The Best Wedding Planners in Lake Forest, IL

The Best Wedding Planners in Lake Forest, IL

How do we sort results, including Sponsored Ads and personalized results?


226 Wedding Planners in Lake Forest, IL

GemHidden gem
Peony Event Planning 
Rating: 5.0 (43 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Offers 5 services
  • Starts at $2,750
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

Hi! I’m Amber, Owner and Lead Planner of Peony Event Planning. I built this company from the ground up, gaining hands-on experience through real weddings and collaborations with talented industry professionals. Each event has shaped me as both a planner and a business owner dedicated to creating seamless, meaningful experiences. While weddings are our specialty, we love being part of your story from beginning to end—engagements, showers, celebrations, and everything in between.

“From our first conversation, we knew Peony Event Planning was the right choice for us. Amber was incredibly responsive throughout the planning process, she answered every email, call, and text quickly and always knew exactly what we needed. On our wedding day, she coorindated everything flawlessly, keeping our bridal party, venue, vendors, and decor all running smoothly. The decorations turned out exactly as I had envisioned, which honestly felt like magic given how many moving pieces there were!! Amber's experience and genuine care for making our day special really showed in every detail. We couldn't have asked for a better partner to bring our wedding to life.”
Cassandra F., 4 months ago
Quick responder
Weddings by Jennifer Fox 
Rating: 5.0 (32 reviews)
  • Offers 6 services
  • Starts at $440
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

Congratulations —you’re getting married!! We want you to feel like your wedding is being handled by an old friend with a lot of experience! Marriage officiant, day of coordination and wedding planning for your wedding. What makes us unique?? We offer unique personalized ceremonies with our Officiating Services for your wedding- we will work together to ensure your ceremony is perfect for you and your partner! We also ensure your day is stress free and all about you! We come to you and travel anywhere! We love love!

Awarded Best of Zola
“We had Faith as the officiant for our wedding ceremony and she did a fantastic job! She wrote up multiple beautiful ceremonies for us to pick from and mix and match. Our ceremony was customized perfectly to us and I couldn't imagine having anyone else marry us.”
Lexi D., 2 years ago
Quick responder
Yes to I Do 
Rating: 5.0 (16 reviews)
  • Offers 2 services
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

I am a certified wedding planner with a passion for learning. It all started over 10 years ago when I worked as a birthday party host at a park district, eventually expanding to fundraising events, showers, and weddings. My passion for weddings and events grew, and I began helping friends and family with their weddings. Now, I run my own business! There is nothing I love more than seeing an idea come to life! When I'm not planning weddings, you'll find me cuddling with my baby, enjoying the show Friends under a cozy blanket, or sharing a meal with a glass (or two) of wine with my husband. I'd love to chat and learn more about you!

“Working alongside Yes to I Do was such an incredible experience! As the photographer for the day, I was so impressed with how organized, communicative, and genuinely kind their team was from start to finish. They kept everything running smoothly while creating such a relaxed, joyful atmosphere for everyone involved. It truly felt like we were all on the same page, working together to give the couple the best day ever. Can’t wait to work with this amazing team again! It was truly a dream collaboration!”
TheStillLifePhotography, a year ago
Quick responder
EventScape, Inc. Luxury Weddings & Rentals 
Rating: 5.0 (6 reviews)
  • Offers 3 services
  • Starts at $2,500
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

EventScape, Inc.®Luxury Weddings Division provides premier wedding planning services for your special day. As featured in an episode of WE TV’s Platinum Weddings, our team of creative professionals will make your once-in-a-lifetime event a true celebration of your personal style and provide you with a lifetime of memories. Our experts at EventScape, Inc's Rental Division can coordinate all of your rental needs including: tables, chairs, chargers, specialty linens, LED dance floors and bars, uplighting, custom gobos, lounge furniture, tenting, staging, generators and executive restrooms.

Awarded Best of Zola
“EventsScape ensured every detail is precisely snd flawlessly executed! Enjoy your moment … EventScape will get it done!”
Deneen, 3 years ago
GemHidden gem
B.l.Allen Wedding & Events 
Rating: 5.0 (5 reviews)
  • Offers 2 services
  • Starts at $1,500
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL
  • Offer

A passionate and detail-oriented wedding planner with years of experience in creating unforgettable weddings. Known for our impeccable organizational skills and creative vision, we specialize in curating personalized, stress-free events that reflect each couple’s unique style and love story. From intimate gatherings to extravagant celebrations, we expertly handle every aspect of the wedding planning process, from vendor coordination to day-of execution. With a dedication to providing exceptional service and ensuring every detail is flawlessly executed, we strive to make each couple’s dream wedding a reality.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Brooke was fantastic throughout the entire process of hiring her as our Day of Coordinator for our wedding. Ensuring our vendors were sticking to our agreed upon plans, supporting us in our budgetary constraints, and overall being an amazing presence at our wedding. Could not have done it without Brooke's help, and we are forever grateful to have had her with us on our special day.”
Lucien L., 3 years ago
RDC Collective LLC 
Rating: 5.0 (2 reviews)
  • Offers 6 services
  • Starts at $100
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

