand rather than keep the guest list a secret. And yes, if you’re paying for the wedding, you can technically invite (and veto) whomever you want. But it’s still recommended that you give your parents a set number of people they can invite to make them happy.
Little Things That Matter
YOUR WEDDING DAY can be just as big of a milestone for your parents as it is for you. They’ve most likely been there for you every step of the way, so it would be nice to show them that you are thinking of them and want them to be a special part of your big day by incorporating some of these details.
A Gift
It could be a handkerchief, a framed photo or a handwritten note. A small token of your love and appreciation will rack up major bonus points for you.
Do a “First Look”
While this photo shoot traditionally is with your soon-to-be spouse, your parents’ reactions to seeing you in your wedding attire for the first time are bound to be precious, too.
Take Special Photos
Even if you decide against the “first look” opp, be sure to have your photographer schedule some parent wedding photos. Get your siblings smiling in some shots, too. These images are guaranteed to be framed and put on prominent display in your parents’ home.
Wear Heirloom Attire
It doesn’t have to be your mother’s gown or your father’s wedding suit. Even a subtle tribute or nod to the past – perhaps wearing mom’s veil or dad’s cufflinks – can make a big impression.
Show Your Love
No matter how your wedding processional proceeds, be sure to take a moment before the ceremony to give your parents a hug. It’s a moment they’ll treasure and remember forever.
Thank Them Publicly
Thanking your parents in your ceremony program can be a special (and keepsake) notation of your gratitude for their support. Giving them a shout-out in your reception speech could elicit a cheer or perhaps a tear from some guests.
Play a Meaningful Song
During the ceremony, you can walk down the aisle to the same song as your parents did, but make sure to note it in the program. You can also include “their song” on your reception playlist.
Take a Private Moment
Before you make your grand exit, pull your parents aside for a private moment. It’s a perfect opportunity to thank them for all they have done for you over the years, and for being there with you on your special day.
6 Quick Tips for Planning Your Wedding
1.
Setting a Date and Booking a Venue
Before setting a date and booking your venue, be sure to run both by your parents. You don’t want to run up against any conflicts, such as another family event, a work commitment or a weekend getaway with old friends.
And if you’re thinking of a destination wedding, make sure your parents are comfortable with the travel involved.
2.
Walking Down the Aisle
During traditional (and most) wedding processionals, the bride is escorted down the aisle by her father. (In Jewish weddings, both parents walk the bride down the aisle.) These days, some couples are changing things up and walking down the aisle in a variety of configurations. If you would like to handle the processional differently, discuss the idea with your parents first.
3.
Assigning Speeches
The father of the bride traditionally gives a speech during the wedding reception, but this might not work for your particular family situation. Talk to both sets of parents to come up with a speech-giving plan that makes everyone comfortable. Perhaps dad would rather have your mom take the mic and speak for both of them. Or perhaps you’d like to work in a speech by a stepparent as well. This can be a sensitive subject, so it’s best to get approval from all the parties involved.
4.
Choosing Parent Dance Songs
“Special dances” during the reception typically include a father-daughter dance and a mother-son dance. First, make sure your parents are in tune with this arrangement, or if there’s some other lineup you’d prefer. Settle on the songs that will be played; a parent might have a particular song they’d like played, so let them have a say.
5.
Planning the Rehearsal Dinner
Figuring out the logistics for the rehearsal dinner can often be as complicated as planning the wedding itself. It’s important to decide who’s planning and paying for this event. Traditionally, the groom’s family hosts this dinner, but nowadays this isn’t always the case. Early on, make it a priority to decide who will handle it.
6.
Creating the Seating Chart
Don’t assume that you know whom your parents want to sit with at your reception. They may have strong opinions on the people they want nearby or as far away as possible! It’s a good idea to let them make their feelings known before you finalize your seating chart.
19 From ’19
THE 19 MOST popular songs couples wed in 2019 chose for their first dance.
