I would LOVE to go to a wedding that had deep dish pizza and garlic bread, but I'm maybe a weird one At any rate, I think it is great to do it in your own style.
Who is setting up and cleaning up the venue?
If you're going to do liquor, you would need ice and mixers and lemons/limes/etc., which would add to the cost. And depending on who your bartenders are, they may need equipment like shakers and cocktail napkins and stirrers.
Invitation budget seems really low, particularly if it is meant to include postage.
I'd expect the furniture rental place to set up/take down furniture. I don't know how it works when you rent dishes - can I return those all dirty??
I think I would have to hire two guys to come in for ~$200 to take out the trash and mop the floors the next morning. the budget bride blog I quoted above did that to make sure she got her full venue deposit back. thanks for the tip!
Given the extra cost and hassle, would it be ok to cut out liquor? I could add another keg or more wine.
We rented furniture and the rental place just dropped it off -- our venue/florist had to set it all up. Also, the delivery fees were fairly significant from what I recall (particularly because we had to arrange for a night-time pickup of the stuff because it was a one-day rental).
It sounds like your venue would want you out by midnight. Will they have another event the next day? You may need to have someone mop/take out the trash/otherwise clean the night of, and I'd expect that to cost a lot more than it would during normal business hours. You may also want to inquire about whether you're allowed to leave stuff there overnight after the event, so you don't have to worry about what happens to all of your DIY stuff (like flower vases) afterwards.
Ok, so I added up everything, and for the reception, it comes to just about $100pp.
Aren't there any all-inclusive type places in that area that will cost you about the same, and not have nearly the amount of work/setup/coordination?
This was another thing I was going to say. Again, I love the idea of deep dish pizza. But if you look at the budget, which is missing a bunch of things so it is probably unrealistic, you're spending a LOT of money for food that is very MM at the restaurant itself and you'll have a lot of stress during your wedding week from the DIY stuff. Which shows why these DIY venues often are much more expensive than all-inclusive ones -- doing it in a way that won't cause major stress and that doesn't half ass a bunch of stuff really adds up.
I think your plan sounds great and very down to earth but Spunky and v make good points here. That's a lot of money for what boils down to a pizza and beer wedding. I think you can do better for that amount of money.
I absolutely love that venue! Will you be getting married at the same spot or will you be coming from a different ceremony site? The idea of a trolley doing a loop would be great. Maybe before and after the wedding / reception you could have 2-3 (depending on how many they seat) since most people will be arriving and leaving at the same time. I would have 1 trolley continuously throughout the night to get stragglers or people leaving early.
I do think a planner is a must since the space is a blank slate. You may not need her for the whole planning process but it would nice to have someone the last few weeks to make sure everything is in order and scheduled for delivery to the site etc. I am not sure if a planner like that exists though (that doesn't work with you from start to finish).
Love, Love, Love the idea of pizza! We had a low key wedding too (bbq) and it went over well. If that is truly you and your FI go for it. I love when a wedding fits the couple and doesn't try to impress. I would do just wine and beer. Skip the liquor since you'll need mixers etc. for it. Have more bartenders and servers on site. You'll want the extra hands! You had chicken Caesar salad listed... I would probably just do a plain Caesar salad and maybe a house salad. I don't think the chicken is necessary. If you don't think everyone will eat pizza I see that your preferred caterer also has some pasta dishes that may be a hit.
If you want to stick with the same caterer for your cocktail hour (if you have one) they offer appetizers. Veggie Tray / Fruit Platter / Bruschetta Tray / Chicken Wings
I think your budget for your bouquet is low. I would get estimates of what you are looking for and go from there I would also see how much it would be to have someone do the flowers in vases. Running to Costco the day before and hoping they have what you want may not be such a good idea.
Post by wanderlustfoodie on Aug 16, 2013 13:48:09 GMT -5
Rental companies just drop off and pick up; they don't set up. Plus they'd have no idea how you wanted everything set up/arranged. That's what your planner and floral/event designer would know so they would handle those logistics.
Post by heyrebekah on Aug 16, 2013 13:48:13 GMT -5
For a Chicago wedding, you really need some chocolate cake from Portillo's for dessert.
If you need a DJ, we used this place and they were great. I mainly picked them based on their logo. Just look at that jam getting down. www.toastandjamdjs.com
Post by shopgirl07 on Aug 16, 2013 13:59:13 GMT -5
$30K is not an inexpensive wedding IMO. I know, I know, big city weddings can be $$$ but I just think it's a ton especially since you're bankrolling it yourselves. I have no issues with the pizza idea but as someone else pointed out, you're spending a lot of money and really not getting much food. If you're having a cocktail hour, you'll need apps for that.
