Is my Hall for the reception too small?

darkmasweet

I know that the first thing we have to look in a venue it is the space for your guests, but i really didn't have that much option since in a weekend i had to find, pick and sign a contract since the wedding will be in Chicago and i am working in Mexico, adding that i just signed in January and the wedding date is july this year 2011 plus fitting my budget (which is hard with Chicago prices)

I went back a couple days to do a follow up and tasting but i am having really having like second thoughts about if the hall is too small for my number of people i am having. I am having 150 (max, 120 actually attending i think), and size of hall is 47x68 = 3190 s.f.

I would like to hear opinions, Thanks!

buckeyesweetz

I'm not good with sizing..... but have you asked the reception hall? They should be advertising how many people will fit.

Milsey32

The hall should be able to tell you how many guests it can accomodate. Are you planning on having tables and chairs? If the venue has them, they can (hopefully/usually) tell you how many round 60" (as an example) tables can fit in the room leaving space for a DJ and dance floor if you want that or whatever..

aegrish

how would you let guests know of the venue change?  Did you already send out invites?  Are there even any other options for you this close to the date?

arrabelle

where are you getting married?  we're also getting married in chicago, agree it's soooo $$$.  plus almost 11% sales tax!  sheesh.

based on the venues we visited i think you'll be fine but i'd call or email your venue and ask them for the numbers, and also ask them to describe where the tables/bar/dance floor/dj/etc usually go, if it's an empty space.  our venue mgr did that for me which was a huge help, i'm also planning from a distance.

you might also ask the chicago board if anybody's used your specific venue and how many guests they had?  

if it won't work and you're looking for a new space, we liked room1520 and prairie productions.  they would both hold that #, they weren't AS overpriced as everything else in chicago, you can bring your own booze and they don't have catering lists.  (we're going with room1520).

Miss GS

I dont think that is too small at all. Im only having 100 people but my reception room is only half that size with a dancefloor, you should be good.

darkmasweet

Thanks a lot for the replies girls!

Well the lady says that it can fit 160 people but that would be the maximum. I already sent out the invites (150 people) and my guess is that 120-130 will attend. I was a bit concerned about my hall since i saw other rooms at the same hall and they are huge.

Like i said before, i really didn't have time to "hall hunting" and also i thought that 150 people in a 300-500 people room would make my wedding look empty.

I am getting married at the Meridian Banquets in Rolling Meadows, Il. Definately they were so flexible and decently priced for an an "all inclusive" banquet hall. Comparing insane prices in Chicago downtown and surroundings we are paying $62 (tax included) per head including: cake, 5 courses, wine at dinner, open bar, cocktail hour, sweet table, midnight snack, linens, rental, set up. So it really was not too bad.

I wanted to get married in downtown but gosh, it was INSANE, minimum of $150 per head PLUS tax and there was not much included.

It is definately difficult planning a wedding from distance, but at least i have a fiance that he is really into it.