1. “Thinking Out Loud,” Ed Sheeran
2. “At Last,” Etta James
3. “You Are the Best Thing,” Ray LaMontagne
4. “All of Me,” John Legend
5. “A Thousand Years,” Christina Perri
6. “Make You Feel My Love,” Adele
7. “I Won’t Give Up,” Jason Mraz
8. “Everything,” Michael Buble
9. “Better Together,” Jack Johnson
10. “Amazed,” Lonestar
11. “Come Away with Me,” Norah Jones
12. “First Day of My Life,” Bright Eyes
13. “Let’s Stay Together,” Al Green
14. “Lucky,” Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat
15. “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” Elvis Presley
16. “Marry Me,” Train
17. “Wonderful Tonight,” Eric Clapton
18. “What a Wonderful World,” Louis Armstrong
19. “Crazy Love,” Van Morrison
Making Sure Everything Comes Up Roses (or Dahlias or Zinnias) on Your Big Day
Cascade, nosegay or pageant bouquet? Breakaway, trumpet or fishbowl centerpiece? Pilsner, pedestal or bubble vessel? There are lots of options and plenty of questions when it comes to selecting flowers or floral arrangements for your wedding.
Where should you start? Florist Belle Fiori (Booth #127 at the 2020 Wonderful World of Weddings) has a wedding questionnaire that will help you organize your thoughts and provide direction.
The online tool asks the couple for four insights relating to flowers: How specific they want to be with flowers, how many they want, as well as flowers they definitely want to use and any they might want to avoid.
“For 2020, Belle Fiori wants each wedding to celebrate the couple, incorporate their families, pets, hobbies and favorite flowers and colors. Personalization is the real trend,” says Emily Neubauer, Belle Fiori’s president.
You should also consider what style of flowers will best match the theme or mood of your wedding. On its website, Feisty Flowers (Booth #607) narrows it down to five choices: soft and sweet, modern, elegant, earthy and rustic, and avant-garde.
Not sure how to work with a florist? Bel Aire Flowers (Booth #429) has a list of FAQs on its website, addressing issues from how far in advance a couple should contact the florist to what they should bring to the flower shop for their wedding consultation.
Once you’ve established your flower budget, Bel Aire Flowers suggests this breakdown, based on percentages for a 150-person guest list and a 10-member bridal party:
55% on reception table centerpieces and
other miscellaneous elements of the reception
14% on the bridesmaid bouquets
12% on ceremony decorations
7% on the bride’s bouquet
5% on the boutonnieres
5% on the corsages
1% on the flower girl’s basket
1% on the tossing bouquet
WHAT ARE THE TRENDS FOR 2020?
Some trends from 2019 were so popular that they make the list again, according to Guides for Brides.
Grasses and dried flowers: The greenery trend has given way (at least for now) to earthier, more neutral tones of dried flowers and grasses like pampas grass, dried hops and wheat sheaves.
Sustainable, seasonal and locally grown: Many brides will choose to go eco-friendly and resist having unseasonal varieties flown in.
Floral aisles: They can make you feel like you’re walking through a meadow. After the ceremony, they can be reused in front of your head table.
Fragranced bouquets: They’ve always had to look good; now they have to smell good, too! Look for, or sniff for, scented florals like freesias, lavender, sweet peas and lilacs to make their way into wedding bouquets.
Statement blooms: The budget-conscious couple may not need a giant bouquet of traditional blooms. Instead, a single protea, bird of paradise or sunflower can be the focal point of a bouquet. Looking ahead to some new trends for 2020 locally, Kristina Segedi, owner of Bel Aire Flowers, points to “soft, indulgent opulence such as plush velvets, antique or rose golds and ornate accessories such as wooden pedestals and ambient lanterns.” She adds: “The use of textured greenery and garlands will continue to be very popular, along with personalized photo booth areas for wedding attendees to capture pics of the grand occasion.” “An additional trend for 2020 is color!” says Neubauer. “Weddings have seen blush, champagne and antique gold dominate color palettes for the past three years. Moving forward, couples are bringing their own personality and vision to their wedding with a variety of saturated seasonal color.” When all is said and done, seeing eye to eye with your florist is a tremendous benefit. Locker’s Florist (Booth #442) says the most common thing they hear from clients is, “You really understand my vision.” Asked what is trending in the industry, Kimberlee Grob, Locker’s owner and lead designer, says: “I continue to see our clients choose larger, more textured and layered bouquets which are both trendy and romantic. Lush backdrops continue to be popular and create a fantastic frame for the ceremony. We encourage couples to reuse those flowers to enhance their sweetheart table or other reception spaces to stretch their flower budget.”
