Pittsburgh, sometimes called the Steel City, is famous for its rich history, beautiful skyline, and colorful culture.
All these aspects combined make the city a wonderful backdrop for a wedding.
As you plan your wedding, there’s one thing you need to be careful about—the expenses. And what’s probably the biggest expense you’re going to have to deal with? The venue! Wedding venues can be pretty pricey but thankfully good ol’ Pittsburgh is a treasure trove of affordable venues.
One of the best places to hold your wedding would be at a restaurant. Most restaurants make nice affordable wedding venues in Pittsburgh. And they handle the catering! So let’s get down to business and learn how you can find restaurants that make affordable wedding venues in Pittsburgh.
Why would you want your wedding to be held at a restaurant?
Restaurant weddings are becoming very popular in Pittsburgh and all over the country, thanks to all the benefits they bring to the table (pun intended!). Here are some of the benefits that you can expect from holding your wedding at a restaurant:
1. Budget-Friendly
Traditional wedding venues like big, fancy hotels or wedding halls can be a bit expensive. As for wedding halls, you may have to hire a caterer because the hall may only let you rent out the space and nothing else.
Restaurants, on the contrary, can be a lot cheaper than major hotels. Also, unlike wedding halls, restaurants will also handle the catering. This will save you from spending money on a caterer.
2. All-Inclusive
Most restaurants offer special wedding packages, that in some cases, may be customized to suit your budget and your requirements. For example, they may offer packages that will include a main course and dessert but not beverages. In this case, you may be able to supply the beverages yourself.
These packages can make the wedding planning process a lot easier and allow you to save money on catering.
3. Unique Ambiance
All restaurants are unique and many of them have a character that regular wedding venues don’t always have. For instance, some restaurants may sport beautiful vintage chandeliers and exposed brick walls.
In addition, some might have rooftop patios that can treat you and your wedding guests to amazing views of Pittsburgh!
4. Delicious Cuisine
If there’s one thing restaurants do best, it’s having menus full of mouthwatering dishes! A good restaurant will have several menus on hand, including special wedding menus.
Depending on the menu packages they offer, you may be able to customise the menu to suit you and your guests’ palates. Also, if you or any of your guests have specific dietary requirements, the restaurant may be able to accommodate them.
5. Guest Comfort
Restaurants provide a familiar setting and this can be comforting to your guests. Most of the time, restaurants are located in easy-to-reach places in the city, making getting to the wedding hassle-free for your guests.
How can you find the perfect restaurant that makes a good wedding venue?
Finding restaurants that make affordable wedding venues in Pittsburgh can be tricky, so here’s what you need to do to find the ideal restaurant for your wedding:
1. Define Your Budget
Your wedding will be one of the most important days of your life, but you should be careful with your budget. Be realistic about how much you can spend for your wedding and then look for restaurants that fit your current budget.
2. Take a Guest Count
Your guest count will be a big factor that affects your choice of restaurant. If you’re expecting many people, you’ll want to book a restaurant that has enough space to accommodate everyone. Alternatively, if your guest list is small, choose a restaurant that offers private rooms for small weddings.
3. Decide on Your Location
Pittsburgh has many vibrant and eye-catching locations. Think hard about what kind of place you want to exchange your vows at. Once you’ve decided on the locations, look for a restaurant in that area. But make sure that it’s a part of the city your guests won’t have much trouble getting to.
4. Figure Out the Cuisine
As we mentioned earlier, restaurants will have a great selection of food. Are you looking for a typical wedding buffet spread? Or would you like to include some exotic dishes like sushi? Most restaurants offer a wide range of foods so make sure to ask them about what’s included in their menus.
What are the right resources to use?
Now that you have an idea of what to look for, here are some helpful resources you should use in your search:
1. Local Blogs and Magazines
Some local magazines might have sections that talk about the best restaurants for holding weddings. Also, you could check out Pittsburgh wedding blogs that highlight affordable wedding venues in the city.
2. Social Media
Get on social media and start following wedding vendors in Pittsburgh. They often showcase great restaurants in the Pittsburgh area and even give you the lowdown on what to expect from these places.
3. Restaurant Websites and Reviews
Last but not least, you should check for restaurants with websites. These websites have everything you need to know about the restaurant, from their menus to the private rooms they offer.
What are the right questions to ask?
Okay, now that you’ve found the right restaurant, you need to ask them the right questions. Here are a few important questions you should ask a restaurant:
1. Wedding Menu Options
Ask them if they offer any special wedding packages and if these packages can be customized. Also, ask them for an accurate breakdown of prices. A well-reputed restaurant will be very transparent about their prices and won’t surprise you with hidden costs.
2. Beverage Service
Ask about their beverage policy and if they will allow you to supply the drinks yourself.
3. Audio/Visual Capabilities
Inquire about audio/visual equipment. Will the restaurant be able to provide in-house audio/visual equipment or do you have to bring your own?
4. Staffing
Ask them if they will assign dedicated staff to serve guests at your wedding.
5. Décor and Rentals
Ask if the venue offers basic decor and furniture. If they don’t, check with them if they have rental options.
6. Guest Parking
Check with them if there will be enough parking to accommodate all the guests. Also, ask them if there are any nearby public parking areas if the venue’s parking space isn’t enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some commonly asked questions about finding affordable wedding venues in Pittsburgh:
1. What will I do if my guest count changes before the wedding?
Many restaurants have contracts that allow you to make adjustments to the menu or space requirements when there’s a change in your guest count. However, some restaurants may charge a penalty fee for last-minute changes.
2. Will I need wedding insurance if I’m going to have a restaurant wedding?
Not necessarily. But wedding insurance is still a good idea as it can help cover unplanned events like you or your significant other getting sick and having to postpone the wedding or bad weather forcing you to switch venues.
3. How early should I book a restaurant for my wedding?
Ideally, you might want to make reservations at least 3-4 months in advance or even earlier if you’re planning to have your wedding during the holiday season.
Find the perfect restaurants that make affordable wedding venues in Pittsburgh
Your wedding is a very special day and you’ll want to hold it at the right venue. Restaurants are great places to hold weddings and Pittsburgh is filled with wonderful venues for your big day.
So start hunting for a restaurant with banquet halls and great banquet menus today!