From Decor to Planning Tips

I love my job even though it has been ranked the 6 TH most stressful job (event planner is one notch above police officer) in the United States.  


I believe an event planner's goal is to connect all the dots from start to finish.   

Since most event planners produce live productions, such as weddings and special events, we know there are no do overs...that is why we end up working late, to figure out the details...


Our company believes in giving our clients choices to assist with the planning process, so they can choose the right level of service they want with an option to upgrade anytime during the planning process. 


Here's to a healthy, happy and productive 2012! Yours truly, 


XO, Gianna


A month ago, our company produced a beautiful wedding at Saddlerock Ranch in Malibu, California.  Our bride had a vision and our goal was to make it come to fruition.  Here are a few shots from the wedding -

TIPS OF THE WEEK:

If you are having shuttles, we recommend having a coordinator at each hotel. Your guests will be able to relax knowing when the next shuttle is arriving and if your guests are running late, they have someone who can help them connect with your wedding.

When throwing a party at a restaurant or venue, one room is ideal.  If you have multiple rooms it can divide your party and defuse the energy. 


The location rate for a venue (except for an estate in Southern California) is lower in January, February and March than other times of the year.  Please make sure you have a contingency plan if your wedding is outside.


Buffet meals can be more expensive than plated dinners, since your guests can consume more food.  Ask your venue  what the difference is in pricing before you make your decision.


Try and avoid having your wedding around Valentine and Mother's Day, since flowers cost more and some varieties of flowers such as roses are hard to obtain.

Gianna's Picks of the Week:

 Simple, but pretty.

Replace the guest book with a wine bottle(s) to represent milestone anniversaries.

Lady Slippers.

Elegant.

 So unexpected....Alexander McQueen.

How to Achieve the Most with Your Event Professionals

Planning a beautiful wedding or special event does not mean that you need to refinance your home or blow your savings. My father taught me that the client comes first and to treat the event professionals with fairness. 

Here is a short list of recommendations to help you create a successful event:


Please don't cut corners on the your vendor's meals. They work hard to setup, perform and strike and a good meal gives them energy and it shows that you care.  I have seen high end hotels and resorts serve sandwiches made with stale bread or a rubber chicken dinner that was not edible.  Since your vendors can't leave, they are stuck eating the meal.  

Weather  - will your musicians be performing in the sun?  Supplying one or two market umbrellas will do the trick. Will they be performing outside in the cold?  Since temperatures drop through out the night, please add heaters to the rental or banquet event order to keep them warm.   

The necessities - will they have access to a restroom?  I have heard horror stories from some of my valet companies that said that they were told no bathroom access for the valet staff.  Really?

If it is really hot outside and your vendors have a long setup day and it is challenging for them to leave due to logistics (need a shuttle to leave the property or they will get behind on time if they leave), please consider supplying cool water in the afternoon.

Gianna's Picks of the Week

Love the assorted colors of pink.

Sweet. 

Dance the night away...

Elegant....

Fun.

Party Favor?

Beach Wedding?



Pretty in Pink.

Possible ring bearer?  xoxo

A Sneak Peak to the Start of a Great Week

Recently, I was fortunate to be invited to an eight course tasting at Vibiana in downtown Los Angeles. Our host was Steve Fortunato of Room Forty.  The decor and event production was designed and orchestrated by the fabulous, Alexandra Rembrec of Sterling Engagements.  Everyone of us (I believe it was 41) enjoyed a wonderful afternoon along with the most amazing cuisine.  Being surrounded by so many wonderful and respected event planners was fun and as always, an unforgettable experience.

photos by ryangarvin.com

Planning Tip of the Week -well it is Thursday, better late than never...

The first thing people experience when they attend a party or special event is the valet and/or shuttle or self parking.
  
If guests self park and walk to the venue, hopefully, there is a short distance rather than having a long walk in high heels while carrying a gift - most guests buy online but you never know...

We recommend planning the logistics from the very start, so your guests feel special from the minute they arrive.  Who knows what challenges they have faced through out the day to get to your event (crazy day at work, delayed or cancelled flights), so it is a nice touch when they know that they are going to be well taken care of from the beginning. 


Please feel free to call our office if you would like more ideas.


GIANNA'S PICKS OF THE WEEK-

The Venue -

Private estate in Malibu.  If you are interested in renting a private home with a vineyard and inside and outside access, please call our office for more details.





Bridesmaid dresses - I love this dress. Fun and flirty and your bridesmaids will probably want to wear it again.  This dress is not for every wedding, but worth checking out for special occasions.

This is DIY that I really appreciate.  Very pretty and romantic.





Looking for a little Hollywood Glamour for your bridesmaids, this could be a consideration.



Could be a fun beverage setup for family and bridal party photos (with your favorite beverages on ice) along with tray passed appetizers, so you can enjoy what your guests are having during cocktail hour.


That is it for this week's blog. Have a wonderful weekend!