Space for a pre-wedding cocktail party, 10/21/06 evening

Not for me, but for a board member (and obviously it's in my interest to keep my board thinking how clever I am). Here's the info

1. Space rental under $1000
2. Still available (duh!) even though it's a Saturday night coming right up.
3. Cool/ interesting is a plus, fancy is not required
4. Stand-up drinks, not dinner
5. Approximately 200 people.
6. Considering either places they can bring their own drinks (art galleries?) or places that will supply them.

The grooms and I thank you for any suggestions.

The Irish American Heritage Center can accomadate you. We were pleasantly surprised by the bar there. Real glassware! The prices were very reasonable. You can bring in any caterers you like.

They have a few rooms. My wedding reception was in the Fifth Province (the pub)

In October, having the fireplace would be a lovely touch.

http://www.irishamhc.com/

4626 N Knox Ave • Chicago IL 60630 • 773/282-7035

I attended a wedding reception at Catalyst Ranch @ 656 W. Randolph. It was funky, but did not sacrifice elegance. It is a really interesting space, and I'd certainly recommend it for a cocktail party.
http://www.catalystranch.com/

HI,

Garfield Conservatory rents space.

South Shore Country Club might be of interest. You might be able to have Washburn Culinary School cater the event in their Parrot Cage restaurant.

Regards,

Gosh Ann, i think finding a space that serves 200 for under $1000 in the City is going to be really hard unless you go with a restaurant. Often a restaurant will waive or discount their room rental if you guarantee a certain number for attendance. 200 is a big room even for stand up.

Green Dolphin Street came to mind. I checked out their website and they do have a room that would work for you -- I can't honestly say how pretty or atmospheric it is -- although I do like the place and the room rental looked to be $500. Riva also comes to mind simply because I love the views from there.

Most of the really cool spots I know don't have space for that many or are really out of your budget. Wish I had better suggestions -- I actually spent some time on this -- its one of my favorite things to research but I kept coming up WAY out of price range.

Ah well..champagne tastes on a beer budget.

Let us know where you go...

shannon

A space I always have liked is the Tasting Room (upstairs) on Randolph. I personally haven't booked a private party, but know others who have.

The Tasting Room / Randolph Wine Cellars
1415 W. Randolph
312-942-1212
http://www.tlcwine.com/TastingRoom.html

Fresh Appetizers by Chef Paul is a Waukegan caterer I am friendly with. His website offers location suggestions for parties, while most won't suit your situation, two might:

Herald Washington Library
website:: http://www.chipublib.org/001hwlc/corpevents/cpe.html

400 South State Street

Chicago, IL 60605

Phone: (312) 747-4999

Capacity: Several room choices available.

Maximum 550 guests.

Price Range: $400.00-$3800.00 per day

not including setup, dance floor, kitchen use, or Audio Visual equipment

Available on site: Tables, Chairs, Dance Floor, Audio Visual Equipment.

***

Cheney Mansion

website: http://www.cheneymansion.com

220 North Euclid

Oak Park Illinois 60302

Phone: (708) 383-2612

Capacity: Several room choices available. Maximum 150 guests indoors,

350 guests outdoors.

Price Range: Call for information

Available on site: Tables, Kitchen, and Grand Piano.

Regards,

Ann...doing research for another event I'm dealing with, I ran across this link on the Blue Plate Catering website...

http://www.blueplateweddings.com/weddin ... ueList.asp

It's basically a list of all the places they do events at -- but i thought it was simply an excellent list of venues in town.

Maybe it'll give you some ideas?

Shannon

in Highland Park. It's run by the City of HP's park division. We had our rehearsal dinner there last October. Right on the water, outdoor firepit, big grill, seating for ~40. It was only a few hundred bucks for a Saturday non-resident. You have the whole beach to yourselves. October might be cold, but it was 75 degrees and clear for us.

http://www.pdhp.org/index.cfm/fa/parks. ... mation.cfm

Sorry, just re-read the OP about neeindg space for 200 people.