A place to stay for the big day

Hosting a wedding can be an exciting, busy and even stressful time. Coordinating all the activities, the vendors and the schedule can often become an overwhelming task. Add to the mix a bevy of out of town guests, family and bridal party can send a happy couple right over the edge.

But worry not! Bridal couples who want their out-of-town guests to enjoy comfortable unique accommodations have plenty of options in and around Kane County. These bed and breakfasts inns and private guesthouses offer architectural charm and a cozy home-away-from-home atmosphere you won't find in a chain hotel. And you won't have to be concerned with hosting them at your own home, either.

Here are a few options, to get you started:

•The Oscar Swan Country Inn
1800 W State St.
Geneva
Built in 1906, the former country retreat of Chicago investment banker Oscar Swan has been a bed and breakfast since 1988.  The inn specializes in hosting weddings and receptions, but couples having their ceremonies at other venues often book the inn for their families or wedding party, said owner and innkeeper Nina Heymann. 

The inn has eight guest rooms and sleeps 21. The largest room is the Swan Loft suite, which accommodates five and includes a kitchenette with a small refrigerator for snacks and beverages.  The decor is vintage, but rooms offer modern musts such as AC, wifi and updated bathrooms.

The landscaped grounds and gardens are perfect for photos, and the inn offers space for guests to socialize, or for quiet relaxation before the big day. The inn can also host other wedding-related events, such as showers, or cocktail parties. Overnight guests are served a homemade country breakfast, and wedding guests staying elsewhere are welcome to dine as well, making the inn a great option for a post-wedding gift-opening brunch.  The inn fills quickly, especially during bridal season, so Heymann recommends booking as early as possible. For more information, visit www.oscarswan.com  call 630.232.0173 or email: nina@oscarswan.com

•The Mansion Bed and Breakfast
305 Oregon Avenue
West Dundee
This 1907 mansion was once home to a local businessman who demolished an earlier Italianate home built on the site because his wife feared it would blow down in a tornado.  The solid Tudor has stood the test of time, plus a few tornadoes, and is located in a historic neighborhood that was part of the Underground Railroad, and home to Pinkerton Security founder Allen Pinkerton.

It has been a B&B since 2001, run by owners and innkeepers Steve Fang and Eda Tomasone.
Rich oak woodwork through the first floor common areas, vintage fixtures and gorgeous stained glass windows offer a picturesque backdrop for photos.  Guests are served breakfast in the first floor dining room, there is also a small lounge with outdoor patio for socializing or morning coffee.

The Mansion sleeps ten guests in five rooms, including the charming terrace suite, with a private second floor outdoor sitting area, and the master suite that also includes a dressing room. "Wedding parties can use that to dress or if they've booked the entire place, they can use the common areas downstairs for hairstyling and make-up," said Fang.

Early reservations are recommended, and Fang says he is happy to work with couples to meet their accommodation needs. "We're very flexible. Its part of being in the hospitality business," he said. For more information visit www.themansionbedandbreakfast.com , or call (847) 426-7777.

•The Homestead B&B
611 E. Main Street
Plano
Built in 1854, this grand rural home was once the residence of Lewis Steward, one of the founders of Plano, and a congressman. Steward was known for his philanthropy and the home served as a stop on the Underground Railroad.  It is on the National Register of Historic Places, and houses Steward's congressional library.  Carefully restored, it captures the flavor of an elegant Civil War era home.

The inn sleeps 12 guests and has five bedrooms and six bathrooms.  Owner and Innkeeper Mary Kay Sergo said it's a popular overnight stay for brides and their attendants. "We'll often have the bride and bridesmaids here the night before, then they can have their hairstylist and make-up artist come in the next morning," said Sergo.

Downstairs, the living room and dining room are perfect for pre- or post-wedding events, such as a rehearsal dinner or cocktail party, an intimate bachelorette party or shower, or a gift-opening brunch the morning after the wedding. "We do have a liquor license for beer and wine, and allow guests to use off-site caterers, which people like because it gives them flexibility.

The beautifully landscaped grounds include a hedge maze labyrinth, which makes a striking setting for photos and is a lovely place to relax and reflect. Near Yorkville, Sandwich and Starved Rock State Park, the inn is currently taking reservations for the summer season. Learn more at www.thehomesteadbnb.com or call 630.552.4322