Frequently Asked Questions

Your questions, answered with care. Explore how we plan, design, and celebrate love—your way.

Our Philosophy

  • We bring structure to the logistics and intention to the design.

    From the first conversation, you’ll feel both understood and guided. My approach balances empathy with precision — so your celebration is not only beautiful, but thoughtfully orchestrated.

    We don’t just execute ideas. We refine them, align them, and ensure every decision supports the overall experience.

  • We proudly celebrate love in all forms. Every background, identity, and orientation is welcome here.

    Whether you’re planning an interfaith, multicultural, LGBTQ+, or deeply traditional celebration, Birdcage & Blushers is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and affirming space for you and your guests.

  • We are proudly based in Chicago and plan weddings throughout the city and surrounding suburbs.

    We also serve destination clients across the U.S. and abroad who value a seamless, intentionally led planning experience — wherever their celebration takes place.

  • We dedicate the entire weekend to one couple so you receive our full attention and strategic oversight.

    If your scope requires additional support, we bring in trusted team members — but your wedding will never feel divided or delegated.

Investment

  • Partial Planning begins at $9,500.
    Full-Service Planning & Design begins at $18,000 or 12–15% of your overall wedding investment.

    Final investment depends on scope, guest count, and the level of design and production required.

    Most of our couples value thoughtful design, experienced vendor teams, and a cohesive guest experience and invest accordingly.

  • For weddings of 100+ guests in Chicago, most of our couples invest $75,000 and above.

    That said, what matters most is not a specific number but how you prioritize design, guest experience, and vendor quality. We guide you in allocating your investment strategically so nothing feels reactive or misaligned.

  • Planning fees are structured in three installments: retainer, midpoint, and final payment.

    For extended timelines or early bookings, flexible structures may be available.

  • For weddings with an overall investment of $150,000 or more, we structure Full-Service Planning as a percentage (12–15%) to reflect the scope, production depth, and design integration required.

    Partial Planning begins at a flat fee of $9,500, with an additional 8% production fee applied to select vendor categories that require significant coordination and on-site oversight.

How We Plan

  • We offer Partial Wedding Planning and Full-Service Wedding Planning & Design for couples in Chicago and beyond.

    Full-Service Planning includes comprehensive design development, vendor management, and production oversight from start to finish.

    Partial Planning is ideal for couples who have secured key vendors but want strategic guidance, structure, and expert coordination to bring everything together seamlessly.

  • Yes. We plan destination weddings across the U.S. and internationally.

    Destination planning requires thoughtful logistics, vendor vetting from afar, and strong communication, all areas where we thrive.

    Each destination celebration receives the same strategic structure and high-touch experience as our Chicago weddings.

  • Absolutely. Venue scouting and consultation are part of our Full-Service Planning experience. We also offer a stand alone Venue Concierge Service for couples who want focused support with their venue search.

  • Of course! We create both a custom planning timeline to guide and stay on track with planning tasks, as well as a comprehensive wedding weekend timeline. This ensures vendor teams are aligned, guest flow feels natural, and your day unfolds intentionally — not reactively.

The Experience

  • Most of my couples are highly capable professionals. They hire me because they don’t want to manage vendors, absorb stress, or troubleshoot logistics while balancing their career and full lives.

    My role is to bring structure, clarity, and strategic oversight so you can stay present and actually enjoy the experience.

  • Meeting cadence is structured based on your level of service and planning phase.

    Partial Planning includes monthly strategic check-ins over 8–9 months.
    Full-Service Planning includes more frequent touchpoints, vendor meetings, tastings, and design sessions as needed.

    Regardless of service level, you’ll always know what’s next — and what decisions require your attention.

    We’re also on-site for your final walkthrough and wedding rehearsal to ensure everything is ready for your day.

  • Most planning meetings take place virtually via Zoom, with in-person sessions reserved for key milestones such as venue walkthroughs, tastings, design reviews, and your final rehearsal.

    This structure allows for efficiency while preserving meaningful in-person touch points.

  • Owner & Lead Planner Alyson Thompson will oversee your planning process and be on-site for your wedding day along with an assistant.

    Depending on guest count and scope, additional trusted assistants may be added to ensure seamless coverage and execution.

  • We operate with proactive, transparent communication.

    You’ll receive structured updates, clear next steps, and thoughtful guidance throughout the planning process.

    Our approach is calm, organized, and momentum-driven — so you’re never left wondering what’s next.