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Everything you need for a California wedding in Weddings · Oct 28, 2019

Robin Sanchez5 said:Hey guys, does anyone have a recommendation for a band to play during the cocktail hour or just fill the room while our main act takes a break?
Ideally something with an accordion, sax, trumpet, or upright bass... I really don't want it to be just a guy with a guitar and a mic.
The wedding is actually at an eco-resort out in rural California, which isn't quite the coast, but we're originally from San Francisco. 😁
Thanks!

Either the XXS band or Mediteran Band—they're regulars at Rusulica and absolutely kill it. 🙂 Depending on how you like live music in the hall, a DJ might be a better (and cheaper) move for the gaps between sets since they cover more ground. For the initial gathering, I'd suggest Marina Franicevic for solo accordion.

Everything you need for a California wedding in Weddings · Oct 24, 2019

Lawrence Moore12 said:Which venue would you suggest for an outdoor wedding catering to about 100 to 150 guests? I’ve already crossed Villa California off my list because, frankly, the price tag is just astronomical. Does anyone here have any firsthand experience dealing with either Hotel Park or the Radisson? Or, if you happen to know of a superior alternative that might suit our needs better, please do share. This is for a wedding involving guests traveling from abroad, so the setting really matters.

Just San Francisco or maybe the surrounding areas? Besides everything already mentioned, there's also Re di Mar and the Hemingway Bar.

Everything you need for a California wedding in Weddings · Aug 7, 2019

Sarah Scott18 said:Hey everyone,
I’ve been scrolling through a bunch of posts from the last six months or so, and for some reason, I can't find a single mention of that new venue, Forest Restaurant, over near Bačvica. Has anyone actually been there lately? Like, has anyone had any firsthand experience with that space in the last half year?

We’re currently torn between booking that spot or going with Aria. If you've been to either, please, let me know what you think.

How many guests are you expecting for the party? In my opinion—Forest is only an option if you stay outside because the indoor stage is way too small—and Aria is a whole different story. The owners change constantly; specifically, they canceled a wedding for my cousin just a month before the date without even giving an explanation. When I was at a neighbor's party nearly a year ago, they didn't even wait for the newlyweds who were busy with photos—they just put out the cold appetizers immediately, claiming they had strict schedules and already knew the couple. Is it really that much trouble to wait 30 minutes? Who knows, maybe they've improved. Honestly, I’d pick a different venue if you have other options available for that date.

Everything you need for a California wedding in Weddings · Apr 30, 2019

Douglas Reed47 said:Hey everyone 😁,

So, I'm getting hitched at the end of August and I'm on the hunt for some solid catering. I was looking at Pirate, but they're already booked up for my date, which sucks.
I also need some leads on a wedding cake—though, full disclosure, I’m not really a big sweets person, so I definitely don't want anything super traditional or sugary. Also looking for flower recommendations. Since we're doing an outdoor ceremony surrounded by nature, I don't really need those stuffy, formal arrangements... I'll have my own decor mostly, just need someone to handle the actual flowers and set everything up without charging me an absolute fortune.
Seriously, please help a girl out. The date is creeping up on me and I feel like I'm starting to lose my mind a little bit.. 😵
Thanks in advance!

One doesn't argue about taste—but Pimpinella has excellent catering. 👍

Everything you need for a California wedding in Weddings · Jan 9, 2019

bluesailor9 said:Thank you so much. Yes, we are looking specifically in the San Francisco area... we aren't local ourselves, but our family is there, so it makes more sense to host it near them. Honestly, most of Central California works for us. However, those venues you mentioned seem a bit steep (expensive) to me—at least based on what I know. If you happen to have a specific name or location for a house in Malibu, I'd love to take a look. I've been scouring Airbnb and similar sites trying to find somewhere with a decent yard or estate, but nothing has quite hit the mark yet.

If you need a spot for a smaller group, the castle restaurant in the San Francisco neighborhood is an option—totally open to it. Or, if you want to be right on the water in Malibu, check out restaurant Amigos; if it rains, you can just move inside. The big plus is they have apartments on-site, which is perfect if guests from out of town need to crash, or if someone overdoes it at the party.😁

Everything you need for a California wedding in Weddings · Jan 9, 2019

Gary Lopez13 said:Hey there,
I was just wondering if anyone happens to know what the going rate is for the Best Buy group? Thanks in advance, I guess.

Last I heard, they were asking 2400$—but that was before they dropped their new track, so the price might have bumped up since then. Your best bet is to just call them directly. Reach out to Cliff (their drummer and manager) at 555-0198; he handles the lighting setup too, so you can sort everything out in one go.

