Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I search by a more specific price range?

We understand that this is highly subjective and varies regionally, but to give you a rough idea, we have three levels for search: $ (affordable), $$ (moderate), and $$$ (luxury).

We wish we had a more precise way to do this that made any sense, but we've wracked our brains for years and just can't come up with an accurate, helpful way to do this.

Pricing structures and options are so variable it's virtually impossible to create a searchable field that yields useful results. For example, some places offer packages that include plenty of extras (which you may or may not want), some have no rental fees in addition to per person meal charges, some—well, you get the picture. It's an apples to oranges problem. And, consider that a location might be way too expensive if you booked its ballroom for a Saturday night in June; however, if you opted for a Friday or Sunday night or changed the month to April or November, that site might then be affordable. Also, some locations will reduce their published rates if you negotiate with them.

BEST ADVICE: If you like a particular wedding venue but it seems out of your price range, don't give up on it. By being flexible—shifting the month, day, time, menu, etc.—you may be able to have your event there and stay within your budget.

Also, read our Wedding Budget: Venue Fees and Other Costs article!

Do you list information for all states?

Not yet. We got our start in California and that's where we have the most wedding venues, vendors, salons, and fairs. We cover much of the country and are adding new locations every day. If you'd like us to start covering your state sooner rather than later, please email info@herecomestheguide.com! We're listening.

What does "CBA" mean?

CBA means "can be arranged". For a full explanation of our terms and abbreviations, please click here for the Key to Terms page.

Why do some venues have the LGBTQ+ Friendly designation and some don't?

The venues with the LGBTQ+ Friendly notation have affirmatively told us that are LGBTQ+ Friendly. If you don't see this notation, it likely means that we haven't heard from the venue if they want this designation.

You say your vendors are "pre-screened." What does that involve?

Our goal is to represent only the best event professionals in the industry. In order to do this, we require that each vendor go through a rigorous reference check. Each company must provide us with a list of 25-30 wedding industry references, along with 5-10 recently wedded couples. We call each person and get their honest feedback. Only if the company gets a very enthusiastic review do we accept them as a client. Click here to read more about being "Certified by the Guide".

We do have to say, of course, reality being what it is, that, though we’ve checked out all of our professionals very carefully, Here Comes The Guide is not responsible for the contract you ultimately sign with them, or for how your event goes. That’s between you and each company you use for your event. Our best advice is to be thorough, careful consumers and get every single thing in writing. This is what we’d tell our siblings and best friends, so this is what we’re telling you.

Why don't you offer the chance to leave a review of a vendor on your website? I'd like to make a comment on a wedding vendor.

Great question! We absolutely see the value in reading reviews from other brides, grooms, or clients—that's why we're very careful with them. We've seen phony reviews either slamming or talking up businesses on other websites. It's very hard for those websites to monitor and verify comments. We decided to take a different approach. We only post reviews that we have collected, so we can feel confident that they are the real deal.

If you have any feedback—whether positive or negative—on any of the vendors you see on our website, by all means, email (info@herecomestheguide.com) or phone (510-548-0400) us.

How can I get my company or venue listed on your website?

We love to add new venues and vendors to our website. See our Join Us! page for more information.

I have a current copy of Here Comes The Guide. Does the website have different information?

Yes. Our most recent book was published in 2021, so you'll find more up-to-date information on our website.

I called a wedding venue and found that the fee information on your website was out of date. Why the discrepancy?

Venues often change their prices and policies, but they don't always let us know. We have tried to ensure accuracy and completeness; however, we assume no responsibility for errors, inaccuracies, omissions or any other inconsistency. If you call a location and discover that our information is not up-to-date, please "email":mailto:info@herecomestheguide.com. With your help we can keep our website as current as possible.

Tell venues you are using HereComesTheGuide.com and ask if the information here is still correct. Make sure you understand everything—and get it in writing. Contracts, verbal or written agreements, permits, and all other legal documents or materials pertaining to any event are the responsibility of the individual or individuals who are purchasing event services. Hopscotch Press, Inc. assumes no responsibility for the business practices of the companies herein this website, nor assumes responsibility for any contractual arrangements between the consumer and the event venue or vendor. (See our Disclaimer. Fun. We know.)

If I email you with my desired region, capacity number and a general sense of what I'm looking for, will you customize a list of possible venues just for me?

We'd love to, but we can't. Unfortunately we don't have enough staff or time to provide this service. However, if you're having trouble using our website to find what you want, we're happy to help you: info@herecomestheguide.com or call us at 510/548-0400.

I've searched your website for hours and can't find anything that fits my particular needs. Can I email you for more suggestions?

If you feel you've exhausted all the options on our website and are at your wit's end, you can send us an email to info@herecomestheguide.com and we may be able to help.

I have an old edition of Here Comes The Guide and can't find information about a particular venue from that book on your website. Why is that?

Maybe that location stopped doing special events or went out of business altogether. Or maybe they want to keep a low profile and decided not to be featured on our website. If you email info@herecomestheguide.com, we'll tell you what the situation is for the venue(s) in question.

I am thinking about hiring a vendor or venue that's not listed on your website. Does that mean there's something wrong with them?

Not at all. It may just be that we're not familiar with that particular vendor or venue. If you send us an email at info@herecomestheguide.com and we can tell you for sure.