Everything you need for a California wedding

Raymond Brooks7 said:Back when I checked (2008), they didn't serve fries during the peak season...
What about the Jadran Hotel in Siesta Key? Though, I suspect they don't do fries during the season either...🤷

Are you kidding me? They don't serve them in the high season, so when exactly would they? 😕 And I thought the Hilton was one of our go-to spots... hmm, maybe I'll have to double-check that... 🤷

Well, I’m just dropping in here like a skydiver without a parachute, but I was hoping someone could clear up some details regarding the engagement course. Does one actually have to attend the sessions in their own hometown, or is it perfectly fine to head down to where the pirate is stationed instead? Either way, does anyone happen to know the logistics—specifically how and when these courses are typically scheduled in San Diego and/or Savannah?

Terry Anderson2 said:Well, I’m just dropping in here like a skydiver without a parachute, but I was hoping someone could clear up some details regarding the engagement course. Does one actually have to attend the sessions in their own hometown, or is it perfectly fine to head down to where the pirate is stationed instead? Either way, does anyone happen to know the logistics—specifically how and when these courses are typically scheduled in San Diego and/or Savannah?

You can take the course wherever you want...☕ Just do a little digging online, you'll likely find something. Or just check with your local parish; I'd imagine the mayor's office or the local council could point you in the right direction...🤷

Check out the existing thread on the forum about pre-marital prep; I think some of the women posted the schedules there once...👍

Has anyone here had any experience dining at "Pirate" in San Francisco?

Terry Anderson2 said:Well, I’m just dropping in here like a skydiver without a parachute, but I was hoping someone could clear up some details regarding the engagement course. Does one actually have to attend the sessions in their own hometown, or is it perfectly fine to head down to where the pirate is stationed instead? Either way, does anyone happen to know the logistics—specifically how and when these courses are typically scheduled in San Diego and/or Savannah?

In San Diego, they run the courses here 😉

Olivia Adams71 said:In San Diego, they run the courses here 😉

Thanks!

wearygardener8 said:Has anyone here had any experience dining at "Pirate" in San Francisco?

My brother went there for a wedding once. I guess the food was pretty incredible, and the service seemed solid. They can handle up to 120 people for mashed potato feasts, with options for meat, fish, or a mix. It was about $45 a plate during the winter, though I suppose summer prices might be different.

The Gusar is top-tier, honestly a solid 5/5. It can hold up to about 140 people, though if you actually pack it that full, a good 20 of them are gonna be squeezed off to the side somewhere...

Chris Long4 said:The Gusar is top-tier, honestly a solid 5/5. It can hold up to about 140 people, though if you actually pack it that full, a good 20 of them are gonna be squeezed off to the side somewhere...

I actually visited them back in the winter... how is it during the summer months? I haven't really seen how big their patio is. I guess you have to wonder if it's any good for summer wine tastings?👍>

I’m not sure if something shifted recently, but Gusar used to refuse any crowds under 140 people, yet now he’s claiming he can handle up to 250. I have no idea where he gets that confidence from. 🤷

Alex Carter3 said:I’m not sure if something shifted recently, but Gusar used to refuse any crowds under 140 people, yet now he’s claiming he can handle up to 250. I have no idea where he gets that confidence from. 🤷

I guess I’d be willing to pay $1,000 if the place was located up near the north end of Yankee Stadium. 😲

That space is really only meant for maybe 120 people. I mean, if you're planning a decent party... not some chaotic disaster like a crowded nightclub in downtown Chicago where you've got twenty people crammed into every square meter.

wanderingbadger17 said:I guess I’d be willing to pay $1,000 if the place was located up near the north end of Yankee Stadium. 😲

That space is really only meant for maybe 120 people. I mean, if you're planning a decent party... not some chaotic disaster like a crowded nightclub in downtown Chicago where you've got twenty people crammed into every square meter.

I went to a banquet over at a local steakhouse downtown where there were about 150 people, and honestly, it was way too tight. They had us squeezed eleven to a table, which made eating a decent meal pretty much impossible. They served that standard seafood menu, nothing special really—I didn't even try half the things on it, and both my boyfriend and I ended up leaving hungry. The atmosphere was nice enough and the room itself was fine, but overall, it wasn't anything to write home about. I know plenty of venues that are much better...🙂

So, I figured I’d jump in here and say something about the whole catering situation... I see everyone talking about prices, and honestly, I feel like I know a thing or two about what’s actually out there after checking some stuff at a local wedding expo. Let me try to make this quick. I have two close friends who both got married recently—both had around 300 guests—and they both went with caterers from out of town, like maybe somewhere down in Texas or something, while the other one used a service closer to her husband's side of the family. The decor? Honestly, it was gorgeous. The table setups, the shade structures, all the little details on the tables... it looked great. But man, everywhere I look online, people are obsessing over these crazy costs. $20 per head? For their weddings, that would have been like $18,000 $0.00, which just doesn't sit right with me. What I really wanted to point out is that they actually paid for their food, and I can't remember the exact math in dollars, but it was around $1000... which was way more reasonable than the quotes I've been seeing from the companies I've looked into. Oh, and just a heads-up—that price included the basic stuff, you know? Like deli meats, cheese, crackers, the usual appetizers... nothing fancy like octopus salad or anything wild. 🙂

rustyfox25 said:I went to a banquet over at a local steakhouse downtown where there were about 150 people, and honestly, it was way too tight. They had us squeezed eleven to a table, which made eating a decent meal pretty much impossible. They served that standard seafood menu, nothing special really—I didn't even try half the things on it, and both my boyfriend and I ended up leaving hungry. The atmosphere was nice enough and the room itself was fine, but overall, it wasn't anything to write home about. I know plenty of venues that are much better...🙂

The food at The Rusty Anchor was actually top-tier for me! My brother had the surf and turf combo and he said it was incredibly good. That’s not just my take either—everyone I've talked to since the party seems to agree...👍

wanderingbadger17 said:The food at The Rusty Anchor was actually top-tier for me! My brother had the surf and turf combo and he said it was incredibly good. That’s not just my take either—everyone I've talked to since the party seems to agree...👍

I have to agree.😉

Alex Carter3 said:I have to agree.😉

Maybe I just had an off day in the kitchen. Or maybe it’s just the fact that I’ve always been more of a meat-and-potatoes kind of guy. 🤷Either way, people are strange... 😉

Does anyone know a decent DJ in San Francisco??

What’s the deal with the Amor group? (heard they were at a party in San Francisco)

Did anyone happen to catch Amor playing at the gala?

I have a huge favor to ask... A girl from California posted some photos from her wedding on the forum a while back. I remember seeing this one setup—mostly behind the altar area—where they had this incredible table display. It looked like a little boat made out of appetizers, or maybe it was all fancy mirrors? Honestly, I can't quite recall the exact details, but I am absolutely obsessed with it and I can't find the thread again! Please, please, please help me out if anyone remembers which forum member it was!