At RDC Collective LLC, we specialize in bringing your unique event vision to life in a way that is both fun and deeply creative. We understand that your special day is one of the most important milestones of your life, and we are dedicated to ensuring every detail matches your specific vibe. Whether you are just beginning to brainstorm your dream wedding or are already in the middle of the planning process and need a professional hand, we are here to help wherever you need us most.

“Valerie helped bring our vision to reality. She was very professional, responsive, and organized. From the planning stages to Day of coordination, she was attentive, proactive and made the whole process stress free. Not only did she take on our requests diligently, she provided touches of her own to make the day even more special. Would highly recommend RDC Collective LLC for all your event needs.”
Maru, a year ago
Belíssima Events 
Rating: 5.0 (1 review)
  • Offers 3 services
  • Starts at $2,495
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL
  • Offer

Belissima Events is a wedding and event planning studio dedicated to crafting timeless, elegant celebrations infused with heart. Based in Woodstock, IL, we specialize in blending rustic charm, modern sophistication, and refined details. From full-service planning to wedding day management, we offer personalized care, multilingual support, and seamless execution — so you can be fully present in every cherished moment.

“I am proud to share my experience with Bijou and her excellent work. She did an amazing job for us, and I highly recommend her to anyone looking to organize their event. From the decorations to the overall planning, everything was beautifully executed. Trust her to make your celebration unforgettable!”
Flory E., 2 years ago
Chicago Weddings And Events, LLC 
Rating: 5.0 (1 review)
  • Offers 7 services
  • Starts at $2,000
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

Now that you met your person of your dreams, let us help you plan the wedding of your dreams! If you can dream it, we can make it happen! We also specialize in great parties - girls nights, birthdays, anniversaries, showers and vow renewals.

“Julie was recommended to us by a friend who booked her for their wedding and had rave reviews. She lived up to the expectation and more - I'm honestly so sad the wedding is over and we don't get to work with her any more! We booked the higher package, and quite honestly Julie was there every step of the way and made our planning process and day so smooth.”
Ashley B., a year ago
GemHidden gem
Destify | Destination Wedding Specialists 
Rating: 4.9 (401 reviews)
  • Offers 2 services
  • Starts at $150
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

Destify simplifies destination weddings for couples and guests alike. We make planning feel exciting, not overwhelming, with curated resorts, transparent pricing, and a dedicated expert guiding you every step of the way. From understanding costs and timelines to handling logistics and guest travel, you’ll always know what to expect. With 24/7 support and a personal, thoughtful approach, we treat your wedding as more than a transaction, helping you create a seamless, joyful celebration and a meaningful start to your next chapter.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Working with Destify made planning our destination wedding feel effortless from start to finish. The team stayed in constant contact with us, especially during those final days leading up to the big event when we needed them most. They were quick to answer questions, genuinely helpful with every decision, and always did what they said they would do. Their last-minute check-ins showed they really cared about getting all the details right for our day. We felt supported and calm throughout the entire process, which honestly made planning fun instead of stressful. If you're thinking about a destination wedding, Destify is absolutely worth working with.”
Aleia L., 14 days ago
Quick responder
Heirloom Event Company 
Rating: 5.0 (185 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Offers 7 services
  • Starts at $1,800
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

At Heirloom Event Company, we lead with transparency, clear communication, and genuine care. Serving couples in Chicago, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, and Northwest Arkansas, we’re committed to helping you create a beautiful wedding without breaking your budget or sacrificing what matters most. We offer honest guidance, organized processes, and creative solutions that help you stay grounded, feel supported, and enjoy your planning journey with confidence and ease.

