April Specials

April 6th

Rush and Division Bar Crawl

1. 5 bars at Rush and Division with no cover, express entry, drinks, shots and champagne $15.00 a person and the guest of honor is free!
2. $20.00 off Pole Lessons or Burlesque Lessons
3. Half Price Bottles at Bevy Nightclub

April 7th

1. $5.00 off the Silver Male Revue Show Package
2. River North Clubbing Special- Four nightclubs, no cover, express entry, drinks, champagne, and shots, includes the pre-party with a gift bag, photo-shoot and more. $20.00 a person and guest of honor is free!
3. Five bars at Rush and Division with no cover, express entry, drinks, shots and champagne $15.00 a person and the guest of honor is free!
   

   

4. Free one hour open bar at Brandos Speakeasy with any package booked

April 21st

1. The Guest of Honor is FREE with the “Ultimate Girls Night Out” package
2. Boudior Photos- Guest of honor receives a free mini accordion book
3. Silver Clubbing Package – One Free Club and the guest of honor is free and so is the person who books the package

April 28

1. $50.00 of the “Save The Date” Package
2. The Guest of Honor is FREE with the “Ultimate Girls Night Out” package
3. Boudior Photos- Guest of honor receives a free mini accordion book
4. Silver Clubbing Package- One Free Club and the guest of honor is free and so is the person who books the package

Brie works with brides and bridesmaids, doing makeup on location the day of the event. Specializing in makeup for bridal & wedding parties, her exceptional work shows in pictures that will last a life time, while her customized approach creates unforgettable moments that people, families, and friends share together.

Here are some tips from her to make your bachelorette party dazzling.

Nars Lip Gloss in Turkish Delight

Be ready to pucker up! Turkish Delight is a toned down shade in order to draw attention to more prominent features, such as your eyes, which will be more dramatic. It will still give your lips the “attention” they deserve.

Blotting Paper by Bobbi Brown

Blotting paper is a must-have that can be used before, during, and after to eliminate oils from skin and reduce shine. These are essential to beautifying the photos taken to capture the night. This will help make the pictures show your natural beauty all night long.

MAC Eye Shadow

Chose a fun highly pigmented shadow of the color of your choice. Experiment with a color you wouldn’t normally try, be daring and try something new.

MAC Lashes

This is your time to be dramatic. Don’t be shy!  Go big with some full lashes that adds length and volume for a more dramatic look.

Diorshow Waterproof Mascara in Black

This mascara brings out your eyes even more by marrying the fake and real lashes together, achieving an even fuller look. Waterproof mascara will keep your mascara on your lashes and not running down your face.

Victoria’s Secret Sexy Body Bronzing powder

This luxurious product is a must-have for beautiful sun kissed looking skin. Lightly brush bronze on the areas you wish to accentuate.

Stay tuned for more beauty articles, but in the mean time become a fan of Brie Aarin Makeup.  Just go to www.facebook.com/brieaarinmakeup and click “LIKE” to learn all the latest and greatest makeup and skincare tips. Or feel free to check out her website at www.thechicagomakeupartist.com.

Deyra Mercado, the magazine’s founder and editor says;

The magazine can be found online at www.chicagobridalmagazine.com. The website is also a helpful tool to help you plan your big day! Let Windy City Celebrations help you celebrate the happiest day of your life!

Many of our clients have asked us questions about our staff including our party hosts. This week, we thought it would be fun to answer some of those questions. This week we will answer questions about Rob. Rob is not only the General Manager, he is also a party host on select Saturday nights. He sings, he dances but most importantly he makes every girl feel like a VIP!

Here are the questions about Rob that the girls asked most frequently and the answers Rob provided:

• Does he have a girlfriend? No, I Don’t. I used to when I first started with VIP , but it didn’t work out. She had a problem with girls calling me in the middle of the night asking me “where are you?” Obviously, these were VIP Bachelorette clients, but in the end, she didn’t care.
• Is this his personal cell phone on our itinerary? Yes, that is my personal cell. Feel free to text me whenever you are looking for a good time in Chicago!
• Can he watch my liquor that I left on the party bus while I have dinner? I wouldn’t trust me with it. Your VIP Drivers are a little more responsible when it comes to not drinking on the job.
• Can I call him when I get to every venue so that he can walk us in? I would love to walk every party in, but there is only one Rob to go around. If you want to meet up at a club, shoot me a text and let me know where you are at. I am infamous for dropping by a club unexpectedly to check on my parties.
• How can I get him to sing to the bride? Well I usually sing to the Bride’s to be at the preparty to make sure you check me out there. If you miss me there, and you really want me to bust out a song at your party, I will try my best to work that into my schedule for the night.
• Can I pay him for a personal host? You can, but let’s remember what the term “host” means. I am not a stripper. (I like to think I have a little more class than that) but this doesn’t mean lap dances are out!
• Can he do a shot with us? I cannot drink with any bachelorette party. It’s in my contract with VIP Bachelorette. I can have an occasional shot near the end of my shift but I usually try to steer clear of drinking with my girls. When I mix business with pleasure, it get’s messy.

