Last month we celebrated The Haight’s Autumn Affair open house. On Tuesday, September 24^th, along with our current clients, we invited brides, grooms, and their friends/and or family members to check out the venue and meet a variety of wedding professionals and vendors for their big day.

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Guests also had the chance to check out the big reveal of our gorgeous new space—our ROOFTOP DECK!

Just over 300 guests joined us and had the opportunity to explore our venue, try a variety of foods, and meet with 28 featured wedding vendors!

Couples and their family members were able to try different foods and desserts like Graham’s Chocolate & Two Wild Seeds!

David Paige Music played some wonderful LIVE music while Schambach Piano tickled the ivories on the first floor.

Shout out to Sounds Abound for the photo booth so that our guests can remember the evening!

“I had a good time on The Haight’s big deck #deckpics !”

Be sure to keep your eyes open for our next open house event! A lot of our vendors offer a discount if you book them at the event, so you don’t want to miss out!

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The following were the featured vendors:

Rustique Swan | Town & Country Gardens

The Local Petaler | Anita Weds

Sounds Abound DJ & Social Photo Booth | Joseph Schambach Piano

Courtyard Marriot | Men’s Wearhouse

Wedding Rolls Royce & Bentley | Jessica Draper Calligraphy

Crystal Bride | My Chef Catering | True Cuisine

You Name It Events | SLT Makeup Artistry

David Paige Music | Guru Travel | American Man Barber Shop

Cling & Peck | Two Wild Seeds | Elgin CVB

Fork it Foods | Lullabelle Design | Beyond Catering

Stella & Dot | Graham’s | Windy City Linen | Herb’s Bakery

Friday marks the official start of summer and we LOVE the summer florals from this open house. The Haight hosted the Florals & Flurries winter open house on Tuesday, January 15th. Along with our current clients, we invited brides, grooms, and their friends/and or family members to check out the venue and meet a variety of wedding professionals and vendors for their big day.

Just over 200 guests joined us and had the opportunity to explore the space and get to know each of the vendors that helped make the night such a success!

Couples and their family members were able to try different foods and desserts like Graham’s Chocolate & Graham’s 318 Coffeehouse.  Fun music from Backthird Entertainment & Monastero Entertainment was just the cherry on top of a great evening!

Be sure to keep your eyes open for our next open house event! A lot of our vendors offer a discount if you book them at the event, so you don’t want to miss out!

The following were the featured vendors:

Catering: Belvedere Banquets| Cuisine America | Pinstripes|Uncle Bub’s

Sweets & Treats: Herb’s Bakery| Graham’s 318 Coffeehouse| Graham’s Fine Chocolate & Ice Cream

Coffee Cart: FreshGround Roasting

Wedding and Event Coordination: Ashley Nicole Events

Hair & Makeup: Shine. Salon & Dry Bar

Florals: Eden | Town & Country Gardens 

Photographer: Fox + Ivory Photography

Videographer: Newlyweds Cinema

Officiant: Rent-A-Rev

Event Entertainment: Backthird Entertainment | Monastero Entertainment | Caricatures By Rich

Invitations: Too Chic & Little Shab Design Studio, Inc.

Outfitters: Lorenzo’s Tuxedo

Rentals: Halls

Travel Agency: Guru Travel

Hotel: Courtyard Marriott Elgin/West Dundee

We all know the ideal day to get married is Saturday—everyone has off, people can travel Friday and Sunday, why wouldn’t you want to get married on a Saturday? There are plenty of reasons and perhaps Friday is your next best choice, but have you considered a Sunday?

Photo by Windy City Production

There are tons of reasons to consider Sunday to celebrate your big day. Here are a few to keep in mind when picking that special date to host your wedding:

1. Cost savings. This is the biggest one since not only do we offer a significant price discount, but so do many of your vendors! Turn your $30,000 wedding into a $20,000 wedding just by switching the day of the week. Be sure to ask your vendors if they have any discounts for a Sunday date, a lot of time they’ll offer incentives since Sundays tend to book less. Score!
   

   Photo by Mary Rose Photography

2. Availability of your favorite venues and vendors. Fridays and Saturdays tend to book 12-18 months out (if not sooner), leaving Sundays open and available. That’s right, have your dream wedding at your dream venue with that photographer you love because guess what…your date is open!
   

   Photo by Windy City Production

   

   Photo by Windy City Production

   

   Photo by Windy City Production

   

   Photo by Windy City Production
   

   Photo by Eric Floberg

   

   Photo by Eric Floberg

   

   Photo by Eric Floberg

   

   Photo by Eric Floberg

   

   Photo by Eric Floberg

   

   Photo by Eric Floberg

   

   Photo by Eric Floberg

   

   Photo by Eric Floberg

   

   Photo by Eric Floberg

   

   Photo by Eric Floberg

   

   Photo by Eric Floberg
3. Host a welcome party Saturday night, heck, host it Friday night! Make a full weekend out of it. Who doesn’t love a love a 3-day weekend, honestly?
   

