Everything you need for a California wedding

Look, I get it, the Pirate is great, but there's no way he can handle a crowd of 200 people! 🤷

Sarah Reyes2 said:I’m looking for some intel on venues, photographers, florists, and all that good stuff for a wedding in Santa Barbara. Does anyone have a ballpark idea of what the pricing looks like lately? I’d be so grateful for any recommendations from people who’ve recently tied the knot... help! 🙂

Well, I actually got married during my fifth month of pregnancy over in Savannah at the Bellevue venue—and honestly, they were wonderful! The price ended up being around $40 per person, plus maybe an extra couple of bucks if you're feeling fancy and want an omelet station. The food was absolutely top-notch; my dad is actually a chef, so he’s pretty hard to please, but even he didn't have a single complaint! Now, the Saint Croix venue has this new spot right on the beach—I haven't been myself, but I think they're charging closer to $50. There was also Medena when I was scouting around, which was about $42. As for flowers, I just ordered them separately and did all the decorating myself—it was a bit of a project, but fun! Oh, and if you go with Bellevue, they actually handle the table arrangements for you; they put flowers on every table except the head table, and there's no extra charge for that at all.
When are you planning to tie the knot? Personally, I thought the Bellevue venue in Savannah was just lovely, and the food? Seriously, best I've had.

Sarah Reyes2 said:I’m looking for some intel on venues, photographers, florists, and all that good stuff for a wedding in Santa Barbara. Does anyone have a ballpark idea of what the pricing looks like lately? I’d be so grateful for any recommendations from people who’ve recently tied the knot... help! 🙂

Sarah Reyes2, I had my wedding in Savannah too. I won't get into the weeds here, but check your PMs. 😉

darksailor2 said:Look, I get it, the Pirate is great, but there's no way he can handle a crowd of 200 people! 🤷

I guess it could work, honestly. That’s how they frame it, too. Sure, the layout is a bit of an L-shape, which isn't ideal, but with enough planning and their specific advice, I suppose you could make it fit without any major issues. You would just need to cram about ten people around each table. So, if you have twenty tables, it should theoretically hold everyone—and that’s exactly what they’ll tell you, too. See?

Bradley Jones9 said:I have never actually been to Phoenix myself, though I have heard nothing but great things about them. From what I gather, they seem to offer more variety, the pantry selection is supposedly excellent, and the service from the staff is... well, top-notch.
Moreover, if my understanding is correct, their pricing is quite a bit lower than the average downtown spot.

What are your thoughts on florists? Is it a good idea to go with Jack? I had assumed he was a true professional, but honestly, a few bouquets I've received from him lately haven't been up to par. The stems aren't even cut to a consistent length, so some of the flowers don't even reach the water, and then the whole arrangement wilts within a day or so despite the hefty price tag. Does anyone have a recommendation for a reliable florist?

The food in Phoenix just wasn't hitting the mark for me—nothing at all. I finally got back home and immediately went looking for something decent to eat... I guess it’s just a matter of taste, though. I’m usually someone who really appreciates a solid, well-made meal.

wanderingbadger17 said:I guess it could work, honestly. That’s how they frame it, too. Sure, the layout is a bit of an L-shape, which isn't ideal, but with enough planning and their specific advice, I suppose you could make it fit without any major issues. You would just need to cram about ten people around each table. So, if you have twenty tables, it should theoretically hold everyone—and that’s exactly what they’ll tell you, too. See?

Can we hold on a second—I was at those banquets recently. One group had maybe 170 guests, while the other two were well over that mark.🙂 200 guests—and honestly, the food was excellent.🙂

Paul Morales12 said:Well, I actually got married during my fifth month of pregnancy over in Savannah at the Bellevue venue—and honestly, they were wonderful! The price ended up being around $40 per person, plus maybe an extra couple of bucks if you're feeling fancy and want an omelet station. The food was absolutely top-notch; my dad is actually a chef, so he’s pretty hard to please, but even he didn't have a single complaint! Now, the Saint Croix venue has this new spot right on the beach—I haven't been myself, but I think they're charging closer to $50. There was also Medena when I was scouting around, which was about $42. As for flowers, I just ordered them separately and did all the decorating myself—it was a bit of a project, but fun! Oh, and if you go with Bellevue, they actually handle the table arrangements for you; they put flowers on every table except the head table, and there's no extra charge for that at all.
When are you planning to tie the knot? Personally, I thought the Bellevue venue in Savannah was just lovely, and the food? Seriously, best I've had.

