FAQ Topics
Commonly Asked Questions
General Information
How
far in advance do you book?
We book a year, to a year and a half in advance. Some months are more popular than others
and therefore book faster. As with any vendor, as soon as you find
some one, or something that you ABSOLUTELY want for your wedding...
BOOK IT. Chances are, if it's that good, someone else will want
it too.
How
much will this cost me?
You
will be charged the menu (per person) fee, plus any package fees
(floral, cake, coordination, etc.), then add the service charge (15%), and
total. Next, multiply this total by 8.25%, for sales tax. After
that total and sales tax, add any non-service items (additional
rentals, location fee, etc.), and total.
E-mail me for a customized estimate. Just tell me how many guests, what day, and what type of menu.
What
is included in the price?
Included
in the package price is: your catering (menus include a beef, chicken, and vegetarian option, two side dishes, salad, fresh fruit display, and up to five hot hors d'oeuvres for the cocktail hour), location for the day, valet
parking, tables, chairs, linens, napkins, china, glassware, flatware,
4 or 4 1/2 -hours of beverage service, elegant coffee bar, all staff
needed for the event, the chilling and serving of any alcohol (no
corkage fee), cutting and serving of cake (no cake cutting fee),
the rehearsal, use of the bride's dressing room.
Can
you recommend other vendors to me?
Absolutely! As a new bride or groom, you have probably never planned
a wedding before. How do you know who is good? I was in the same
position you are in when I was trying to plan my wedding. My favorite
people are the ones included in the packages: click
here. We have seen many vendors pass through
our location, and I do not include anyone I do not believe to be
the very best.
Some
other good links:
www.weddingcelebrations.com,
www.herecomestheguide.com, www.yourweddingday.com
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Booking a Date
How
far in advance do you book?
We book a year to a year and a half in advance. Some months are more popular than others
and therefore book faster. As with any vendor, as soon as you find
some one, or something that you ABSOLUTELY want for your wedding...
BOOK IT. Chances are, if it's that good, someone else will want
it too.
How
do I book my date?
All you need to do to book your wedding is come in, put down your
deposit, and sign a contract.
If
we sign an contract with you and partially pay you now for a wedding,
up until what time could we conceivably cancel and get a refund?
Unfortunately, deposits
are nonrefundable. If you are sure you want a date, book it. But
if you may need to change, or cancel, you had better wait on it.
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Menus and Rentals
Catering
Can I change things whinin the menus/rentals?
Our caterer displays up to 8 different buffet menus and several
sit down menus. Each menu has variations within them, but sometimes,
that's just not enough. Don't worry, it's not set in stone. We can
custom create a menu just for your event. Command Performance specializes
in all types of cuisine, so if you don't see what you like, just
ask.
Many
upgrades are also available within the rentals. We can provide any
additional rentals that a rental company can provide, and more.
Umbrellas, heaters, head table, sweetheart table, canopies, etc.
We have it all.
Contact
Trevor at Command Performance at (805) 523-3232.
If
we book our wedding on a Saturday, and we only have 100 guests,
will the caterer still be able to accommodate us?
For Paliuli Gardens, the caterer is able to
do a party for 100 guests on a Saturday. But, there is a minimum
of 150 guests on a Saturday, so you would still be paying for 150,
even if you have 100 guests. However, we can be more flexible with
minimums depending on the date of the event.
For The Lotus Tea Garden,
there is always a minimum of 25 Guests
Do
we have to use your catering company or can we use our own?
We only use Command Performance
as our exclusive caterer. Some people are put off by the per person
cost, but it includes A LOT of things (i.e. food, linens, napkins,
china, glassware, flatware, 4 or 4 1/2 hours of nonalcoholic beverage
service, and all of the catering staff, servers and bartenders,
cake cutting, and the chilling and serving of your alcohol). It
also includes some things for the location that are based on a per
person (i.e. tables, chairs, the number of valets we hire, and the
set up, take down and clean up of all of those items)
How many catering staff will be at my event for a buffet? for a served menu?
