Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh

The Mattress Factory?

Hi guys! 

Had a great day today visiting venues!  :)  Even though its freezing here.

We went to lots of different places (Jay Verno Studios, Pennsylvanian, Grand Concourse, Sheraton and Mattress Factory).  It was very overwhelming at times, but was awesome to see so many varying spaces.

My most favorite were Jay Verno Studios and the Mattress Factory.  Very different spaces, and seemed to be a bit more budget friendly. 

Have any of you been / had a wedding at the Mattress Factory?  I was able to find a ton of pics on Jay Verno, but not MF.  There are so many things to consider, especially as we have so many out of town guests (where can they stay, etc.). 

Both the venues I liked recommended Yes, We Cater as their top choice, so I am going to reach out to the caterer as well to find out pros/cons on each location, but any input you have would be great! 

Tomorrow = Heinz History Center, Fairmont, and Twentieth Century Club!  *Whew* what a whirlwind!!

Re: The Mattress Factory?

  • edited December 2011
    I don't have any info on the Mattress Factory, but my cousin got married at J Vernon Studios. It was so awesome! Super cool and hip.

    We loved the History Center, but it was too pricey for us. We are getting hitched at the 20th Century Club. So is AP910 on here.

    Good luck! Have a blast!
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  • missyt180missyt180 member
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    edited December 2011
    The Twentieth Century Club wasn't available at all this weekend to see us, so my parents are giong to go on a scouting mission for us! 

    I gotta say, we were leary when pulling up to both the studio and the MF Museum (alley) - neither had much "curb appeal" but upon entering, were my most favorite.

    We're going to do a drive by today of TCC and visit Heinz History today - perhaps the Warhol museum too.

    Thanks!
  • edited December 2011
    I wanted to say that my DOC told me she actually had a pretty bad experience with Yes, We Cater a few years back and that's why she went on to start her own business.

    She told me that she would recommend them for catering, but not for planning. I know they advertise that they really are a DOC for the reception, but she didn't find that to be the case. Of course, this was three years ago when she dealt with them, so it could be totally different now and I've only heard positive things recently about them.

    Knottie MikeandMorgan had a beautiful wedding at Jay Verno. I think she did a cocktail reception/mingling event and not a sit down dinner, but I can't remember.

    I personally ruled out Mattress Factory because it only held 100 seated and I had a bigger list than that. Also, I wrote something in my notes about the parking situation there, but I don't remember now what I was referring to when I wrote that and considered them. Is your wedding on the smaller side?

    They are both really nice spaces and get great reviews! My only thought is the way these spaces are laid out and the consideration of having a chair for every booty somewhere in them.

    Good luck with your decision! You have a lot of good options!


  • edited December 2011
    I am confused. J Verno is not at all budget friendly. Have you considered all the fees associated with it? Rental of the space back in 2009 was $3,000 alone for a Saturday, with nothing included.

    I love the Mattress Factory! Such a fantastic venue. But yes, it is small. They do have parking on site for your guests.

    I also recommend you check out the Carnegie Science Center, Children's Museum and National Aviary. They are the same style of venue and can hold about 125-150.

    Kwynn-- MikeandMorgan were not at J Verno. It was somewhere else, but I can't remember where.
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  • edited December 2011
    Oops, I'm sorry! I thought she had it at Jay Verno. I just looked at her bio and she actually had it at Montage Interior Design Studio in Braddock. Sorry, I thought for some reason she was at Jay Verno. (Her venue photographed beautifully, IMO).

    I know the Mattress Factory has parking, but when I called them in 2008, they made it seem like the lot might not hold everyone and some people would have to park on the street, or something weird like that. (I think they also really encouraged me to get a valet service, which I knew wasn't in my budget). Also, I don't think you could start until 6pm because they are open to the public during the day. But this was two years ago, so they may have changed things.
  • LaFemmeRousseLaFemmeRousse member
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    edited December 2011
    No advice on these venues, just wanted to say hi and I'm glad your Pittsburgh scouting trip went well!  Come back and update us :)
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  • missyt180missyt180 member
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    edited December 2011
    Back in LA safe and sound!

    Nunu&Eddie - for JV Studios, they seemed to be more budget friendly than others in my "bracket" that I listed above.  The rental for the entire space is $5200 - this includes all day, studio for Bride and BP to get ready, 3rd floor loft space for groom and groomsmen to prepare, and 250 chairs (that don't need covered IMO) and tables.  In addition, the photography packages are really inexpensive and encompass every single moment of the ceremony & reception - and then some!

    Two things I liked the most - less focus on physcial decorations (use of lighting comes into play more so I can really save on elaborate centerpieces) and more "areas" for people to go (the grandparents may need a break from the music and can go into the cocktail-hour area).  Finally, the taxes are lessened (somehow) due to us renting the space as a working studio rather than just an event.  Need more clarification on this one.

