Posts by Austin Thompson96

hmmm, give Aurora a shot if the others are booked—the singer has decent vocals, they play pop-rock/California style, nothing country, price is $1,950

brightpuma15 said:Hey everyone. I’m getting married next May, and we’ve already booked a waterfront venue in California. Right now, I’m on the hunt for a band, and honestly, it’s proving to be a tough call. Looking through various forums and YouTube, I’ve found a few groups that seem promising. However, I haven't attended many weddings lately, so it's hard to judge how they actually perform live just by watching clips online.
Based on their vocals and repertoire, these are the ones that caught my eye:

Band Kocka
Twist off band
Neron Group
Euforia band
Bura Band

Could anyone help me out? I’d love to know what kind of atmosphere they create—that's super important to me. And I mean actual vocal talent, not just their reputation, haha.
I’m looking for a mix of pop, rock, fun hits, classic coastal vibes, some party anthems, and foreign tracks. I really want to avoid country music, though I might throw in a few songs just to keep things moving since I know a lot of my relatives love it.
How did you guys handle this? How do you find a band that isn't playing country but still stays upbeat, keeps the energy high, and actually engages with the crowd? Please help!

In short, I’m searching for a band that creates an amazing vibe with the guests, plays a diverse setlist, and can truly sing.
If anyone has recommendations for other bands or thoughts on the ones I listed, I would be so grateful. 🙂

edit: Oh, and if you happen to know what their current rates are, let me know!

Just rent a villa near San Francisco or book out a cafe just for them... you can set the rules ahead of time and be certain nobody crashes their bachelor party. Check some Facebook groups—you'll find plenty of rental listings on Craigslist too.

Best,

Rachel Williams said:A colleague of mine is the best man for a wedding and he’s tasked with organizing a bachelor party down in Split. The whole group consists of Austrians who don't speak a word of American, so they're effectively flying blind. I visited St twice a long time ago, but my husband hasn't been once, so neither of us can be much help here. Are there any local Americans or Dalmatian women around who could offer some guidance so we can pass the info along? Where do guys usually hold these things in St? Which clubs are actually safe? Where can you find a decent atmosphere? And most importantly, how does one avoid those hospitality workers who treat foreigners like sheep arriving at a shearing shed?
Thanks 🙂

analogowl5 said:Could anyone recommend a band that plays traditional American folk or country music? I'd also be open to something with acoustic string instruments. Thanks!

For a tambourine group—my top pick is Mediteran Band. They play at Rusulica all the time and put on a real show. They’re traditional players who can actually function like a full band, plus they have a female vocalist.

As for standard folk and traditional stuff—look into the Matko and Brane group; they’re proven entertainers.🙂

Susan Morales39 said:Hi everyone! I am getting married on December 15th, 2018, and we are expecting somewhere between 160 and 180 guests.

Here is what we have booked so far:

Skyline Rooftop—it’s $38 per person for a classic menu. They don't serve hard liquor, so we have the option to bring our own, and the deposit is $500. The manager seems quite lovely, though I do find myself hoping we haven't made a mistake; I've heard reviews ranging from absolutely flawless to complete disasters, but curiously, nobody ever mentions it being just "okay"—it's either a total hit or a total flop!
TAXI Band—they are such a fantastic group. I actually listened to them years ago and thought they were wonderful, but my fiancé is incredibly particular and insisted that they be the only choice.
Photographer—a dear family friend.
Flower Lantern Decor—these ladies are simply wonderful; they are so flexible and creative, truly deserving of all praise.
Wedding Rings—Johnson Jewelry over on Canadian Street.

I am now looking for some recommendations regarding makeup artists, hairstylists, dessert caterers, lighting, wedding dresses, and suits.

There are a few things we definitely want to skip, such as traditional catering at the ceremony (we aren't doing the whole thing where guests gather directly at the church; people can choose whether they want to attend the service or not), and we aren't planning on doing thank-you favors either.
We are estimating our total expenses to be around $15,000. While nothing feels overly extravagant and we aren't looking for any unnecessary frills, I must admit my head is spinning a little bit when I look at such a large figure. I believe this total includes everything—dinner, music, photographer, dress, suit, venue decor, church flowers, rings, cake, desserts, the bachelorette and bachelor parties, all the bride's personal costs (mani-pedi, makeup, hair), and even those miscellaneous expenses for guests visiting us at home before and after the big day. Looking at the list as a whole, I actually feel like I might have underestimated the final amount; it could very well end up being higher.

