YOU LIKED IT. YOU PUT A RING ON IT. NOW WHAT? The Chippewa Valley is home to an abundance of skilled small businesses and visionary entrepreneurs – many which can help make your big day as seamless and stunning as possible. (Photo courtesy of Burken Photography)

So you’re ready to plan 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 2026 Best of the Chippewa Valley Reader Poll! While you wait for the results of the entire poll (which will be published in our Feb. 5 issue), here’s a peek at what our readers love the most (besides their fiancés!) when walking down the aisle.

BEST BAND

1st Place: Uncommon Denominator
2nd Place: Crimson Theory
3rd Place: Resonate

When people hit the dance floor, you want to know that the band you’ve got to lead them in the “Cha Cha Slide” isn’t going to phone it in. Long running winner Uncommon Denominator is a high energy, professional party band with full rhythm section, 3 piece horn section, and two vocalists. Crimson Theory plays a mix of rock and country with a dynamic blend of old school favorites and new fresh hits. Coming in third is Resonate, a new five piece rock cover band that has jumped into the rankings for its first year.

BEST HAIR STYLIST FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY

1st Place: Allure Salon
2nd Place: Bridal & Beauty By Ahna
3rd Place: Hair By Julia J

Brides, we know you don’t trust just anyone with your hair. Especially not on your wedding day. That’s why our readers have chosen three salons and hair stylists they trusted with that crucial responsibility. Allure Salon (3502 Oakwood Hills Pkwy Suite A) has a passion for wedding hair, and loves making sure the whole bridal party looks the best. Bridal & Beauty by Ahna is a licensed master esthetician that offers hair & makeup services on the wedding day. Hair by Julia J is a stylist working out of Ivy & Co. Hair, and offers hair services for the whole weekend.

BEST HOTEL 

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

Of the countless things that somehow fall into your lap while planning a wedding is where to put up all of your guests. Our readers have spoken and these are their favorite hotels to put up the new in-laws at. The Lismore Hotel (333 Gibson St., Eau Claire) is part of the Hilton Doubletree network and is a modern, upscale hotel with restaurant, bar, bakery, and is right in the heart of downtown Eau Claire. The Oxbow Hotel (516 Galloway St., Eau Claire) is a boutique hotel in downtown Eau Claire, a fun place to explore with live events, upscale restaurant & bar, and more. Staybridge Suites (1515 Bluestem Ave., Altoona) is conveniently located right near River Prairie Park, with its restaurants, events, and nightlife.

BEST LOCATION FOR WEDDING AND ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS

1st Place: West Creek Event Center
2nd Place: Helix Wine, Craft Bar & Café
3rd Place: Beaver Creek Reserve

If you’re planning your proposal, engagement announcement, or thinking about where to make memories on your wedding day, our readers have thoughts on where they’ve loved getting shot (for photos!) The West Creek Events Center (S7650 WI-37, Eau Claire) is a favorite for brides & grooms looking back at their wedding photos. Helix Wine, Craft Bar & Café (1444 Front Porch Pl, Altoona) has a romantic, intimate vibe, and the patio & rooftop space are beloved photo spots. Beaver Creek Reserve (S1 County Hwy K, Fall Creek) is a beloved area institution and offers a vast array of beautiful natural sites.

Eau Claire's J Bradley | The Bespoke House. (Photo by Alex Barber)

BEST MEN'S FORMAL WEAR

1st Place: Muldoon’s Men’s Wear
2nd Place: J Bradley | The Bespoke House
3rd Place: Men's Wearhouse

They say clothes make the man, and while that might be a bit dramatic, our readers agree that these are the very best spots in the Chippewa Valley to get your wedding digs. Maintaining its spot in first is Muldoon’s Men’s Wear (1506 S. Hastings Way) Eau Claire) which has been styling up men since 1950. A new contender this year is J Bradley | The Bespoke House, who ranks in second. J Bradley is a custom clothing maker who offers wedding packages for the discerning groom. Ranking in third is Men’s Wearhouse (4619 Keystone Crossing, Eau Claire), a retailer of menswear and wedding tux rentals trusted nationwide.

