Affordable reception for 250 people possible?

kbutcher9

My family is very small but my fiance comes from very large Irish and Italian families. There are about 30 aunts and uncles (this includes spouses) and over 40 cousins. Most of the cousins are his age and they are all very close. I would love to invite all of them as I couldn't not include any of them and be comfortable or happy with it. 

We estimated with his family, my family, and friends...to be about 250 people.

TIPS on keeping costs down? Banquet vs restaurant? Anything! I just started doing this and it is all so overwhelming and I figure there are many out there that have gone through my same dilemma 

Also, how much should I expect it to cost per head at a reception? I know it varies but I am praying I can do it for under 40 with alcohol. Is that even possible?

Love is Bald

Yes, Chateau Busche is about $41 taxes and alcohol included

Love is Bald

I think that you might want to consider a sunday wedding

kbutcher9

Thanks! Unfortunately, Alsip is too far. I'm near O'Hare. That place is exactly what I am looking for though!

aperitisa

Courtyard Banquets in Aurora is pretty reasonable.  Good luck!  

Love is Bald

hmm... I tried a bunch of hotels near Lisle/Oakbrook area and it was really expensive (well, at least for me) being around $65-70 p/ plate.  Good luck, and keep us posted where you decide!

MrsPaps

Try White Pines in Bensenville, a popular bride got married there last summer and she loved it...her username is TheMorrisseys. 

MrsPaps

another place I just thought of is Chandler's on the Schaumburg golf course...they have a $12500 min for Sat weddings which you would hit with the size of your guest list and alot of their plates are under $40/pp which included liquor.
We're having ours at the Cotillion in Palatine and our plate price is around $50/pp and they have a person minimum depending on the room you want. Check both of those out too.

jbll326

You'll need to compromise on some things. For example, strongly consider having an offseason Friday or Sunday wedding. We saved over 50% by having ours on a Friday in March. Also, the Ohare area is typically pretty expensive because it's a popular banquet hall/convention area - try to push it out further in the burbs. We went down to Joliet and it wasn't an issue for us or our guests (we're also in the Ohare area and so is most of our friends/family).  
HTH! GL!

kag0215

I agree with PP push it out the burbs if you can. Also if you haven't completely settled on a date think about having an "off season" wedding. I got 10% off just for having an April wedding instead of in the summer.

lkeefner

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_illinois-chicago_affordable-reception-250-people-possible?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:72Discussion:c8293107-d9c9-4a3b-ab79-0d066caeadfbPost:4fe01b69-5f73-4391-a63e-f4c50e128c7f">Re: Affordable reception for 250 people possible?</a>:
[QUOTE]Try White Pines in Bensenville, a popular bride got married there last summer and she loved it...her username is TheMorrisseys. 
Posted by MrsPaps[/QUOTE]

i looked at whites pines...the price was great, the outdoor area was great but the room was oddly shaped. because my bridal party is large, they wanted me to put them with their backs to the guest which i thought was odd.  but they are right on the money with what you are looking for.

also try grazie in desplaines. i looked there and i remember them being reasonably priced.

future*alaina*lastres

I am at the Lincoln Inn in Batavia (they are affiliated with the Courtyard which was mentioned above (banquetpros.com), they gave me a great deal on a friday wedding.  Under 40, including liquor....and I also have 250 people.

I fully agree on the friday, I am getting discounts on EVERYTHING I have booked because of it.