Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to budgeting. One of the most important factors to consider is the cost of the venue. Cedar Lake Estate is a popular wedding venue in the Chicagoland area, and its cost can vary depending on a number of factors.
In this article, we will provide a detailed breakdown of the Cedar Lake Estate wedding cost, including the venue rental fee, food and beverage minimums, and other associated costs. We will also provide tips on how to save money on your wedding expenses.
Before you begin planning your wedding at Cedar Lake Estate, it is important to understand the venue's rental fee. The rental fee for Cedar Lake Estate varies depending on the day of the week and the time of year. On weekdays, the rental fee is $5,000. On weekends, the rental fee is $6,000. During peak season (May-October), the rental fee is $7,000.
Cedar Lake Estate Wedding Cost
Here are 10 important points to consider when budgeting for your Cedar Lake Estate wedding:
- Venue rental fee: $5,000-$7,000
- Food and beverage minimum: $10,000
- Service charge: 20%
- Tax: 10%
- Ceremony fee: $500
- Rehearsal dinner fee: $1,000
- Day-of coordinator fee: $1,500
- Photographer fee: $2,000
- Videographer fee: $1,500
- Florist fee: $1,000
These are just some of the costs you should budget for when planning your Cedar Lake Estate wedding. The total cost of your wedding will vary depending on the specific vendors you choose and the size and scope of your event.
Venue rental fee: $5,000-$7,000
The venue rental fee at Cedar Lake Estate is one of the most important factors to consider when budgeting for your wedding. The rental fee varies depending on the day of the week and the time of year. On weekdays, the rental fee is $5,000. On weekends, the rental fee is $6,000. During peak season (May-October), the rental fee is $7,000.
- What's included in the rental fee?
The rental fee includes exclusive use of the estate's grounds, including the mansion, the gardens, and the lakefront. It also includes the use of the estate's tables, chairs, and linens.
- What's not included in the rental fee?
The rental fee does not include the cost of food and beverage, service staff, or other vendors. You will also need to pay a security deposit, which is typically refundable after your event.
- How to save money on the venue rental fee?
There are a few ways to save money on the venue rental fee. One way is to get married on a weekday or during the off-season. Another way is to have a smaller wedding. You can also negotiate with the venue to get a lower rate.
- What's the average cost of a wedding at Cedar Lake Estate?
The average cost of a wedding at Cedar Lake Estate is between $50,000 and $100,000. This includes the cost of the venue rental, food and beverage, service staff, and other vendors.
The venue rental fee is a significant expense, but it's important to remember that it's just one part of the overall cost of your wedding. By carefully budgeting and planning, you can have a beautiful and memorable wedding at Cedar Lake Estate without breaking the bank.
Food and beverage minimum: $10,000
The food and beverage minimum at Cedar Lake Estate is $10,000. This means that you must spend at least $10,000 on food and beverage for your wedding. This minimum is in place to ensure that the venue makes a profit on your event. The food and beverage minimum can be used to cover the cost of:
- Food
- Beverages
- Service staff
- Taxes and gratuities
The food and beverage minimum is a significant expense, but it's important to remember that it's just one part of the overall cost of your wedding. By carefully planning your menu and choosing vendors that offer competitive rates, you can keep your food and beverage costs within your budget.
Here are a few tips for saving money on your food and beverage expenses:
- Choose a menu that is seasonal and locally sourced. This will help to keep your food costs down.
- Negotiate with your vendors. Don't be afraid to ask for a lower price or a better deal.
- Consider having a cash bar instead of an open bar. This can save you a significant amount of money.
- Limit the number of guests at your wedding. The more guests you have, the more you will spend on food and beverage.
By following these tips, you can keep your food and beverage costs within your budget and still have a beautiful and memorable wedding at Cedar Lake Estate.
Service charge: 20%
A 20% service charge is automatically added to all food and beverage bills at Cedar Lake Estate. This service charge is used to compensate the wait staff and other service personnel who will be working your event. The service charge is a standard practice in the wedding industry, and it is important to factor it into your budget.
