ELEGANT YET RUSTIC. Voted the Valley's Best Wedding Venue, Lilydale Dance Hall & Event Venue in Chippewa Falls offers a variety of ceremony and reception options. (Photo by Andrea Paulseth)

So you’re ready to start planning your wedding. Where do you start? Well, roll out the red carpet and cue the music for the winners of our Best of Weddings & Occasions poll, part of our 2024 Best of the Chippewa Valley Reader Poll. While you wait for the results of the entire poll (which will be published in our Feb. 8 issue), here’s a peek at what our readers love the most (besides their fiancés!) when walking down the aisle.

BEST WEDDING BAND

1st Place: Uncommon Denominator
2nd Place: Bear Creek Band
3rd Place: The Big Deeks

Sure, you could “cha-cha slide” into your wedding venue, but why not rock out with these local wedding bands open for hire? Uncommon Denominator has snagged the first-place spot for Best Wedding Band again, with a full repertoire of all the classic funk, rock, and pop hits that’ll get your wedding party movin’ and shakin’. In second place is Bear Creek Band, which also performs a wide spectrum of cover tunes as well as full lighting and sound production. The Big Deeks came in third place; they’ll get the party going with their covers of your favorite rock and pop songs. –Sawyer Hoff

BEST HAIR STYLIST FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY

1st Place: Caitlyn Goldsmith Hair
2nd Place: SAXY Salon
3rd Place: Saylon Seven

Looking your best on your big day starts at the top, and that means finding a hair stylist who can make you look like a star. Moving into the top slot this year among Best Of voters is Caitlyn Goldsmith Hair (Caitlyn owns Ivy & Sage Hair Co., 2524 Golf Road, Suite A, Eau Claire), who specializes in bridal hair, extensions, and coloring. The pros at Saxy Salon (329 Water St., Eau Claire) are no stranger to the Best Of list or to beautifying bridal parties. Saylon Seven (314 N. Barstow St., Eau Claire) specializes in glamorizing all kinds of hair. –Tom Giffey

BEST HOTEL FOR WEDDINGS

1st Place: The Lismore Hotel
2nd Place: The Oxbow Hotel
3rd Place: Staybridge Suites, Altoona

Finding a good place to stay while you’re in town (for a wedding or otherwise) is important. Smack-dab in the middle of downtown Eau Claire is first-place winner, The Lismore Hotel (333 Gibson St.). With The Informalist, The Dive, and ECDC within the same building, what could be better? Make sure to check out some records and listen to them on the record players found in every room at The Oxbow Hotel (516 Galloway St., Eau Claire), which won second place. Rounding out the top three is Staybridge Suites (1515 Bluestem Blvd., Altoona), located just minutes from the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport and within walking distance of River Prairie Park. –Sawyer Hoff

BEST LOCATION FOR WEDDING AND ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS

1st Place: Dixon’s Apple Orchard
2nd Place: Beaver Creek Reserve
3rd Place: Irvine Park

Whether you’re getting snaps to announce your upcoming nuptials, or you’re in the midst of celebrating your new union, good engagement and wedding photos are an absolute must. For the third straight year, readers say Dixon’s Apple Orchard (22404 20th Ave., Cadott), a beautiful venue in the Chippewa County countryside, is the No. 1 place to capture those memories forever. Next up is Beaver Creek Reserve (S1 County Hwy. K, Fall Creek), where the natural scenery will provide a lovely backdrop whatever the season. With woods, water, and an iconic bandshell, Irvine Park (125 Bridgewater Ave., Chippewa Falls) is also a favorite. -Tom Giffey

Muldoon's Formal Wear. (Photo by Andrea Paulseth)

BEST MEN’S FORMAL WEAR

1st Place: Muldoon’s Men’s Wear
2nd Place: Charlotte’s Bridal & Formal Wear
3rd Place: Men’s Wearhouse