Living Large
U.S. News and World Report reviewed expert opinions along with the votes of thousands of travelers to determine the best honeymoon destinations. Here are the top 20:
1 St. Lucia
2 Hawaii, the Big island
3 Bora Bora
4 The Maldives
5 Bordeaux, France
6 Cinque Terre, Italy
7 Amalfi Coast, Italy
8 Fiji
9 Santorini, Greece
10 Tahiti
1 1 Kauai, Hawaii
12 Maui, Hawaii
13 Tuscany, Italy
14 Lake Como, Italy
15 St. Barts
16 Florence, Italy
17 Corfu, Greece
18 British Virgin Islands
19 Bermuda
20 Mauritius
Bridal Fashion Shows
2 Shows Both Saturday and Sunday | 12:00 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. [45 minutes]
The latest trends and the most exquisite styles in bridal fashions southeastern Wisconsin has to offer will be on spectacular display. And what you see is what you can get! Every wedding gown, bridesmaid dress, tuxedo and accessory showcased is available from our exhibitors.
Our producer of over 25 years attributes the success of the shows to the heart and passion of everyone involved– the dancers, models and those behind the scenes. “A special bond creates the magic that comes alive on stage!” Our choreographer was a contestant on “So You Think You Can Dance, Vegas” and participants have included models, actors and even a star of “Real Housewives of Atlanta.”
You never know what to expect. Past shows have featured a Green Bay Packers-themed wedding dress; bridal poodles in wedding dress and tux; and an all-white leather bridal gown astride a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. This year’s shows promise to be breathtaking presentations with sizzling choreography and dazzling fashions.
• Nearly 200 Leading Wedding Exhibitors
• Professionally Choreographed Runway Fashion Shows Twice Daily
• Grand Prize: Fantastic Honeymoon Trip to Punta Cana; Additional Prizes Include Weekend Getaway Package for Eight to a Wisconsin Resort & Other Fun Giveaways
• Special Discounts, Coupons & Rewards from Exhibitors
See All These Exhibitors Under One Roof!
