So You Want to Tie the Knot in a Floral Paradise (Without Breaking the Bank) - A Guide to Chicago Botanic Garden Weddings on a Budget (or Not So Budget)
Let's face it, weddings are expensive. You could practically buy a small island for the cost of some ceremonies I've seen (complete with resident flamingos, which are surprisingly affordable). But fear not, lovebirds with a penchant for peonies! The Chicago Botanic Garden offers a stunning (and surprisingly affordable) backdrop for your big day, but with some key considerations.
First Things First: The Venue
The Chicago Botanic Garden boasts a smorgasbord of ceremony and reception locations, each with its own unique charm and, of course, price tag. Here's a quick rundown to get you started:
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The Most Affordable: Looking for an intimate ceremony with a touch of whimsy? The Searle Courtyard offers a delightful blend of fresh air and covered patio for a cool $750-$1,500. Just picture it: you, your beloved, and 100 of your closest friends saying "I do" surrounded by fragrant blooms. Plus, all those extra savings mean you can splurge on a truly epic cake (because let's be honest, cake is a priority).
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Something for Everyone: The Rose Terrace, English Walled Garden, and McGinley Pavilion offer a middle ground, with rental fees ranging from $1,500 to $4,500 depending on the day of the week. Friday and Sunday weddings are your best bet here, because who wants to compete with Saturday's wedding rush? Imagine the horror: two brides fighting over the last peony for their bouquets!
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Ballin' on a Budget (or Not So Much): Now, we all know there's a difference between "budget" and "budget with trust fund sprinkles." If you're looking for the ultimate fairytale setting, the Esplanade is calling your name. This beauty rents for a cool $30,000. But hey, for that price, you basically get your own private botanical wonderland. Just be sure to invite all your millionaire friends, because gazing upon such floral extravagance might induce a serious case of champagne envy in your average guest.
But Wait, There's More! (Because Wedding Costs Never Truly End)
The venue is just the tip of the iceberg, folks. Remember to factor in additional costs like catering (the Wildflower package starts at $225 per guest, with prices increasing as you add fancier hors d'oeuvres), booze (because let's be honest, an open bar is practically a wedding right of passage, and it starts at $20 per person), and don't forget the valet parking for those fancy aunts who refuse to park their own cars.
The Takeaway
The Chicago Botanic Garden can be a fantastic (and gram-worthy) place to get married, with options for a range of budgets. Do your research, be prepared to make some choices (peonies or an open bar? The struggle is real!), and remember, it's all about celebrating your love surrounded by beautiful blooms (and maybe a few flamingos, if you can swing it).