Awarded Best of Zola
“5 Stars! We at Coastal Event Lighting LOVES Heirloom Event Company!!!! Working with Haylie and Christiane at Heirloom Event Company was an absolute joy from start to finish! From the very first phone call, Haylie and her team were incredibly professional, responsive, and a true pleasure to work with. She made everything seamless — from asking thoughtful questions about our production services to coordinating every detail on the big day. Her team was accommodating, organized, and handled everything with grace and ease. I would happily work with her again anytime. Heirloom is truly one of the best I've had the pleasure of collaborating with. We HIGHLY recommend her to be your wedding planner — you’ll be in amazing hands!”
Coastal Event L., a year ago
Quick responder
Mostest 
Rating: 4.8 (162 reviews)
  • Offers 5 services
  • Starts at $195
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL
  • Offer

At Mostest, we believe every couple deserves a wedding that feels completely, authentically theirs. We use a modern approach with using our own AI event planning platform with our team of planning experts! With over 2,000 weddings planned & coordinated across New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and all across the US - we've seen it all, planned it all, and perfected the art of making your day run seamlessly. We specialize in luxury weddings, micro and intimate ceremonies, multicultural and cultural celebrations, and budget-forward planning — because beautiful weddings aren't one-size-fits-all, and neither are we.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Lindsay with Mostest was AMAZING! She helped us tremendously when the event planner for the Charleston Princess quit just a few weeks before my daughter’s wedding. There were many obstacles to navigate including not being able to board the vessel to set up and decorate until 2 hours before guests would begin boarding. Lindsay single handedly transported a car load of personalized details, decorations, party favors, bar items, extra linens, numerous picture frames and a huge Charleston Harbor nautical chart that served as the guest book. She had to take several trips from her car down a very long pier to get to the boat and set it all up in such a short time span. She managed it all beautifully! The timeline she created was amazing and we were actually a bit ahead of schedule prior to the ceremony. This gave us all some time to relax while sweet Lindsay was preparing for all of our guests to arrive. After the reception, Lindsay stayed on board and began packing up all of our special items carefully. We returned to the vessel after sending the bride and groom off, to find that she had managed to pack most of our items without our help. I can’t say enough about all that she did for us, especially with all of the hiccups and stresses we faced the last few weeks. She handled everything with such grace and poise! This MOB was quite stressed with the adversity we were facing that was out of our control and Lindsay smoothed everything out!! I can’t say enough about her!! If you are in the Charleston area and you’re looking for a wedding planner reach out to Mostest and don’t forget to request Lindsay! She feels like family to us!! Lindsay From the bottom of our hearts, we APPRECIATE YOU! Beth Dodds”
Beth D., 2 years ago
Quick responder
Marryment 
Rating: 5.0 (127 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Offers 3 services
  • Starts at $2,495
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

Welcome Chicago & Chicagoland Couples! We're so glad you're here! From Month-Of Coordination to All-Inclusive Planning and everything in between, Marryment has got you covered. We are on a mission to revolutionize the industry and keep the joy and celebration in wedding planning. With Marryment, you can plan your wedding day with CONFIDENCE knowing we are here for you every step of the way- literally! Our team consists of 6 exceptional planners with wedding experience and industry knowledge. All of our planners are fun, empathetic, friendly, supportive, flexible and keep the couple's best interest at the center of it all.

Awarded Best of Zola
“I can’t even imagine what a chaotic mess the day would have been without Claire by my side. She was ten steps ahead at every moment—everything was laid out and ready for me, she sent thoughtful checklist reminders throughout the week, captured amazing B-roll footage my photographer couldn’t get, and handled both setup and teardown flawlessly. Claire is so much more than a “day-of” planner—she truly goes above and beyond.”
Crystal S., 9 months ago
GemHidden gem
Destination Weddings Travel Group 
Rating: 4.3 (102 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Offers 4 services
  • Starts at $1
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

Destination Weddings is an award-winning company specializing in helping couples choose the perfect venue for their celebration in Mexico, the Caribbean and beyond, and then assisting with all of the group's travel arrangements. We also work with you and the onsite wedding coordinator at your resort to create the wedding package of your dreams, from the ceremony decor to the reception entertainment (and everything in between)! Upon creating a profile with us, you'll be paired with a Certified Destination Wedding Specialist who will be with you the whole way and ensure your vision comes to life.

“Destination Weddings Travel Group was an absolute pleasure to work with for our wedding. From the very beginning, they provided quick replies to all of our questions and requests, making the planning process seamless. Their high-quality service and exceptional value were evident throughout, as they took great care of us and our guests every step of the way. The attention to detail and personalized touches they brought to our special day truly made it an unforgettable experience. We couldn't recommend Destination Weddings Travel Group more highly to any couple planning their dream wedding.”
Amanda & D., 2 years ago
Quick responder
BW Studio + Events 
Rating: 5.0 (99 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Offers 5 services
  • Starts at $3,800
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

