The Best Wedding Planners in Lake Forest, IL

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202 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
With Love made our wedding day absolutely magical! From the first consultation to the final setup, every detail was handled with care and elegance. Our vision came to life even better than we imagined, and we couldn’t have asked for a more dedicated team. We felt completely supported and pampered throughout the entire process. Thank you for making our day unforgettable!
Emily & J., 5 months ago
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Sur Mesure Events 
Rating: 5.0 (5 reviews)
  • Offers 5 services
  • Starts at $750
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

With 10+ years of planning events under my belt, and having planned my own wedding, I’ve seen it all! Nothing brings me more joy than taking what can so easily be an overly stressful time, and turning it into the most incredible experience for my couples. You already have so many things to focus on as you build this next chapter of your life together, let me take care of this part.

Sur Mesure Events exceeded every expectation! From start to finish, Hailey was thoughtful, attentive, and incredibly professional. She is incredibly knowledgeable about the industry, and that expertise showed in every recommendation and detail. Hailey took the time to understand my vision and then executed it flawlessly. We were able to enjoy our wedding day stress free knowing she had every detail covered and was on top of it all. I truly could not imagine my wedding day without the help of Sur Mesure Events and Hailey - I cannot recommend her enough!
Nicolina K., 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 had Faith as the officiant for our wedding ceremony and she did a fantastic job! She wrote up multiple beautiful ceremonies for us to pick from and mix and match. Our ceremony was customized perfectly to us and I couldn't imagine having anyone else marry us.
Lexi D., a year 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!

From the start, the team at Yes to I Do was quick to respond to all of our questions and requests. They were incredibly organized and detail-oriented, ensuring that every aspect of our ceremony and reception was carefully planned out. Rebecca in particular went above and beyond, helping us coordinate with all our vendors months in advance and providing helpful templates and suggestions to keep us organized. On the day of and during the rehearsal, the Yes to I Do team thought of every little detail, directing each person on how the ceremony would flow and regularly checking on my husband and I to make sure we had everything we needed - they even kept our goblets full! We were truly able to relax and enjoy our special day thanks to their attentive and considerate service. We highly recommend Yes to I Do for any couple planning their wedding in the Chicago area.
Sam G., 7 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., 3 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
EventScape works great with her rental companies, with great communication, understanding of how events work and most importantly represents her clients to make their events memorable.
David Platt , 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
Brooke was wonderful to work with, anyonewould be lucky to have her planning their celebration!
Loft on Lake, 4 years ago
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Peony Event Planning 
Rating: 5.0 (4 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.

Amber is the best choice you can make for your day. We hired her as a day of coordinator. What we got was so much more. There was so many elements we had no idea about that amber held our hand through and just handled. We thought the florals were the decor. How wrong we were thank goodness we had Amber and her collection of candles to complete our room and make it perfect. In addition she went half with us on the chuppah and built it and kept it for her future brides to rent. Literally, any way amber could make our lives easier or better she did. She took on all the communications with our vendors at the 6 month mark. If something went wrong on our wedding day my husband and I couldn’t tell you. Amber made the day flow so seamlessly. She went so far above to the point where she literally took care of over 50 butterflies that my mom sent to her the week before our wedding for a release. She told me she was ensuring they stayed alive and got them there in their envelops the day of. While also keeping it a secret from everyone. I also told her multiple times when it comes time for my future children’s bar/bat mitzvahs and any other large parties she will have to branch out from weddings because I will trust no one else with those big days but her. Amber is a calming presence and becomes a friend by the time your big day comes along. I could go on forever. I could not recommend her enough. She makes all your crazy wants and desires happen.
The f., 10 days ago
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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 (365 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
From start to finish, Helen was professional and genuinely dedicated to making our day special. When we had a concern partway through the planning process, she stepped in right away to help us work through it, which gave us so much peace of mind. Her attention to detail and caring approach made the whole experience smooth and stress-free. We felt supported every step of the way, and their work exceeded what we were hoping for. We'd absolutely recommend you asking for Helen next time.