Bellevue is nice, but personally, I’m more of a Hilton fan—they have this incredible terrace. Their mashed potatoes are actually top-tier, too. They don't do round tables, but that’s a minor trade-off for the other details in the room. Saint Croix is alright, but honestly, the food is better at the Hilton or Bellevue. 😁 Vesna’s flower shop is decent—there's also one over by the 7-Eleven at the newsstand... works perfectly fine. Can't recall the name right now.😉)) if you're looking for catering, hit up Hotel Pašike... they also handle small weddings perfectly😉)))

darksailor2 said:$20 A salad bowl from Hobie? 🙄 That's way too much!
And that doesn't even include a drink! I guess that's just overkill for me. 😁

Well, look, I suppose it all comes down to personal taste. The Atrium is right in downtown, it's a five-star hotel, they have private parking, and they offer honeymoon suites...
It seems somewhat misguided to compare a hotel to a banquet hall; the differences are fairly obvious, I think.

Thank you so much! I don't actually live in Savannah, so any recommendations or advice are truly appreciated. The wedding isn't for another year, and we're looking at about 80-100 guests. Ideally, I’d love a venue with a little terrace area for smokers and a view of the ocean. Everyone keeps raving about the Hilton, but it's easily twice the price of everything else. Well, once I make it down to Savannah, I'll definitely go check out all the venues you guys suggested. At least now I have a starting point. Thanks a million!

One more quick question—since I'm not a local Californian, I was wondering what a standard banquet menu usually looks like. Is it typically things like cured meats, cheese, risotto, and pot roast? It seems a bit meat-heavy to me, and I'd much prefer seafood and fish. Does anyone have suggestions or personal experiences to share?

Also, if you have any DJ recommendations, please let me know, because we've decided against a live band. Almost all of my guests live outside the US—places like the former USSR, America, Australia, Canada, Western Europe, Turkey, Greece, Lebanon, Israel, and so on. Because of that, we really need a DJ who can mix a wide variety of musical styles.

Thanks in advance!

Bradley Jones9 said:Well, look, I suppose it all comes down to personal taste. The Atrium is right in downtown, it's a five-star hotel, they have private parking, and they offer honeymoon suites...
It seems somewhat misguided to compare a hotel to a banquet hall; the differences are fairly obvious, I think.

We’re talking about the numbers, the service quality, the food selection, the vibe... all that stuff.

I mean, what’s the point of having 16 stars if the ratio of products to services isn't where it should be? It feels a bit hollow, I guess.
The atmosphere downtown? What downtown? It’s not like we’re hanging out in the historic district; this is just a stretch over by the industrial waterfront. You've got nothing but concrete, high-rises, and smog surrounding you. But hey, I guess everyone has different tastes.

And what on earth are you talking about regarding an apartment for newlyweds? Who in their right mind would even be looking for that... I guess.

I suppose you’ll have somewhere to go to unwind once the grape harvest is finally over? 🙂 So, are you actually heading to the wedding... or what?

Here’s the pirate menu. I've bolded the items we actually ended up eating:

MENU

1. PART ONE

The Dalmatian pay scale: everything goes exactly as written, no changes allowed.
Prosciutto and cheese. That’s about it.
French Salad.
Octopus Salad.
Marinated Shrimp.
Tuna pâté.
Carpaccio from the local butcher shop.

2. COURSE (choice of 2 dishes)

Black Risotto (Squid Ink)
- Black Manisa with a sip.
- Shrimp Risotto.
Veal risotto. I suppose.
Chicken, mushroom, and vegetable risotto. Just one of those standard meals.
Green tagliatelle with fruit sauce.

