Links:
Vendors I recommend:
Venues:
Glenview Park District - The Grove
The Grove is a lovely location with a historic house and five acres of grounds. The
rental rates are reasonable due to its inclusion in the Glenview Park District. They have
a list of recommended caterers but you can also use your own caterer if you are willing
to do a little extra paperwork. The space is flexible and the Park District is easy to work
with, making this one of my all-time favorite venues.
The Adler Planetarium
Sure, you went there with your elementary school class, but the Adler has grown up, too. There are two lovely
spaces available for rent, one with actual skyline views and the other with virtual skyline views. There is
only one approved caterer, but the events and catering staff are extremely helpful, and they really know
how to throw a party.
Restaurants:
Davis St. Fishmarket
Even if you don't care for seafood, this is a superb restaurant for a small private event.
Although there is no longer a party room separate from the rest of the restaurant, the managers
will work with you to come up with a menu to satisfy all your guests—and your budget.
The food and service are top-notch.
Prairie Moon
For a casual event in an unusual space, Prairie Moon is a great choice.
Caterers:
Dave's Specialty Foods
Dave is my favorite caterer. His food belongs to a higher class than your average
caterer. A year after an event he catered, the guests were still raving about the food.
He is also great to work with: easy-going, flexible, and fun.
Bakeries:
Sweet Mandy B's, 1208 W. Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614-3109, 773-244-1174. No
website, as far as I can tell. Rich cakes and buttery cookies. Also a treat to work with.
Rolf's Patisserie, 4343 Touhy Ave., Lincolnwood, IL, 847-675-6565. No website.
Rolf's makes fine cakes. They will also make cakes in custom specialty
shapes for special occasions.
North Shore Bakery, 2921 W. Touhy, Chicago, IL 60645, 773-262-0600. No website
that I can find. This is the place to go for kosher pastry.
Florists:
Anna Held Flower Shop
For flowers a cut above your neighborhood FTD florist, try Anna Held Flower Shop.
The prices are higher than your local shop, but you get quality and service for your
money.
Entertainment:
Modal Music, Inc.
Here is a band which does world music--the whole world. I am particularly fond of their Klezmer,
Eastern European, and Balkan music and dance instruction. They also do Scandinavian, Flamenco,
Dixieland, and many other styles you wouldn't expect to come from one group of musicians. Versatile
is the least of it. And they are fun to work with.
Deal's Gone Bad
If you want a very danceable band with a great beat, these guys can do the job. They can get
everyone up and onto the dance floor.
Transportation:
My Chauffeur
My Chauffeur delivers standard limo service at reasonable prices. Their customer
service is outstanding.
Royal American Charter Lines
Charter a quality bus at a reasonable rate. They also have excellent customer service.
Rentals:
Chicago Party Rental
A reliable rental house where you can expect quality items at reasonable prices. Best for things like
dishes, tables, and chairs.
AAA Rental System
Another very reliable rental house with top-quality goods and services. They don't rent dishes, but
are terrific for large events.
Photographers:
Artisan Events
If you want to spend top dollar for high-quality, artistic photos, consider Artisan Events.
Non-Traditional Wedding Information:
If you're interested in environmentally sound weddings, here are some resources:
http://www.greeneleganceweddings.com/
Some basic information on wedding planning with a somewhat eco-friendly perspective.
Mostly information on invitations, clothing, handmade favors, honeymoon, and gift
items.
http://www.freecycle.org/
The Freecycle Network is good for finding wedding items, furnishing a home, getting rid of
things you don't need, and generally avoiding consumerism. Find a group near you through
the national website.
http://www.idofoundation.org/
http://www.justgive.org/
A wealth of ideas about non-tangible gifts.
Tips for avoiding the wedding industry:
http://www.indiebride.com/index.html
Essays, interviews, message board, etiquette help, clothes swap, all with an
independent bridal focus.
http://www.fireyourweddingplanner.com/page2.asp
She's trying to sell you her book, but this woman has a lot of great tips on negotiating
deals and saving money on your wedding. Sign up for her daily tips to get the general
idea (if you can stand a daily sales pitch).
Obligatory links:
Review my Business at MyHuckleberry.Com
WedAlert.com, "Your Wedding Planning Just Got Easier."
Angie's List. If you're a member of Angie's List, please rate my busines there.
Criterion Productions, Geoff Miller, Special Event Management.
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