Bachelor & Bachelorette Festivities
210 Bar Stars Bartending
113 Bavarian Bierhaus
661 CMP Tactical Lazer Tag
524 Elm Grove Travel
542 F Street Hospitality
314 Iron Horse Hotel, The
604 Milwaukee Food & City Tours
529 Paloma Resort Properties
443 Punch Bowl Social
555 Pure Romance
215 River Club of Mequon, The
117 Wildman Adventure Resort
Bridal Fashions
221 A Savvy Bride
333 Amelishan Bridal
357 Bon Bon Belle Bridal
411 David’s Bridal
648 David’s Bridal
317 Eden Bridal
238 Eva’s Bridal Center
236 Evermore Bridal
437 Stone Manor Bridal & Wingman Formalwear
539 Vera’s House of Bridals
Cakes & Desserts
120 600 Sweets and Treats LLC
338 Aggie’s Bakery
409 Black Shoe Hospitality
216 Hospitality Democracy
647 Knock Shoppe’s Country Cakes, The
533 Nothing Bundt Cakes
334 Savory Catering & Events
316 Simma’s Bakery
628 Wisconsin Center District
545 Yo Factory
625 Zilli Hospitality Group
Catering
452 All Occasions Catering/Bubbs BBQ
113 Bavarian Bierhaus
409 Black Shoe Hospitality
522 Cooperage, The
513 Crowne Plaza Milwaukee Airport
536 Davians Catering and Events
615 Delafield Brewhaus
542 F Street Hospitality
216 Hospitality Democracy
433 Ingleside Hotel, The
305 Louise’s Catering & Events
223 Marcus Hotels & Resorts
529 Paloma Resort Properties
420 Prime Minister Catering
334 Savory Catering & Events
509 Thunder Bay Grille
556 Tuscan Hall Banquet Center
628 Wisconsin Center District
625 Zilli Hospitality Group
Décor & Tent Rental Services
134 Ambrosia Events LLC
307 Archangel Services LLC
449 Area Rental & Sales Co
111 Brookfield Party Rental
425 Marquee Event Rentals
448 Something Borrowed and More
460 Sweet N’ Flowers LLC
609 Well Dressed Tables by Arena Americas
Floral
320 Alfa Flower & Wedding Shop
134 Ambrosia Events LLC
429 Bel Aire Flowers
127 Belle Fiori Ltd
607 Feisty Flowers
543 Jess Fleur Fun LLC
506 La Terre LLC
442 Locker’s Florist
223 Marcus Hotels & Resorts
416 Mayflowers
228 Shorewood Florist, The
448 Something Borrowed and More
460 Sweet N’ Flowers LLC
211 Tully Floral Design
625 Zilli Hospitality Group
Health & Wellness
112 Advantage Chiropractic
456 DMC Makeup Artistry
239 Lash Lounge Brookfield – The Corners, The
555 Pure Romance
643 TFK Cooking Show
447 Toned Body Fitness
Homes, Realty & Finance
638 Cherry Creek Mortgage Co.
135 Veridian Homes
Honeymoon & Destination Travel
524 Elm Grove Travel
304 First Choice Travel & Cruise
455 Island Getaways
504 Lisa Hoppe Travel Consulting
529 Paloma Resort Properties
Image Consultants
554 Colored by Casey – Color Street
209 CSG Wedding Hair
456 DMC Makeup Artistry
239 Lash Lounge Brookfield – The Corners, The
137 Lovely Beauty Bar
415 SEVVA Hair & Nail Boutique
Invitations
421 All About You Designs
107 Ambiance Studios by Scott & Cathy Erickson
561 Broadway Paper
505 Coqui Paperie
616 Paperie & Co, The
646 Paperwhites LLC
448 Something Borrowed and More
Jewelry & Accessories
140 Craig Husar Fine Diamonds & Jewelry
445 Kesslers Diamond Company
130 Stella & Dot
510 Tobin Jewelers
Men’s Formalwear
221 A Savvy Bride
432 Amelishan Formalwear
232 DuBois Formalwear
343 Men’s Wearhouse, The
404 Men’s Wearhouse, The
437 Stone Manor Bridal & Wingman Formalwear
Music
405 ACA Music & Entertainment
226 All-Star Music
637 Brett Gaertner Wedding Singer & Guitarist
361 Complete Weddings + Events
206 Elegant Music Services LLC
337 Exciting Events
516 Harp & Minister
617 Madcap Milwaukee DJ Service
550 Midwest Sound DJ Entertainment
634 Milwaukee Wedding DJ, The
116 Musicbox Entertainment
132 Photobooth Djays
217 Rhythm Kings, The
313 Smoov Music Sound, Lighting & Photobooth
301 Sound by Design
620 Sterling & Brass
321 Van Rixel Productions
655 Xcite Entertainment
Officiant
516 Harp & Minister
655 Xcite Entertainment
Photo Booth
226 All-Star Music
107 Ambiance Studios by Scott & Cathy Erickson
361 Complete Weddings + Events
550 Midwest Sound DJ Entertainment
634 Milwaukee Wedding DJ, The
116 Musicbox Entertainment
132 Photobooth Djays
514 Shutter Booth Photo & Video Booth
313 Smoov Music Sound, Lighting & Photobooth
301 Sound by Design
321 Van Rixel Productions
655 Xcite Entertainment
526 YellowBus Photo Booth
Photographer
107 Ambiance Studios by Scott & Cathy Erickson
