So You Want to Get Hitched at The Drake, Huh? Let's Talk Cash, Not Cake (Just Yet)
Ah, The Drake Hotel, Chicago. Steeped in history, oozing with elegance, and probably has a resident ghost who helps with the ironing (wouldn't that be amazing?). It's no surprise you have your heart set on saying "I do" in this iconic venue. But before you start practicing your aisle walk (complete with confetti toss), let's delve into the nitty-gritty: how much does a wedding at The Drake cost?
Brace Yourselves, It Ain't Cheap (But Hopefully Worth It!)
Let's be honest, The Drake isn't exactly known for being a budget-friendly option. It's a luxury hotel, and weddings there are likely to come with a luxury price tag. Here's the thing: they don't actually advertise a flat fee. Instead, they operate on a food and beverage minimum. Now, this sounds fancy, but it basically means you have to spend a certain amount of money on food and drinks for your guests.
Here's the TL;DR:
- There's no rental fee for the reception space (hallelujah for small victories!).
- But, there's a food and beverage minimum, especially for Saturday shindigs (because apparently, Saturdays are more expensive for fancy hors d'oeuvres).
But How Much is This Minimum, You Ask?
Well, my friend, that's where things get a little hazy. We did some investigative journalism (read: shameless internet stalking) and found whispers of the minimum being in the ballpark of $14,884 for 50 guests. Yes, you read that right. That's almost enough to buy a small island somewhere (complete with a resident parrot who says "congratulations" every morning).
Don't Panic (Yet)!
Here's the good news: that number is just a starting point. The more guests you have, the higher the minimum will be, but it also means you can spread the cost out amongst more people (plus, a bigger party means more free cake for you, right?).
Here are some additional things to factor in:
- The Day of the Week: Weekends are more expensive, so consider a Friday or Sunday wedding if you're looking to be a bit more budget-conscious.
- The Size of Your Wedding: The more guests, the higher the minimum. Elope with just your closest friends and family, and suddenly The Drake becomes a steal (just kidding... kind of).
- The Food and Drinks: Lobster thermidor for everyone? That'll definitely bump up the cost. Opt for a more casual menu with a cash bar to keep things under control.
The Takeaway: Be Prepared to Shell Out Some Dough
A wedding at The Drake Hotel Chicago is likely to be an unforgettable experience, but it definitely won't be cheap. Do your research, get a quote from their wedding coordinator, and be prepared to make some budget-friendly choices. But hey, if you can swing it, who wouldn't want to start their forever together in such a stunning and historic place? Just remember to factor in the cost of therapy for your future in-laws after they see the bill (kidding... again... mostly).
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