Nicholas Ortiz8 said:When exactly are you planning this? We looked at Graso early on too, but the interior space is tiny. You never really know how it’ll feel once things get crowded. I went there for dinner once in July when the wind was howling; sitting outside was out of the question, so rain isn't your only problem. Then there's Summer with its terrace, but I've heard rumors about mediocre food. As for frappes, we checked, and they were outrageously expensive and a trek to get to, depending on where your guests are coming from. Try the Astoria Hotel in Savannah. I'm not sure if they handle catering, but their restaurant and terrace are excellent http://www.apartmani-astoria.com/foto_hr.html
End of lit, and I haven't locked in a date for the reception yet... I never cared for Summer, and it's been ages since I heard they even host catered events... plus, everything is too far for my partner—both Key West and Savannah are a stretch 😢 and in Miami, you won't find much atmosphere besides Graso and Park...
Anyone have experience dealing with cocktail service at weddings? I asked Benedict if I could just bring in a professional bartender from a local association, but she told me flat out that outside vendors aren't allowed to serve drinks on the premises... I've heard of plenty of receptions where they had a dedicated mixologist and custom cocktails, so I'm a bit confused here...😕😕😕
George Flores16 said:What’s the deal with Diocletian in Podstrana and Amigos?
I caught your previous post... Amigos is out for some private reasons, even if the place is nice. As for Diocletian, it’s right on the main road... We didn't even bother going in. A groom I know had a party there once and wasn't impressed—certainly not the vibe he wanted for his wedding...🤷
George Flores16 said:Why would you even consider Grašo? I think it’s a massive risk for your bottom line. They can hike up the prices whenever they feel like it, and you’ll have zero control over how much people actually drink or eat. Are you perhaps interested in the Hotel Atlantic? It’s got a pool. You could also check with Seget about the Hotel Atlantic once the season winds down, or maybe look into Hotel Meden in Charleston.
Look, Grašo is easily in my top three right now. I haven't crunched the final numbers yet, which is the only thing that might make me reconsider... say, $40 for the meal, plus $7 for a drink, plus $3333 for the terrace... that starts looking like an expensive dinner. There’s still the timing risk, but even if it rains, they have the indoor buffet option... and the indoor space is much larger than what they have at the Beans location... I still need to sit down with the manager and talk... hopefully, he'll give me the real rundown on the downsides😁 If you're talking about the Atlantic Ocean Hotel near Zvončac, then it's a hard pass for me... I'm not a fan... the space is cramped, and that pool is public, not private👎 Seget might be a bit of a drive, but who knows... I'll drive out there this weekend to check it out and hit up Marina Frape, then I'll make my decision next week.🤣🤣
Alex Carter3 said:Hmm, personally, I’ve never been and don't know anyone who celebrates a cookout down there, so I can't really help you out. That said, I wouldn't recommend relying on an outdoor setup like that. You're essentially gambling; the weather could be perfect, or it could completely ruin your day. And what's the backup plan if it pours? Does the restaurant even have enough indoor seating? The whole way they charge for it seems sketchy to me, though I guess you never truly know until you try it.🤷
I was leaning toward the patio, but honestly, I'm feeling a bit uneasy. After all this research, I'll probably end up staying indoors...😢 There’s room for about 80 people inside, but my guest list is closer to 120. If we get rained out, the backup plan would be a buffet style indoors... though we'd lose the formal seating arrangement since there isn't enough room. It would turn into more of a party vibe.🙂 Just another dilemma...😕
I’m starting to get sick of my own endless questions... Does anyone happen to have experience with the layout at Benedict's in Cali, specifically the outdoor area? I can't quite get a feel for the space. My contact from the valley claims they can fit over a hundred people on that front terrace, but it didn't look nearly that large to me. I was drawn to the vibe, but now I'm stuck wondering if it's worth the risk... Their business model seems a bit off, too. They don't offer a standard per-person menu price; instead, they bill everything individually—each dish, then a service fee, plus table settings, linens, and God knows what else. It feels a little shady...
One more thing, if anyone's planning a party for 90 or 100 people... I didn't hear this mentioned earlier, but you should definitely check out the Neva Hotel over in Podstrana, near Mutogras... It’s nicely laid out, great atmosphere, two small pools right out front of the restaurant... then again, it is a Kerum property😁😁 But what can you do, it's a bit small... There wasn't a coordinator on site so I don't know about pricing, but it's worth a look...
Stopped by the Officers' Club over in Lori today. They’ve got this massive terrace, but they aren't hosting any parties out there😢😢 The hall itself is a bit overkill, and honestly, they should put some effort into decorating it... though I doubt it'll happen. 99 percent chance it stays just like this. We also swung by the Passat area near Duilio—that nursing home you mentioned, you were right about the guy being shady. Basically, he’s talking in circles about renovating, maybe expanding the terrace, but he won't commit to anything. He says who knows if it'll be done by next summer, that it's "in the plans," but he's definitely not organizing anything for next year... plus, the access road is a complete mess, even if the view is spectacular... fits the whole nursing home vibe, I guess😠 😠 😠 We also drove out toward Castle Slanica.... based on everything I've heard so far, it's easily in my top three.... if only it weren't such a trek, but you can't have it all😁 I still have a few more atmospheric spots on my list, so I'll keep digging... nothing specific is jumping out at me yet... Marina Frapa.... does anyone from the local area actually host parties there? It feels way too far out, but how long does that drive actually take?
