Comparing Reception Venues

Irisheye

I'm looking for a reception venue in Downtown Chicago or Lincoln Park. Does anyone know of a good site/tool to compare the venues based on capacity, price, options, etc. It seems daunting to find and narrow down the options. I'd love any advice you can offer for selecting a venue.

Thanks

joanneberk

I actually created a questionnaire that I brought with me to potential venues.  After the visit, I listed the Pros and Cons of each places.  I then created a spreadsheet comparing all of the important aspects of each location.  Based off that, I narrowed it down to the top contenders and went from there.

jsquared62009

Same as what pp said. I couldn't find anything online like you're talking about so I just brainstormed questions to ask, visited our top 5 and then compared them all. You can get some info via e-mail or phone, but I found it was best to personally go in and get a feel for each place as well.

KayDeee

Boy that would be a great site, wouldn't it? I've heard tell these exist, but a lot of venues purposely leave out information or ask to be taken down because they don't want to be that transparent that easily. They prefer you contact them.

So, we did the same as everyone else here. Had to create our own, based on research, visits, phone calls and emails and narrowed it down from there.

If anyone DOES find site that has multiple venue information as a one-stop-shop, please let me know, I would love to see it (even though we already have ours picked). Would LOVE to see it though!

good luck to you!

Irisheye

Thanks for the replies! Since I don't want to have to reinvent the wheel, maybe you can help me with this. . .

Any suggestions for 250 guests at a place that has everything included: catering, cake, linens and chairs?

joanneberk

Where in Chicago are you looking?  I'm probably going to be doing mine at the Northbrook Hilton and their package is motly all-inclusive.

 

Most hotels and banquet halls have all-inclusive packages.

KatWAG

Irisheye said:

Thanks for the replies! Since I don't want to have to reinvent the wheel, maybe you can help me with this. . .

Any suggestions for 250 guests at a place that has everything included: catering, cake, linens and chairs?

Germania Place is literally one stop shopping. Pick a package (I think there are 3 options) and be done.

Irisheye

Thanks for your replies Joanne and Kat! I'm looking for a place downtown.

joanneberk

Not a problem.  Germania Place is in the Gold Coast so fairly close to downtown.  (My FSIL actually lives right next to it.)  It's a beautiful place.  My parents wanted me closer to where I live so that is why I am ending up in the suburbs.