- What does the service charge cover?
The service charge covers the cost of the following services:
- Wait staff
- Bartenders
- Bussers
- Coat check attendants
- Other service personnel
- Is the service charge negotiable?
The service charge is typically not negotiable. However, you may be able to negotiate a lower service charge if you are having a large wedding or if you are using multiple vendors from the venue.
- How can I avoid paying the service charge?
There is no way to avoid paying the service charge at Cedar Lake Estate. However, you can reduce the amount of the service charge by keeping your food and beverage costs down.
- What is the average amount of the service charge?
The average amount of the service charge at Cedar Lake Estate is 20%. However, the service charge may vary depending on the size and scope of your event.
The service charge is an important factor to consider when budgeting for your Cedar Lake Estate wedding. By understanding what the service charge covers and how it is calculated, you can ensure that you are prepared for this expense.
Tax: 10%
A 10% sales tax is applied to all food and beverage sales at Cedar Lake Estate. This tax is in addition to the 20% service charge. It is important to factor this tax into your budget when planning your wedding.
- What does the tax cover?
The tax covers the following:
- Sales tax on food and beverage
- Sales tax on rentals
- Sales tax on other taxable items
- Is the tax negotiable?
No, the tax is not negotiable.
- How can I avoid paying the tax?
There is no way to avoid paying the tax.
- What is the average amount of the tax?
The average amount of the tax is 10%. However, the tax may vary depending on the county in which your wedding is taking place.
The tax is an important factor to consider when budgeting for your Cedar Lake Estate wedding. By understanding what the tax covers and how it is calculated, you can ensure that you are prepared for this expense.
Ceremony fee: $500
The ceremony fee at Cedar Lake Estate is $500. This fee is charged for the use of the estate's grounds for your wedding ceremony. The ceremony fee includes the following:
- Use of the estate's grounds for your ceremony
- Chairs for your guests
- A sound system for your music
- An officiant to perform your ceremony
The ceremony fee is a one-time fee that is due at the time of booking. The ceremony fee is non-refundable.
If you are having your wedding ceremony at Cedar Lake Estate, it is important to factor the ceremony fee into your budget. The ceremony fee is a relatively small expense, but it is important to be aware of it so that you can plan accordingly.
Here are a few tips for saving money on your ceremony fee:
- Get married on a weekday. Weekday weddings are typically less expensive than weekend weddings.
- Have a smaller wedding. The fewer guests you have, the less you will spend on chairs and other rentals.
- Provide your own music. If you have a friend or family member who can play music, you can save money on the cost of a DJ or band.
- Get ordained online. If you are not religious, you can get ordained online for free. This will allow you to perform your own wedding ceremony and save money on the cost of an officiant.
Rehearsal dinner fee: $1,000
The rehearsal dinner fee at Cedar Lake Estate is $1,000. This fee is charged for the use of the estate's facilities for your rehearsal dinner. The rehearsal dinner fee includes the following:
- Use of the estate's facilities for your rehearsal dinner
This includes the use of the dining room, the patio, and the gardens.
- Tables and chairs for your guests
The estate will provide tables and chairs for your guests, as well as linens and napkins.
- A sound system for your music
The estate will provide a sound system for your music, as well as a microphone and podium.
- A bartender to serve your guests
The estate will provide a bartender to serve your guests beer, wine, and soda.
The rehearsal dinner fee is a one-time fee that is due at the time of booking. The rehearsal dinner fee is non-refundable.
If you are having your rehearsal dinner at Cedar Lake Estate, it is important to factor the rehearsal dinner fee into your budget. The rehearsal dinner fee is a relatively small expense, but it is important to be aware of it so that you can plan accordingly.
Day-of coordinator fee: $1,500
The day-of coordinator fee at Cedar Lake Estate is $1,500. This fee is charged for the services of a day-of coordinator who will help you to plan and execute your wedding day. The day-of coordinator will work with you to create a timeline for the day, coordinate with your vendors, and ensure that everything runs smoothly on your wedding day.