I think you're dress and jewelry can cost a lot less if you want to save some.
I think you're fine to not have hard alcohol. Beer and wine always seems most popular any way by far.
I think pizza sounds awesome. I think a food truck sounds fun too.
My friend just got married in a very DIY ceremony and reception and the thing that saved her was that she bought 5 helpers at a charity auction for $500. They really made everything run smoothly. If your coordinator could find a couple I helpers, I expect that would really help.
Also, you could probably have a friend or family member officiate. Most states recognize the online certification places. I have performed weddings in KS and MO. It's really easy, but I would suggest choosing someone who is really comfortable in front of crowds.
Stuff: $9,035 Venue rental $5,000 (9am-midnight) Trolley $1,000 Event license $200 Dress $2,500, includes alterations and shoes. No veil. FI will wear a suit. Hair: $50. I already have a stylist I love and go to. This is her price. Makeup: $100? Mani/pedi: $50 (Simple!) bridal/bridesmaids bouquets: $500. What's wrong with DIY flowers to carry? Gifts for wedding party: $40 x 10 = $400 Momento for parents: $40 x 4 = $160 Marriage license $75
People: $8,750 DJ $1,000 Photographer and all prints - $5,000 Officiant $500 Planner $2,000 (?) Clean up crew $250
Decorations/furniture: $3,750 Flowers $400 (would like to go to Costco that week and fill some ball jars). This Chicago bride: www.budgetbrideschicago.com/search/label/my%20wedding spent $140 for wild flowers at whole foods) Lights/candles $200 Furniture: $2,000 flatware rental: $1,000. Rustic frames filled with family and friends' photographs, throughout: $150
Alcohol/drinks: $3,433 www.uncorkitchicago.com/beer.html Beer: $1,248 for 6 kegs, totaling 744 pints of beer, or ~5.31 pints pp. 312 Keg x 2: $394 Sam Adams keg x2: $416 Stella keg x2: $438 Wine: $1,210 ($10/bottle x 110 bottles. Four pours per bottle = 440 glasses of wine, or 3.14pp) Water/soda: No idea. $300? Liquor (a few bottles of gin, whiskey, vodka purchased from costco - nothing high end): $300 - I don't really care about this, but maybe people would expect it? 3 bartenders for 5 hours + 20% tip: $675 www.theeventplanner.com/staffing.htm
Cocktail hour: $1,118 (not excited about our options here) Bruschetta tray x5 (serves 180): $429 300 chicken wings, served with celery and gorgonzola or ranch (2pp): $429 veggie tray (serves 120): $260
Reception food: $3,897. Served buffet style. Includes 10% tax + 20% tip. www.loumalnatis.com/ 35 1 topping deep dish pizzas: $896 (serves 140) 10 thin crust cheese: $208 spinach salad w/ goat cheese, fruit (serves 30): $97 caesar salad (x3serves 90): $175.5 garden fresh salad - plain (serves 30): $59 Garlic bread (6" loaf split 3 ways): $143 French bread and butter: $69 10 servers for 5 hours + 20% tip: $2,250 www.theeventplanner.com/staffing.htm
Dessert: $1,524 www.getbakedchicago.com/home/menu/ Would like to do a dessert table. -$620 for 12 dozen cupcakes (tons of options!) -$277 for 6 dozen raspberry cream cheese brownies (cut in 1/2 to make 144 servings) -$277 for 6 dozen turtle brownies (cut in 1/2 to make 144 servings) -$350? candy bar. Will create an assortment in glass jars where guests can serve themselves.
Paper: $810 Save the dates $140 Invites $500 Wedding program $70 Table name/escort cards: $100 (won't be fancy - I promise. )
TOTAL: $30,273 $32,092.
I am not including other event costs because I was trying to keep this to what it costs to just have that day. Honeymoon, rings, etc would of course be extra, but those are going to cost what they cost, regardless of what time of reception we have, kwim?
I'm estimating $1,500 rehearsal dinner for just those standing up in the wedding + our families (is this realistic?). Would like to coordinate a pub crawl the night before - maybe in Wrigleyville? I think this might be a pay as you go thing. Maybe we could host a Sunday brunch, but that sounds stressful right now. I don't know the logistics of planning extra events right now.
I love the trolley...it seems like a really fun picture opportunity, though comfort of it depends on the season I suppose.
If you want liquor, I would do a few signature cocktails. Ours were a big hit, and it made it easy on the bartender.
The one thing I see in weddings that I really wish I would have had is a photo booth. It seems silly, but I love my friends, and they are so goofy, I would have loved to be able to have a picture book of friends instead of the traditional guest book. Plus, it gives the guests an opportunity to have fun pictures together too...who doesn't love to get a picture of them when they have gotten all dressed up for an event?