cosmicdrifter86 said:WHEN THAT DAY FINALLY ARRIVES!! JUST TRUST ME, EVERYTHING MATTERS!!! But honestly? The most important thing is that you don't lose your mind on the big day. It really comes down to whether everyone you’ve hired actually knows how to do their jobs without making a mess of things. From the service to the food—everything from the venue at Holy Cross to the catering—it all has to be seamless!!🙏🙏 If you walk into the hall and the music playing during the grand entrance is garbage... believe me, the whole vibe is ruined. Music is huge. In my book, it’s the absolute centerpiece. The BARBARY band—specifically that new lineup they've got going now—is pure gold!!!🙏🙏 Seriously, everything can be negotiated down to the tiniest detail. These guys cover every little thing, from the smoke machines during the first dance to the energy levels and a repertoire that spans from age 7 to 77. They play everything, and they'll keep the party going until the lights come up...🙏🙏And what I love most is that their setlist is massive—they've got hits for both the guys and the girls covered!!!😉👍
I just wish someone else would handle all the logistics on that day instead of me... It would be easy enough to just hire a wedding coordinator...
I swung by the Arcade today. It’s a total non-starter. There’s no way you could trim the guest list enough to prevent it from feeling suffocating... I wouldn't dare bring more than 60 or 70 people there. Same goes for San Antonio... the plaza is gorgeous and they have that little area out front perfect for cocktails, which would look great, but the space is just too tight. I'm glad I dropped in today while they were supposed to be hosting a party for 106 people; seeing the actual table layout gave me the full picture... even my own crowd looked cramped. People will barely be able to squeeze between the tables... The deck is fine, but they've definitely overpacked the seating. As far as venues go, Holy Cross is the obvious choice, but it's a massive trek... Poolside drinks and a huge ballroom sounds ideal. If only it weren't so far away. I might check out Castle Slanica next. It seems everyone enjoyed it there and didn't complain about the bugs—which I find hard to believe—but I won't count my chickens before they hatch...
Raymond Brooks7 said:Hotel Holy Cross has them. Villa Zarko doesn't. But I can tell you where to rent some—just keep in mind that according to our intel, Villa Zarko won't be serving any Budweiser after New Year's Day.
Didn't realize you could rent round tables... interesting... wonder how much that'll cost...
Raymond Brooks7 said:An open garden... then you've got Amigos in the suburbs... it's not an open venue, but it is right on the beach... and San Antonio....
They don't have round tables... Does anyone know if Villa Žarko or Hotel St. Croix on Catalina Island have round tables?
It’s a struggle keeping up with that other thread and pulling out everything I actually need... Is there any way to find a decent professional for church music here in Miami? In NYC, you have that whole department at the seminary dedicated to liturgical singing—they show up for weddings and stuff—but that’s a bit too far out for me to hire. I’d much rather handle this locally.... As for wedding bands, I won't even bother asking; from what I can tell, finding anyone available by late next year is already looking like a long shot.😢
Raymond Brooks7 said:Grasso... maybe eighty or ninety people at most. That's the limit.
The Arcade is great. Truly. But let's be real—the space is tiny. You’re looking at a hard cap of maybe 100 people before it gets claustrophobic.
The Hotel Lion can run up to $400 a night if you aren't careful. And don't even get me started on the food. You’ll see decent menu items priced at a cool $100, yet I've heard plenty of people leave those tables feeling completely famished. It's a joke. 😢
How many people would I actually invite to a wedding? Honestly, probably not too many. If we’re looking at outdoor venues, that fancy Hotel Lion is always a popular choice. I'd cap the guest list at 150 max. Any more than that and you're just hosting a crowd, not a wedding.
Most people around here are pretty closed off, honestly. A bit standoffish. If you're looking for somewhere actually decent, though, check out Benedict over on Benny. It’s a great spot. Open, right on the beach. Good vibes.
The initial guest list looks like it'll be between 110 and 120. I stopped by Graso today; they do outdoor setups, but only for up to 110 people, if you can even trust their numbers. They charge extra for the terrace, too. But then again, who actually has the budget for that...🤷 I wouldn't bother with Do Arkada. Their ads show a nice garden, but who knows what they actually host there... Park is the traditional choice, but having a party last until 1 or 2 in the morning isn't really my style...
I checked out Fabula over at Poljud... the halls are modern and well-done, sure, but the vibe just isn't right for that classic West Coast feel we're looking for... Too urban...
So, I’m navigating some uncharted waters here... Looking for a bit of guidance while I'm in the planning and research phase. Any insight would be appreciated... Regarding the Miami area, does anyone have experience with catering companies that offer open buffets specifically for mashed potato bars? Also, what’s the capacity at the Atlantic (Grasso) before it starts feeling cramped? Does anyone still host these types of events at the Arcade, or is that a thing of the past? Lastly, how reasonable are the rates at Hotel Lion... If anyone feels like helping a guy out in these early stages, I'm all ears.🙂