As a general rule, there will be one staff member per 20 guests for a buffet, and one staff member per 15 guests for a served menu. Also your bartender and catering coordinator are on-staff to make sure everything is running smoothly.
What type of training does your chef have?
Maya Chrestensen is our Executive Chef. She has been a chef for about 19 years working in both restaurants and catering companies. She graduated from Western Culinary Institute in Portland in 1994 as the class valedictorian. Her culinary specialties are quite varied and can accomplish just about anything thrown her way. While working with Command Performance she has become the Reagan Library chef as well, preparing all the food Mrs. Reagan and her high profile guests when ever she is on site. Guests include President Lech Kaczynski of Poland, Senator Ted Kennedy and Governor Schwarzenegger just to mention a few.
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Rentals
Many
upgrades are also available within the rentals. We can provide any
additional rentals that a rental company can provide, and more. Umbrellas,
heaters, head table, sweetheart table, canopies, etc. We have it all.
What
size tables do you provide?
Included
in your packages price are 60 inch round tables.
How
many people do the tables seat?
The rental company tells us they seat 8 to 10 guests... They really
seat 8, so that is how we calculate the number of tables needed
(# of guests divided by 8). If you are having difficulties with
your seating chart, you can squeeze a ninth person in. And if you
have tables just for children (under 12), you can seat 10 at a table.
If you want to seat more,
ask about upgrading to the 72" rounds.
Is
lighting included?
To an extent. The area is wired with twinkle lights and landscape lighting, which is
sufficient for a nighttime reception for 150 guests. If your party
is larger than that, additional lighting is a very good idea. Additional
lighting can be provided through the caterer at an additional charge.
Are
heaters included?
Not every wedding requires heaters, so we don't include them. Heaters
can be provided at an additional charge of $80 per heater.
Can
you provide canopies?
Yes. Our rental company can provide canopies, at an additional charge.
Advance notice is required.
Can
I pick out my linen/napkin colors?
Absolutely! We have over 40 different colors of linens and napkins
to choose from. Sit down with our caterer to choose the colors you
like.
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Location
Ceremony
Do
you use the same set of chairs for the reception, that are used
for the ceremony?
No, we always supply double the amount of chairs needed. We don't
want your guests waiting for a seat, or have staff moving chairs
in the background of your photographs. It's just too awkward.
Can
we use one set of chairs and move them to the reception area to
save money?
No. Once again, it looks bad.
Can
we throw rice or birdseed?
No. Rice and birdseed sprout. They are VERY difficult to cleanup.
Same goes for confetti.
Can
I do just the ceremony?
Yes, we schedule ceremonies only for any 3 hours between 11am and 2pm. Included is valet parking for your guests, the set-up and take-down of chairs for the ceremony, and a ceremony coordinator to help get you down the aisle. Contact Barbara for pricing information.
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Where
do they set up the bar?
Generally, a separate bar is set up across from the catering bar,
in front of the reception area's center aviary. This configuration
depends on the size of the party as well.
Where
does the Head Table / Sweetheart Table go?
Anywhere and everywhere. I believe I've seen it all. In general,
a Head Table is set up next to the band stand. Sweetheart tables
can go anywhere.
How
many people can the dance floor hold?
The dance floor is deceptively small. I have seen a really good
DJ get up to 85 people on the dance floor. If your entertainment
doesn't take up a whole lot of space, you can extend the dancing
onto the bandstand, and could probably fit up to 95 people.
Remember,
not everyone dances at the same time. For
parties under 200 guests, the dance floor we have is adequate.
Can
we bring in a dance floor?
Dance floors can be brought in. Contact Trevor at Command Performance Catering for pricing on the dancefloor rental for your size party.
Will
I need to bring in additional lighting?
