Private Estates – Important Tips

If you are thinking about having your wedding or special event at a private estate rather than a country club or hotel, please consider these tips before signing the bottom line.
Caterer: Hiring an experienced caterer with a stellar reputation for off site catering is very important! Just because they have a great restaurant with amazing food and service or a slick catering brochure, does not mean they have mastered the art of catering. Your caterer needs to understand how to flip an area from ceremony to dinner in an hour, wait staff coverage, trained and experienced captains, wait and kitchen staff and an understanding of your timeline. Many times we hear about a great dinner tasting for two or four people, but the dinner reception falls flat and the meal is dreadful. There are great caterers out there and we value them!

Budget: Estate weddings can be beautiful and unique, but the costs can add up since there are many line items that need to be covered. Have a budget outlined before you proceed with signing any contracts! A professional wedding or event coordinator can help you create one and guide you. From time to time, we see mock up budgets online that are not realistic.
Insurance: Make sure that you have a certificate of insurance for your wedding or event day that covers setup through the strike time.
Event planner: Hiring an event planning company who has knowledge and plenty of experience will save you money, headaches and valuable time!
Weather: Our office tracks weather beginning 10 days from your event. We understand that you and your guests need to be comfortable or the party will end early. In addition, we participate in walk through meetings on site with you and your vendors to outline a weather contingency plan.
Valet and Shuttle: Before you decide on an estate, please make sure that you identify the parking rules, so you can add the costs into your budget. In addition, make sure that you have enough shuttles for your guests so your wedding or event does not start late.
Generator: We recommend having a generator at all of our off site events. The estate you choose may not have enough circuits to cover your lighting, band, coffee makers, etc. There is nothing worse than blowing a fuse and ending up in the dark at your event!
For additional tips, please feel free to call our office at 818.246.2288.

Miami and Great Gatsby Theme

Earlier this summer, we produced a gorgeous wedding for Andrea and Robert at a private estate in Malibu. 


Our client Andrea had a vision of a Miami style and Great Gatsby themed wedding. Florist and designer Lisa Cardella from Ixora Floral Studio did a great job interpreting her dream and making it into a reality. The long tables had white satin linens with black and white damask runners with touches of yellow to give each table a burst of color. Candles adorned the tables and white art deco furniture under a gorgeous white canopy with a black and white crystal chandelier. Each of the trees that lined the dinner reception were decorated with crystal chandeliers from one of our favorite lighting companies Images by Lighting.


Rentals were handled by A Rental Connection and The Korman Group - they did a great job with the installation and strike.

The food and service were outstanding. Many thanks to Michael C. Events creative chef and owner Michael Compean! The guests were served a lobster and filet mignon duet with his famous macaroni and cheese on the side.

Christina and Andy’s Wedding in Pacific Palisades

Last month, we've been fortunate to work on Christina and Andy's wedding at the Bel Air Bay Club. I absolutely love the Bel Air Bay Club and everyone who works at the venue. From the personnel to the beautiful architecture to the cuisine, it is an amazing place to have your wedding or a special event. Our client Christine had a vision of pale pink and green and our team of professional were able to create her vision.       

I would like to thank Images by Lighting for the chandeliers and lighting, Elliott at A Pipe Dream for the gorgeous champagne fabric at the back of the room, Janette at Elegant Design for the beautiful champagne satin table linens and of course Lisa at Ixora for all of the amazing floral designs and creative! In addition to the decor, the guests danced all night as Ian at Red Shoe LA rocked the music!

Great Gatsby Themed Wedding

One of my favorite estates is a historic property with a stunning ocean view that was once owned by actor Charles Laughton. Last month, we produced a Great Gatsby themed wedding. After dinner and the cake cutting, guests were invited to the screening room where they danced and enjoyed Kahlua milkshake shooters and mini sliders! Themed weddings and parties are fun - the concept can start from the style of your invite that allows your guests to sample what is yet to come with the party design, which can include the wait staff’s attire!

Afternoon Beverly Hills Wedding

Lauren and Josh’s wedding last month was recently posted on Style Me Pretty Bridal Inspirations.

The afternoon wedding was held at The Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills. Every detail was well thought out by Lauren, her mother and aunt – from the vintage postcards that the guests filled out to the beautiful color palette!
After the wedding ended, the guests were invited to an after party on the roof top at the London Hotel in West Hollywood.
Lauren was a joy to have as a client and I wish her and Josh all the happiness in the world.