The Best Wedding Planners in Lake Forest, IL

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201 Wedding Planners in Lake Forest, IL

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With Love LLC 
Rating: 4.9 (11 reviews)
  • Offers 4 services
  • Starts at $100
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL
  • Offer

We believe every couple deserves the gift of support, which is why having a wedding coordinator by your side should be an option for all. At With Love, we’re here to honor that story by turning your wedding day into a heartfelt reflection of the two of you. With thoughtful details, seamless planning, and a touch of magic, we create an experience that feels effortless yet unforgettable. From the quiet, tender moments to the grand celebrations, our passion is making sure your day unfolds exactly as you dreamed—filled with love, joy, and memories to last a lifetime. We are a proud member of the CWP Society and Certified Wedding Associate.

Awarded Best of Zola
Having With Love as our wedding coordinator was one of the best decisions we made. They kept everything running smoothly, handled vendors and timing, and jumped in whenever something needed attention so we could just enjoy the day. It meant so much knowing we didn’t have to stress. We’d absolutely recommend them to any couple.
Lauren & A., 3 months ago
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Weddings by Jennifer Fox 
Rating: 5.0 (23 reviews)
  • Offers 6 services
  • Starts at $440
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

Congratulations —you’re getting married!! We want you to feel like your wedding is being handled by an old friend with a lot of experience! Marriage officiant, day of coordination and wedding planning for your wedding. What makes us unique?? We offer unique personalized ceremonies with our Officiating Services for your wedding- we will work together to ensure your ceremony is perfect for you and your partner! We also ensure your day is stress free and all about you! We come to you and travel anywhere! We love love!

Awarded Best of Zola
We are beyond grateful to our incredible wedding planner for helping bring our Garden Summer Wedding to life on June 14, 2025. From start to finish, the planning process was smooth, collaborative, and truly enjoyable. Every detail reflected our personalities and vision—from the romantic florals of eucalyptus, hydrangeas, and roses with soft touches of purple, to the perfectly arranged tent and décor that made our backyard feel magical. Our planner worked seamlessly with us and our vendors to make the day unforgettable. From accommodating fun and unexpected elements like a white bounce house castle and a vintage plum crazy 1970 Dodge Challenger, to helping coordinate Andrew and his son’s surprise dirt bike entrance—nothing was ever too big or too small. Their professionalism and calm presence allowed us to relax and fully enjoy every moment. Thank you for turning our ideas into something even more beautiful than we imagined. You gave us a day full of joy, laughter, and cherished memories—we couldn’t have done it without you! With heartfelt thanks, Yulia & Andrew
Yulia B., 10 months ago
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Yes to I Do 
Rating: 5.0 (13 reviews)
  • Offers 2 services
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

I am a certified wedding planner with a passion for learning. It all started over 10 years ago when I worked as a birthday party host at a park district, eventually expanding to fundraising events, showers, and weddings. My passion for weddings and events grew, and I began helping friends and family with their weddings. Now, I run my own business! There is nothing I love more than seeing an idea come to life! When I'm not planning weddings, you'll find me cuddling with my baby, enjoying the show Friends under a cozy blanket, or sharing a meal with a glass (or two) of wine with my husband. I'd love to chat and learn more about you!

I just worked along side Rebecca and it was a pleasure from start to finish. her team represented all that is great in hiring a professional wedding planner Tyhere are so many twist and turns at an event like this , that being flexible and prepared for anything and everything is so important to making the couple toatally pleased Bravo Yes to I do planning 10 Stars !
Bill A., 8 months ago
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Spruced Up Designs 
Rating: 5.0 (12 reviews)
  • Offers 1 service
  • Starts at $1,100
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

Spruced Up Designs is a woman-owned, family operated company ! Our close bonds make this company organized, creative, and relatable. We specialize in on-site wedding coordination, ensuring every detail is managed seamlessly so couples can truly enjoy their day.

