What motivated you to start your business?
I started out in the world of weddings in 2004, early on in my career. I loved it and instantly had a knack for planning. I went on to work in a variety of sectors in events and hospitality before life brought weddings full circle back to me through referrals. In 2012 I re-ignited my passion for weddings and began planning weddings again under my own brand. It took a few years to jump back in fully but it felt so natural and where I was supposed to be! After several happy clients, I knew I wanted to grow my wedding planning brand Wedicity as we had something special to give and a level of detail and care that is unmatched!
Tell us what makes your business different from other wedding companies?
Wedicity is more than just a highly detailed team of planners. We are a team of logistic extraordinaires, creative coaches, design gurus and so, so, so much more! The immense care we have for our couples and making their wedding weekends come to fruition goes beyond timelines, to-do lists, and an eye for detail. Our team has a passion for this industry, creative vision, and a level of hospitality you won't find anywhere else.
How did you handle the pandemic? Did your business model change?
The pandemic took a toll on us all, however, we took the approach of standing by our clients and helping them move their wedding dates, contracts and so many little details to their new date (and for some several times over!). During this time we became therapists, contract aficionados, city guideline pros, and re-schedule mavens. It was one of the toughest times in our industry but we knew we wanted to be there for our clients as they were faced with such uncertainty.
Internally as a team, we pivoted. Weddings were at a stop - but we were not. We created a new brand, Fueled Events, that piloted the largest socially-safe outdoor entertainment experience in the mid-west during the height of the 2020 pandemic, called CHI-Together. Working closely with the city and paving the path for future events to take place safely, we merged the nostalgic drive-in with the Chicago Festival scene and created a safe environment for people to experience entertainment again AND we kept our team working throughout the entire 2020 and 2021 seasons until the wedding industry was able to re-emerge!
What is your best advice for engaged couples?
Two biggest pieces of advice:
1.) Ditch tradition where it doesn't fit you. Make it your own! Infuse your personality into your wedding weekend and be creative about it!
2.) ENJOY your wedding. The details that you have put so much energy into, leave it to the professionals that you've hired. Don't take short-cuts on quality vendors, I promise you won't regret it later. But truly, allow yourself to be present in the moment, enjoy it, and don't worry about the tiny details -they will happen and be lovely. Your trusty vendor team will do everything to make your day amazing!
What is your favorite trend for weddings currently?
Family or friends officiating your wedding is a trend that has been gaining traction for a few years now but are some of the best ceremonies we've heard. Don't get us wrong, we love a good church wedding too, however, there is something ultra special about choosing someone you love to join you together legally as a couple.
Now, we know this can be tough for first-time officiants, but don't you worry, we have created an entire process and resources around this to make sure their words are perfectly crafted into a ceremony script that is juuuuuust right!
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