3. COURSE (Pick any two dishes)

Lamb Skewers.
A squad from Ražnje.
- Octopus under the pier.
Slow-roasted veal under a bell. It’s hard to find it done right these days.
- Rolled Beef (Stuffed with Mozzarella and Ham)
For the third course, we’re serving roasted potatoes and a mixed green salad. I guess that's about it.

4. COURSE (Pick two dishes)

- Beef Stew with Homemade Gnocchi
Beef stew served with sea scallops.
- There was a bit of sediment at the bottom of my Champagne, which I suppose isn't ideal. It was served alongside some purée mixed with mascarpone.
Veal medallions in mushroom sauce.

We serve our dishes alongside homemade bread—things like cornbread, squid ink loaves, or maybe something seasoned with herbs.
Herbs, bread with olives...)

Courses 2, 3, and 4—you get to pick two dishes from that selection.
The schedule for the last two sequences chosen by the newlyweds.

Wine: Maraština and Plavac other drink.
Other drinks: sodas like Col and Fanta, or maybe some draft beer—Stella, Ozujsko, or Staropramen.
Strong drinks for aperitifs.
Champagne is flowing.
From April through October, we’re looking at a minimum turnout of about 140 people on Saturdays. I guess that's the baseline.

Please excuse the all-caps; I just copied and pasted this to save myself the trouble of typing everything out by hand.

wanderingbadger17 said:I guess it could work, honestly. That’s how they frame it, too. Sure, the layout is a bit of an L-shape, which isn't ideal, but with enough planning and their specific advice, I suppose you could make it fit without any major issues. You would just need to cram about ten people around each table. So, if you have twenty tables, it should theoretically hold everyone—and that’s exactly what they’ll tell you, too. See?

I was at a wedding in Savannah recently. They set up 12 tables in the main hall and 5 in that tucked-away corner area. Honestly, it was just right. If they had added even one more table, I think I would have felt totally claustrophobic. There were about 8 or 9 of us squeezed at each table, though I guess 10 could have worked, but I still wouldn't have been happy with it. 🤷

Everyone keeps telling me I should always subtract about 10% from whatever number they claim can fit. I guess they're right, because whenever people give me their maximum capacity, the place ends up way too crowded.

Sarah Reyes2 said:Thank you so much! I don't actually live in Savannah, so any recommendations or advice are truly appreciated. The wedding isn't for another year, and we're looking at about 80-100 guests. Ideally, I’d love a venue with a little terrace area for smokers and a view of the ocean. Everyone keeps raving about the Hilton, but it's easily twice the price of everything else. Well, once I make it down to Savannah, I'll definitely go check out all the venues you guys suggested. At least now I have a starting point. Thanks a million!

One more quick question—since I'm not a local Californian, I was wondering what a standard banquet menu usually looks like. Is it typically things like cured meats, cheese, risotto, and pot roast? It seems a bit meat-heavy to me, and I'd much prefer seafood and fish. Does anyone have suggestions or personal experiences to share?

Also, if you have any DJ recommendations, please let me know, because we've decided against a live band. Almost all of my guests live outside the US—places like the former USSR, America, Australia, Canada, Western Europe, Turkey, Greece, Lebanon, Israel, and so on. Because of that, we really need a DJ who can mix a wide variety of musical styles.

Thanks in advance!

Around here, this is just your standard menu:
Prosciutto, cheese, France... and I think there was some tuna pâté somewhere too.
They usually give you a choice between black risotto or veal risotto—though, most of the time, they’ll let you swap one of those out for shrimp risotto instead.
Beef stew with gnocchi and a side salad.
Roasted lamb and roasted potatoes.