Awarded Best of Zola
Working with Spruced Up Designs was an absolute must for our wedding day. From our first conversation, Leela was prompt, detailed, and incredibly organized in her communication. Her attention to every aspect of the wedding planning process was evident in the high-quality, personalized service they provided. When I didn't have menus ready, they quickly stepped in, designed, ordered, and picked them up - all before I even knew there was an issue. Leela and Brenda's kindness, efficiency, and eye for detail made them invaluable partners in creating our dream wedding day. I don't know what I would have done without them by my side, and I highly recommend Spruced Up Designs to any couple planning their special day. Also the handmade arbor was such a great touch to our ceremony!
Kimberly C., 2 months ago
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EventScape, Inc. Luxury Weddings & Rentals 
Rating: 5.0 (6 reviews)
  • Offers 3 services
  • Starts at $2,500
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

EventScape, Inc.®Luxury Weddings Division provides premier wedding planning services for your special day. As featured in an episode of WE TV’s Platinum Weddings, our team of creative professionals will make your once-in-a-lifetime event a true celebration of your personal style and provide you with a lifetime of memories. Our experts at EventScape, Inc's Rental Division can coordinate all of your rental needs including: tables, chairs, chargers, specialty linens, LED dance floors and bars, uplighting, custom gobos, lounge furniture, tenting, staging, generators and executive restrooms.

Awarded Best of Zola
EventsScape ensured every detail is precisely snd flawlessly executed! Enjoy your moment … EventScape will get it done!
Deneen, 3 years ago
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B.l.Allen Wedding & Events 
Rating: 5.0 (5 reviews)
  • Offers 2 services
  • Starts at $1,500
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL
  • Offer

A passionate and detail-oriented wedding planner with years of experience in creating unforgettable weddings. Known for our impeccable organizational skills and creative vision, we specialize in curating personalized, stress-free events that reflect each couple’s unique style and love story. From intimate gatherings to extravagant celebrations, we expertly handle every aspect of the wedding planning process, from vendor coordination to day-of execution. With a dedication to providing exceptional service and ensuring every detail is flawlessly executed, we strive to make each couple’s dream wedding a reality.

Awarded Best of Zola
Our wedding planner was stuck out of town the whole weekend of our wedding and we didn’t have anyone to coordinate the wedding day things we needed done. Brooke stepped in and made herself available to coordinate the bridesmaids and groomsmen, organized the photographers, and other people who were working to help us for our special day. She made it look so easy and we were relaxed knowing it was taken care of.
James & M., 4 years ago
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Peony Event Planning 
Rating: 5.0 (3 reviews)
  • Offers 5 services
  • Starts at $2,200
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL
  • Offer

Hi! I’m Amber, Owner and Lead Planner of Peony Event Planning. I built this company from the ground up, gaining hands-on experience through real weddings and collaborations with talented industry professionals. Each event has shaped me as both a planner and a business owner dedicated to creating seamless, meaningful experiences. While weddings are our specialty, we love being part of your story from beginning to end—engagements, showers, celebrations, and everything in between.

If you want a someone who is going to be 200% on your side and advocate for you, Amber and her team are the ones! She was our day-of coordinator but went above and beyond to ensure that our vision came to life exactly as we had imagined with many meetings and checkpoints during the months preceding our big day. From our first phone call, her professionalism and warmth shone through and as a diy bride, I felt so reassured and heard with all my worries and concerns! On wedding day, she truly grounded us and did everything to maintain the flow of the day, all we had to do was enjoy it! We can’t recommend her enough!
Chloé T., 19 days ago
Belíssima Events 
Rating: 5.0 (1 review)
  • Offers 3 services
  • Starts at $2,495
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL
  • Offer

Belissima Events is a wedding and event planning studio dedicated to crafting timeless, elegant celebrations infused with heart. Based in Woodstock, IL, we specialize in blending rustic charm, modern sophistication, and refined details. From full-service planning to wedding day management, we offer personalized care, multilingual support, and seamless execution — so you can be fully present in every cherished moment.

I am proud to share my experience with Bijou and her excellent work. She did an amazing job for us, and I highly recommend her to anyone looking to organize their event. From the decorations to the overall planning, everything was beautifully executed. Trust her to make your celebration unforgettable!
Flory E., a year ago
GemHidden gem
Destify | destination wedding specialists 
Rating: 4.9 (362 reviews)
  • Offers 2 services
  • Starts at $150
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

Destify simplifies destination weddings for couples and guests alike. We make planning feel exciting, not overwhelming, with curated resorts, transparent pricing, and a dedicated expert guiding you every step of the way. From understanding costs and timelines to handling logistics and guest travel, you’ll always know what to expect. With 24/7 support and a personal, thoughtful approach, we treat your wedding as more than a transaction, helping you create a seamless, joyful celebration and a meaningful start to your next chapter.

