On March 22, 2015, dozens of vendors set up camp at The Ritz Carlton hotel in Chicago, showing off their finest wares and services to brides from all over the Midwest. More than 100 wedding vendors, including caterers, florists, bakers, dress makers, DJs and much more showcased what they do best, and we at BBJ were one of them! If you couldn’t make it, or you just want to relive that fun day, you’ll love this recap of what went down at the party!
Who Was There?
More than 1,000 people attended this year’s show, held for the first time at the Ritz Carlton. Included in the guest list were Darcy Miller, Editorial Director of Martha Stewart Weddings and Lauren Conrad, fashion mogul, author and former star of MTV’s The Hills. The two women were this year’s keynote speakers, and after listening to them speak, guests made their way to the main ballroom. On their walk to the ballroom, they got a peek of BBJ’s Mint Tori linen, used in a design by Revel Décor. The dream-styled table was set up like a ceremony with Mint Tori on the ceremony table under a gorgeous chuppah. This was a a VIP collaboration with Revel Décor, BBJ Linen, Lovebird Events, Bowery and Bash, and the Wedding Library and was designed to showcase the latest wedding décor trends. The table was one of the focus points of the ballroom, being in the center and back, giving participants a grand view of the VIP table.
Can’t-Miss Presentations
At the show, there were tutorial displays in the Ritz-Carlton salon that showed brides-to-be, friends and family how to make signature cocktails (presented by the Ritz-Carlton), and how to make floral garlands and flower crowns (by Field and Flowers). There were even things for the guys‚ how to tie a bow tie and what to do with a pocket square, and how to pin a boutonniere (presented Trunk Club and the Wedding Library, respectively).
BBJ hosted a tutorial on how to do fabulous napkin folds. Dozens of brides-to-be stopped by for a hands-on demonstration of the Bow Tie Napkin Fold and the Diamond Menu Pocket using pink classic and cerise classic linen. Want to learn how to do our bow tie trick for your event’s napkins? Click here.
Brides gathered inspiration, ideas and information, and learned about current wedding trends‚ blues, natural tones and loose, natural shaped floral arrangements.
Trends to Keep an Eye On
This year’s wedding trends lean toward natural shades, including ecru, beige and taupe, as well as beach-inspired shades, such as aqua, mint, turquoise, lagoon blue, navy and more. We showcased some of our products at this event, including our unique, eye-catching Mint Tori linen, a sequined, sparkling stunner, as well as our Ecru Jacinda table linen. La Belle Fleur Wedding Designs’ booth featured a lively pink floral tablescape with Federal Shantung table linen.
Want to find out more about our products and how we can make your wedding unforgettable? Visit us online or contact us today!
Photo credits:
Table Linen: Ecru Jacinda
Charger: Circle Gold
Napkin: Sky Bengaline
Overlay: Mint Tori
Table Linen: Federal Shantung
Napkin: White Shantung