Everything you need for a California wedding

If you have some free time, definitely scroll through the different threads on this forum because there is a ton of info here. I actually started my own planning process recently, and honestly, I was totally lost at first 🤣

Basically, just remember that neither the photographer nor the band needs to be from San Diego. Everyone travels everywhere these days. It really just comes down to whose style you love and what kind of budget you’re working with. My advice? Secure the restaurant, the band, and the church first. If having the right photos is a huge priority for you, lock in a photographer early, since most people are already booked solid through next November.

Write down some rough numbers for what you think you can spend, then dive into reading the forum. Good luck! 🙂

Charles Gomez4 said:If you have some free time, definitely scroll through the different threads on this forum because there is a ton of info here. I actually started my own planning process recently, and honestly, I was totally lost at first 🤣

Basically, just remember that neither the photographer nor the band needs to be from San Diego. Everyone travels everywhere these days. It really just comes down to whose style you love and what kind of budget you’re working with. My advice? Secure the restaurant, the band, and the church first. If having the right photos is a huge priority for you, lock in a photographer early, since most people are already booked solid through next November.

Write down some rough numbers for what you think you can spend, then dive into reading the forum. Good luck! 🙂

I’m going to have to track him down—it’s not like I have any other choice 🤣

Does anyone have any idea what the rental fee for the Luxor near Saint Duje would be for just a few hours before a banquet? We were thinking about hosting the guest reception there right in front of the church, instead of doing that whole "meet at his place" routine elsewhere.

frozentiger2 said:Does anyone have any idea what the rental fee for the Luxor near Saint Duje would be for just a few hours before a banquet? We were thinking about hosting the guest reception there right in front of the church, instead of doing that whole "meet at his place" routine elsewhere.

I have no idea about the Luxor, but just for a ballpark figure, we used to work at a cafe called the Gazebo in Atlanta (right by the church) and they charged $33 per person, which included drinks—just not hard liquor.

frozentiger2 said:Does anyone have any idea what the rental fee for the Luxor near Saint Duje would be for just a few hours before a banquet? We were thinking about hosting the guest reception there right in front of the church, instead of doing that whole "meet at his place" routine elsewhere.

Usually, they don't charge a rental fee for the space itself! It just depends on the menu and how much everyone drinks—basically, you pay based on the headcount and the tab at the end.

Anthony Bennett6 said:Usually, they don't charge a rental fee for the space itself! It just depends on the menu and how much everyone drinks—basically, you pay based on the headcount and the tab at the end.

Thanks for the heads-up.

Did you end up hosting an actual reception there, and what did they end up billing you? Because if they’re just charging per drink based on the standard menu, and every guest decides to knock back five rounds... the bill could get pretty ridiculous, right?😕 I was actually thinking about trying to negotiate a flat fee with them, or maybe something like an open bar limited to specific drinks.

Hey there,

I have a few questions regarding the Castello Hall? Has anyone been in there recently? I'm wondering if there are any ongoing issues or things to watch out for...
It seems to me that the lady currently managing the place is a bit out of her depth,

Thanks,
Maya

I was wondering if anyone could dig up those makeup artist numbers that were being tossed around on the forum back in Atlanta... also, if anyone happens to have a solid recommendation for a hairstylist over in San Diego?
thanks

Hey everyone, quick question here...
How much lead time do I actually need to get a church reservation locked in before the wedding?

Carol Mitchell6 said:Hey everyone, quick question here...
How much lead time do I actually need to get a church reservation locked in before the wedding?

It really depends on the parish you're eyeing. Honestly, your best bet is just to walk into the specific church where you want to say "I do" and ask them directly. A lot of them won't even look at dates for the upcoming year until the new calendar actually rolls around...🤷 it's like they don't even keep an open schedule or something, if that makes sense. I think I saw some people mentioning that online before...

Carol Mitchell6 said:Hey everyone, quick question here...
How much lead time do I actually need to get a church reservation locked in before the wedding?

It really all comes down to your local priest. It's like dealing with any major institution in the States—some administrators want you to get on their calendar months or even years ahead of time, while others won't even look at you until the last minute. Just reach out and see how they handle things.😉 Good luck!

Alright, thanks 🙂

.... so, how far in advance should I actually be looking at wedding dresses and getting everything booked?

frozentiger2 said:Thanks for the heads-up.

Did you end up hosting an actual reception there, and what did they end up billing you? Because if they’re just charging per drink based on the standard menu, and every guest decides to knock back five rounds... the bill could get pretty ridiculous, right?😕 I was actually thinking about trying to negotiate a flat fee with them, or maybe something like an open bar limited to specific drinks.

Here is the contact info:

mira.maric@luxor.com

Carol Mitchell6 said:Alright, thanks 🙂

.... so, how far in advance should I actually be looking at wedding dresses and getting everything booked?

Well, you can probably pull it off up to a year ahead of time. Personally, I locked mine in about six months out. I spent time bouncing between different boutiques, trying on all sorts of styles until I finally found the one that hit right. The danger of waiting too close to the big day is simple: you might find "the one," only to realize the shop is already booked solid for your date.👎

Carol Mitchell6 said:Alright, thanks 🙂

.... so, how far in advance should I actually be looking at wedding dresses and getting everything booked?

Some people book a year out, others wait until two months before... personally, I think six months is a decent window if you want to avoid a total nervous breakdown from either rushing or stalling.

I was actually wondering about the wedding dress too. So, we've got about six months 🙂 I can make it 😁

Heyyyy!

Finally found a thread that actually matters to me 😍 getting married in California—specifically looking at San Diego

I’m planning my big day for next year, and I’ve realized a ton of venues are already booked up
What’s the verdict on Bolero Hall? How are the vibes, the service, and the food?
Also, what do you guys think about renting a hall solo and just hiring your own caterers and staff? Does it actually save money in the end, or does it basically break even? Has anyone actually pulled that off?

And man, photography and video are insanely expensive
Has anyone worked with Marino Photography out of San Diego? What was your experience like?

Thanks! 🙂

Raymond Brooks7 said:A local flower shop in a quiet neighborhood in San Francisco 😁
🙏

I know a great makeup artist. I'll DM you the details.👍

Hey, can you send those details to me via PM too?
Thanks!🙂

limeta, there’s been a ton of talk about Elvis Presley—I know I’ve read at least ten different posts myself. Just scroll back a few pages 🙂

Anyone here from San Diego who can help me out with a restaurant recommendation for a group of about 40? I’ve been browsing, but most of what I'm finding is just this list:
The Ritz-Carlton
ALBIN at The Ritz-Carlton
Ruth's Chris Steak House
TAMARIS at Ruth's Chris Steak House
FEŠTA
the DALMATINO tavern over by Three Wells

Has anyone actually been to any of these places? What's the vibe like? And how's the food? Since I'm not in San Diego right now, it's kind of a pain to just go scout them out myself... any intel would be huge.