BW Studio+Events is a Chicago-based event coordination and planning group serving Chicagoland and surrounding suburbs. The Studio focuses on intimate weddings with unique flair and lots of personal touches. Blair founded BW Studio after hosting a number of non-profit events and finding herself completely immersed in the process. Once she realized her knack for event organization and planning, the studio was quickly born.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Blair and her team, Elly and Neva, were lifesavers for our wedding! We met her team during an open house for The Brix, the venue where we had our reception. We found out that my cousin was also working with her for his wedding and he had the most amazing things to say so we knew we were in good hands! Blair is easy to talk to and work with, professional, kind, understanding, and extremely organized! She helped us stick to our budget, coordinate with other vendors, and gave us so many recommendations and options for high quality vendors. Blair is extremely responsive! We loved how quickly she was responding to any questions we had and I also really appreciated the nudges on deadlines! We have extremely busy schedules and we travel often, so the frequent reminders and check-ins were crucial. We were grateful that there were scheduled talks intermittently throughout the planning process. It really helped us manage the timeline and logistics. If you’re a Type-A Bride, you will love the website they put together to help keep things organized (seating chart, vendors etc). On the big day, Blair and her team ensured everything ran smoothly, allowing us to enjoy ourselves. My husband and I highly recommend BW Studio for anyone looking to make their wedding stress-free and memorable!”
Rachael, 2 years ago
Quick responder
The Simply Elegant Group 
Rating: 5.0 (97 reviews)
  • Offers 7 services
  • Starts at $1,975
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

Lindsay has been in the events industry for years and has overseen hundreds of successful events. Her attention to detail and ability to handle any situation that arises with grace and ease allows her couples to relax and enjoy their wedding day. Lindsay not only plans weddings for our Simply Elegant couples but also trains our entire team of planners to ensure that every Simply Elegant wedding is flawless and our client's vision is fulfilled.

Awarded Best of Zola
“We truly had the most incredible experience with our planner, Kay. She stepped in two months out from our wedding and took over every piece of communication, coordinated everything behind the scenes, and ensured that everything was 100% ready before our wedding day. On our wedding weekend she was absolutely incredible. She was so thorough and efficient in coordinating each piece of our day. She was so patient and understanding and handled things head on as they happened. She made sure everything went perfectly to plan and our timelines were executed perfectly. She also is the sweetest human and is so easy to talk to, she makes everyone feel super comfortable. She not only coordinated our entire day but also took so many behind the scene photos for us on our wedding day which were so fun to look at the next day. She can truly do it all! We would absolutely recommend hiring Simply Elegant Group for your wedding planning!”
Breanna U., 2 years ago
Quick responder
grayterevents 
Rating: 5.0 (71 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Offers 4 services
  • Starts at $650
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

Working out of Lombard, IL, I am a type A planner from the very center of my heart. I love lists, schedules, budgets, and all things organized. Weddings are my passion because they involve so much coordinated detail in every phase of the day from start to finish. I love to see my client's vision for their special day come together with every check off the to do list. I have been coordinating weddings since early 2018, but have been networking in the industry for several years now. I love working with all of the gorgeous venues we have here in the suburbs of Chicago and can't wait to get started planning your dream wedding.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Wow... just wow. I am SO beyond grateful that I chose Grayter Events for my day-of wedding coordination. It was truly one of the best decisions I made for my wedding. Everything went so perfectly and seamlessly, and I didn't have to stress about a single thing the entire day because BreAnn had it all covered. She thought of absolutely everything. I think she opened at least 10 water bottles for me just to make sure I was actually drinking water! She was always one step ahead, making sure I had everything I needed before I even realized I needed it. Even at the rehearsal, I didn't have to do anything. BreAnn jumped right in, knew exactly what to do, and confidently took charge. She was organized, calm, and assertive in the best way possible. Watching her handle so many moving pieces without ever looking stressed was honestly incredible. Her calmness helped keep me calm too. Because of BreAnn, I was actually able to be fully present and enjoy every second of my wedding day instead of worrying about timelines, vendors, or what was happening next. She made my wedding day exactly what I had dreamed of, and I will forever be thankful for everything she did. If you're on the fence about hiring a wedding coordinator, DO IT—and hire Grayter Events. I truly cannot recommend BreAnn and her team enough. She is beyond organized, so kind, incredibly hardworking, and genuinely cares about making your day perfect. She is simply the best, and I can't imagine my wedding day without her.”
Annie P., 3 months ago
Quick responder
Bridget Mary Weddings & Events 
Rating: 5.0 (70 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Offers 2 services
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

Bridget Mary Weddings & Events is dedicated to making your wedding day or event as stress-free as possible! We offer planning services that fit your needs, including day-of coordination, full-time planning, and partial planning. Let's start dreaming about your wedding day together!