Guys need their moment to shine on the wedding day, too, whether they’re wearing a traditional tux, a finely tailored suit, or something else. Since 1950, Muldoon’s Men’s Wear (1506 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire) has been helping Chippewa Valley gents look sharp. Charlotte’s Bridal & Formal Wear (2120 Highland Ave., Eau Claire), may be a relative newcomer to the Valley, but they’ve been helping men find the right fit in La Crosse for two decades. And Men’s Wearhouse (4619 Keystone Crossing, Eau Claire) sells and rents a wide selection of brand-name menswear. –Tom Giffey

BEST WEDDING VENUE

1st Place: Lilydale Dance Hall & Event Venue
2nd Place: Lake Wissota Golf & Events
3rd Place: The Florian Gardens

Jumping from third place last year into the No. 1 spot, Lilydale Dance Hall & Event Venue (6343 County Highway N, Chippewa Falls) is a stunning, versatile wedding and event venue that offers an enchanting country feel with all the modern touches. Lake Wissota Golf & Events (16108 97th Ave., Chippewa Falls), a first-time category placer, coming in as runner-up thanks to its gorgeous lakeside and all-season venue options. The Florian Gardens (2340 Lorch Ave., Eau Claire) joins the top three for the second year in a row; the well-known event center has served the area since 2006. –McKenna Scherer

Beez Neez Cheesecake & Sweets. (Photo by Andrea Paulseth)

BEST PLACE TO GET A  WEDDING CAKE

1st Place: Beez Neez Cheesecake & Sweets
2nd Place: Bloomer Bakery
3rd Place: Dessert First

Whether you’re delicately feeding it to your new spouse for an oh-so-cute photo or scarfing down an extra piece as a guest, a cake is a vital culinary component of an enjoyable wedding. The buzz among our readers is that Beez Neez Cheesecake & Sweets (Eleva) is the best, offering cheesecakes, cupcakes, bride and groom cakes, and more. Second-place Bloomer Bakery (1415 Main St., Bloomer) is an award-winning small town bakery, while No. 3 Dessert First (2425 Seymour Road, Eau Claire) offers creative cupcakes that will make you want to say “I do!” over and over. –Tom Giffey

BEST PLACE TO GET RINGS

1st Place: Lasker Jewelers
2nd Place: Williams Diamond Center
3rd Place: Eric’s Diamonds & Fine Jewelry

For the third year in a row, Lasker Jewelers (3705 Oakwood Mall Drive, Eau Claire) is locals’ No. 1 go-to for rings. You know what they say: Ask her, then see Lasker! A staple in the Chippewa Valley jewelry business, Williams Diamond Center (2823 London Road, Eau Claire) is runner-up for the second consecutive year. Rounding out the top three is Eric’s Diamonds & Fine Jewelry (111 N. Bridge St., Chippewa Falls), a longtime favorite for shoppers in downtown Chippewa Falls and beyond. –McKenna Scherer

BEST PLACE TO GET WEDDING GIFTS

1st Place: Forever Flowers by Abbie
2nd Place: Wisconsin Makers Market
3rd Place: The Local Store
& Volume One Gallery

Reigning first-placer for the third consecutive year, Forever Flowers by Abbie creates custom pieces to preserve a piece – or petal! – of your special day, forever. New to this category’s top three and coming in at the No. 2 spot is downtown Eau Claire’s Wisconsin Makers Market (106 E. Grand Ave.), a shop featuring more than 100 Wisconsin artisans’ handmade products. The Local Store & Volume One Gallery (205 N. Dewey St., Eau Claire)  which made the top three for the third year, is a go-to for just about every category of gift you can think of, from food and drinks to local art, jewelry, and more.  –McKenna Scherer

Off the Rack Bridal World Consignment Boutique. (Photo by Andrea Paulseth)

BEST PLACE TO GET A BRIDESMAID DRESS

1st Place: Off the Rack Bridal World Consignment Boutique
2nd Place: Charlotte’s Bridal & Formal Wear
3rd Place: David’s Bridal