Yes! We do get asked those questions about Rob! Since he answered your burning questions, I thought it would be fun to make him answer some more. So here you are ladies, the 411 on Rob

• Why do you like party hosting for VIP Bachelorette? I like to see people having fun

• What do you do in your spare time? I work. I guest bartend at a lot of the bars and clubs that VIP works with.

• What are your tips for girls the night of their party? I actually have a couple of tips.

1. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Things will come up like rude door guys, jerks at the bar, and girls who bump into while you are dancing. This happens every night at bars in Chicago, but it’s how you deal with it that makes your night. Remember you are there to make sure the bride has a good time. If someone spills their drink on you, although you might be extremely pissed off, just go take a second to calm down and dry off your clothes. If not, the spilled drink can escalate to a bar fight which will get you kicked out, and ruin the bride’s night. It’s not worth it. I suggest that you laugh it off and ask the sloppy person who spilled to buy the bride and you a shot or drink to make up for it. Now you just turned some drama into a funny story you can tell your friends later.
2.  Take care of your servers and bartenders. The more you take care of them by tipping, the more attention they will give you! In most cases, good tipping will get you free drinks, shots and a discounted bar tab. When you are friends with the bartender, you are also guaranteed to be served first over some girl who just walked up to the bar

• What else can you tell the ladies to help make their night fabulous? Get Dressed to kill! In Chicago it’s all about how you look, so make sure you bring you’re A-Game! There will be a ton of pictures, so make sure you are comfortable in what you wear and you feel sexy. Who knows who you will run into?

Is your party planner reputable? Is the company you’re working with going to ensure things go well? These are valid questions and should be asked when you are choosing a company to plan your event.  The selection of an event planning company can make or break your event so we have put together some tips that will help you choose the right company(s)

• Check if the company is in good standing with the state. Visit the Secretary of State and do a corporate search. The company should be listed as active. Illinois can be found here: http://www.ilsos.gov/corporatellc/
• Is the phone number on the website or company brochure a business line? We know many people use their cell phones for business but every company should have a business line.
• Do they take credit cards as a form of payment? This is important. If a company does not take credit cards and prefers cash, or paypal;  it should raise a red flag. Reputable companies will offer their clients various payment methods and can afford to have a credit card processor and be able to pay the fees.
• Look at testimonials. How many are there? Have you looked at yelp? This is an important part of learning about a company. Not only does it tell the client/customers experience but it also can tell you if the company is actually planning parties and events.
• Ask for references. Any reputable company will have no problem providing you with references. Ensure that these people are  actually people who have planned an event and are friends with the party planner.
• Talk to their vendors. Have the party/event planning company supply you at least two, and maybe three companies (one being a hotel) and talk with the company. Ask things like “how long have you worked with XO company”

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Good companies and business owners will be happy to provide you with the information you need.

No Boys, no stress, no limits. Girlfriend getaways are becoming more popular with bachelorette parties and Chicago is just the place to have them. Why travel somewhere else when Chicago has everything you need and more? According to a recent article written by Frommer’s, Chicago is one of their top travel destinations for 2012. With everything from five star hotels, celebrity sightings at the hottest nightclubs, and pampering services that will leave you breathless. Chicago is the perfect place to bond with the girls.

Restaurants like The Kit Kat Club that features classic movies on the walls and female impersonators that strut their stuff (The Kit Kat Divas) are packing in groups of girls every weekend. With specialty martinis and the popular coconut crab cakes; they have become one of the most popular places for bachelorettes and girlfriends. Shopping on the famous “Mag Mile” is another Chicago favorite. From trendy little boutiques to high-end shops (my favorite) and world-famous department stores, Chicago shopping is a memory every girl charishes.

We asked our bachelorettes that planned girlfriend getaways with us what they would recommend and here are some of their favorites:

“Sax Hotel- Amazing! We had the best time in that penthouse suite, thanks VIP!” Julie

“We did the weekend package that included brunch at Zed 451. Although the whole weekend was great, Zed 451 was by far our favorite place. We needed those bloody marys and the food is mouthwatering” Tahlia

“I was happy with all the places but my favorite Chicago experience had to be the in room spa services at the Sax Hotel” Cindy

“The night clubs in Chicago are hot! The best part was not waiting in line and of course the beautiful people” Lilya

To see what else our clients are saying visit our testimonial page.

Boudoir Photography provided by Jessica Chapman. A well known Boudoir photographer in Illinois

Choosing an unique wedding gift can be difficult, especially if the bride is a sister or best friend. Bridesmaids always want to give a gift the Bride will always remember, and it seems boudoir photography is one of the newest and hottest gifts of the season! Most photographers include photo albums and prints which makes Boudoir Photography a great gift for a bride, and a perfect gift for the groom.

Jessica Chapman, a renowned Boudoir photographer in the Illinois area, and newest addition to the VIP Bachelorette team says:

Not only can the bride have fun being flirty, but there is also group boudoir where the bride a friends can “take the journey from self consciousness to self revelation together” states Chapman. It creates a unique bonding experience among girlfriends and gives the bride a chance to show her flirtacious, sensual side.

