Ten Reasons for Hiring An Event Planner

Growing up in my parent's floral business was fun, plus, I had a great opportunity to learn about design first hand.

As a young girl, I remember watching brides and their mothers meet with my mom in our showroom and plan beautiful weddings and parties.

Sitting on the showroom floor, I would surround myself with the lastest wedding books and imagine all the possibilities.  I could entertain myself for hours.

Today, the choices are endless and this can be challenging for today's brides and grooms.

As a planning company, our goal is to make the process fun and seamless for our clients. XO
10 Reasons for hiring a coordinator -

1. Someone who can relate to your vision and help you execute it.
2. Someone who can save you time.
3. Someone who is connected to amazing service providers.
4. Someone who has experience to help you establish a realistic budget.
5. Someone who is ready with plan B when the need arises.
6. Someone who can help you narrow down your choices based on your criteria.
7. Someone who has your back.
8. Someone who can help you with etiquette challenges.
9. Someone who can help save you money.
10. Someone who can deal with all the projects you don't have time or want to handle.

GIANNA'S PICKS OF THE WEEK -

Great idea if you are having a photo booth.

Essie.

A fun bridesmaid gift idea.

Ghost chairs with beautiful overhead lighting.

Allure Bridals

Jimmy Choo

J. Crew

Beautiful chandeliers and lighting along with mercury glass vases.  XO

GIANNA'S TIPS OF THE WEEK -

Posing for the camera
Here are a few tips from the pros:

Pose sideways and turn your shoulders and head towards the camera.  If you are standing, redistribute your weight onto your back foot.  Instant weight loss.  xo

Never let anyone shoot you from below and keep your head held high to avoid having a double chin.

Stand tall.

Keep your smile natural - try and think about something fun or something that you love.

Finding the perfect location

First, prepare a budget and determine your guest count. This will help you avoid choosing the wrong location and entering into an agreement prematurely.

We always recommend that our couples have an idea about how they envision their wedding day.
For an example, will the location have an ocean, vineyard, garden or city view?

How late do they want their reception to go until?

Since we have access to over 4,000 private estates and venues, we can assist you in finding the right location for your special event.

We are here 24/7, please give us a call. We are happy to help.

Have a great weekend.

-Gianna

Gearing Up for Holiday Entertaining - 10 Tips to Help You Get Ready!

Our hearts and prayers go out to everyone on the East Coast, who have been affected by Hurricane Sandy.




Red Cross 

For me, every October means another birthday and that includes all of my annual doctor appointments, where I can learn how much I abused myself in the previous year.

However, this year, the news was relatively good, along with my desire to lose weight.

After speaking with my doctor, I decided to make the change and start eating healthy and carving out time to exercise every day.  Even though, I am only on day three, I am already sleeping better, have more energy in the morning and I have lost 2.5 pounds as of this morning. :)

That being said, I do believe in preventative health care, so if you have not seen your doctor in awhile, please make an appointment with your health care professionals for a check up today!

This week's blog is all about event planning tips for entertaining and weddings, plus my picks of the week.

TIPS OF THE WEEK - Entertaining

Call your favorite liquor store or caterer and let them guide you on quantities of alcohol, ice, mixers, water and garnishes.

Make sure you have enough glassware on hand - our caterers recommend at least 3 glasses per person.

If you are serving martinis, best to serve them in martini glasses.  You can use all purpose glasses for wine, soft drinks and even champagne.

Have your camera ready to capture great memories.

If you are having more than 10 guests for a sit down dinner, create fun place cards to make the dinner conversation fun.

Check out your favorite chef on TV Food Network's web site to find recipes that will work with your budget and time.

If you are throwing an election party - add red, white and blue candles, cocktail napkins, balloons, flowers, plates and glassware along with specialty cocktails - add tiny flags for cocktails.

A good friend of mine told me that she is having large cut outs of both candidates, so her guests can take photos with the candidates.

Offer your guests a selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian appetizers.

If you don't have anytime to cook, hire your favorite catering truck (such as In and Out or The Habit) to arrive at your home within a specific time block to serve dinner.  Make sure that you let your guests know when to arrive, so they don't miss out. Caterers will want to make sure that they have access to your home or apartment - please make sure to schedule time for a site visit.

TIPS OF THE WEEK - Weddings

If you are getting married and would prefer cash instead of a wedding gift, etiquette dictates that you not ask your guests for cash, especially on the invite. However, you can setup a registry on your web site for your honeymoon, so your guests can contribute.

Trying to decide whether or not to have a wedding video?  Most couples will view their video maybe once or twice after they are hitched.  We see couples ask for highlights of their wedding.  Most clips are less than five minutes and you can add a link to the video on your Facebook page or communicate your link on your thank you note.

Avoid having an open mic at all costs; this is one of the most painful things to watch at a wedding, especially if your guests have been drinking and they're feeling a little too festive.  I have seen the bride and groom get dropped in the trick bag in front of friends and family.  Please use caution.

Ask your band or DJ to play easy listening music during dinner that will appeal to older guests. Some of your guests will appreciate the chance to talk and catch up, then when the dancing starts, they won't mind hearing the latest tunes.

Thinking of having edible favors? We recommend labeling the ingredients just in case one of your guests has a food allergy. Nut allergies seems to be a more common allergy with guests.

GIANNA'S PICKS OF THE WEEK -

 Beautiful white decor with the ocean as a back drop. 

Thinking about a second dress...

Great dress for a beach wedding.

Flower girl.

Grey bridesmaid dresses.

Mercury glass.

Apple Cider Sangria.

Escort table with a beautiful candelabra.

Great gift for the special man in your life.

Have a great weekend!
-Gianna