Weddings Kane County
GENEVA WEDDING WALK
Photo by Stephanie McKenna Photography
Editorʼ s NOTE
Shaw Media is proud to present the first issue of the new Kane County Weddings magazine! Here at Shaw, we aim to bring to our readers a real sense of the locale, profiling small businesses while featuring various individuals and events.
For this magazine, we are so excited to bring you a publication full of everything weddings, from touching base on current trends to updating classic and traditional details. Alongside a feature on sentimental touches to add to your big day (page 14) and how to plan for the growing popularity of a wedding weekend (page 12), we have a spotlight on local hairstylists (page 10) and jewelers (pages 5 and 8).
For advice on alcohol or non-alcoholic events and the latest party favors, check out pages 16 and 18, respectively. Have you heard of establishing a wedding scent? Learn more on page 6. And for those planning on attending Geneva’s famous Wedding Walk, check out a list of vendors and more on page 7.
Thank you for reading and have fun!
ON THE COVER
St. Charles-based photographer Gilbert Reyes has a timeless eye for unforgettable snapshots. Here, he captures a bride at The Herrington Inn & Spa.
Kane County
PUBLISHER
Kane County Chronicle & Northwest Herald
Laura Shaw lshaw@shawmedia.com
EDITOR
Kelley White kwhite@shawmedia.com
DESIGNER
Julie Barichello jbarichello@shawmedia.com
MARKETING SPECIALIST
Kelli Rogers krogers@shawmedia.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Vicki Martinka Petersen, Melissa Rubalcaba Riske, Grace Rosati and Chris Walker
INSIDE What’s
5 UNIQUE & PERSONALIZED
Discover perfect gems and more at State Street Jewelers
6 THE STRONGEST SENSE
Inluro enhances events with fragrance and ambience
7 GENEVA WEDDING WALK
Don’t miss these vendor and event details
8 EXPERIENCE K. HOLLIS
Peruse jewelery, wine, accessories and more 10 EXCEPTIONAL STYLE
Lauren Christine Hair Artistry crafts the perfect look
11 ON THE SHORE OF THE FOX
Discover the gorgeous Hotel Baker
12 WEDDING WEEKENDS
Savor the time around your ceremony and augment celebrations
14 A PERSONAL TOUCH
Make your wedding reflect who you are 16 ALCOHOL OR NO ALCOHOL?
That is the question when planning a reception
18 A SIMPLE FAVOR
Gifts to express gratitude and make memories for guests
230 W. State St., Geneva • 630-232-2085
www.statestreetjewelers.com
Unique & Personalized
By
As State Street Jewelers celebrates its 40th anniversary in Geneva this year, the staff is expressing their honor to have been a part of customer’s lives, especially engagements and weddings.
“We’re known for our quality products and the customer service we provide,” says Kelly Vass of State Street Jewelers. “Cumulatively, our staff has over 100 years of experience and customer service.”
When selecting an engagement ring, couples often have photos on their phone what they’re looking for, from ring style to center stone shape. But it’s not necessary to do too much research before coming in.
“We try to broaden a couple’s mind and be open to different styles by letting couples direct their eye to what they’re most attracted to, and then we provide the expertise,” explains Vass.
State Street Jewelers offers a variety of engagement ring styles, including halo, solitaire and three stone rings. Center stone shapes range from princess and round cut to oval and emerald cut. And the band comes in the choice of platinum or three types of
gold colors: rose, white and yellow either 14 or 18 karat.
When customers come in to purchase an engagement ring, staff lets them look at the options and narrow down what they like to three rings. Then they’ll discuss what it is they like about each of these rings.
“Sometimes we can take aspects of what you like from these rings and put a custom creation together,” Vass says.
When it comes to a ring for the big day, there’s even more options to consider when picking out a wedding band.
“Wedding band options have expanded beyond gold, silver and platinum. Now we have options like bourbon barrel, wooden, meteorite and dinosaur bone,” says Vass.