   Photo by Jeremy Yapp Photography

   

   Photo by Jeremy Yapp Photography

   

   Photo by Jeremy Yapp Photography

   

   Photo by Eric Floberg

   

   Photo by Eric Floberg
4. Travel costs are less during the week. Do you have a lot of out-of-town guests that you’re concerned about? They’ll likely be appreciative that that they can fly home on a Monday and save some money on flights vs. having to travel home on a Sunday (which is always more expensive!).
   
   

   Photo by Allison Salsbury Photography

   

   Allison Salsbury Photography

   

   Allison Salsbury Photography

   

   Allison Salsbury Photography

   

   Allison Salsbury Photography

   

   Allison Salsbury Photography

   

   Allison Salsbury Photography
5. Celebrate with your biggest fans. If you happen to have those faraway guests that really don’t want to travel, you’ll still get your closest friends and family there to celebrate with you. This will make for a smaller, more intimate celebration which brings us back to #1, less guests = more savings!
   
   

   Photo by Juan Montano Photography 

   

   Photo by Mary Rose Photography

   

   Photo by Mary Rose Photography
6. Who says you have to end earlier than midnight? At least 70% of our Sunday weddings opt to end at 11pm or later because if your guests want to party, they will party! And if not, no worries! You can still end earlier and have an AMAZING day. When you put together delicious food, serve some amazing cocktails, dance like crazy to the music you love, and decorate the space to perfection, it’s a mix that will make any Sunday feel like a Saturday.
   
   

   Photo by Mary Rose Photography

   

   Photo by Mary Rose Photography
7. More time with guests. Gives you the chance to spend more time with your close family and friends (usually out of town guests) throughout the weekend before the wedding.
8. Fun themes like BRUNCH!
   
   

   Photo by Aysha Nicole Photo

   

   Photo by Aysha Nicole Photo

   

   Photo by Aysha Nicole Photo

   

   Photo by Aysha Nicole Photo

   

   Photo by Aysha Nicole Photo

   

   Photo by Aysha Nicole Photo

   If that doesn’t convince you, check out a review from one of our Sunday brides:

   Stay open-minded. Friday and Sunday weddings are cool too. We opted for a Sunday wedding, begrudgingly, and it still was an unbelievable party. Your guests will rally—I promise.

(You can read the full review over at The Knot)

Overall, if you’re having fun, your guests will too. We at The Haight still have Sundays available throughout 2019, be sure to book now before they’re gone too!

Photo by Windy City Production

Photo by Windy City Production

Photo by Windy City Production

Photo by Windy City Production

We promise, you won’t be disappointed!

Photo by Mary Rose Photography

The Haight hosted our third annual Summer Soiree on Tuesday, July 24th. Along with our current clients, we invited brides, grooms, and their friends/and or family members to check out the venue and meet a variety of wedding professionals and vendors for their big day.

About 160 people joined us for the event. Guests had the opportunity to explore the space and get to know each of the vendors that helped make the night such a success!

Photo by Mary Rose Photography

Craft Donuts & Coffee (Photo by Mary Rose Photography)

True Cuisine (Photo by Mary Rose Photography)

Delish (Photo by Mary Rose Photography)

Hipstr Photobooth (Photo by Mary Rose Photography)

Schaul’s Cuisine (Photo by Mary Rose Photography)

LullaBelle Design (Photo by Mary Rose Photography)

LullaBelle Design (Photo by Mary Rose Photography)

Delish (Photo by Mary Rose Photography)

Elegante Cuisine (Photo by Mary Rose Photography)

SLT Makeup Artistry

You Name it Events

Rodan & Fields

Rodan & Fields

Couples and their family members were able to try different foods and desserts like Cook’s Ice Cream cart and even enjoy live entertainment from Make it a Double!

Photo from Make it a Double Facebook Page

Photo from Make it a Double Facebook Page

Cook’s Ice Cream Cart (Photo by Mary Rose Photography)

Makeup by SLT Makeup Artistry (Photo by Mary Rose Photography)

Photo by Mary Rose Photography

Photo by Mary Rose Photography

Photo by Mary Rose Photography

Photo by Mary Rose Photography

Photo by Mary Rose Photography

Photo by Mary Rose Photography

Photo by Mary Rose Photography

Photo by Mary Rose Photography

Photo by Mary Rose Photography

Photo by Mary Rose Photography

Photo by Mary Rose Photography

Photo by Mary Rose Photography

Photo by Mary Rose Photography

Be sure to keep your eyes open for our next open house event! A lot of our vendors offer a discount if you book them at the event, so you don’t want to miss out!

