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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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The constantly morphing landscape of weddings means
alternative options for venues. While classic church
weddings and hotel ballroom receptions are traditional
go-tos, brides and grooms looking for a little spice are
opening the door to more unique and economical wedding-
day locales.
Alternative venues also mean an opportunity to combine
the ceremony and reception. According to one study, more
than 60 percent of ceremonies and receptions were held
in the same location. The report, which compared data
from 2010, 2011 and 2012, also showed a decrease in the
popularity of some traditional wedding locales – places
of worship, country clubs – and the addition of new,
nontraditional 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 decorating 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 opportunity for couples and wedding planners
alike. Here, some picks for nontraditional locations.
MUSEUMS OR LIBRARIES
The nostalgic sentiment of a favorite museum or the quiet at-
mosphere 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 photography 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
sentimentality or a shared memory between the two of you.
FARMS OR BARNS
Rusted and rugged seems to be the new chic for weddings.
A lot of couples are going 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 relative also slashes budgets. The rental fees alone
could save thousands.
WAREHOUSES OR LOFTS
Couples who love the urban feel can find empty
warehouses for their wedding. These large, spartan spaces
mean plenty of opportunity for stylish décor, sprawling
food services and, most importantly, room to party!
SAVE, SAVE, SAVE
The location might be set, but it’s important not to go
overboard in the little things – that will make even a cost-
effective 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 alcohol.
© CTW Features
Unique Spots
to Tie the Knot
Nontraditional venues don’t just
add a fun feel to your wedding,
they also can help your budget
go further
By Lindsey Romain, CTW Features