Everything you need for a California wedding

Kyle Scott10 said:Well, I actually went back in August because I was set on that specific hall, but we ended up deciding on a cruise instead, mostly because my husband mentioned that the August and September slots tend to fill up almost immediately; in fact, there were already some bookings popping up for September even back then.
I suppose my advice to her would just be to hurry up, if she wants anything at all.

😲 😍

Come on, tell me more about this! I'm really curious now.😁

Anyone here from the San Diego area?
I'm looking for some solid recommendations for a restaurant or an eatery that can handle a group of about 70 to 80 people. Any leads?

Aaron Walker7 said:Anyone here from the San Diego area?
I'm looking for some solid recommendations for a restaurant or an eatery that can handle a group of about 70 to 80 people. Any leads?

What is your budget?

Sandra Lopez2 said:What is your budget?

Maybe $50 per person at most. Honestly, though, I wouldn't complain if it ended up being even less than that.

Aaron Walker7 said:Maybe $50 per person at most. Honestly, though, I wouldn't complain if it ended up being even less than that.

Wedding in California topic 😉

Finally, I’ll weigh in with my own take on the Castello salad over at Stafford!

First off, the food is just middle-of-the-road—for instance, the risotto was actually spot on, but the beef stew? Forget about it. That was mediocre at best. On the flip side, the service is great; they have plenty of staff and the drink selection is decent enough... Honestly, it seems like they've made a genuine effort to step up their game regarding customer service!

In the end, though, I don't regret ordering it one bit!!!

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.🙂

nimblewolf22 said: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.🙂

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.

Finally—the website for my absolute favorite wedding studio is officially live! IN 🎉
http://www.weddingstudioin.com/

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...

Guess I'll just keep searching...

nimblewolf22 said: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...

Guess I'll just keep searching...

Check out Dioklecian Restaurant near the coast; it sounds perfect for your group size. I haven't been myself, but I've heard nothing but praise for them.😉
EDIT: Now that I've read about the open courtyard, I think Dioklecian might be out 😢 but it's still worth a look.

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.😢

nimblewolf22 said: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...

Guess I'll just keep searching...

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....

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?

nimblewolf22 said: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.😢

I once hired a girl straight from a conservatory to sing an Ave Maria during a mass... but look, where is the wedding actually happening? Which church? They might be able to point you in the right direction. There are plenty of nuns in most churches who sing beautifully, but as for actual pro vocalists coming out of a seminary? I haven't heard of it. Honestly, I've never even heard one.

nimblewolf22 said:They don't have round tables... Does anyone know if Villa Žarko or Hotel St. Croix on Catalina Island have round tables?

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.

nimblewolf22 said:They don't have round tables... Does anyone know if Villa Žarko or Hotel St. Croix on Catalina Island have round tables?

Villa Zarko doesn't even serve pierogi anymore.😢

Alex Carter3 said:Villa Zarko doesn't even serve pierogi anymore.😢

You just saved me a trip to the bar...🙂

P.S. Don't bother with the park either. Starting mid-next year, they're beginning renovations...

nimblewolf22 said:You just saved me a trip to the bar...🙂

P.S. Don't bother with the park either. Starting mid-next year, they're beginning renovations...

😂😂
Yeah, apparently they need a pool if they want to snag another star.😂 😂

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...