    So torn, there is SO much to think about.

    kwynn - the MF said they can accomodate 150-170 by using indoor and outdoor seating.  The parking situation is a bit on the smaller side, but they now can use (for free) their neighbors lot.  Plus, luckily a lot of our guests are OOT so we are going to arrange for a shuttle to, and back.  But yes, it felt smaller, but more "traditional" wedding for photos and such (white walls, etc.) - plus, Gina in charge of events was so great in suggestions.

    My favorite places had one thing in common - savvy-seeming event coordinators that discussed both negatives and positives, and had solutions for our issues.

    Lots of thinking to do - excel spreadsheet here I come!  :)


  • edited December 2011
    I didn't know the Mattress Factory had outdoor seating, but I had a February wedding, so that wouldn't have worked for me anyway. Are you still looking at a November date? Do you think outdoor seating would work for then, as it could be cold? (You can rent heaters, though).

    Another thing to consider...when a venue says what their max is, that is their absolute max, packed in tight, fire code max. So I'd go a little less than what most venues say for comfort reasons.

    $5200 seems a bit high to me for Jay Verno. It has definitely increased a few thousand in the past year! Does it include linens too? And parking?
  • edited December 2011
    I don't see how $5200 for Jay Verno is comparable to under $2,000 at the Mattress Factory, around $2,000 at any of the Carnegie Museums, History Center, etc.

    It is more than double! And it doesn't include catering. And, last I checked, doesn't include tables or chairs.
    Sheraton and Grand Concourse would also be cheaper than j Verno once you include catering.

    Any of the places you have listed that are museum-y have the same feeling of having different rooms and areas where people can go. And, decorative lighting won't cost you $3,000 (which is the difference you'd be paying at J Verno).

    Make sure you do your research completely and correctly.
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  • edited December 2011
    Here's photos of a MF wedding from this past fall.

    http://kateheadley.typepad.com/photography/2009/09/mari-and-reggies-pittsburgh-wedding-.html

    Is this the area you were thinking about having additional seating in? I think it would be dicey in November. Also, do you think some people would feel left out if they were told to sit outside while others sat inside?

    The space looks very unique in these photographs!
  • LaFemmeRousseLaFemmeRousse member
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    edited December 2011
    That MF wedding is so super cute!  That bride is adorable :)
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  • missyt180missyt180 member
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    edited December 2011
    So here is what we were told this weekend:

    $5200 for the entire JV Studio (all day Saturday used for set-up, event running 6 hrs) - including 22 60' tables and 200 chairs - II was able to check them out as they were on-site - limited parking (but I will need to use a shuttle no  matter where my wedding is due to majority (75%) of guests being OOT).  Use of any caterer.  Unlimited photo options w/ dedicated photo studio / photo booth behind reception area (for the $1000 - $1700 packages).  Very poor curb appeal, but interior is great.  Can have 200 guests.


    $3750 for the MF Museum (can bring items in earlier to store, but event set-up must start in the evening after the museum closes).  No tables / chairs for rental.  Use of any caterer.  Parking (limited at site, another lot available nearby).  Various paper lanterns to choose from to hang from ceiling.  This DOES include renting the entire Museum.  I spoke to FI and this is a must for us if we rent the space.  We would save $1200 if we did only the seating area/patio - sorry, forgot to mention that HUGE factor in cost!.  Must cut guest list to 150.  Must have wedding in September/early October or push to Spring 2011.

    $2500 for the HHC Grand Hall plus $500 ceremony fee (5 hours beginning at 5:30pm on Saturday for ceremony, can tack on an additional 30 minutes).  Lots of parking available.  Tables and chairs included  but need covers(I believe - I have to go through my packets again to verify).  Must use Common Plea caterers.  150 - 170 guests max.  Will need more decor to make it feel "wedding".  Cannot have wedding after October due to potential traveling exhibit from Vatican / extended hours.

    For the caterers - both YWC and Big Burrito are less than Common Plea based on very prelim estimates (by roughly $20 - 40 /pp depending on menu, which can translate to $3400 - $6400 for my guest list).  The "savings" based on using JVS would be in table/chairs/chair covers, decor, centerpieces, caterer and photography.  MF would require a bit more backdrop decoration items, tables/chairs/etc, photographer may cost more than JVS, but caterer would be the same.  HHC would require medium-level decor in order to make the room full of cars feel more wedding, photography may be more, caterer would definitely cost more.

    One thing to note - b/c I will be flying in from LA to Pittsburgh, the DIY portion of the centerpieces may be a bit too much for me to handle (no one from my bridal party is in P'burgh, so I would be depending pretty much on my mom, dad, and brother).  So any decoration I would be paying for over and above what the location has.

    Luckily, no dance floor rental is needed for any of the above. 

    I was targeting November as my wedding, but it really depends on location - 1 is only avail in Sept and not avail Oct. / Nov., 1 is only avail in Nov., etc.

