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Savvy September 2021

Torn between Wedding Venues(space vs. money)

Cynthia, on October 1, 2019 at 4:14 PM Posted in Planning 0 11

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My fiancé and I are excited to get married on September 26, 2020. We are getting married in Oak Park, IL. To limit travel time, we are looking at two venues in Oak Park. The problem is we cannot decide which of the two. We are planning to have a max of 175. Both are not my ideal location but my ideal vision would be too far. The cheaper location is nice but the cocktail hour is a bit limited in size and the ballroom is on the smaller size. The second location is more expensive ($2,000-4,000 depending on package) but has two floors and the ballroom is bigger. We will have a fair amount of kids attending and with a max of 175, I am nervous with space; however, the difference in price is pretty hefty. If we decided the bigger place, it would be closer to $20,000 versus $****.

With that said, what are your experiences/recommendations? I am also nervous with being able to pay for the venue. Please help!!

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Latest activity by Maricarmen, on October 2, 2019 at 1:49 AM

Legend June 2019
Melle · on October 1, 2019 at 4:16 PM
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Oh man so I thought I had a big space initially but then come time for my wedding it did feel a bit cramped so I do really see that more open space would be nice.
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Super May 2020
Michaela · on October 1, 2019 at 4:18 PM
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I would do the smaller space for less money personally. As long as you aren't over the venues max limit. You have to take into account that not everyone you invite is going to come. Is there any other details that can help you decide? Like one has better food or better chairs or something?
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Master February 2020
Amber · on October 1, 2019 at 4:20 PM
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Assuming that the smaller venue is still large enough to accommodate at least 175 people, I would choose that one. You said you're nervous on being able to pay for the venue, I wouldn't book either one until you're sure that you can afford it.
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August 2022
Da Mom · on October 1, 2019 at 4:30 PM
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My daughter had a similar issue when selecting her venue. She asked to see the smaller venue when it was set up for a wedding of the same size as hers. Once she saw the room set up (also 175 like yours) she was comfortable knowing all could fit and went ahead and booked the smaller venue. Maybe you could do the same and give yourself some peace of mind, or you might see that it won't work and can book the other venue.
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August 2022
Da Mom · on October 1, 2019 at 4:34 PM
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My daughter had a similar issue when selecting her venue. She asked to see the smaller venue when it was set up for a wedding of the same size as hers. Once she saw the room set up (also 175 like yours) she was comfortable knowing all could fit and went ahead and booked the smaller venue. Maybe you could do the same and give yourself some peace of mind, or you might see that it won't work and can book the other venue.
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Legend July 2019
MrsD · on October 1, 2019 at 4:52 PM
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I think it depends on your overall budget. If you can afford the nicer venue, then book that venue. If paying for more will put you over budget, go with the cheaper venue. I'd also consider the farther away venue that is your dream. People don't mind traveling for weddings most the time.
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Super May 2020
Andrea · on October 1, 2019 at 7:56 PM
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Hi Cynthia!
I’m getting married in Woodridge, IL and saw a number of venues in the area before making a decision. What spaces are you looking at? Maybe we toured one or both.
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Savvy September 2021
Cynthia · on October 1, 2019 at 8:02 PM
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Hi Andrea, we looked at the Carleton of Oak Park and the 19th Century Club.
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Savvy September 2021
Cynthia · on October 1, 2019 at 8:02 PM
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I like that idea. I will reach out to see if that is possible or if there are at least photos I can see.
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August 2022
Da Mom · on October 1, 2019 at 8:26 PM
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Awesome. BTW, my daughter’s reception was in Bartlett, IL. The other venue she didn’t go with was in West Chicago. Hope it works out for you!!
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Expert September 2019
Maricarmen · on October 2, 2019 at 1:49 AM
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My wedding was at Avalon Banquets in Elk Grove Village, (September 14th) although our ceremony was in a Catholic Church in Franklin Park. You should definitely check them out. They also offer centerpieces in the different packages if you’d like (I didn’t use). And my biggest tip for paying off is book things early and make payments every month.
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Torn between Wedding Venues(space vs. money)

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