Venue help?

apm0827

Hi everyone!

I've been researching like crazy on where to have a reception for 150 people in Philadelphia. The problem is our budget for food and drink is around $15k. Is that even feasible or should I just settle for a ballroom/banquet hall in the suburbs? I feel like I've looked at everything and now I'm talking with caterers. Any advice?
Thank you!

BlissPhilly

Did you look into having your wedding on an "off season" or during the "day" also doing just beer, wine and a signature drink instead of a full open bar?

[Deleted User]

I agree with Bliss.  However $100pp in the city is a lot to ask TBH.  

Can you cut the list at all?  

jelybeancg

Have you tried Fri or Sun?

apm0827

Thanks everyone. We're looking at October this year on a Sunday. I know it's cutting it close but we originally decided to do a destination so I spent the first few months after getting engaged researching all-inclusive resorts. Then our parents changed their minds about the destination and tell us it has to be here or they won't go.

@Bliss, I love your suggestions. The beer, wine and signature drink sound like a good idea. I'll make sure to bring that up as we talk to vendors.

@NVC2, I would love to cut the list, but the majority of the list is family and I would never hear the end of it from my mom. 

My fiance and I are actually considering Cuba Libre during the day. The Sales manager there is amazing and was able to figure out a floor plan for 150 people and a dance floor. I'm just concerned that it will still be a bit tight, and timing is an issue since we only have until 5 to do everything. We also have to do a church ceremony at 12. It's 2 blocks away from the restaurant so it's very doable, but with photos, it's alot to accomplish in a short time frame.

So that said, I'm looking for other places in Philly to give us more time and space. I'm kinda already stuck on the idea of getting married in the city and at that church

adrienne0925

Have you tried Pen-Ryn Mansion or Glen Foerd?  They most def have packages for $100 or less a head especially for a Sunday wedding. 

apm0827

Thanks for the suggestion adrienne0925! I'll try those places too

SJU1982

How about The IATSE Ballroom? It's in South Philly, and only opened recently.

While I haven't been here, I am a big fan of their restaurant (Anthony's in Drexel Hill).  Their other banquet hall in del co (The Oaks), has great food and was nice inside.  Their prices were very reasonable - all inclusive starting around $75pp for a Saturday night.  I'd expect a similar experiance at this new location.

apm0827

Thanks SJU1982! I'm actually checking out their venue next week

WLevine75

Are you def. set on 150?? Is that how many people you are inviting??

PumpkinFloralsandCrafts

For a Sunday wedding, it should not be a problem getting a deal for $100 a head.
Check out Knowlton Mansion (same caterer as Glen Foerd).  It's amazing.  They do a GRM instead of a "per head" cost (meaning you have to spend X amount of dollars, and you can spend it however you want---lots of food and drinks and extras for a small amount of people, or a smaller amount of food options for a ton of people).  I got married Halloween 2009, it was a Saturday and my GRM was $24K (regardless of headcount).  This was booked before the recession got really bad, so I think their prices have gone down some, and I know Sundays are MUCH cheaper.  Glen Foerd might be a better option than Knowlton for a Sunday during the day, since it's on the river.

Also, I don't know what you mean when you say "philadelphia" but there are a lot of places like P&P catering and others (far northeast) that do even Saturday night weddings for around $100 a head, and they are nice ballrooms.  Normal and not mansions, but still very nice.

PumpkinFloralsandCrafts

If you mean center city philadelphia for $100 a head, yeah, that is probably not going to happen...but there are lots of options in other parts of the city.  good luck!!

apm0827

Thanks for the suggestions! I know it'll be tough for center city but I'm still hopeful WLevine75 - Yep, the list is set at 150.

SJU1982

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_pennsylvania-philadelphia_venue-9?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:105Discussion:bf8206e5-3fbb-4877-a6d7-7ac65eac96fePost:c4948784-f966-47f0-a9fa-160335eeadc3">Re: Venue help?</a>:
[QUOTE]Thanks SJU1982! I'm actually checking out their venue next week :)
Posted by apm0827[/QUOTE]

Nice!  Please post your thoughts!! 

I would have liked having my reception at The Oaks, but it's smushed between an idustrial park and a cemetery which my husband wasn't a fan of.  Had the Philly one ben open, I definately would have considered it.  Their Italian food is really good, and the prices were great.

nancyr

I like Anthony's food but not fond of the supermarket/open mall location backing up onto trolley tracks.  But once you're inside no problem.  Also got very brusque treatment from the management.  Don't go in if you're the mother and father of the bride, they refused to give us quotes without the bride there.  You might want to ck out Drexelbrook; it's prettier, I've had some of their food and it was good.  They usually have a bridal show, not sure when it is this year tho but usually have some food to taste.  The other place that totally surprised me was The Heritage Ballroom on MacDade, the outside is nothing to brag about but the inside is very nice, newly redone and the food is very good. Again, they usually have a good bridal fair, lots of food to taste too.  Last time I was there researching for my blog I talked to a lot of 2nd time families and a few who were on their third bride in the family getting married there, so I guess they REALLY liked it.  Everyone raved about the service.  This was a year ago, things may have changed since I have no idea if the event staff have changed. Anyone looking up Plymouth Mtg way might try William Penn Inn, we really liked the staff there as well and the atmosphere is great. Worth a ride up there to check it out. But if you're getting married in the city it would be too long a haul. Just figured I'd add it as info for other brides.  The best customer service? Lia's Catering.  Anyone on a firehall budget this is a great place to go. Totally doesn't look like a firehall, the owners are WOW! and the food... all I've ever heard are raves. Am heading up for a tasting in Feb, will let everyone know how it goes. It's off 95, might not be too far from the city but that's up to u, mapquest it and see.