    Oh my goodness, doing all of this the past 2 days has me beat!  You ladies that have already planned weddings are my heroes - its a job in and of itself!

    We did go to see Sheraton (amazing view and great location / prices, but FI nixed b/c he goes to a LOT of work conferences and it reminded him too much of that), Pennsylvanian (beautiful space but very intimidating to think about filling), and Grand Concourse (again, beautiful but having the dance floor separate from the main room wasn't something we wanted).

    Finally, we visited the Fairmont.  WOW.  Its not yet completed (will open end of March) and we literally had to walk around with hard hats on, but WOW.  No words to describe the amazingness.  We had been following around 2 women planning a HS reunion to 3 locations, and FI conferred with them on what we were missing.  They recommended visiting the Fairmont, and although I'm glad we did b/c the tour was awesome, its also a bummer b/c it is SO much more than I had been budgeting for!!  If anyone has a more flexible budget, I highly recommend checking out.  Tony showed us not only the room, but also walked us through the wedding, showed us the kitchen, guest rooms, restaurant / bar, etc.  Just spectacular.

    Sorry for the novel!  It does help to get it all out.  I think that after writing all of this, I am leaning towards the studio b/c the fact that I (perhaps erroneously!)  think it is more "budget friendly" might be a myth that my brain is using b/c its my favorite.  :)


  • edited December 2011
    If you really like Jay Verno, I would do it! I wouldn't do it because you think it is more budget friendly, though. And that is a very high rental price. In this economy, you can negotiate any of those down, in my opinion. (To give you some idea of rental fees, my rental fee was $1500 for six hours, a tour of the stadium, complete set up of ceremony and reception, all tables, all chairs, and all linens. The space was huge).

    Are you required to use their photographers? I find that part of it sort of weird. The kind of photos displayed on their website is not my style. Do they include a photographer that will do the ceremony and reception? How about the getting ready/prep photos and the photos at an alternate location? (Like outdoors, at a local park, at the CMU columns, etc). The website says "studio photography" can be included, nothing about photojournalism style shots and the like. Did you see the work of the photographer you will be getting?

    Given what you just wrote, I would say MF is out in my opinion. I don't think, even if it is September/October, that having a plan where guests have to sit outside is a good one unless there is a solid backup plan for rain/lightning/wind. I know you can get tents, but what if it is just pouring? Unless you can get to under 100 guests, I think you should pass on Mattress Factory.

    Just my two cents! HTH!


  • missyt180missyt180 member
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    edited December 2011
    Great feedback kwynn-

    For the photography, we would have 2 dedicated photographers during ceremony and reception (Jay and his assistant) and 1 or 2 photographers for the reception in the main room (depending on package, if its 1, would be his assistant only in the room).  If we go with just 1 photographer during the reception, Jay would still be in the photo studio area available to take images (he just wouldn't be in the reception area).  Does that make sense?  If not, it didn't make sense to me until he showed us the pictures he has from past weddings.  Basically, if throughout the night, FI and his college friends want to take silly pictures, they can do that.  Or if me and cousin Irene want a shot, we can do that throughout the night (in the studio with background type setting).  The shots on his website are the bride only images that he does no-charge prior to the ceremony if there is time.  He then uses these for his portfolio, but you get a copy on DVD as well.  Yes We Cater has more pictures that show what he does on their Kudos page.

    Honestly I am so torn, but its a good thing to have options!  And at least FI and I are on the same page. 

    The one thing about JVS is the location.  It would be easiest to have everyone stay Southside (which is a fun area, but possibly limiting).  We'll see, so much to think about.

    ETA - off-topic, but LaFemme, I love your avatar pic!  :)
  • edited December 2011
    Tony at the Fairmont is a close friend of mine. He is absolutely fantastic!

    I agree with Kwynn that those rental rates are VERY high. I had the entire Aviary and the rental fee was under $2,000 (still is). And that included extra hours, tables and chairs, a penguin and an owl at the cocktail hour, and access to the full space. Did you go see the Warhol?

    I almost booked the Children's Museum and that would have been under $3,000 for the spaces I wanted to keep open. About $4,000 for the full museum, and it is huge there.

    I am surprised at how high the MF is pricing themselves. They are going way above rates from the zoo, aviary, Science Center, and Warhol. Especially for the look of the spaces and the limits in capacity.

    ETA: I loved J Verno when I went to see it, but it was budget prohibiting. If you like it, book it, but not because it is budget-friendly (it is not). It will be beautiful.
    Oh, and big Catering is notorious for high labor rates on their catering contracts. If you use them, keep an eye on that.
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  • missyt180missyt180 member
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    edited December 2011
    Nunu - he was AMAZING!!  And so much fun too - so excited about the space, really getting into things, and I know that every single detail would be perfect!  He even walked us up NINE flights of stairs so we could see a guest room!! 

    So, yes, with all of my notes above and budgeting, Fairmont is a definite front-runner - it was the only place that recieved a WOW on every detail.
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