Chicago Wedding & Party Resource 2017 Spring / Summer

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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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Get inspired by these beautiful but
non-traditional places to tie the knot!
By Carley Lintz, CTW Features
Modern weddings are all about per-
sonalization, so what better way to set
the mood than by finding a venue that
epitomizes your style? From classic
cathedrals to a tree house in the woods,
just about anything goes today when
it comes to wedding venues. As the
backdrop to your special day though,
you want a location that clicks instead
of clashes with your style.
The first step: know your vision. Some
venues, like hotel ballrooms or urban
lofts, are essentially blank canvases
that can be transformed to match any
theme. But many come with their own
style and ambiance that can enhance
your wedding’s overall look.
So don’t try to turn a venue into some-
thing it’s not.
Select a venue which has built in
elements so you don’t have to spend a
large part of your budget on rentals.
Don’t try to make your outdoor wed-
ding extremely elegant or your indoor
wedding rustic. Start with the right
venue for your theme.
If you want an event inspired by the
glamour of the 1920s, for example, you
might go for a historic theatre with
its ornately painted ceilings. Couples
looking for outdoor spaces with beau-
tiful greenery should check out local
botanical gardens.
Here are a few more out of the box
venue ideas to help you find the right
fit for you:
• Museum venues: While art museums
provide a classic backdrop for your ‘I
Dos,’ you can also party with dinosaurs
at a natural history museum or dine
under the sea at the local aquarium.
• City, state and national parks: Let
Mother Nature provide the décor for
your big day by choosing a public park.
Just be sure to do your research on
permits and restrictions.
• Antique stores: What better way to
get that kitschy-cool, vintage look than
holding your wedding at an antique
store? The built-in décor will save you
a ton of money you would have spent
on rentals.
• Tree houses: That’s right, you can tie
the knot in a tree house! These whim-
sical venues are essentially cottages on
stilts in a forest and are a great spot
for an intimate, woodland fairy tale
wedding.
• Historic libraries: A large public
library is the perfect choice for a couple
of bookworms looking to tie the knot.
Or couples can play with the idea of
fairy tales or simply love the nostalgia
of books.
© CTW Features
Say ‘I Do’
in a Venue as
Unique as
You
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