*arf3420*

MRads

Where did you decide to hold your reception?  I read that you were thinking of the Parador.  That place is soooo adorable!

arf3420

I do love the Parador!  I just went to see it on Sunday, and Ed the owner is very nice and incredibly helpful.  The place is beautiful.  I wasn't sure that I'd like having the guests split between the ballroom and an outdoor tent in the courtyard, but after seeing it I think it would be wonderful!  It'd be a very unique set up.  You also have to rent all 8 bedrooms in the inn for Friday and Saturday, but I like the idea of having us and the bridal party all stay there for the weekend.  I was actually completely 100% set on using the Parador until this morning, when I came across an older thread on this board mentioning the new Pittsburgh Opera building.  It looks really nice in the pictures, plus the rental cost is only about half the price of the Parador, and it looks like they also let you bring in whichever caterer you choose.  So now I think I'm going to go check out that place before I make any final decisions! 

MRads

Let me know what you pick!  I used to live in Allegheny West and loved walking past the Parador, but saving money is good too!  Also when is your wedding?  Ed probably covered this but if there is a Steelers or Pitt football game you cant park in that neighborhood without a parking permit or you get quite a hefty fine.

arf3420

Yeah, that was another one of my concerns with using the Parador.  Normally, there is a lot next door that you can use and pay $4 per car.  But if there's a game, you need to find another option... He doesn't do that many weddings, so he said it's only happened twice so far.  Once it was just a Pitt game, so they were able to buy out a lot down the street for like $500.  Another time they were able to use a parking lot of a shopping center farther down the street and just had to rent a shuttle service.  There's no way of knowing when you book your date whether or not there will be a game, so that makes me a little nervous.  There could also be a Kenny Chesney concert or something... he seems to come in June a lot.  But I'm sure we'd be able to work out something even if that does happen!