Planning a small and inexpensive wedding in Illinois

Are you looking at Chicago or other areas? We're getting married in downtown Chicago, and it's definitely a challenge to stay on budget. But the suburbs and other areas of Illinois are a different story.

If you can give any more details about your budget and location I can try to help, I'm no expert on the rest of Illinois but I can try.

Welcome to WW Gee ~ congrats

Have you considered outside the city, in the suburbs?

What is the budget?

I live in IL - Lake county or Cook county - and helped plan my friends wedding in under 2 months.

Oh gawsh NO! I cant even dream of affording a chicago downtown wedding! LoL--I am definitely looking at the surburbs, the budget is 5000 for everything. I know it is really a tiny budget but thats all I'm ready to spend for a one day event. So I really want it small, intimate and simple that is why I wanted a ceremony and dinner at a restaurant initially but the problem of 75 guest in a restaurant came up--

I would say try looking for a place outside (like a park) that the state or city owns, they are usually inexpensive and easy to rent out for the day, or you can find friends or family that live outside of town that has a larger home with a larger back yard who is willling to let you use it. Also places like the American Legion Posts are really inexpensive and can sometimes be able to decorate inside to look really nice, don't know if you could get rid of the smell of them though

Wow, that is the exact budget I had for 100 people, I planned it all out for her... but she wanted a fancier place so added to the budget to make it 7K.... so it is Definitely Do-able.

What cities? Northwest Suburbs, North Suburbs, West?

Check out this site http://www.chicagostyleweddings.com/

I got the magazine for free at a bridal store - but they have an on-line copy top right hand corner. Pages 198 - 207 has a GIANT list of locations, guest min-max, and price quotes for meals. It was my best friend in scouting out locations to call and check out.

Hahah! I really dont care, which suburbs used--the closest to the city would be ideal i guess. i wouldnt want to drive 3 hours becuz im tryna get a 5000 dollar wedding. I can do 1 hour away though! Where do you have in mind?

Check out the site.... http://www.chicagostyleweddings.com/

it is easier for me to give you addresses and such if I had a starting point to use against google maps to get you the driving distance you want. You know where you live and what cities are close to you. But just know, It CAN be done. You just need to know where to put your money and how to scale back on other things.

Check out the budget tool under "my wedding" it will divide up your money. Then move money from one area to another for things you can skip. Take the Venue budget and divide it by 75 to get your price per plate. But, the on line quotes usually don't have tax or gratuity added in, so you need to leave some $ in the budget for that.

click on my profile and send me a message if you want links to more tips and such for cutting the budget.

~ good luck ~ congrats ~

Thanks Hayley! I went on that site, though some of the proices I saw on tha magazine were not the same I saw on the locations' site, I still went ahead and sent them emails and requests forms. So im hoping I hear something good soon.

I am such a mess with that "my wedding" ish, X_X

Id definitely be hitting you up with MORE questions!

Thanks again

I am located in southern IL. How many of your guests would be traveling? Venues are much cheaper downstate. Check out wineries, state parks, or even fairgrounds. Any of these might offer some more affordable options.

Problem is I just moved to chicago, so my mapping is terrible, I know nowhere! LoL--Quite a number of guests will be travelling so that is why I would loveto have a location with rooms and where I can do my reception and ceremony too--that is one location for all without breaking the bank

Did you do locations near O'Hare? Restaurants, halls, Hotels near there? If lots of people are coming from out of town, that might be an idea too.

Hope you get some good quotes. Good luck!

You can try Jacob Henry Mansion, Patrick C. Haley, Garfield Park Conservatory, any Chicago Park district, Gas light manor, William Tell. Hope this helps

Look no further, call Alpine Banquets in Darien. www.alpinebanquets.com You can do it there for your budget. They have amazing prices, delicious food and are super helpful.

Honestly, this place is looking amazing!! I just hope that it comes through---and its only 25minutes drive from my house!! Fingers crossed!!!

Gee, not sure how set you are on location, but you might want to try CD & Me in Frankfort and opt for a buffet -OR- check out Wicker Park in Highland, Indiana (right over the IL border) they worked with me and I only have 75 guests confirmed.

Woahhh! LOL CD&Me goes for 70 per head, that is way over my budget cuz this doesnt even include the hall rental--plus dey have a 150 guest minimum, so I guess im just writing it off....its beautiful tho!

CD & Me does negotiate, one of my friends was on a very tight budget and I think they ended up at $30 a plate? But this was 3 years ago and God only knows with this economy.

*sigh* this doesnt seem to be working out for me with my tight budget Does anyone know of a restaurant/buffet that will sit 75 guests and just eat and drink? No dance, ok maybe cake cutting but thats as far as it?

Cuz I dont think I can pull of the idea of a wedding reception(which implies a DJ, decor and others which would be avoided in a restaurant). And restaurant ideas??

I still have a photographer to think of, wedding favors and hotels for the guests.....

I'm sure there are some places in the metro area that can accommodate you for that... typically venues have some smaller areas that can arrange for +-75. If that route doesn't work, just try contacting local largish restaurants. i'm positive they'd be happy to have a 75 person party booked

I sent you a message, check your mailbox....

Maybe try The Courtyard Banquets in Warrenville?

They have a special where you get 10% Saturday weddings June-September 2011.