Have you just become recently engaged? Are you now exploring your options for catering services within the Chicagoland area? There are several pros and cons that you should consider before booking your wedding venue, and deciding which catering service you are going to go with. Here are the top ten pros and cons of outdoor and indoor weddings in order to help you make those crucial wedding decisions.
PROS FOR INDOOR WEDDINGS
Controlled Environment
When planning an indoor wedding you won’t be stuck worrying about whether or not your wedding is going to be ruined by rain, snow or hurricane winds of our windy city. You will be able to plan your events according to how you want your night to go rather than what the weather permits.
Wedding Venues May Save You Money
When booking a venue for your wedding, most places usually offer a 2 for 1 package, so you won’t have to worry about paying for two locations for the ceremony and the reception. However, if you are planning on getting married in a church setting, there will be a higher chance that you may have to pay for two different venues accordingly. You should make sure to find a catering service that offers the best promotional deals that fit your budget. Some Chicago venues may also offer deals on wedding cakes, catering and decor in order to help you remain within your budget when choosing their services, so it is always best to ask.
You Will Have More Privacy
Rather than being in the great outdoors where everyone can look in on your wedding, you will be able to have a more closed in event with the people who matter the most to you, and you will be able to avoid the conflict of wedding crashers.
CONS FOR INDOOR WEDDINGS
Venue Restrictions
Most indoor venues will have certain rules implemented, which may affect your creative freedom by not working well with your vision for your special day. If you were hoping to get creative make sure to look into the different rules within each potential venue, so you can choose the one that offers the most leniency when it comes to decorating.
May Have to Pay Double
As mentioned earlier, if you are planning on getting married in a church setting you may get stuck paying double for the ceremony and the reception, as most churches do not offer catering services. Therefore, it is crucial that you do keep your budget in mind when considering your venue selection.
PROS FOR OUTDOOR WEDDINGS
The Setting
If you are a person who loves nature, and who loves being around the great outdoors then maybe an outdoor wedding is for you. Not only will you be surrounded by the beautiful nature Chicago has to offer as you hear and read about, especially during summer, but the outdoors also creates a beautiful and romantic setting for weddings. Depending on the scenery that you choose for your wedding, you will be able to reflect your personality in any location you choose whether it be in an open vineyard, floral gardens or a wide open field with rolling hills in the background.
Room for Creativity
When planning an outdoor wedding there are so many options available to you when it comes to decorating because other than cleaning up after there are no rules to limit your creative mind.
Great Pictures
Not only will you be getting married in a natural setting, but this is where all the photography will be taking place as well. By default, you will have the beautiful scenery locked away in your photographs making each picture that much more romantic.
CONS FOR OUTDOOR WEDDINGS
The Weather
One downfall to having an outdoor wedding is the constant stress regarding the weather. You need to consider what the weather will permit and also think about “just in case” plans prepare for any potential bad weather. No one is able to control the environment, so it is important to keep this factor in mind when deciding upon a venue choice. There may also be extra wedding costs involved if you do need to make arrangements for a backup plan. All you can do is cross your fingers, and hope for the best when it comes to the weather.
Uncomfortable Guests
Another factor that you may need to consider is how comfortable your guests will be at your wedding due to either the weather or the uninvited guests such as bugs or pesky onlookers. If your wedding is in the peak of summer your guests may be affected by the heat or humidity that comes with the climate, as well as the bugs such as wasps or mosquitos. You may consider offering bug spray or deterrents to your guests. If your wedding is going to be in the heat, be sure to have plenty of water on hand to keep your guests hydrated throughout the day.
THE BEST LOCATION FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY DEPENDS ON YOU
Both indoor and outdoor weddings in Chicago offer the potential for beauty and elegance, but when planning your venue you need to make sure that you base your decision on practicality, budget, best available services as well as what offers the most room for creative flexibility. The bottom line is doing what makes you most comfortable. Happy planning! Oh, and be sure to consider one of the best caterers in Chicago when you do start planning that unforgettable wedding day. We can be reached at 630-396-3030!