Awarded Best of Zola
Working with Destify - Destination Wedding Planners was an absolute pleasure from start to finish. Their communication style is attentive, as they always got back to me promptly and were down-to-earth and understanding throughout the process. The quality of their work and value they provided was exceptional - they are truly passionate about what they do, patient with all my questions, great listeners, and skilled problem-solvers. For example, Sandra made sure a guest who had to cancel last-minute got their money back seamlessly, and she even stepped in to contact the venue when I felt overwhelmed, helping to smooth things out. I cannot recommend Destify highly enough - they played a big role in making our special day so wonderful and stress-free.
Mykala W., 4 months ago
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Mostest 
Rating: 4.8 (156 reviews)
  • Offers 5 services
  • Starts at $195
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL
  • Offer

Planning your wedding should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Mostest uses AI to build you a curated, personalized event plan in minutes — then handles outreach, negotiation, and booking across 30,000+ venues and vendors nationwide. No markups. No ghosting. No endless back-and-forth. And free to use.

Awarded Best of Zola
Anisha and the team at Mostest were an absolute joy to work with throughout our wedding planning process. Their communication style was funny, informative, quick, and concise, which was exactly what we needed as a scattered-brained couple planning a wedding in just 4.5 months. Anisha kept us task-oriented week by week, and her creative approach brought a ton of joy and laughter to the experience. The Mostest team was also diligent, thorough, and timely in executing all the details, ensuring our country club wedding day went off without a hitch. We cannot thank Anisha and Mostest enough for their genuine commitment to making our special day truly unforgettable.
Sophia Bui C., 8 months ago
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Heirloom Event Company 
Rating: 5.0 (93 reviews)
  • Offers 2 services
  • Starts at $2,995
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL
  • Offer

At Heirloom Event Company, we lead with transparency, clear communication, and genuine care. Serving couples in Chicago, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, and Northwest Arkansas, we’re committed to helping you create a beautiful wedding without breaking your budget or sacrificing what matters most. We offer honest guidance, organized processes, and creative solutions that help you stay grounded, feel supported, and enjoy your planning journey with confidence and ease.

Awarded Best of Zola
I've never seen such a beautiful curated timeline until Haylie sent one over! It had everything I needed as vendor. EVERY DETAIL. Would absolutely love working with her again!
Rose Gold F., a year ago
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The Simply Elegant Group 
Rating: 5.0 (76 reviews)
  • Offers 7 services
  • Starts at $1,975
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

Lindsay has been in the events industry for years and has overseen hundreds of successful events. Her attention to detail and ability to handle any situation that arises with grace and ease allows her couples to relax and enjoy their wedding day. Lindsay not only plans weddings for our Simply Elegant couples but also trains our entire team of planners to ensure that every Simply Elegant wedding is flawless and our client's vision is fulfilled.

Awarded Best of Zola
From the moment we started planning our wedding with The Simply Elegant Group, we were impressed by their thorough, clear, and concise communication style. Moinyett, our dedicated planner, was incredibly thoughtful and attentive, ensuring that every detail was perfectly executed. Her caring and elegant approach made the entire process stress-free and easy. On the day of our wedding, Moinyett went above and beyond, seamlessly handling all the logistics so that we could simply enjoy the celebration. She even appeared out of nowhere to tactfully help bustle my dress and guide our families to where they needed to be. The Simply Elegant Group's attention to detail and dedication to making our day perfect was truly unmatched. We are so grateful to have had them by our side throughout this special journey.
Lauren O., 10 months ago
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BW Studio + Events 
Rating: 5.0 (43 reviews)
  • Offers 5 services
  • Starts at $3,800
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

BW Studio+Events is a Chicago-based event coordination and planning group serving Chicagoland and surrounding suburbs. The Studio focuses on intimate weddings with unique flair and lots of personal touches. Blair founded BW Studio after hosting a number of non-profit events and finding herself completely immersed in the process. Once she realized her knack for event organization and planning, the studio was quickly born.

Awarded Best of Zola
Working with Blair was probably the best decision we made during the process of planning our wedding. My husband and I both work 9-5 corporate jobs, and we knew that we needed to bring someone onto our “wedding team” that would help keep us on track with all of the milestones during the wedding planning process. From the get-go, over our 15-month planning period, Blair was always transparent about timing and was a master of following up regarding timelines, without ever badgering us or coming across as controlling. She spent over an hour discussing budgets with us and our families early on, to make sure that everything we planned stayed in the budget range that we’d all agreed upon. This was especially helpful during our venue and vendor selection process. She helped us find that blew our socks off, and also found us the most wonderful florist (@thelocalpetaler) who was able to provide us way more bang for our buck than any florist we’d be able to find on our own - a huge advantage. While we had our venue already picked out, Blair was able to recommend a food and beverage package with an available catering company that fell delivered us fantastic food and a premium beverage package that fit our budget. 