Even the stone options go beyond a traditional diamond. State Street Jewelers offers diamonds in black, blue, brown, pink and yellow. Some wedding bands include diamonds nestled with gems like emeralds, ruby or sapphires.
“When people come to State Street Jewelers, they’ll receive a unique, personalized experience and the finest jewelry,” says Vass.
In addition to engagement and wedding rings, State Street Jewelers has a full service jewelry repair and on-site manufacturing studio. Using the latest equipment including computer-aided jewelry designing (CAD), staff can repair and bring new life to jewelry pieces. Often, people bring in jewelry they received from family members and want to make them into something more personalized.
“People bring in their rings or other jewelry, then we look at different designs and images to see what they would like to change it into,” says Vass. “We use the gems they have and create something new.”
Sometimes people bring in photos of what they have in mind. If not, Vass says they can do a CAD rendering to restyle these cherished pieces into something new.
Other services offered by State Street Jewelers include engraving, pearl restringing and watch repairs.
“Just about everything is done in our on-site custom and services shop,” Vass adds.
State Street Jewelers’ commitment to providing a unique, personalized experience and the finest jewelry has made them a cornerstone of the Geneva community for generations.
Vicki Martinka Petersen | Photos provided by State Street Jewelers
Inluro enhances romantic events with fragrance and ambience
Susi Brucato and her husband, Rob, have many things in common, including a background in banking and a love of shopping. When they decided to start their own business, they wanted to create their own contemporary retail experience. The couple learned the candle making process and now, nearly seven years later, their business, Inluro, continues to offer customers a unique shopping experience.
“We’ve always enjoyed burning candles in our home and how it sets the tone for the whole room,” says Brucato. “I personally test products in our own home before putting them on the shelves.”
In addition to candles, Inluro in Geneva carries a variety of products including its popular bath and body line. They also offer diffusers, fragrance mists and DIY kits to make candles at home.
“We’re always adding on to our library of products,” Brucato says.
Not only can customers purchase items, but they also can give creating their own scents a try.
“If it’s a scent you love, we can help you recreate that scent. You might even enjoy it more because you can put your own spin on it,” Brucato says.
On average, the store features 100 to 120 single scent oils; about four bottles of each scent so there’s plenty of lavender and other popular scents to go around. As they go through the oils, people can see what scents compliment the ones they like. While people can use as many or as little scents as they’d like, Brucato says three scents is the sweet spot to use.
“It’s not just a side-by-side comparison. You can change the ratio of oils you use to control how your scent turns out,” explains Brucato.
Once the oils are selected and mixed, staff walks people through the process for the product they selected to make like a candle, reed diffuser or lotion. Since the candles take 90 minutes to set, many customers use the time to grab a bite to eat afterward.
“If you dine local, we’ll even deliver the candle to your table when it’s ready. It’s a great option for date night or girls night out,” Brucato says.
THE STRONGEST Sense
Inluro is even there for the bigger moments in life, like weddings. Candle making parties can be a fun option for a bachelorette party or bridal shower.
Staff can help couples create a signature scent for the wedding that can be used for soap in the bathroom at reception, a mist spray used in the hall or a reed diffuser in the room where bridal party gets ready. Inluro even can come to the wedding reception and offer an experience like creating your own candle or fragrance mist in lieu of wedding favors.
“What I really enjoy is the brides I work with come back every year to get an anniversary candle with their wedding scent. It’s not just seeing them for their wedding day,” Brucato says, adding they keep the recipe for fragrances on file.
“Scent is the strongest of all the senses. It’s a great way to bring back memories of your special day by lighting a candle with your wedding scent on your anniversary,” she adds. She even gets to see happy couples come back looking for help with a fragrance for their baby shower when the time comes to expand their family.
By Vicki Martinka Petersen • Photos provided by Inluro
SUNDAY, APRIL 27 · 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Take part in the ultimate wedding planning experience in Geneva, where you can explore venues, vendors and inspiration in one fun walk! You’ll have an opportunity to explore 23 stunning locations and connect with over 30 top wedding vendors – all ready to help bring your dream wedding to life!