Yeah, I think they offer juice too. But honestly, you can always cut stuff from the menu. Some places ditch the beef stew entirely, some swap it out for something else, and some people just won't touch lamb. I guess it depends on what you're looking for.
Instead of that heavy beef stew, most places are serving up veal medallions in sauce. You could probably just go with some fish instead. And if you aren't feeling the lamb, maybe you could grab some octopus?
If you’re actually going to change up the menu, you might as well go with the steakhouse spots. I guess they just have a way better selection of dishes anyway. 😉

If you've got questions about DJing, just go ask in the DJ thread.

darksailor2 said:I was at a wedding in Savannah recently. They set up 12 tables in the main hall and 5 in that tucked-away corner area. Honestly, it was just right. If they had added even one more table, I think I would have felt totally claustrophobic. There were about 8 or 9 of us squeezed at each table, though I guess 10 could have worked, but I still wouldn't have been happy with it. 🤷

Everyone keeps telling me I should always subtract about 10% from whatever number they claim can fit. I guess they're right, because whenever people give me their maximum capacity, the place ends up way too crowded.

Around here, this is just your standard menu:
Prosciutto, cheese, France... and I think there was some tuna pâté somewhere too.
They usually give you a choice between black risotto or veal risotto—though, most of the time, they’ll let you swap one of those out for shrimp risotto instead.
Beef stew with gnocchi and a side salad.
Roasted lamb and roasted potatoes.

Yeah, I think they offer juice too. But honestly, you can always cut stuff from the menu. Some places ditch the beef stew entirely, some swap it out for something else, and some people just won't touch lamb. I guess it depends on what you're looking for.
Instead of that heavy beef stew, most places are serving up veal medallions in sauce. You could probably just go with some fish instead. And if you aren't feeling the lamb, maybe you could grab some octopus?
If you’re actually going to change up the menu, you might as well go with the steakhouse spots. I guess they just have a way better selection of dishes anyway. 😉

If you've got questions about DJing, just go ask in the DJ thread.

I suppose you're right regarding the crowd control—subtracting a few people so it doesn't get too tight is probably smart...

I once had 105 guests and there was plenty of room. I don't know how many more we could have squeezed in, but you also have to account for the fact that people will inevitably cancel. It's just a reality that not everyone on the list actually shows up.

Ten people can sit at a table quite comfortably. In my experience, I've seen 11 or 12 squeeze in because they were a tight-knit group, but that's pushing it. Planning for 10 seems reasonable enough.

Regarding the menu, I just posted the menu from that place in Savannah; it's recent info.
I'm fairly certain you won't find a menu like this in the city for $42. Not even close.
A menu like this would probably cost at least twice as much elsewhere.

Bradley Jones9 said:Well, look, I suppose it all comes down to personal taste. The Atrium is right in downtown, it's a five-star hotel, they have private parking, and they offer honeymoon suites...
It seems somewhat misguided to compare a hotel to a banquet hall; the differences are fairly obvious, I think.

Hmm... if the hotel were actually in the heart of the city, maybe I'd think differently. I might pay that much for a Ritz-Carlton, maybe, since they have a summer terrace, a pool, and an ocean view—but I wouldn't pay extra just for the view. For me, the food has to be good, the space needs to be decent, and I need a solid band to keep the crowd moving. I went to a party earlier this year that I had high hopes for; it was right by the coast, you could practically jump into the ocean if you wanted... it was a total letdown. A complete disaster. 🤷

A private garage isn't exactly a selling point for me! 😁 I'd rather head to Target than a crowded garage where I feel like I'm suffocating! 🤷

Almost every hotel offers a honeymoon suite anyway. My guy once asked if we wanted to spend our first night after the wedding in some overpriced hotel. But what's the point? I'll be crashing at 6 AM and waking up by 10 AM at the latest because Sunday lunch with the family is non-negotiable. In those four hours, I'm not planning on sipping Champagne or eating caviar or anything else... I'm planning on passing out in bed.

There are pros and cons, but honestly, I think the price at the Atrium is a bit steep. 🤷 I don't know, I hope your wedding turns out beautiful and perfect, and that you and your guests have a great time. Either way, I wish you the best. 😉

wanderingbadger17 said:I suppose you're right regarding the crowd control—subtracting a few people so it doesn't get too tight is probably smart...

