CAKES AND SWEETS Corner Village Bakery 1100 W Garfield Bartonville, IL 309-966-2305 See Our Ad LeBakery 4700 N University St Peoria, IL 309-693-9190 See Our Ad Sweet Moments by Sophia 309-676-5086 See Our Ad Email CATERING Barrack's Cater Inn 309-692-3990 Website Catering By Kate 309-251-7061 See Our Ad The Catering Company 309-678-9000 Website DRESSES & TUXEDOS Country Bride 7320 N University Peoria, IL 309-691-5151 See Our Ad 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 Website Seno Formalwear 5201 W War Memorial Dr #532 Peoria, IL 309-692-0031 website Hayloft Dress Shop Mossville Rte 29 309-579-3141 Website FLOWERS Sterling Flowers 3020 N Sterling Ave Peoria, IL 309-682-2320 Website FURNITURE Martin Furniture 1965 E Washington St East Peoria, IL 309 694-4381 See Our Ad 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 See Our Ad INSURANCE Pekin Insurance 2505 Court St. Pekin, IL Website JEWELRY Potter & Anderson 24927 N Sherian Peoria, IL 309-691-6575 Website LIMOUSINE Cassano Limousine 309-369-2655 See Our Ad Deluxe Limousine 309-637-5466 Website PHOTOGRAPHY Elizabeth Rowe Photography 309-241-5015 Website Event Pro Photography 309-689-0299 Website 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 See Our Ad Countryside Banquet Center 659 School Street Washington, IL 309-694-0900 See Our Ad 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 See Our Ad 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 See Our Ad 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 See Our Ad 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 See Our Ad 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