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Just Said Yes August 2019

Wedding in Chicago for 10k-13k and 300guests... what are my options?

Summer13, on May 30, 2018 at 8:34 AM

Posted in Planning 26

Hi guys, we are trying to plan a wedding in Chicago, IL from Virginia. Our theme is the 1920s. We intend to invite just under 300 people and would really like to keep it under 10k. Currently, this seems impossible... as soon as you add on the $100-150 catering per person, we are well over budget... We would also like to have a venue with an indoor and outdoor area. Does anyone has any suggestions for venues? We are willing to go into the Chicago suburbs as well!

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26 Comments

Legend July 2019
MrsD · on May 30, 2018 at 10:28 AM
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I'd look for a BYO food & liquor venue, or look at BBQ or Mexican catering. If you find a BYO venue, look at local restaurants! They usually are cheaper than traditional catering.
Dedicated September 2019
Alyssa · on May 30, 2018 at 10:39 AM
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I live in Chicago suburbs and it is very expensive for a wedding.. if ur trying to save money go to the suburbs and look at banquet halls that you get more for your money. If your looks to spend that much you may need to cut your guest list.
Just Said Yes August 2019
Summer13 · on May 30, 2018 at 10:49 AM
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Thanks Jay!
Devoted June 2019
Mrs.V2Be · on May 30, 2018 at 1:40 PM
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If you manage to pull it off, fill me in! I live in the sticks of America and just our venue/food is running $5k, DJ is $1200, Photographer is $1700...weddings aren't what they used to be that's for sure! Good luck in planning your dream day!
Super October 2018
Michelle · on May 30, 2018 at 1:45 PM
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My wedding in Vegas with 10 guests is looking at $850 for food and alcohol (including me and FH). That is not including tips. That is very affordable based on what I looked at. For 300 people, that would be somewhere around $20,000 I think.

Devoted May 2017
Katelyn · on May 30, 2018 at 2:43 PM
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Yes because as mentioned, you can only spend $33 per person total for venue, alcohol, food plus tax and tips. A regular meal at a restaurant in an urban area rarely costs less then $33 per person for food and drinks. If you did BBQ/Mexican/Italian, which might run you $10-15 per per (plus 25% for tax and tip), you would need to find a venue around $**** maximum and buy alcohol with the remaining amount. So look for a venue that lets you bring in you own catering, own alcohol, and is less than $2000. Then find a caterer at $10-15 per person, and use the rest of budget for alcohol. But you almost definitely need a venue that lets you bring alcohol in b/c even a beer/wine bar will run you at least $15 per person. It might not be possible to find a venue and cater that satisfies these requirements.