Hey guys!
So before I started really delving into locations and vendors, I did some research online that really broke my spirits about my wedding. So many people we're saying its IMPOSSIBLE to do a wedding in Chicago proper for under 15k, that I would have to give up something that I want to make it work. It did seem that way for a while.
I got creative, I relentlessly googled and called people, and pending any crazy things happening, I will be having a Chicago wedding for under 15k next year. Here is how I did it for some inspiration for the low budget brides like myself.
-110 people
-Wednesday 7/3/19
-West Loop, Chicago, IL
-Venue: $1,000
We found an amazingly beautiful place with a built in bar, courtyard outside, and roof with a skyline view to take photos on. The reason it is so cheap because we are getting married on 7/3/19 which is a Wednesday. Everyone has off work the next day thought and our ceremony won't start until about 6:45pm. The venue cost includes taxes, chairs, tables, and a stunning bridal suite that's better than any hotel room.
-Booze: $3,300
The venue provides bartenders and charges $5.50 per person/per hour for open bar. This low package includes a champagne toast, two draft beers, and normal call liquor. 4.5 hours of open bar.
-Food: $6,000
I am getting heavy apps and stations catered from a suburban company so they are cheaper than city places. The venue does charge a fee for using outside catering, but it will end up being cheaper than their preferred caterers.
-Dessert: $200
Ordering a cake from one of my favorite local bakeries. Some desserts will be included with the catering.
-Decor and Flowers: $550
My parents own a thrift store so we are collecting vases and mason jars for that. I will be making my own wood slice centerpieces and we will put the vases and ball jars on them with dried out wildflowers that I will collect. We will have to purchase bouquet flowers.
-Invitations/Save the dates: $75
We are only doing an invitation that is similar to a save the date. I will be designing these myself with Photoshop and then using a deal on a website like Vistaprint to print on card stock. Then guest will be directed to RSVP at our website.
-Night of Hotel: $125
We are going to use Hotwire.com to book a hotel for the night of the wedding. We can pick the area and star rating and it shoots out a price. You don't find out the hotel until after you book.
-DJ: $800
We have gotten many quotes on Thumbtack for around this price.
-Photobooth: $100
Purchased a photobooth through groupon. Great reviews and super cheap.
-Photography - $1200
We are doing photos and first look at the venue before the ceremony, then the photographer will stay at the wedding until about 11pm. Thumb drive only, no hard prints.
Dress & Tux: $1200
He will rent his tux, I am in the market for an off-the-rack dress at a discount store. I refuse to pay more than 1k for a dress.
-Day of Beatuy: $250
Pretty standard. Not doing anything crazy, just with reliable people with good reviews.
GRAND TOTAL: $15,000
