With all the time, money, and stress that may come with creating the most perfect wedding day, it’s odd how many brides and grooms may forgo the wedding rehearsal. Unless you have an extremely short processional and are keeping the ceremony very simple without utilizing some of the more popular ceremony traditions such as unity candles, sand blending bottles, or exchanging family heirlooms, we at Bartlett Hills Country Club suggest you take the time to set up a walk-through rehearsal a day or two before your wedding date. We heavily encourage this so all these little details of the ceremony are executed elegantly and smoothly in front of all your admiring guests. Since the ceremony is often seen as the most important event in one’s life (not to mention the most photographed and videotaped) it’s best to be safe and make sure there are no embarrassing blunders and goof-ups that could prove humiliating afterwards.

Order and Timing are Key

If you have a large bridal party that is required for the processional, it can be so incredibly difficult for the wedding planner and or Officiant to prepare and line up your bridesmaids and groomsmen in their respected order, especially if they have already been celebrating the day by drinking all afternoon! Also, many in your bridal party might not have any idea how the traditional processional is run, so practicing the order and sequence of it the day before at a rehearsal will save an incredible amount of time and confusion for everyone in the party. As the bride and or groom, you certainly will not have time to organize your bridesmaids and groomsmen the day of, especially if you do not want to see each other before the actual ceremony takes place. It is certainly a little detail you shouldn’t have to think about when you are moments away from forever joining your partner in holy matrimony. Although the wedding planner will always be there to assist you in making the processional go as smooth as possible, be sure to take a little time and set up a wedding rehearsal so your bridal party is sure of their specific roles during the ceremony.

Mastering all the Props

Like many brides and grooms, you may have decided to use a unity candle or sand blending bottles as symbol of your union. If this is the case, it is certainly something you can also practice during the rehearsal so you will be confident and familiar with how you will handle the situation at the actual ceremony. Keep in mind for instance that outdoor ceremonies may prove too windy for unity candles, and could prove for an awkward situation if the flames are continually blowing out before you can even light it. Sand blending bottles may therefore be more suitable for this circumstance, but if you decide to use them still practice it at the rehearsal, if possible, so you both will at least be familiar with it and be confident there won’t be any blunders while pouring them together during the ceremony.

Confidently moving in your dress

Although you won’t be wearing your wedding dress during the rehearsal, it’s sometimes good to wear something with a similar train so you can be familiar with your steps when walking in heels. This is also a good idea so your father escort will know where to step as well. Although it may be tacky, using something as simple as pinning a bed sheet to your waist may be effective in preventing you from enduring the most horrific thing that can happen on your wedding day: tripping down the aisle! You may also want to wear a veil during the rehearsal so you and your fiancée can maneuver effortlessly with it on and you will be sure that it won’t go up in flames if you are lighting a unity candle.

The DJ Option

Wedding ceremonies are never complete without the right music for the processional. This of course is usually supplied by the DJ and would require speakers to be conveniently placed in the ceremony so everyone can clearly hear the music as well as anyone speaking in a microphone. If you are feeling unsure of how you’d like your music selection to be timed and played during the ceremony, or absolutely need to have music for an effective rehearsal, request your DJ to be in attendance (if he’s available) to get a more accurate feel of how the wedding ceremony will actually be executed the day of. This would take care of any audio obstacles the DJ may encounter and familiarize your bridal party to the specific music they would be walking down the aisle to.

Bartlett Hills Golf Club again encourages any bride and groom to set up a wedding rehearsal to ensure the most smooth and confusion-free ceremony that will make for lasting memories… If you would like more information on wedding packages and available dates please call 630-213-3103.

Close your eyes and imagine yourself walking gracefully down the aisle on your wedding day. The anticipation up to this moment has been almost unbearable, but luckily everything has gone wonderfully smooth as you lock eyes with your husband for the first time under the altar. You anxiously take his hand in front of all your smiling guests and the Officiant begins a beautiful speech. But as he asks the best man to reveal the beautiful ring to your groom… you find to your utter horror that the IDIOT LOST IT!

