Planning a wedding at Hotel Arista in Naperville, IL? You’re in the right place. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know—from base prices to hidden fees, venue features, cost factors, budgeting tips and a summary table. Let’s dive in.
About Hotel Arista
Nestled just outside downtown Naperville, Hotel Arista shines as one of the area’s premier wedding venues. Since opening its doors, it has gained acclaim for its exquisite mix of contemporary amenities and refined Midwestern charm. The venue has consistently received the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award from 2013 through 2025—a testament to its high-quality service, beautiful spaces, and satisfied couples.
Venue Overview: Quick Facts
Here’s a snapshot of Hotel Arista’s key details:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Venue Name | Hotel Arista |
| Location | 2139 CityGate Lane, Naperville, IL 60563 |
| Call | 630-579-4100 |
| Starting Price | $750 (typically ceremony package) |
| Capacity | Up to 220 guests |
| Awards | WeddingWire Couples’ Choice 2013–2025 |
| Website | https://www.hotelarista.com/ |
| @hotelarista | |
| [email protected] | |
| Facilities | Ceremony area (indoor & outdoor), private bridal suites, reception hall, dress-room, wireless internet |
Factors Influencing Wedding Costs at Hotel Arista
Every wedding is unique—and so is the cost that comes with it. If you’re considering saying “I do” at Hotel Arista, it’s important to understand the many elements that contribute to the final price tag. From the day you choose to the food you serve, each decision impacts your overall investment.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key factors that influence the total cost of a wedding at Hotel Arista.
1. Guest Count
The number of guests you invite is the biggest driver of cost. Hotel Arista can accommodate up to 220 guests, but hosting fewer people dramatically reduces expenses for:
- Catering (food and drinks are usually charged per head)
- Seating and table setups
- Decor, favors, and even the size of the venue room required
Each additional guest adds not just a plate at the table—but also extra glassware, service, and possibly valet parking.
2. Season and Wedding Date
Just like flights and hotel rooms, wedding venues follow peak and off-peak pricing. In Illinois, the most popular months for weddings are May through October, especially Saturdays in spring and early fall.
If you’re aiming for a prime weekend in June, expect premium pricing. However, booking a winter wedding or choosing a Friday or Sunday date can result in significant cost reductions.
3. Type of Ceremony and Reception
Hotel Arista offers both indoor and outdoor spaces for ceremonies and receptions. Whether you’re booking a full-day event or just a ceremony space will greatly affect the cost.
Factors include:
- Indoor ballroom vs. garden terrace usage
- Separate rooms for ceremony and reception vs. a combined space
- Setup and teardown fees for multiple room transitions
Some couples opt for off-site ceremonies to save and return to Hotel Arista for the reception only.
4. Catering and Beverage Packages
Food and drinks are often the most expensive line item in any wedding budget. At Hotel Arista, you’ll have multiple catering and bar options depending on:
- Plated vs. buffet-style dinners
- Number of courses
- Bar package (beer and wine only, full open bar, or premium spirits)
Custom menu additions, hors d’oeuvres, late-night snacks, or specialty cocktails will increase the total bill. Fortunately, Hotel Arista’s culinary team is highly flexible and can craft packages around your needs.
5. Décor and Theme Customization
The style of your wedding has a direct impact on your budget. Hotel Arista’s modern and clean design provides a stunning blank canvas—but customization comes at a price.
Popular décor upgrades include:
- Premium linens and chair covers
- Floral installations and chandeliers
- Mood lighting or LED uplighting
- Custom signage, photo backdrops, and lounge furniture
The more elaborate the theme, the more vendors and rental items may be involved.
6. Vendor Selection and Package Inclusions
Hotel Arista allows you to choose from its list of preferred vendors or bring your own. Pricing varies widely depending on your choice of:
- Photographers & videographers
- Florists
- Entertainment (DJ vs. live band)
- Wedding planners or coordinators
Often, in-house or recommended vendors offer bundled pricing or are already familiar with the venue layout, potentially saving time and cost. Be sure to ask which services are included in your wedding package, as some essentials like tables, chairs, and setup may be provided.
7. Duration of Event
Longer weddings generally cost more. If your event runs for 8+ hours, be prepared for:
- Additional staffing hours
- Higher bar service totals
- More food (late-night snacks or second rounds)
- Extended music or entertainment fees
Limiting your timeline to a 5–6 hour window (especially if you’re skipping things like a full cocktail hour or elaborate grand exit) can trim costs without impacting the guest experience.
8. Add-On Services and Luxury Upgrades
Hotel Arista offers many a la carte extras that can personalize your day but also increase your bill. These might include:
- Valet parking for guests
- Champagne toasts or signature cocktail stations
- Private bridal dressing suites
- Luxury transportation or shuttle service
- Enhanced security or child care services
While none of these are required, many couples choose a few to elevate guest comfort and convenience.
9. Day-of Coordination and Planning Services
Planning a seamless event often means hiring professional help. While Hotel Arista includes a venue coordinator, some couples choose to hire a dedicated wedding planner for full-day management or multi-day coordination.
This adds cost—but can also save money long-term by helping you avoid costly mistakes or missed details. Some planners even have vendor discounts that offset their fees.