Q and A with VIP

What do most girls wear?

This usually depends an individual comfort level and photographer, but we recommend that girls bring something that makes them feel sexy. It is also a good idea to bring different outfits to mix and match, however some of the best items to bring are accessories, especially your engagement ring! Jessica of VIP, allows the option of bringing 3 lingerie choices to a shoot.

Who takes the photos?

Some photographers specialize in boudoir photography, and others have boudoir as part of their business. Either way the photography will be provided by a professional- the difference is that a boudoir photographer might have more props or sets that you can use. Jessica explains  “As a photographer who has ventured into the world of boudoir photography, my goal is to make the subjects as comfortable as possible, and to adhere to a style of boudoir that is sexy and fun, yet classy and respectable.”

Where are the photos taken?

Photos can be taken in studio, hotel or even at home. The decision is between the girls and photographer.

When can sessions be scheduled?

Many brides diet and do a workout regime to get ready for the big day. Taking boudoir photos about a week or two before the wedding would be a great way to show off that hard work. It would also be a great way to kick off wedding festivities.

Who can help choose the package that is right for my Bride?

The VIP Bachelorette staff can assist with any questions regarding the photography shoot, package, or pricing.

For bridesmaids, family members, and close friends who are uncertain about the wedding gift for the newlyweds, getting something from a list on some registry won’t cut it. These days, girls are giving gifts that will last a lifetime. Consider boudoir photography as an option. It is a fun and flirty gift that will always be valued and that will hold significance in a new bride’s life now, and in the future.

Bachelorette parties have grown in popularity over the last decades. Gone are the days of strippers and wild nights. Bachelorette parties can be mild, wild, unique, trendy or even a simple dinner. Bachelorette parties are about getting together, sharing past stories and creating new memories. Let’s face it, moms had a big role in the past so perhaps the bride to be would like her included or ….maybe not.

The decision to invite the mom(s) can make or break the event so play it safe and follow these tips:

• It’s the bride to be’s night out. It’s her celebration. Consider how she would feel either way
• If the bride to be and her mother are inseparable and extremely close, the bride may be hurt if you did not invite her.
• If the bachelorette party involves things that will make the mom uncomfortable, it is probably not a good idea.
• If you decide to invite the mother of the bride, you should also include the groom’s mother. Not inviting her could hurt some or all of the family not to mention cause drama.
• If the bride to be has mentioned she does not want her there. Enough said. Don’t do it.

The decision is definitely not easy however; following the above tips may help. If you’re stuck, compromise. Include the mom(s) in part of the festivities. If the bachelorette party is starting off at a restaurant for dinner, have the mom join for dinner. Not only will you make the mom happy but the bride to be will feel you really tried to make her night perfect! After dinner, ensure the mom(s) are taken back home safely and continue on with the bachelorette party.
In 2010 out of 642 bachelorette parties planned by VIP Bachelorette, 41 (that we know of) had mom(s) at the bachelorette party. Of those 41, 8 of those were actually planned by the mom. Our party hosts have even mentioned that they have seen the moms dancing on the bars! Hey, moms are fun too.

Follow these tips and give the bride to be a night to remember!

• Don’t sweat the small stuff! There are always going to be a few bumps in the night. Just remember there is a VIP party host provided for you! Let them worry and you have fun with the bride-to-be.
• What the bride doesn’t know won’t hurt her. Make the night as worry free for the bride as possible and keep things under the table. It will all work out and VIP is here to make sure it does.
• Stirring up drama usually does not help. There are usually conflicting personalities within parties. Remember that the night is not about anyone except your best friend who wants one last night to have fun. The time to start drama can wait for another day.

One last thought. Have fun! This will be a night to remember, might as well make it a positive one!

Follow these tips and tricks and we assure you will not only save a few bucks but you will get lots of credit from the bride to be!

Make the veil!- Why spend $15-$20.00 on a veil. Have the bridal party pitch in and make a veil. All you need is glue, needle and thread and of course a tiara or some funny items. Most of which you can but at the dollar store. You can attach whatever you like and it is more personable and fun!

VIP Bachelorette offers our clients free games and scavenger hunts that can be printed for free. Ask a representative from VIP for a bundle of free bachelorette games. We will email it offer and you simply print it out!

Don’t walk into a store for bachelorette gear and spend a ton of money! Remember, these items will be used that night only and will most likely be trashed half way through the evening. VIP Bachelorette offers many alternatives to spending hundreds of dollars on bachelorette supplies.Bachelorette Party Kits are a great way to get everyone something fun and memorable at an affordable price. For $10.00 a kit each girl will receive a boa, beads, flashy lights, A VIP Bachelorette button and glowstick jewlery. Best of all, when you get the kits, the brides kit is FREE

FREE Drinks! The Bride usually can get many FREE drinks when she is celebrating her final fling, but what about the other girls? Print out drinking games and dares that says the guy must but a drink for the bride and his friend must buy the girl of his choice a drink. Works every time! Another way is to play the one with the most drinks wins! Guys love when girls come up and ask for drinks, it is a great way to start conversations and meet some new people!