To lessen the absolute agony of such a terrible event (which thankfully is rare) Fireman’s Fund (www.firemansfund.com) can help. Providing insurance coverage for any of your private events, including weddings, you can now plan for the unexpected. Their policies can be fitted to safeguard any specific needs and worries you’ll have for your special day including, for instance, coverage for inclement weather for outdoor ceremonies and or critical damage sustained to essential elements of the wedding itself. (Lost Ring!)

Fortunately, Bartlett Hills Country Club rarely deals with such calamities and we take pride in our ability to provide you with the most beautiful, stress-free wedding for you and all your guests. And although our gorgeous veranda consistently hosts outdoor ceremonies, we do have indoor options that are easily accessible and equally beautiful in the case of rain.

For more questions or information concerning Bartlett Hils Country Club or banquets please call 630-213-3103.

Timeless. Classic. Reflecting several generations of brides and grooms, these oft-chosen first dance songs may feature wedding imagery or the heartfelt lyrics one associates with marriage and love.

Here are 50 first dance song ideas that are still going strong.

1. “At Last” (Etta James)
2. “As Time Goes By” (from Casablanca)
3. “Come Rain or Come Shine” (Ray Charles)
4. “Because You Loved Me” (Celine Dion)
5. “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” (Elton John)
6. “Can’t Help Falling In Love” (Elvis Presley)
7. “Chances Are” (Johnny Mathis)
8. “Close To You” (The Carpenters)
9. “Could I Have This Dance?” (Anne Murray)
10. “Dream A Little Dream” (Mamas & the Papas)
11. “Embraceable You” (Nat King Cole)
12. “Endless Love” (Diana Ross & Lionel Richie)
13. “Fascination” (Jane Morgan)
14. “Fever” (Peggy Lee)
15. “Forever and Ever, Amen” (Randy Travis)
16. “Forever” (Kenny Loggins)
17. “From This Moment” (Shania Twain & Brian White)
18. “Grow Old With Me” (Mary Chapin Carpenter)
19. “Here And Now” (Luther Vandross)
20. “I Finally Found Someone” (Barbra Streisand & Bryan Adams)
21. “I Only Have Eyes For You” (The Flamingos)
22. “I Will” (The Beatles)
23. “If I Loved You” (from Carousel)
24. “In My Life” (The Beatles)
25. “It Had To Be You” (Harry Connick, Jr.)
26. “Lady In Red” (Chris DeBurgh)
27. “Love Theme To Romeo & Juliet” (from Zeffirelli’s Romeo and Juliet)
28. “Marry Me” (Neil Diamond & Buffy Lawson)
29. “One Moment In Time” (Whitney Houston)
30. “Our Love Is Here To Stay” (Billie Holiday)
31. “So This Is Love” (James Ingram)
32. “Some Enchanted Evening” (from South Pacific)
33. “Something” (The Beatles)
34. “Somewhere” (from West Side Story)
35. “The Best Is Yet To Come” (Frank Sinatra)
36. “The Rose” (Bette Midler)
37. “Tonight I Celebrate My Love For You” (Roberta Flack & Peabo Bryson)
38. “True” (Spandau Ballet)
39. “Unforgettable” (Nat King Cole)
40. “Up Where We Belong” (Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warrens)
41. “Wedding Song (There Is Love)” (Captain & Tennille)
42. “Wedding Song (There is Love)” (Petula Clark)
43. “We’ve Got Tonight” (Bob Seger)
44. “We’ve Only Just Begun” (The Carpenters)
45. “When I Fall In Love” (Nat King Cole)
46. “Will You Marry Me?” (Vonda Shepard)
47. “Woman” (John Lennon)
48. “Wonderful World” (Louis Armstrong)
49. “You Are So Beautiful” (Joe Cocker)
50. “Your Song” (Elton John)

This list was contributed by Elegant Events by Julie. Julie Clark is a wedding and

event planner who helps coordinate entire private events as well as assisting brides on

their special day.  She is also a member of the Association of Bridal Consultants and

frequently networks with other wedding industry vendors. She continues to be abreast

of new trends and continually updates her education. You can email Julie for more

information at: // eleganteventsbyjulie@yahoo.com

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

.

