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Frustrated Bride-to-be

gatewood05gatewood05
First Comment
in Illinois-Chicago
I am soooo frustrated! I never dreamed of having a traditional wedding/reception.  However, it does not appear to be feasible to have my family pay for destination wedding (flights and such).  So I began looking for a banquet hall and I am coming up empty, they are all really expensive or very outdated.  I would be more interested in a cocktail reception, however, the places that I have looked at are just as pricey as the sit down dinner reception.  Can anyone offer any suggestions? By the way, I am in Chicago and am definitely willing to do the suburbs! Thanks in advance!
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Re: Frustrated Bride-to-be

  • Golfer09Golfer09 member
    Fourth Anniversary 100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I think providing a target budget would help the Knotties provide advice.  Destination weddings are overall cheaper than traditional weddings. 

    Cocktail receptions and even buffet dinners are not necessarily cheaper than sit down because of all of the rental equipment. 

    Consistent budget advice have included:
     - Having the wedding on a non-holiday/non-Saturday day for discounted rental & rates
     - Having the wedding during non-peak season (Feb-April)
    -DIY as much as you can
    - Bring your own bar
    - Bring your own food (Trader Joe's, other grocery store catering)
    -Buy second hand as much as you can
    -Chop your guest list to make your budget

    If you are looking into non-traditional, look into art galleries or loft like spaces or even consider renting out a house/condo that is on the market for sale and see if you can rent it for a weekend - just need to buy the dram shop insurance and liability insurance.
    Our wedding SDE: https://player.vimeo.com/video/8491081 Our wedding Feature: PW=demo
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  • jburkie1jburkie1
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Hi:

    I've been there and totally understand - just sent you a PM!
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  • thealphabridethealphabride
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I'm using this caterer and they have awesome pricing. They work with a few venues and have them listed on their website. www.mariosevents.com

    They include all the linen, glasswear, silverwear, in their price along with much more, check em out. Perhaps you could have it at someone's home and have it catered.
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  • foopygirlfoopygirl
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    That was our predicament too.  We tried doing the loft rentals, but with most of those there is a site fee and additional cost to have everything brought in and catering was another additional cost.  We went with Winnetka Community House which has a nice outdoor courtyard with banquet facilities and the menu they offered was pretty extensive and *affordable.*  So for us, it seemed like the best of what we both wanted, but still something we could manage budget-wise.
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  • gatewood05gatewood05
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Thanks Knotties! I have decided to really st down and talk with my other half and determine exactly what we want and will have! I think I will be okay from here, but will definitely be posting once a venue has been set!
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