Leading up to the wedding, Blair was also a master in helping us coordinate our wedding day planning including family photos, transportation e.g. coordinating our bus between multiple hotels and the venue while making it easy for us to just focus on ourselves. The peace of mind that Blair brought us throughout the planning process, week of, and day of our wedding made having our wedding a cakewalk rather than a headache. Spending the money to hire Blair was the best decision we could’ve made for our wedding!
Kelly B., 2 years ago
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Afterglow Weddings and Events 
Rating: 5.0 (34 reviews)
  • Offers 3 services
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

Hi there, I’m Olivia, the face behind Afterglow Weddings and Events! With over five years of experience in the wedding industry, including catering and venue sales, I've been part of more than 100 love stories. My journey in the Chicago wedding industry has included time as a venue coordinator, catering sales manager and event coordinator. My favorite part about working in the industry is working with couples to help their wedding dreams come to life. At Afterglow Weddings and Events, I'm dedicated to bringing your dreams to life and ensuring every detail reflects your unique love story.

Awarded Best of Zola
From the first call with Camille, I knew we were in the right hands! Despite the super tight timeframe we were working with (1 month), she took the time to really get to know us and our vision, support us along the way, and provide excellent guidance when we were unsure. Other planners we met with were nowhere near as personable, detail oriented, and engaged as Camille. She was so prepared, focused, and never lost sight of both the big picture of the day and how we were doing in the moment. We didn't have a bridal party, but having Camille there felt like having a best friend nearby to help with whatever I needed. She genuinely loves what she does and believes your wedding day should be the best day of your lives and she does everything in her power to make that come true.
Kelly C., 3 months ago
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grayterevents 
Rating: 5.0 (25 reviews)
  • Offers 4 services
  • Starts at $650
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

Working out of Lombard, IL, I am a type A planner from the very center of my heart. I love lists, schedules, budgets, and all things organized. Weddings are my passion because they involve so much coordinated detail in every phase of the day from start to finish. I love to see my client's vision for their special day come together with every check off the to do list. I have been coordinating weddings since early 2018, but have been networking in the industry for several years now. I love working with all of the gorgeous venues we have here in the suburbs of Chicago and can't wait to get started planning your dream wedding.

Awarded Best of Zola
Bree and the team at Grayterevents were an absolute dream to work with for our backyard wedding reception. With just under 200 guests, this was no small affair, but Bree's punctual and clear communication put us at ease every step of the way. Her team was incredibly helpful, quickly getting a broken outlet fixed the morning of the wedding so everything ran smoothly. The quality of their work was top-tier, and we could not have had the wedding of our dreams without their trustworthy expertise. Bree and her team went above and beyond to make our special day truly unforgettable. If you are looking for a coordinator, look no further. Grayterevents is the best!
Lilly H., 5 months ago
Emily Nuzzo Events 
Rating: 5.0 (25 reviews)
  • Offers 5 services
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

Hi there! I am Emily and I am so excited you found your way here. I have a passion for curating one-of-a-kind weddings that showcase a couple’s individuality. It is important for me to get to know couple’s personally, what makes them excited about their wedding day and how I can alleviate any planning stress (ew, we don’t want stress). Consider me your right-hand gal, your “planner in your pocket”, your sounding board and the gal that will make sure your wedding day is flawless!

Awarded Best of Zola
Emily Nuzzo was an absolute pleasure to work with for our wedding. From the start, her communication was detailed, and thorough, putting our minds at ease. She was available for us, and patient throughout the entire planning process. Emily took every ounce of worry away and made sure we didn't need to think of anything besides celebrating our day. Additionally, Emily was incredibly flexible and responsive to our wishes as a same-sex couple. She used her industry expertise to steer us when we needed the guidance and took our feedback to heart to make sure the day was ours. We are so grateful to Emily and her team for making our wedding day perfect. It takes a lot of trust to allow someone to take the helm for a day like your wedding. We had all the faith that Emily was going to do right by us and make our day exactly as we hoped. Don't wait, hire her now!
Matthew L., a year ago
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Thyme & Details 
Rating: 5.0 (22 reviews)
  • Offers 3 services
  • Starts at $3,500
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

Thyme & Details offers wedding planning and design services to sentimental couples looking for good vibes and premium personal touches. We know how important it is to be present in the moment – not worrying about organization, budgeting, managing vendors, etc. Let's make planning zesty so you can focus on your VIPs and enjoying your journey. We are based in Ohio but available for travel. Reach out so we can create something unforgettable!

