(This may apply to other cities and states, but we are
familiar with how things work in the South & Southwest Suburbs of Chicago).
These are in no particular order…
-
Figure out your
budget.
You can check out all of the
reception halls on the Southside of Chicago that you want, but without having a
number you want to spend in mind, it will be hard for you to find a place that
will realistically fit your needs for your wedding.
-
Get your guest
list together.
I know this is never your final
list, but putting pen to paper will help you!
I recommend having an “A” “B” & “C” list.
A: Close
family and best friends
B: Distant
family and friends
C: People you want to invite if
you can afford it that didn’t make it on the “A” or “B” list. It is also people you “have to” invite if you
can afford it.
Having the list in this layout
helped me organize everything, so I knew if I invited one 3rd
cousin, I invited them all. Your guest
list goes hand-in-hand with budget. Many
Chicagoland reception halls have a room minimum (number of guests you need to
guarantee). The banquet coordinators cannot show you a banquet room to fit your
approximate number of guests if you don’t have a general idea yourself. A general idea is ok! The common rule of thumb is 15-20% of your
guests cannot make it to your wedding.
Example: Inviting 250 people, you can expect 200-210. There is always an exception to every rule,
but this will help you plan & budget.
If you have a year or more of planning, expect your list to grow. Whether you move, get a new job, new people
start at your job, there are always a few people to add later throughout
planning.
Funny story about me with my wedding plans… When I sat down with my
parents to make the guest list with our side of the family, everyone was
putting their two cents in about the guest list. My dad kept eliminating his friends off of
the list. It didn’t matter to me if he wanted to invite them or not. Months later, when we were addressing the
invites, he told me to add all the people back on since he told them all about
my wedding. Luckily I bought plenty of
invitations incase something like this was going to happen. My point is that lists change and grow
throughout the planning. Don’t worry
about it. It happens to all of us.
-
Do your
research!
Check out Chicago, IL
bridal magazines and websites for local banquet halls. Remember pictures can be deceiving. Some pictures for local Chicagoland reception
venues were taken 10-20 years ago, and those places still have not been updated
and no longer look as nice as that advertising picture. DiNolfo’s Banquets in Mokena has been newly
remodeled. We always update our pictures
at least once a month, if not more, on our Facebook page for customers to see the most current look.
Besides the look, you can e-mail/call wedding reception venues that you
are interested in. It does not hurt you
to get a price quote; it only benefits you for when your feet hit the pavement
for your banquet hall search. Remember
to ask about “extra fees” (room rental, gratuity, tax, cake cutting, etc). DiNolfo’s Banquets in Mokena is always
upfront about any and all costs. Also,
read reviews from real bride and grooms in the Chicago area.
Wedding Wire & The Knot are a great place to start.
-
Are you flexible?
Some reception halls may surprise
you. Ask about discounts for Friday,
Sunday, afternoons, or off season months. If you have an open mind on a wedding
date, you can find some amazing prices. I
(MC) had my wedding on a Friday in April to save money. I (MZ) had my wedding on a Saturday in
January. We both ideally wanted the
summer or fall, but our budget dictated that we adjust our priorities. For us, the date change was ok & we could
get more of what we wanted for our special day.
-
What is important
to you & your fiancé?
Ambiance, low cost, great food,
exceptional service, etc…
As a couple, you need to discuss
what your dream is when it comes to your reception. Our facility in Mokena, IL
is a full service venue to help you create the most cherished and memorable day
of your new lives together. DiNolfo’s
weddings are customized to your imagination.
Remember throughout your whole wedding planning process you
will have a lot of people telling you their thoughts on your
wedding, but it is your day to celebrate your love. You should both have what you want!
All of these above points are to help you on the next part,
the harder part: finding your perfect space for your wedding reception. Our next blog will be just that.
For more information about DiNolfo's Banquets in Mokena, please visit www.dinolfosbanquets.com.
