Everything you need for a California wedding

copperowl13 said:Here are my thoughts on the various venues I’ve visited lately..
1) Phoenix - the service was solid, and the floor manager was incredibly approachable—really went out of his way. However, I wasn't a fan of the interior decor, and the food was just... fine. Nothing to write home about.
2) Macy's - lovely atmosphere inside; honestly, better than Phoenix. The prosciutto and cheese were excellent, the food surpassed what they serve at Phoenix, and the servers were working non-stop.
3) Ino Kastela - meh... I didn't particularly care for the interior design... the food was okay... nothing special, but not terrible either.
5) Bene - the ambiance is great; it's an ideal spot for small weddings of maybe 80 to 100 people... though the food portions are lacking. The seafood risotto was literally just rice, bay leaves, and some uncleaned scraps... actually quite disappointing considering the price point. Plus, you have to pray for good weather if you decide to host anything outdoors.
6) Bolero - you practically have to hunt down the servers to get anything brought to the table... for example, if you order pizza, they might only bring out a Coke, and then if you want actual sides, you have to beg them to bring them over. The prosciutto was subpar, and the pâté? Good grief. The risottos were good, but the beef stew arrived at the table cold. The interior space is decent enough; the ceilings are low, but it's not a dealbreaker. For me, the service felt sluggish—like they were severely understaffed for the crowd size.
7) Castello - this place feels worlds away from Miami... to use the restroom, you actually have to leave the hall. The manager wouldn't even let the newlyweds break glasses or cut their cake at their own table... as for the food, I can't even remember it! :-D
8) Sky - people scattered all over the terrace, making it nearly impossible to gather everyone on the dance floor... the risottos were excellent, but the beef stew was a letdown... it tasted like meat in a random gravy. It wasn't acidic, nor was it baked properly. The lamb was alright. Portions were small. There were about 200 people there, so it got pretty crowded around the tables.
9) Duilio's - the food was fantastic... the beef stew was top-tier... but those wooden ceilings are hideous. If they could just renovate that, it would be perfect.
10) Amigos... if I were hosting a party for 100 people, I’d go there in a heartbeat... the food is superb, right by the ocean... everything was a ten out of ten.
That's my take, anyway... obviously, everyone has their own opinion, and a lot of it depends on the specific crowd you're with... regardless of where you end up. ;-)

That truly has nothing to do with us... when we set the tables, we receive specific instructions regarding which items go where, while everything else is handled according to the guest's request 🙂 and while it would certainly make our lives easier if everything were served all at once so guests could simply choose, that part of the process is really out of our hands. 🙂

What can you even say about those poor waiters? They were spread incredibly thin... and then, to make matters worse, everyone at the table wanted something different. For instance, our table was stuck with just wine, while the folks next to us had red... one table had Cola, and the others had Fanta :-D Wouldn't it have been nice if we could have at least shared a Coke and maybe some thick sauce on the table? Just the basics... and honestly, the pastry was served cold. I actually had pretty high expectations for the food at Bolero—don't get me wrong, it wasn't inedible—but there’s just a lack of variety in what's being served. The prosciutto had a rubbery texture, though the medallions were actually quite good. They really need to work on the pastry situation... and for heaven's sake, make sure the food is actually hot when it arrives.

Anyone know where I can pick up some plastic pitchers, little trinkets, or random decor? Maybe somewhere near San Francisco? Like a Target or a Walmart or something similar...?

Hey everyone, I could really use some advice here 🙂 I’m not actually from San Francisco, but I’m heading out tomorrow to grab a bunch of supplies and I’d love some help so I don't waste my time. I'm looking for paper or plastic party cups, little decorative gift boxes, balloons, and some bows to deck out a car. Someone mentioned checking out the Party City over in the Mission District, but does that location actually carry all that, or should I just hit up Target instead? And wait, is that Target located out in the suburbs or what? If anyone has any better ideas, please let me know 🙂 🙂 thanks so much

Hey, anyone got a rough idea of what I should expect to pay upfront for a wedding planner, a band, and a photographer?

Noah Jackson46 said:Hey, anyone got a rough idea of what I should expect to pay upfront for a wedding planner, a band, and a photographer?

Typically, venues are looking for around $500, bands usually want anywhere from $100 to $200, and photographers range from $167 to $200—though most of the ones I’ve reached out to are asking for about $100.