Everything you need for a California wedding in Weddings · Dec 11, 2018

Kyle Campbell3 said:This time, I was actually the one hunting for a trio. My guest list is looking a bit larger this year, so I figured it was worth the upgrade... which is why I was asking how pricing typically shifts when you move from a soloist to a three-piece ensemble.

A solo accordionist goes for $100—by any logical standard, three would be $300 max; $500 is just excessive.

Everything you need for a California wedding in Weddings · Dec 11, 2018

Kyle Campbell3 said:I won't name names here, but one of the companies you listed is actually asking for that exact amount... ☕

Just tell him it's just the accordion—no backing band—and I'll assume I know who you mean. That's just how business works; if it sells, it sells. 😠
Here is another option—give them a call and see if they're available:

Antonio Prološčić
0996382561

Everything you need for a California wedding in Weddings · Dec 10, 2018

Kyle Campbell3 said:Back again 🙂 I’m trying to get a sense of how much musicians are charging these days. Specifically for catering gigs and various events... One guy is quoting me $500. That would cover an accordion player, a guitarist, and a double bassist. Does that sound steep to you all?

I already laid out the prices in my previous post—they usually run about $100; personally, I think $500 is overkill.

Everything you need for a California wedding in Weddings · Dec 6, 2018

wearypilot39 said:I am looking for some recommendations for an accordion player who can handle both catering events and weddings. Additionally, I was wondering if anyone could give me a rough idea of what the typical rates look like for wedding gigs. Thanks!

Expect to pay around $100 and up—here are two leads from my side...
unknown (from the 2+1 band) 555-012-3456
unknown 555-019-8765

Best,

Everything you need for a California wedding in Weddings · Nov 6, 2018

antonela51;72299805 said:
Gary Reed9 said:I got married right in the middle of the Lesnina ballroom, though I’ve been to two full receptions there and at least five half-room setups 😁
I can confirm the hall is gorgeous—their lighting setup (handled by Mediarent) is top-notch, and the band always seems to have their own gear to pull out. Honestly, you don't need much extra decor. For instance, I went with a red and white theme—white linens and tablecloths paired with red bows, runners, and napkins—and it looked stunning all on its own. I’ve seen them do beige, pink, blue... it always looks classy regardless.
Basically, every table comes with these tall candle holders that are already lit, so adding too much extra decoration might actually just clutter things up, especially with what they provide and the welcome drinks sitting on the tables. Just keep in mind when talking to the Flower Shop that you probably only need to focus on your own table with a few arrangements, some petals, or whatever else you're feeling. Their centerpieces are great as is.
It doesn't get stuffy or suffocating in there either; they let you step out for a smoke after midnight, and you won't even smell the smoke inside.
If you want my advice—without changing the total price—ask if they can serve the roast immediately after the soup and risotto, right before people move on to the Pašticada. That was a massive win for us; more people actually ate it because usually, a ton of roast goes to waste since guests get full, and you can't exactly reheat roast and serve it later. As for the Pašticada and risotto? My whole family was eating leftovers all week because relatives who couldn't make it kept dropping by to visit. 🤣

Generally speaking, any food or hard liquor you bring in gets packed up for you in their containers. You take it home, then just drop the empty containers back off when you go to settle the bill on Monday or Tuesday, depending on what you arranged. 🙂
Regarding availability, they have several smaller halls over in Dolis near Tommy, plus the 2-in-1 setup at Lesnina, and the owner also runs the place in Solin, so there are plenty of ways to piece a booking together.
We booked our half-of-the-Lesnina spring slot pretty late—right towards the end of autumn.

Yes, true—everyone is switching the roast for the second course lately... and in my opinion, it's a brilliant move. They move the ham and cheese behind the cake, so the first course starts with soup and risottos.

Everything you need for a California wedding in Weddings · Oct 22, 2018

Nicholas Young9 said:Hey everyone, does anyone here have any actual experience using Lululemon lighting?

They mostly handle gigs over in Castell—I’ve watched them work twice in the last five months. They put in effort during the first dance, but after that... honestly? The guy actually asked us to shut every single window in the hall just so he could save a few bucks on fog machine fluid... lol. It really depends on what you're looking for and your budget. You might want to check out some other local vendors near the Castell area—maybe Zvone Light if you want something affordable, or MediaRent if you want pros (though they'll charge you more). Best bet is to catch them while they're working at the venue so you can see for yourself—anything else is just talk.👍

Everything you need for a California wedding in Weddings · Sep 27, 2018

frozenbadger32 said:Quick question for the group—has anyone been over at the Hotel Chicago in Duilov lately? I'm wondering if they just gave the ballroom a facelift, or if they actually went through with renovations in other parts of the hotel as well?