361 Complete Weddings + Events
508 Cream City Weddings
612 Dennis Felber Photography
222 Edward Fox Photography & Video
133 Jadon Good Photography
423 Kathy McDowell Photography
329 McNiel’s: Photography and Films, The
622 R&R Photographic Imaging
534 Sarah Elizabeth Photography
309 SB Photography and Design
549 Spinnaker Photography
207 Wild Elegance
Registry
511 Bed Bath and Beyond
408 Williams-Sonoma
Showers & Rehearsal Dinners
220 Astor Hotel, The
113 Bavarian Bierhaus
409 Black Shoe Hospitality
114 Brookfield Conference Center, The
513 Crowne Plaza Milwaukee Airport
536 Davians Catering and Events
615 Delafield Brewhaus
110 Delta Hotels by Marriott MKE NW
332 Edelweiss Cruises
542 F Street Hospitality
363 Hawk’s View Golf Club
208 Hilton Garden Inn Milwaukee Airport
128 Hilton Garden Inn Milwaukee NW
535 Holiday Inn Milwaukee Riverfront
601 Holiday Inn Pewaukee-Milwaukee West
216 Hospitality Democracy
450 Hotel Metro
426 Hyatt Regency Milwaukee
433 Ingleside Hotel, The
314 Iron Horse Hotel, The
603 Landing 1841, The
213 North Point Lighthouse
533 Nothing Bundt Cakes
453 Osthoff Resort, The
443 Punch Bowl Social
334 Savory Catering & Events
308 Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield
509 Thunder Bay Grille
628 Wisconsin Center District
Special Features
102 Arnolds Environmental Services
661 CMP Tactical Lazer Tag
546 Cutting Etch Studios
428 Fred Astaire Dance Studio
547 goo goo gaa gaa
523 Happy Dough Lucky
515 Ketel One Botanical & Baileys
520 Milwaukee Pedal Tavern
460 Sweet N’ Flowers LLC
117 Wildman Adventure Resort
526 YellowBus Photo Booth
Specialty Food & Beverage
210 Bar Stars Bartending
113 Bavarian Bierhaus
523 Happy Dough Lucky
216 Hospitality Democracy
529 Paloma Resort Properties
334 Savory Catering & Events
308 Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield
628 Wisconsin Center District
545 Yo Factory
625 Zilli Hospitality Group
Transportation
324 Blackline Limousines
600 Churchill Limousine
560 Go Riteway Transportation Group
104 High Class Limousine
604 Milwaukee Food & City Tours
301 Sound by Design
Venue
610 Abbey Resort, The
503 Abloom Farm Resort
220 Astor Hotel, The
113 Bavarian Bierhaus
656 Best Western Plus Milw Airport
525 Bog, The
613 Broadlands Golf Club
114 Brookfield Conference Center, The
412 Carriage House, The
522 Cooperage, The
513 Crowne Plaza Milwaukee Airport
536 Davians Catering and Events
615 Delafield Brewhaus
521 Delafield Hotel, The
110 Delta Hotels by Marriott MKE NW
126 Donald & Carol Kress Pavilion
332 Edelweiss Cruises
461 Embassy Suites by Hilton
Milwaukee-Brookfield
542 F Street Hospitality
652 Florian Park Conference & Event Center
654 Four Points by Sheraton Milwaukee Airport
237 Golden Mast Inn
233 Hackbarth Hospitality Group
624 Halverson House
205 Hampton Inn & Suites Milw West
363 Hawk’s View Golf Club
208 Hilton Garden Inn Milwaukee Airport
128 Hilton Garden Inn Milwaukee NW
535 Holiday Inn Milwaukee Riverfront
601 Holiday Inn Pewaukee-Milwaukee West
216 Hospitality Democracy
450 Hotel Metro
121 Hubbard Park Lodge
426 Hyatt Regency Milwaukee
433 Ingleside Hotel, The
314 Iron Horse Hotel, The
603 Landing 1841, The
125 Legend Clubs, The
614 Loft at 132, The
557 Maggiano’s Little Italy
223 Marcus Hotels & Resorts
642 Milwaukee Hotel Collection
213 North Point Lighthouse
453 Osthoff Resort, The
529 Paloma Resort Properties
212 Pioneer Creek Farm
443 Punch Bowl Social
410 Racine Civic Centre
215 River Club of Mequon, The
532 Roma Lodge
308 Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield
632 Silver Spring Golf Club
326 St. James 1868
139 Story Hill Fire House
509 Thunder Bay Grille
556 Tuscan Hall Banquet Center
628 Wisconsin Center District
625 Zilli Hospitality Group
Videography
107 Ambiance Studios by Scott & Cathy Erickson
361 Complete Weddings + Events
508 Cream City Weddings
222 Edward Fox Photography & Video
300 Films by Design
329 McNiel’s: Photography and Films, The
321 Van Rixel Productions
628 Wisconsin Center District
207 Wild Elegance
Wedding Planning
134 Ambrosia Events LLC
605 Fresh Coast Events
Lobby Premier Bride
108 Timeless Events
501 Wisconsin Bride
655 Xcite Entertainment