Marianne, 10 days 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
When we started planning our wedding, finding the perfect venue felt overwhelming. That’s where Mostest came in and completely saved the day. Thanks to their Venue Match service, we found our dream spot—the Prospect Park Boathouse. It was exactly what we envisioned: beautiful, intimate, and full of charm. Mostest made the process so easy by narrowing down options based on our style and budget, which saved us hours of research and back-and-forth on quotes. My favorite part of the service was contract review, where they breakdown each line of the contract so nothing surprised us. We also used their Day-of Coordination, and honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect when they recommended a Junior Coordinator too. Our wedding had two locations—ceremony and reception—and having a point person at each site was a total game-changer, so I'm glad they guided us. It meant everything ran smoothly, and I didn’t get bombarded with questions or last-minute details. The Junior Coordinator handled all the logistics at the ceremony while the lead coordinator managed things at the reception. If your budget allows it, splurge for this add on for sure. Together, they made sure every little detail was perfect. I recommend Mostest to everyone - we were able to enjoy our wedding day without stressing about the details. If you’re on the fence about whether to use their services, don’t hesitate—they’re worth every penny!
Allie & R., a year 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 (78 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
Brenda was amazing to work with from start to finish! She cared about understanding us as a couple and our desires for the wedding. Recommending other vendors that met our budget, our personality and vision. Wedding planning is full of stressful decision making and Brenda coached us through those moments, held us to account, but remained flexible. She’s so sweet, fun, and professional—always on time, always prepared, and somehow made the whole planning process actually enjoyable. She went above and beyond by even unwrapping over 150 wigs that we had forgot about. She was super quick to answer texts and emails, always happy to hop on a call, and kept us on track with a super detailed timeline so nothing ever felt last-minute or rushed. I especially loved her monthly check-ins on the 1st—it kept everything organized and stress-free. Brenda came recommended from a friend’s wedding, and now I get why. Couldn’t have asked for a better planner and I’ll be recommending her to everyone I know.
Nicholas R., 6 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
From our first meeting with Blair and Kim from the team at BW Studio Events, we knew we were in good hands. Their communication style was accommodating, flexible, friendly, and honest throughout the entire planning process. They relieved so much of our stress! The quality of their work and the value they provided was genuinely remarkable - they were detail-oriented, really listened and respected our desires for our special day. They did an incredible job staying in constant contact with all our vendors, ensuring the day ran seamlessly. We are so grateful to BW Studio Events for helping make our wedding day perfect in every way!!
Becky, a month 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., 4 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
Hiring BreAnn to be our day of coordinator was hands down one of the best decisions I could have made. We got married this past June and our day went perfectly, so smooth, no hiccups and this is all because of Bre. Anytime I recommend Bre to a future bride, one thing I always say is that when you consider how much money is going into a wedding - you should also make an investment in making sure your day runs smoothly. Bre met with me a year prior to my wedding, helped create a spreadsheet to keep track of all vendors, gave amazing recommendations on vendors, did a walk through of the venue with me, created timelines, helped with o ur rehearsal & so much more. All of that was done BEFORE the wedding day was even here. Bre goes above and beyond to coordinate all your vendors and puts so much effort in making sure your vision comes to life. The day of my wedding I, nor anyone in the bridal party was bothered with vendor questions which really allowed everyone to just be able to relax. When arriving to our venue Bre had helped set up the decor and everything was stunning. Because I live close by her she even came and picked up my welcome sign prior to the wedding day along with the marriage certificate so I truly had nothing to worry about the day of the wedding. Bre helped everyone stay on track with timing, helped everyone throughout the ceremony know where to stand, when to start walking, etc - which is so helpful when you’re trying to get a bunch of people in a bridal party to listen. Once the wedding was over Bre packed up all of our decor making sure everything was extremely organized and she even took home my flower bouquet since I was having it preserved and helped coordinate that to ensure the bouquet would be safe at the end of the night. If you are on the fence about hiring a coordinator - just do it. You truly will not regret hiring Bre, she was the best vendor/decisions I could have made for our wedding!
