Wedding Chicago Wedding

[chicagolawyer]

Anyone have experience with planning a wedding in the downtown Chicago area? Due to frustration w/ too much parental involvement I''ve decided to have my wedding in Chicago rather than in Pittsburgh, my hometown.

Our budget is $45,000 EXCLUDING the dress, bridal acessories like shoes/veil etc., rings and our honeymoon, and we would like a seated dinner evening reception. Preferably not at a hotel, but a more alternative place like the Museum of Contemporary Art, the River East Arts Center or a lofty-type place.

From my preliminary research it looks possible, as long as we do things like DJ instead of live band, no big limos, alternative (e.g. inexpensive centerpieces) and minimal to no decor at the church which is beautiful on its own.

Any input from you guys would be GREATLY appreciated!!!

 

[Pandora II]

My FBIL is getting married in Chicago this autumn - they are having the reception at the Mid-America Club

 

[jas]

I got married on the 4th floor of the Chicago Cultural Center back in October -- Yates Gallery w/ cocktails in Preston Bradley Hall (or vice versa...I just know the ceremony and reception were in the 4th floor) -

It''s quite beautiful -- high ceilings (loft-like) with gorgeous marble floors...there are several rooms to choose from.

The people there were the most professional and wonderful people I could have asked for!

The rental could fit in your budget, depending on what you are spending on other items.

Hope it helps and congratulations!

Jackie

 

[neatfreak]

No specific advice, but a good friend of mine is getting married in September and has TONS of bridal magazines specifically for the Chicago area. Some were given to her by vendors and some she bought at Borders, but they have a lot of local suggestions for EVERYTHING, and often include at least some indication of price. They were very helpful for her so if you haven''t already you might want to be on the lookout for them.

 

[dsy]

Below is a list of non-hotel wedding venues in the Chicago that someone passed on to me, i''ve only just started looking at them myself so the notes/links are limited. Good luck

1820 N. Wells
Architectural Artifacts http://www.architecturalartifacts.com/atriumevents/ $4200
Cafe Brauer (in LP overlooking one of the swan lakes),
Catalyst Ranch max 175, no kids under 15 catalystranch.com, $4560
Chicago Athletic Association
Chicago Cultural Center $8500 sat 6 hrs incl staff and equip
Chicago Historical Society
Chicago Illuminating Co.
Flatfiles Gallery
Fulton''s on the River
Galleria Marchetti (max 500)
Germania Place
Gescheidle in the River North area
The Great Hall
Harold Washington Library Center
Hot house: max 200 seated, $4250 sat night includes tables/chairs, bartenders, cocktail servers, security staff, sound/lighting, bar min $4K
Kaleidoscope max 300 http://www.kaleidoscopeevents.net/inside/mainfloor.shtml
Kendall College
La Strada
Mars Gallery
Maxim''s: The Nancy Goldberg International Center
MCA http://www.mcachicago.org/information/facility.php?page=fac $4400 4 hrs
Met Club Chicago
Mid-America Club
Mid-Day Club
A New Leaf (100-150),
Newberry Library www.newberry.org/general/aboutrenting.html $4959 incl tables/chairs 6-12am
Pazzo on 311 - max 150 or more allowed?
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum http://www.chias.org/
Prairie Productions max 120
River East Arts Center http://www.rivereastartcenter.com/ seats 100-1500??
Saddle & Cycle Club
South Shore Cultural Center $1500 rental fee
The Tower Club
Three-Headed Productions
Union League Club
University Club
West Loop Studio max 150 $3000 for 10 hrs http://www.westloopstudio.com/
Chicago Fine Arts Exchange

 

[msontaratta]

I live in Chicago and my photographer has compiled a great list of venues in the Chicagoland area. If you go to his website www.lifeonprints.com

and click enter to get into the site
and click wedding research and then venues.

Hope that helps!