PARTICIPATING VENDORS
123 On Third
911 Glow Spray Tanning
bb Interiors
Becky Smith, Baird & Warner
Bee Coco Candle
Blinka Optical
Blondell & Co
Blumen Gardens
Comfort Inn & Suites
DS Studio & Photo Lab
Denise’s Adornments
First Congregational Church of Geneva
Guild Mortgage Company
Riverside Receptions
Herrington Inn
Inluro
Registration is open. Scan the QR code or visit www.bit.ly/GenevaWeddingWalk25.
Liz & Kate
Montage Salon and Spa
One Salon & Bridal Company
ONTrend Makeup and Hair
OS Salon
Prime IV Hyrdation & Wellness
Shauna Goodson-J.Hilburn Stylist
State Street Jewelers
Susan Ryan Photography
The Crystal Bride
The Little Traveler
The Walrus Room
Town & Country Gardens
Travel A Latte
Up North Wine Tasting Room
Spots are limited – register now and say “YES” to the ultimate wedding planning experience!
K. Hollis Jewelers
Boutique & Wine Bar
2030 Main St., Batavia
630-879-8003
www.khollisjewelers.com
More than a shop, a trip to K. Hollis Jewelers is an
EXPERIENCE
By Melissa Rubalcaba
From fashion accessory to a wedding promise, each piece of jewelry carries a story when it leaves K.Hollis Jewelers Boutique & Wine Bar in Batavia.
As owners Karen and Rob Hollis prepare to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the business this April they relish the friends they’ve made and helping their customers find the perfect piece, whether it’s a simple piece to wear every day or a couple’s engagement and wedding rings.
“I wanted a store that has something for everybody and at every price and here we are, 20 years later and we are still doing the same thing,” Karen Hollis said.
Karen Hollis took leave from her role as an educator to start crafting and selling jewelry from their home and at trunk shows. In 2005, the couple leased their first bricks and mortar store, just 1,800 square feet of retail space.
It’s been more than two years since the couple moved into their current location with 10,000 square feet of retail space and yes, a wine bar, too. Customers come in for a sip, stay to shop and there are those shopping who stay to sip.
“It really enhances the experience of the people shopping and it creates a community gathering place,” Rob Hollis explained, adding how the location has hosted nonprofits, charities and clubs and all of the staff is certified to serve wine, whether its for special customer appreciation programs or a Tuesday afternoon.
“We’ve had groups come into shop and we’ve had people on a girls day out order a glass of wine and shop,” Rob Hollis said.
At the family-owned business, the customer experience is a priority, whether staff is replacing a watch battery or helping a couple select an engagement ring. The couple and their staff know there are many options when it comes to shopping for jewelry.
“We don’t look at everything like a transaction. We want to create an experience and a place where you can come back for repairs, ring cleanings, to find a gift for anniversaries and other occasions,” Rob Hollis said.
In addition to the large inventory of new pieces, Karen Hollis and her team specialize in custom designs, whether it is creating a piece crafted in the customer’s imagination or working with old pieces of jewelry.
“We talk a lot about taking it out of the box. Customers will bring us a jewelry box of pieces they’ve inherited and we help them create something, or create a present,” Karen Hollis said. “You’re not honoring that person if you just leave the jewelry in the box.”
Custom and repurposed designs can be an affordable way to give an old piece a new
use. Karen Hollis said a watch can become a pendant or a string of pearls can become several smaller necklaces, diamonds from rings can become earrings and rings can become a pendant necklace.
“I can see a picture of the final product just holding the piece,” Karen Hollis said, adding how she often provides her clients little notecards, so they can document the story behind the piece, increasing the gift’s sentiment.
When it comes to engagement and wedding rings, the staff work with each couple, whether designing a custom piece, using gemstones from a family heirloom or the latest trend in using certified lab-grown diamonds.