Awarded Best of Zola
“Bridget Mary Weddings & Events was the best addition to our wedding vendor team. Their communication style was efficient, clear, and helpful throughout the entire planning process. The quality of their work and value was exceptional - they ensured everything ran smoothly on our wedding day so my husband and I could focus on each other. We didn't have to worry about a thing thanks to Alicia's hard work and commitment to us having the best day ever. Thank you, Alicia Bridget!!!”
Vanessa, a year ago
Quick responder
The Event Chicago 
Rating: 5.0 (53 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Offers 5 services
  • Starts at $2,100
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

We’re passionate about creating seamless, meaningful wedding experiences that allow couples to truly enjoy every moment of their day. Through our business, we focus on thoughtful planning, clear communication, and detailed coordination to bring each couple’s vision to life. We love getting to know our clients, understanding what matters most to them, and turning those ideas into a celebration that feels personal and intentional. Seeing everything come together and watching couples be fully present with their family and friends is what makes wedding planning so rewarding to us.

“Chicagoland brides, if you’re currently searching for a wedding planner or on the fence, this review is for you! From one bride to another, hear me out — The Event Chicago is the one. Period. There’s no one better equipped to plan your wedding than Lety and her team. The level of experience and expertise, not to mention the warmth and kindness that they all bring, is next level. Seriously, watching them in action — they’re like the SEAL Team 6 of weddings! The best part? They make sure that the bride and groom’s needs are taken care of above all else. For the entire year leading up to the wedding, our biggest advocate and support system was Lety. She was always quick to respond, creating a constant and reliable channel of communication. Any confusion or ambiguity during the planning process was immediately addressed or resolved. She handled every question, issue, or idea right away, and without judgement! That is what drew me to this team in the first place. From the very first conversation that I had with Lety, I could tell that she cared about our day and us as a couple. She made it known immediately that she had our backs and she was going to do everything possible to make my ‘colorful’ and ‘vibrant’ vision a reality! On the actual day, we were able to make this happen and the space was exactly as I had imagined it! Our guests were gawking at the decor and raving about the small details that we had curated. Behind the scenes, this was weeks and weeks of constant back and forth conversations. Tweaking and updating and pivoting. Throughout it all, Lety’s dedication and commitment never wavered! At the end of the night, the people were lit and the vibes were so high that no one wanted to leave the dance floor! I had to physically usher people towards the exit. I think based on that, we can say that the night was a huge success! Big THANK YOU to Lety and team. Abe and I appreciate you all SO MUCH. Wouldn’t have been possible with you all!!!”
Jacqueline R., 6 months ago
Quick responder
Center of Attention 
Rating: 5.0 (52 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Offers 1 service
  • Starts at $600
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

With over 20 years of experience and a genuine love for planning and organization, I am a bilingual (English–Spanish) Day-of Coordinator who helps bring calm and structure to important events. By day, I work as a Medical Program Coordinator, and now I’m excited to be building my own coordination business—doing what I love most: managing details, supporting clients, and making sure everything comes together seamlessly.

“Center of Attention was a dream to work with for our wedding. Maggie, our planner, was punctual, direct and to the point in her communication style, which we greatly appreciated during the busy planning process. The attention to detail and composure she and her team brought to our special day was invaluable. They made sure our wedding venue and ceremony were perfect, just as we had envisioned. Maggie stayed true to the timeline and ensured all vendors were in place and ready to go. As this was our first and only wedding, Maggie took the time to get to know us and provided great input that kept us calm under pressure the whole time. We couldn't have asked for a better wedding planning experience.”
Ana S., 9 months ago
Quick responder
Afterglow Weddings and Events 
Rating: 5.0 (45 reviews)
  • Offers 3 services
  • Starts at $3,500
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

Hi there, I’m Olivia, the face behind Afterglow Weddings and Events! With over five years of experience in the wedding industry, including catering and venue sales, I've been part of more than 100 love stories. My journey in the Chicago wedding industry has included time as a venue coordinator, catering sales manager and event coordinator. My favorite part about working in the industry is working with couples to help their wedding dreams come to life. At Afterglow Weddings and Events, I'm dedicated to bringing your dreams to life and ensuring every detail reflects your unique love story.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Olivia & her team at Afterglow made our wedding day possible!!!! They ran the show from beginning to end in a way that was loving, flexible, and centered on US. We loved working with Olivia as our coordinator because she was always three steps ahead and had answers to alllll our questions. We appreciated her communication & frequent meetings and availability. Throughout the wedding day she made sure to check in with us, which we really appreciated because it made the whole day match our wants and vision. We recommend Afterglow Weddings so highly!!”
Daniella E., 2 months ago
Quick responder
Vinella Events 
Rating: 5.0 (42 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Offers 3 services
  • Starts at $2,750
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

Vinella Events has 20+ years in design, hospitality, and program management. We serve Chicago and beyond through personalizing unforgettable moments. Our goal is to create curated experiences with a timeless design that reflect the true essence of our clients.