-What are your accommodations?

Up to 200 comfortably, with plenty of mingle space and server room.

Bartlett Hills can host larger parties of 225 with seating on the dance floor or off season seating in the lounge area.

-Can guests utilize the Veranda area?

Yes, guests love the outdoor accommodations – they are welcome in all areas of the clubhouse.

-Are children’s meals available?

We provide children’s meal at a reasonable price and we also provide for all your vegetarians, vegans or any other dietary needs your guests may have with advance notice.

-Are there hotels in your area?

We do provide a list of area hotels that provide shuttle service. This list is just for your convenience and we do not have any affiliation with them for discounted room rates. Many will offer the bride and groom special discounts or upgrades with a minimum room blockage. Most of the hotels on the list are approximately 15-20 minutes from our facility.

-Is there any flexibility with Saturday night minimums?

Typically not during the peak wedding season (May-November). However, for last minute bookings with open cancellation dates there is a bit of wiggle room.  Off-season we offer a 10% discount off the entrée price and free hors d’oreuvres for the cocktail hour.

-Who provides your wedding cakes?

Your guests will enjoy the taste delights from Jarosch Bakery in Elk Grove Village for your wedding cake. Pastries for your sweet tables are provided by Il Guardino del Dolce in Chicago.

-Can I use my own vendors?

Bartlett Hills will provide a vendor list for your convenience, but you are welcome to use your own.  You can also provide your own centerpieces and wedding cake and we will credit your balance or you can use the wholesale dollar amount toward other items such as hors d’s.

-Any limitations on decorating?

Somewhat. For the most part, the fantastic view of the outdoors and the décor that we provide is sufficient. Some décor must be done by a professional. For some  of the more extensive decorating, a service fee will apply. Most weddings typically accrue about 2 hours of clients’ set-up of escort cards, favors, and accessories. Those clients with more extensive details of set-up such as removal of Bartlett Hills’ décor for your own decorator will incur additional charges. All additional fees are based on each couples individual needs. Typically additional fees can run approximately up to $100 to $150 per hour.

-Can we taste test the food?

You sure can. Before an actual booking you’re welcome to come in for a pre-tasting on the evening of another event. Typically a taste test for a booked wedding occurs about 3 months to your date. This time is also used to plan all the details and flow of the reception. At this taste you’ll be trying appetizers, soup, salad, three entrees and wedding cake too. The taste/finals lasts approximately 3 hours in duration.

Periodically we will be adding to this list-please check back. Thank you.

For additional information on Bartlett Hills Golf Club go to www.bartletthills.com or call 630-213-3103

For those who dream of making a most elegant wedding entrance, don’t forget that your transportation can be just as glamorous! With all the different places you may need to be on your wedding day, why not be a little creative and really spice up the way you get there? There are many more alternatives beside the traditional limousine ride that may wonderfully compliment anyone’s personal and unique wedding styles.

Horse and Carriage

Brides and grooms longing to capture that enchanted feeling of being a prince and princess for the day would love the look of an elegant horse and carriage. In fairy-tale fashion you can arrive to the chapel or reception hall in the back of a beautifully decorated carriage cabin pulled by your own personal driver and pony. It offers a little of the past and a lot of class and absolutely makes for some wonderful wedding photos. We can’t say enough at Bartlett Hills of how tasteful and classy our brides and grooms using a horse and buggy look, especially when they step down from their carriage to the smiling greets of all their guests and relatives. It’s as if they have graciously arrived at their own ball like a prince and princess and ready to begin their happily ever after story! We would love to see more of them this year, for it is such a delight to watch a couple arrive in such a Cinderella-like way. Most horse and carriage services are rentable by the hour and usually show up to any destination you need.

