Everything you need for a California wedding

Grace Rodriguez3 said:I really hope this info helps someone out! My initial thought was to host about 80 people, so I was hunting for a smaller hall or a nice restaurant. Even though the Nautic venue (Kašel gomilica, near the marina) can actually hold up to 250 people, I picked it simply because it’s stunning. The whole side is glassed in, offering this incredible view of the ocean and the marina. It's perfect for catering too—and naturally, you get a discount if you use their catering services. As for pricing, a classic menu depends on the headcount, but once you cross the 100-guest mark, you're looking at roughly $38 per person. For photography and video, I went with Unlimited Crew (Leo Bartulica) because, in my opinion, they are among the absolute best. (Megagraf is also top-tier). Now... the hardest part was choosing the band. I still haven't made a final call. But let's start from square one: I planned to set aside a maximum of $1,900 to $2,200. There are just so many options out there that it's overwhelming; honestly, even trying to listen to them all on YouTube gives me a headache, and by the time I finish the third band, I'm completely lost. So, I relied heavily on recommendations I gathered from everywhere, and I'll list the bands that received the most praise.

Pink Panther - gets the most praise ($2,300)
Barbary - lots of glowing reviews and great impressions, but I'm not particularly fond of her vocal tone, even though she seems like a very pleasant and approachable woman.
Best
Volare
Centrifuga
Twist off
Totem band - I think they're great ($1,850)
Euphoria ($2,200)
XXS band - Really good entertainers; they truly know how to get a crowd moving. Received plenty of compliments from friends.
Boss Ritam
Ritam kiše
jessy band
Taxy band
Mirko Bura
Mušac band

Other recommendations: Aura, Black Flash, Matko and Brane, Mediterranean, Ružin, los navika (super)

Just one thing: tastes vary wildly. What one person thinks is terrible, another might love, and vice versa. Narrow your choices down to three or four bands that catch your ear, listen to them on YouTube, arrange a time to hear them live, and you're done. Good luck!

PS: I'm still looking for: lighting, flowers, a makeup artist, and a wedding dress, obviously. If anyone has recommendations, I'd be grateful. Also, does anyone know where I can get fireworks? 🙄🙄

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.

Hi there,
can anyone give me some insight on Velum? How’s the food? I was browsing through this thread and saw conflicting reviews—some people saying the food is terrible and others swearing by it. Has anyone been there recently?

Also, when you're just booking photography for a wedding, is it standard to have two photographers, or do you usually just settle on one depending on what you negotiate?

And does anyone know of a good duo or trio that plays more international hits rather than just local stuff?

Thanks! 🙂

Morgan Wood8 said:Hi there,
can anyone give me some insight on Velum? How’s the food? I was browsing through this thread and saw conflicting reviews—some people saying the food is terrible and others swearing by it. Has anyone been there recently?

Also, when you're just booking photography for a wedding, is it standard to have two photographers, or do you usually just settle on one depending on what you negotiate?

And does anyone know of a good duo or trio that plays more international hits rather than just local stuff?

Thanks! 🙂

Photographers vary based on their specific contracts. For a duo, check out Golden Brown Acoustic Duo on Facebook.

Hey to all the current and future brides out there. I’m finally joining the ranks! I’ve been to plenty of weddings and watched tons of my girlfriends tie the knot while lurking on this forum. But now that I’m actually the one getting married, I’m totally lost. We’re aiming for August, but we haven't even picked a date or a venue yet—we've been circling the drain on that decision for two weeks already. All we know is it’s going to be a Friday. Every time I mention "Friday" to anyone, they look at me like I have two heads, which is honestly driving me nuts. We’re looking at about 230 guests. Since we have family and friends coming in from all over the US, we really need to figure out lodging for everyone. Any advice or suggestions would be huge 🙂 Does anyone have recent recs for venues, bands, photographers, or florists?!?

Which part of California are you from, Andrew Taylor12?

San Francisco 🙂

I keep hearing nothing but glowing reviews about Hotel Meden over in Savannah. They actually have a dedicated wedding hall on-site, too.
I suppose I'm just not sure if that's a bit too far of a drive for you guys...

Does anyone have any recommendations for hair stylists in San Francisco who can actually pull off a decent fade? Thanks.

Hey,
I was wondering if anyone here has actually tried the makeup from Tina Zebić??

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.

Does anyone happen to know the pricing for Mirella floral studio or maybe Lanterna decorations? I was scrolling through Facebook and saw some photos of their work—they both look absolutely gorgeous...

We really enjoyed Brava Band at a friend's wedding; they were fantastic and kept the energy high all night.👋

It would be awesome to get some fresh takes on Aria, Bolero, or Velum. How’s the vibe at Tip Top lately? Also, has anyone checked out the Centrifuga group? I think they’re based out of Imotski.

Andrew Taylor12 said:It would be awesome to get some fresh takes on Aria, Bolero, or Velum. How’s the vibe at Tip Top lately? Also, has anyone checked out the Centrifuga group? I think they’re based out of Imotski.

In my estimation, they are among the very best; please feel free to send me a private message if you'd like to discuss the specifics.👍

Does anyone have thoughts on Anka Akrap makeup? Also, looking for a solid hair stylist recommendation.

crimsonmarlin17 said:Does anyone have thoughts on Anka Akrap makeup? Also, looking for a solid hair stylist recommendation.

Honestly, I think there are way better makeup artists out there. She did my face once instead of šejl and I was just not feeling it. Maybe we just weren't a match. Personally, I can't stand heavy makeup. And don't even get me started on hairstylists—finding a good one is such a struggle.

Andrew Taylor12 said:Honestly, I think there are way better makeup artists out there. She did my face once instead of šejl and I was just not feeling it. Maybe we just weren't a match. Personally, I can't stand heavy makeup. And don't even get me started on hairstylists—finding a good one is such a struggle.

Thanks, I'll definitely look into more options..
What I really need is someone who can do a perfect blowout.

Anyone know where I can snag some cheap decor? Like streamers, tulle, and all that extra party stuff. Is it actually worth checking out eBay for deals, or am I just wasting my time?

Sean Wells said:Does anyone happen to know the pricing for Mirella floral studio or maybe Lanterna decorations? I was scrolling through Facebook and saw some photos of their work—they both look absolutely gorgeous...

Is anyone actually checking their private messages?

analogdrifter51 said:Anyone know where I can snag some cheap decor? Like streamers, tulle, and all that extra party stuff. Is it actually worth checking out eBay for deals, or am I just wasting my time?

It’s an option. Though it can take quite a while, and you might not always receive the exact item you ordered.
I suppose if the price difference is significant enough, the wait might be worth it.