Start Your Wedding Off Right!

Free Planning Starter Kit

Get your first steps, early planning snapshot, and Chicago venue insights — designed for couples just beginning their journey.

Here’s Exactly What You’ll Get Inside

This guide is designed to help you get clear without getting overwhelmed. Inside, you’ll find:

  • Top decisions to focus on first

  • An early timeline snapshot to guide your pace

  • Wedding budget guidance

  • Top 5 mistakes to avoid when planning

  • Planning tips for Chicago weddings

Just pop in your details below and check the “sign up” box and your Starter Kit will be sent straight to your inbox! Don’t worry, you can unsubscribe anytime!

A woman in a white wedding gown holding a bouquet of flowers, smiling indoors near a window with brick walls and wooden floors.

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.”

Elegant event space decorated with string lights and candles, featuring round tables with floral centerpieces and black tablecloths, set for a formal dinner.

Why Now Is the Right Time to Begin

✔️ Choose your wedding planner
✔️ Refine your guest list and ideal wedding season
✔️ Begin researching venues
✔️ Gather inspiration and define your aesthetic

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

Ready to see how Birdcage & Blushers can support your planning journey?

Planning From Out of Town? You’re in the Right Hands.

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 vendor recommendations

  • Venue tours and walkthroughs on your behalf

  • Seamless communication and hands-on support

  • Custom checklists and timelines that match your life and location

As a destination wedding planner, we help you bring your vision to life—whether you're two hours or two time zones away.

Hosting your wedding outside of Chicago?

We're happy to travel and bring our signature approach wherever you are.

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 calm.