“We are providing more options and choices that you didn’t have years ago,” Rob Hollis said.
Karen Hollis noted some couples appreciate how their budget can go further with a lab-grown diamond, enabling them to get a larger carat size.
“We love to cater to every customer by offering natural and lab-grown diamonds,” she said.
Through the years as the couple navigated larger retail spaces they remained committed to staying in Batavia. It was the community where they raised their family and their business, in addition to volunteering on committees, serving on boards.
“Small business is the heart and soul of this community,” Karen Hollis said.
Riske | Photos provided by K. Hollis Jewelers
Exceptional
Style
Glam to sexy, a cascade of curls or simple tousled waves under a white veil are what hair stylist Lauren Christine Giardino hears when clients take their seat in her Geneva salon. Giardino said she knows, when it comes to a clients’ wedding day every bride wants to look beautiful. That’s why she’s assembled a bridal team to give her clients the look they dreamed of on their wedding day at Lauren Christine Hair Artistry in downtown Geneva.
“We’re here to provide exceptional service,” Giardino said.
With more than 17 years of experience in hair styling Giardino has seen a fair number of trends and styles. Last year she followed her passion to open her own salon in downtown Geneva. With some help from her father, Frank Bennardo, she was able to see her vision for the beautiful salon come to life.
“I love it and could not imagine being anywhere else,” she said.
Along with caring for clients with cuts, styles, color and blow-outs, she and her team love to be a part of a bride’s special day. The team includes Liz Bussler, Erica Taylor, Melanie Mejdrich and Hailey Swaback. The bridal team and salon are available for private rentals or to travel on-site to help a bride with hair and makeup.
“At Lauren Christine we offer in-house bridal parities with space for the entire bridal party,” she said.
Having time together with friends and family can create special memories.
Last September newlywed Jordan Braband brought her mother, motherin-law and two best friends to the salon for a private party with hair and makeup before her wedding reception. “They were so accommodating,”
By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske
Braband said. “We had the whole place to ourselves. They bought us champagne, we had bagels, cheese, crackers and our own little party.”
One of the tender moments for Braband was seeing her mom, who is dealing with Alzheimer’s, have her hair and makeup done. Braband said the stylists were gentle, sweet and very understanding.
Giardino recommends every bride come in for a trial hair style, so the stylist can talk about the look, accessories and other elements, such as color and cut to set a timeline if necessary, so the bride’s hair is picture perfect on her wedding day.
Braband said when she decided her first trial hair style wasn’t right, the team at Lauren Christine was understanding. In the end, Braband went for a braid and donned a large hat as well.
“They were really great making sure it was the style I wanted,” Braband said.
When it comes to booking hair appointments and salon rentals, Giardino said the earlier a bride knows dates and secures her times, the better.
“You want to lock in the wedding date,” she added.
It’s also great to book early and meet with the stylist, to map out cuts and color leading up to the big day.
When it comes to trends, Giardino said every bride has her own look, from sleek and modern to Hollywood glam. Some want long waves, some want an elegant hairstyles and everyone wants to look timeless, she said.
n LAUREN CHRISTINE HAIR ARTISTRY & SPA
1 W. State St., Suite 101, Geneva 630-457-5028
www.laurenchristinehairartistry.com
Photos provided by Lauren Christine Giardino
ON THE SHORE
of the Fox
receptions and lodging at Hotel Baker
By Jamie Baker • Photos by Shane Lawrence Photography, Matt Warren Photography and Rachel Watson
Hotel Baker’s rich history is as interesting and tenacious as its creator. Romantic and timeless, the hotel’s atmosphere is a perfect complement to any love story.
“It was built in 1928 by Colonel Edward Baker,” says Rowena Salas, co-owner of Hotel Baker. He frequently stated: “Hotel Baker is my pride and joy.” Colonel Baker and Delora Norris were the heirs of John Gates and they both acquired 20 million apiece which Baker utilized to build in St. Charles. One of those projects was Hotel Baker. Back then, the hotel featured 53 guest rooms, the Rainbow Room and the Trophy Room, now known as the Waterfront Room.
