Wednesday, January 21, 2009

On the docket

Today's site visits include the Art Institute, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and Cafe Brauer. Whee! More later...

UPDATE
We've seen five venues now and are ready to make a decision this week. I would be happy having our combined ceremony/reception at any of the places we looked at, so it's now just a matter of weighing the pros and cons of each and then hoping the place we decide on has availability. Starting with today's venues, here's the current thinking:
Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago
PRO:
-Close to Millennium Park and hotels
-amazing downtown view from terrace
-price is reasonable and includes tables, chairs, etc.
-street parking would be easy if necessary
CON:
-new venue that doesn't even open until May=risky
-if dates coincide with major city event (eg Taste of Chicago) area could be extremely congested

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
PRO:
-good indoor/outdoor options
-photo booth on site
-lots to see and do for the kids
CON:
-limited nearby hotel options
-maybe too much space? people might be in every nook and cranny of the museum and we'd want everyone to more or less be in the same space

Cafe Brauer
PRO:
-beautiful space, including great covered outdoor patios
-guests can go to zoo or Lincoln Park Conservatory beforehand
CON:
-limited nearby hotel options
-bathrooms on first floor only
-not sure if we'll be able configure the spaces for the ceremony/reception

Chicago History Museum
PRO:
-fits perfectly with "Chicago" theme
-elegant space that will accommodate exactly what we want
CON:
-limited nearby hotel options
-most expensive of the venues

Architectural Artifacts
PRO:
-unique space
-gives guests a chance to see beyond downtown
CON:
-definitely need to arrange transportation for those staying downtown
-not air-conditioned


Please feel free to weigh in!

3 comments:

  1. This is a great post -- I am seeing two of these four this weekend.
    I had no idea Architectural Artifacts isn't air conditioned. I guess that might be more appropriate for a spring or fall wedding (chicago weather is soo hard to predict though!!)

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  2. we cant wait to see where you decide!

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  3. hmmm. I'd go with the art institute. it's unique and special, decor needed would be negligible, and it's way closer to major hotels. my second choice would be the history museum. :)

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