Whether you’re planning a wedding, fundraiser, or other celebration, these are the service providers around Chicago you turn to to create the event of your dreams.
Best Band
Arlen Music Productions
1415 Sherman Ave., Evanston
A perennial winner, this entertainment company knows how to get your guests out on the dance floor with dance bands like Ken Arlen Evolution Orchestra and Indigo.
Best Bridal Shop (City) | Best Evening Wear (City)
Mira Couture
70 E. Walton St., Chicago
Whether you shop Mira’s collection of designer gowns or have them create a custom creation, you’re guaranteed to find the dress of your dreams here.
Best Bridal Shop (Suburbs)
Bella Bleu Bridal
912 Green Bay Road, Winnetka
This salon offers a unique collection of dresses — everything from sophisticated gowns to boho chic frocks — that modern brides will love.
Best Evening Wear (Suburbs)
The Lake Forest Shop
265 E. Market Square, Lake Forest
Founded in 1922, this boutique carries special occasion dresses from designers like Carol Peretz, Catherine Regehr, Tom and Linda Platt, Joseph Ribkoff, and Frascara.
Best Caterer (City)
Blue Plate
1362 W. Fulton St., Chicago
This is food your guests won’t be able to stop talking about.
Best Caterer (Suburbs)
Food for Thought
7001 Ridgeway Ave., Lincolnwood
This caterer not only provides exceptional food for your event, but they can also take care of your venue thanks to 19 East, a space managed by Food for Thought.
Best Event Planner (City)
Reva Nathan & Associates
350 W. Hubbard St., Chicago
Whether you’re planning a wedding, bar or bat mitzvah, or other celebration, turn to Reva Nathan to bring your vision to life.
Best Event Planner (Suburbs)
North Shore Weddings & Events
990 Green Bay Road, Winnetka
A four-time Best Of winner, this business was also named one of the top 50 event planners in the country by Party Slate.
Best Event Venue (City)
Theater on the Lake
2401 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
Theater on the Lake gives you four venue options, or you can use the entire building, with stunning views of Lake Michigan and the skyline.
Best Event Venue (Suburbs)
Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe
Let Mother Nature take care of your decor, and Chicago Botanic Garden’s event staff everything else, with a wedding or event here.
Best Florist (City)
Flowers for Dreams
1812 W. Hubbard St., Chicago
This company is committed to giving back, with 25 percent of net profits benefiting local charities like Chicago Blackhawks Foundation, Alzheimer’s Association, Ravinia Music Matters, and The Cove School.
HMR Designs
4200 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago
From bouquets and centerpieces to flower walls, let HMR Designs bring your floral dreams to life.
Best Florist (Suburbs)
The Flower Shop in Glencoe
693 Vernon Ave., Glencoe
This repeat winner creates stunningly gorgeous flower arrangements.
Best Photographer
Emilia Jane Photography
As Emilia writes on her website, “I shoot for the conversation. I want my work to feel like a beautiful dialogue between the two of you.” Her work has appeared in more than 160 publications in five years, including Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, and Refinery 29.
Katie Kett Photography
Katie describes her style as “timeless, natural, and candid” and says she loves documenting relationships and milestones. Her work has been featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, Huffington Post, Refinery 29, and more.
Best Stationer (City)
EJD Design
Owner Liz Dixon specializes in bespoke wedding stationery suites and will help you through the entire process to create your perfect save the dates, invitations, and more.
Best Stationer (Suburbs)
Calligraphy by Katherine
It’s a repeat win for Katherine Glattard, who has mastered more than 20 different scripts for everything from invitations and place cards to certificates and family trees. “You name it, I can letter it,” Glattard says. She is also a 2019 pick for The Knot’s Best of Weddings.
