Banquet Hall Advice?

Question

I live in chicago and I'm planning a wedding for may 20 2007 I'm looking to have 70 guest with open bar and spend uder 1100$? does anyone know where a great location would be?

Answer 1

I don't live in Chicago (visited, though.. nice city!). Anyway, I am going to guess you will never be able to find a place that can accomodate 70 guests at just $15.70/per person (which comes out to $1099.00). Not if you want an open bar as well. It's very unlikely. Even some Italian/American clubs and Posts out this way (in New England) cost more than that and those tend to be the least expensive place to have a reception - lovely locations, but very economical. The open bar is quite expensive. At our location, we had to deposit just $20.00 per person for an open bar for the reception (we opted for open bar during the cocktail hour only at $10pp).

Answer 2

I really cant say that it will be under 1200 unless you only provide the beer and pop for the evenings. Kegs cost anywhere from 150-300 depending on theplace you are in and drinks can range from 2-6$ a piece depending on the brands chosen to drink.

Food can run from 8-20 per plate depending on what you plan on serving. If you are going with just appetizers, or hordourves, versus a sit down meal.

I would say to try an outdoor park of some sort, or host your guests on the cruise boat at Navy Pier.

70 guests x's $10 plates= $700
Drinks at 3$ a piece x's 50 guests x's 2 a piece= $300
Tax and gratuity- 15%

This doesnt include drinks that cost more, or additional drinks consumed- nor does it include regular beverages for those who are too young or not interested in alcohol being served.

You might also want to check with the venue to see if there is a bar minimum- some places say $1000 is the minimum. Others, such as a VFW or American legion are usually wanting a $200 deposit.

At my wedding I have decided to pay for unlimited pop (100 for the entire night), 1 keg ($150), and drinks for his parents (under 40$). Everything else will be a cash bar. You can also give the bartender a set amount of money for drinks- maybe 500 dollars or so- and if the drinks go over that amount, the guests can pay themselves.

good luck!

Answer 3

Genesee Theatre
203 North Genesee St
Waukegan, IL
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.geneseetheatre.com

Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
1401 South Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.chicagofirehouse.com

Pheasant Run Resort
4051 E Main St
St Charles, IL
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.pheasantrun.com

Mystic Blue Cruises
401 E Illinois, Suite 425
Chicago, IL
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.mysticbluecruises.com

The Grand Ballroom/Joliet Union Station
50 E Jefferson St
Joliet, IL
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.jolietunionstation.com

NARCISSE
710 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.narcisse.us

Bistro 110
110 E Pearson St
Chicago, IL
Phone: [phone]

Hope some of this helps...check out more places at www.theknot.com

Answer 4

Honey, this completly unreasonable. Open bar for one person for an hour only will run for about 25 dollars per person and that is NOT including the food.

A conservative buffet style meal (seated meal is more expensive) and wine service at the table will run for about $ 70 dollars per person.

So for your 70 guest list with will be just under $7000 plus tax abd gratuity.

If you want to feed 70 people for 1000 dollars in Chicago I'm afraid your only option would be self catering.

Good luck

Answer 5

I live near Chicago. That can't be done unless you serve cake and champaign only and skip the meal. If you hope for the $1,100 to cover EVERYTHING, though, that isn't enough at all. That will hardly cover your dress.