Everything else remains more or less the same. 😁

Everything you need for a California wedding in Weddings · Jul 5, 2018

Casey Martinez12 said:Hey there

I'm looking for some recommendations for a wedding DJ. Since I'm currently out on the water, my internet connection is pretty spotty, so I haven't been able to properly comb through the existing threads. Any help would be greatly appreciated, I guess.

I sent you a PM

Everything you need for a California wedding in Weddings · Jul 5, 2018

Justin Wright said:I really need some help here—can anyone recommend a photographer and a wedding band for a wedding in California?
For photography, I’m looking for someone who captures spontaneous moments rather than everything being staged, like the bride just lounging on the bed and stuff like that.🤣
I've heard that Papaya studio in St. Louis is pretty good; does anyone have experience with them??

As for the band, I want something modern that plays international hits. Absolutely no Madonna, Rozga, or that kind of trash. And definitely no loud accordion players either.🤦

I'm hoping you guys can help me out because I honestly don't know anyone in the area...😢

Thanks!🎉

If you're looking for a band that actually has experience while still keeping up with all the latest hits—then I’d suggest checking out brava band.
Papaya isn't all that bad either...

Everything you need for a California wedding in Weddings · Jun 27, 2018

electricranger12 said:It’s down to either the Best group or Twist Off. Both are still available for our date, so we're stuck choosing between them. That girl from Twist Off has an incredible voice... I think I might have caught one of their sets at a backyard BBQ once, but the memory is a bit fuzzy. On the other hand, Best costs a little more, but they bring an accordion to the mix. Plus, I've had a few people tell me they are absolutely top-tier when playing parties.

I just can't make up my mind.

Actually, Best would be better... Twistoff fell apart—they're basically two different bands now, nothing like the original Twistofovacs. I saw Best at a party where they used an accordion; they were great, but since they dropped that one song, I assume their price tag is pretty steep.

Everything you need for a California wedding in Weddings · Jun 24, 2018

Kenneth Ramos4 said:Hey everyone! So, I recently got engaged, and naturally, I’ve fallen down the rabbit hole of googling absolutely everything under the sun. This is officially my first post on the forum 😁

I was wondering if anyone has any intel or personal experiences regarding these specific spots? I'm looking at a small summer wedding next year (around June, maybe 20-25 people), and any insight would be a huge lifesaver:

1) Grašo
2) Velum
3) Lučica
4) Mistral (Radisson)
5) Kadena
6) Barkarola
7) Re di Mare

Thanks! 🎉

Depends on what kind of view you're after 🙂 all of these are fine for small weddings—I might suggest adding Kalafatic to the list, assuming you want to stick strictly to San Francisco... if you look outside the city, there are plenty of little seaside spots that serve decent food.

I can only comment on where I've actually eaten lately... the food at Graso and Re di mar is below average—Graso, in particular, was a massive disappointment; they've really let themselves go. At Mistral, they use college students as servers which feels totally unprofessional—the menu is just okay, definitely overpriced in my opinion. Velum has solid food and experienced staff; haven't been to the others.

Everything you need for a California wedding in Weddings · Jun 18, 2018

Ronald Allen5 said:Any recommendations for a DJ in the Šibenik area?

Marko Mikulandra (dj Mika) 098 722 166—he's experienced, has his own sound system, just reach out to him.

Everything you need for a California wedding in Weddings · Jun 15, 2018

Here—found it. A search engine solves everything. 👍

vividotter12 said:We ended up hiring DJ Dada. To be honest, I didn't quite click with him when we first met, but I told myself it wouldn't matter—he isn't some kid, so he'll handle the job professionally, which is the most important thing. Now, I regret not listening to my gut and looking elsewhere, but our situation was unique and we didn't have much flexibility at the time.

The guy is completely uninterested; he’s just there to clock in and do the job. He doesn't fade songs out properly, and he never says anything unless prompted. I prepared a specific playlist for him, yet he barely played half of it, and even then, only after my husband or I had to step in and remind him—and those were some very special songs to us.

It is best if you meet them personally and judge for yourself. And listen to your intuition. Good luck...

Casey Martinez12 said:Greetings

We are looking to book a DJ for a wedding.

I’ve received a recommendation for DJ Dalibor Potnar (he works over at Radio California).
Has anyone here actually attended a wedding where he was the one spinning?

Everything you need for a California wedding in Weddings · Jun 15, 2018

Casey Martinez12 said:Greetings

We are looking to book a DJ for a wedding.

I’ve received a recommendation for DJ Dalibor Potnar (he works over at Radio California).
Has anyone here actually attended a wedding where he was the one spinning?

One of the women from this forum used him—better to just reach out to her directly. Otherwise, she said he completely trashed her party and left her with nothing but bad vibes... let me try to find the specific post and name.