Frequently Asked Questions

Your questions, answered with care.

Explore how we plan, design, and celebrate love—your way.

About Birdcage & Blushers

  • We bring heart to the logistics, and meaning to the style. Our approach prioritizes making you feel comfortable and understood from the very first conversation. This balance of empathy and precision allows us to bring calm, clarity, and creativity to every celebration—always keeping your story at the center.

  • Absolutely. We proudly support and celebrate love in all forms—every background, identity, and orientation is welcome here. Birdcage & Blushers is and will always be a safe, inclusive space for you and your guests.

  • We’re proudly based in Chicago and plan weddings throughout the city and suburbs. We also take destination clients across the U.S. and abroad for couples seeking the same intentional, seamless experience—just with a change of scenery.

  • Never. We dedicate the entire weekend to one couple so you receive our full attention.

Budget & Investment

  • Services begin at $7,499, with custom proposals provided after your consultation. Full-Service Planning typically starts at $12,000 or 12–15% of your total wedding budget, depending on complexity and scope.

  • For weddings with a total budget of $100,000 or more, we charge a 12–15% planning fee to reflect the added design depth and logistics these events require.

  • For weddings of 100 guests or more, most couples have a minimum budget of $75,000. For smaller weddings, budgets vary depending on priorities and design scope.

  • Yes. We structure payments in three installments—retainer, midpoint, and final—and offer flexible options for early bookings or extended timelines.

Services & Offerings

  • We focus on Partial Planning Wedding, Full-Service Wedding Planning & Design, and Destination Weddings—services that allow us to manage logistics, elevate design, and bring your vision to life so you can enjoy your day feeling calm, cared for, and completely present.

    We no longer offer traditional “day-of” or short-term coordination. Over time, we found that stepping in just a few months before a wedding didn’t give our couples the seamless, supportive experience they truly deserve.

  • Yes! Wherever there’s love, we’ll travel. We take destination clients on a case-by-case basis to ensure each couple receives the same high-touch experience as our local weddings.

  • Absolutely. Venue scouting and consultation are part of our Full-Service Planning experience, and we’re happy to provide curated recommendations for Partial Planning couples as an add-on.

  • Of course! We create both a custom planning timeline to guide you through each step and a detailed wedding-day timeline to keep every moment running seamlessly.

The Planning Experience

  • Start by completing our Contact Form. Once we confirm availability, we’ll schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss your vision and determine the best service for your needs.

  • Meeting frequency depends on your level of service and how far out you book your service:

    • Partial Planning – Monthly check-ins over 8–9 months.

    • Full-Service Planning – As often as needed for vendor meetings, tastings, and design sessions.

    • Destination Weddings – A mix of virtual and in-person meetings customized to your travel needs.

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

  • Most meetings take place virtually via Zoom, with in-person sessions for key moments like your walkthrough, tasting, and rehearsal.

  • Owner & Lead Planner Alyson Thompson and a planning assistant will be on-site. Depending on your wedding’s scope, an additional assistant may be added for optimal coverage.

  • We believe in proactive, transparent communication. You’ll receive regular updates, a clear timeline, and easy ways to check in so you always know what’s next.