About Chicago
It’s always time for a cocktail party, and what better place to have one than the exciting city of Chicago! In a city so large and so vast, you have no trouble finding wonderful spots to visit. Whether you'd like to feast your eyes on the most famous of masterpieces at the Art Institute of Chicago, or take a walk in the ever-peaceful Garfield Park Conservatory, or take a bike ride through the North Branch Trail, Chicago has plenty to do. For the music and movie lovers there is the iconic Music Box Theater, while museum lovers will find plenty throughout the city. And if you feel hungry (who doesn't?) you'll most certainly find a faire or cuisine that's right for you, as Chicago has thousands of restaurants to choose.
While Chicago is a place of endless fun and fervor, it's also a great spot for hosting a event, especially a cocktail party. With it's abundance of distinct venues and plentitude of cocktail party services, you can throw an unforgettable cocktail party – and the city will provide everything you need.
Cocktail Party Options in Chicago
Planning a cocktail party in Chicago? Consider your party options to make the most of your event.
- Bartenders
If you are not that skilled at making cocktails and you also want someone who will help you elevate the mood at your party, hire one of the professional bartenders in Chicago and relax. They will offer their expertise and surprise you with creative cocktails or help you mix the drinks you already have in the best way.
- Caterers
Cocktails will definitely be at the center of your cocktail party, but you can’t go wrong if you pair them with good food. Whether you are planning a fancy dinner party with full meals or going for a relaxed gathering with sliders and pizza, you will find what you are looking for – every type of cuisine is available in Chicago.
- Boutiques
An exciting part of organizing a cocktail party is dressing up, and Chicago will cater to everyone’s taste. Among the stores and boutiques in the city you will find evening dresses and elegant suits, latest trends, clothes you can rent for that one special night, and even costumes, if you want to add a little twist to your get-together.
- Equipment
Add some style to your party by renting high-quality audio-visual equipment, from LED lights in different colors and black lights to loudspeakers and microphones. If you need furniture for your space, you can rent bars, bar stools, tables, and even LED furniture. You can also rent a confetti launcher and go a little wild.
- Bands and DJs
No party can go without music and dancing, and the bands and DJs of Chicago will take care of that. Live bands are there to offer their performance of both the latest hits and oldies, while DJs will add their unique touch to your favorite songs and often bring audio and lighting equipment as a package deal.
Cocktail Party Planning Companies in Chicago
- Citygirl Events
Featured in The New York Times and Chicago Tribune, Citygirl Events offers full-service planning and design, including logistics, floral arrangements, and décor. They also have an hourly service that allows clients to get help on an hourly basis.
- Urban Allure Events
The company is featured in Style Me Pretty and Luxury Modern Events and offers different packages according to your needs – day-of services with a planning process that starts two months in advance, designing an event to fit your budget, and complete planning.
- Fierce Productions
Fierce Productions offers a range of services, some of them being concept and experiential design, budget planning, vendor and venue selection, timeline planning, and logistics coordination. They also offer virtual event planning.
Pros and Cons of Having a Cocktail Party in Chicago
While there are plenty of advantages to throwing a cocktail party in Chicago, there are a few disadvantages to consider before you do.
Advantages
- Venues
Whether you want a rooftop cocktail party with sun on your face and wind in your hair or an indoor gathering with wonderful decorations, there is always a party venue for you in Chicago.
- Services
As with all big cities, the party planning possibilities are endless and whatever your vision is for a cocktail party in Chicago, you will be able to realize it with a range of services you can find in the city.
- Things to do
If you want to continue your party in a club or meet before the party and explore the city, you will find that there is always something to do and see in Chicago.
Disadvantages
- The weather
Chicago can often get pretty cold and windy – be sure to check the weather forecast before planning an outdoor cocktail party.
- The prices
If you are planning a large party for many guests at some of the popular venues, be sure to prepare a hefty sum of money.
- The traffic
Known for traffic jams and long commutes, Chicago is a city where it takes a long time to get from one place to another – keep this in mind and avoid arriving late to the party.
Famous Cocktail Party Locations in Chicago
Find a cocktail party venue near these famous locations to keep the cocktail party fun going strong all day long.
- Field Museum
Impressive both from the outside and the inside, the Field Museum is one of the largest natural history museums in the world. Among the millions of objects it houses you will find gems, fossils, dinosaur skeletons, and meteorites. And, if you happen to have your cocktail party nearby on a private yacht, you'll find the dock close by the museum.
- Chinatown
If you want to explore the city but stay in the open, take a stroll through Chinatown. This lively part of the city is home to an abundance of shops, restaurants, teahouses, and cafes, some of which may serve as great spots for a cocktail party. You can also check out Chicago's Chinese-American Museum after to find out more about the history of the area.
- Museum of Science and Industry
Situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, this amazing museum will surprise you with the variety of its exhibits. You can take a close look at a coal mine replica, examine the U-505, the only German submarine in America, or admire wonderfully preserved historic aircraft. You can also organize a private event in one of its many incredible spaces.
