Receptions

1. When less is more...

   Planning a more intimate wedding-related gathering, be it an engagement party, shower or small reception, can get tricky. You don't want to book a room for 100 as your 50 guests wonder when the other half of the party is coming. ... read more

   October 30, 2007 5:09 PM

2. When less is more...

   Planning a more intimate wedding-related gathering, be it an engagement party, shower or small reception, can get tricky. You don't want to book a room for 100 as your 50 guests wonder when the other half of the party is coming.... read more

   October 30, 2007 5:09 PM

3. When he knows best

   Of the many wedding related decisions we made (of which there are dozens and dozens) my husband weighed in most heavily on our reception location. He wanted a large space that was light and airy with room for our guests to dance, mingle, roam and rock-out! His instincts were right on as we chose Germania Place, an off-the-beaten-path spacious ballroom that was initially booked on the day we requested.... read more

   December 6, 2007 10:33 AM

4. When he knows best

   Of the many wedding related decisions we made (of which there are dozens and dozens) my husband weighed in most heavily on our reception location. He wanted a large space that was light and airy with room for our guests to dance, mingle, roam and rock-out! His instincts were right on as we chose Germania Place, an off-the-beaten-path spacious ballroom that was initially booked on the day we requested.... read more

   December 6, 2007 10:33 AM

5. Going green

   We know it is chic (and smart) to be eco-friendly and we're always happy to report the growing number of green options available to today's brides. But we remain most impressed by those presenting an eco-friendly pitch that appears part of a genuine commitment. That seems the case with the hotel InterContinental Chicago on Michigan Avenue. ... read more

   January 16, 2008 8:40 PM

6. A room with a view

   If you're into a room with a view for your wedding reception, check out the Swissotel Chicago, one of the few city venues with a full view of the skyline, Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier as the photo above attests ... read more

   January 17, 2008 9:11 PM

7. Budget-friendly finds

   So with that in mind, I'm asking for some help. I recently received an email from a bride looking for a Chicago reception location that would not cost a fortune and accommodate a reasonably sized group of 100... read more

   February 4, 2008 5:32 PM

8. Take me out to the ballgame

   Hey, hey, what can I say? I grew up watching, rooting for and almost crying over those crazy Chicago Cubs. Yes, I was a rabid sports fan as a young girl and teenager yelling so loudly (mostly at basketball games) I lost my voice. I even worked as a sports writer in high school and college.... read more

   February 12, 2008 2:26 PM

9. For a roarin' good time

   While we're on the topic of more unusual wedding sites (yesterday we wrote about Wrigley Field--Go Cubs!) let's consider Lincoln Park Zoo.... read more

   February 13, 2008 3:05 PM

10. Your special day . . . with 300 guests

    I've been to several events (at least one wedding) at the Chicago History Museum, all of which we're happy to report were lovely and went smoothly--two simple but key aspects of any wedding celebration. In turn, it may be worth checking out the site which possesses both indoor and outdoor potential along with attractive views of Lincoln Park, the lakefront and Gold Coast.... read more

    March 28, 2008 7:13 PM

11. Trump-ed up

    

    Here's what we thought of the new Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago--we loved the panoramic view (the twinkling buildings at night, Lake Michigan, the Chicago River) and the floor-to-ceiling 24-foot windows around much of the somewhat circular or u-shaped room. ... read more

    June 6, 2008 9:00 AM

12. It's a party

    

    A quiet church wedding this isn't. Just walking into to Carnivale, a big, dynamic Latin restaurant in Chicago, you know you're in for a party. And shouldn't your wedding be one of the biggest parties of your life? ... read more

    June 23, 2008 9:18 AM

13. Carnivale take two

    

    We just received new information that makes Carnivale, a sprawling 600-seat venue that much more enticing. It's gone green. ... read more

    June 30, 2008 10:00 AM

14. A seafood celebration

    

    We were happy to hear about an adventurous couple who noted their nuptials at Shaw's Crab House in Chicago. Apparently, these newlyweds were regulars and decided the fun, laid-back look of the restaurant's oyster bar, which seats up to 200, provided the perfect party venue.

    ... read more

    July 7, 2008 9:00 AM

15. Over the rainbow

    

    If you're willing to roll the weather dice, the newly renovated wrap-around Skyline Terrace at the Inn of Chicago Magnificent Mile could prove worth the risk. And if you really want to go all out, you could purchase "The Sky's the Limit" package for $4,000. That includes rental of all nine of the floor's skyline suites and private use of the terrace, which accommodates 75 to 100 guests. A two-hour cocktail and hors d'oeuvres party starts at $60 per person.

    ... read more

    July 9, 2008 9:00 AM

16. Day in the field

    

    With over 150 events every year, the Field Museum knows how to throw a party, and weddings are no exception.

    ... read more

    July 31, 2008 9:00 AM