Breakdown of Hotel Arista Wedding Expenses
Here’s an estimated breakdown to illustrate typical cost components:
| Category | Estimated Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Venue Rental | $750–$3,000 | Base ceremony pricing begins at $750; full-day reception packages higher |
| Catering | $40–$150 per guest | Buffet vs. plated adds variability; premium menus cost more |
| Alcohol / Bar Package | $15–$50 per guest | Full-bar with premium spirits vs. beer/wine only |
| Décor, Linens, Chairs, Lighting | $2,500–$8,000 | Includes linens, centerpieces, chandeliers, dance floor, etc. |
| Photography / Videography | $2,000–$5,000 | External vendor; in-house options may be offered |
| Music / DJ / Live Band | $1,000–$4,000 | DJ typically less expensive than live band |
| Wedding Planning & Coordination | $1,500–$4,000 | In-house coordinator may be part of package, but many couples upgrade |
| Additional Fees | $300–$1,500 | Service fees, taxes, ceremony officiant, gratuities |
| Transportation | $500–$1,500 | Valet, shuttle bus, or limo service if needed |
Total Cost Estimate for 150 Guests:
- Low-End (Buffet, minimal bar, weekday/Sunday): $10,500
- High-End (Plated, premium open bar, Saturday peak season): $47,500
Tips for Budgeting and Saving on Hotel Arista Weddings
Weddings can be one of the most memorable days of your life—but they can also be one of the most expensive. Planning your wedding at a prestigious venue like Hotel Arista offers luxury, service, and elegance—but with smart strategies, it doesn’t have to break the bank.
Here are proven and practical ways to keep your Hotel Arista wedding stunning and budget-conscious.
1. Choose an Off-Peak Date or Season
Peak wedding season typically runs from May to October, with Saturdays being the most sought-after dates. Choosing a Friday or Sunday wedding—or opting for an off-season month like January, February, or November—can save thousands.
Hotel Arista may offer discounted rates for non-peak dates, especially if you’re booking their full-service packages. Not only do you save on the venue, but your vendors may also offer off-peak discounts.
2. Trim Your Guest List with Intention
The easiest way to lower your budget? Reduce your guest count. Every extra person adds cost in catering, bar service, rentals, and invitations.
While Hotel Arista can accommodate up to 220 guests, inviting fewer than 150 can lead to significant savings—not just in per-head pricing, but also in table setups, centerpieces, and even cake size.
3. Select a Simpler Bar Package
Open bars are popular but pricey. Hotel Arista offers different bar tiers—from basic beer and wine packages to full premium liquor selections.
To save:
- Choose a beer & wine package and add one or two signature cocktails
- Limit open bar to cocktail hour and dinner, switching to a cash bar afterward
- Offer wine on tables and skip hard liquor entirely
4. Leverage All-Inclusive Packages and Preferred Vendors
Hotel Arista has built relationships with trusted vendors and offers curated packages that can bundle services like catering, floral design, entertainment, and photography.
Working with in-house or preferred vendors means:
- Streamlined communication
- Potential package discounts
- Lower setup and delivery fees
Always ask what’s included. You might find essentials like linens, napkins, cake cutting, or event staff already covered in the base cost.
5. Reuse Ceremony Décor for the Reception
One of the smartest budget moves is reusing floral arrangements and décor from the ceremony in the reception space. Hotel Arista’s layout allows for easy transitions between ceremony and reception, making this cost-cutting method seamless.
For example:
- A ceremony arch can become a backdrop for your sweetheart table
- Aisle flowers can be repurposed as centerpieces
- Unity candles or altar decorations can adorn your guestbook or gift table
6. DIY Select Elements Thoughtfully
Not everything has to be store-bought or handled by a vendor. If you’re creative and organized, some elements like favors, signage, or centerpieces can be done yourself—or with help from friends and family.
Consider these DIY touches:
- Personalized welcome signs
- Handwritten name cards
- Photo booth props
- Custom wedding favors (like homemade candles or honey jars)
Just avoid DIYing anything time-sensitive or logistics-heavy—like food, lighting, or sound.
7. Book Early and Be Transparent About Your Budget
Hotel Arista is a high-demand venue. Booking early (12 to 18 months in advance) gives you:
- Better date selection
- Time to compare vendor quotes
- The chance to lock in current-year pricing before rates increase
When discussing your budget with their coordinators, be open and honest. They can often recommend cost-saving packages or alternative services to help you meet your goals without sacrificing quality.
8. Be Strategic About Add-Ons and Upgrades
It’s easy to fall in love with premium upgrades—but these small enhancements add up quickly. Evaluate each optional upgrade by asking:
- Will my guests remember this?
- Is this worth the cost per person?
- Does it align with my wedding vision?
Instead of a live band and a string quartet, pick one. Instead of a six-tier cake, consider a small display cake and sheet cake in the back. Focus on the details that make an impact, not just inflate the price.
Budget Estimate Summary
The following table illustrates possible total costs at different budget levels for 150 guests:
| Budget Level | Key Features | Estimated Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | Buffet catering, beer & wine package, Friday/Sunday date, minimal décor | $10,500 |
| Standard | Plated dinner, standard open bar, in-house coordinator, Saturday | $20,000 |
| Premium | Plated dinner with premium entrees, full premium open bar, upgraded décor, live band | $32,000 |
| Luxury | High-end catering, full bar with signature cocktails, premium linen and floral upgrades, Saturday peak season | $47,500 |
Final Thoughts
Hotel Arista in Naperville offers a stylish and versatile setting for weddings of all scales. With capacity for up to 220 guests, flexible indoor and outdoor venues, and award-winning service, it delivers an elevated wedding experience. Prices start modestly at $750 for ceremony space, but total expenditure depends heavily on your chosen date, guest count, catering style, alcohol choices, and décor selections.
Whether you aim for a simple, elegant gathering or a lavish celebration, Hotel Arista provides clarity in pricing, exceptional options, and experienced coordination. Reach out to them at 630‑579‑4100 or via [email protected] to request a custom package and start crafting your ideal wedding day.