As much as every detail of a wedding is critical from the gown, décor, and catering, there are a few aspects more significant than others. One of those critical aspects is the venue in which the wedding, dinner, and/or reception will take place. This is the forever home and backdrop for one of the most momentous occasions of your life. It should innately convey a gracious sense of welcome and provide the ideal complement to the day’s theme. From foyer to furnishings, the venue sets the tone of your wedding, and throughout the evening can morph into different spaces, providing the appropriate ambience to celebrate your new chapter in life.
Being a major wedding market, Chicago boasts a number of venues to choose from. Here are some key considerations to keep top-of-mind when selecting the best wedding venue in Chicago in which to realize the wedding of your dreams.
Capacity
You first need to have a sense for how many will be attending your wedding, so that you can select a venue that will comfortably accommodate them. Too small of a venue will make guests feel cramped, and too large of a venue will seem lacking and empty. By selecting a venue that can comfortable accommodate your expected number of guests – and then some – will ensure the best guest experience for your friends and family.
Location
Be mindful of your guest’s access to the venue. In Chicago, it’s ideal to have a venue that’s close to downtown, but not right in the thick of it. This way guests don’t have to stress over where to park, parking tickets, or paying exorbitant parking fees. You’ll also want to keep in mind that you’ll very likely have guests coming from the suburbs as well – so easy access to major highways feeding into the city would be best.
Ambience
Have a sense for what kind of ambience you would like for your wedding. Will it be a formal affair, or more casual and contemporary, informal gathering? By having a sense for the end result, you will have a better sense for which venues to select. If you can find a venue that provides a neutral, yet sophisticated ambience, which can easily morph to reflect your specific theme, even better.
Parking
Not one of the most glamorous aspects of a wedding, but a crucial one if looking to deliver an optimal guest experience is parking. The venue you choose to go with should provide ample, off-street and secure parking for guests. Valet service is always a welcomed option for any guest to a wedding.
Professionals
No matter how much attention to detail, you would be surprised how much there is that goes into properly staging a space to comfortably accommodate different facets of a wedding day. Whichever Chicago event space you select, entrust your special day to only that venue that provides a staff of seasoned professionals to concern themselves with every detail – so you can be in the moment to make lasting memories.
Lighting
Do not underestimate the transformative power of lighting for your wedding. The right lighting can evoke a specific mood, help transition from different phases of the wedding, and even help soften or elevate the mood of the gathering. The venue you select should have a state-of-the-art lighting package that can deftly compliment your existing décor in such a way to deliver a fully immersive experience for all attending.
The bottom line is, your wedding should be the most memorable day of your life. Be mindful about selecting the appropriate wedding venue upfront, so that when your day comes, you and your cherished guests can just relish and enjoy every single moment.
