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North Shore Reception

skybrieskybrie
100 Comments
in Illinois-Chicago
We are having our ceremony in Wilmette and I am running into problems with a close reception site.  Our wedding is 125 people and I want to keep it around 4100 per person inclusive of service and tax.  My problem is most places are a 45 minute drive or we do not meet the food and beverage min for a Saturday in June.  Any advice is appreciated!
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Re: North Shore Reception

  • SaraAndrew2010SaraAndrew2010 member
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I'm not sure what their prices are like, but have you checked out the Woman's Club of Evanston?  They have a nice building that they rent out for events and you can bring in your own caterer.
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  • sveta22msveta22m
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    We are having our wedding at the Kenilworth Club (you will have to bring own caterer). Check out their website for prices and details. Good luck!

    http://www.kenilworthclub.org/
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  • skybrieskybrie
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I looked into both - the sits fees are around $4,000 but when you get the caterer involved it adds up quickly with all the equipment fees.  Sveta - do you have a caterer for the Kennilworth Club you recommend?
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  • kbutcher9kbutcher9
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    I checked out the Deer Path Inn in Lake Forest, pricing wasn't too bad if I recall but I can't remember what it was. I didn't pick it because it was too far and I got a better price not in that area.
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  • sveta22msveta22m
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    We are going with refined dining for Kenilworth Club. They have the most reasonable pricing and good food. And they are one of the club's preferred vendors. we also looked into mario's events (great prices and reputation), but they are too far and not on a preferred list. Let me know if you have any other questions, I will be happy to answer!
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  • sveta22msveta22m
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    By the way, we also looked into winnnetka women's club, their pricing is reasonable. It wasn't our cup of tea, but maybe you will like it.

    http://www.winnetkawomansclub.org/
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  • skybrieskybrie
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Great.  Thank you.  I did look at the women's club of Evanston but all the caterers were really expensive since the club does not provide a lot of equipment - so it was $4,000 in equipment rental fees on top of the site fee.  I will check that caterer out.  Thanks!
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  • september1209brideseptember1209bride member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I got married at the Michigan Shores Club. It is a beautiful venue and they are willing to work with you on menu/pricing. You do not have to be a member to use the facility. They do require valet for your event but it wasn't unreasonable. 
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  • skybrieskybrie
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Ill check out the Mighigan Shores Club.  Were there hotels near by that provided transportation?
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  • september1209brideseptember1209bride member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011

    I had my guests stay at the Hampton Inn near I94--I can't remember if they offered transportation or not, but my guests didn't use it. I had also looked into the the Hotel Orrington in Evanston. They were very helpful but my date was right around Northwesterns move in date so they were not as good on the price. I cannot remember if they offered transportation either....Sorry.

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  • MrsPapsMrsPaps member
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    There's the Doubletree in Skokie and the Renaissance in Northbrook. Also there are 2 nice Hilton brand hotels in Evanston--the Hilton Orrington and the Hilton Garden Inn.
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  • koriginale11koriginale11
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    beware of kenilworth club.  i was strongly considering that place, but there was an incident there.  basically, long story short, they accused someone of damage to the property (didn't happen due to them, it had been broken into several times - sometimes those suburban kids are up to no good and will get booze however they can - plus, not hard to break in) and the bill was off the wall.  i decided not to go there based on this.  things happen at weddings.  other things can happen.  even if my guests don't do any damage, if damage does happen at some point, will i be receiving the bill?  its unfortunate bc i loved the place and location!  the contact there was also rude.  asked me if my wedding was a shotgun wedding (8 months from engagement to wedding).  we've been dating for 10 years - dont think so.  how rude of her to say it the way she did too.  went on then about her daughters and her wishes for her daughter's weddings... it was a little odd.

    i'm doing my wedding at michigan shores club too.  although, i wouldn't be as happy about it if i didnt have a member fully sponsoring us (free to rent out).

    we're looking at hampton inn for those who want a little more upscale or the extended stay right behind it.  also not too far is the double tree and a comfort inn.

    looked at winnetka comm house too.  seemed nice enough, but had a terrible time getting in touch w the contact there.  she was okay, but left us hanging for 20 minutes - we were waiting on her even though that was the time that "worked for her".
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  • skybrieskybrie
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I spoke with the Michigan Shores Club, and while it was right in our range - they only do bar by consuption - and that makes me uncomfortable.  So I had to say "no"

    I am still waiting for catering quotes to see if Kennilworth Club/ Women's Club of Evanston are within range.
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  • MaryC140MaryC140 member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    We're having our wedding in wilmtte as well, reception at SRS Country Club in Northfield- but i think you have to have a member sponsor you - i know wilmette has a womens club that hosts lots of events too though not sure how big it is. We're getting a block of rooms at the Sheridan in Northbrook on willow - lots of out of town guests so that's easy to get to from o'hare.
    Anniversary
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