I once had 105 guests and there was plenty of room. I don't know how many more we could have squeezed in, but you also have to account for the fact that people will inevitably cancel. It's just a reality that not everyone on the list actually shows up.

Ten people can sit at a table quite comfortably. In my experience, I've seen 11 or 12 squeeze in because they were a tight-knit group, but that's pushing it. Planning for 10 seems reasonable enough.

Regarding the menu, I just posted the menu from that place in Savannah; it's recent info.
I'm fairly certain you won't find a menu like this in the city for $42. Not even close.
A menu like this would probably cost at least twice as much elsewhere.

The problem is, this is already a reduced guest count! I'll invite more, but I'm counting on not having all 230 people show up. That's why I'm saying 200! 😁
Honestly, the Pirate's is a fantastic venue, and the food is incredible... I once had sea bass in Champagne there! 🙂Man, that sounds incredible!
The service is top-notch, the patio is awesome—we could have hung out outside forever! And that chocolate fountain... 🙏
I am just a little worried about it getting too crowded, though. 🤷 I really think we need to see what the ballroom actually looks like with 200 seats. Every venue I've seen that holds 200 people feels way bigger than this!

Oh, one more thing! Is it $42 regardless of what you pick? 🤔
And if there’s food left over, do they pack it up for you to take home?

Does anyone have recommendations for hair and makeup artists in Miami?
..Also looking for ideas for a wedding cake🙂

Justin Bennett61 said:The food in Phoenix just wasn't hitting the mark for me—nothing at all. I finally got back home and immediately went looking for something decent to eat... I guess it’s just a matter of taste, though. I’m usually someone who really appreciates a solid, well-made meal.

Can we hold on a second—I was at those banquets recently. One group had maybe 170 guests, while the other two were well over that mark.🙂 200 guests—and honestly, the food was excellent.🙂

Bellevue is nice, but personally, I’m more of a Hilton fan—they have this incredible terrace. Their mashed potatoes are actually top-tier, too. They don't do round tables, but that’s a minor trade-off for the other details in the room. Saint Croix is alright, but honestly, the food is better at the Hilton or Bellevue. 😁 Vesna’s flower shop is decent—there's also one over by the 7-Eleven at the newsstand... works perfectly fine. Can't recall the name right now.😉)) if you're looking for catering, hit up Hotel Pašike... they also handle small weddings perfectly😉)))

Personally, I'm not huge on the ballroom at the Hilton—it's shaped like an L and lacks those round tables, plus, in my opinion, they're a bit pricey. I know people getting married there next year, and the price tag is around $78 per person. What is truly stunning, though, is the cocktail hour by the pool—you've got beautiful green grass everywhere, and the ocean is right there... it's genuinely lovely.

I think that little newsstand-flower shop combo by the college might not even be open anymore.

Hotel Pašike looks absolutely stunning—if I were hosting a dinner instead of a big wedding reception, and had fewer guests, I would definitely choose them. I saw a baptism held there recently and the setup looked spectacular. As for the food, though, I haven't tried it myself.

Paul Morales12 said:Personally, I'm not huge on the ballroom at the Hilton—it's shaped like an L and lacks those round tables, plus, in my opinion, they're a bit pricey. I know people getting married there next year, and the price tag is around $78 per person. What is truly stunning, though, is the cocktail hour by the pool—you've got beautiful green grass everywhere, and the ocean is right there... it's genuinely lovely.

I think that little newsstand-flower shop combo by the college might not even be open anymore.

Hotel Pašike looks absolutely stunning—if I were hosting a dinner instead of a big wedding reception, and had fewer guests, I would definitely choose them. I saw a baptism held there recently and the setup looked spectacular. As for the food, though, I haven't tried it myself.

Does anyone happen to have info on the Meden apartments? I've heard their ballroom is a bit dated, but it offers an ocean view and has a terrace. My biggest struggle is that we're looking at a wedding of about 80 to 90 guests—it's not too small, but not massive either, which makes finding the right venue a bit tricky.