“The Rainbow Room seats up to 180 guests,” says Salas. “It has a glass lit floor with 2,700 light bulbs underneath. It is a two-level ballroom hosting weddings, fundraisers, galas, dinners for corporate groups and
other social events. The outdoor connection is the Rose Garden with the boathouse, and we do many wedding ceremonies outdoors followed by the cocktail hour in the garden.”
The Waterfront Room has intimate accommodations for up to 80 guests. Its outdoor connection is the Waterfront Patio with the quaint gazebo, a setting for beautiful photo opportunities with the scenic Fox River in the background.
Nestled near the delicious La ZaZa Trattoria, Hotel Baker recently decided to make it easier for their guests who enjoy dining at the restaurant while staying at the hotel. “A lot of our clients go to ZaZa’s right across the street. We have been around St. Charles with ZaZa’s as our neighbor for 21 years,” says Salas. “The guests would bring their leftovers back to the hotel and often ask if we had a way they could store them. Now, we have refrigerators in all the guest rooms.”
Alongside the brand new refrigerators, Hotel Baker updated several other features in their guest rooms. “We are proud of our newly updated guest rooms designed by BB Interiors from Geneva, Illinois,” says Salas. “We have new furniture, beds, lamps, drapery, and new art pieces are being installed.” The guest rooms are brighter, intimate and comfortable for a tranquil, peaceful getaway.
“We want everyone to come and visit Hotel Baker, enjoy the lounge and have a pleasant night stay,” says Salas. “We have created a warm and inviting atmosphere for our guests. There is a lot of passion and commitment from the Salas Family and the Hotel Baker Team for the community of St. Charles, Illinois.”
n HOTEL BAKER
100 W. Main St., St. Charles (630) 584-2100 | www.hotelbaker.com
Photography
WEEKENDS Wedding
Savor the time around your ceremony by adding a few days to the celebration
Story by Grace Rosati
Photos by Rachael Watson Photography and Rachael Osborn
Your wedding day will be one of the best days of your life, but it only lasts 24 hours.
With such a limited timeframe, many couples are looking to extend the fun by throwing a wedding weekend instead.
While most people know of the rehearsal dinner, ceremony, and reception, a wedding weekend encompasses all these events and more, with festivities lasting up to four days. Amy Harloe, owner and wedding planner of Happily Ever After in Aurora, is very familiar with this growing trend. “The biggest one I did was a few years ago,” recalls Harloe. “They hired me for the rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, wedding, after party, and then brunch the next day.” This structure is a popular one, as it allows the couple to fully celebrate their commitment with family and friends.
That being said, there are plenty of additions one can make. A common event for couples with out-of-town guests is to host welcome drinks. If you’d prefer a smaller rehearsal dinner, this is a great option to properly greet all your guests afterward.
Relaxation is also a popular inclusion. “A lot of people are doing their rehearsals on Thursdays because then they’ll have Friday to recover,” explains Harloe. “Friday is often a pampering day. You relax with your wedding party and with your family, and then the wedding is Saturday.” This add-on is perfect for those who prefer time to center themselves within the wedding excitement.
When planning an extended event like this, many want to ensure the comfort of their guests. A simple method to fulfill the need for convenience is finding a quality hotel for them. This way, you can host your extra events where your guests are staying, and they can easily ride the elevator down to the banquet hall. It also reduces stress and
cost since you won’t need to worry about transportation.
In any case, cost is something to keep in mind when planning a wedding weekend. “Be very clear about your overall budget and how it divides amongst your planned events,” states Leanne Valdes, founder and wedding planner of You Name It Events in Geneva. “Be open with your guests about which events are sponsored and hosted by you, and which ones they will be on their own to pay for.”
