The Best Wedding Planners in Lake Forest, IL

The Best Wedding Planners in Lake Forest, IL

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192 Wedding Planners in Lake Forest, IL

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HBIC Weddings 

5.0

  • 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., 2 months ago
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Weddings by Jennifer Fox 

5.0

  • 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 highly recommend Jennifer Fox for wedding planning services. As a bride, I was able to enjoy a stress-free experience thanks to Jennifer's excellent communication and coordination skills. She was responsive, organized, and ensured that every detail was handled professionally. Jennifer took care of running the entire wedding show so that my husband and I could relax and soak in every special moment. From vendor contracts to decor set-up to keeping the event on schedule, Jennifer handled it all seamlessly. Her services were well worth the value. The only thing I had to worry about as the bride was getting all the necessary information to Jennifer, and she took it from there. Jennifer is a consummate professional and we're so appreciative that she helped our wedding vision come to life perfectly.
Brianna P., 2 years ago
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Yes to I Do 

5.0

  • 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., 5 months ago
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Spruced Up Designs 

5.0

  • 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., a month ago
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EventScape, Inc. Luxury Weddings & Rentals 

5.0

  • 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, 2 years ago
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B.l.Allen Wedding & Events 

5.0

  • 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
Belíssima Events 

5.0

  • Offers 3 services
  • Starts at $1,995
  • 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
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Destify | destination wedding specialists 

4.9

  • 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
Jasmine made the whole process very simple and understandable. She was always accommodating in there when I needed. Always calling in making sure that I was comfortable, and the stress was off my shoulders..
Brandi P., 2 months ago
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Heirloom Event Company 

5.0

  • 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
Heirloom Event Company was an absolute dream to work with for our wedding. From the very first interaction, Haylie and her team demonstrated clear, responsive, and quick communication that put us at ease throughout the entire planning process. Their work was of the highest quality - they were incredibly thorough and paid close attention to every detail, going above and beyond at every turn. Haylie felt more like a close friend than a vendor, making the whole experience fun and stress-free. We will be enthusiastically recommending Heirloom Event Company to all of our friends and family.
Juana L., 8 months ago
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The Simply Elegant Group 

5.0

  • 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
Grace from SEG was such a pleasure to work with! Crazy to think we only met her twice in person. She was super helpful in communicating with vendors, sending over final floor plans and guest lists, and ensuring our vendors had everything they needed, as well as ensuring our actual wedding day went smoothly. We had absolutely zero snafus and loved how the venue was set up when we got there. She kept the night on track, always asked us what she could get us if she saw us empty-handed, herded the cats (aka our families), and ensured all our personal items got back to us. Thank you so much, Grace!
Nicole T., 4 months ago
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BW Studio + Events 

5.0

  • 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 

5.0

  • 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., 2 months ago
GemHidden gem
Emily Nuzzo Events 

5.0

  • 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
The title says it all... Emily is IN-CRED-I-BLE!!! We worked with Emily for well over a year on our wedding and she handled anything and everything that we needed help with. Whether it was finding vendors/venues and contacting them, handling paperwork, setting up calls, tours, etc., Emily put our mind at ease with it and took care of it. She's also incredibly personable and fun to talk to! By the time our wedding came, it was bittersweet because we had looked forward to our weekly calls with her! On the day of our wedding Emily was a superhero..... She helped set things up, make sure everything ran smoothly, helped tear down at the end of the night, and packed our car with decorations and things we had brought for us so we had nothing to worry about. We HIGHLY highly highly (I'll say again) HIGHLY recommend hiring Emily for ANY event, but definitely hire her if you're getting married!! We recommended her to all of our friends—she truly helped make our wedding an incredible experience!!
Marlena E., 2 years ago
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grayterevents 

5.0

  • 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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Marryment 

5.0

  • 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., 3 months ago
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The Bailey Experience Wedding and Event Co 

4.3

  • 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., 4 months ago
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Thyme & Details 

