About Chicago
Chicago is a Midwestern city located along the Great Lakes. It's known for its deep-dish pizza, architecture, and museums, including the Art Institute of Chicago. Its landmark skyscrapers include the Willis Tower and the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower. The city is also home to the Cubs baseball team, Millennium Park, and the Magnificent Mile shopping district. Chicago enjoys a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. The city experiences hot, humid summers and cold winters.
Production and content creation play an essential role in Chicago's economy. Meetings and events are also significant contributors to the city's growth. Besides the developmental aspect, Chicago is known for its incredible verdant gardens and parks. The botanical gardens in Chicago are extremely popular with locals and tourists. The Lincoln Park Conservatory and the Garfield Park Conservatory are two of Chicago's most famous botanical garden venues.
Botanical Garden Event Options in Chicago
- Catering
When it comes to catering, there are a variety of options available in Chicago. From traditional Illinois cuisine to more modern fare, there is something to suit every palate. Most catering specializes in handling special occasions, so you can be sure to end up with a delectable menu that complements your event.
- Photography
It is a given that you should enlist the services of a professional photographer when hosting an event at a botanical garden venue in Chicago. It’s the best way to capture memories from the occasion, and it doubles up as a treat for your guests because it provides them with plenty of Instagrammable photos to share.
- Flowers
You wouldn’t consider it a first choice, but the best way to liven up a botanical garden space is to add even more plants into the equation. Florists in Chicago can supply a diverse range of blooms and tropical plants to spruce up your event space.
- Event Planners
Professional event planners in Chicago know what it takes to put up a grand production, with the understanding that every event should be an experience. From finding the perfect venue to booking vendors and managing logistics, event planners take the stress out of the planning process.
- Entertainment
It is unheard of to have an event without some form of entertainment. When you are working with a botanical garden location, it only makes sense to enlist the services of an entertainment company. These businesses can provide bands, musical equipment, and DJ services in line with your preferences.
Botanical Garden Event Vendors in Chicago
- Pinstripes
Pinstripes offer tailored dining experiences, with the restaurant also doubling up as a bowling and bocce arcade. The food establishment also provides take-out, delivery, and catering services. Whether you are looking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Pinstripes has you covered seven days a week.
- Dilly Lily
Dilly Lily believes that flowers can transform a space and bring an event to life. Their team of accomplished designers creates custom floral displays that reflect your style and vision. They are passionate about every detail of the design process, from selecting suitable blooms to crafting stunning arrangements. Whether you are planning a wedding, hosting a corporate event, or simply looking to add a touch of elegance to your home, Dilly Lilly will deliver the perfect floral displays.
- Liven It Up Events
Liven It Up Events is a full-service event planning firm based in Chicago. They employ proven planning strategies, unique ideas, cutting-edge event resources, and professional assistance to make the function come alive. With tried-and-true methods and a solid client relationship, Liven It Up Events provides clients with unique and memorable experiences.
Pros and Cons of Botanical Garden Events in Chicago
Hosting an event at a botanical garden in Chicago can be something extraordinary. But before booking this venue, one must weigh the pros and cons carefully to ensure it meets all needs.
Advantages
- Botanical gardens are large spaces with plenty of room for guests to move around.
- The gardens are usually well-maintained and offer a variety of plants and flowers.
- Botanical gardens are generally located in safe areas with minor crime.
- Gardens provide a natural setting that can be peaceful and relaxing for guests. Some may want to breathe fresh air, while others may wish to meditate or practice yoga asanas.
- Many botanical gardens offer catering services and other amenities.
Disadvantages
- Weather can be a factor when booking a botanical garden venue. If it rains, the event may have to be moved indoors.
- Botanical gardens can be expensive to book for an event, and you may also have to pay additional for furniture and decor rentals.
- There may be noise restrictions at a botanical garden, limiting the music volume.
- Some guests may feel uncomfortable being surrounded by plants and nature.
- Guests may have allergies to pollen or other allergens that are present in botanical gardens.
Tips on How to Organize Botanical Garden Events in Chicago
Organizing an event at a botanical garden in Chicago can be a fun and exciting experience for everyone involved. However, an event at a botanical garden can also come with its own set of challenges. Here are some tips on organizing botanical garden events in Chicago:
- Research the Venue: Before jumping into event planning, take some time and research the venue. Check out their website, read reviews from past hosts, and contact any staff members that can answer your questions.
- Consider Climate-Friendly Alternatives: It is essential to consider ways to make your event as climate-friendly as possible whenever organizing an outdoor event like this one. Ensure you’re using sustainable materials and limiting the amount of plastic used. You should also encourage guests to bring reusable items like water bottles or containers and consider using biodegradable cutlery, plates, and cups for food service items.
- Choose Appropriate Activities: Finding activities that fit your budget and bring something unique to the table is critical when planning successful events at botanical gardens in Chicago. Think about games or activities involving plants, like seed planting or flower pressing, putting together a scavenger hunt featuring different plants, or hosting storytime sessions under a canopy of trees and flowers.
- Prepare For All Weather: Preparing for all weather conditions is essential when planning outdoor events at botanical gardens in Chicago. An emergency plan is necessary in case inclement weather disrupts parts of the program. Rent tents or pavilions for extra protection from rain or sun, stock up on insect repellent if necessary, and have umbrellas handy if there's any chance of rain during your event.
Famous Locations in Chicago
- Garden of the Phoenix
If you are looking for a tranquil oasis in the middle of a bustling city, the Garden of the Phoenix is worth a visit. This Japanese-style haven is located in the heart of Chicago and features beautiful bridges, ponds, streams, and bonsai trees. Every year, the park comes alive with stunning fields of cherry blossoms. The blossoms only last briefly, so check the schedule and plan your visit accordingly. Even if you don't catch the cherry blossoms in bloom, the garden still provides an incredibly peaceful and serene retreat.
- Crystal Gardens
The Crystal Gardens offers an outstanding display of growth, with symmetrically arranged wild plants displayed beneath a glass atrium. The primary colors are white, with places of liveliness coming from the vivid flora. The garden has statues, fairy lights, water fountains, and other fascinating features.
- Lincoln Park
Occupying a six-mile stretch along Lake Michigan’s edge, Lincoln Park is one of Chicago's popular attractions. The park houses the Lincoln Park Zoo, Lincoln Park Conservatory, and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. Playing fields, jogging paths, and trails are also found within the park.