CWPR Fall 2016

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B A N Q U E T S , R E C E P T I O N S , S H O W E R S & P A R T I E S
C H I C A G O W E D D I N G & P A R T Y R E S O U R C E
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In addition, metropolitan weddings are über-convenient
for guests. Those who live close by don’t have to pay for
lodging and may be able to use public transportation
to avoid driving after a night of revelry. Out-of-towners
can simply book a room upstairs from or within walking
distance of your bash.
As for a city affair’s downsides, traffic takes the cake. You’ll
also want to mention if any large events may impede public
transport or clog the roads for drivers. And be sure to note
parking garages near the venue, as you don’t want to walk
down the aisle with half-empty rows because half your
guests are driving around in circles looking for a spot.
More things to make you think twice: If you have chosen
a major city, expect to pay a premium for all your vendors,
and know that those venue fees and minimums don’t
come cheap.
THE COUNTRY WEDDING
Whether you’ve got your heart set on saying your I do’s
amid a field of flowers, at a vineyard or in a barn, a key
advantage of having a country wedding is that there’s
already gorgeous scenery to serve as the backdrop. The
often big, open spaces make it easy for you to create
whatever atmosphere you want: elegantly Old-World,
woodsy and sweet, a festive ranch hoedown, or a glamorous
garden party with bocce ball and croquet. These settings
typically have a ton of natural character, minimizing
the need for extra embellishment. If there’s no on-site
catering, you also can save money by bringing in your own
alcohol, which is a great way to showcase your favorite
local wineries, breweries and distilleries. And you’ll likely
have the ceremony and reception in the same place,
which means you won’t have to pay for two venues or
transportation between sites.
But like any wedding, country destinations also have their
concerns. Unless your location is an established wedding
venue, everything from the table and chair rentals to
creating a cooking space for the catering team to furnishing
generators, lighting and portable bathrooms might be your
responsibility, not to mention all the cleanup afterward. For
this reason, even if you’re having a very informal event, hire
a wedding planner or day-of coordinator who can handle
all the details, plan for contingencies and ensure everything
runs smoothly.
Keep in mind that you’ll also have less local vendors to
choose from, or will have to pay more for city-based
vendors to travel or make deliveries to your locale. If
it’s very remote, you’ll want to make sure there’s enough
lodging for friends and family nearby, or organize
transportation to get guests safely to and from town in a
timely manner.
© CTW Features
Bright Lights or Starlight? continued
Be sure to note parking garages
near the venue — you don’t want to
walk down the aisle with half-empty
rows because half your guests
are driving around in circles
looking for a spot.