Are you in need of an extra helping hand at your upcoming event? Then you need Criú Hospitality Professionals! Founded by Pati Coelho, the company has been providing vetted, qualified, and reliable temporary staffing services since its inception in 2017. Pati and the Criú team understand the critical needs of the event industry and always adhere to the highest industry standards.

For weddings specifically, the team will help with setting up at the ceremony or reception, decorating, food and beverage service, busing, and cleaning up afterwards. They also work closely alongside your other vendors including caterers or coordinators to ensure seamless service.

SBWS spoke with CEO and owner Pati Coelho in order to better understand the ins and outs of the business, and to get some wedding advice from a seasoned professional with over 25 years in the event industry.

Q - What is your favorite location to work? What is the style that makes this location special for couples?

A - I don't have a favorite. The beauty of being a vendor in this industry is having the opportunity to experience the wide range of venues the Central Coast has to offer. Sometimes we find ourselves in the most lavish, upscale winery for a wedding of 300, other times we're on the beach with a party of 10, in bare feet - both are breathtaking in their own way. We adjust to the environment, the client, and the overall vibe of each event.

Q - What is your #1 top piece of advice you give to couples before they hire you?

A - Please don't understaff! Clients sometimes feel that staffing is easy to cut back on. What they should try to remember is that it's the staff - not the caterer, florist, coordinator - that is front facing your guests. We are greeting, serving, bussing their tables, pouring their drinks, and making them feel welcome. The worst thing you can do is be understaffed at your wedding, leading to slow service, unhappy guests, and ultimately, paying overtime.

Q - What is trending with your couples?

A - Signature cocktails! We have noticed more and more of our couples opting to create two signature "his & her" cocktails for their wedding, along with beer and wine. We love this trend! Most of our venues are located in the foothills and vineyards. We find that keeping the bar simple helps to keep the overindulgence of drinking to a minimum and a safe drive home. It's less expensive, less complicated for the bar staff, and still keeps everyone happy.

Q - What are 2 things you wish couples would do for every wedding?

A - We love when our couples carefully study all their event requirements well in advance and take a good look at service offered by their vendors. It often happens that we get a call just two to three weeks in advance of a wedding because the couple didn't realize there is no service staff included.
The only other thing I really wish for couples to do is to breathe it all in - try to remember the day is going to fly by and to not miss a moment.

Q - To date, what wedding have you done that has made the top of your favorite list, and why?

A - We attended a gorgeous wedding at Malibou Lake in Agoura. It was incredible. The ceremony took place on the tiny island in the center of the lake, which all guests were boated over to, then on to the Lodge on the other side of the lake for the reception. The venue, setting, landscape, and the water make this an ultimate spot for any milestone event. This one was a second marriage for a very happy, older couple. Sweetest wedding we've had the pleasure to witness!