Awarded Best of Zola
“We could NOT have done our wedding without Janella at Vinella Events. We were looking for a day-of coordinator because we thought it would help us enjoy our day and focus on celebrating with each other and our guests. We had that and more in working with Janella, and I am so thankful she made our wedding day as successful as it was. Janella came recommended to us by our venue, and we first met with her about 4 months before our wedding and went with her 6-week coordination package. We originally just wanted someone to help only for the day of the wedding, but this absolutely was a better deal because she came with us to our venue meetings, helped coordinate our timeline, asked insightful questions for things we never would have even thought of, went through our ceremony with me, and helped me feel SO much more prepared before the wedding through meetings and just being a resource. She helped us run an efficient rehearsal prior to the wedding and coordinated with me so that we would have all of the set-up and items how I wanted them for our wedding day. On the day of the wedding, she went above and beyond in her role. She set up all of our decor, helped facilitate transportation of items, executed the timeline and adapted when things went off time (and importantly, did all of this seamlessly so that myself and the guests didn’t notice), created back-up plans when there were issues with other vendors, coordinated set-up with other vendors, ran to get my lipstick from another room for photos, and too many other things behind the scenes that I didn’t even have to know about because I was able to trust her to tackle them. I had multiple compliments from family members and friends about how organized she was and how kind she was, and she made a 270-person wedding flow seamlessly. She ultimately gave us the ability to just ENJOY the day without having to answer questions or worry about things going on that day. I am so thankful for Janella and would hire her again in a heartbeat. Thank you for everything, Janella!”
Jordan B., a year ago
GemHidden gem
Day-Of & Co. 
Rating: 4.9 (41 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Offers 4 services
  • Starts at $2,999
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL
  • Offer

We are a Chicago-based wedding planning and coordination company serving couples throughout Chicago and the Chicagoland area. Our services include wedding coordination (day-of management) and partial planning, designed to support you at every stage of your wedding planning journey. We bridge the gap between full-service wedding planning and day-of coordination by offering custom packages that align with your vision and budget.

“First off, let’s start with the fact that Hagir is the kind of person that makes you feel seen. Within the first few mins of our consultation with her (and we had several before her), we knew she was the right person to help get us across the finish line with our planning. She asked the best questions, she was excited about us and for us, and was so warm! Honestly, we didn’t expect more than what the other coordinators said they do, but Hagir was genuinely invested in us, in our wedding day and in making sure our families and friends felt comfortable. We had several virtual calls with her over a 9-month period, she checked in on us by email and by text and overall wanted to make sure we were on track and feeling good. Her demeanor is calm and confident, always smiling, and if there was a fire burning in our venue, I never would have known. We are so grateful for all that Hagir and her team did before, during and even after the wedding day. She created this incredibly sweet photo album of photos and videos that happened throughout the day, capturing moments that I don’t even think the photographers got, and sent it to us the very next day! She also gave us great vendor recommendations and we could not be more happy to have had her help execute our beautiful wedding. Thank you SO much! Sara and Michael”
Sara T., 21 days ago
Quick responder
Anemone Events 
Rating: 5.0 (30 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Offers 3 services
  • Starts at $2,300
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

At Anemone Events, I have one simple goal: to ensure your day is as extraordinary as it can be! I strive to execute experiences and memories that will last you a lifetime. I care about you and aspire to bring your visions to life, delivering a day that will perfectly reflect YOUR unique story. My hope is to simplify the lead-up to your best moments, allowing you to sit back, relax and be present in every minute of your magical celebration while I handle the day's details, setup, communications, logistics and everything in between.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Sarah is amazing to work with. We had a large backyard, outdoor wedding .. the day ended up being the rainiest day in June but Sarah executed the day perfectly. From the very beginning, She was so easy to communicate with, very helpful and always thought of things that I would never even thought about. If you are looking for someone to ease your mind, I recommend hiring Sarah for your big day, you won't regret it! Thank You Sarah!!!”
Dylan M., 2 years ago
Quick responder
Sholeh Events 
Rating: 5.0 (29 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Offers 5 services
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

I have been a wedding planner for over 20 years. I am here to support your ideas and help you find ways to make your wedding day the experience you imagine. I also specialize in planning weddings in a very short amount of time. Its a wonderful challenge and you’ll receive no judgement from me about your timelines! There are no geographic limitations. I’m comfortable working remotely for the planning process and have traveled extensively domestically and abroad. I have supported people from all backgrounds in their journey towards a lifetime of love together. I network extensively with other vendors & have a passion for collaboration.

