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congratulations and welcome to weddingbee! i once read somewhere that a well-established event planner said that you don't really need more than 6 weeks to plan a wedding--i'm sure there are a lot of qualifications to that statement, but even if it's tough, you can do it!
is there anyone's farm/large property that you could use, and bring in casual food? perhaps a public park with a low rental fee to which you could also bring inexpensive food? sorry i can't be more specific than that, but good luck--keep us updated!
Have you checked out the Byron Colby Barn in Lake County? It's super pretty/rustic and I believe fairly reasonable to rent (out of my price range, but my price range was very wee). I don't remember off-hand if they have outdoor space, but they might.
I would also advise you to check out Wisconsin venues if it's an option at all. They tend to be significantly cheaper than those in Illinois.
Definitely scope out local park districts and forest preserves in all the areas you're considering, though--there's a lot of hidden gems. That's how I found my place, which has an old mansion on gorgeous grounds and was surprisingly reasonable since it's owned by the forest preserve.
Good luck!
Congratulations!
Some suggestions:
1) Bed & breakfast places near the IL/WI border? I read a weddingbee posting once of a bride who planned her wedding in 1 week w/ the help of the B&B host. All vendors were local (ie the town’s florist, caterer, etc.). Check out Bedandbreakfast.com and choose the state/city you want.
2) How about a rustic/bar-like restaurant?
Money saving advice:
Wisconsin has lesser sales tax than Illinois. You may want to check out something there….just over the border.
Hope that helps. Good luck!
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Hi all! First post - yay! My fiance and I have been engaged since August 23, 2009. Since then, I started and finished my student teaching, graduated from college, and planned NOTHING!!!!!
With student teaching, I was so busy that I really did not have time to plan anything. Now that I have time (and only a part-time job), I don't know where to start! I have looked through countless websites and magazines for sites, and we have found a couple that we really like - but they are all too $$$$!!
We really really liked one place here in Illinois. The cheapest package for food was about $28 per head - waaay too much for what we can afford. My fiance Mike works and lives in Wisconsin, and I live just south of Chicago. We are looking more in the Northern-North Central Illinois area.
I really like the idea of having the ceremony and reception at an old barn or farm, and I want kind of a vintage/nature/50's theme for the wedding. I like thinking of it as rustic elegance. I really want an outdoor wedding (including reception). I have tried to picture the wedding inside somewhere, and nothing is clicking. But I am in love with the idea of an outdoor barn-type place.
Does anyone have any suggestions? I need help help help! We can't afford much, but I am a firm believer that we can have a great wedding with a small budget. I also am a fan of DIY. Suggestions? Thoughts?