Outdoor wedding ceremony ideas in chicago
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With over 26 miles of lakefront and 15 miles of beaches, it's understandable why a bride-to-be would choose to have an outdoor wedding in Chicago. Sunlight on the water and birds singing while perched on tree branches seem like a magical atmosphere, and may be just what a bride wants on the day she says, "I do." As magical as it may seem, however, planning an outdoor ceremony in Chicago requires more than simply picking a venue and making it happen.
Chicago Mansions
In Chicago, there are literally dozens of mansions that may be rented out to the public for special occasions such as weddings. The Patrick Haley Mansion, built in 1889, is a historical site featuring an outdoor ceremony area complete with ponds, lush gardens, vibrantly colored flowers, waterfalls and giant pine trees.
As an added bonus, the mansion may be rented long enough for both an outdoor ceremony and an indoor reception. At night, guests can flock outdoors to dance and mingle as the stars twinkle overhead.
Chicago Country Clubs
If you're looking for something a little more casual but still up-scale enough for your special day, the Silver Lake Country Club may suit your needs. In operation for over 50 years, Silver Lake features outdoor ceremony sites surrounded by green gardens and it also boasts gazebos and patios with enough visual appeal to host the wedding of your choice.
In order to rent the site, a wedding package must be purchased. Food, beverages and even bar service are available at Silver Lake and the facility holds more than 400 guests.
Boulder Ridge Country Club, located on a golf course, also features outdoor ceremony sites. With over 7,000 yards of freshly-cut, green grass, Boulder Ridge has some marvelous areas for wedding photo-ops. With rolling hills and magnificent gardens, the country club is nothing short of picturesque.
Chicago Water Weddings
For something a little more original you may opt for an outdoor wedding on the water. Odyssey Cruises in Chicago offers wedding packages for either ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners, or all of the above. Ceremonies may be held at dock side or on the sky deck of the ship. Included in the wedding packages are chair set up, music and a wedding coordinator. Although ceremonies are limited to 30 minutes, the cruise lasts long enough to create memorable experiences for a newly married couple.
Anita Dee Yacht Charters, located on the south side of Navy Pier, provides private rentals for weddings. Two yachts are available including the Anita Dee I, a 90-foot-yacht with an enclosed deck for conversing with loved ones or enjoying the ride. Formal seating holds up to 20 people, along with bench seating and cocktail tables for other guests. For your more lively passengers, Anita Dee I boasts a bar and a dance floor. If you're worried about food, there are two buffet locations on deck.
The second yacht, Anita Dee II, is ideal for a more up-scale wedding. The grand piano adds a classical and formal flair to the yacht. With a large dance floor and a full-service bar, entertainment can be provided. Formal seating for dinner is available for up to 120 guests. An on-deck helicopter adds a sense of adventure to the yacht.
Ideal Wedding Date
When setting a wedding date for a ceremony in Chicago, working around the weather is tricky. If your heart is set on a Christmas wedding, your best bet it to stay indoors during the ceremony, as temperatures easily drop to uncomfortable lows.
For Chicago, ideal months for weddings are between May and September. Before these months, you're risking thunderstorms and heavy rainfall during spring and afterward, you'll be worrying about low temperatures and possibly even snow. Although October may seem like the ideal month for an outdoor wedding, it's not unusual for snow to fall in Chicago prior to Halloween.
Keep Weather in Mind
Many brides will not enjoy hearing this, but you should not have your mind set on being outdoors throughout your entire ceremony. In Chicago, temperatures may fluctuate no matter what time of year and the change may be enough to send your guests running for cover.
Additionally, rain, hail, high winds--Chicago is the Windy City--and even thunderstorms could potentially ruin your wedding date. This is why a back-up plan is crucial. To be on the safe side, a back up to your back-up plan may also be necessary in Chicago.
Tags: outdoor ceremony, ceremony Chicago, outdoor wedding, Silver Lake, back-up plan, Boulder RidgeSource: www.ehow.com