Does anyone have any ideas for how to make the pizza work? FI also really likes the idea and was excited when I mentioned it to him last night. It is very much our style.
We could rent a loft space with a full kitchen - but then we have to specifically hire chefs to "cook" the pizza. Would you prefer this? The venue is cheaper but I don't like it as much (no outdoor patio). Kitchen Chicago.
I guess I don't know why we would have an issue with pizza getting cold but not chicken, etc. Is it just that a "real" catering company could work to keep it warm? If that's the case, can we buy warming lamps (per rec here) and have the waiters keep an eye on it? I don't know if we have food trucks here in Chicago. I've seen them randomly outside the hospital, and there was a Giordano's truck during Lollapalooza weekend, but they don't seem to be as popular (yet).
I think you're dress and jewelry can cost a lot less if you want to save some.
I think you're fine to not have hard alcohol. Beer and wine always seems most popular any way by far.
I think pizza sounds awesome. I think a food truck sounds fun too.
My friend just got married in a very DIY ceremony and reception and the thing that saved her was that she bought 5 helpers at a charity auction for $500. They really made everything run smoothly. If your coordinator could find a couple I helpers, I expect that would really help.
Also, you could probably have a friend or family member officiate. Most states recognize the online certification places. I have performed weddings in KS and MO. It's really easy, but I would suggest choosing someone who is really comfortable in front of crowds.
We are actually planning to ask his college roommate/our good friend to officiate. But until he says yes and we know he can make the wedding (he's OOT), I'm planning on that $500 expense.
Post by krisandgrace on Aug 16, 2013 14:33:23 GMT -5
I'm not sure what time of year you are getting married but if it is during the summer I would get your flowers at a local farmers market rather then Cosco. They would cost them same or probably less and be local. I love the ball jar look! Everything else sounds great!
Post by wanderlustfoodie on Aug 16, 2013 14:33:40 GMT -5
Two bartenders seems really low for 140 guests. You don't want everyone to be standing in line all night rather than dancing/having fun.
There's nothing wrong with carrying DIY flowers other than (1) you'll need to ask someone to buy the flowers and make the bouques since I really think you're underestimating how little interest/time you will have for that a day before your wedding when you should be relaxing/getting pampered and (2) you don't want them to look crappy given that they'll be in a lot of photos.
Who's going to pick up the flowers for you the day before, tie them together, make sure they stay alive overnight, and get them to where they need to be the morning of the wedding (your hotel, the wedding venue, whatever)?
I have three siblings, a fiancee, and some close girlfriends who I'm sure could all help if they needed to. Is that mean? I also don't think I'd mind doing this, especially if I had help.
Two bartenders seems really low for 140 guests. You don't want everyone to be standing in line all night rather than dancing/having fun.
There's nothing wrong with carrying DIY flowers other than (1) you'll need to ask someone to buy the flowers and make the bouques since I really think you're underestimating how little interest/time you will have for that a day before your wedding when you should be relaxing/getting pampered and (2) you don't want them to look crappy given that they'll be in a lot of photos.
The website recommends 1 per 75 guests for a beer/wine wedding. I think we should be good here? I could always hire another if others agree though.
I can put my sister and wedding planner on flower duty, right?
Post by whitemerlot on Aug 16, 2013 14:40:45 GMT -5
I don't know about all of the logistics, like keeping the pizza hot, but it sounds like a blast. Pizza, beer, music, and friends would be a great wedding to attend.
I feel old. This much coordination seems stressful. Are you sure N all inclusive type place won't be around the same price ? You can still add your touches
I think we would have to plan on about $50,000. Maybe $40,000 if we did it right. This honestly sounds more fun and more "us" if we can pull it off.
I might be naive, but I feel like I have it roughly outlined... and if I just made sure my sister and the wedding planner were totally available that weekend to assist with everything it could go well.
I'd skip liquor for this event. It's hard to do well in a BYOB place.
Have you started wedding dress shopping? I got my dress for $1200 at Weddings 826. Great little shop with off the rack dresses at excellent prices. I loved my dress more than the dresses I tried on for twice the price at Marshall Field's (RIP).
Huh? I don't think it's hard at all - you buy the liquor and stuff, and someone serves it.
Two bartenders seems really low for 140 guests. You don't want everyone to be standing in line all night rather than dancing/having fun.
There's nothing wrong with carrying DIY flowers other than (1) you'll need to ask someone to buy the flowers and make the bouques since I really think you're underestimating how little interest/time you will have for that a day before your wedding when you should be relaxing/getting pampered and (2) you don't want them to look crappy given that they'll be in a lot of photos.