BEST WEDDING VENUE

1st Place: West Creek Event Center
2nd Place: Dixon's Apple Orchard
3rd Place: Hickory Hills Golf Course

The West Creek Events Center (S7650 Highway 37, Eau Claire) has secured its position in first place again this year. The facility has an outdoor ceremony space as well as spacious indoor facilities that are great for both huge weddings and intimate ones. Ranking in second is Dixon’s Apple Orchard (22404 20th Ave, Cadott), which has multiple ceremony sites and photo opportunities, like water features and arches. Ranking third is Hickory Hills Golf Course (E4080 Hickory Rd, Eau Claire), which has a three season pavilion for receptions, and an all-inclusive rental package.

BEST PLACE TO GET RINGS

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

Lasker Jewelers (3705 Oakwood Mall Dr., Eau Claire) has claimed the No. 1 spot since this category’s creation, offering spectacular proposal-ready and custom-designed rings – be it a wedding band or an engagement ring. Eric’s Diamonds & Fine Jewelry (111 N. Bridge St., Chippewa Falls) has brought sparkle into the lives of locals since 1990, offering bridal bands and bespoke pieces of various styles. Williams Diamond Center (2824 London Rd. #4, Eau Claire) has spent 30-plus years as Eau Claire’s tried-and-true neighborhood jewelry store, displaying hand-selected finery and rings to last a lifetime.

BEST PLACE TO GET A WEDDING CAKE / DESSERT CATERER

1st Place: Beez Neez Cheesecake & Sweets
2nd Place: Bloomer Bakery
3rd Place: Josef's Cheesecake

Beez Neez Cheesecake & Sweets is settling into the No. 1 spot for its third year in a row, serving up delectable cheesecakes and divine baked treats for events of all varieties – including your special day. Bloomer Bakery (1415 Main St., Bloomer) has satiated the sweet tooth of every local who walks into its doors for years, known for its hometown atmosphere and award-winning sweets. Chippewa Falls’ Josef’s Cheesecake (343 E. Park Ave.) cranks out some of the most jaw-dropping treats you’ll find in the area, including its decadent cheesecakes and tiered traditional cakes.

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

BEST PLACE TO GET WEDDING GIFTS

1st Place: The Local Store
2nd Place: Helix Wine, Craft Bar & Cafe
3rd Place: Restored Co.

For the second year in a row, The Local Store (205 N. Dewey St., Eau Claire) was voted the home of the Valley’s favorite wedding gifts. From locally-crafted pottery and prints to Midwest-evoking memorabilia, to Wisconsin cheese and presents for your pets, the shop has a little something for everyone. River Prairie’s Helix Wine, Craft Bar & Café (1444 Front Porch Pl., Altoona) celebrates its second year at the No. 2 spot, offering an in-store, curated range of fine wine and spirits, sure to please anyone’s tastebuds. Rounding out the top three, Restored Co. (102 W. Lincoln Ave. Suite B, Fall Creek) is the area’s gem for beautiful restored furniture, thoughtfully chosen home decor and hand-selected gifts.

BEST PLACE TO GET A BRIDESMAID DRESS

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

Jumping back to the No. 1 spot after last year’s third place finish, Chippewa Falls’ Off The Rack Bridal World (123 N. Bridge St.) has been a local go-to for gowns and bridal party dresses for years, now calling the hard-to-miss corner location of N. Bridge and E. Central Streets home. Charlotte’s Bridal & Formal Wear (2120 Highland Ave., Eau Claire) snags the runner-up slot, offering formal wear of various styles alongside its bridesmaid selection. Rounding out the top three is south side Eau Claire’s David’s Bridal (4840 Keystone Xing), a national bridal retailer which has served the area for years.

