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
18
T
he constantly morphing landscape
of weddings means alternative
options for venues. While classic
church weddings and hotel ballroom re-
ceptions are traditional go-tos, brides and
grooms looking for a little spice are open-
ing the door to more unique and economi-
cal wedding-day locales.
Alternative venues also mean an oppor-
tunity to combine the ceremony and re-
ception. According to the 2012 Ceremony
and Reception Study from The Wedding
Report, the wedding market research com-
pany, more than 60 percent of ceremonies
and receptions were held in the same lo-
cation. The same report also showed a de-
crease in the popularity of some traditional
wedding locales – places of worship, coun-
try clubs – and the addition of new, non-
traditional categories like museums and
art galleries.
Keeping the receptions on-site also cut
costs for photography, videography and
car services, since transportation is not an
issue.
Simplification is always an advantage.
You reduce the stress and cost of decorat-
ing and paying for two venues, and you
don’t have to transport everyone from one
place to another.
This trend toward one-site celebrations
and unusual venues means a fun oppor-
tunity for couples and wedding planners
alike. Here are some picks for nontradi-
tional ceremony and reception locations.
MUSEUMS OR LIBRARIES
The nostalgic sentiment of a favorite muse-
um or the quiet atmosphere of a library can
be a great outlet for low-key couples.
If a couple is really into art, they could
get married in anything from a photog-
raphy museum to an aquarium. Libraries
and other public city spaces are becoming
more open-minded in terms of offering
wedding services to interested parties.
Look for something with a touch of senti-
mentality or a shared memory between the
pair.
FARMS OR BARNS
Rusted and rugged seems to be the new
chic for weddings. A lot of couples are go-
ing for more of a vintage feel, so any venue
that has that look will do just fine.
A rustic wedding also means an easy
transition from ceremony to reception,
with nothing more than haystacks and
rows of chairs separating guests from the
post-wedding festivities. Finding a clean,
easy-to-use barn owned by a friend or rel-
ative also slashes budgets. The rentals fees
alone could save thousands.
WAREHOUSES OR LOFTS
Couples who love the urban feel who
find empty warehouses for their wedding.
Large, spartan spaces mean plenty of op-
portunity for personal decorations, sprawl-
ing food services and, most importantly,
room to party!
SAVE, SAVE, SAVE
The unique, fun location might be set, but
it’s important not to go overboard in the
little things – that will make even a cost-ef-
fective venue unnecessarily pricey.
Keep an eye on menus and rentals. Off-
site catering companies offer many menu
options, which allow for a significantly
lower food cost per person. You can make
your wedding as fancy or low-key as you
want depending on your budget.
It’s the food that will make or break any
budget – and the drinks. Most caterers will
allow the couple to purchase their own al-
cohol.
Copyright © CTW Features
Novel Places for
Tying the Knot
Nontraditional venues don’t just add a
unique feel to your wedding, they also
can help your budget go further
By Lindsey Romain, CTW Features
Robin Falk Photography
