Ivy exceeded my expectations this weekend. The setup was stunning! I'm very picky when it comes to decor and this was exactly what I was looking for. I loved every bit of it and so did our guests. Communication with Ivy was also very easy, she was very responsive both via text and email. The staff were great and extremely helpful the night of the event. read more

See all

My baby shower experience was absolutely beautiful and perfect! From the stunning decorations to the attentive and kind staff, everything flowed so smoothly. The photo booth was such a fun highlight and made the day even more memorable. Every detail was so thoughtfully done, and I couldn't have asked for a better celebration to welcome our baby boy. Truly grateful for such an amazing experience! I am so glad I found this banquet hall! Ivy, the owner, was absolutely amazing--so attentive, understanding of my vision, and in constant communication to make sure everything came out perfect. From start to finish, she went above and beyond to bring everything together beautifully. I truly couldn't have asked for a better experience. read more

See all

Ivy knows what she's doing. This venue is what dreams are made of. Everything from the tables, chairs, balloon arch, backdrop, speakers, chafing dishes, coolers, 2 bathrooms (WITH changing stations) I couldn't ask for a better place to throw a party. We had my son's 1st birthday party here on 4/15 and Ivy was a gem to work with. Our guests had an excellent time. She gave us ample time for set up and break down. 100/10 would highly recommend!!!! Also I loved her Photo Booth!!!! read more

Once Upon a Party Banquet - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Dreams do come true at Once Upon A Party! I contacted Ivy to create my grandsons 1st birthday party. She asked me if I had a theme/concept in mind. I had none, except that I wanted primary colors. As a photographer who has attended thousands of parties, I have seen so many awesome set ups in the past; this is both an advantage and a disadvantage! I told Ivy I wanted something different and over the top! (You can't stop this grandma from being extra). Ivy took the challenge and said: you have given me a blank canvas and I will create something colorful for you. That was the extent of my involvement in the party creation. One simple conversation, one contract signed and payment made. I did not need to worry about anything else because I hired a professional to handle the rest. Ivy came up with the UNO Theme; which met my one requirement of primary colors. When I walked into the venue, I was filled with excitement as I saw every single detail. Ivy made sure we had an area with a table and small chairs for children to color with canvases, crayons and markers. Every detail was carefully designed and thought of: The customized floor decal, the colorful balloons, draped walls, colorful centerpieces, incredible sweets table with personalized goodies boxes and backdrop, the tasty and beautiful 3 tier cake, the gift table with a card box, the Photo Booth, space for the face painter and balloon artist, area in the back for bouncy house and piñata, clean kitchen area for the catering, and the list goes on. Ivy over exceeded my high expectations. She provided a beautiful and safe space for our families and guests. She gave us the opportunity to have a party we will never forget. I am forever grateful. Dreams do come true at Once Upon A Party Banquets! read more

See all

Hi Ivy, We wanna thank you for everything you have done for us. We appreciate all your hard work and making my daughters birthday the best it can ever be. You went above and beyond. Everything came out absolutely beautiful. The decorations was exactly what I wanted, you knew exactly what our vision was for our daughters 1st birthday. Your attention to detail  was phenomenal, everything was on point. You made my daughters birthday stress free and amazing and I'll be forever thankful for that. Our families absolutely loved the venue and the decor. Thank you for creating such an amazing memory for my family. Any future family event we have, we will definitely be coming back to Once Upon a Party Banquet. Also, I wanna thank Danny, He was very sweet and helpful throughout the event. He made sure everything ran smoothly. You are truly talented and we cannot thank you enough for making our little girls day perfect. Thank you from the Medina & Reynozo family read more

Went to an event here being held by brother and sis in law. While the venue did serve it's purpose it was extremely HOT. On a summer night I don't recommend this place because you will be sweating and ladies if you did your makeup you're going to feel like your face is melting! My brother said that when he arrived for set up at 5pm the AC was NOT on. The party started at 5:30 and The AC wasn't on come on! Definitely a fail by the owner and assistant. I understand the venue could be empty weeks at a time and they aren't going to waste on electricity because of the AC but if it is hot they should turn on the AC the day before the event. It was just uncomfortably hot and for that I give the venue 2 stars. The venue itself serves it's purpose but for almost $1000 for the space it could come with cool AC. I wonder how it is in winter Security guard was present he seemed nice and stayed out of the way. Just a tip for owner get the AC up and running before events :) read more

I was invited to a graduation party here and the outside gives it no justice. From the outside it looks like a little old school bar/venue but once your inside it's a whole new experience. The place was decorated beautifully and the furniture was well kept. I would recommend this place for any small occasion. read more

My now husband and I hired Ivy to do our wedding back in 2017. I hate that it took me this long to leave her feedback on yelp, but I have time and time again expressed my gratitude and satisfaction with Ivy's work on her social media accounts. To this day we have people talking about our wedding and it brings us so much joy. Especially when you consider the fact that we hired her with less than three weeks away from the big day. I don't know how she did it, but she created pure magic! From the cake to the flowers (especially my bouquet) to the dessert table and every last flower pedal down the aisle. I relive our big day over and over again and it's all thanks to her. Ivy has a immense talent and such a gift for event planning and decorating. You would be a fool not to go with her. read more

See all

The best anyone can ask for! She has done not one party, not two parties but six parties for me and my family due to being the BEST! Believe me when I say, you will not regret it! Their is no words to express the love they put into when putting these parties together and perfectionist in it when walking in! You will be blown away just like we have! Please know, you get way more than what you pay for not to mention there ain't nothing she can not do! Thank you Ivy for always blowing us away when we walk into our events! Our family loves you so much! As for the location, it is perfect & in the perfect area! read more