As I've been researching, I've managed to compile some notes (which I’m more than happy to share if anyone finds them helpful!):

Aria Restaurant—$42 for a Saturday
$40 for a Friday
Save $2 if we bring our own wine
Dugopolje Venue—$37 for a Saturday
$36 for a Friday
Palace Hotel Ballroom—$45
Bloom Wedding Hall (Mejaš area)—$37

Aura Band—$5333 + travel expenses—deposit $667
Kocka Band—$2,000—deposit $200
Vox Box—$1,800—deposit $200
Pink Panther Band from San Francisco (Romeo Komić)—$1,800
Pink Panther Band—$2,000

And that is everything! ;-)

Here are some lighting recommendations for you:

Zoran Flies (Samper Wedding Services) 091 506 2028
Zvone Licitar (Licitar Bell Lighting) 092 200 0820
Ivo Orlandini (Media Rent) 091 202 3360
Lolita 098 265 320
Rabbit Rock 098 706 631

Just see who gives you the best value for your money—you can find everyone on Facebook or their websites.👍

analogmaker12 said:Hey everyone, I’m in need of some advice, obviously... 😵

We’re leaning towards booking the 7-Eleven group, though nothing is set in stone just yet, so I’d love to hear what you all think about them 🙂 I already know that Visa, Yellow Cab, and Coca-Cola are booked up for that date, and we've been getting recommendations for Dice, Counter, and Nero (some newer band), but we really need someone more "versatile"—not strictly a rock vibe—especially since we'll have some folk musicians performing alongside them...

Moving on to decorations, should we go with Lantern or HomeGoods (San Francisco)? Like anyone else, I’m looking for high quality without getting completely fleeced... Magnolia from Canada is quite popular, but even their lowest prices end up being pretty steep once you tally everything up...

Thanks in advance!

Dictators, The Beatles, and Extra Small are guaranteed fun—plus, you can catch the first two live at Zenta (if I recall correctly, The Beatles are playing Friday, and the Dictators are on Wednesday the 15th).

restlessmoose said:Hey everyone, I’ve got a wedding coming up at the end of April next year and I'm hunting for a DJ.

DJ Double is out. Based on your comments, he won't play the stuff we actually want to hear at our wedding. So, I need the real scoop: what are the others like? What kind of music do they spin, how do they handle the flow of the night, how do they keep the energy up, what are we looking at price-wise, etc.?

I'm looking into DJ Khaled, DJ Snake, DJ Marshmello, and that Wedding DJ company. If you have other recs, throw them my way. Just starting my research, so any advice helps.

Actually, Duplo does weddings—he brings a second DJ if needed to play everything he refuses to touch. He sticks to his specific "Lost Generation" vibe and he's a master at it; the only issue is his price tag starts at $5,000+, which might be too steep for some.

Out of those three others, DJ Fly is my top pick—he and his wife specialize exclusively in weddings (Semper Fi). As for Khaled and Jazzy Jeff, they aren't really my style for a wedding.

Dennis Reyes40 said:Reserved:

Amigos
Lido Photo
Lido Photo

Does anyone happen to have any experience with these places? 🤔

Amigos is a great little spot for parties—up to about 100 people—run by a family where the food is flawless. If you aren't booking during peak season, you can usually arrange to rent a few apartments right above the restaurant for those who overindulge :klap:

Gary Martin3 said:Hey ladies, I’m officially joining the ranks of the engaged. 🙂

We are planning our wedding for next year. We haven't picked a specific date yet, but we definitely want it during the warmer months—somewhere between May and September. We have zero interest in doing anything traditional. We want it to be laid-back. Our vision is something like a beach wedding where we rent out a beach bar, just a casual get-together with immediate family and close friends (around 50 people max). 🙂

So, here is my question for you all: Have any of you attended a "non-traditional" wedding like this that you could recommend a location for? I am open to ideas like a house with a pool or even tents out in nature. The main thing is that the ceremony is outdoors and everything remains relaxed. We don't want that rigid structure where everyone waits for the soup, then the risotto, then the lamb, and so on. ☕ Basically, I am looking for venue suggestions. If you have been to a wedding like this, how was the experience?