The website recommends 1 per 75 guests for a beer/wine wedding. I think we should be good here? I could always hire another if others agree though.
I can put my sister and wedding planner on flower duty, right?
I would definitely go for more bartenders. During the lulls of the evening 2 may be fine, but you want enough staff to handle the moment when everyone enters the event and wants a drink pronto.
Don't you want your sister with you to get ready? Do you really want to make her your slave for the weekend? Do you know that either your sister or planner will be good at putting flowers together? What if something else comes up that day that your planner needs to deal with?
If we were talking a really small and/or small budget wedding I'd say sure, make do with what you have and hopefully most things will fall into place. But you're talking about a $30,000 (minimum -- probably much more) wedding. If you're spending that much on one day, do you really want to take chances with the details?
This isn't the best picture, but I DIY'd my bouquet. I went to Costco the night before and just went with what they had (can't really be picky). It took me 30-45 minutes in the morning. Our ceremony wasn't until 4, so I had lots of time in the morning. It's certainly not professional quality, but it did the job and I didn't mind throwing it away.
This isn't the best picture, but I DIY'd my bouquet. I went to Costco the night before and just went with what they had (can't really be picky). It took me 30-45 minutes in the morning. Our ceremony wasn't until 4, so I had lots of time in the morning. It's certainly not professional quality, but it did the job and I didn't mind throwing it away.
You had a very unconventional and small wedding though, so I'd imagine your day of was very different from how hers will be.
Our ceremony was at 4, and hair and makeup for me, five bridesmaids, and my mom started at 9 am.
Post by delawarejen on Aug 16, 2013 14:51:37 GMT -5
I think it's too much beer and not enough alcohol that isn't beer. Also, I know Chicago is expensive, but for $30K I don't see the quality of food I'd expect. Pizza to me is rehearsal dinner food or the after party, not a reception. I'm all for DIY, but you'll go nuts trying to DIY the site and the flowers and the food.
(Is your number of guests pretty set or do you expect it to change? Also, when in the year is this happening? I seem to recall you were thinking of a 2015 wedding, right?)
Ok, so I added up everything, and for the reception, it comes to just about $100pp.
Aren't there any all-inclusive type places in that area that will cost you about the same, and not have nearly the amount of work/setup/coordination?
ITA. While I personally love the pizza/beer wedding in theory...it doesn't really seem to be saving you any money over a more traditional inclusive package and it sounds like a LOT of work to DIY. Even having a planner to help you...it's just so, so many vendors, services, and items to coordinate.
Granted, I don't know what prices are like in your area, so maybe this really is a significant cost savings in comparison with inclusive package prices where you are.
You're right v, but I feel like your morning can be as involved as you want it to be. I still had hair and makeup done. I just put together my flowers while I was chatting with my family as they got their hair and makeup done(which I figure is like my bridal party).
I just don't think DIY flowers are as difficult as others are saying. You need to have lower expectations for sure, but they can be pretty easy. You just need to be prepared for them to not be all perfect like professional flowers would be.
Post by wanderlustfoodie on Aug 16, 2013 14:57:45 GMT -5
I just pulled up the final contract from the caterer we hired for our wedding (100 guests exactly):
1 Head Captain 1 Kitchen Captain 1 Chef 3 Assistant Chefs 1 Kitchen Helper 3 Bartenders 15 Waiters
During the dinner, the waiters also poured the wine pairings in addition to serving the food and the bartenders hung out in the library in case people wanted to supplement with some hard liquor but we had 18 servers for 100 people. But if you have a buffet, your waiters won't really be able to do double duty serving alcohol since they'll have to be behind the buffet line, right?
Don't get me wrong, I love the concept of your wedding; it sounds so fun! But you just want to make sure your guests remember it for the right reasons, namely, how fun and creative it is, rather than for the cold food and long lines for booze.
ok, extra bartender. but thinking back I've only been to weddings with 2 and it's been fine. However, it's only an extra $225, so worth it if it's questionable.
I might totally eat my words later, but I think the whole flower thing is so much simpler than people make it. jigsy I love what you did for yourself! I honestly don't care about flowers and wouldn't even carry any for the ceremony if people wouldn't wonder what was missing. I like the idea of just fresh, cut flowers plopped into ball glasses - 1 per table. honestly, how much time could that take?
She also got her bouquet, 3 pin corsages and 3 boutonnieres for $143 from Adams and Son Gardens in Chicago. I'd be plenty happy with what she had, but I estimated more because that was 2 years ago and it sounds like she got lucky.