Quick Answers to the Most Often Asked Questions About Weddings
Before You Book
After You Book
Booking & Availability
You can check for available dates by either emailing us at info@thefez.com, or, you may also call us at (724) 378-1810 between the hours of 9AM-3PM Monday – Saturday.
To schedule a no-obligation tour of our venue, you may use our convenient online appointment calendar to schedule a date and time or call us at (724) 378-1810 between the hours of 9AM-3PM Monday-Saturday to schedule a tour. We typically schedule tours for a one-hour time slot.
We can place a tentative no-obligation hold for two weeks on any one date with just your name and phone number.
To reserve your date, a $500 deposit and a signed service agreement are required. We typically invite you to meet with us in person to review the contract details and provide your wedding planning materials. If you’re unable to visit The Fez, we can also send everything digitally.
You can expect a seamless planning experience, exceptional food, and a professional, attentive staff all at a great value.
In most cases, your wedding can be planned in just two meetings. The first is an initial tour and the second is a details meeting held approximately two to four months before your wedding date.
Once your reservation is confirmed, you will receive all the resources you need, including planning guides, room layouts, recommended vendors, and more to make the wedding planning process simple and stress-free.
You are also welcome to come to The Fez for as many additional appointments as you need, and we are always happy to answer questions by email. We are very responsive and typically reply quickly.
Pricing & Packages
Yes. Because we have an in-house team, everything we prepare is made from scratch, which allows for a high level of customization across our menus. If you see something on another buffet package that you would like to switch into yours, we can usually accommodate that. If you have a favorite dish that is not currently on our menu, we will do our best to include it for your wedding day as well.
Please note that some upgrades or substitutions may involve additional fees depending on the request.
No, typically we do not. Our menu prices include the use of our rooms unless you have a special need for additional time.
At The Fez, we pride ourselves on transparent and affordable pricing with no hidden fees. There are no room rental fees, and pricing is based on a per person rate.
A 20% service charge and 6% sales tax are added to all events. Beyond that, there are no additional fees unless you choose to add or upgrade services or offerings.
We do not have any minimum food and beverage spending requirements. The only requirement is a minimum guest count based on the room you select.
The Terrace Room requires a minimum of 50 adults, the Balconade Room requires a minimum of 150 adults, and the Grand Ballroom requires a minimum of 200 adults.
Unfortunately, since we exclusively host large private events and are not connected to a restaurant, we are not able to offer formal tastings at this time.
However, we do host four public events each year for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Easter, and Thanksgiving, which provide a great opportunity to experience the style and quality of our food.
Rest assured, our food is one of the main reasons guests have continued to celebrate with us for over 60 years!
Venue Spaces & Capacity
Each of our rooms can accommodate a different number of guests. Below are the room minimums and maximums:
- Terrace Room: 50 – 160
- Balconade Room: 150 – 250
- Grand Ballroom: 200 – 500
Absolutely! We can host both your ceremony and reception on-site. This option has become increasingly popular for couples. Having both your ceremony and reception on-site allows for an easy transition and saves travel time for both you and your guests.
There is a separate fee for on-site ceremonies that covers the time for additional set-up required for the ceremony, early access to our bridal suite prior to the ceremony, and everything else included in our ceremony bundle.
Rates are reasonable and do vary. Please ask for details!
Yes. The Fez has handicap accessible ramps into the building as well as handicap accessible restrooms. We will do our best to make sure your needs are met and that everyone attending the event is comfortable.
Food & Catering
Yes. Please let us know as soon as possible what allergies you will need accommodated, and we can help you make food selections that meet those needs when possible.
Due to health and safety regulations, you cannot bring in any outside food or beverage. However, you can bring cake or cookies if you choose to.
Yes, there are different prices for different age groups. For the buffets, children ages 5 and under are free, children ages 6 – 12 are half price, and anyone 13 and above is full price.
For plated meals children 5 and under are free, children 6 – 12 are offered a kid’s meal for a discounted price, and anyone 13 and above is full price.
Guest Experience & Logistics
Although we do not have overnight accommodations on-site, we do work closely with several of the hotels in the Pittsburgh International Airport and Monaca areas that provide special rates and other services for our brides. We can provide you with our hotel partners once you have booked your event with us.
Cars may be left overnight at The Fez as long as they are picked up the next day by 12pm.
Yes, we do provide a parking attendant. Valet parking is not available.
