You’ve chosen the place where everyone will gather. Now it’s time to think about the people and details that will make the celebration feel like yours.
The flowers on the tables. The photographs you’ll keep. The music that gets your friends out of their chairs. Even the hotel where your family catches up after the reception.
At Abbington Distinctive Banquets in Glen Ellyn, our preferred vendor directory gives you a starting point for those decisions. It brings together wedding professionals, accommodations, ceremony venues and photo locations across Chicago and the suburbs.
Here’s a closer look at who’s on the list—and how each part can fit into your plans.
Flowers That Bring Your Style Into the Room
Shamrock Garden is the florist listed in Abbington’s preferred vendor directory.
Your flowers can connect the different parts of the day, from bouquets and personal flowers to the arrangements guests see when they enter the reception. Before a consultation, gather a few examples of colors, shapes and overall styles you like.
Think about the room as well as the individual centerpiece. Would you like guests to see one another easily across the table? Are you drawn to one consistent arrangement or a mix of heights and designs?
Bring your guest count and a preliminary table plan into the discussion. And before ordering anything separately, review your Abbington wedding package with our team so you understand the included floral arrangements and the options for personalizing them.
A Cake That Belongs in Your Celebration
The Baking Institute is our listed bakery resource.
Cake planning is a chance to connect taste and design. You might have a clear picture in mind, or you might know only that you want something simple, elegant and enjoyable to eat.
Start with those preferences. Then discuss servings, flavors, the design and how the cake will be presented.
As with flowers, check your package before making separate arrangements. Ask which choices are included and which would involve an additional charge. A few clear questions early on help everyone work toward the same result.
Music for Every Part of the Evening
The music section of our directory includes:
When exploring these options, think beyond your first-dance song. What should cocktail hour feel like? How much energy do you want during introductions? Do you want a lively emcee or someone who keeps announcements brief?
For example, Spin Chicago describes its approach as handling the formal announcements while limiting microphone use once dancing begins. That kind of detail can help you put your own preferences into words.
Discuss the music you love, the songs you’d rather skip and the traditions you want included. Ask who would perform at your event and what preparation they need from you.
Your entertainment team should also receive the final wedding reception timeline so introductions, speeches, dinner and dancing work together.
Photography You’ll Want to Revisit
Abbington’s photography listings include:
- Jason Adrian Photo
- Essence Weddings
- Zachera Photo
- Jaime Campanelli Photography
- TWA Photographic Artists
Start by spending time with the photographs. Look for the moments and the overall feeling you want to remember.
Then ask to see complete wedding galleries. A full gallery gives you more to consider than a handful of favorite portraits: getting ready, family photographs, ceremony moments, dinner, speeches and a busy dance floor.
Talk about how you like to be photographed, too. Some couples enjoy direction; others feel most comfortable when moments unfold naturally. Explain your preferences and ask how the photographer approaches both portraits and candid coverage.
Before booking, confirm the hours of coverage, who will photograph the event, what you’ll receive afterward and the expected delivery process.
Décor That Makes the Celebration Yours
Our décor listings are:
A useful starting point is deciding what you want guests to notice when they enter the room.
Perhaps it’s a particular color, a focal point behind your table or a consistent look across the reception. Bring those ideas to a consultation, along with photographs of the space and a list of what’s already included in your venue package.
Ask which rental or design options are available, how they fit the floor plan and who handles delivery, installation and collection. Coordinate those arrangements with the venue before finalizing them.
A thoughtful design should give your celebration personality while keeping the room comfortable to move through.
A Distinctive Finishing Touch
Nadeau’s Ice Sculptures appears in the directory’s ice sculpture category.
If an ice sculpture is part of your vision, discuss the design and display location early. Ask the provider and venue to coordinate the base, placement, delivery timing and arrangements for the display throughout the event.
It’s the kind of detail that benefits from a plan before guests arrive.
Ceremony Locations to Explore
For couples planning a ceremony away from the reception venue, our directory lists:
Contact the ceremony location directly about availability, capacity, scheduling and any requirements for holding your ceremony there.
Then look at how the ceremony and reception fit together. Allow time for family photographs, gathering belongings and traveling between locations. Give guests clear directions for both stops.
When comparing options, consider the experience of the entire day—not just the ceremony start time.
Places to Discuss With Your Photographer
The directory also includes three parks and photo locations:
Share any location you’re considering with your photographer before adding it to the schedule. Ask how it would fit your travel route and the time available for portraits.
Check current photography permissions, reservations, fees and access requirements directly with the location. Agree on a weather alternative as well.
An extra photo stop should give you pictures you love without leaving you rushed on the way to your reception.
Hotels for Your Out-of-Town Guests
Our hotel listings include:
If guests will be staying overnight, begin by estimating how many rooms your group may need and on which nights.
Ask each hotel about current group arrangements, booking deadlines and the terms attached to a room block. Confirm transportation separately; don’t assume a shuttle is included.
Once you’ve made the arrangements, give guests one clear place to find the booking details, reception address and any transportation schedule. That small bit of organization can make the weekend easier for everyone.
Turn the List Into Your Own Team
You don’t need to contact everyone at once.
Start with the services you still need and the parts of the celebration that matter most to you. When you reach out, share:
- Your wedding date and reception venue.
- The service or experience you’re looking for.
- Your estimated guest count, where relevant.
- Your style preferences and budget range.
- Any important timing or logistical needs.
Ask for the details in writing before booking, including the services, payment schedule and responsibilities on the day.
Use our preferred vendor directory for the current listings and contact information. Availability and offerings should be confirmed directly with each provider.
Ready to bring the pieces together? Contact the Abbington team to talk through your wedding plans and the vendors you’re considering. We’d love to help you take the next step toward a celebration that feels like you.
