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Source: Oak Park Convention & Visitor’s Bureau
We ended up visiting the Club last May and were so warmly welcomed.
It was the only reception site that we actually visited in person, and I knew once we were actually in the ballroom that it was going to be the place.
Source: Weddings by Amie The pale grey walls of the ballroom are paired with beautiful hardwood floors and a snowy white ceiling - a perfect backdrop for any reception. You don’t have to worry about your decor and colors fighting with colorful drapery and rugs. On top of everything, there is a separate space on the first floor for a cocktail reception, and by renting out the ballroom for the evening, you have access to the entire club. The ballroom comfortably seats around 130 people (perfect for our group!) and has a perfect location in Oak Park, which is a little park across the street, for photos.
Seem too good to be true? It almost is. The price is really affordable, from rental fees, to catering, and you don’t feel pressured to sign on the dotted line about making a decision to book it (but they will pencil you into the calendar for your date without a deposit, and let you know if someone else inquires about the date, giving you the option to book immediately). Best of all, the 19th Century Club is a women’s club who, amongst many of their good deeds, have many philanthropic causes including a scholarship program.
Once we booked the site, everything else has fallen into place so easily, from church, to florist, and everything in between. Even though my parents live in Central Illinois, both my sister and I lived in Oak Park for a little while just out of college, so my parents know the area and can still feel like they’re hosting the event, even if it’s not on their home turf!
Did you choose a venue that you overlooked in your initial search? What drew you to your venue?
you venue looks gorgeous…I wish I would’ve considered it for mine…but I’ve never heard of it until now!
I love the looks of the ballroom (no ugly colors, yay!)
You and I are two shoes in a box! Our site is right around the corner from my parent’s but I kept trying to avoid it. Silly D’orsay…Congrats on finding your venue!
What a picturesque venue! I ended up finding mine on TV - one of those reality wedding shows! *lol*
ooo so pretty!!!! so bright and fairytale like 
we went to every hotel/reception hall (almost every) in boston. we knew immediately when we walked into our venue it was the one and we asked if it was available in Sept and boom - it’s all history now
Oh it’s going to be soo pretty! I can already picture all the gorgeous pictures you will get in front of your venue. Even better that it’s a good deal!
You have the reception venue that I’ve only been able to dream about! Hardwood floors, big windows, light-colored walls…and dang, do those chivari chairs come with the package?
I love this site- I’m so jealous. Over here in Iowa we have nothing like this and it’s exactly what I’m looking for. I can’t wait to see how you’re going to make it into your very own!
@BlushingBride530:
Sadly, the chivari chairs are way expensive and Momma Stiletto is not wanting to spring for those or chair covers to cover up the ugly ones that come with the site…what is a Bee to do??
Yes, I did! The first place we looked at turned out to be “the one.”
I can’t wait to have my reception at the 19th Century Club in August! I will totally second Miss Stiletto’s praise of how flexible and laidback the venue is. We had originally booked a date in September, then had to change it to August after already having signed the contract and sent in the deposit. All it took is one phone call, and the Club switched the date without any fuss.
@Miss Stiletto - Did you take a look at the “wedding chair” option? They’re wooden folding chairs with fabric seats, and they’re not bad at all. They’re $6/chair cheaper than the chivaris. My mom was not totally convinced that the wedding chairs were all that pretty, but we didn’t want to spend the money on the chair covers/sashes (the intermediate option).
@hellopanda:
Ooooh no one chaired with me about the folding chair option (which is weird, because Pat and I did talk about chairs/chair covers!)…thanks for the heads up
Wow, that is a beautiful ballroom! I always hate the carpeting they have in hotel ballrooms…plus you have to rent a dance floor! But I love that venue! Easy cleanup, easy setup, and looks amazing!!
@Miss Stiletto: I didn’t know about the wooden chairs either until I met with the caterer! It was a pleasant surprise because I had been preparing for some huge negotiating drama over the chair covers. Maybe the wooden chairs are a new option and Twomaytoz hadn’t let Pat know about them yet. Good luck!
@hellopanda:
Did you ever ask if we can supply chair covers through a vendor we find? I’ve thought about that but didn’t know if they’d go for it, but worth trying if I can get a better price!
So it’s $6/chair for the folding?
Oh the chair drama
we originally planned to have it at a museum / old parliament, but in the end we’re having it in our favorite restaurant, which is a small & cozy bistro. yes, we totally overlooked it, but now i’m totally glad we picked ‘our place’
your venue looks lovely. i can already imagine how awesome your photos will look on the front porch!
I have to give Miss Stiletto props as well! I love this space and am having my ceremony and reception at 19th CC in December! I as well did TONS of searching and contacted well over 100 venues in the Chicagoland but 19th CC fit my budget and it was exactly what I was looking for!
@jamie:
That’s awesome that you’re a “19th Century bride” as well Have you done your tasting yet? What are you doing for chairs at the reception?
Through searching online, I haven’t found many people who have posted about having their wedding at 19th Century, so always up for swapping details
@Miss Stiletto:
I haven’t found many brides or info about 19th CC either! I have not done my tasting but I have eaten at Cucina Paradiso twice now and the food is excellent - makes me very excited! We are doing cocktail reception also, and toying with ideas of a station or two… As for the chairs, I am using theirs. I’m a winter wedding, and it will be dark, and when people are sitting in the chairs you do not notice… I saw a wedding set up with the wood fold outs and they are pretty. I can send you pics if i had your email? Mine is jamielamm725@yahoo.com
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Mrs. Stiletto, Chicago Age and Occupation: 26, Non-Profit/Fundraising Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Engineer and Photographer Engagement Date: March 2, 2008 Wedding Date: September 2009 Venue: The 19th Century Club About Me: My fiance and I love living in the city of Chicago with our cats Basil and Linus, and vow to never move to the suburbs if we can possibly avoid it! We’ve poured ourselves into planning a wedding that reflects our personal style - modern and high contrast with a vintage twist. Blogging keeps me creative, baking keeps me happy, and grande nonfat no foam sugar free vanilla lattes keep me sane.
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