Always a bridesmaid and never a bride? While we can’t help with that situation, we can help direct you to the places our readers say help bridesmaids look their best. For the second year in a row, Off the Rack Bridal World Consignment Boutique (123 N. Bridge St., Chippewa Falls) was rated No. 1, beckoning bridesmaids (and brides) to their new location in the former Foreign 5 in downtown Chippewa Falls. Charlotte’s Bridal & Formal Wear (2120 Highland Ave., Eau Claire) will ensure your bridesmaids are colorfully and comfortably clad, while David’s Bridal (4840 Keystone Crossing, Eau Claire) offers its expertise as the biggest bridal chain in the nation. –Tom Giffey

BEST PLACE TO GET A WEDDING DRESS

1st Place: Charlotte’s Bridal & Formal Wear
2nd Place: Off the Rack Bridal Consignment Boutique
3rd Place: David’s Bridal

You’ve said “yes” to your fiance, but now you’ve got to say “yes” to a dress. For the first time, Charlotte’s Bridal & Formal Wear (2120 Highland Ave., Eau Claire) has risen to the top in our poll; whatever your personal style, they’re sure to have something that fits (literally and figuratively). Off the Rack Bridal World Consignment Boutique (123 N. Bridge St., Chippewa Falls) may have moved in the past year, but their commitment to bridal beauty is unchanged. Rounding out the top three is David’s Bridal (4840 Keystone Crossing, Eau Claire), with its extensive collection of gowns and expert stylists. –Tom Giffey

BEST PLACE TO GET YOUR WEDDING MAKEUP DONE

1st Place: Makeup by Maddie
2nd Place: Meg Ann Lee
3rd Place: Stripped Wax and Beauty

Voted as the No. 1 local option for the third year in a row, Makeup by Madie is a luxury freelance makeup artist based in Eau Claire, though we’ll soon be waving goodbye as she moves to California in the spring. New to the top three is runner-up Meg Ann Lee, a local hair stylist and makeup artist known for her incredible beautifying skills. Stripped Wax and Beauty (4740 Keystone Crossing, Suite B, Eau Claire) specializes in body waxing, lash lifts and tints, brows, which earned them their first-time placing in this category! –McKenna Scherer

BEST REHEARSAL DINNER VENUE

1st Place: Hickory Hills Golf Course
2nd Place: Houligans Steak & Seafood Pub
3rd Place: Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse

Crowned as the No.1 venue for a rehearsal dinner for the first time, Hickory Hills Golf Course (E4080 Hickory Road, Eau Claire) clearly isn’t just known for its gorgeous course, but also for its excellent indoor venue options and variety of amenities. Houligans Steak & Seafood Pub (415 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire) is a longtime local staple for a reason: From friendly customer service and a classy vibe to its mouthwatering menu, you can’t go wrong. Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse (4751 Owen Ayres Court, Eau Claire), making its top three debut at No. 3, has a luxurious atmosphere and top-notch menu. –McKenna Scherer

BEST RUSTIC WEDDING VENUE

1st Place: Dixon’s Apple Orchard
2nd Place: The Barn on Stoney Hill
3rd Place: The Barn at Mirror Lake

The reigning champ among rustic wedding venues, Dixon’s Apple Orchard (19947 County Highway J, Chippewa Falls), settles into its second year at No. 1. It’s a charming venue with incredible amenities set among rolling hills. Runner-up for a second consecutive year, The Barn on Stoney Hill (27192 170th Ave., Cornell) is a grand Wisconsin classic featuring a stunning red barn and sprawling property. The Barn at Mirror Lake (656 N. Eau Claire St., Mondovi) rounds out the top three with an elegant, vintage style that’s also perfect for winter wonderland weddings. –McKenna Scherer

BEST VENUE FOR A WEDDING RECEPTION

1st Place: Dixon’s Apple Orchard
2nd Place: Hickory Hills Golf Course
3rd Place: Fest Valley Events

Crowned the No. 1 wedding reception venue for the second year in a row, Dixon’s Apple Orchard (19947 County Highway J, Chippewa Falls) is a go-to for a number of activities, including its ability to create everlasting wedding-focused memories. Hickory Hills Golf Course (E4080 Hickory Road, Eau Claire) reached the runner-up spot for the first time; the 100-acre property is fit for any kind of wedding reception. Fest Valley Events (24447 County Highway S, Cadott) is known as the longtime home of Country Fest and Rock Fest, but it also crafts vibrant, personalized wedding experiences.  –McKenna Scherer