Awarded Best of Zola
“If there is one decision you must make for your wedding, you must hire Sholeh as your wedding planner or coordinator. Sholeh is everything that every good planner should be. She is organized, thoughtful, flexible, down-to-earth, detail oriented, solution oriented, and extremely kind. She was recommended to us by our wedding venue and to say we were not disappointed would be the understatement of the century. Initially, we hired Sholeh for half-day coordination services, and planned to have the in-house reception planner handle the remainder of the day. But when the venue coordinator fell through, we immediately called Sholeh in a panic and she said, "Don't worry, consider me your full-day coordinator now." She hardly even charged us a substantial upcharge for planning the entire day. On the day of the wedding, she truly felt like family. She arrived on-time, with her wagon full of supplies, ready and eager to help. She made sure everyone was fed, went out of her way to spend quality time with the mother of the bride and bride's sister, and executed every detail to perfection. She even sewed one of the groom's cousins back into her dress at the reception. Sholeh is a dream come true. We could truly write pages about how wonderful she truly is. Believe us when we say that you must must must hire Sholeh!”
Glynis G., 2 years ago
Quick responder
Handled by Hamlin Events 
Rating: 5.0 (29 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Offers 3 services
  • Starts at $275
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

Hi, my name is Michelle. I am an educator with a love for weddings and events. If I can handle a classroom of 24 second graders imaging what I can do for you on your wedding day. Handled by Hamlin Events is for a couple who is fun, energetic, carefree, and wants to live their best "married" life.

Awarded Best of Zola
“As a SECOND time Bride, whom didn't use a planner the first time. HIRE MICHELLE. You won't regret it one bit. As a "seasoned" wedding professional, I didn't use a planner the first time and I regret it. WOW WOW WOW What a difference it makes to have someone advocating for you! There was no need to chat with any vendors and answer questions about anything because I had Michelle. I can't stress enough how much this made my day STRESS-FREE. She's a total professional boss babe, friendly, and fierce. Thank you again Michelle for making our day AMAAAAAAAZING.”
Giselle V., 2 years ago
Quick responder
Baroj Events 
Rating: 5.0 (29 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Offers 3 services
  • Starts at $3,400
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

Life is the memories we build together! This is our philosophy when planning your events. A great event is one that brings a smile to your face years later when looking at the photos. We believe a memorable experience can only happen when all the details are cared for. It’s all in the details…

Awarded Best of Zola
“Working with Rojin from Baroj Events was truly one of the best decisions we made for our wedding. From the very beginning, she brought a level of professionalism and calm that immediately put us at ease. Rojin has an incredible eye for detail—every element of our day felt intentional, cohesive, and beautifully executed. The timeline and overall flow of the event were seamless. What really sets her apart is how effortlessly she manages everything behind the scenes. On the day of the wedding, we were able to be fully present and enjoy every moment because we knew we were in expert hands. She handled any challenge quietly and efficiently, and everything ran flawlessly. Beyond her expertise, Rojin is simply wonderful to work with—kind, responsive, and genuinely invested in making your day special. If you’re looking for a planner who will go above and beyond and deliver an unforgettable experience, I can’t recommend her highly enough.”
Amanda, 6 months ago
TrendlineTrending
J's Elevated Dreams 
Rating: 5.0 (29 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Offers 5 services
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

Born and raised in the vibrant city of Chicago, I come from a big, lively, and wonderfully loud Middle Eastern family, my heart has always been set on bringing people together and celebrating love in all its forms. What better way to do that than planning fabulous + unforgettable weddings, birthdays, showers, + more! My friends often turn to me for organizing their events, our travel adventures, & booking our excursions, which sparked the idea: why not make this my career? With over 5 years of professional event planning experience under my belt, I’ve absolutely fallen in love with crafting every little detail to ensure your day is perfect!

Awarded Best of Zola
“J's Elevated Dreams was an absolute pleasure to work with for our wedding. From the very first interaction, the communication was timely, and we immediately hit it off, putting us at ease throughout the entire planning process. Jennifer is incredibly smart, hard working, and she was able to solve any problems before we even knew they existed. She paid close attention to all the small details and provided us with the most wonderful checklist. Also, her organization of our documents, contracts, and timelines, allowed us to fully enjoy our wedding day. We were able to put our complete trust in her decisions, and she seamlessly drove the wedding day we had crafted together. I would highly recommend J's Elevated Dreams to anyone planning an event or wedding - she truly helped create the wedding of our dreams. We feel so lucky to have worked with Jennifer and her team!”
Emilee, 2 years ago
Quick responder
AV Events Agency 
Rating: 4.9 (28 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Offers 6 services
  • Starts at $1,500
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