p.s. I am looking specifically in the San Francisco area. 😉

#1 Mistral restaurant at the RB Split hotel—right on the beach. If the weather turns, they can bring in a tent, and the whole ceremony can happen on that wooden pier right by the water.
#2 Bene restaurant... stunning location... perfect for a small party.
#3 Grašo restaurant... ocean views... top-tier menus... also great for smaller gatherings.
#4 Legends bar bačvica... yeah, they've started doing small parties too... their restaurant is open in the summer... located in the Bače cove area, you can't get much better.🙂
#5 Ovčice cafe... they used to host small parties; you might be able to arrange catering since they have a full kitchen. Great spot, check if they're still doing it.
# 6 Amigos Podstrana restaurant... lovely beach where you could hold a ceremony.

Just some quick thoughts that came to mind—grab a friend and go scout these places out.🙂

"Quincy"

Michael Harris said:Thank you. They maintain their own schedule online, so I'll need to check if they're actually available on that specific date. The wedding is set for June of this year. Yes, this very year... 😄. The groom didn't want to spend the entire year stressing over the logistics of organizing everything, so here is how things currently stand: every guest will get a chance to sing one song...😵

Good grief... besides those already mentioned, I can't think of any other bands that actually feature an accordion player. If everyone is booked up, try looking for a duo or a trio plus an accordionist—maybe Mike Burr, Bomb, or Matt & Brian paired with Marina Franic or Anthony Bekavac on the keys. Or perhaps even a combo of a DJ and an accordion player.

Good luck.

Michael Harris said:I am in desperate need of some musical recommendations. My fiancé is quite insistent on having an accordion player in the band 😵. Could anyone provide a comparison between XXS and Festivo? I have this lingering anxiety that a Pirate might take the setlist in a direction that's far too "folk" (and if I’m being honest, a bit too redneck 🙂), whereas my heart is set on a specific blend. I’m envisioning a sophisticated mix—a little bit of local flavor paired with some international hits, perhaps including some traditional tunes, provided they aren't overly upbeat or kitschy...
I would truly appreciate any help you can offer.

Try the group Best Buy... they actually have an accordionist in the band who plays during sets... decent repertoire for live shows... and if you don't want the party turning into a total rural mess, just settle those terms with them before the big day. My advice? Listen to every band before committing—ask where they play and go see them live. Ignore all that "we're the best" talk they try to sell you. 😁

Megan Bishop3 said:Unfortunately, we made a last-minute call to go with catering before the wedding
and it turns out everyone we reached out to is already booked up...
does anyone have recommendations for an affordable catering service in San Francisco?
Thanks a bunch

Pimpinell offers the best value if you ask me—Pirate is reliable quality, while St-Spiza is easily the most budget-friendly option near the Rose Bowl.

urbanfalcon44 said:Hi there,

I was wondering if you all might be willing to share some of your own experiences or perhaps some recommendations regarding live music for an event. I’m not really looking for just a solo accordion player; I’d much prefer something with a bit more depth—maybe a group that blends accordion with guitar, upright bass, or something along those lines...
Do you have any specific bands or ensembles you'd suggest? Also, if you could give me a heads-up on how pricing typically works for a setup like that, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks!

They actually organized their pricing quite well... it's roughly $110 per person regardless of whether it's an accordion, guitar, mandolin, or a folk group...

casualwolf22 said:Dupli has this strict rule where he won't touch country, folk, Jola, Britney Spears, Bulić, Thompson, or anything like that. You couldn't bribe him or talk him into playing that stuff even if you tried, no matter how much cash Auntie from Germany is throwing at him because she just wants to hear one song for the soul, you know? Like some old classic about the Mississippi River or whatever.

That’s actually one of the main reasons couples pick him—besides the fact that it makes sense if you want to put together a solid set and actually get people dancing.