The day-of coordinator fee is a one-time fee that is due at the time of booking. The day-of coordinator fee is non-refundable.
If you are planning a wedding at Cedar Lake Estate, it is highly recommended that you hire a day-of coordinator. A day-of coordinator can help you to save time and stress on your wedding day, and they can ensure that everything goes according to plan.
Here are a few of the benefits of hiring a day-of coordinator:
- Peace of mind. Knowing that you have a professional planner on your side can give you peace of mind on your wedding day.
- Time savings. A day-of coordinator can help you to save time by taking care of all the details on your wedding day, so that you can focus on enjoying your time with your family and friends.
- Stress reduction. A day-of coordinator can help to reduce stress on your wedding day by ensuring that everything runs smoothly.
- Vendor coordination. A day-of coordinator can help you to coordinate with your vendors, so that everyone is on the same page and knows what to do on your wedding day.
- Timeline creation. A day-of coordinator can help you to create a timeline for your wedding day, so that everything happens on time and according to plan.
Photographer fee: $2,000
The average cost of a wedding photographer at Cedar Lake Estate is $2,000. This fee typically includes the following:
- Unlimited photo coverage on your wedding day
This means that the photographer will stay with you from the getting ready process until the end of the reception.
- A second photographer
This is important for capturing all of the important moments of your wedding day from multiple angles.
- An online gallery of your photos
This will allow you to share your photos with your family and friends.
- A print release
This will allow you to print your photos as many times as you want.
The photographer fee is a significant expense, but it is important to remember that your wedding photos will be one of the few things you have to remember your big day. By choosing a photographer who is experienced and professional, you can ensure that you will have beautiful photos to cherish for a lifetime.
Here are a few tips for saving money on your photographer fee:
- Get married on a weekday. Weekday weddings are typically less expensive than weekend weddings.
- Have a smaller wedding. The fewer guests you have, the less time the photographer will need to spend taking photos.
- Choose a photographer who is new to the business. New photographers typically charge less than experienced photographers.
- Negotiate with the photographer. Don't be afraid to ask for a lower price or a better deal.
Videographer fee: $1,500
The average cost of a wedding videographer at Cedar Lake Estate is $1,500. This fee typically includes the following:
- Unlimited video coverage on your wedding day
This means that the videographer will stay with you from the getting ready process until the end of the reception.
- A highlight reel of your wedding day
This is a short video that captures all of the important moments of your wedding day.
- A full-length video of your wedding day
This is a longer video that includes all of the footage from your wedding day.
- A USB drive with all of your wedding videos
This will allow you to watch your wedding videos whenever you want.
The videographer fee is a significant expense, but it is important to remember that your wedding video will be one of the few things you have to remember your big day. By choosing a videographer who is experienced and professional, you can ensure that you will have a beautiful video to cherish for a lifetime.
Here are a few tips for saving money on your videographer fee:
- Get married on a weekday. Weekday weddings are typically less expensive than weekend weddings.
- Have a smaller wedding. The fewer guests you have, the less time the videographer will need to spend filming.
- Choose a videographer who is new to the business. New videographers typically charge less than experienced videographers.
- Negotiate with the videographer. Don't be afraid to ask for a lower price or a better deal.
Florist fee: $1,000
The average cost of a wedding florist at Cedar Lake Estate is $1,000. This fee typically includes the following:
- A bridal bouquet
- Bridesmaid bouquets
- Groomsmen boutonnieres
- Corsages for the mothers of the bride and groom
- Boutonnieres for the fathers of the bride and groom
- Centerpieces for the tables
- Flowers for the ceremony arch
- Flowers for the cake table
The florist fee can vary depending on the type of flowers you choose, the size of your wedding party, and the number of centerpieces you need. If you are on a tight budget, you can save money on your florist fee by choosing seasonal flowers, using less expensive flowers, and limiting the number of centerpieces you need.
Here are a few tips for saving money on your florist fee:
- Get married in season. Seasonal flowers are typically less expensive than out-of-season flowers.
- Choose less expensive flowers. Some flowers, such as roses and lilies, are more expensive than others, such as carnations and daisies.
