Less extravagant reception sites/venues?

yrteems

Hi all,

I'm planning a wedding for fall 2010 in the pittsburgh area, preferably east of town in Monroeville, Greensburg, or adjacent towns, or in downtown Pittsburgh itself. I'm looking for an affordable venue that's cooler and more interesting than a fire hall or a room at the Holiday Inn, yet one that's not super pricey, like the Carnegie Museums, Twentieth Century Club, etc. I'm hoping to find a place for about $60 per plate (or less) and $1-$2k for facility rental. Any suggestions? 

Thanks so much!!

punk-Ness

Have you checked out Riverside Landing in Oakmont yet? It's a beautiful venue and I love the deck that overlooks the river!

http://www.riversidelanding.com/default.shtml

king26

I'm sure there are quite a few restaurants in town where you could have your reception for that price, that are very nice.  LeMonte on Mount Washington has a great view, or the Grand Concourse is beautiful inside. 

slm13

The Grand Concourse, when I booked it for my reception in 2008, was just within those prices.  I'm not sure if they are still within those prices though, but it doesn't hurt to contact them.  They charge per plate and have no facility rental fee.

Nunu&Eddie

The National Aviary, the Pittsburgh Zoo both fit your criteria.
You can also rent the Kelly Strayhorn Theater in East Liberty. The space is pretty cool.
How many people?

kwynn

I paid $1500 to rent Heinz Field and my meal was $30 per person, so that might be an option for you.

I did want to offer the advice that, if you want to get married this fall, you need to move very quickly. The less expensive venues usually fill up first.

Are you willing to go into November or December to get a date? I know October is a very popular month now.

Check out my planning bio for a list of places I found to be affordable.

HTH!

JuliaATL

I'm getting married in August at the Pittsburgh Athletic Association in Oakland.  It is a beautiful historic building right across from the Cathedral of Learning.  The rental for just a reception is $800, more if you want to do the ceremony there too since you'd be using both of their ballrooms.  The dinners are $30-40 each, and they have an unlimited bar package for about $30/person, or you can do consumption-based.  Let me know if you want any info!

Julia

yrteems

Thanks, all, for the advice! We're thinking between 150-200 people. I'm also looking into university facilities -- especially ones more toward Monroeville and Greensburg, which are closer to home. Thanks a

jenth

I haven't been on this board in months but wanted to make a suggestion for you...

Take a look at Pluma Restaurant in Irwin, that's where I had my reception.  There are pictures on my wedding web page, if you want to see.  We had about 150 guests and I think it was around $20 per person, not including alcohol.