CAKES AND SWEETS

Corner Village Bakery
1100 W Garfield
Bartonville, IL
309-966-2305

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LeBakery
4700 N University St
Peoria, IL
309-693-9190

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Sweet Moments by Sophia
309-676-5086

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CATERING

Barrack's Cater Inn
309-692-3990
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Catering By Kate
309-251-7061
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The Catering Company
309-678-9000
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DRESSES & TUXEDOS

Country Bride
7320 N University
Peoria, IL
309-691-5151
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Dejure Formalwear and Bridal Palace
Peoria 309-685-0313
Morton 309-263-8155
Website

Ducky’s Formalwear
Metro Centre
4700 N University
Peoria, IL
309-692-6050
Website

Savvi Formalwear and Bobbie’s Bridal
Peoria 309-688-1411
Bloomington 309-664-0354
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Seno Formalwear
5201 W War Memorial Dr #532

Peoria, IL
309-692-0031
website

Hayloft Dress Shop
Mossville Rte 29
309-579-3141
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FLOWERS

Sterling Flowers
3020 N Sterling Ave
Peoria, IL
309-682-2320

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FURNITURE

Martin Furniture
1965 E Washington St
East Peoria, IL
309 694-4381
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HORSE & BUGGY RIDES

Carriage Classics
Peoria, IL
309-579-2833
Website

INVITATIONS

The Bronze Frog
7724 N Grand Prairie Dr
Peoria, IL
309-692-4707
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INSURANCE

Pekin Insurance
2505 Court St.
Pekin, IL
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JEWELRY

Potter & Anderson
24927 N Sherian
Peoria, IL
309-691-6575
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LIMOUSINE
Cassano Limousine
309-369-2655
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Deluxe Limousine
309-637-5466
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PHOTOGRAPHY

Elizabeth Rowe Photography
309-241-5015
Website

Event Pro Photography
309-689-0299
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Gregory Horne Photography
218 Tamarack Ave
Morton, IL
309-521-1810
Website

Hosting an Outdoor Wedding

Outdoor wedding popularity is on the rise. According to statistics offered by Hudson Valley Weddings, 35 percent of weddings are now outdoor occasions. Gardens and parks top the list of outdoor locales for weddings, followed by beaches.

Having a wedding outdoors can be a beautiful event, but more than traditional weddings, outdoor weddings must take Mother Nature into heavy consideration. Consider these other tips to increase the fun and keep stress at bay.

* Visit the venue for a guests'-eye view: It's important to visit your wedding site and view the surroundings as your guests will experience them on your wedding day. Consider where and how the sun shines at that hour of the day, so guests won't be blinded and uncomfortable. Make sure the venue is set up so everyone can have an unobstructed view of the happy couple. Keep temperature in mind as well. Will guests be too hot or too cold, and are there ways to correct those issues?

* Rain, shine or something in between: Naturally you will have to consider precipitation on your wedding day. Putting the "good luck factor" of a rainy wedding day aside, few people want to sit through a ceremony when rain or snow is falling. Therefore ensure that the venue has an indoor option if absolutely need be, or at the least a suitable outdoor sheltered area.

* Expect the unexpected: Unexpected guests may show up to your wedding (of the furry or feathered kind) if it takes place outdoors. There also may be ambient noises or other distractions. Also, it's not uncommon for the weather to change relatively quickly, despite how adamant the local weather person was that it would be sunny all day. It's vital to remain calm no matter what bumps come up along the way. If you can weather the inconveniences and unexpected things, guests will be better equipped to remember the overall positive experience of your wedding instead of the minor details that had the potential to derail it.

* There she blows: The wind can be something couples do not anticipate on their wedding day. From photos to outdoor receptions, a windy day can wreak more havoc than rain sometimes. Wind can launch tablecloths and set favors airborne. It can also catch your veil and blow hairstyles into disarray. If you prefer not to have the wind in your hair and face, go to Plan B and move the party indoors.

* Bugs and allergies: Keep in mind seasonal allergies and insect invaders at an outdoor wedding. You don't want guests sneezing or swatting. Pack allergy relief pills and keep citronella candles or pleasant-smelling bug spray in courtesy baskets at the reception so guests can ensure the sniffles and buzzing bug-off.

* Dress accordingly: It is common courtesy to let your guests know that a portion or all of the wedding will be hosted outdoors. This way they can bring what they need to be comfortable. For the wedding party and the bride and groom, outdoor conditions should also be factored into wardrobe decisions. A shorter gown or more casual clothing may work better for a beach wedding. Avoid strapless gowns and don sheaths or jackets if the wedding is outdoors in cooler weather. Remember, it's not just about looking good, but about feeling good and enjoying yourself at the wedding as well.

 
RECEPTION SITES & HOTELS

AmericInn
9106 N. Lindbergh Dr.
Peoria, IL
309-692-9200
Website

Country Inn & Suites
309-589-0044
5309 W. Landens Way
Peoria, IL
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Countryside Banquet Center
659 School Street
Washington, IL

309-694-0900
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Embassy Suites
100 Conference Center Drive
East Peoria, IL
309-694-0200
Website

Itoo Hall
4909 W. Farmington Rd.
Peoria, IL
309-676-9725
Website

Knights of Columbus
7403 N. Radnor Road
Peoria, IL
309-692-9696
Website
Knights of Columbus
Pekin, IL
309-353-4000
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Landmark Banquet Facilities
3225 N. Dries Lane
309-685-8200
Website

Luthy Botanical Gardens
2218 N. Prospect
(in Glen Oak Park)
Peoria, IL
309-686-3362

Website

Monte Cristo Room
605 Ten Mile Creek Rd
Germantown Hills, IL
309-383-4417

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Par-a-dice
21 Blackjack Blvd
East Peoria, IL
309-699-7711
Website

Pekin Country Club
310 Country Club Dr
Pekin, IL
309-347-3144 ext 3
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Pere Marquette
501 Main Street
Peoria, IL
309-637-6500
Website

Sommer Park
Peoria, IL
309-691-8423
Website

Spirit of Peoria
225 NE Adams
Peoria, IL
309-363-6169
Website

Spring Hill Suites by Marriott
2701 W Lake Ave
Peoria, IL
309-681-2700
Website
Weaver Ridge Golf Club
5100 Weaver Ridge Blvd.
Peoria, IL
309-690-4044
Website

Wingate by Wyndham
309-589-0033
7708 N. Rt. 91
Peoria, IL
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WEDDING SUPPLIES
American Rental
921 E War Memorial Dr.
Peoria, IL
309-688-1412
Website
WEDDING VEILS

Bridal Veils by Nancy Shefts
6006 N. Big Hollow Rd
Peoria, IL
309-691-7227
Website