Honestly, Dupli blows me away with his repertoire every single time. It gets to the point where as soon as I get home, I'm ripping some of those forgotten tracks onto a CD just so I can listen to them and feel that wedding energy again.
If you have a gut feeling that there might be a ton of Aunties and relatives (referring to that group I mentioned earlier) who aren't going to be thrilled about the lack of Mate Bulić or Thompson, and you're worried it might spark some drama or a fight, then maybe just go with a different DJ.
Though, from what I've heard, there's an option to book a combo deal with Dupli and another DJ. That way, Dupli handles the old-school hits while the other guy covers the Thompson types.

P.S. I'm really not trying to insult anyone's musical taste here. I'm just writing based on what I've seen, felt, and realized at weddings.
Couples often agree on one specific playlist, but once the guests start drinking (especially the parents), they can become incredibly pushy toward the DJ or the band, begging for all sorts of songs. And yeah, the aggressive ones can even get into actual fights.

I completely agree...
I recently recorded a party where Dupli was spinning, and everyone loved it. When it comes to the 70s, 80s, and 90s, he is hands down the best in the San Francisco area, regardless of what other DJs claim. It isn't just about the music—Dupli is an extremely positive person, and you can really feel that energy.
At that party, he was working alongside another DJ who played everything Dupli refuses to touch (country blocks... Thompson... classic dance hits... newer pop like Britney Spears or Rozga... MTV hits... 90s trash... the groom's mother even wanted "Today Mother You Marry Your Son," Beslic, and things like that 😛)
Since we were sitting right at the table during the breaks, I can tell you firsthand (I asked) that the price for Dupli plus another DJ is the same as hiring Dupli alone...

Matthew Ross11 said:I'm looking for recommendations for an accordion player... ideally someone who can handle both accordion and guitar.

LP👍

Anthony Bekavac or Marina Franicevic

Edward Roberts6 said:I heard the Volar is sitting at 1700.
Has anyone here dealt with Brava Band out of San Francisco?
Has anyone here actually hired a vocal group for a wedding? Thinking about something like Iskon or maybe Pecu.

Pecu is a great entertainer and really knows his stuff... As for Iskon—hmmm...
Brava Band is top-tier too... My advice? Go hear both Pecu and Brava live. Pecu often plays at Graše, while Brava Band was at Chameleon—I see they're at Avalon this Thursday.

Forget the forum praise—nobody is obligated to answer everyone here. Just find out where they play live and listen. If a band doesn't have regular gigs at local spots, their "recommendation" is highly questionable.

coastalharbor6 said:Any recommendations for a good DJ?🙂

Also, regarding outdoor weddings—is that actually an option? Can a priest perform the ceremony outside?

I've read that some of the rules have changed recently, so I'm feeling a bit uncertain... plus, I can't get a hold of a priest right now. (Since I don't live in St., I figured I'd ask around here before I start locking everything in)🙂

DJ Khaled 👍

In case anyone cares—and I hope this isn't some blatant ad—there’s a wedding expo happening today and tomorrow (Dec 5–6, 2015) at the Marriott 👍

In case anyone cares... the former Marvel venue is reopening... apparently they're holding a rehearsal tonight, so all you young folks are welcome to check it out 🙂

http://www.allure-centar.com/

A few thoughts on the food from the Bolero hall (Saturday, April 11, 2015)—well below average... the prosciutto, cheese, and French selection were just okay—nothing special. As for the risotto, it was clear the chefs have an obsession with salt, and the rice itself was undercooked—not al dente, just raw. The beef medallions? A total DISASTER—way too salty and completely inedible. The lamb... well, almost everything else was a letdown. Luckily, the desserts were brought in from an outside vendor.

When asked why the food was too salty, the waiter just replied—"my hand slipped..." hahaha.

Was it just a bad day for them—or... they won't be seeing me ever again.

Hannah Murphy11 said:How far in advance should I start looking for an accordionist? I’ve heard about this XL ensemble that offers more instrumentation options—apparently, you can pick exactly which instruments you want, and they put together a custom band for you. Does anyone here have experience working with them? Also, what other musicians would you recommend?

That XL group is basically a folk ensemble—they play a lot of gigs around San Jose. They supposedly pull off a great vibe, but they aren't cheap.
You could go with Ante iz Kastel—he's my top pick. He's a great guy, though he books up fast, so you'd better reserve him early.
Marina Franicevic is also excellent, but watch out—she’s often out of California because she plays water polo.