Nina L., a year ago
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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 was amazing! We worked with her for planning, starting from about 15 months before the wedding date, as well as day-of coordinating, and she was an incredible help time after time. Whenever we were stuck trying to figure out vendors or even basic things like the color scheme, Emily was able to help us make progress and stayed really kind and patient throughout, even with what were probably fairly dumb questions at least some of the time. (After all, I don't think either of us ever planned a party for more than a dozen people at a time, so it was invaluable to have help from someone so experienced as Emily!) Emily was great at keeping track of timelines and helped focus us on which decisions needed to be made sooner and what we could leave for later. When we decided to add a tea ceremony as part of the wedding, Emily didn't bat an eye and was so helpful with getting those extra details sorted. There can be so many times while planning a wedding where it’s hard to know how to even approach an important decision, including just communicating w/ guests & family and her expertise, advice, and care kept us from getting stuck more times than we can count! Even though you would expect an event planner to be very rigid in saying how things should go, Emily is not robotic at all and we loved how spontaneous and open to brainstorming different options she always was! The night before and morning of the wedding, we were a bit stressed, but once we were at our venue and Emily was back involved, things went incredibly smoothly and we had a day filled with joy and love. One of Emily's assistants, Alaina, was also there to help w/ day-of details and she was also so nice, calm and capable! Emily even stepped in as an emergency emcee for us when our previous plans fell through 2 weeks before the wedding & our guests loved her humor & warmth during the reception too!
Tien-Tien, 2 years 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
Working with Thyme & Details was a dream come true for our wedding day. Dana and her team were prompt, professional and completely focused on making our vision a reality. Their excellent work and attention to detail resulted in so many compliments from our guests. Dana and her team were prepared for everything, seamlessly collaborating with our other vendors and the venue to ensure the day went off without a hitch. As the mother of the bride, I was able to relax and enjoy the entire day without a single worry, as the Thyme & Details team took care of absolutely every detail. The bride was present, relaxed and happy the entire day thanks to their hard work. We would highly recommend this vendor to any couple planning their wedding.
Jenni C., a year ago
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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
The Bailey Experience Wedding and Event Co. was a dream to work with for our Open House at LOFT39. Their communication style was professional, prompt, and friendly, putting us at ease throughout the planning process. The quality of their work was truly seamless - they meticulously managed load-in and schedule, ensuring the event started flawlessly. Their team's organizational skills, beautiful design work, and professional management made them a trusted, preferred planning and decor vendor for our clients at LOFT39. We would recommend The Bailey Experience over and over again for their visionary approach to weddings.
Kendall O., 5 months 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
Alexa is a true professional with her work and I knew from the moment we spoke to her that she was the one we wanted to work with. We interviewed several planners that did not come close to Alexa’s level of expertise and ability to make you feel calm and in good hands. If I was able to re-do my wedding again, I may change a few vendors, but Alexa is someone we would lock down over and over again! Hands down the best decision we made! Alexa is reliable, professional, friendly, and most importantly organized! We immediately had a guide on where to start and where we should be with our process each month. Alexa was available to us for any questions or doubts we might have, and made the most stressful months leading up to our wedding stress free. She always asked questions we didn’t think to ask. She took the lead with our vendors and ensuring we never missed a step, but most importantly Alexa was always positive, kind, and composed during every meeting we had. She made me feel at ease and relaxed, which says a lot when someone is planning a wedding. The day of our wedding we always knew what was going to happen next and even when something unexpected would come up, Alexa was quick to resolve it. Not only did my husband and I feel thankful for hiring Monarch, but my family was also left impressed and thankful for Alexa. Hiring a wedding planner is the best decision you can make, but if you hire Monarch, they will make it possible for you to be stress free leading up to your wedding and allow you to focus on being present in the moment. Thank you Alexa and Monarch!! You made the impossible possible and allowed us to enjoy our wedding stress free!
Vanessa M., 6 months 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
Kimberly was fantastic for our wedding this past fall. I had several conversations with various Wedding Coordinators and Companies but Kimberly stood out right away. From our first phone call, she asked such specific questions and walked me through the process and gave suggestions on how to keep everything organized. Kimberly was super professional, reliable, attentive and when above and beyond the weeks leading up and the day of our wedding. We did a downtown Chicago wedding and my husband is Assyrian, so between the level of detail and cultural elements, there was a lot that I entrusted Kimberly to help me with.. from the wedding timeline, to seating chart last minute changes, to coordinating with the hotel events manager, the photographers, leading the other vendors and table set requests, Kimberly was there to lead it all and ensure everything looked absolutely stunning for our wedding. 10/10 recommend Kimberly for any wedding or special event.