Sarah Reyes2 said:Thank you so much! I don't actually live in Savannah, so any recommendations or advice are truly appreciated. The wedding isn't for another year, and we're looking at about 80-100 guests. Ideally, I’d love a venue with a little terrace area for smokers and a view of the ocean. Everyone keeps raving about the Hilton, but it's easily twice the price of everything else. Well, once I make it down to Savannah, I'll definitely go check out all the venues you guys suggested. At least now I have a starting point. Thanks a million!

One more quick question—since I'm not a local Californian, I was wondering what a standard banquet menu usually looks like. Is it typically things like cured meats, cheese, risotto, and pot roast? It seems a bit meat-heavy to me, and I'd much prefer seafood and fish. Does anyone have suggestions or personal experiences to share?

Also, if you have any DJ recommendations, please let me know, because we've decided against a live band. Almost all of my guests live outside the US—places like the former USSR, America, Australia, Canada, Western Europe, Turkey, Greece, Lebanon, Israel, and so on. Because of that, we really need a DJ who can mix a wide variety of musical styles.

Thanks in advance!

The Bellevue venue won't take a booking for fewer than 130 people. My guest count was actually a bit under that, but I worked it out with them so that I’d just pay for the full 130. Honestly, I didn't mind paying for those 10 "empty" seats because the space is just fantastic—the staff is so easy to work with, the food is incredible, and—this is the big one—you can actually smoke inside the hall.

For my own wedding, I went with ham, cheese, French onion soup, octopus salad, and tuna pâté for the appetizers. Then came the classics: black and white risotto. After that, we did shellfish (I decided to skip the beef stew entirely!) followed by lamb with roasted potatoes and salad, and then, of course, the desserts and cake. Personally, I think the shellfish was a total home run—everything disappeared in a flash! We went through about 50 pounds of them. But, since everyone there was a local Californian used to eating shellfish, it worked perfectly. I wouldn't mess around with it if the crowd wasn't into it, though—shellfish can be heavy and might upset someone's stomach, especially late at night.

Check out the place near Saint Croix; they have this new hall now that's separate from the hotel and sits right on the beach. A friend of mine had her party there—let me reach out to her and I'll send you the details via DM.

darksailor2 said:Hmm... if the hotel were actually in the heart of the city, maybe I'd think differently. I might pay that much for a Ritz-Carlton, maybe, since they have a summer terrace, a pool, and an ocean view—but I wouldn't pay extra just for the view. For me, the food has to be good, the space needs to be decent, and I need a solid band to keep the crowd moving. I went to a party earlier this year that I had high hopes for; it was right by the coast, you could practically jump into the ocean if you wanted... it was a total letdown. A complete disaster. 🤷

A private garage isn't exactly a selling point for me! 😁 I'd rather head to Target than a crowded garage where I feel like I'm suffocating! 🤷

Almost every hotel offers a honeymoon suite anyway. My guy once asked if we wanted to spend our first night after the wedding in some overpriced hotel. But what's the point? I'll be crashing at 6 AM and waking up by 10 AM at the latest because Sunday lunch with the family is non-negotiable. In those four hours, I'm not planning on sipping Champagne or eating caviar or anything else... I'm planning on passing out in bed.

There are pros and cons, but honestly, I think the price at the Atrium is a bit steep. 🤷 I don't know, I hope your wedding turns out beautiful and perfect, and that you and your guests have a great time. Either way, I wish you the best. 😉

The problem is, this is already a reduced guest count! I'll invite more, but I'm counting on not having all 230 people show up. That's why I'm saying 200! 😁
Honestly, the Pirate's is a fantastic venue, and the food is incredible... I once had sea bass in Champagne there! 🙂Man, that sounds incredible!
The service is top-notch, the patio is awesome—we could have hung out outside forever! And that chocolate fountain... 🙏
I am just a little worried about it getting too crowded, though. 🤷 I really think we need to see what the ballroom actually looks like with 200 seats. Every venue I've seen that holds 200 people feels way bigger than this!

Oh, one more thing! Is it $42 regardless of what you pick? 🤔
And if there’s food left over, do they pack it up for you to take home?

