About Chicago
Known as the Windy City, Chicago, Illinois is one of the largest cities in the United States. Famous for its winter weather, towering skyscrapers, and fascinating museums, Chicago is a must-visit of cities in the States. Its big city charm and abundance of attractions bring thousands of visitors every year.
When planning where to hold a destination wedding reception, Chicago isn’t the first city you’d think of to consider. However, there are many benefits to hosting a wedding reception in Chicago. Its rich history, vast architecture, charming attractions, and top-notch wedding venues and services are just a few of them.
- Interesting Fact:
Arguably the most recognizable piece of public art in Chicago, “The Bean’s” official name is actually “Cloud Gate.”
Wedding Reception Options in Chicago
Due to its large size, Chicago is a city with a lot of services and options to consider when planning a wedding reception. Consider the following options when planning your perfect reception.
- Catering:
Chicago’s catering companies have everything from its famous deep-dish pizza to four-course gourmet meals and dessert platters. No matter what kind of fare you want your reception to feature, Chicago has it.
- Alcohol:
No wedding reception is complete without an open bar. Delight your guests with drink services from Chicago’s finest. They’ll be able to provide anything from top-shelf to cheap stuff alcohol to keep the party going all night.
- Florists:
Though the city is cold and windy, Chicago still features professional florists ready to help with every floral detail of your reception. Hire a Chicago florist to design bridal bouquets, boutonnieres, and arrangements for the tables.
- Transportation:
Chicago is home to a world-renowned international airport, making your wedding reception accessible to guests from around the globe. The city also has great public transit.
- Equipment rental:
Maybe you need a huge dance-floor, high-tech projector systems, or tons of tables and chairs for your reception. Regardless of what your reception needs, Chicago’s equipment rental companies can provide it.
- Photography:
Chicago’s professional photographers are highly trained in providing memories of your reception that will last forever. Candid shots of the lovers, fun photos of the party, or detailed pictures of the decor are all possibilities that Chicago photographers can provide for you.
- Videography:
Keep the memory of the reception alive forever by hiring a professional videographer to commemorate the event with a custom-made reception video, complete with commentary from your guests as well as candid moments of the party.
Wedding Planning Companies in Chicago
Chicago’s big city appeal makes it a center for many businesses ready to help make your wedding reception the best it can be. Consider all of your options before planning your perfect Chicago reception.
- Big City Bride:
As featured in the The Knot, Yelp, Modern Modern Luxury Brides and many other premium publications, Big City Bride is among Chicago’s most beloved wedding planning companies. The have a number of packages available to choose from, and can help you plan and manage your special day, no matter how large or small it may be.
- Chantal’s Wedding & Event Planning:
With over 10 years of experience, Chantal at Chantal Wedding & Event Planning is a highly sought-after Chicago Wedding planner. Her company was a winner of WeddingWire’s Couples’ Choice Awards in 2018 and offers comprehensive packages as well as day-of services.
- Naturally Yours Events:
This wedding planning company has received extensive praise and has been featured in Equally Wed, Borrowed & Blue, and Junebug Weddings as inspiration for the big day. Moreover, as a Green Wedding Alliance Certified Vendor, they even offer weddings and destination events that are entirely environmentally friendly.
Pros and Cons of Wedding Receptions in Chicago
Like any big city, there are advantages and disadvantages to hosting a wedding reception in Chicago. Though there are many hidden charms to the city, there are also certain drawbacks to work around.
Advantages:
- Location:
As one of the largest cities in the United States, Chicago is a prime location for hosting any kind of event with tons of opportunities in the city.
- Accessibility:
The city’s international airport allows for anyone around the world to be able to attend the reception.
- Culture:
Though the city seems like a center for commerce, Chicago also has rich history, vibrant culture, and an artistic atmosphere.
- Uniqueness:
The city’s public art, business feel, and one-of-a-kind architecture set it apart from other large cities in the United States.
- Public transit:
Chicago has some of the best public transit systems in the country, allowing guests to get where they need to go in a flash.
Disadvantages:
- Weather:
Chicago is well known for its extremely cold winters and great downfall of snow each year. It is best to plan a reception here in the summer months.
- Bustle:
The city’s status as a center for commerce and its population size make it a very busy setting to host a reception.
- Concrete Jungle:
Though some people are inspired by the towering grey buildings, some might not like the cityscape atmosphere for their wedding reception.
- Lack of nature settings:
With the exception of Lake Michigan, natural settings in Chicago are be few and far between.
- Crime:
Just like any large city in the United States, Chicago is at risk for higher rates of crime in inner-city locations.
Famous Wedding Reception Locations in Chicago
Chicago features a lot of well-known locations perfect for pre-reception photo op’s, or general tourism after the reception. They can also help you find inspiration for your Chicago wedding reception.
- The Bean (Cloud Gate):
This fascinating piece of public art is a great place to take photos to help you remember the day forever.
- Willis Tower:
The tallest skyscraper in Chicago, Willis Tower is a great place to visit and take inspiration from for your reception. To emulate the sky-high business feel of the building, host your reception at an industrial space.
- The Art Institute of Chicago:
For an artistic feel to your wedding reception similar to this sprawling art institute, try a combination gallery-loft space in West Town.
- Chicago Botanic Garden:
This natural setting is a perfect place to take classic photos with the wedding party prior to the reception.