Lauren B., 5 months ago
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.

As a venue director, I am always more at ease knowing Shh Events is in the building! The owner Stephanie has coordinated many events with us and every time they run smoothly from start to finish. From initially booking through the day of the event, communicating with Shh Events is always timely and thorough. Not to mention seeing Stephanie and co. execute their events is a fun watch! They can easily pivot when things change and you can tell they enjoy what they do, which translates to the guests. The Shh Events team is always welcome!
Kara R. , 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
I cannot recommend Sarah enough! While I initially thought I just needed someone for the “day of,” I quickly realized how much goes into wedding coordination in the weeks and months leading up to the big day—and Sarah was there every step of the way. She went so far above and beyond what I ever expected, and I truly don’t know how I would have gotten through the wedding planning process, or the actual day, without her. From the moment we started working together, Sarah brought a sense of calm, professionalism, and thoughtfulness to everything. She is kind, incredibly organized, detail-oriented, and somehow manages to be both relaxed and hard-working at the same time. Every detail was thought through, every vendor was communicated with, and every little hiccup was handled before I even had time to worry about it. On my wedding day, I was able to be fully present and soak it all in, because I knew Sarah had everything under control. If you’re on the fence about whether you need a day-of coordinator, don’t overthink it—hire Sarah. She is a true gem, and you’ll be so glad to have her in your corner.
Alexa S., 9 months ago
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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
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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
One year later, my husband and I still find ourselves smiling every time we talk about our wedding day. It truly was the night of our lives — a dream we had envisioned for so long — and every single detail turned out exactly how we imagined it. And that’s entirely thanks to Tia. From the very first conversation, she made me feel at ease. Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but with Tia, it never felt that way. She listened to every vision I described, every tiny wish I had, and somehow managed to take it all and make it even better. She was more than just a planner; she was a steady hand, a problem-solver, and a calming presence through the entire journey. There are moments from that day I will never forget — moments that perfectly capture why Tia is so incredible at what she does. Like when my welcome sign stand completely failed, and without hesitation, she pulled out her own stand that she had brought “just in case.” Or when the men’s boutonnieres went missing and, instead of stressing, she quickly and beautifully made five new ones right there on the spot. She’s the type of person who always has a plan B… and C… and D. On the wedding day, I remember glancing around and seeing her quietly making sure the venue was perfect — the tables were flawless, the DJ was ready, the photographer and videographer were in position to catch our most precious moments. She orchestrated the day so seamlessly that my husband and I were able to simply be present, soaking in every laugh, every tear, and every dance without a single worry. By the end of the night, we looked at each other and realized it had been perfect. Not “perfect” in the way people say just to be polite, but truly, deeply perfect — the kind of perfect that will stay in your heart for the rest of your life. Tia didn’t just plan our wedding; she created the space for us to live in the moment and make memories that we’ll cherish forever. Her preparation, creativity, and genuine care for her couples set her apart from anyone else I’ve ever worked with. If you want a wedding planner who will go above and beyond in ways you can’t even imagine, who will anticipate your needs before you know them yourself, and who will put her heart into making your day as magical as it can be — you need Tia. She made our dream a reality, and we are forever grateful.
Shae K., 8 months 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
We had a multiday Punjabi-Jewish wedding, and from the beginning I knew that I would need help with the planning. Gina was so helpful in the planning stages with making sure I wasn't forgetting anything and taking stuff of my plate, especially when it was more challenging stuff to deal with. The day-of coordinators Christina and Angie, were the absolute heroes of the day; every wedding has bumps along the way, and ours certainly had a few, but Christina and Angie handled everything quickly, effectively, and so well that no one could even tell that there was a problem in the first place! They really allowed us to enjoy the night, and I completely credit the two of them with the success of our wedding.
Emma H., 2 years 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