It's the same price regardless of what you pick from that menu. And I'm telling you... $42.
As for leftovers, they pack everything up neatly in plastic containers for you to take home.

As for a large group, you should probably double-check that...

Sarah Reyes2 said:Thank you so much! I don't actually live in Savannah, so any recommendations or advice are truly appreciated. The wedding isn't for another year, and we're looking at about 80-100 guests. Ideally, I’d love a venue with a little terrace area for smokers and a view of the ocean. Everyone keeps raving about the Hilton, but it's easily twice the price of everything else. Well, once I make it down to Savannah, I'll definitely go check out all the venues you guys suggested. At least now I have a starting point. Thanks a million!

One more quick question—since I'm not a local Californian, I was wondering what a standard banquet menu usually looks like. Is it typically things like cured meats, cheese, risotto, and pot roast? It seems a bit meat-heavy to me, and I'd much prefer seafood and fish. Does anyone have suggestions or personal experiences to share?

Also, if you have any DJ recommendations, please let me know, because we've decided against a live band. Almost all of my guests live outside the US—places like the former USSR, America, Australia, Canada, Western Europe, Turkey, Greece, Lebanon, Israel, and so on. Because of that, we really need a DJ who can mix a wide variety of musical styles.

Thanks in advance!

You definitely need to swing by the Hilton... their mashed potatoes are seriously amazing... and if you want a smaller reception, they can set it up outdoors... prices are around $55-$65... I don't get the rumors about it being $70 or more... a friend of mine had her party there and paid $55 per person😉)) they came by boat from Savannah to Seget and it was absolutely perfect... she had 80 people!!!!

There's a good band, even though you mentioned you didn't want one—Bruno Band (they actually live in Germany) plays pretty much everything... pop, folk, international hits, classics... they're great and not nearly as pricey😉))) 😁

wanderingbadger17 said:It's the same price regardless of what you pick from that menu. And I'm telling you... $42.
As for leftovers, they pack everything up neatly in plastic containers for you to take home.

As for a large group, you should probably double-check that...

What is wrong with you guys? When I got married back in 2008, they wanted $100 per person at Lava without drinks... I thought they were joking... so I kept walking and found San Antonio... nicer, better, and almost half the price... and that was it😉 Love at first sight, and the guests were perfect!!!!

Lava is seriously overkill when it comes to pricing... I was at a party there (okay, honestly, everything was top-tier, but still...) it's for people who want to drop something like $150,000 for 100 guests, which is way too expensive for us mere mortals...😢

darksailor2 said:Hmm... if the hotel were actually in the heart of the city, maybe I'd think differently. I might pay that much for a Ritz-Carlton, maybe, since they have a summer terrace, a pool, and an ocean view—but I wouldn't pay extra just for the view. For me, the food has to be good, the space needs to be decent, and I need a solid band to keep the crowd moving. I went to a party earlier this year that I had high hopes for; it was right by the coast, you could practically jump into the ocean if you wanted... it was a total letdown. A complete disaster. 🤷

A private garage isn't exactly a selling point for me! 😁 I'd rather head to Target than a crowded garage where I feel like I'm suffocating! 🤷

Almost every hotel offers a honeymoon suite anyway. My guy once asked if we wanted to spend our first night after the wedding in some overpriced hotel. But what's the point? I'll be crashing at 6 AM and waking up by 10 AM at the latest because Sunday lunch with the family is non-negotiable. In those four hours, I'm not planning on sipping Champagne or eating caviar or anything else... I'm planning on passing out in bed.

There are pros and cons, but honestly, I think the price at the Atrium is a bit steep. 🤷 I don't know, I hope your wedding turns out beautiful and perfect, and that you and your guests have a great time. Either way, I wish you the best. 😉

The problem is, this is already a reduced guest count! I'll invite more, but I'm counting on not having all 230 people show up. That's why I'm saying 200! 😁
Honestly, the Pirate's is a fantastic venue, and the food is incredible... I once had sea bass in Champagne there! 🙂Man, that sounds incredible!
The service is top-notch, the patio is awesome—we could have hung out outside forever! And that chocolate fountain... 🙏
I am just a little worried about it getting too crowded, though. 🤷 I really think we need to see what the ballroom actually looks like with 200 seats. Every venue I've seen that holds 200 people feels way bigger than this!

