Born a planner and fashionista, Megan Jackson-Meara has been dressing up events and friends from a young age. In 2009, she combined her passion for events and fashion to create So Dressed Up. She began her career in event planning at Jam Entertainment and Creative Services, where she planned corporate, private, and non-profit events for clients, including The Art Institute of Chicago, Redbull and Peddinghaus Corporation.
She has since worked with clients including Macy’s, The Oprah Winfrey Show, Maria Pinto and a variety of other professional and personal clients, where she has worked on makeover shows, celebrity appearances, designer competitions, fundraisers, weddings and various private events.
Be U Weddings previously featured Megan’s breathtaking Chicago History Museum Wedding.
Winter Wonderland
In 110 degree heat it’s hard to think of winter. But the truth is it will be here before we know it. For obvious reasons, it’s often a less desirable time of year to get married in Chicago, but I personally think winter weddings are underrated. I adore them just as much as the summer soirees and find them alluring, enchanting and fabulous!
For the ladies considering a winter wonderland wedding, I’d like to offer some inspiration.
Décor
My favorite winter color combination is white and silver. It’s so glamorous and sleek and there are so many gorgeous things to do with it! Turn to crystal and mercury glass to help give shimmer to your ceremony décor and centerpieces and be sure to consider candles for adding in warmth. A crystal-embellished bouquet with white blooms or trendy broach bouquet with tall centerpieces adorned by dangling crystals is stunning. Incorporate silver dusting on cookie favors or on your wedding cake.
Paper
Carry this color theme to your invitations and wedding paper by incorporating metallic paper, envelopes, liners, fonts or calligraphy. Another fun option? Consider clear acrylic or plexi for your invites and have them etched in white or silver for an icy look.
Food/Dessert
I love the idea of serving warm goodies for guests in winter months. Think white hot chocolate with marshmallows during cocktail hour and a s’more station for dessert. (Also, adorable: “Perfect Mix” hot chocolate mix and mugs for guest favors!)
Work with your planner to find the perfect vendors for your wedding style and budget!
Attire
Attire: Nothing says cozy like a gorgeous fur (or faux fur!) stole. Gift them to your bridesmaids in grey and get yourself one in white. You will all be warm and fashionable! In sticking with the glamorous winter wonderland theme, make sure you give your gals some bling. Give each bridesmaid her own pieces to best suit her style that all coordinate with your wedding day look. Department stores like Nordstrom have a nice selection of stoles and jewelry and make ordering especially easy when you have gals in different cities. For the vintage-loving brides, head to Lulu’s at the Belle Kaye or Randolph Street Market for one of a kind finds!
Venues
Chicago has a ton of gorgeous indoor options and ballrooms are a popular winter choice. A couple faves include The Waldorf Astoria (so glamorous and chic, think stunning chandeliers and 1920s feel) and The Chicago History Museum (the epitome of classic Chicago with amazing black and white checker dance floor.) Bonus: If you’re lucky enough to have snow on your wedding day, both offer beautiful outdoor photo opps!
So what do you say brides? Dreaming of a Winter Wonderland?!