BEST PLACE TO GET A WEDDING DRESS

1st Place: Charlotte’s Bridal & Formal Wear
2nd Place: BarbaLynn's Vintage
3rd Place: Off the Rack Bridal World

Charlotte’s Bridal & Formal Wear (2120 Highland Ave., Eau Claire) sits atop this category’s throne for its third year in a row, a tried-and-true retailer offering specialty bridal experiences and after-hours appointments while helping you find your perfect dress. Placing for the first time, BarbaLynn’s Vintage (603 Broadway St. S, Menomonie) curates a selection of genuine vintage gowns, ensuring unique-to-you pieces can be found right here in the Chippewa Valley. Off The Rack Bridal World (123 N. Bridge St., Chippewa Falls) offers an expansive selection of dress styles – with an equally wide price range.

BarbaLynn's Vintage curates vintage wedding and occasions wear. (Submitted photo)

BEST PLACE TO GET YOUR WEDDING MAKEUP DONE

1st Place: Makeup By Madie
2nd Place: BeautElla
3rd Place: Lipstik Liz

Voted back into this category’s No. 1 spot, Eau Claire’s Makeup by Madie has become a trusted go-to for her luxe and smoothing makeup artistry; the face acting as her canvas. BeautElla, a Holcombe-based makeup and spray tan artist, specializes in elegant makeup for all ages and events – and shares her skills through workshops. Lipstik Liz, an Eau Claire-based MUA, is as skilled in SFX makeup as she is in timeless wedding looks. Take a peek at her social medias to see her wide-ranging talent.

BEST REHEARSAL DINNER VENUE

1st Place: Hickory Hills Golf Course
2nd Place: West Creek Event Center
3rd Place: Helix Wine, Craft Bar & Cafe

It’s the day before the big day! In-laws, friends, family you’ve never met! How do you feed them all, and more importantly, keep them occupied so you can get a moment with all of them. Our readers have picked out their favorite venues for your rehearsal dinner. Hickory Hills Golf Course (E4080 Hickory Road, Eau Claire) offers catering for events, and you can host in a variety of settings like their clubhouse, pavilion, Hickory House, or even out on the course. For brides and grooms going to West Creek Events Center (S7650 WI-37, Eau Claire), its popular to include your rehearsal dinner in the rental package since their space has a lot of layout options. Coming in third is Helix (1444 Front Porch Pl, Altoona), which offers the opportunity to rent out their private room, rooftop, patio, and more with a broad small plates menu and an unbeatable drink selection.

BEST RUSTIC WEDDING VENUE

1st Place: Beaver Creek Reserve
2nd Place: Dixon’s Apple Orchard
3rd Place: The Cobble & Vine

The popular West Creek Events Center (S7650 WI-37, Eau Claire) has lots of rustic outdoor ceremony locations, event spaces, and even the modernized interior has some rustic flair. Dixon’s Apple Orchard (22404 20th Ave, Cadott) is situated on over 100 acres of lush landscapes, photo ops, and three outdoor ceremony locations. Formerly the Cottage Winery wedding venue, The Cobble & Vine (N7391 County Rd F, Menomonie) is now owned by a couple who celebrated their own wedding there. It has a gram-worthy cobblestone pathway and bridge for your rustic ceremony.

Dixon's Apple Orchard has several venue spaces to choose from. (Photo by Sawyer Creek Photography)

BEST VENUE FOR A WEDDING RECEPTION

1st Place: West Creek Event Center
2nd Place: Hickory Hills Golf Course
3rd Place: The Florian Gardens Conference Center

The rings are exchanged, vows are said, photoshoot done, and now it’s time to sit everyone down in a meticulously organized seating chart. Need to book a reception venue? Our readers have thoughts about what’s the best. West Creek Event Center (S7650 WI-37, Eau Claire) is a comprehensive yet flexible venue, offering lots of layout sizes and preferred catering partners. Hickory Hills Golf Course (E4080 Hickory Road, Eau Claire) offers full beverage service and in-house catering in a variety of locations on their property. The Florian Gardens (2340 Lorch Avenue, Eau Claire) ballrooms have a built in dance floor, fireplace, and floor to ceiling windows that look out at the grounds.

