Venue
Book first: it sets your date and capacity. Get arrival/teardown times, approved-vendor rules, alcohol policy, and insurance requirements in writing.
Plan · Budget · Vendors
Plan your event
Enter your event details once. We use them for your checklist and timeline, your budget check, and your free vendor shortlist.
1. Your event · 2. Checklist · 3. Budget & quotes · 4. Vendor matches
1. Your event
Fill this in once. Planning tools run in your browser; nothing is sent to us unless you send the vendor request in step 4.
3. Budget reality check
Uses your event type, guest count, budget, style, day, and needs from step 1. Runs in your browser.
Quote comparison (all-in totals)
Enter up to 3 quotes for the same service. We add service charges, tax, gratuity, and fees so you can compare apples to apples.
4. Get your free vendor shortlist
We send your details from step 1 (name, email, phone, event type, date, guests, budget range, location, and needs). You'll see instant matches from our local list, then get a confirmed shortlist of 3–5 local options by email within 1 business day. Free for event hosts.
Quick vendor category guide
What to ask each type of vendor before you book. Always confirm licenses, insurance, and what's included in writing.
Catering
Ask what's included: service charge (often 18–22%), tax, gratuity, staff count, rentals, and setup/cleanup. Food trucks and taco carts need power, water, and space.
Photographer
Compare hours of coverage, number of edited photos, delivery time, and second-shooter options. Book 6–12 months out for weddings.
DJ / music
Confirm hours, sound and microphone for toasts, lighting, overtime rate, and power needs. Share must-play and do-not-play lists early.
Florist
Bring photos and a budget. Ask about delivery, setup and pickup times, and whether centerpieces or arches are rentals.
Cake & desserts
Order by guest count; ask about delivery, setup, cake-cutting fees at your venue, and allergy-friendly options.
Rentals
Tables, chairs, linens, tents, shade, and heaters. Confirm delivery windows, setup, and damage/cleaning fees. Shade matters in Central Valley summers.
Bartending
Use a licensed bartending service with liquor liability insurance. Ask about ID checks, RBS/LEAD-trained staff, and whether your venue needs a permit.
Restrooms
For home, park, ranch, or outdoor venues. Luxury restroom trailers feel like indoor bathrooms; portable units suit casual events. Ask about ADA units, hand-wash stations, attendants, level ground, truck access, power, and water. Book 2–4 months out.
Event security
Use only companies holding a California BSIS Private Patrol Operator license (verify at search.dca.ca.gov). Decide on door/bag check, parking/traffic, and crowd control; agree on written post orders.
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