This depends on the size of your party. With the average party being
150 guests, you will not need additional lighting. With larger parties,
it's a good idea. Additional lighting can be included in you package
for a very reasonable price.
Can
we have sparklers/confetti/streamers?
No. Confetti and streamers are almost impossible to get out of the
lawn and planters. Damage like this comes out of the security deposit.
Sparklers,
when they burn and spark, burn table linens, and melt the chairs,
therefore are not allowed in the reception area. However they do
make for a grand exit, and can be used down the driveway. Ask your one-day coordinator (included in the price) about a sparkler exit.
Can
we have candles on the tables?
Absolutely. Candles are a romantic touch, at night. We only ask
that they be enclosed in a votive, or hurricane cover. No tapers.
Can we go later than 10:00pm?
Yes, our permit allows us to have amplified music (up to 50 decibels) until Midnight. In order to extend your contract time past 10:00pm, there will be overtime charges.
What are overtime charges?
If the location is occupied past the six and one half-hour period, there will be an additional hourly fee of $300 per hour. If the catering staff, and or beverage service is utilized past 4 1/2 hours, there will be an overtime charge of $30 per staff member, per half hour, plus $1.50 per person per half hour for beverages, rounded to the nearest half hour. These charges cover the cost of overtime for all valets, catering staff, and other personnel.
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Can
I have my Rehearsal at the gardens?
Of course! It's included in the price. Just schedule it! click
here
Can we cater the Rehearsal
Dinner at the gardens?
Yes. Rehearsal Dinner menus and pricing is available at the gardens.
Click here for more
details.
When can I schedule my Rehearsal?
The Rehearsal is scheduled when you pay your 60-day deposit. That
way we can schedule it, so it won't conflict with other events that
are booked. Your one-day event coordinator (included in the price) will schedule your rehearsal with you.
Rehearsals are scheduled Monday through Friday. You are allowed one event rehearsal prior to the event. The rehearsal shall be limited to one (1) hour maximum, shall have no food, drink, music, or other entertainment, and shall be limited to a maximum of twenty attendees. Rehearsal activities must be limited to non-peak hours (9am to 3pm and after 6:30pm Monday through Friday, and all day Saturday and Sunday.)
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In General
Will
you spray for bugs before the event?
No.
We don't have an excessive problem with bugs in the gardens. There
would be no way to keep a small outside area bug-free And, most
of the bugs in our garden are beneficial to it's ecological system.
REMEMBER... It is a garden, you are outside, be realistic.
What
if it rains?
Our
rental company is the best.
We can order canopies, if it looks like it may rain, and cancel
them up to a week prior to the event; when we have a better idea
of what the weather will be like. The location is very easy
to tent.
Where
are the bathrooms located and how many are provided?
Bathrooms are at the front of the garden where the valets take your guests' cars.
Are the timeframes strict or can I stay longer/come earlier?
As long as the hours are available, you can add overtime hours to arrive earlier or stay later. Overtime for the location is $300 per hour.
Can I do an evening timeframe in the Lotus Tea Garden / morning timeframe in the Paliuli Garden?
The Lotus Tea Garden can be available for the evening timeframe if a) it is being booked 90 days in advance and the evening timeframe is still available, or b) it is during the off-season (mid-November through mid-April).
The Paliuli Garden can be scheduled for either a morning or evening timeframe.
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Valets
What
do the valets wear?
Valets
dress in uniform. Dark-blue button-down shirts, and black pants. If you would like them to dress
in alternative attire, it must be provided for them.
If
we don't have valets, can it reduce the price?
Valet
parking is required.
People generally come dressed up for a wedding, and it is too much
of a liability, let alone an inconvenience to your guests, to have
them walk through a gravel parking lot in high heels. Also, being
a nursery, there is a lot of above ground irrigation. It is very
easy for someone, not familiar with the grounds, to damage water
pipes and channels.