BEST WEDDING DJ

1st Place: Chippewa Valley Wedding Crashers
2nd Place: Bad Apple Entertainment
3rd Place: Kramerica Entertainment (DJ Kramer Mike Moulton)

Chippewa Valley Wedding Crashers, the project of area DJ Connelly and wedding expert Cait, offers a top-tier experience, beyond pressing “play” for couples on their special day, according to voters. And, look no further for your energetic and friendly DJ’s, Bäd Äpple Entertainment has arrived from Stanley, Wisc. for couples in the Valley. Kramerica Entertainment (DJ Kramer Mike Moulton) has remained a top wedding DJ for its third year running; proprietor Mike Moulton offers top-notch entertainment at weddings, celebrations and more.

BEST WEDDING FLORIST

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

Modern, romantic, earthy, and “just the right amount of wild,” Fersk Floral Artistry rose to the top of the Best Of nominations. A modern floral company with a team of creatives who arrange personalized, fresh and contemporary designs. Hive & Hollow (222 Main St. E, Menomonie) has made its way into the top two, its owner bringing three decades of floral experience and high-quality, timeless designs for weddings. Brent Douglas (610 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire) remains a longtime Valley favorite for voters. Its floristry work speaks for itself, as they offer a wide variety of blooms and plant foliage for all sorts of special occasions.

Availeth Photography's work, pictured.

BEST WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

1st Place: Availeth Photography
2nd Place: Chippewa Valley Wedding Crashers
3rd Place: Jessica Brooke Photo

For a third year, Availeth Photography once again claims the crown for the category. Kelsey Jonas, owner and operator, brings with her over a decade of photo experience; they specialize in candid shots, detailed imagery and outdoor photography. Runner-up this year, Chippewa Valley Wedding Crashers steps up to second place. Co-owners Connelly and Cait aim to discover the stories behind each image with their event photography services. Jessica Brooke rounds out the list, a Wisconsin wedding photographer for couples with a sense of adventure and – above all else – want to celebrate with their people.

BEST WEDDING PLANNING SERVICE

1st Place: Zane Weddings & Events
2nd Place: Chippewa Valley Wedding Crashers
3rd Place: Kim Louise Xperience

Winning the top spot in this category for a fourth year, Zane Wedding Co. continues to be a small-but-mighty team of coordinators who offer all-inclusive services such as wedding management, website creation and day-of planning. Voted second by Chippewa Vallians, Chippewa Valley Wedding Crashers remains a local favorite for that special day – they specialize in customizable planning packages with accessible options to fit your budget and vision. The Kim Louise Xperience offers event customizable decor services for full-sensory celebrations that reflect both the personality and shared purpose of its attendees.

BEST WEDDING RENTAL COMPANY

1st Place: Sweet Legacy
2nd Place: The Kim Louise Xperience
3rd Place: Angell Mirror Photo Booth

For the past four years, Sweet Legacy (3031 N. Hastings Way, Eau Claire) has claimed the throne in this category since its inception. They’re a local favorite for weddings and event rentals of all kinds of all kinds: custom decorations, venue seating and tables, accent pieces, personalized signage and more. Runner-up, The Kim Louise Xperience, creates interactive, multi-sensory experiences for clients, where guests are transported to never-before-seen landscapes through intentional details. Angell Mirror Photo Booth (2544 Sunridge St., Eau Claire) offers the timeless joys of the analog photo booth experience — with the addition of touch-screen mirror technology. Its professional studio lighting, deluxe props, and professional printing makes it rank among the top three.

Sweet Legacy's handiwork, pictured. (Photo via Sweet Legacy website)

BEST WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHER

1st Place: Yellow Seven Films
2nd Place: KV Films
3rd Place: Seelhammer Media

Yellow Seven Films soared to the top of this category, led by a Wisconsin-based videographer with a passion for nostalgic imagery, celebration – and telling your story. All of life’s important moments deserved to be captured, owner Allison believes. Second, KV Films specializes in documentary-style wedding films and photography; the team believes a candid look into your special moments promises a heartfelt, timeless showcase. Mackenzie and Cole, the owners behind Seelhammer Media, are here to bring your special day to life through photo and video with their personalized, authentic vision.