Awarded Best of Zola
Dana & her team are incredible!! I went into my wedding week with so much peace knowing she was coordinating our big day. From all the major details to last-minute emergencies (like scrubbing spray tan off my dress before our reception entrance!), she and her team handled everything professionally and seamlessly. I truly could not recommend Thyme & Details more!!!
Lexee S., 9 days ago
Marryment 
Rating: 5.0 (22 reviews)
  • Offers 3 services
  • Starts at $2,495
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

Welcome Chicago & Chicagoland Couples! We're so glad you're here! From Month-Of Coordination to All-Inclusive Planning and everything in between, Marryment has got you covered. We are on a mission to revolutionize the industry and keep the joy and celebration in wedding planning. With Marryment, you can plan your wedding day with CONFIDENCE knowing we are here for you every step of the way- literally! Our team consists of 6 exceptional planners with wedding experience and industry knowledge. All of our planners are fun, empathetic, friendly, supportive, flexible and keep the couple's best interest at the center of it all.

Awarded Best of Zola
Denise and her team were such a pleasure to work with! As a photographer I’m able to almost go on autopilot when working with Marryment because I know they are on top of every small detail! From the flatlay, to the dress, the fine details of the timeline, etc. This might be an overstatement, but it also seems that Marryment has a huge following from word of mouth and not from a bunch of mindless advertising. That tells me one thing that is most important for any planner to have with couples…Trust! Every couple knows undoubtedly that their day is in great hands with Marryment! If I had money on the line I would put my money on them any day of the weekend!
Just Focused W., 4 months ago
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The Bailey Experience Wedding and Event Co 
Rating: 4.3 (22 reviews)
  • Offers 5 services
  • Starts at $2,500
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

The Bailey Experience Wedding and Event Co. is a luxury wedding planning firm specializing in refined celebrations on land and at sea. Known for calm oversight and intentional execution, we curate wedding experiences that feel composed, elevated, and thoughtfully delivered. From cruise weddings to sophisticated celebrations throughout Washington, DC, Florida, and beyond, our work is defined by discretion, clarity, and seamless direction, allowing couples to be fully present throughout their celebration.

Awarded Best of Zola
We booked Teyanna in 2022 for our August 2024 wedding and did not regret it one bit. It was an absolute pleasure from start to finish. Teyanna was beyond accommodating and informative throughout the entire process. Her precise, creative, and professional "client-first" mentality shone through. From countless Zoom calls to meeting up in person to select flowers, it was more than we could have asked for and were expecting. Her professionalism and creativity showed through when we had to improvise our outdoor ceremony to an indoor one thanks to a horrific tropical storm. She called us on the morning of our wedding to ensure we were doing okay and went over every detail with both my husband and me to make sure she and her team didn't miss anything. We cannot wait to work with Teyanna again in the future.
Stephanie D., a year ago
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Monarch Creative Events 
Rating: 5.0 (17 reviews)
  • Offers 3 services
  • Starts at $3,800
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

At Monarch Creative Events, we specialize in seamless wedding planning for couples who want a stunning, stress-free celebration. We know you’re busy, so we handle the details while you enjoy the experience. From vendor coordination to flawless execution, we ensure your day runs smoothly. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a grand event, our expertise turns your vision into reality. With a passion for organization and a focus on memorable guest experiences, we make wedding planning effortless. Let’s create something extraordinary together!

Awarded Best of Zola
I found Alexa on the Knot and booked her for Monarch’s full wedding planning package as my husband & I were planning a wedding outside of Chicago in an unconventional venue, 9 months away, and lived in another state. It was a big challenge but from the initial consultation, we loved Alexa’s energy, organization, commitment and just knew we could trust her with our once in a lifetime event. The planning process was extremely organized, thorough and well-paced. She matched my attention to detail, tackled unplanned challenges with ferocity (which included a limited selection of vendors given the location of our venue) and was as dedicated to bringing my very specific vision to life as I was. She brought great vendor recommendations and connections and did countless hours of research on new vendors. Details were well-documented and thoroughly discussed to ensure all parties were aligned. Even though our venue was farther outside Chicago (Indiana), she ran several venue walkthroughs in-person, attended vendor visits with me, and always accommodated my husband and I’s busy schedule. As Alexa started to step away for her maternity leave (which started right before our wedding date), she did an amazing job ensuring her team was fully prepared to handle last minute preparations and day-of responsibilities. The day-of team of 3 were awesome with completely handling all details A-Z so I didn’t have to worry about anything, even despite some last minute changes due to weather! Due to the complexity of our venue, its location, short timeline, and being from out-of-state, we are SO GLAD we booked Monarch for their full planning package and had the privilege of working with Alexa! It was sincerely our pleasure to have her bring our special day to life, she was a joy to work with and get to know. If I were getting married again, I’d book her services again no question! Thank you Alexa!!
Abby R., a year ago
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Honorary Bridesmaid 
Rating: 5.0 (17 reviews)
  • Offers 6 services
  • Starts at $1,650
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

