If you have chosen Tom Ham’s Lighthouse, a historic restaurant on the tip of Harbor Island, as your wedding venue, kudos! This is a great venue with good food, good staff, and a fantastic view. Based on my experience working here, I’ve compiled some tips for a Tom Ham’s Lighthouse wedding.
PROS OF HAVING A TOM HAM’S LIGHTHOUSE WEDDING
- Lots of easy, free, convenient parking
- Easy to find
- Friendly staff
- Good food
- Million dollar view of the San Diego skyline
- The California Room has the perfect wedding set-up, in my opinion
- Easy load-in for your vendors (no stairs, etc)
- The bar is located right by the dance floor
- Ceremony site located on the property
CONS OF HAVING A TOM HAM’S LIGHTHOUSE WEDDING
- They tend to set up the dance floor way bigger than necessary. My client asked them to set up the floor to be about 15′ x 18′ but they still went ahead and set it up the way they normally do (about 18′ x 25′ or so). Even though we had a really rocking dance party, the dance floor still looked empty most of the time….which doesn’t really translate the “rockingness” of the reception into photos and videos.
- My client’s contract said vendors had only one hour of set-up time. I don’t know any remotely professional DJ who can be set up in 60 minutes (including sound check, mic check, light check, changing your clothes, etc). I showed up my normal 2 hours early and walked right in to set up with no problems. The doors were all wide open.
None of these “cons” are deal-breakers at all. Communicating with Tom Ham’s Lighthouse clearly should rectify both situations. I still definitely give Tom Ham’s two enthusiastic thumbs up.
TIPS FOR A TOM HAM’S LIGHTHOUSE WEDDING
- Take advantage of the beautiful San Diego skyline behind you. Get photos out on the patio and put the head table so the city is to your back.
- Unless your wedding is in the hottest part of the summer, rent heaters for the patio (if you are having your cocktail hour there). It gets breezy on the water!
- Did you know Tom Ham’s Lighthouse has some AV equipment should you decide to do a slideshow? Just ask them 🙂
- Be aware that they may have another event going on the same time as yours (if that is a concern to you).
- Come enjoy their weekend brunch before your big day! I hear it’s fabulous 🙂
CHECK OUT SOME REAL TOM HAM’S LIGHTHOUSE WEDDINGS
- Mary & Ryan, by DJ Staci
- Jenell & Brandon, by Bauman Photographers
- Hilary & Jose, by Laura Christin Photography
- Adriana & Shaun, by Eder Photo
- Wendy & Brennan, by Photography by Berlynn
- Marie & Duy, by Jenny Thai Photography
I hope these tips for a Tom Ham’s Lighthouse wedding have been helpful. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Post by DJ Track Star Staci
I'm DJ Track Star Staci, an international DJ, MC, turntablist, & producer for 14 years. My clients have included: Lamborghini, Victoria's Secret, Reebok, and many more. My performances are trusted at A-list events like Comic Con, Entrepreneur of the Year, and movie premieres. I've rocked Sr. Frogs in Cancun, music festivals, the Vegas strip, celebrity events, & 500 weddings. Check my availability, get an instant fee estimate, or listen to some of my DJ sets or my original remixes & mash-ups.