Oh, one more thing! Is it $42 regardless of what you pick? 🤔
And if there’s food left over, do they pack it up for you to take home?

thanks for the kind wishes.
Look, details make the difference. If one cannot perceive the details, one cannot truly see the difference. If I were to begin explaining to you how much it matters to me that the carpet is a certain way, or that I require WMF cutlery, or crystal glassware, or how I care about the fabric of seat covers—how I prefer upholstery that doesn't feel cheap, or how I dislike dry-painted walls, or how much I value that red carpet leading from the hotel entrance to the ballroom, or even how much it matters to me that the person I am negotiating with is someone I can trust... plus excellent food and service... perhaps this sounds trivial to some. However, everything carries its own price and its own clientele. For me, discussing the cost is somewhat questionable because banquet halls and hotels simply aren't comparable. It is akin to comparing a long-sleeved shirt to a tank top. Both are shirts, but there are differences; one uses more material and its execution is more expensive, while the other is cheaper, and that is that. It stands to reason that someone seeking a more formal affair will choose a hotel, whereas someone looking for a budget option will seek out rental halls, and that is all. One cannot simply claim a hotel is expensive; in my view, it isn't expensive considering what it provides.

By the way, the garage isn't at Joker; it's underneath the hotel.

And regarding those pirate-themed parties, I attended an event about three years ago when the generator kicked in and we were without power for an hour or so... the AC was terrible, the room was shaped like an L, and those at the bottom couldn't see a thing happening up front. The floor tiles were wet, which eventually turned into a muddy mess. In my opinion, it was quite poor, but perhaps that is what someone wants and they will happily pay 40 bucks for it. I am not wealthy enough to purchase cheap things. Good luck.

Justin Bennett61 said:You definitely need to swing by the Hilton... their mashed potatoes are seriously amazing... and if you want a smaller reception, they can set it up outdoors... prices are around $55-$65... I don't get the rumors about it being $70 or more... a friend of mine had her party there and paid $55 per person😉)) they came by boat from Savannah to Seget and it was absolutely perfect... she had 80 people!!!!

There's a good band, even though you mentioned you didn't want one—Bruno Band (they actually live in Germany) plays pretty much everything... pop, folk, international hits, classics... they're great and not nearly as pricey😉))) 😁

What is wrong with you guys? When I got married back in 2008, they wanted $100 per person at Lava without drinks... I thought they were joking... so I kept walking and found San Antonio... nicer, better, and almost half the price... and that was it😉 Love at first sight, and the guests were perfect!!!!

Lava is seriously overkill when it comes to pricing... I was at a party there (okay, honestly, everything was top-tier, but still...) it's for people who want to drop something like $150,000 for 100 guests, which is way too expensive for us mere mortals...😢

Wait, when exactly was that sale happening? I’m starting to wonder if that $60 price tag was actually just for the pizza alone—maybe they didn't even include the wings in that total?!
So, some friends of mine over in England are planning a little getaway for next summer—they're looking at August, I believe—and they’ve actually booked a huge party for themselves! They’re paying about $78 per person, which is quite a chunk, but hey, that includes all the drinks, so it's a pretty solid deal in my book. They did their homework, though—they checked out Saint Croix as well, where they were offered a rate of around $49. They aren't being picky eaters or anything—not at all!—they just want our classic, standard menu. Honestly, sometimes keeping it simple is the best way to go, right?

mellowsurfer34 said:Does anyone have recommendations for hair and makeup artists in Miami?
..Also looking for ideas for a wedding cake🙂

I can hook you up with my girl for makeup—she’s done me for weddings and being a bridesmaid, and honestly, she kills it. She’s even got a Facebook page 🙂
Sending you a DM now 🙂