Everything you need for a California wedding

Does anyone know someone in the San Francisco area who performs at church weddings?
We’re looking for a duo (guitar and vocals) or maybe a small 3-4 piece band. Nothing massive; honestly, just guitar and vocals would be plenty. I'm not sure what the standard rates are, but we had one group ask us for $400 for just two songs 😢

Betty Doyle6 said:Does anyone know someone in the San Francisco area who performs at church weddings?
We’re looking for a duo (guitar and vocals) or maybe a small 3-4 piece band. Nothing massive; honestly, just guitar and vocals would be plenty. I'm not sure what the standard rates are, but we had one group ask us for $400 for just two songs 😢

Shoot me a DM if you have leads.

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.

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. 😁

Austin Thompson96 said: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. 😁

I appreciate the recommendation, but unfortunately, Best Buy is already booked up.👎

The guys at Viva are something else. You just tell them what kind of vibe you're looking for, and they nail it—it’s almost like they planned every single song in advance. On top of that, their timing and delivery are spot on for the mood. They're more than just good; they're incredible, I guess.

Maria Hughes11 said:The guys at Viva are something else. You just tell them what kind of vibe you're looking for, and they nail it—it’s almost like they planned every single song in advance. On top of that, their timing and delivery are spot on for the mood. They're more than just good; they're incredible, I guess.

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...😵

Looking for a DJ?

"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.

Hey everyone, I’m on the hunt for a reliable dry cleaner to take a wedding dress to... I really need a solid recommendation because it’s made of lace and tulle, and I am absolutely terrified of a total disaster. Thanks! 🙏
P.s. how long before the big day did you all actually drop yours off at the cleaners?

Hey ladies! It’s finally happening! 🥂 We just locked in October 6th, 2018, as our big day. Honestly, I couldn't believe how quickly people are already booking venues for that date! By the end of this month, we’re planning to have the hall, the photographer, and the band all squared away. Based on what we've seen, we've decided on the venue in Luksic—the manager there is absolutely wonderful, the food is great, they've got brand new lighting, and decorations are actually included in the price. My share for dinner comes out to $35. For photography, we went with Misha Photography from TG; the guy is fantastic, really easy to work with, and we love that his style isn't overdone with heavy filters. We're still weighing our options for the band, but we're leaning toward the Uber band. Even though their $2,200 price tag is a bit steep, we've listened to them a million times and their energy is just unmatched, so they'll likely be our pick. I'll let you know once we decide, because honestly, when you see those rental prices, you never truly know what you're getting... I don't need that kind of stress, and paying a little extra for peace of mind is worth it to me. I've also sorted out the catering—they're awesome, everything is covered except for my drinks and ice. We're going to tackle the rest of the planning bit by bit each month. Woohoo, it's coming so fast! 🥂

Scott Jones said:Hey ladies! It’s finally happening! 🥂 We just locked in October 6th, 2018, as our big day. Honestly, I couldn't believe how quickly people are already booking venues for that date! By the end of this month, we’re planning to have the hall, the photographer, and the band all squared away. Based on what we've seen, we've decided on the venue in Luksic—the manager there is absolutely wonderful, the food is great, they've got brand new lighting, and decorations are actually included in the price. My share for dinner comes out to $35. For photography, we went with Misha Photography from TG; the guy is fantastic, really easy to work with, and we love that his style isn't overdone with heavy filters. We're still weighing our options for the band, but we're leaning toward the Uber band. Even though their $2,200 price tag is a bit steep, we've listened to them a million times and their energy is just unmatched, so they'll likely be our pick. I'll let you know once we decide, because honestly, when you see those rental prices, you never truly know what you're getting... I don't need that kind of stress, and paying a little extra for peace of mind is worth it to me. I've also sorted out the catering—they're awesome, everything is covered except for my drinks and ice. We're going to tackle the rest of the planning bit by bit each month. Woohoo, it's coming so fast! 🥂

You guys are going to finish all your planning this year at this rate, considering how much you've already checked off the list 😁 🙂

boldtiger12 said:You guys are going to finish all your planning this year at this rate, considering how much you've already checked off the list 😁 🙂

I honestly went out of my way to ask around early just so I’d know what was up. But it seems like that window around May and June is always the busiest, and things usually fill up fast. Back in 2018, it felt like everything happened at once—I literally managed to hammer out all the most important tasks in just two days.🎉

Honestly, does it seem a little silly to you guys to leave the gift box or chest sitting right on the table where people are supposed to drop off cards and cash?

At the last three weddings I’ve attended, they set up these really nice decorative boxes right near the head table, with little guest favors—think chocolates, candies, lollipops—scattered underneath or around them. Honestly, I prefer that over the whole ordeal of someone walking around with a basket or trying to force everyone into a line to reach the newlyweds. Of course, it all depends on the crowd you're dealing with... these guests were pretty much just your typical, civilized Americans, I guess.

Gary Reed9 said:At the last three weddings I’ve attended, they set up these really nice decorative boxes right near the head table, with little guest favors—think chocolates, candies, lollipops—scattered underneath or around them. Honestly, I prefer that over the whole ordeal of someone walking around with a basket or trying to force everyone into a line to reach the newlyweds. Of course, it all depends on the crowd you're dealing with... these guests were pretty much just your typical, civilized Americans, I guess.

Around here, the tradition is that when people are heading out from the reception, they stop by to say goodbye to the couple, drop off any gifts they might have, and then receive a little thank-you gift or some sweets in return.

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. 😉

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.🙂

Austin Thompson96 said:#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.🙂

Thank you so much! While I was researching, some of those spots had already popped up as options, but you definitely gave me some new ideas.🙂

Does anyone happen to know the hours for the Viadel ice cream shop over in Solin? I can't find them anywhere online... :/