Full-Service Wedding Planning: We manage every detail to create a stress-free and spectacular experience from the first consultation to the final farewell. Wedding Coordination: Let us handle all the logistics on your big day, ensuring everything runs smoothly and on time. Luxury Wedding Design: Whether you envision a grand affair or an intimate gathering, our team will design a stunning event tailored to your style, featuring elegant decor, floral arrangements, and more. Wedding Under One Roof: We offer all-inclusive packages, covering everything from venues and vendors to catering and entertainment. Wedding Minister Services

“I am absolutely impressed as a bride! Our wedding planner knew every detail—and even more. Everything was organized at the highest level, and I didn’t have to worry about a thing. Instead, I was able to fully enjoy my special day, surrounded by love, beauty, and joy. Honestly, our wedding planner turned all my dreams into reality! Every little touch, from the decor to the timing of the event, was flawless. It felt like a true fairy tale, perfectly crafted just for us. My sincere advice: go for the full wedding planning package, and you’ll be able to truly relax on your big day without a single worry. Trust the professionals, and you’ll get a wedding beyond your expectations. I wholeheartedly recommend this agency to bring your vision to life!”
Anna, 2 years ago
Quick responder
HEI Events 
Rating: 5.0 (28 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Offers 3 services
  • Starts at $2,950
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

We know wedding planning can be overwhelming—and for many couples, it can start to feel like something to just get through. Our goal is to change that. We’re here to make the entire process not only seamless, but genuinely enjoyable. You only get to do this once—let’s make it unforgettable and fun from start to finish together! With years of experience in wedding planning, we’re passionate about turning your unique vision into a beautifully executed celebration. From the early planning stages to the final moments of your big day, we handle the details so you can focus on enjoying the experience.

Awarded Best of Zola
“We cannot recommend this team enough! We worked with Amanda and Sarah during the planning process, and Sarah and Joanne were our day-of coordinators. Every single person we interacted with was wonderful, but Sarah truly went above and beyond. Sarah was our main point of contact throughout the planning process, and she was incredibly thorough, organized, patient, understanding, and helpful every step of the way. She answered every question we had, thought through every detail, and always made us feel confident that everything was under control. As the wedding day approached, there were the inevitable last-minute changes and all the chaos that comes with the day before a wedding, but Sarah handled everything so seamlessly that I never felt stressed. She took so much off my plate and allowed me to actually enjoy the excitement leading up to our wedding. More than just an amazing coordinator, Sarah felt like a true friend throughout the entire process. She genuinely cared about us, celebrated alongside us, and made us feel supported every step of the way. She is not only exceptional at what she does, but she is also an incredible human being. I truly can't say enough good things about her, and we feel so lucky to have had her by our side. On the wedding day, Sarah and Joanne were absolutely incredible. They kept everything running smoothly, stayed on top of the timeline, coordinated with all of our vendors, and made the entire day feel completely seamless. Their calm, reassuring presence meant we never had to worry about what was happening next—we could simply be present and enjoy every moment. What impressed us most was how effortlessly they handled all of the unexpected little mishaps that inevitably happen on a wedding day. From a broken bustle to dress issues and other small hiccups behind the scenes, they were always one step ahead. Every time something came up, they jumped in immediately, found a solution, and made it seem like it was never a problem in the first place. We barely even had a chance to worry because they had already taken care of it. That level of professionalism, quick thinking, and attention to detail is truly priceless on such an important day. Having Amanda, Sarah, and Joanne in our corner made all the difference. Their kindness, organization, expertise, and genuine care allowed us to fully relax and enjoy our wedding day, knowing everything was in the best hands. Our wedding day was everything we dreamed it would be, and so much of that is thanks to them. We are endlessly grateful for everything they did and wholeheartedly recommend them to any couple looking for coordinators who will make the entire experience—from planning through the last dance—feel effortless.”
Sarah, 3 months ago
Quick responder
Sonora House Events 
Rating: 5.0 (26 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Offers 6 services
  • Starts at $1,000
  • Serves Lake Forest, IL

Sonora House Events is a wedding planning, coordination, and floral design studio based between Scottsdale, Arizona and Colorado. Led by Chuck and Abe Hutson, we combine nearly two decades of event and floral design experience with thoughtful planning, logistics, and personalized client service. We offer full-service planning, partial planning, wedding coordination, and floral design throughout Arizona, Colorado, and for destination celebrations.

“Hutson Planning Design made our wedding absolutely unforgettable! From day one, they were creative, professional, and so fun to work with — they made the whole process enjoyable. Their communication was flawless; always responsive, organized, and reassuring. They transformed our venue with stunning details that left guests speechless, and when a last-minute hiccup arose, they handled it seamlessly behind the scenes. If you’re looking for talented designers who truly care, look no further. Highest recommendation!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​”
Rachel S., 6 months ago