Illinois-Chicago

Reception Venue Help

We haven't fallen in love with a venue and are debating between the following options: 

Chevy Chase Country Club in Wheeling
Pros:  neat old space, good value for how nice it is, large unique non-banquet seeming space
Cons:  200 person minimum (I would feel more comfortable with 175), no outdoor space for the bigger room, formal-doesn't feel as much 'like us'

Country Squire in Grayslake
Pros:  Outdoor space, very organized and professional, large enough, can walk to a hotel
Cons:  A relative got married here and could be touchy about it, very old school, not as personal

White Deer Run Golf Club Libertyville
Pros:  More modern, out door space, seemed less set in stone with what they do, less likely to be booked up
Cons:  Seemed less organized, no reviews or ratings that I can find

We also looked at Independence Grove (love the room but way too expensive and unfriendly service), Illinois Beach Resort (they charge a lot for that beach view, the room is less nice and more expensive than other places, could use a remodel), Seasons at Long Grove (concerns with handicap accessibiltiy) the barn at Prairie Crossing (a little on the small side for our guest list)

Anyone have feedback on those venues or ideas on how to break the stalemate and just book somewhere so we can get married?

Re: Reception Venue Help

  • edited December 2011

    I would recommend Brookfield Zoo....price is right, service is beyond compare..food is fantastic

  • ladybug7485ladybug7485 member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Personally, if I was decided between multiple venues and they were pretty much even, it would come down to price. But I know it depends on where your priorities are with budget.
    Also, if you can't find reviews online for a venue, I would ask them for references of other brides or vendors they recommend.
    One more thing, if you're not going to have a wedding planner finding a venue where there is a highly organized, experienced person running their weddings is very important.
  • MobKazMobKaz member
    Knottie Warrior 5000 Comments 500 Love Its 5 Answers
    edited December 2011
    When my daughter was torn between her last 2-3 choices, she narrowed it down with two critical questions.....

    1.  Which venue lent itself most to her decorating vision?

    2.  In the 11th hour, which venue would have staff that would be most helpful, friendly, organized, and "patient" with last minute moods/changes/snafus?

    I agree that without an official wedding coordinator, the most important factor will be the staff of the venue.  That said, not knowing what the exact issue is with the "touchy relative issue", Country Squire is very popular and has a good reputation.  Also, not sure how involved/to what degree your accessibility issue is, but Frank at the Seasons is very accommodating and helpful, as is his manager/hostess Mary.  I realize the interior is a bit "broken up" in terms of floor flow....but the patio is accessible from the outside, I thought the main entrance had a ramp?

    Good luck----my vote is to go with the most helpful staff!!
  • anglgrl718anglgrl718 member
    Knottie Warrior 10 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
        I know you said you have it narrowed down to a few place but it doesn't really sound like you've found a place that suits all of your needs at the same time. White Pines Golf Club is a really nice place and sounds like it may meet all of your expectations.
        I don't know how far Bensenville is from where you want your reception to be located but the prices are good, they only have one wedding a night so everyone on staff during that time is dedicated to you, and their minimum for a Saturday night is 140 people with a max of 240. I haven't experienced it myself since i'm getting married there next summer but I've talked to them numerous times by going there, on the phone, and e-mailing. They are extremely quick at answering questions and are very accomodating. Also, the taxes and service fees are included in their prices online so no need to calculate that in when figuring out money. I love that since i'm bad at math in the first place! Not to mention the grounds are beautiful!!
         I know you weren't really soliciting new venues but I thought i'd throw it out there since it sounds like it might be a good fit for you.
    CafeMom Tickers
  • edited December 2011
    Thanks to everyone who took the time to reply.  You are right that we are not in love with any of the venues but we have to book somewhere!  Oddly enough almost everything ended up in the same ballpark for price.  We have a two week hold on a date at Chevy Chase because places are booking up and I just want to get married!  We really wanted some sort of outdoor component which we can't do with the size of our guest list there, so that is dissapointing, but maybe we can figure out a way to give more of an outdoorsy feel or put more personalized touches on it. 

    The problem at Seasons of Long Grove was with the handicapped accessiblity of the bathrooms.  My mom went to look at it, and she is motivated to find us something in Chicago that we like!  Neither of our grandma's need 100% perfect handicapped accessibilitiy, they don't mind getting lifted up a couple of stairs or using a non-handicap bathroom, but my mom said she really had concerns about it.  She said the staff was very helpful and accomodating and I like the patio and the more creative menus

    Thanks again for your help and I would appreciate any other reviews of these vendors, particularly Chevy Chase, Seasons of Long Grove and Country Squire.
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