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We're going with Chandler's in Schaumburg (very reasonable) but we have friends that are getting married on one of the boats that do the dinner cruises on Lake Michigan. They said it was the best deal they could find in the city itself.
I'd recommend looking into Architechtural Artifacts. I have friends getting married there in September and that's almost exactly their budget/people count. And it's gorgeous!
Also, their caterer is the Hardy Boys--I actually have TWO sets of friends going with them because they are good and much more reasonably priced than other caterers.
Thanks so much! I LOVE The Hearty Boys catering.
I actually looked into and contacted Architechtual Artifacts- while the price is on target with what we'd like to spend, it's more Urban-Vintage than we are. I was hoping for something like 'The Ivy Room' (but thinking I can't afford it), or 'The Rookery' (sadly too small). A pretty/nature urban space.
Someone else suggested the Galleria Marchetti...any thoughts on that or other suggestions?
Thanks all!
Not sure if this fits the bill, but it came to mind immediately.
Lincoln Park Zoo, Cafe Brauer
http://www.lpzoo.org/events/host-private-event/cafe-brauer
Btw, Congrats on your engagement! : )
We recently got married at Pazzo's at the 311 S. Wacker building - its really pretty and we loved working with the staff there. Their prices are also very reasonable for downtown Chicago. Everyone loved it and kept commenting on how beautiful it was.
Our other top venues were Galleria Marchetti (felt it would be better for summertime) and The Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier, so I recommend checking those out too.
@MissyTee - Galleria Marchetti has a food & beverage minimum of $30,000 before tax and tip. So it ends up being around $40K for food/drinks alone.
I have worked closely with and a few of my clients have held their wedding receptions at Cafe la Cave They are so wonderful to work with. Tina Hoffman is who I have directly worked with...and their food is to die for! Congratulations on your engagement & Best Wishes!
@MissyTee- How many people are you expecting?
A New Leaf in Old Town has a nice open space, and it is reasonably priced. I know that Cafe Brauer requires you to purchase alcohol through them-- my friend went way over budget on her wedding budget because of the liquor costs.
You may also want to look into hotels in the area that have less than a 25K F&B minimum- we got some pretty good quotes from some of the boutique hotels in the city.
i got married in the crystal gardens at navy pier in september with about the same budget as you. it was gorgeous and so much fun. it really has that downtown chicago feel and for some reason, it isn't crazy expensive. the staff was really amazing too. if you want any details, PM me!
A couple of places that we checked out that ended up being booked on our date but should fit in your budget are the Newberry Library, Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier, the Odyssey Cruises and Germania Place. Otherwise, I second the idea of looking at hotels in the area that meet your desired look and feel.
Sadly, I looked into the Chicago History Museum for our wedding, but their rentals are pretty pricey and so is their list of approved caterers. You'd be looking at an easy $40,000 wedding there, too.
Try
they have a great loft space you can transform this space to look and feel the way you want and you can bring your own caterer.
We are getting married at the Brookfield Zoo. Terry Rothamer is really great to work with.
Sounds like my budget! Check Loft on Lake or Prarie Productions or Gallery 1028 all loft space within the $3000-4000 for space rental and you can bring in your own liquor which is a super plus!
@MissyTee -- I'm a newly engaged Chicago bride and am curious if you decided on a venue? We're looking at about 250 on a $50-60K budget, and I also want more of a pretty/natural space rather than something very modern or urban.
Any and all suggestions or advice are appreciated!
I love Salvage One for a wedding venue. The neat thing about Salvage One is that they really have "built-in" decor. They also have a really neat outdoor courtyard if you are looking for somewhere with an outdoor space. It's a little more "off-the-beaten path" than the History Museum, but still worth checking out.
I am actually in the wedding industry... Message me if you have any other questions. I'd love to share my advice and experiences.
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Hello everyone!
I just got engaged a few weeks ago and just started my planning. This site is incredibly helpful! Thank you for contributing! Since my fiance and I met and lived in Chicago for years (he in Streeterville, me in Lincoln Park) we're hoping to get married in Chicago.
We're aiming for late Fall 2011 (I know, it's going to be a scramble) or early Spring 2012. We're looking at 200 people on a $25-30K budget.
I was aiming for The Chicago History Museum, Garfield Conservatory, though I'm realizing that it's not going to be possible with our budget. Can any Chicago brides suggest venues along those lines and budget? If we can, I'd like to steer clear of the banquet hall feeling.
Many thanks!