Hi Everyone,
Well, I have a date, Sunday 5/26 and the above mentioned place but that's about it! I picture the cermoney (starting at 4) being held in the gazebo with 50 chairs surrounding us. The reception will also be in the park/gazebo. I'm thinking just a lot of super yummy finger food, like mini crab cakes, chicken satay, big cheese & fruit platter, etc with wine, champagne & soft drinks. How does one go about finding a caterer, since 5 million exist? Do you get to taste some of their food? Do you think I should also serve beer? What about tables, chairs, linens, who provides that? If you used someone that you loved, may I have their name & number? Same for the wedding cake.
While we're not going to be doing any dancing, I thought it would be nice to have music. Will that work outdoors? Any names & numbers would be great. Lastly, I'd love some suggestions about flowers & florists.
i've read some great reviews of http://www.legateauelegant.com/ in martinez...their cakes look absolutely beautiful in the window, too. if you google them, you can find tons of websites with reviews--sounds like they're inexpensive and very, very good.
My wedding was catered by paula le duc. They are the absolute best of the best in my opinion. but you pay for it! we stripped down a lot of other wedding details and kept everything small so we could afford her (we're foodie types and i was much more interested in a fab caterer than a band or massive flowers or a huge guest list).
google them -- they are in emeryville and they are incredible, both for food and service. i would hire them again in a heartbeat (if i could afford to!)
Hi B.
CONGRATULATIONS
I have a recommendation for a great cake person - she's a real artist and loves to do custom work.
Her name is Wendy Green and she owns Cassandra's Bakery & Catering in Pleasanton ###-###-#### Everything is from scratch so she is expensive but worth it for that "once in a lifetime" cake. You can just pop into the bakery and look at her books to see the range then make an appointment to sit down with Wendy and discuss all the options.
They do full service catering also - so you can ask her about that too.
Another thing you might like to explore is hiring someone to be a bartender/manager for the party. Crystal Diamond's slogan is "be a guest at your next party" and I haven't used her myself but was impressed with her when we met at a business meeting. She is best used in a home setting where you don't want to be distracted by getting things in and out of the oven or checking that there are plenty of drinks, etc.
Hope this helps get you going with your plans.
Warmest regards,
J.
James Standfield Catering in South San Francisco is wonderful for food & beverage. They work with Classic Party Rentals. I've used both companies for my wedding and more casual gatherings and the are both spectacular.
JSC: ###-###-#### or www.JamesStandfieldCatering.com
In case you already have the food portion covered, you can contact Classic: ###-###-####
Good luck with everything.
M.
I got married last April and was very happy with the people who helped. I used Savoy Catering (3110 35th Avenue, Oakland, 94619) and had just the sort of food you are describing. I was very happy with them. They were very patient with me while we developed a menu that met my wishes and my budget. They do tastings, although I was so clear about what I wanted that I didn't need to sample suggestions. I think they provide linens, etc, but I got mine from a party rental place along with the tables and heat lamps.
My flowers came from Waterlily Pond in S.F. (waterlilypond.com). Natasha is a truly remarkable artist. Both my mother and sister have worked in the flower industry and had their own ideas about how my flowers should be, so I had to hire a professional to do the design so that someone would listen to me. I was able to describe the mood that I wanted and she was full of suggestions that I never would have known about. She brought me samples and really listened to what I wanted. Take some time to look at her website, she is truly innovative, yet classic.
I was also thrilled with The Wedding Party in Berkeley (theweddingpartyonline.com). I got my dress there. They were the only place I went where they listened to me, instead of trying to convince me I wanted something I hadn't asked for.
Sorry all these places are on the wrong side of the tunnel for you! Hope they help. Congratulations!