We can block off and reserve some parking spaces if need be for parents and/or grandparents, as well as for the vehicle of the bride and groom. The Catering and Sales Director will go over your specific needs for parking during your details meeting.
Vendor Recommendations
Yes. We have a list of trusted providers and would be happy to go over them with you once you’ve booked with us. Most of them are local and have been partnering with The Fez for quite some time.
Payments & Policies
In order to officially reserve your date, there will be an initial $500 nonrefundable deposit due. The Catering and Sales Director will provide you with specific payment dates and amounts on your initial sales agreement for the rest of the payments.
In the event of a cancellation, for any reason, all reservation deposits and/or any payments are non-refundable. All monies paid to The Fez up to the point of cancellation shall be forfeited.
This policy will be in your initial sales agreement as well. If the cancellation occurs within 14 days of your event, the client will be responsible for the full balance on their account. If you need to move your wedding, please contact us to discuss future steps.
The Catering and Sales Director will provide you with specific deadlines for your selections when you book your wedding. Prior to those deadlines, we will do our best to accommodate any changes as they arise. After the deadlines have passed, changes become more difficult due to our own vendor ordering timelines and may not always be possible; if they can be accommodated, they may be subject to additional fees. We strive to give you as much time as possible to finalize all of your selections.
Guest Count & Seating
The final head count will be due typically 10 days prior to your wedding. The Catering and Sales Director will provide you with all of your deadlines during your first visit, and will send several reminder emails as well prior to each deadline.
Yes. Anyone you are providing a meal to should be included in your total head count. Often, all of the vendors are seated at a table near the back so they can come and go as they need to without disrupting the event.
The short answer is No, it is not required. However, we highly recommend that you have one. A seating chart helps your guests know where they will be sitting the entire evening, they will be free to move around to get food and drinks without losing their seat, and you will know exactly how many tables you need.
With open seating, guests may not fill in each seat at a table and there will need to be extra tables set so that no guests end up not having a seat. A seating chart creates a smooth transition from the ceremony to the cocktail hour, and from the cocktail hour to the reception.
Yes, each table will be clearly marked with a visible number for your guests. The total number of tables will depend on your specific needs, and you’ll review the full room setup with the Catering and Sales Director during your details meeting. If you prefer, you’re also welcome to bring your own table numbers.
Cake & Desserts
Yes. You will have a consultation meeting with her at The Fez to go over the design of your cake, including batter flavors, fillings, and other details. She will also provide samples for you to taste during your meeting.
You’re welcome to bring in cakes and cookies, but they must be prearranged on trays for display. The Fez will provide the table, plates, and napkins; however, we do not supply trays, display setups, or to-go boxes, and we do not tray the items for you. Please notify us of any pastries that require refrigeration.
The cake is included in your reception package, so you will not be responsible for a bill for the cake. That cost is already wrapped up in your package. You will be responsible for scheduling a consultation with the baker to go over design and batter flavors.
Décor & Personalization
Nothing may be nailed, taped, or attached with command hooks to the walls, railings, ceilings, or centerpieces. Open flames are not permitted. Candles are allowed only when fully enclosed in glass, such as votive candles, floating candles, or candles with hurricane glass. Battery-operated candles are also permitted. Loose glitter is not allowed. If you are ever unsure about a decoration, please check with The Fez before purchasing to ensure it is approved.
For table linens, we offer black, white, or ivory. For napkins, we have approximately 20 standard color options and can accommodate up to two different napkin colors. When you come in for your appointment, we’ll be happy to show you our full selection of napkin swatches.
No. Chair Covers must be ordered through The Fez. Ask for more details regarding specifics.
Yes. We provide centerpieces for all our events; however, you can opt not to use them. Our centerpieces are 2 separate items: A round glass mirror and a black lantern. You can use the whole centerpiece, either of the items individually, or you may provide your own centerpieces.
If the room you are using has an event the night before, you will be permitted to come in the morning of your wedding. The exact time will be given to you closer to your event date. If the room you are using does not have an event the night before, you can make arrangements to come in the day before. Please call for time slot availability.
Food Service
Due to health and safety regulations, the food cannot be packaged and sent home with anyone. However, the food will be available long enough for guests to have a second serving if they choose. The cake will have a keepsake layer for the bride and groom to take with them.
Don’t see the answer you’re looking for?
Call (724) 378-1810 (Monday–Saturday, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM) or email us, and we’ll be happy to help.