Midwest Conference Center and Wedding Receptions
Posted on May 24, 2006 by Her and tagged chicago, wedding
We recently toured the Skyline Ballroom at the Midwest Conference Center to see if it would work for our wedding reception. Their website has very little information so I thought it would be helpful to our readers to post what we learned.
Cost
According to theknot.com, the Midwest Conference Center is one of the least expensive reception locations in the Chicago area. The MCC website says their wedding packages start at $18.95 per person. This is not exactly true. This package exists, but includes only 1 entree selection (a Mexican entree) and no alcohol or cake. Their traditional wedding packages start at $33.95 per person (for a chicken entree and open bar) and go as high as $55.95 per person (for a beef entree and premium bar, as well as other upgrades). In any case there is a $5,000 minimum. You are not allowed to bring in outside food, although you may provide the cake. There are no price deductions for anything you reduce or substitute from the packages, including the cake.
Location
The Conference Center is located at 400 West Lake Street in Northlake, IL. Although they are located just off the highway, it is a difficult place to find. You actually need to do a U-turn at one point because Lake Street is a divided boulevard and you cannot enter it and turn left. We were worried our out-of-town guests would have too much trouble with the directions. They do offer plenty of free parking though.
Views
The "Skyline Ballroom" is advertised as having great views of the Chicago skyline. This is true...sort of. The ballroom has floor to ceiling glass on three sides, and it is possible to see the skyline way off in the distance. The immediate views, however, leave much to be desired. One side has a view of the highway interchange, with highways as far as the eye can see. The sound of highway traffic is quite audible, even up on the 16th floor. The far end has a view of the American manufacturing industry, with the factory rooftops and parking lots as far as the eye can see. The last side has a view of an industrial train yard. Tracks criss-cross the landscape in all directions and there are red and blue trian cars piled high and far. There are so many you could not ever count them all. The views are certainly interesting and my dad would probably enjoy seeing this view of America. It just isn't very romantic or wedding-y. There is also no place to take wedding photos outside, so this would have to be done elsewhere.
Decor
The ballroom is reasonably nicely decorated. The room seemed small (the dimensions are about 72 feet by 48 feet) but was pleasant. Six large columns that interrupted the space, but the hostess assured me they take care not to seat guests behind the columns. The room accommodates between 100 and 185 guests. The room is done in wood paneling and a green and gold carpet. A 18'x18' dance floor is available. The tables and chairs were sturdy and in good condition, although the bright green chairs would probably need to be covered with chair covers.
Overall Impression
We both felt the space was workable, but not ideal. We'd like something with more aesthetic appeal.
Comments/Trackbacks
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SS | Jun 28, 2006
Mission Hills Country Club in Northbrook. Hall overlooks a golf course and is beautiful. Prices are reasonable.
Lisa | Oct 10, 2006
Not sure if you found a different place or not, but the MCC does have a place outside for pictures. It's not ideal, but there's a gazebo in the back and miniature walking path. Depending on your wedding date, the weather, etc. it could work out. There's also a park in Rosemont that you can take pictures at ~15 minutes away.
Tom | May 26, 2006
Check out Crystal Palace on Dempster, just off of 294 (head east on Dempster).
The prices are comparable to what you are getting, there is underground valet parking, food and owner are excellent!
Yes, our wedding reception was there.
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