Antique or Vintage Car

Perhaps you might prefer a more luxurious ride; something with the prestige and sophistication of say a Rolls Royce or Cadillac. Pulling up to your reception in one of these cars would be a picture perfect setting for some glamorous wedding photos.  Not only would such a car be fashionably unique, but these custom cars have been well preserved and maintained throughout the years and turn heads wherever they go. Just imagine how those photos of you sharing a kiss with your new spouse in front of a ’54 Bentley will look on a wall in your house!  So why don’t you and your bridal party hop in and turn some heads too? These cars offer the sophistication and authentic look of so many different eras in our history so your wedding day can truly have that uniquely vintage look you have always dreamed. If you or anyone you know are booking a wedding at Bartlett Hills and are interested in this novel idea, Classic-Chassis  (www.classic-chassis.com) out of Roselle, IL is conveniently close by and has a wide selection of American and foreign antique cars to choose from.  Their rates and terms vary per car.

A Wedding Day Golf Cart

If a horse drawn carriage or a vintage car is not right for you but you’d still like to have some fun with your wedding day ride, Bartlett Hills can provide you with a specially golf cart! Adorably decorated with flowers and ribbons, this can be an entertaining idea not only for those golf enthusiasts but those just wanting to have some fun with their wedding day pictures. You can conveniently go where no car or horse and carriage can on our beautiful golf course, and with a photographer in hand, you can capture all those wonderful first moments as bride and groom.

If you have further questions regarding any transportation ideas or information for your wedding day, please call Bartlett Hills Catering Department at 630-213-3103.

Bartlett Hills Wedding Blog to help you plan your special day.
For questions or comments email click here.

Recently, I read an article that suggested money conscious brides are eliminating the video at their weddings. I therefore felt compelled to advise why you shouldn’t skip the video on your most important day. Today more than ever with the media-savvy world, a good quality video of your wedding is more important than ever. Here are a few reasons why:

Photos’ don’t Move, Life Moves

Photos are a wonderful way to capture moments in time. Video captures time itself. At one wedding, a DJ arranged a live phone call from the bride’s brother in Iraq to give the newlyweds a toast. There was not a dry eye in the whole room and they are moved every time they watch it. Video toasts by parents and grandparents also create lasting keepsakes of far away family members.

Make it an Event

Watching a well-edited video of your wedding can be an event in itself. Have a premiere party with family and or friends. With DVD’s it’s so easy to package and mail now, so many couples send copies to share with those who couldn’t attend the wedding. It is so precious to save your video to share with your children some day.

The World Networked

Video isn’t just on TV anymore. Post it on MySpace, Facebook, add it to your blog, load it on your iPhone, it’s endless. Ask your videographer if they can help you share your video online.

Safety Net

A neighbor friend of mine (a professional videographer) asked repeatedly to video our wedding day and I just didn’t want a video. The week of the wedding he tried again and I gave in saying, “I really don’t want bright lights or you in my face.” I didn’t even see him videotaping at all that day! Here’s the clinch: my photographer called me the day of the wedding and said, “He would be leaving earlier than planned for another New Year’s Eve event”. We only had a verbal contract and I was comfortable with that since I had known him for years as a vendor. Well, needless to say I was so happy to have the video back-up. Not only for missed photo opts but there is so much going on at a wedding and I would have missed all that too if it weren’t for my video. Even the best photographers can make mistakes or misunderstand your wishes.

Hire a Professional

Everyone has a video camera these days, so why not ask a friend to capture your wedding? Simply put, your wedding is not just any day. Anyone can bake a cake, but you need something really special for your wedding. If you want a beautifully crafted wedding cake, you hire a professional with the right experience, equipment and reputation. With a professional videographer you can relax and enjoy your day. And you know in a few months you’ll be celebrating and reliving it all at your premiere!

