wedding venue in downtown Toronto

[pomelo]

Sorry, I know this topic comes up often, but I did a board search and their budgets are way higher...

My friend is planning her wedding in July. (Yes, there isn't a lot of time for planning). She has trouble finding her a venue for the reception. It's going to be lunch, preferably Italian, for 150 people max, and the budget is 20 per person.

I can't think of anything. Help a poor bridesmaid out?

[JennaBean]

I'm sorry to be a party pooper but it just isn't possible downtown for that price point. Any venue big enough would need to charge about $40 pp before tip/tax to be able to even have the service staff required for such a large group.

[pomelo]

Honestly, that's exactly what I thought. I'll let her know, thanks.

[jlunar]

I'm going to say that your budget is going to be tough-to-impossible. Finding a space that can accommodate 150 and for only $20pp and in downtown Toronto, probably doesn't exist unless you go really down-market. Even Old Spaghetti Factory's (which can hold 150 - I think - and is downtown) mains are at the $17 mark. Nevermind about food quality or drinks. So unless your friend is going to offer only a main and no drinks (and maybe have the lunch during the week), you'll be hard-pressed to find something.

I think a better way to go would be to have some canapés and other finger foods at the church after the ceremony vs lunch. You'll get more bang for your buck and keep the classy feel of things.

The other thing would be to reduce the guestlist.

Others may know better than I would though!

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Old Spaghetti Factory
56 The Espl, Toronto, ON M5G, CA

[pomelo]

You know, that's a great idea about the finger foods. I'll see what she says, thanks a lot.