The Venue

Last night Nick and I went to a venue that my mom had mentioned while we were still looking for places downtown. She happened to mention it again this weekend, and Nick came across it when searching for venues. We LOVE it. The prices include gratuity, and we just need to add the 10.5% tax. Alcohol is included, and they do have vegetarian options for food. The place even rents LED uplighting for half the amount each than every other place I’ve visited. There’s a HUGE chandelier above the center of the dance floor. There’s plenty of nice hotels in the area, and we can arrange a shuttle for the guests staying there. There’s also plenty of parking, and if someone really doesn’t want to drive it’s by Golf Mill mall and there’s public transit to the area. The whole place was just remodeled and its nicely done. The brides room is huge and pretty. I’m releaved we’ve found a place! We’re taking my parents over this Wednesday to see the place.

Venues

I’ve been searching for a venue in Chicago that doesn’t have a $10,000 food minimum. The highest I’ve seen is $20-30 thousand just for the food! It’s quite shocking to see when you don’t expect to hear them mention that many zeros just for food. We’re visiting our first venue on Saturday, which has a small rental fee and a few caterers to choose from. Nearby we’re hoping to check out Glessner House which is literally down the street from the church and our apartment. It looks promising as it has both and indoor/outdoor area, and it’s near a beautiful park and the oldest building in Chicago. You can also rent out the Keith house, but I think that might be too small for our wedding party. It’s a lovely victorian mansion, also on the park, which I’ll visit anyway. Nick’s told me that if I don’t have a venue by a certain day he gets to take this whole party as a destination wedding to the carribean. I believe he’s half serious so I’m working a lot harder to research any venue in the area that seems like it would work. I also found the Chicago Illumination Source – an old electric factory near McCormick place that has been used for many events. I’m not sure what their rental cost is. I’ve also contacted Jewell catering and Levy – two caterers who seem to be involved with quite a few different venues in Chicago – with average per person costs of 110pp. I’ve gotta work with them in some cases so I need to bring that cost down by about a half if at all possible. Galleria Marchetti – where I’ve been to a few weddings is a beautiful venue but we’d rather not be in a tent. They do have indoor space, and the min. $79pp seems reasonable. Its a bit confusing to get to for people who’d be coming from out of town though. I also researched Michelle’s Ballroom – right off of Belmont, next to Kuma’s corner, so not the nicest part of town, but a great deal and the ballroom looks great from the inside (I hear), and there’s free parking for up to 80 cars. You can bring your own food and alcohol too so that really cuts costs. There are so many venues in Chicago and each has it’s own requirements. I even looked at the Newberry Library – somewhat reasonable rental, but the caterer has to be insured to 1 million dollars. I’m pretty sure that they have suggested caterers. Here’s hoping the Glessner house is fantastic.