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Packages
General
Information
When you are
planning a wedding for the first time, you don't always know who is
the best. Being in the wedding industry, and having years of experience
with weddings at our location, we have seen a lot of vendors come
through our doors. We know who is good; we've tasted the cakes; we've
seen the DJ perform; we can help you!
If
we don't get the cake through you, is there a cake cutting fee?
No. The cake package, as with all packages is a convenience to you.
Although, our cakes are the best you will ever taste. (I'm not biased...
really.)
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Payment
When
do I pay for my event?
Your event is paid in three payments. The first is your initial
deposit, second is your 60-day deposit. The 60-day deposit is based
on your educated guess of the head count. Obviously, you won't know
your final count at that time so we take a final third payment.
This last payment is due 10-days before your event, and will be
your final count. After the 10-day mark, your guest count can only
go up, not down.
What
if I don't know my final count when the payment is due?
At 10 days prior to your date, you should know how many people are
coming to your wedding. Invitations should be sent out one to two
months prior, with an RSVP due two weeks before your date. This
allows enough time for you to contact those who have not yet replied.
If we don't have a final count by 10-days before the event, we use
the most recent count we have (the 60-day count). If payment is
not made at 7-days prior to the event, there is a 1% late penalty
fee.
What
if my payment is late?
If any payment is late, there will be a 1% late penalty fee.
What form of payment do you accept?
We take any form of payment except for credit cards. We cannot swipe a credit card. Personal checks are fine.
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Insurance
Do
I need to get additional insurance for my event?
Yes. Our insurance cover general liability for the property (i.e.
someone trips and falls on the grounds). But it does not cover if,
for example, a guest gets drunk at your party, gets in their car,
and causes and accident. Additional insurance protects you and us.
What
if I can't get insured?
Contact
Barbara. We work with a few local insurance agencies, who know what
you need, and the most cost effective way to get it. We highly recommend
Lynda Rommelhoff of State Farm Insurance in Moorpark (805) 553-0355,
or contact R.V. Nuccio Insurance at www.rvnuccio.com.
What
if you don't receive the proof of insurance?
If
we do not receive your proof of insurance, your event can not take
place. No special circumstances accepted.
What
about the other vendors I hire? Do they need insurance?
Yes. Anyone you hire that will be setting foot on the property on
the day of your event MUST have a certificate of liability insurance
on file at the location. If they do not have insurance, they will
not be allowed to work on the property on your date.
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Alcohol
Can
we bring our own alcohol?
Yes. We do not include any alcohol in the packages, because every
party varies so greatly in what they want to do. If you would like
alcohol included, that can also be arranged. Alcohol must be received
by the catering staff at least 2 hours prior to being served, so
it can be properly chilled. Please, don't bring boxed wine. We have
no refrigeration units, only ice. We can not properly chill boxes
of wine.
Do
you charge a corkage fee?
No. Uncorking, chilling and serving alcohol is all included.
Are there any fees associated with having alcohol at my event?
Not with the location or catering. There are no additional fees associated with having alcohol at your event. Your insurance company may charge a little more for the policy, but that's about all I can think of.
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Final
Guest Count
Should
vendors be included in the final guest count?
For a buffet, the caterer usually makes 5% more than what's needed
to ensure an ample supply. For a sit-down, you had better count
your vendors (at least the ones who stay through dinner) in your
guest count. Vendors are charged at the Kid's Price.
What
if I don't know my final count when the payment is due?
At 10 days prior to your date, you should know how many people are
coming to your wedding. Invitations should be sent out one to two
months prior, with an RSVP due two weeks before your date. This
allows enough time for you to contact those who have not yet replied.
If we don't have a final count by 10-days before the event, we use
the most recent count we have (the 60-day count). If payment is
not made at 7-days prior to the event, there is a 1% late penalty
fee.
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More...
None
of these FAQs answer my questions, what should I do?
Please e-mail your question to us at barbara@hartleybotanica.com.
We will e-mail you back, and you may see your question and answer
on these pages later! Thanks for your help.
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