Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do you list information for states other than California?
Not yet. At this point, we only provide information for Northern and Southern California. We are frequently asked to expand to other regional areas, and have plans to do so. Until that time, if you find useful web resources for other states, please email us at so we can help others in the future.
Q. Why can’t I search by price range?
We wish we had a 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 location 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.
Q. 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.
Q. 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 recent wedding 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 sisters and best friends, so this is what we’re telling you.
Q. How can I get my company or facility listed on your website?
We love to add new locations and services to our website. See our Get Listed page for more information. If you’d like to be featured, just email us with all your contact information (phone and fax numbers, email and web addresses, etc.) and we’ll get right back to you. You can also call us at 510/548-0400.
Q. I have a current copy of Here Comes The Guide. Does the website have different information?
Yes. Our books are published only once every two years, so whenever we find new locations and services after a book has come out, we add them to our website on our New Stuff page. You’ll find the most up-to-date information on our website.
Q. I called a facility and found that the fee information on your website was out of date. Why the discrepancy?
Facilities 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. With your help we can keep our website as current as possible.
Tell locations 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.
Q. What does the 
mean?
If you see a facility listed with this symbol, it means this site has a virtual tour. Go to that site’s info page and you’ll be able to click on a button to see a 360 view of up to five different spaces at that facility. It’s almost as good as being there.
Q. I can’t seem to get the virtual tour to work. Can you help?
You might need to reinstall Flash. Go to Adobe to download Flash. We’re also fans of the web browser Firefox. You might try that as well.
Q. 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 locations 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. email or call us at 510/548-0400.
Q. 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 and we may be able to help.
Q. I have an old edition of Here Comes The Guide and can’t find information about a particular location 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 in our publications or on our website. If you email us, we’ll tell you what the situation is for the location(s) in question.
Q. I am thinking about hiring a vendor or facility 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 facility. If you send us an email, we can tell you for sure.