Chicago Wedding Weekend Events
Because apparently it’s not one day anymore. At least, not when 75% of guests are coming from out of town, you haven’t spent a ton of time with your East Coast family in a while, and everyone’s excited for as much togetherness as possible.
Now, while that sounded a little whiney, I really am happy to get to spend lots of time with family. It’s the planning that’s got me overwhelmed. So what “wedding-related events” are we having?
Thursday Night: The World Champion Chicago Cubs vs. the almost-as-good LA Dodgers at Wrigley. Mr. W’s older son is a HUGE Dodgers fan, my dad’s a huge Cubs fan, and they’re playing each other. It’s a good chance to get Mr W.’s kid to one of the most classic stadiums in baseball, to relax, have a few beers, and just enjoy each other’s company. I think we’re booking a block of 10 tickets for my dad, my mom, Mr. W, W sons, me, and whoever else wants to go. First come, first serve. I know my buddy Mike is in. I’m hoping my sister will be able to make it. We’ll see.
Can’t think of a better place to unwind | Image via Fox Sports
Friday Day: NOTHING. I’ll be doing centerpieces and favors with Mr. W and a few family members/friends. We’re going to put together a list/map of our favorite things to do in Chicago and encourage guests to explore one of the greatest cities on earth.
Friday Night: Rehearsal Dinner. We’re breaking with the “invite all out-of-town guests” tradition and keeping this on the smaller side. It’ll be our wedding party, immediate family, and a few key relatives form the extended family. Probably about 15–20 people in all. Mr. W’s mom is hosting and we’re doing Chicago style pizza at a restaurant. Very casual, very relaxed.
Yep, I’m gonna have a stomachache. Totally worth it. | Image via Giordano’s
Friday Late: Games and drinks. I’m still trying to figure out the way to phrase a non-hosted event invite, because honestly, I want to see everyone, but it’s not in the budget to host another big party. Instead, we’re proposing a meet up a the Chicago Athletic Association game room for pool, bocce, shuffleboard, and board games in a really fun classic space. I initially wanted to go to an axe-throwing gym in the West Loop, but certain groom-type members of the wedding party disagree. Still, this is a good compromise. All the fun, way less potential deathiness.
So classic, so pretty, and fun, too! | Image via Eater Chicago (There’s a great slideshow there!)
Saturday: Wedding. It’s not till 6:00, but again, our guests are in one of the most fun cities in the world. I’ve got total faith that people will find stuff to do. As for me, it’s gonna be a lazy morning with Mr. W, hair, makeup, photos, and some quiet time before the wedding.
Sunday: Farewell Lunch. This one’s proven a bit tricky. Why? Easter Sunday, that’s why. Apparently lots of places either do an Easter brunch or are closed on Easter Sunday. And we’ve go some guests who will want to go to services. So we’re skipping “brunch” and doing a lunch. Specifically, we’re doing dim sum. Why? It’s the only thing I crave when hungover, it’s good for a crowd, and it’s fun. We haven’t picked a restaurant yet, but I’ve gotten a few good recommendations from some “in the know” friends.
So many options, so little time. Har Gow for Life. | Image via TAP Chicago
My one concern: our picky-eater relatives. Hopefully they suck it up and come.
Is there anything I’m missing? Anything you’ve done on a wedding weekend that’s super fun? A polite way to word “We’re going to play games and drink cocktails the night before the wedding. You’re welcome to join us, but I can’t pick up the bar tab”? Would it be better to just not have that event?
Tags:
chicago
food
rehearsal
BLOGGER
Miss Wishbone
Occupation:
Heath Writer
Wedding Date:
April 2017
Venue:
The School of the Art Institute Ballroom
-->
Related Posts
Let’s Eat!
11/10/16
@ 8:21 am
A Break from Your Regularly Scheduled Programming
11/21/16
@ 8:40 am
Wedding Food: It’s What’s for Dinner
10/21/16
@ 11:57 am
To Bridesmaid or Not to Bridesmaid
09/15/16
@ 7:08 am
The post Planning the “Wedding Weekend” appeared first on Weddingbee.