The following were the featured vendors:

Catering: True Cuisine| Schaul’s Cuisine | Elegante Cuisine

Sweets & Treats: Delish| Cook’s Ice Cream | Craft Donuts & Coffee

Wedding and Event Coordination: You Name It Events

Hair & Makeup: SLT Makeup Artistry

Beauty Vendor: Rodan & Fields

Florals: Town & Country Gardens 

Photographer: Mary Rose Photography

Officiant: Rent-A-Rev

Event Entertainment: Make it a Double| Hipstr Photobooth

Invitations: LullaBelle Design

DJ: Backthird Entertainment

Outfitters: Magnolia Bridal |Men’s Warehouse

Transportation: Way to Go Trolley

Hotel: Courtyard Marriott Elgin/West Dundee

Preparing for a wedding is both stressful and exciting for brides and grooms, sometimes it can even take a toll on the relationship. We’ve compiled advice from some of the couples who got married here at The Haight that is definitely worth taking to heart.

– Ginny and Dan, married October 14, 2017 (Photo by Maria Harte Photography)

“Enjoy it all because the day you spend hours, years, months planning, goes by so fast. Remember why you are there. It is very easy to get wrapped up in small things, but the reason for the day is you are choosing to marry your best friend, your soul mate, and it is just a day, it is not the rest of your life together. When you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed (and you will) remember to take a step back, look at the person you are about to spend the rest of your life with, and just breathe.” – Lindsey & Dominic, married October 6, 2017 (Photo by Hazelton Photography)

-Nevair & Micah, married June 18, 2017 (Photo by Allison Salsbury Photography)

-Mary & Joelle, married October 20, 2017 (Photography by JDH Photography)

-Jill & Doug, married February 10, 2018 (Photo by Mary Rose Photography)

-Liz & Erik, married December 27, 2017 (Photo by April Marie Photography)

-Kaylin & Patrick, married on March 16, 2018 (Photo by Allie Appel Photography)

-Emily & Chris, married December 1, 2017 (Photo by Alyssa McElheny Photography)

-Jordan & Steve, married December 1, 2017 (Photo by North x North Photography)

-Kylie & Ryan, married July 21, 2017 (Photo by Esenam Photagraphy)

With the wedding of Prince Harry to actress Meghan Markle just days away, many people are wondering what every detail is going to be. Most of those details have been tight-lipped but we have been given a few clues.

We know that Table Talk will provide the food and Claire Ptak of Violet Cakes will bake their cake, but we won’t know the exact menu details until Saturday!

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#Repost @kewevents with @get_repost ・・・ @bluestrawberry_events are one of London's most talked-about caterers and wedding planners – for very good reason! They create magical experiences and tantalise tastebuds with their consistently innovative and inspirational design and food. More importantly, however, their friendly expertise and infectious enthusiasm means that you can just relax and enjoy the moment. #WeddingsatKew #Supplier2018 #ListedSupplier #SupplierTakeover

A post shared by Blue Strawberry (@bluestrawberry_events) on Apr 10, 2018 at 8:32am PDT

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And so it begins 🍋

A post shared by Violet By Claire Ptak (@violetcakeslondon) on May 14, 2018 at 9:45pm PDT

The cake will be Lemon Elderflower. Follow this link if you’d like to make your own!

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Petal perfect

A post shared by Violet By Claire Ptak (@violetcakeslondon) on May 15, 2018 at 2:15am PDT

Let’s also take a look at a few of the past royal wedding menu items!

Prince William & Kate’s wedding menu in 2011 included crab and langoustines, a fresh herb salad, marinated salmon, organic lamb with spring vegetables, English asparagus, potatoes and Windsor sauce. Dessert was honey ice cream, a sherry trifle, and a chocolate parfait.

Marinated Salmon

Crab And Langoustines

Fresh Herb Salad

Organic Lamb

Spring Vegetables

English Asparagus

Honey Ice Cream

Sherry Trifle

Chocolate Parfait

Credit to: Little Things

In 1999, Prince Edward & Sophie Rhys-Jones had a self-service buffet of smoked haddock in pastry, beef stroganoff, and raspberries in cream. They also broke tradition with their wedding cake as layers of devil’s food cake rather than a traditional tiered fruitcake.

Smoked Haddock in Pastry

Beef Stroganoff

Raspberries in Cream

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Seven-Tier Devil’s Food Cake

In 1986, Prince Andrew and Sarah’s wedding menu featured Eggs Drumkilbo, the late Queen Mother’s favorite dish, lamb with mint sauce, potatoes, strawberries with clotted cream and a six-tiered wedding cake completed their meal.

Eggs Drumkilbo

Marzipan and Rum-Soaked Wedding Cake

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Prince Charles & Diana’s wedding menu in 1981 included traditional strawberries with cream, brill in lobster sauce, and chicken breasts stuffed with lamb mousse. They served 27 cakes, including a five-foot tall fruitcake with white icing.

Brill in Lobster Sauce

Traditional Five-Tiered Fruit Cake

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We can’t wait to see what Prince Harry and Meghan have on their menu Saturday!