It can be hard to fit everything into your budget, especially if you tack on the label of all-expenses-paid. With effective communication, you can avoid any awkward conversations with disgruntled guests. An easy way to do so is through your wedding invitation. “The most common approach is to include a link to a wedding website with more information,” explains Valdes. “The website can have details on your additional wedding events, an electronic RSVP link, suggested attire and more.”
A wedding weekend is perfect for those looking to make the most out of their celebration.
Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so if you have room in your budget, don’t be afraid to go all out!
A
PERSONAL
Make your wedding reflect who you are
By Grace Rosati | Photos provided by Amy Harloe
Your wedding is your time to shine, but adding personalization can be overwhelming.
With such a dizzying array of choices, it can be hard to know where to start. We recommend beginning with a list of what is important to you as a couple. For example, your furry friend may not be able to attend your ceremony, but they can still be in on the fun. “I would say the number one thing people do is incorporate their pets,” explains Amy Harloe, founder and wedding planner of Happily Ever After in Aurora. She shares that couples will include their pet as themed signature drinks, either by naming the drink after them or having sketches of them on signage.
You can also think about what reminds you of family. For some, this can include hiding meaningful symbols around the venue. “I had a bride a few years ago who was very into Disney, and it was something special between her and her mom,” recalls Harloe. “So, we included hidden Mickeys. She had Mickey ears on her wedding cake, on her bouquet,
Touch
and with rose petals as she walked in. These are things the guests didn’t really notice, but they were meaningful to her.”
Sometimes the quickest way to the heart is through the stomach. In Elburn, Heritage Prairie Farms brings nostalgic recipes to life with their fresh produce. “We’ve done all kinds of awesome things, like family traditions and family recipes, breakfast for dinner, all vegan, and all vegetarian,” says farm owner Jessica Impson. “The couples sit down with the chef, and they actually create their menu, so they are very involved.” From grandma’s famous soup to mom’s homestyle pasta, almost all the food is made with crops grown on the farm or sourced locally.
For someone who’s grown up nearby, you’ll feel right at home on your special day.
If art is more your style, you can hire a wedding painter to create a wedding portrait. Will County-native and wedding painter Coley Zralka often
brings her artistic flair to Kane County. One way she breathes new life into her wedding paintings is through collaboration with the guests. “I’ll take input and sometimes I let the kids help me paint,” explains Zralka. Occasionally, she’ll have a family member come up to her and point out a sentimental item the bride is wearing. “After that, I’ll make it a point to have that object stand out,” she assures. “I think it makes it more sentimental because everybody was there to create it together.” Whether it’s a portrait of your first kiss or a rendition of your favorite wedding photo, a wedding painter is a unique addition who will leave you with a treasured memory.
Your wedding day is one of the few days in life you can completely make your own. Adding special touches will make it feel more meaningful to both you and your guests, so find what is most important to you as a couple and celebrate your day, your way.
ALCOHOL OR
NO ALCOHOL?
That is the question couples ask when planning a reception
By Chris Walker
by Britta Swoboda
Photography and Meghan
Drinking isn’t cheap, especially when the drinks are flowing during once-in-a-lifetime celebrations like weddings.
While food and beverages will devour a considerable amount of a couple’s budget, most parties continue to choose to have an open bar, eliminating the need for their guests to pay for drinks while celebrating you and your partner’s special day.
“Etiquette is still pretty much open bars,” says Nikilett of Weddings by Yours Truly. “In my eight years I can count on one hand the number of weddings that have been dry and those have usually only been for religious reasons. The normal etiquette is to have an open bar. If you are the host, you want people to enjoy
themselves without having to shell out more money.”
Rob Gorman, president of The BRIX on the Fox, says the considerations regarding drinking at weddings isn’t about whether or not to serve it, but how to serve it most affordably.
“The only trend I’ve seen is a clear one that people have money,” Gorman says. “So, people are looking for ways to save some money.”
At The BRIX on the Fox, couples are allowed to hire a bartending company.
