So, out of nowhere, they just dropped this bombshell that catering is totally banned at the estate, which basically turns the whole thing into a formal Sunday service vibe. It wasn't exactly what I had in mind, but hey, it is what it is. The venue itself is gorgeous, though, so we aren't backing down.
Anyway, quick question for the group... has anyone here worked with the photographer Vedran Vidak? I was poking around Facebook yesterday checking his rates... apparently, his full package is around $1,750. We’ve got our date in November open on his calendar... I'm torn on whether I should pull the trigger and book him right now or keep hunting. He comes highly recommended, which makes it tricky.
At Amadea’s place, you’re looking at $117 makeup plus $33 lashes (she says she does double sets)... but honestly, what’s the point? I have no desire to walk around looking like some plastic Barbie. Then there's Helen. She charges 280 (that doesn't include contouring—which, let's be real, I don't even want) plus $23 lashes. The big difference is Helen comes straight to your house, whereas with Amadea, you actually have to trek out to her place in San Francisco. When you've already got a million things on your plate, that's just one more headache most girls don't need.
Honestly, contouring is such a waste of time. Why would I want to walk into a wedding looking like a completely different person? What's the point of faking a tan or pretending I have high cheekbones when I clearly don't? I'm just not about that life. It’s fine if you use a little blush or maybe some subtle highlighter to brighten things up, but that's where I draw the line. The thing is, both Helen and Amadea post these photos where they're playing around with all these wild colors—crazy eyeliners, heavy shadows, bright blushes, you name it. I highly doubt they actually show up to a client's house and do that. Like, there is zero chance I'd ever ask for a smoky eye. Give me nice, groomed brows, some soft neutral eyeshadow, and a thin liner any day. And for lips and cheeks? Just keep it subtle with some soft rosy tones. It would be amazing if we could actually test everything out first, though. You know, so people don't end up looking like they've seen a ghost when they catch their first glimpse in that HD makeup, haha.
coastalharbor6 says: They’re getting more popular by the day... Honestly, most of those big-name American stylists I hear about are already booked solid for my month. But since September is peak wedding season, maybe that’s why they're so slammed..
I've heard great things about Amadeus, but I don't know much about Helen..
>
Helen actually has 173,000 followers on Instagram. I checked out Amadeus too—she's gorgeous and her work is just stunning 😁 My favorite part is how she does eyebrows using Anastasia Beverly Hills products 😉 Do you happen to know what Amadeus charges? Or if they let you do a trial run? Apparently, you have to reach out to Helen five months in advance, and the price is $93 plus lashes $23. I haven't asked about a trial yet though
Oh, and if you happen to know any good photographers, please send them my way! :-)
copperhound84 said:You can look at rental offers now, but honestly, if you aren't in a massive rush, just hold out for that expo at Madison Square Garden in about ten days. There's a good chance she’ll be exhibiting there again. You could just set up an appointment with her directly to go over her pricing. Plus, if you end up booking them, they throw in the use of vases, mirrors, and all that extra decor for free. 😁 Prices obviously depend on the type of flowers you pick. I worked out a total package price with her, so I don't know the exact breakdown per item, but the folks over at the Skier Flower Shop told me you're looking at an average of $80-$40 per table.
No rush at all. The wedding isn't for another 10 months, and we've barely even started planning, so I'm totally clueless about dates or when these expos actually happen. :-) So you mean if you commit right then and there at the expo, the decor rental is basically included? How much does renting usually run anyway? I saw those glass pieces on Miss Flower Shop's Facebook—those white candle holders with the laser-cut lace pattern—and I am obsessed. Will there be any more expos after this one? Thanks!
copperhound84 said:Miss Flower Shop is amazing—the owner is a total pro. I showed her a few photos and she was already brainstorming a million ideas. The price is pretty flexible too; you just tell her your budget and she makes sure you get the absolute most out of it. 😁 I actually worked out a deal to meet up at a bridal expo, so I’m getting all her decor—vases, trinkets, mirrors, you name it—for free!
Does anyone have a clue what a decent centerpiece bouquet usually runs for? I'd love to know what kind of numbers to expect :-) Also, do florists typically include rentals for things like mirrors, glass pieces, vases, or candle holders in their packages?
coastalharbor6 said:It feels like it’s just the two of us chatting here! haha🙂
I stayed at the Marriott recently and everything was absolutely fantastic—truly top-tier quality. The banquet was huge, so the ballroom was completely packed, which created such a great vibe. I know those dividers can look a bit awkward when the crowd is smaller, but I haven't seen how they handle it...
