Planning a 2026 Wedding?

Start Here.

Whether you just got engaged or you’re thinking a few steps ahead, this is the perfect time to begin planning with clarity and intention.

At Birdcage and Blushers Weddings, we believe early planning isn’t about rushing into decisions—it’s about giving yourself the space to be thoughtful, supported, and excited about what’s ahead.

If you're considering a 2026 celebration, now is the ideal time to start making your first meaningful moves: choosing your planner, narrowing in on venues, and shaping a wedding vision that reflects your unique story—not just trends.

Whether you're local to Chicago or planning from out of town, we're here to help you feel grounded, confident, and fully seen from day one.

What You Can Do Now (Without Getting Overwhelmed):

  • Clarify your guest count and ideal season

  • Start researching venues that align with your vision

  • Book your planner to guide your process and elevate every detail

  • Begin gathering visual inspiration (we’ll help you refine it later!)

Most of our full-service clients book 12-18 month out. If you’re thinking ahead, you’re right on time!

Planning From Afar? We’ve Got You.

Many of our couples don’t live in Chicago—but they’re planning to celebrate here. That’s where we come in.

We offer expert local insight and trusted vendor relationships, and we’ll walk venues on your behalf, manage every moving piece, and bring your vision to life—whether you're two hours or two time zones away.

Want a Head Start? Download Our Free 2026 Wedding Planning Starter Kit.

We created this guide for couples just like you—those who want to plan intentionally without diving headfirst into overwhelm.

Inside you’ll find:

  • A realistic planning timeline

  • Key decisions to make early on

  • Early planning timeline snapshot

  • Chicago-specific planning tips (especially for destination couples)

Marissa (started planning 18 months out)

“Working with Alyson made our wedding planning process very simple and easy. Now the first thing I tell people planning a wedding is to hire a great planner! Beginning with the initial venue list, which was very thorough and helped us nail down our eventual wedding location, to the initial mood board and floral/decor recommendations, Aly fully listened to our wants and needs and helped us execute them. She had great insight on vendors around the city, especially makeup, which we used. Overall, Alyson was great to work with, and we'd recommend her services to any couple looking for a great planner.”

Ready to Take the First Step? Let’s Talk.

We’re currently booking for 2026 weddings and would love to learn more about your vision. Whether you’re dreaming of an elegant city soirée or an intimate garden celebration, we’ll guide the process with care, creativity, and ease.