Honorary Bridesmaid is a wedding planning company that was created for the couple that needs a helping hand from start to finish, partial planning, day of coordination, or finding the perfect attire. What started as a passion for learning about all things bridal transformed into a planning business that allows a couple to feel relaxed and stress free for their big day. Honorary Bridesmaid takes pride in finding affordable ways of making a vision come to life by using local vendors, DIY'ing if needed, and will be the person to ask for any help.

Awarded Best of Zola
Kim calls herself an honorary bridesmaid but she is so much more. She is a florist, a seamstress, a miracle worker and a friend to everyone she meets. I had a vision for my wedding day and Kim executed it flawlessly. She not only made the day run smoothly, but set up all of my favors, stationery and even the bud vases she made exactly how I pictured it! We had some fashion emergencies and Kim literally saved the day by sowing on straps to make a dress that wouldn’t zip finally close. I cannot rave about Kim enough!! We got endless compliments about our day and it would have been impossible without her. Kim is worth every single penny and then some.
Lauren N., 10 months ago
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HBIC Weddings 
Rating: 5.0 (17 reviews)
  • Offers 3 services
  • Starts at $2,495
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

As your straightforward sounding board, we'll help you narrow down your Pins and hear out your dreams. (Heck, we'll even dream with you.) And we'll help you navigate your feelings, ideas and even your mom! But you should also know that if one of your ideas won’t really work – or there is a better way to approach your idea, we’re going to tell you that too! Because, trust us, you might think a trolley filled with your wedding party is a great idea. But the air conditioning of a bus is better than diesel fumes any day - especially during summer in the city.

HBIC Weddings is on a different level!  Diane is truly like no other planner. I met with many other planners who all gave me the same cookie-cutter pitch and answers. She is very realistic and straightforward when it comes to what you actually will get on your wedding day versus the Pinterest photos you see of super expensive weddings. She is also an expert at knowing what to spend money on and what you can skip for the best guest experience. This is super important if you don’t know the wedding industry. More importantly, I went with HBIC because Diane is authentic, unhinged, hilarious, and honest. I don’t know the first thing about weddings. I didn’t know what I wanted, who to contact, or what I needed—and I only had 8 months to do it. Enter Diane, my holy grail wedding planner who made it all happen. I showed her some inspiration pictures and she helped me create a more thorough idea of what I wanted for my wedding. Next thing you know, she’s matching me with photographers, DJs, florists, makeup artists—basically everyone I needed— and we’re in non stop “vendorpalooza” as she calls it. Needless to say, we had every single vendor booked and secured in under 2 months.  On my wedding day, I did not use a single brain cell. She had a whole team with her that managed me, my wedding party, my family, and all the guests. Not to mention, she has great relationships with all her vendors so she also made sure they knew where they had to be, when they had to be there, and exactly what to do. One of her team members was always escorting me to where I had to be and keeping track of the time and schedule for me. I was so busy and worried about my family not sticking to the itinerary, but Diane’s team successfully managed everyone in the ceremony including my old Chinese grandparents that don’t speak English. Very strongly recommend planning your celebration with HBIC! We worked with Diane for several months preceding our wedding. She guided us through vendors, contract filling, and every fine detail that we would have overlooked if we were on our own. Their excellence was truly showcased day-of: Diane and her staff compiled an hour-to-hour (sometimes minute to minute) itinerary for our wedding day, directed the cast of characters smoothly and gracefully; nothing fell behind schedule and they had every little detail in mind. They weren’t pushy either - they kept everything to schedule without being commandeering, and had a subtle hand. J and Allen were both stellar throughout the night, like dutiful spriteful seamsters stitching up any small snag along the way without the tear ever being noticed (J immediately noticed when Aiden’s bustle came undone on the dance floor, beckoned Aiden to a side room, and refastened in less than a minute). They were there from before the beginning to the end, our amazing night would have been all the lesser without their help! Go with HBIC!!
Tiffany C., 4 months ago
Shh Events 
Rating: 5.0 (17 reviews)
  • Offers 4 services
  • Starts at $2,000
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

Shh Events comes from all of the experiences I have gained- all of the trade secrets- that set my experience as a wedding planner to an elevated level of expertise. Shh Events is a curator for love stories, and it's an honor to be a part of the stories we tell.