“Very few allow this,” Gorman says. “We help them design the bar, just how they want to do it. The alcohol gets ordered and delivered and whatever is left over gets picked up.”
Price by consumption, flat rate/price per person
Photos
Melia Photography
pricing and BYOB (bring your own booze) are some of alternatives to the open bar route but venues have different rules. Another budget-friendly option is to eliminate liquor and only provide a bar of limited beer and wine selections.
“Liquor is the highest cost so people can do a beer, wine and soda bar which is a good alternative to at least the norm,” Nikilett says. “There are pros and cons. Some don’t really want to spend all this money and can do a tab bar without a lot of drinkers, but it’s still proper etiquette considering your guests are bringing a gift to the bridal shower, bringing a card and money for a wedding gift and maybe a hotel for the night, and transportation. They’re spending all this money not to have to pay for their own drinks.”
Dry weddings are rare.
“We have five to 10 dry weddings a year out of 200-plus,” Gorman says. “We didn’t see a trend for people going to dry weddings in any way. We see people preferring some sort of alcohol. People do want to save money, but we’ve one seen religious reasons for dry weddings or occasionally maybe someone will come in and decide not to have it because of a personal family history and not want to tempt them.”
It could just be that couples are considering the fact that people are drinking less today.
According to a recent study from NCSolutions, the percentage of Americans who said they were planning on cutting back on booze has risen in the past three years. Cheers!
A Simple FAVOR
Gifts for couples to express gratitude and make memories for wedding guests
By Grace Rosati • Photo provided by Inluro
All newlyweds want to leave a lasting impression on their wedding guests, and favors are a delightful way to do so. Small parting gifts first gained popularity in 16th-century aristocratic weddings, and it has since become a staple of the traditional American wedding.
Today, wedding planners encourage edible take-homes, such as a cookie or a donut. A tasty treat not only reduces the chance of waste but also provides an opportunity for creativity. “We often have couples who will choose a favor that is meaningful to them or their family,” states Leanne Valdes, owner of You Name It Events in Geneva. “For example, we have had many couples do homemade cookies baked according to a grandmother’s recipe. So even when the favor is edible, it can still be meaningful.”
Another current trend in wedding favors leans toward the philanthropic. “Many of our clients are skipping traditional favors and will donate to a charity in honor of a loved one,” says Valdes. To execute this, couples add a note to the menu card stating that a donation will be made in the name of each guest. This is a great option for those who are passionate about a cause, especially if it has impacted their family.
Finally, a unique method to make a memory last is through the most powerful of the five senses: scent. It may sound odd at first, but designing your own wedding scent can create a positive atmosphere for your guests, both on your big day and for years to come.
There are all sorts of directions one can take when choosing a wedding scent, from candles to mists to soaps placed in each bathroom. Often, couples incorporate this special item in their wedding favors. INLURO in Geneva is a popular spot to curate your own scent, and they have years of experience in the wedding business. “Any scent that you make here, we can put into a home fragrance product or candle,” assures owner Susi Brucato. “For us, a candle is the most common vessel for wedding favors.”
Choosing a scent varies by couple. If you are unsure where to start, Brucato and her team begin with what time of year the wedding will be. For a fall or winter wedding, they’ll typically pursue heavier warm notes, such as cinnamon, pumpkin, apple, or pine. For weddings in the spring and summer, however, they begin with lighter fresh notes, such as citrus, florals, fruits, or sandalwood.
What if you know exactly what scent you’d like? Lucky for you, Inluro is also famous for their ability to scent-match. “We have been known to recreate a grandma’s perfume or anything of significance that might remind you of that person,” states Brucato. They also have scent-matched signature drinks, first date locations, and even favorite hiking trails.
The possibilities for wedding favors are endless. From delicious treats to heartfelt donations, favors are the perfect way to add your own personal touch and create lasting memories for your special day.
Vi V sit us Ap A ril 27th at the Geneva We W dding n Wa W lk and let us help l make your wedding n dreams come true