5.0

  • 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
Thyme & Details, under the exceptional leadership of Dana Watts, played an instrumental role in orchestrating our special day. From the moment we embarked on the planning journey, Dana's warm and delightful personality instantly put us at ease. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and meticulous attention to detail transformed what could have been a daunting process into a manageable and relatively stress-free affair. What truly sets Dana apart is her unparalleled expertise and extensive network of vendor connections. With her guidance, we navigated through countless decisions with confidence, knowing that Dana's recommendations would always lead us to the best possible outcomes. From selecting the perfect venue to curating a dream team of vendors, Dana's wealth of experience and industry knowledge proved invaluable at every turn. One of the most remarkable aspects of working with Thyme & Details was Dana's ability to keep us organized and on track throughout the planning process. With her meticulous planning and proactive approach, she ensured that by the week of the wedding, we had zero decisions or tasks left to complete. This allowed us to approach our special day with a sense of calm and relaxation, knowing that every detail had been meticulously taken care of. This was truly priceless. On the day of the wedding, Dana and her team executed flawlessly, leaving no detail overlooked. From managing unexpected challenges with grace and efficiency to ensuring that both sets of parents could fully immerse themselves in the celebration free from tasks or responsibilities. Both our Mom’s had planned our siblings weddings and what a gift for them to be able to relax, be present, and truly enjoy the wedding. I have countless fond memories of Dana and her team going above and beyond to make our wedding day truly unforgettable. From tackling last-minute emergencies with poise and professionalism to seamlessly coordinating every aspect of the event, Dana's commitment to excellence was apparent in every interaction. I cannot recommend Thyme & Details, and Dana, highly enough. With her unmatched expertise, unwavering professionalism, and genuine care for her clients, she truly exceeded our expectations in every way. If you're searching for a wedding planning partner who will turn your vision into reality or create one for you, look no further than Dana and Thyme & Details. You won't be disappointed.
Matt H., 2 years ago
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Honorary Bridesmaid 

5.0

  • 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., 8 months ago
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Monarch Creative Events 

5.0

  • 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., 5 months ago
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Anemone Events 

5.0

  • 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
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Shh Events 

5.0

  • 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.

For everyone who thinks they don’t need a wedding planner. You do. You do and you specifically need Stephanie. If everyone had a Stephanie, there would be no wedding disasters, no war, and no famine. Stephanie is the best. She helped us look through contracts with vendors, talked us through conversations with catering (which is how we met her), and ran our wedding day seamlessly. Stephanie really knows this business. She helped us manage our budget, she set expectations and timelines, and was super responsive with emails and questions. She also was respectful and inclusive to us with all our identities, as a gay couple and a Jewish/Italian couple. The wedding industry often assumes a lot of things but Stephanie is so kind and goes out of her way to make sure she never does. Beyond that, I think it’s important to highlight what a wedding planner does the day of. She makes sure all the tables are set up so you don’t have to. She makes sure your vendors arrive on time. She made sure our photos and our flowers were set up. I cannot emphasize enough how much you will not want to be doing your own table arrangements when you’re trying to pull off the biggest party you’ve ever thrown. She also came a few days early and picked up ALL of the items for the wedding in her mini-van. Then she packed them up at the end of the night and delivered them a few days after the wedding?? That ALONE is the best. I assumed my wife, our families, and I would be packing things up that night but she gave us a magical day where we didn’t have to worry about anything. She’s also incredibly smart and thorough and NEVER complains. We had books as our centerpieces and realized later that the idea of books was going to be HEAVY. She never told us we were nuts but she actually said she liked it because we did things that were true to us. She has more energy than anyone I’ve ever met and her and her day-of assistant, Caitlin, were the best. Seriously, Stephanie is, as my wife says, a magical human being. Don’t plan a wedding without her.
Andrea T., a year ago
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Handled by Hamlin Events 

5.0

  • 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 

5.0

  • 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
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One Fine Day Events 

5.0

  • 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
I was originally on the fence about hiring a Day of Coordinator, but I am so happy that I ultimately did and couldn’t have imagined my day without one. Gina and her team were an absolute dream to work with, from the introduction call to all the meetings leading up to the big day. I ultimately ended up working with team member Morgan D, who was my rock on my wedding day! Leading up to the wedding, she made sure to check in regularly to see how she could help and if I was doing ok. I was able to text her all my questions and concerns the month leading up to the date and Morgan always responded quickly with fast resolution. On the day of, Morgan had her eye on every small detail. I didn’t have to stress at all during my wedding and Morgan made sure to keep us on track and updated. Thank you Gina and Morgan for making our dream a reality!!!
Syd H., 2 months ago
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3Event Creations LLC 

