Planning your 2026 wedding in Chicago? Choosing the right wedding planner could be the most important decision you make. The right planner brings your vision to life, keeps things stress-free, and ensures no detail is missed — all while helping you actually enjoy your engagement season.
As wedding filmmakers, we’ve worked with dozens of talented planners across the city, from intimate micro-weddings to luxurious ballroom galas. Here’s a curated list of the most trusted, stylish, and professional Chicago wedding planners to help you design a wedding that feels effortlessly you.
Why Hire a Wedding Planner in Chicago?
If you’re still on the fence, here’s the reality: Chicago weddings are complex. With multiple venues, strict timelines, unpredictable weather, and diverse vendor teams — trying to DIY your wedding day logistics is rarely worth the anxiety.
Here’s what top planners offer:
- 📅 Timeline & Vendor Coordination
- 🎨 Design, Styling & Décor Expertise
- 🧘♀️ Stress Management & Problem Solving
- 💬 Clear Communication with Vendors
- 🗺️ Venue Familiarity & Local Expertise
Even if you’re organized, a professional planner has the vendor relationships, logistical finesse, and calm demeanor you want on your team — especially in a high-energy city like Chicago.
Best Chicago Wedding Planners for 2026
These planners are local favorites — and for good reason. We’ve filmed weddings with many of them, and their work elevates the entire experience.
1. LOLA Event Productions
Website: lolaeventproductions.com
Vibe: Creative, fashion-forward, luxury without being fussy
LOLA is known for crafting weddings that are unapologetically personal. Their team blends edgy design with classic structure, ideal for couples who want a wedding that doesn’t look like anyone else’s. Every time we work with LOLA, we’re inspired by how detail-rich and emotionally layered the day becomes.
2. Big City Bride
Website: bigcitybride.com
Vibe: Polished, professional, high-touch
One of Chicago’s most established planning teams, Big City Bride is loved for their exceptional service and their ability to gracefully manage both large and small weddings. When they’re on the team, you can feel how much smoother the day flows. A joy to work with.
3. Wrap It Up Parties
Website: wrapitupparties.com
Vibe: Fun, bold, unforgettable events
If you’re dreaming of something a little outside the box — this team thrives in creating playful, stylish, and high-impact events. Their creativity shows in everything from the seating charts to the ceiling installations. Weddings with Wrap It Up always feel like a celebration in every sense of the word.
4. Honey + Lavender Events
Website: honeyandlavenderevents.com
Vibe: Romantic, approachable, detail-oriented
Perfect for couples who want a soft, intentional, and beautiful wedding day. This team creates events that feel cozy and elevated — never overdone. Their vendor communication is some of the best we’ve seen, which makes everything easier for photographers, filmmakers, and florists alike.
5. Michelle Durpetti Events
Website: durpettievents.com
Vibe: Luxury, Italian-style, hospitality-first
With roots in Chicago’s legendary Gene & Georgetti restaurant family, Michelle’s events are known for elegant experiences, incredible food, and impeccable service. Her team delivers excellence across every detail, from the napkin fold to the fireworks. A great fit for high-end weddings and refined tastes.
Tips for Choosing the Right Planner
Here are a few questions to ask in your discovery calls:
- “What size weddings do you usually plan?”
- “Do you specialize in full planning, partial planning, or day-of coordination?”
- “What vendors do you typically work with?”
- “Can I see galleries or videos of weddings you’ve planned?”
- “How do you support your couples emotionally during the planning process?”
Personality fit is just as important as planning expertise. You’ll be spending a lot of time together — make sure it’s someone you trust.
Final Thoughts: You Deserve a Wedding That Reflects You
Planning a wedding is about more than logistics — it’s about telling your story. A great planner helps shape the tone and feel of your wedding day, creating a canvas where every moment feels true to your relationship.
We’ve worked with dozens of incredible couples over the years, and the ones who invest in a trusted planner consistently tell us the same thing after the wedding:
“We couldn’t have done this without them.”
And we agree.
🎥 Bonus Tip from EverAfter Wed Films:
If you’re already thinking about your film, let your planner know! We love working together early in the process to coordinate lighting, design elements, and even timeline adjustments that help us create a better film for you.