About Chicago
Chicago, one of America's most dynamic cities and the birthplace of the skyscraper is renowned for its iconic skyline. Located on Lake Michigan in the Midwest, Illinois’s biggest city is known for its museums, sports teams, high-end shopping districts, music venues, and vibrant restaurant scene.
Home to iconic landmarks like The Bean in Millennium Park and Navy Pier's Ferris wheel, Chicago offers a wide variety of family-friendly attractions year-round. From theater district shows during Spring Break to White Sox games during summer months, there are plenty of special occasions to experience in the Windy City.
Not to mention its world-famous deep-dish pizza! No visit is complete without sampling this famous treat! With so many things to explore and enjoy, it's no wonder why Chicago continues to be a top destination for travelers around the globe. It is also a popular choice for event planners organizing special occasions.
Special Occasion Options in Chicago
- Music
There are many different types of music available for special occasions in Chicago. If you're looking for live music, there are several bands and musicians that perform regularly at events and weddings. You can also find DJs and other musical entertainment for your event.
- Photographers
To capture your special occasion, you'll want to hire a professional photographer. There are many photographers in Chicago that specialize in weddings and other events. Be sure to interview several photographers and view their portfolios before making your final decision.
- Decorations
If you're looking for someone to help with the decoration of your venue, there are several companies that offer this service. They can provide everything from flowers to table decorations to lights and more.
- Catering
No special occasion is complete without food! Chicago has many catering companies that can provide delicious meals for your event. Be sure to discuss your menu options with the caterer in advance so that they can accommodate any dietary restrictions.
Special Occasion Vendors in Chicago
- An Event Less Ordinary
AELO (An Event Less Ordinary) Consultants is your one-stop shop for event planning and coordination. We specialize in weddings, birthdays, corporate events, bar/bat mitzvahs, and anniversary parties. No matter what type of event you're planning, they'll be there to help you put all the details together. An Event Less Ordinary offers full event planning, day-of coordination, and event design services. The company is known for its professionalism, humor, and calm-within-the-storm attitude. This team takes on-site event management to a new level.
- Nahoy Entertainment
Yohan's music career started when he was just a young boy growing up on the west side of Chicago. He would often sing and play the piano at his local church, impressing everyone with his talent. As he got older, he began to explore different genres of music and developed his own unique style. Today, Yohan is one of the most popular vocalists in Chicago. His voice is truly unique, and his ability to connect with his audience is undeniable. whether he's singing a power ballad or an up-tempo pop song, Yohan always delivers an amazing performance. If you're looking for an unforgettable musical experience, be sure to check out Yohan's next show!
- Fabbrini's Flowers
For over 50 years, Fabbrini's Flowers has been providing the Northwest Chicago Suburbs with gorgeous, fresh flowers perfect for any occasion. From special events and holidays to weddings and sympathy arrangements, they have flowers to suit your every need. Their talented team of floral designers handcrafts each arrangement with care, ensuring that your recipients receive the highest quality flowers available. They also offer same-day delivery for those times when you need a last-minute gift.
Pros and Cons of Special Occasions in Chicago
Special Occasions in Chicago offer unique experiences, but they require quite an effort to organize. There is a potential opportunity for disappointment, but you can get ahead of the setbacks if you know precisely what you are up against.
Advantages
- The Windy City presents an abundance of event venues and services to accommodate any special occasion.
- Hosting a special occasion in Chicago gives you access to professional photographers, musicians, decorators, and caterers.
- Your function will benefit from a schedule packed with a variety of activities available throughout the year such as attending theater shows, catching a White Sox game, or digging into the city's world-famous deep-dish pizza.
Disadvantages
- Special occasion venues can be pricey and hard to come by.
- The weather can be unpredictable, making outdoor events challenging to plan.
- Traffic and parking can be difficult to navigate during peak hours and holiday periods.
Tips on How to Organize Special Occasions in Chicago
Planning any special occasion in Chicago is a fun experience! With everything the city has to offer, there’s no end of options for creating a memorable event. If you’re looking to plan your own celebration, consider following some tips that can make the planning process smoother:
- Choose your preferred venue carefully and make sure it suits the budget as well as the size and type of event.
- Research potential vendors thoroughly by researching their past work as well as talking with current and past clients.
- Deciding on a theme or concept can also bring a unique touch of fun and personality to the celebration - after all, Chicago is known for its creative touches!
- Above all else, establish realistic timelines so that everyone involved knows their role and everyone can come together to execute a fantastic event in Chicago.
Famous Locations in Chicago
- Wrigley Field
Chicago is a great city for sports fans, and there is no better place to catch a game than at Wrigley Field. Located on the North Side of the city, just a short drive from downtown, Wrigley Field is the perfect spot to enjoy an afternoon of America's favorite pastime. The second-oldest ballpark in the country, Wrigley Field was built in 1914 and still has all the charm of a classic ballpark. From the ivy-covered outfield walls to the iconic entranceway and hand-turned scoreboard, Wrigley Field is full of history. In addition to watching an exciting game, fans can also take tours of the park that provide insight into the team's rich history. Whether you're a die-hard Cubs fan or just looking for a fun and unique experience, watching a game at Wrigley Field is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
- Buckingham Fountain
The Buckingham Fountain is one of the most iconic landmarks in Chicago. Located in Grant Park, The fountain was built in the Beaux Arts style and is Edward Bennett's work. The Buckingham Fountain was inspired by the Latona Fountain at Versailles and is Chicago's answer to the ever-popular tourist destination. What makes this fountain unique is both its grand size and the intensity of its spray, which can reach several stories high! There are also four water-spouting sea horse statues at the fountain, which symbolize the four states that border Lake Michigan. The pool at the fountain represents the lake. Today, the Buckingham Fountain is one of Chicago's most beloved attractions, drawing visitors from all over the world.
- Chicago River
The waterway that runs through Chicago is one of the city's most distinctive features. For centuries, the Chicago River flowed into Lake Michigan, providing a ready source of fresh water for the city's residents. However, as the city grew, so did the amount of pollution in the river. The city engineers decided to undertake an ambitious engineering project in order to protect the quality of Lake Michigan's water: they would reverse the flow of the river. They redirected the river by using a sequence of canal locks, emptying it into the Mississippi instead of Lake Michigan. The project was completed in 1900, and today the river is once again an important part of Chicago's identity. Thanks to the efforts of past generations, the city of Chicago has a brighter future ahead.