Anyone happen to have a number for a decent makeup artist handy?

Hannah Murphy11 said:Typically, venues are looking for around $500, bands usually want anywhere from $100 to $200, and photographers range from $167 to $200—though most of the ones I’ve reached out to are asking for about $100.

Thanks 🙂{{REPLACED_USERNAME_IF_ANY}}

Rebecca Murphy5 said:Anyone happen to have a number for a decent makeup artist handy?

Lucija Spajic, Tončica, Violeta, Matea, or just search for "San Francisco Makeup Artists" on Facebook...
you'll find plenty of options there if you look.

I don't know what to tell you—it’s just one thing after another lately! kaže:
Who do you guys actually recommend for a solid choice? I've got a wedding coming up on June 12th in San Francisco at the Bolero—and honestly, I really need something that hits the mark...🙂

Look, you can't go wrong with Viva, Best, or Boss. Seriously—just go talk to them, see who actually treats you right, check the prices, and then make your move.
I’d go with Boss—honestly, they’re just on another level compared to everyone else. Between the musicianship, the vocals, and the setlist... they've got it all.

Hi everyone, I'm joining the conversation 😍

We’re heading to the reception hall this Saturday. We picked Velum, and the big day is set for August 8, 2015. 😍😍

Now comes the search for a band and a photographer. I need to go back to the start of this thread and catch up on everything. 😲

Could someone lend me a hand here?
My fiancé and I are thinking about splitting our bachelor/bachelorette parties up—just separate nights for the guys and the girls. We want to spend the evening hanging out with our respective crews. Right now, we're hunting for the perfect spot (maybe a cozy cafe, a small restaurant, or even a rental house or villa) where we could really let loose and party—if that's even a thing people do around here in San Francisco 😉.
If anyone has any suggestions, feel free to post them here or just shoot me a DM, I'd be so grateful!!! 😁

Hey everyone

What’s the price for Lido Aurora and The Beach Boys?

Hvalaaaaaaaaa

Donna Bennett2 said:Hey everyone

What’s the price for Lido Aurora and The Beach Boys?

Hvalaaaaaaaaa

I looked into it. Lido Aurora 1500, The Beach Boys 1800.

We are deciding between Volar and Lido Aurora.
Any advice from those who have been there?

Donna Bennett2 said:I looked into it. Lido Aurora 1500, The Beach Boys 1800.

We are deciding between Volar and Lido Aurora.
Any advice from those who have been there?

The Boeing... you're guaranteed a hell of a show and a good time. 🙂

Noah Wright4 said:The Boeing... you're guaranteed a hell of a show and a good time. 🙂

What's the asking price for Boeing?🙂

Hey ladies, I’ve got another quick question for you (don't laugh!). So many people talk about traveling to buy wedding dresses out of state—where exactly should I be looking?

Noah Wright4 said:The Boeing... you're guaranteed a hell of a show and a good time. 🙂

thank you 🙂

Volare costs $1,400 without a female vocalist, or $1,600 if you want one.
They are my top choice too, though I’m leaning more toward Lido Aurora.

Anyone else have experience with these?

Could someone please send me a quote for the Radisson Blu—either via DM or right here—and let me know what your actual impressions are? What’s the consensus? Plizzzzzz :-)

copperowl13 said:Could someone please send me a quote for the Radisson Blu—either via DM or right here—and let me know what your actual impressions are? What’s the consensus? Plizzzzzz :-)

My boyfriend and I actually went by the Radisson recently to check out their wedding venue options, but the manager told us she’d reach out once they have all the formal quotes finalized. It sounds like they're juggling a few different packages right now, and obviously, the price fluctuates quite a bit depending on what's included in the deal.
You basically get to choose between having the reception in an indoor ballroom, the restaurant, or out on the terrace overlooking the beach—though that terrace is already looking pretty much fully booked for next summer, and naturally, that's the most expensive option since you'd also have to handle all the lighting arrangements yourself.
Personally, we fell in love with the restaurant setting; two of the walls are entirely glass, which is gorgeous, and you can even step out toward the pool area where they can set up tables for an appetizer bar.
Oh, one thing to keep in mind—if you decide on the restaurant, they won't be able to host the celebration there until after October at the earliest, just because of their existing guest schedule.
As for the cost... she mentioned they haven't nailed down the exact numbers yet, but it definitely won't be dipping below $44 per person.