Locations driving you Loco?

There are a lot of brides of there that would be happy having their reception in their backyard just as long as they have the people they love around them (and that perfect dress on of course!). Picking a reception site for these brides can be really difficult because it really isn't a priority despite it being one of the biggest parts of the wedding. I'm going to expand on two favorite places for these brides.

Restaurants

(from http://www.palermos95th.com/)

Restaurants are great locations for small and medium weddings receptions because usually they have amazing deals on the location and food. There is Palermos 95th here on the southside that offers a great meal and bar package and has plenty of parking available for guests in the back.

Banquet Halls

(from:http://gardenchaletbanquet.net/)

Put your location into google maps, type banquets and you will find a countless number of places that might fit your needs. Or if you really just want a one stop wedding a lot of banquet halls hold wedding ceremonies too for a fee (between $200-$600) which includes chair rentals and more. This is personally my favorite because it rolls everything into one. Just make sure you have the minimum amount of people!
My top three picks here on the southside of Chicago are Candlelight banquets, Royal Palace Banquets, and  Garden Chalet Banquet because they might not be perfect on the outside but the inside and their packages are amazing!

--The Southside Bride

The Way to Their Hearts is Food

Restaurant Weddings are an ideal choice for the bride would wants an intimate setting with her and her guests. If you are looking at a small wedding, this is a great option for you to look into. But where to start?! Here are 3 easy steps to finding the right place for your special day.

Step 1: Reading the Rants and Raves
Many Brides make the mistake of letting other people's reviews of a place determine what restaurant they pick. Checking a place on sites like yelp.com really can help narrow down your list but you need to remember while you're reading them that most people only write reviews when they are mad, restaurant staffs are constantly adding and changing, and just because some people didn't enjoy the food that doesn't mean your tastebuds won't enjoy the food. Look for reviews on wedding sites like the knot.com or brides.com to get a real insiders view on what the place is like.


Step 2: Go out to Eat
Pick out about 5 places from your internet search and go to eat there with your future hubby. Take note on the size of the place, the look of the rooms, the attitude of the wait staff and the amount of time it takes to get your food. Photos online sometimes are unreliable and places that say they can fit 175 people seated may not be telling you how tight of a fit it is. I wouldn't mention that you are looking to use the place for your wedding until you leave that way people aren't putting on a good show for your business. You goal is be able to envision yourself getting married and having a reception there.

Step 3: Sign up!
Restaurants tend too fill up quicker than other event locations because they are popular location for everything from bar mitzvahs to office parties. If you have your heart on a specific date, plan EARLY, over a year in advanced if you could. If not, then I would still recommend at least 12-9 months in advanced. Be sure to ask a lot of questions: do they charge a cutting fee if you bring your own cake? Which photographers to they recommend/allow? Where could a Band or DJ be placed? If the resturant already has a bar, is there still a cork fee for the wine? etc


Happy Tasting!
-The Southside Bride