Chicago Wedding Special

To fit 35 people in the loft, everything will have to be taken out. This big job is best left to professional movers. Once the area is cleared of furnishings, fabric is hung to soften the space and focus the attention on the wedding. Designer Frank Fontana chooses a blue and white color scheme that is reflected in the flowing satin curtain panels and flowers. For the enchanted forest motif, organic and elegant elements are at play: white feathers, white faux fur and white tree branches. These are repeated throughout the space, including the altar and seating.

The Cost

Moving budget – $360

Fabric – $725

• fabric for walls – Textile Discount Center

Flowers and runner – $512

• flowers, $425 – Ashland-Addison Florist
  
• square vases for cocktail table, $4.99 – Jo-Ann Stores
  
• rocks for centerpieces, $2.49 – Jo-Ann Stores
  
• runner, $24.99 – Michaels

Altar and seating – $1,680

• branches, $10/bundle – Pier 1
  
• acrylic for altar, $135 – American Acrylic
  
• puck lights for altar, $19.99 – The Home Depot
  
• fur for runner/ottoman covers/bench cushions, $7.99/yard – Textile Discount Center
  
• white satin for ottoman covers and bench cushions, $5.96/yard – Textile Discount Center
  
• ottomans, $15.99 each – Ikea

Mood lighting – $948

• conduit pipes, $2.18 – The Home Depot
  
• chains, $6.99 – The Home Depot
  
• rice balls, $7.98 each – Ikea

Cake and fondue – $750

• cake, $450 – Marked for Dessert

Total — $4,975