I can't say it enough! Shh Events is truly amazing! Of course you want a Planner to be detail-oriented, organized, friendly, supportive, on-trend, etc. -- Stephanie at Shh Events is all of these. But what sets Shh Events apart is the industry experience that Stephanie and her team bring to the table. Stephanie's background in Venue Management and Catering is the winning combination that makes her such an effective Planner. Not only does Shh Events excel at the client-facing aspects of Wedding & Event Planning, Stephanie and her team work closely with the Venues and Vendors by balancing the wants, needs, and desires of the clients with a results-driven plan that works seamlessly by incorporating the strengths of all the event professionals that been assembled to execute the event. Highly, highly recommend!
Cate Kaczala | JFOD, 2 years ago
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Anemone Events 
Rating: 5.0 (16 reviews)
  • Offers 3 services
  • Starts at $2,100
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

At Anemone Events, I have one simple goal: to ensure your day is as extraordinary as it can be! I strive to execute experiences and memories that will last you a lifetime. I care about you and aspire to bring your visions to life, delivering a day that will perfectly reflect YOUR unique story. My hope is to simplify the lead-up to your best moments, allowing you to sit back, relax and be present in every minute of your magical celebration while I handle the day's details, setup, communications, logistics and everything in between.

Awarded Best of Zola
Sarah is amazing to work with. We had a large backyard, outdoor wedding .. the day ended up being the rainiest day in June but Sarah executed the day perfectly. From the very beginning, She was so easy to communicate with, very helpful and always thought of things that I would never even thought about. If you are looking for someone to ease your mind, I recommend hiring Sarah for your big day, you won't regret it! Thank You Sarah!!!
Dylan M., 2 years ago
Quick responder
Handled by Hamlin Events 
Rating: 5.0 (15 reviews)
  • Offers 3 services
  • Starts at $275
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

Hi, my name is Michelle. I am an educator with a love for weddings and events. If I can handle a classroom of 24 second graders imaging what I can do for you on your wedding day. Handled by Hamlin Events is for a couple who is fun, energetic, carefree, and wants to live their best "married" life.

Awarded Best of Zola
As a SECOND time Bride, whom didn't use a planner the first time. HIRE MICHELLE. You won't regret it one bit. As a "seasoned" wedding professional, I didn't use a planner the first time and I regret it. WOW WOW WOW What a difference it makes to have someone advocating for you! There was no need to chat with any vendors and answer questions about anything because I had Michelle. I can't stress enough how much this made my day STRESS-FREE. She's a total professional boss babe, friendly, and fierce. Thank you again Michelle for making our day AMAAAAAAAZING.
Giselle V., 2 years ago
Quick responder
Capstone Occasions 
Rating: 5.0 (14 reviews)
  • Offers 6 services
  • Starts at $2,600
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

Hi! I'm Tia - Mom of 5 kids, 2 dogs and wife to the most supportive and amazing husband there is. In fact, you will often times find him carrying boxes, straightening linens, or even officiating from time to time. I started Capstone Occasions (aka-my crowning achievement) to help elevate your events to the top of your expectations. It could be a simple intimate affair to the grandest of parties, but whatever you are envisioning, it is my plan to execute it with every bit of intention and emotion that you have for it yourself.

Awarded Best of Zola
Capstone occassions made our wedding day absolute magic. I started the planning process on my own but got stuck and unmotivated because i felt overwhelmed/not entirely sure what was next. Tia jumped in and helped me get excited about the process again and accomplish the tasks in order of importance and made sure it was a day that both Mike (my now husband) and I envisioned and wanted to make it special for us. Because of her experience she has so many friends in the business. I appreciated she recommended vendors based on who the two of us are and what we were looking for and within our budget (and ways to save). She thinks about EVERYTHING! Things we never would have considered on our own. My favorite being the sunset photos of me and my husband. He doesn’t like pictures but he loved how they turned out. Not only that, she makes sure it’s a seamless process and day that’s stress free. My mom was so grateful to be able to let loose and relax and could not say enough about how instrumental Tia and her team were to make the day so beautiful and coordinating with all the vendors so we didn’t have to. Day before the wedding, I was honestly a mess and left our name tags at my office and a few other prints including labels and a mock up picture of what we were thinking. So, we had to last minute hand write the name tags and in a rush left unorganized and unlabeled bins for them to sort out. My brain was all over the place and it didn’t occur to me until too late but when we walked in, it was even better than I imagined. They really went the extra mile and made everything picture perfect. Our friends and family were so impressed and we’re still getting compliments to this day. Thank you Tia and the Capstone Occassions team! You are fun to work with, easy to get along with (even some of our craziest family members), hardworking, magician ninjas (for all the stuff you do behind the scenes we will never even know about- thank you). We are forever grateful for the best and happiest day of our lives!
Madeline W., a year ago
Quick responder
One Fine Day Events 
Rating: 5.0 (13 reviews)
  • Offers 6 services
  • Starts at $1,700
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

