Everything you need for a California wedding

I was wondering if anyone might be able to point me in the right direction regarding wedding venues in the San Francisco area or perhaps the surrounding suburbs? I am specifically searching for a location where we could host an outdoor ceremony during the summer months, given how lovely the weather can be. Ideally, I would love some recommendations for high-quality venues that fall within a budget of roughly $50 per person.
Thank you much.

You can catch a Pirate out in San Francisco on the patio—I think seats are cheaper on Fridays, so you might snag one for around $50. There’s also outdoor seating in Sinji if that’s not too much of a trek; check the Alkar hotel, where a seat goes for under $45. There used to be a spot called Torcida in Savannah, but I've no clue what's going on with them these days.

Hey everyone,

We planned our wedding at the Hemingway Bar in San Francisco for this summer. We signed the contract, paid the deposit, and settled all the details last year before the pandemic hit. We also booked the band, the photographer, and everything else needed for the big day. Everything was set; we were just waiting for our date to arrive.

With all the uncertainty surrounding COVID and wedding planning lately, we accidentally found out the venue has been sold. Nobody from Hemingway contacted us to let us know or give us a heads-up to react in time. We actually heard through some former bartenders that the place was being sold. It’s a totally unprofessional way to handle business and clients. 👎

When we spoke to the manager at Hemingway before Christmas, he confirmed the restaurant had indeed been sold, but claimed it wouldn't be an issue. He said all scheduled weddings would still happen and that official info would follow soon. Of course, nobody reached out to us over the next two months, so we followed up with the manager again, only to be told to contact the company owner instead.

However, when we reached out to the former owner of Hemingway a few days ago, he told us he has no idea what’s happening with the venue or what kind of business the new owners will run. He also mentioned that there's a chance the wedding won't even happen due to COVID, implying we have bigger problems than the venue change. But if the wedding does go forward, he offered to help us find a new location. 🤔

Right now, we're stuck. We don't know what to do or who to talk to. We don't know who the new owner is, and it's nearly impossible to reach anyone in the hospitality industry right now since everything is shut down. We should be printing invitations, but we don't even know where the wedding will be. And what happens to all our deposits if we can't find another restaurant or hall?

What do you guys think of this situation? Any advice on how to resolve this mess? 🙂

Any info helps.

If you guys are looking for a venue, there’s some space available over at the Campus restaurant. They’re actually running a deal right now where you can snag 20% off their menu prices. Check out the link here:

hollowmaker44 said:Hey everyone,

We planned our wedding at the Hemingway Bar in San Francisco for this summer. We signed the contract, paid the deposit, and settled all the details last year before the pandemic hit. We also booked the band, the photographer, and everything else needed for the big day. Everything was set; we were just waiting for our date to arrive.

With all the uncertainty surrounding COVID and wedding planning lately, we accidentally found out the venue has been sold. Nobody from Hemingway contacted us to let us know or give us a heads-up to react in time. We actually heard through some former bartenders that the place was being sold. It’s a totally unprofessional way to handle business and clients. 👎

When we spoke to the manager at Hemingway before Christmas, he confirmed the restaurant had indeed been sold, but claimed it wouldn't be an issue. He said all scheduled weddings would still happen and that official info would follow soon. Of course, nobody reached out to us over the next two months, so we followed up with the manager again, only to be told to contact the company owner instead.

However, when we reached out to the former owner of Hemingway a few days ago, he told us he has no idea what’s happening with the venue or what kind of business the new owners will run. He also mentioned that there's a chance the wedding won't even happen due to COVID, implying we have bigger problems than the venue change. But if the wedding does go forward, he offered to help us find a new location. 🤔

Right now, we're stuck. We don't know what to do or who to talk to. We don't know who the new owner is, and it's nearly impossible to reach anyone in the hospitality industry right now since everything is shut down. We should be printing invitations, but we don't even know where the wedding will be. And what happens to all our deposits if we can't find another restaurant or hall?

What do you guys think of this situation? Any advice on how to resolve this mess? 🙂

Any info helps.

Jesus, that's brutal. 😢 Probably zero legal ground if the local was sold :/ Can we just swap out the date with the photographer, Bendom, etc.—maybe find some less aggressive wording?

Hope you're doing alright—I would’ve been losing my mind right about now.

Carol Stewart6 said:Jesus, that's brutal. 😢 Probably zero legal ground if the local was sold :/ Can we just swap out the date with the photographer, Bendom, etc.—maybe find some less aggressive wording?

Hope you're doing alright—I would’ve been losing my mind right about now.

We're fine. It is what it is. We just have to keep searching and fix this mess.

We're mostly just angry and disappointed. The restaurant was sold six months ago and nobody bothered to tell us. If we hadn't found out on our own, who knows when they would have mentioned it. Right before a July wedding?
It's hard to wrap your head around how someone can be this inconsiderate. 👎

Not to mention they won't refund the deposit from $3.25 and instead offer food credits. But if we have to switch venues, we don't need their food. The whole system is broken. 😠

Hey there,
I was wondering if anyone could help me out with some info regarding floral arrangements? I’m looking to rent some flower backdrops for a gathering outside the church, and I was curious if anyone here has experience dealing with local florists or knows what kind of pricing I should be expecting. Any insight would be much appreciated.

