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BUDGET VENUE: Think $5000

lhagnerlhagner
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in Illinois-Chicago
Hi!

     My fiance and I are getting married in Illinois and with both of us graduating college in May and paying for everything ourselves, money is SUPER tight.  We only want to spend about $10,000 on everything, less if we can help it.  We are looking to invite between 75 and 100 people.  We are getting married January 2011 so we need an indoor venue and would prefer to have the ceremony and reception in the same place.  We are ok with being "non traditional".  If we had to describe our wedding "theme" think rustic, romantic (sitting fireside snuggling the one you love).  We like the idea of exposed wood and brick and a fireplace although not neccessary.  Our colors are dark red, black and white or ivory.  PLEASE ANY SUGGESTIONS IN ILLINOIS!  We are open to anything although my family is in the Bolingbrook area.   THANKS!!!
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Re: BUDGET VENUE: Think $5000

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    barbbhowwbarbbhoww member
    First Anniversary First Comment
    edited December 2011
    www.HICAROLSTREAM.com

    Holiday Inn and Suites, Carol Stream

    They worked really well with us to keep our 90 guest count at $5,000 excatly.  We went in and said we can ONLY afford $5,000 what can you do? 

    For $5000 we get:
    They have a seperate heated tent where we will get married in and then move to the ballroom to get soup, salad, main course and cake.  Champange toast, Unlimited wine with dinner, 4 hour premium open bar, cake, tips, a free overnight stay PLUS breakfast, a great wedding coordinator that works there, free parking.

    All included.  I'd say we have a deal!
    It's time. Adoption saving and process started in November 2012.
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    barbbhowwbarbbhoww member
    First Anniversary First Comment
    edited December 2011
    OH and our budget is $10,000 too and we made it!  With $500 to spare and 2 months to go!!  :)  You can do it! 

    You also get centerpieces, that cuts about 200 bucks too!
    It's time. Adoption saving and process started in November 2012.
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    JennaJimJennaJim
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    I think I posted this location for a shower but I saw a wedding held here during the winter months and it would match perfectly with what you are looking for!  It is called Public Landing and it is in Lockport, IL about 15-20 min from Bolingbrook.  The owners name is Tim and he is very nice and helpful and it is extremely affordable.  You can hold ceremony and reception there and it has the look and feel you are going for!  Good luck!
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    Rie028Rie028
    First Comment
    edited December 2011

    Ihagner,
    I just sent you a PM!

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    totesmcgoatstotesmcgoats
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Try Four Rivers Education Center in Channahon, IL. You rent the ballroom for $500 and pick your own Caterer. It looks like it could be very pretty. I'm thinking about it for my Summer 2011 wedding. :)
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    thealphabridethealphabride
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    If you end up bringing in your own catering check out this budget caterer:
    Marios Events in Worth, IL. The have GREAT pricing. www.mariosevents.com

    I went there for a tasing because we are using them at our venue.

    The food was wonderful, and their pricing includes bringing in all glasswear, silverware, china, linen, they set the tables, will give you table number stands, set out your favors, escort cards, centerpeices, etc. Also they bring in
    the entire BAR. Very good bar pricing too..

    We chose a bit of higher priced option for food, but are getting all food
     (5 courses), cake, full 4hour bar for 5K for 100 guests. But you can choose a buffet dinner and get it for much less.

    One thing I reallly like about them is they don't require you to pay the tip up front and add 18% to the bill. They ask you to pay a tip at the end of the evening  if you were happy with the services, and suggest 6-15%.

    They are preparing a special menu that I asked for as well, willing to make special family recipes if you wish, the customer service has been awesome and I am very happy overall so far.
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    lhagnerlhagner
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Thanks for the suggestions!  Some of those definitly looked like what we were looking for so I am waiting to get more information back.  I am currently attending school in Michigan so getting these tips for where to look is definitly coming in handy.  If you think of any place else feel free to let me know!  Wink
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    AubsAndSeanAubsAndSean member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    A few that you may like... Bird Haven Greenhouse in Joliet.
    bennett curits house in grant park...
    the country mansion in dwight
    sully's banquets in kankakee
    there's the jacob henry mansion and patrick haley mansion in joliet... one is cheaper than the other, but i can't remember which.
    and again, i don't know what their prices are like.. but look into the lodge at starved rock.
    Good luck!!!
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    berrytrberrytr
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    My entire budget for my wedding for 200 guest is $5K.  My reception is an adult wedding breakfast at the University Golf Club in University Park, less than a 1/4 mile from Governors State University.  Florist is Rosemary's Garden in Tinley Park.  They are providing bride's bouquet, bouquet for MOH, boutenneires for groom, 2GM, Best Man, 2 ushers, corsages for 2 godmothers and 2 sisters, and centerpieces for 20 tables for about $680.  Invitations, reply cards, and STD cards from 123print.com for under $150.  Hope this helps.
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    morgie44morgie44 member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    I think that Starved Rock Lodge would be perfect for you!  It is a beautiful rustic lodge space, that is very affordable.  Their packages start at 42 pp and include cocktail hour appetizers in the package, which is a big plus IMO. 
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    lunacydresslunacydress member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Our entire budget is also around $10K and we're getting married at the Byron Colby Barn in Grayslake and it's pretty reasonable. 

    http://www.prairiecrossing.com/pc/site/barn_index.php

    Also, check out the Redfield Estate in Glenview:

    http://www.glenviewparks.org/The-Grove/Redfield-Estate.htm
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    lhagnerlhagner
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Is it not reasonable to try to do a feed dinner to 75-100 people for less than $10k?  I can't believe how expensive these venues are!  Granted the ones you ladies provided are some of the cheapest out there I wish people would not rob you for your special day. 

    On a happier note, my fiance and I already looked into Starved Rock.  It was originally one of our first choices but we aren't really thrilled with them not having a seperate room for you, rather they just throw some curtains up in the main room.  Still in our choices though. 

    I emailed a lot of the places suggested and am pleased with what I'm seeiing!  Thanks for the suggestions.  I heard that a lot of brides to be got their invitations, RSVPs, etc. for basically free on VistaPrints.  Do you know how to do that??  I went on the site the other day and was amazed at how expensive some things were.  Thanks again for all the money saving tips :)!
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