BEST WEDDING DJ

1st Place: Kramerica Entertainment (DJ Kramer)
2nd Place: Will Nye the DJ Guy (Justin)
3rd Place: Boiling Point Entertainment

Liven up your wedding reception with a mix of everyone’s favorite songs played by an enthusiastic DJ! Voted first place for Best Wedding DJ is Kramerica Entertainment (DJ Kramer Mike Moulton), who specializes in everything from weddings to school dances to parties. In second place is Justin from Will Nye the DJ Guy, who offers different highly-rated wedding packages to ensure your wedding has all the high-quality sound (and fun) you could need. In third place is Boiling Point Entertainment, which brings a high-energy DJ experience. Hint: Ask about their CO2 cannon! –Sawyer Hoff

Hive & Hollow, Menomonie. (Photo by Timothy Mather)

BEST WEDDING FLORIST

1st Place: Hive & Hollow
2nd Place: Fersk Floral Artistry
3rd Place: Brent Douglas

Experience the brilliance of rich wedding bouquets from our Best Of Poll’s top-rated wedding florists. Hive & Hollow (224 N. Dewey St., Eau Claire, and 809 Wilson Ave., Menomonie) took first place, with its unique and beautiful floristry focused on sustainability. In second place is Fersk Floral Artistry, where owner Mikelle describes her style as “romantic, natural, and modern.” In third place is Brent Douglas Flowers (610 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire), which has been offering dazzling floral displays in the Valley for 20 years. –Sawyer Hoff

BEST WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

1st Place: Availeth Photography
2nd Place: Seelhammer Media
3rd Place: Jessica Brooke Photo

A picture truly is worth a thousand words, so make sure your wedding photographer captures every special moment of your big day. Voted first place for Best Wedding Photographer is Availeth Photography. Photographer Kelsey enjoys focusing on the small details to capture beautiful moments for couples. In second place is Seelhammer Media, where Mackenzie and Cole Seelhammer work together as a photography/videographer duo. In third place is Jessica Brooke Photo, who offers the highest-quality wedding photos with her second shooter, Abbie. –Sawyer Hoff

BEST WEDDING PLANNING SERVICE

1st Place: Zane Weddings & Events
2nd Place: Hanna Marie Events
3rd Place: Olive Branch Events Co.

Figuring out all of the intricacies of your big day is something you don’t have to worry about with these wedding planners. Voted No. 1 Best Wedding Planning Service is Zane Wedding & Events, offering many different wedding packages for your planning needs. Second place is Hanna Marie Events, whose experienced team will help with day-of coordination or full planning services. In third place is Olive Branch Events Co., offering beautiful custom wedding designs for any couple. –Sawyer Hoff

Sweet Legacy. (Photo by Andrea Paulseth)

BEST WEDDING RENTAL COMPANY

1st Place: Sweet Legacy
2nd Place:The Joy Booth
3rd Place: Our Little Mirror Photo Booth

Add unique details all of your guests will love at your wedding with wedding rentals! Voted into the No. 1 spot is Sweet Legacy (3031 N. Hastings Way, Eau Claire), offering anything from stylish seating, textiles, dining packages, accents, signs, and so much more. Second place is The Joy Booth, which provides a high-quality photo booth to capture all those fun reception memories. In third place is Our Little Mirror Photo Booth, a retro touchscreen mirror that provides an interactive photo booth experience!–Sawyer Hoff

BEST WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHER

1st Place: KV Films
2nd Place: Austin Bower Videography
3rd Place: Seelhammer Media

Wedding videos are the new wave of necessities for the ceremony and reception. KV Films is  owned by partners and parents Tyler and Kadee, who are passionate about giving you your dream wedding video and photography. In second place is Austin Bower Videography, who has extensive experience capturing special moments for couples’ big days. In third place is Seelhammer Media, where Mackenzie and Cole Seelhammer work together as a photography/videographer duo to deliver memories to last a lifetime through video –Sawyer Hoff