Hello,
I was wondering if anyone could recommend a band based out of San Francisco or the surrounding area that features a female vocalist? A saxophone would be a nice touch, though certainly not a requirement. I’m looking for a group that leans more toward the musical side of things rather than just being a spectacle. That said, some choreography and solid stage presence—real engagement with the crowd—would definitely be preferred. If a group like that even exists in California, of course.
Thanks in advance.

shadoworca84 said:Hello,
I was wondering if anyone could recommend a band based out of San Francisco or the surrounding area that features a female vocalist? A saxophone would be a nice touch, though certainly not a requirement. I’m looking for a group that leans more toward the musical side of things rather than just being a spectacle. That said, some choreography and solid stage presence—real engagement with the crowd—would definitely be preferred. If a group like that even exists in California, of course.
Thanks in advance.

Vox box.

Hey,
does anyone have a clue what they're charging for chairs over at the Palace of Fine Arts?

I’ve officially booked the Palace of Fine Arts for next June. I ended up paying $55 per chair, but honestly, the venue size, the outdoor layout, and the catering options make it totally worth it.
Does anyone have a recommendation for a band? Should I go with Tip Top or Extra Extra Small? Thanks.

Hi there. I’m planning a small party for about 60 people. Most banquet halls feel way too massive for a group this size, so I’m looking for recommendations for smaller venues or even private catering services. This would take place in December, so anything outdoors is definitely out of the question.

hollowmaker44 said:We're fine. It is what it is. We just have to keep searching and fix this mess.

We're mostly just angry and disappointed. The restaurant was sold six months ago and nobody bothered to tell us. If we hadn't found out on our own, who knows when they would have mentioned it. Right before a July wedding?
It's hard to wrap your head around how someone can be this inconsiderate. 👎

Not to mention they won't refund the deposit from $3.25 and instead offer food credits. But if we have to switch venues, we don't need their food. The whole system is broken. 😠

The specific LLC or business you signed that contract with is legally obligated to return your deposit, because they sold the physical real estate, not the company itself. You could take them to court if you wanted; it wouldn't be an issue at all...

rustywalker34 said:The specific LLC or business you signed that contract with is legally obligated to return your deposit, because they sold the physical real estate, not the company itself. You could take them to court if you wanted; it wouldn't be an issue at all...

They sold the whole company along with the building.

I just want to know how many couples are out there planning weddings at the Hemingway, completely unaware the venue was sold and stripped bare (the former owner took literally everything when he left).

We still haven't received any official word about the sale, even though the business changed hands back in July of last year.

hollowmaker44 said:They sold the whole company along with the building.

I just want to know how many couples are out there planning weddings at the Hemingway, completely unaware the venue was sold and stripped bare (the former owner took literally everything when he left).

We still haven't received any official word about the sale, even though the business changed hands back in July of last year.

The new owners inherited all the existing liabilities too, so if you hold a valid contract, you know exactly who to go after for your money. You can take them to court if you have to!

Hey there,

Does anyone have any solid recommendations for good cakes or pastries around the San Francisco area? Looking for something decent.
Thanks in advance

Anyone got a lead on a spot near San Diego for a group of 80? Need a restaurant that can actually handle that many people...

Sam Clark4 said:Hey there,

Does anyone have any solid recommendations for good cakes or pastries around the San Francisco area? Looking for something decent.
Thanks in advance

You should definitely check out Oreo in Oakland. Honestly, the price and the taste are just such a great deal.

So, a close friend of mine recently had their wedding at this new pavilion/tent venue owned by a company out in Boulder. Since the hall was still under construction when we booked it, everything was agreed upon based on the architectural renderings. We were picturing fabric draping everywhere, massive chandeliers, round tables... basically, it looked amazing on paper. But man, reality hit hard. Our first actual meeting with the "venue manager" didn't even happen until Monday, which was only five days before the big day. And getting a hold of them before then? Total nightmare. I guess they just weren't answering the phone. Then, out of nowhere, they start nickel-and-diming us. They tried to charge $49 for a chair instead of the $50 we discussed, and for my meal—which was supposed to be a five-course spread starting with welcome drinks and fritters—they actually had the nerve to ask for $667 just to cover the chandelier! 😡 On the wedding day, the decorators wouldn't even let anyone into the hall until the afternoon because they were busy checking on the cleaning crew. It was such a mess; she ended up joining the cleaners to set the tables herself while they worked. To make matters worse, the bakery required a formal receipt, and we had a deal for delivery right to the venue. Well, they wouldn't let the delivery driver in, and he wasn't allowed to come back in the evening (and honestly, he never did), so the reception went by without any dessert at all. I feel terrible because the driver really should have been able to reach someone. 😡😡
As for the food, it wasn't anything special, I guess. The serving platters were tiny—like, a single portion of black risotto was enough for two three-year-old twins to finish. The staff was helpful, though; they’ll bring you whatever you need, but you really have to go out of your way to ask for it.
At the end of the day, we were stuck with $49 chairs, extra fees for spotlights, soap bubbles, and a wedding with zero dessert.

Hey guys, back again with more makeup questions. Anyone got some solid recommendations?
Does anyone happen to know what Mary charges for a full face of makeup?