Hey lovers, planners, and party people—
So, you’re getting married? Cue the confetti and spontaneous dance party! Whether you’re planning a laid-back backyard bash, a candlelit soirée in a hip loft (wink wink), or a three-day art-meets-music festival (we see you), one thing’s for sure: you need your people. We’re not just talking about your guests—we’re talking about your Chicago wedding vendors.
With over twenty years of service in the Chicago bridal industry, we’ve learned a thing or two, so, we’ve put together a short list of essential services to book—no fluff, just the folks who will turn your vision into magic.
1. Wedding Planner (Or Month-Of Magician)
Even if you’re the DIY type with a color-coded Google Sheet, trust us: having someone who knows weddings inside and out is a game changer. A full-service planner can design, budget, and orchestrate the whole thing, while a month-of coordinator ensures your hard work comes together without you lifting a finger (or a fork) on the big day.
Think of them as: Your creative co-pilot with spreadsheet superpowers.
Wanting to tough it out solo as long as possible? A day-of coordinator is a miracle worker for ensuring everything comes together while letting you actually enjoy the day. At Le Loft, we offer both options and have a few trusted vendors, including Jimmy Hibbard of JTH events for the full schbang, or Robin Ryan, for on-site coordination the day-of.
2. Photographer / Videographer
Let’s be honest—your wedding day is going to be a blur (a beautiful, love-soaked blur), and you won’t get to see everything. The way your partner looked right before you walked down the aisle. Your best friend wiping away tears during your vows. That one uncle absolutely crushing it on the dance floor.
A great wedding photographer captures all of that—and so much more.
They’re not just taking pictures; they’re telling the story of your day in a way that feels real, honest, and you. They know how to make you feel comfortable (even if you’re camera shy), catch the in-between magic, and preserve the vibe so you can relive it 10, 20, 50 years from now.
Add a videographer to capture the audio, the vibe, and the motion of it all. It’s like your own indie film.
Two of Le Loft’s three owners are photographers by trade. If you’re hosting with us, ask about this add-on service from Kelly Feldmiller &/or Maggie Rife. We also highly recommend Juan Ariza.
Think of them as: Your memory-makers. Your time-travel ticket.
3. Caterer / Food Truck / Grandma’s Kitchen
Why a Great Caterer Is Everything
Okay, let’s get real: your guests might forget the color of your napkins or how many mason jars were used in your centerpieces—but, when done right (or horribly wrong) they’ll never forget the food. Food isn’t just fuel at a wedding—it’s an experience, a way to share a piece of your story, and a huge part of what sets the tone for the night.
A great caterer doesn’t just make good food—they create a culinary vibe. They’re storytellers with knives and spatulas. They’ll help you craft a menu that reflects who you are, accommodate dietary needs without making it awkward, and make sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes (no cold entrees, no sad buffet lines, no missing forks). Bonus: many caterers now offer eco-conscious options, global flavors, and interactive food stations that actually add to the party.
Need some inspiration for your menu? Here are some of our favorites:
🍣 The “We Met at a Sushi Bar” Spread
- Live sushi rolling station
- Miso-glazed black cod
- Sake + yuzu cocktails
- Mochi dessert bar
🌮 Taco ‘Bout Love
- Build-your-own street taco bar
- Elote cups or mini churros as passed apps
- Horchata + mezcal signature drinks
- Late-night nacho station
🧀 Grazing Table Goals
- Luxe charcuterie boards with artisanal cheeses, figs, edible flowers
- Olive oil + bread bar (yes it’s a thing)
- Champagne + cheese pairing experience
- Small plates passed tapas-style
Think of them as: Your edible vibe curators.
4. DJ or Live Band
Music makes the mood. Whether you’re vibing with a vinyl-spinning DJ or a brass band with attitude, this is what turns your night into a party. Bonus if they read the room like a therapist with a subwoofer. All those songs from your first dance to the banger at closing time will become the soundtrack you go back to again and again to relive your wedding day memories.
Here are a few of our favorite Chicago DJs:
DJ Tess
Gordan Bromli
Toast and Jam
Think of them as: Your atmosphere architects.
5. Hair + Makeup Artists
You want to feel like you, just extra glowy, confident, and camera-ready. Artists who understand your vibe (soft glam? edgy liner? boho braids?) make your prep time feel like a pre-party. Plus, they can handle Aunt Carol’s last-minute blowout. There’s no one who’s more an expert on this subject than Le Loft Co-owner, Emily Wolf, who’s been glamming brides up in Chicago for over a decade. She knows exactly how essential finding the right artist &/or team to transform the bride and her squid all while keeping the vibes easy-breezy. Of course she’s our #1 rec for hair and makeup services, but if she’s booked, try her go-to referrals below:
Think of them as: Your beauty hype squad.
6. Officiant
The one who legally (and emotionally) seals the deal. Whether it’s your best friend with a script or a pro who knows how to balance tears with laughter, choose someone who gets your story and can tell it well.
Think of them as: The heartbeat of your ceremony.
7. Florist / Decor Artist
A creative florist or stylist transforms a space with color, texture, and mood. Not into big blooms? They might bring in fruit, feathers, disco balls, or sculptural branches. This is your chance to create a little world.
If you’re looking for simple arrangements and happen to be hosting your wedding at Le Loft, we’re excited to now offer in-house florals. Looking to take things up a notch? Yeah, we love this for you and can’t recommend these two vendors highly enough!
Think of them as: Your space-shifting scene-setters.
8. Rentals + Logistics Crew
Tables, chairs, sound systems, lounge furniture, bathrooms (yup, glamorous porta-potties exist). These behind-the-scenes MVPs make sure your vision has infrastructure.
Check out Carol’s Staffing for on the ground serving support and Tablescapes is our go-to rental for everything from plates to couches!
Think of them as: Your design support + logistics lifeline.
9. Stationer / Signage Designer
Not just for invites. A clever designer can make escort cards, welcome signs, menus, neon installations—your whole vibe in print (or plexi or wood or mirror).
Think of them as: Your aesthetic translators.
Final Thought:
Build a team that feels like you. Look for vendors who share your energy, respect your budget, and can roll with your weird (in the best way). At the end of the day, your wedding is about love, joy, and you two. Everything else? Just bonus.
💬 Got a Chicago wedding vendor you loved? Share them in the comments—let’s hype up the ones who make the magic happen.
Interested in hosting your wedding at Le Loft? We’d love to connect! Learn more about our services here and contact us here.