Excerpts from Marion Abrams-River Video

Oh the wedding gown! Just wearing this one dress has been in the dreams of little girls throughout the ages, and since it is often times the focal point of the wedding day, choosing the right one for you is essential. All the little details that go into choosing and fitting the perfect dress should not be glossed over which is why Bartlett Hills Country Club and Banquets offers some tips and suggestions for your dress shopping desires.

Budgeting

If you are in the search for that perfect bridal gown, keep in mind that it can range from less than $400 to over $3000. Be prepared however to pay additional alteration expenses. Making the dress fit your personal style may very well require such alterations and generally average about $100 to $250 per modification. Adding additional accessories such as appliqués, beadwork, headpieces or having a detachable train bustle are also considered custom alterations and are priced accordingly. To give you an idea what other brides like you are spending on their wedding gowns, the National and Chicagoland average shows brides spending about $850… So keep your budgeting in mind and we hope to see you wearing your beautiful wedding dress here at Bartlett Hills.

Deciding on the Perfect Dress

Having the perfect gown for those all important wedding day pictures requires making the best decisions when picking your wedding day dress. Make sure you shop smart! We suggest you bring your mother or maybe a trusted friend when dress shopping because you will need someone whose opinion you value and who knows what tastes you like and how you’d like to look… especially on the most important day of your life. Don’t bring any small children with you! They can be very distracting and pose the possibility of damaging bridal items. You should feel comfortable and have some fun when searching for a gown and don’t need any additional interference.

Style

If you already have a specific dress in mind or have seen one you love, absolutely share your ideas with your bridal consultant. They are generally more than willing to accommodate any alterations or styles you see fit and will help you determine which necklines, bodices and silhouettes will most flatter your tastes. You may even be surprised to find the perfect gown is far from what you had originally envisioned.

Deciding on your style of dress should be a first priority since it affects the formality and tone of the wedding itself. Bridesmaid’s dresses, for instance, generally compliment the style of your own gown and often times echo the waistline, neckline or silhouette. Remember to visualize your wedding party photograph with the different colors and styles and try to keep it all looking balanced and elegant. Your bridal consultant will be able to help style those dresses to your specific taste so they look absolutely memorable in your wedding pictures.

Sizing

It goes without saying that wedding gowns are sized differently for every bride. Therefore do be aware that when trying on dresses you may fit into a size that is different from what you usually wear. For example it’s not uncommon to be one size in the bust and another size in the waist. Most professional bridal consultants and seamstresses will do a wonderful job making those exact measurements to best fit your body size and attributes; however the final decision is always yours so don’t feel shy about voicing your opinion to something you don’t like. Please do keep in mind that any additional alterations that are done by the seamstress will cost accordingly so be sure to request an estimate at the fitting about any additions that might be made. Most fittings are done by appointment only.

Ordering

Most manufacturers generally require five to eight months to complete an order, generally seeing bridal gowns taking the full 20 to 32 weeks and the bridesmaids taking about 12 to 16 weeks. Most brides order their bridal gown six months to one year in advance of their wedding date so be sure to shop early! Also, extra time should always be allowed for the seamstress to solve any problems you might find with the dress.

Rush orders should also be available if you immediately need your dress for a fast arriving wedding date, however this generally costs an additional fee plus expedited shipping charges.

We hope these tips will help you in your search for the most perfect wedding dress! Bartlett Hills would like to thank the Bridal Mansion of Lisle for much of this information. They specialize in wedding consultation and may be ideal in helping find you a most beautiful gown. You can reach them at (630) 852-1956 or online at www.bridalmansionoflisle.com And of course we’d love to see you and your bridal party garnishing your wedding day attire here at Bartlett Hills Country Club in Bartlett, Illinois. Your wedding day photographs will look spectacular amid our lush landscaping and rolling terrain. For further information regarding weddings in our gorgeous banquet hall, call Mary at (630) 213-3103.