As the excitement of engagement season approaches, we turn our focus to all things wedding in Naperville!
Couples are embracing an array of celebrations, with personalization threaded through each event. Convenience and delicious food options reign with the choice of hotel venues like Marriott Naperville, Hotel Arista, Hotel Indigo, and Embassy Suites, where everything you need is in one place.
We had the opportunity to connect with Sholeh Munion, CEO of Sholeh Events, a seasoned event planner with more than 20 years of experience crafting unforgettable weddings and corporate events, who shared some insights on current trends.
“Naperville is a popular wedding destination due to access to a broad range of amenities and the ease of getting around,” Munion says. “There are wonderful wedding options and many hidden gems that I love to introduce to my clients,” noting the ease of keeping things closer to home.”
A standout feature in Naperville is gorgeous and easily accessible photo backdrops. Capture special moments in picturesque downtown areas, like the Riverwalk, without the hassle of photo permits.
Munion also notes that newer event spaces, like The Crawford, and non-traditional venues, like restaurants, “continue to gain popularity for wedding-related festivities.” Private rooms at restaurants like Paris Bistro, Ramsay’s Kitchen, Biaggi’s and SixtyFour-Reserve Room are perfect for wedding showers, rehearsal dinners or engagement parties.
Restaurant buyouts also are becoming increasingly popular for smaller weddings, with couples choosing the site of their first date or favorite foods to make their reception more personal.
Sholeh Events is seeing bold colors, creative cakes, favorite foods and detailed touches, like themed cocktails or mocktails to personalize a celebration. As couples strive to infuse more personality into planning and make their wedding stand out, they are also adding activities at receptions, such as live sketch artists and interactive photo activities.
Munion adds that “wedding planners are incredibly helpful to navigate through endless choices,” and also recommends additional resources like the Naperville CVB, vendors you’re already working with, and the Wedding Showcase at Naper Settlement on Sat., Jan. 17.
The Naperville CVB and Sholeh Events will be among the host of resources at the Wedding Showcase, along with a wide variety of hotels, photographers, florists, musicians and caterers.
Don’t miss connecting one-on-one with local providers and exploring the Naper Settlement campus!
See Julie Byrne (jbyrne@naper.org), CVB Director of Sales, at the Wedding Showcase to find Naperville hotels, venues and restaurants ready to make your wedding magical!