5.0

  • 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., a year ago
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Here It Blooms 

5.0

  • 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
We cannot recommend Pauline enough! From the very beginning, her communication was outstanding—she was quick to respond, always willing to answer our many questions, and even stepped in to help with a few things that went beyond her official scope. That level of care and commitment gave us so much peace of mind leading up to our big day. On the wedding day itself, Pauline and her team were absolutely incredible. They had every detail memorized and handled vendor issues behind the scenes before we even knew there was a problem—we didn’t find out about some of them until after the wedding because she had everything handled so seamlessly. She came prepared with every “just in case” essential you could imagine, and her calm, kind demeanor was such a gift during moments that could have been stressful. Pauline also struck the perfect balance between keeping us on time and knowing when to let us enjoy the moment and flex the schedule a bit. Her organizational skills are unmatched, and she kept the entire day running smoothly without ever making it feel rushed. If you’re looking for a coordinator who is professional, detail-oriented, incredibly organized, and genuinely cares about making your day perfect, Pauline is the one. Hiring her was one of the best decisions we made in our wedding planning process.
Peyton, 5 months ago
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Vinella Events 

5.0

  • Offers 4 services
  • Starts at $2,000
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

Vinella Events has 20+ years in design, hospitality, and program management. We serve Chicago and beyond through personalizing unforgettable moments. Our goal is to create curated experiences with a timeless design that reflect the true essence of our clients.

Awarded Best of Zola
We could NOT have done our wedding without Janella at Vinella Events. We were looking for a day-of coordinator because we thought it would help us enjoy our day and focus on celebrating with each other and our guests. We had that and more in working with Janella, and I am so thankful she made our wedding day as successful as it was. Janella came recommended to us by our venue, and we first met with her about 4 months before our wedding and went with her 6-week coordination package. We originally just wanted someone to help only for the day of the wedding, but this absolutely was a better deal because she came with us to our venue meetings, helped coordinate our timeline, asked insightful questions for things we never would have even thought of, went through our ceremony with me, and helped me feel SO much more prepared before the wedding through meetings and just being a resource. She helped us run an efficient rehearsal prior to the wedding and coordinated with me so that we would have all of the set-up and items how I wanted them for our wedding day. On the day of the wedding, she went above and beyond in her role. She set up all of our decor, helped facilitate transportation of items, executed the timeline and adapted when things went off time (and importantly, did all of this seamlessly so that myself and the guests didn’t notice), created back-up plans when there were issues with other vendors, coordinated set-up with other vendors, ran to get my lipstick from another room for photos, and too many other things behind the scenes that I didn’t even have to know about because I was able to trust her to tackle them. I had multiple compliments from family members and friends about how organized she was and how kind she was, and she made a 270-person wedding flow seamlessly. She ultimately gave us the ability to just ENJOY the day without having to answer questions or worry about things going on that day. I am so thankful for Janella and would hire her again in a heartbeat. Thank you for everything, Janella!
Jordan B., 6 months ago
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Little Sparrow Events 

4.7

  • Offers 6 services
  • Starts at $850
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

Little Sparrow Event is a fairy tale on its own by the way it came to life. Helping couple have their Dream Wedding Day is why we get up every morning, witness hundreds of unique love stories is what we thrive for! We go above and beyond for our couples and we love it!

Awarded Best of Zola
What can I even say! Laury was an absolute joy to work with and ensured the vision of our special day came to life! I am so beyond grateful we trusted Laury with this because to say she delivered is an understatement. She ensured the entire day ran smoothly and that every detail was executed as we intended. Even the tiniest of issues that arose she was able to fix to exactly what we wanted. I couldn’t be happier with her and our choice to hire her! She is such a kind and talented human and she knows the wedding industry so well. Do yourself a favor and HIRE HER! I promise you won’t regret it.
Danielle B., 9 months ago