- Limit the number of centerpieces you need. Centerpieces can be expensive, so it is important to only order as many as you need.
- Negotiate with the florist. Don't be afraid to ask for a lower price or a better deal.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about Cedar Lake Estate wedding costs:
Question 1: What is the average cost of a wedding at Cedar Lake Estate?
Answer 1: The average cost of a wedding at Cedar Lake Estate is between $50,000 and $100,000. This includes the cost of the venue rental, food and beverage, service staff, and other vendors.
Question 2: What is the venue rental fee at Cedar Lake Estate?
Answer 2: The venue rental fee at Cedar Lake Estate is $5,000-$7,000. The rental fee varies depending on the day of the week and the time of year.
Question 3: What is the food and beverage minimum at Cedar Lake Estate?
Answer 3: The food and beverage minimum at Cedar Lake Estate is $10,000. This means that you must spend at least $10,000 on food and beverage for your wedding.
Question 4: Is there a service charge at Cedar Lake Estate?
Answer 4: Yes, there is a 20% service charge at Cedar Lake Estate. This service charge is added to all food and beverage bills.
Question 5: Is there a tax at Cedar Lake Estate?
Answer 5: Yes, there is a 10% sales tax at Cedar Lake Estate. This tax is applied to all food and beverage sales.
Question 6: What is the ceremony fee at Cedar Lake Estate?
Answer 6: The ceremony fee at Cedar Lake Estate is $500. This fee includes the use of the estate's grounds for your wedding ceremony, as well as chairs for your guests, a sound system for your music, and an officiant to perform your ceremony.
Question 7: What is the rehearsal dinner fee at Cedar Lake Estate?
Answer 7: The rehearsal dinner fee at Cedar Lake Estate is $1,000. This fee includes the use of the estate's facilities for your rehearsal dinner, as well as tables and chairs for your guests, a sound system for your music, and a bartender to serve your guests.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about Cedar Lake Estate wedding costs. For more information, please contact the estate directly.
Now that you have a better understanding of the costs associated with a Cedar Lake Estate wedding, you can start planning your budget. Here are a few tips to help you save money on your wedding:
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you save money on your Cedar Lake Estate wedding:
Tip 1: Get married on a weekday or during the off-season.
Weekends and peak season (May-October) are the most expensive times to get married at Cedar Lake Estate. If you are flexible with your wedding date, you can save a significant amount of money by getting married on a weekday or during the off-season.
Tip 2: Have a smaller wedding.
The number of guests you have at your wedding will affect the cost of your venue rental, food and beverage, and other vendors. If you are on a tight budget, consider having a smaller wedding with fewer guests.
Tip 3: Negotiate with your vendors.
Don't be afraid to negotiate with your vendors to get a lower price or a better deal. Many vendors are willing to work with you to create a package that fits your budget.
Tip 4: DIY some of your wedding details.
There are many wedding details that you can DIY to save money. For example, you could make your own wedding invitations, centerpieces, or favors. If you are crafty, you could even make your own wedding dress or groom's tuxedo.
By following these tips, you can save money on your Cedar Lake Estate wedding without sacrificing the quality of your event.
Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be expensive. By carefully budgeting and planning, you can have a beautiful and memorable wedding at Cedar Lake Estate without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
Cedar Lake Estate is a beautiful and popular wedding venue, but it can also be expensive. By carefully budgeting and planning, you can have a beautiful and memorable wedding at Cedar Lake Estate without breaking the bank.
Here are a few key points to remember when budgeting for your Cedar Lake Estate wedding:
- The venue rental fee is $5,000-$7,000.
- The food and beverage minimum is $10,000.
- There is a 20% service charge.
- There is a 10% sales tax.
- Other costs to consider include the ceremony fee, rehearsal dinner fee, day-of coordinator fee, photographer fee, videographer fee, and florist fee.
By following the tips in this article, you can save money on your Cedar Lake Estate wedding without sacrificing the quality of your event. With careful planning, you can have a beautiful and memorable wedding that fits your budget.