My high school prom was held there a while back, too, so I can vouch for them—they really are the best. Honestly, the food at the gala was way better than the menu our class picked out ourselves. -.-
We basically have Park on lock, but we heard some rumors so now I'm wondering how it compares to those other two hotels. I bet the Lion is just as nice, but what does 120-150 people look like in a room built for 400? Does anyone know their prices? I can't find their brochure anywhere.
hollowbison9 said:Do you happen to have a contact over at the Basement, and do you know what their rental rates look like?
Also, if you wouldn't mind, could you send over a phone number for the Rodin estate...
I tried sending you a DM, but your inbox looks totally full!
Thanks so much!
We finally pulled the trigger on the estate ceremony and dinner at the Central Park hotel. Honestly, those cellars seem way too chilly for November. I haven't even looked into the pricing for the basement area yet. The Picasso estate opens up at $667. Ugh, I seriously need to clear out my messages; I’ve got like 22 ancient unread ones sitting there because I haven't checked this forum in forever. 😵🤦
I am absolutely obsessed with the stationery design from Victoria's Secret... just gorgeous paper quality. I was scrolling through Facebook and they look so incredibly sophisticated. Does anyone know where I could find something similar here in the States that isn't just those boring, old-school classic designs?
So, they finally pulled the trigger on having the ceremony at the Rodin estate, and then dinner over at the Park Hotel. :-) Honestly, ever since they finished the renovations, that place has completely blown me away. :-) I’m still scratching my head over how the catering for the ceremony is going to work, though. You know, the whole champagne, cocktails, and hors d'oeuvres situation for the estate...
coastalharbor6 said:Not me, honestly I have no clue what the prices look like lately :/ I’m buried in obligations too, and since the groom isn't from San Francisco, everything falls on my shoulders by default. Plus, his job keeps him out of the States for 40 weeks a year, so it only makes sense that I take charge 🙂 The only catch is that I don't live in San Francisco anymore either, which makes the logistics a total nightmare. But hey, we'll see 🙂
If I recall correctly, legal regulations usually prevent them from doing it abroad; typically, you have to have an official registrar present to make it legal
I'm telling you, I'm counting on finding someone a little more "flexible" who might bend the rules, but... well, those rules have really tightened up over the last few years
APPARENTLY, you can't just have a priest marry you in a literal meadow under any circumstances. However, if the priest can tie the ceremony to a location that has some sort of semi-altar or similar setup, then it becomes doable
Anyway, we still have 11 months left, so we'll start asking around. Fingers crossed for us! Where were you guys thinking of having dinner? Are you ordering cakes or dessert separately? My partner also moved abroad recently, so we're going to have to be super organized ourselves if we want to pull this whole thing together properly...
Why is that even against the rules? If I happen to know someone—or if there’s someone dear to me—can't we just work something out privately to get them down on the field? I’m only just starting to get my act together with planning, and honestly, my 2016 schedule is already a total mess. I'm thinking about finally biting the bullet and buying a planner or some kind of organizer to actually write things down for once. Do you guys use planners? Any idea what those services usually run you?
coastalharbor6 said:Hi there! 🙂 I’m actually feeling the exact same way about all of this... 🙂 I really think they’ll be willing to work with you regarding the food situation. Honestly, if you're upfront about your requirements, it shouldn't be much of an issue at all (provided that's what you want to do)... I heard through the grapevine that a chair rental there goes for about $110, so it might be worth checking in to confirm.
As for the Kastelet venue, from what I understand, the base rental fee for the space alone is $10. That doesn't include any extras—just the floor space itself.
If you're planning on running things at the Kastelet, aren't you worried about trying to get everything organized by October or November? I ask because that thought honestly scares me! It really should be wrapped up by late September, right? Haha, I could definitely use some encouragement here!
My fiancé actually checked in with the Picasso Gallery regarding the Castlegate, and he spent an hour just $667. We’d probably only do the actual ceremony there; bring a priest out to the grounds, maybe some cocktails and appetizers. What are you actually afraid of? In San Francisco, it's pretty much always mild; even around God's birthday, it was like 60 degrees. 😁 The only thing tripping me up is trying to figure out the timing. The sun sets as early as 4 PM around then, so maybe we do an evening ceremony with torches and some dim lighting instead.
Hey, does anyone here have any firsthand experience with wedding ceremonies at the Rodin estate or maybe the Grand Hall down in the Basement? We’re looking at doing dinner over at the Park Hotel. One little catch though—we're both vegans, so I’m honestly a bit worried about whether they'll actually be willing to accommodate us... We're aiming for a late fall wedding, probably sometime around November.
Hey ladies, I’m new to this thread! Since things aren't exactly buzzing here, I wasn't sure if I'd even get a reply, but I'm looking for some solid wedding planner recommendations in San Francisco. :-) Also, who is the absolute best makeup artist in the Bay Area? And quick question—is it actually possible to have them use my own stuff? Like, can I bring my own foundation?