Basque Waistlines and Sweet Tables Top Trends at Illinois Bridal & Wedding Expo
The one-stop wedding shop, the Illinois Bridal & Wedding Expo, drew thousands to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont on Saturday. The event featured dozens of exhibitors selling dresses, flowers, mortgages, and financial planning services.
Trendy Waistlines
According to designer Yasmen Odeh, model Hailey Bieber’s wedding dress, designed by the late Chicago designer Virgil Abloh, is a source of inspiration for her own designs. Odeh, owner of La Belle Bride Couture, showcased a model wearing a similar, off-the-shoulder, form-fitting dress that flares out at the hips and thighs. "Sexy fits, as well as lace and beads are in style," she said. "Brides are also requesting overskirts, which are placed over wedding dresses."
Sweet Tables
Delish Cakes, based in Bloomingdale, provided mini-cupcake samples to guests, explaining that some couples are opting for "sweet tables" featuring treats like cream puffs, mini cheesecake bites, mini cupcakes, cake pops, and dipped strawberries. "Not all of your guests like cake," owner Alicia Eisenmann said. "So, doing the sweet tables and the cake offers an option for each palate."
Candle and Flower Trends
Shamrock Garden Florist, with locations in Elmhurst, Lombard, and Winfield, is still seeing the "baby’s breath" flower trend, as well as requests for blue flowers. "We’re still seeing the baby’s breath," owner Linda Trevoy said. She also noted that clients are asking for skinny candles as part of the decor. "It just adds life and texture," she said.
Wedding Officiant Trends
Non-denominational wedding officiant Jim McArdle, known as "Minister Jim," has conducted thousands of weddings over more than two decades. He creates personalized messages based on questions he asks the couple, as well as their friends and family. "We’re seeing a growing number of non-religious weddings and ceremonies at non-traditional venues like forest preserves and by the lake," he said.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main focus of the Illinois Bridal & Wedding Expo?
A: The expo features dozens of exhibitors selling dresses, flowers, mortgages, and financial planning services.
Q: What are some popular wedding dress trends?
A: Basque waistlines, off-the-shoulder designs, lace and beads, and overskirts are popular trends.
Q: What is the significance of flowers in wedding ceremonies?
A: Flowers add life and texture to wedding ceremonies, according to florist Linda Trevoy.
Q: What is the trend in wedding officiants?
A: Non-denominational wedding officiants like Minister Jim are conducting non-religious weddings and ceremonies at non-traditional venues.