You want a wedding with that 'Million Dollar Vibe' that feels like a party without the scary price tag. You want to enjoy your engagement, not spend every weekend stressing over spreadsheets. That’s where One Fine Day Events comes in! Gina and her professional staff have executed more than 1,000 events and have worked in the wedding industry for over 20 years. No matter how much or how little assistance you want, Gina and her team are ready to help. One Fine Day Events has several predesigned packages, from day-of coordination to full-service planning. Gina and her team can also create custom invitations and source distinctive decor.

Awarded Best of Zola
One Fine Day did a wonderful job as our Month-Of Wedding planner! Abbie was our day-of coordinator and was on top of our timeline and any small issues that came up. She had such a calming presence and made sure the day went smoothly. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect day!
Megan D., 4 months ago
Quick responder
3Event Creations LLC 
Rating: 5.0 (13 reviews)
  • Offers 3 services
  • Starts at $1,500
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

Your wedding shouldn’t feel like a project to manage — it should feel like a season to savor. From the first spark of an idea to the final farewell at the end of the night, we’re here to make sure you’re present for all of it. We’re passionate about serving our couples well — honoring your vision, safeguarding your budget, and keeping your top priorities exactly where they belong: front and center. You call the shots. We take care of the moving pieces, the timelines, and the pressure behind the scenes. The result? A smooth, intentional experience led with professionalism, handled with heart, and designed entirely around you.

Awarded Best of Zola
From the moment we first met with Nicole and the 3Event Creations team, we knew we were in excellent hands. Their communication style was clear, compassionate, and extremely detailed - they left no stone unturned in planning our special day. The quality of their work was truly exceptional, as they were professional and kind-hearted, always showing concern for us and being hands-on and precise in their execution. The 3Event Creations team made sure the flow of our wedding went according to plan, seamlessly coordinating with all our vendors and solving any issues that arose without ever stressing us out on our big day. Nicole and her entire team provided such personalized service and treated us with the utmost care and compassion throughout the entire process. We are forever grateful to 3Event Creations for helping make our wedding day perfect in every way. Aside from our wedding Nicole was also able to help us celebrate our kids 1st birthdays and I have to say they are all amazing! So I am more than glad and secured that our events are in good hands always!
Kay T., 2 years ago
Quick responder
Here It Blooms 
Rating: 5.0 (13 reviews)
  • Offers 3 services
  • Starts at $2,800
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

Hi friend! I'm Pauline, and I am excited to help you have a fun, memorable and well-coordinated wedding. I left my career as a project manager at Meta to pursue my passion in event planning. Executing a wedding day brings me joy and fulfillment and I truly love being able to help couples on one of the most special days of their lives.

Awarded Best of Zola
From the moment we started planning our wedding with Here It Blooms, Pauline's clear, professional, and organized communication style put us at ease. We went with The Bud package (30 days of planning). My main concern was coordinating and communicating with vendors the last 30 days and all of the day of coordination. I am a project manager so I thought I had everything set, but she was so helpful in highlighting the little things that we had forgotten to plan or think through, such as when do we want to have our first dance and parent dances, or how much to tip each vendor. Being able to rely on someone with industry knowledge alleviated a lot my stress. The detailed timeline she created was wonderful for our vendors and I didn't have to communicate with anyone. This allowed me to fully enjoy the day. Pauline and Priscilla's detailed work and smooth set-up ensured our reception space looked beautifully curated, with a perfect blend of DIY and venue-provided elements. Pauline even stayed an extra hour to carefully disassemble all the DIY items. Additionally, they made sure my husband and I had a private moment during cocktail hour to enjoy a sample of our hors d'oeuvres and signature cocktails - a thoughtful touch that provided a much-needed breather on our busy wedding day. The reassurance and value Here It Blooms provided was truly invaluable, and I would highly recommend them to any couple planning their special day.
Colleen S., a year ago