Throwing a Wedding or Party - How to Stay Sane!

Happy New Year!

Looking forward to 2013.  Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

Recently, I was thinking about what to write for this week's blog, and then it hit me -list all of my favorite planning tips.

I hope they help make your next event go smoothly.

If you need assistance, please do not hesitate to call our office at 818.246.2288.  We are here for you over the holidays.  Packages are 10% off through January.

XO, Gianna

1. Before you sign any agreements, please consider your guest count and overall budget.  Once you have both numbers in place, check with an experienced event planner to make sure that your budget is realistic.

2. Make sure that the music volume is not too loud.  You want your guests to be able to have a conversation without having to yell at one another.

3. Lighting - we love to see lighting where it allows the guests to feel relaxed and look great, but still be able to see what they are eating. Unfortunately, I have been to parties where the lighting was so dark, I could not see where I was walking.

4. Servers - make sure that you have enough servers, so all of your guests are eating dinner at the same time.  Rule of thumb is a minimum of 1 server per 10 guests at a seated dinner, but if the budget permits, have 2 servers per 10 guests.  You can always release some of the servers after the main course has been served to save money.

5. Make sure that you don't run out of alcohol, mixers and ice - this can end a party before its time.
We estimate five times the glassware per guest.

6. Speaking of alcohol - please make sure that your guests don't drive home from your party intoxicated.  Consider cab vouchers, designated drivers and/or guest rooms if they have had a little too much holiday cheer. Also, we recommend, closing the bar about 45 minutes before the end of the event and serve coffee, cappuccino and espresso to your guests.

7. If you have friends that smoke, create a comfortable space for them with lighting, seating, ashtrays, tables and add heaters if the weather is chilly.

8. Bathrooms - stock up on hand towels, soap, toilet paper and scented candles.  For larger parties, I prefer the ratio of one bathroom per 50 guests.  For a smaller cocktail party of up to 50 persons, I like two to three bathrooms in case one of the bathrooms has a problem.  When we produce events, our company always hires someone to make sure that the bathrooms are checked on the hour to ensure they are kept clean and restocked.

9.  If you are having a large dinner reception, please create escort cards with your guest's dinner selection (this helps the servers) and their table number, so your guests know which table they have been assigned.  Avoid having open seating and /or using a "reserve sign" on the dinner table at all costs.  If you opt for open seating or reserved signs, you won't know if you are missing guest seating and it is awkward for your VIPs, since they won't know where to sit.

10. If you are having a party that goes late, add a late night snack like grilled cheese sandwiches and fries, or mac and cheese, or pigs in a blanket, plus a fun dessert and coffee bar.

11.  If you have friends that don't drink, research fun and creative mocktails to your bar menu.  We have found a lot of delicious recipes on the Internet.  According to Natalie Bovis, the self dubbed The Liquid Muse, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves add zing to non-alcohol drinks.

12.  Accessorize your party with cocktail napkins that work with your theme. Make sure you have plenty on hand, since one guest may use five or more through-out the night.

13. Party themes - Italian, Greek or Latin are a few fun ideas. As the host, you can serve the main course and ask your guests to bring a fun dish to go with the theme, then, add music, dressed servers, fun decor and there you go...a theme party.  Another idea would be a 1980's party - your guests will have fun checking out the Internet to see what was popular back then - like leg warmers, big hair and padded shoulders. xo

14. Hire a reputable videographer. Many brides will say that their wedding day went by in a blur, therefore, we recommend hiring a videographer, so they can see what they missed.  Many of our clients have started requesting a short video (4-8 minutes of the day's highlights to music). This short clip is a small enough file to send to family and friends.
Rates start at $2400.  xo

15. Please don't skimp on the photographer.  If he or she is still learning their trade or they are not very good, you could be stuck looking at bad shots since you can't redo the day.
Rates start at $2500 for off season and $3500 and up for busy season.

Gianna's Picks of the Week -

Beautiful.

                                                                      XO.

Mercury glass.

Love the gold glitter and peonies.

Thin bracelets. 

Please drink responsibly.

Wishing you a wonderful New Year!
XO, Gianna

Newly Engaged? Important Tips Every Bride Should Know.

The holidays are a romantic time of year from sentimental movies to commercials to nostalgic songs on the radio.

Nine years ago this month, my husband proposed to me, so I definitely can relate to this time of the year.

This week's blog focuses on planning tips to help our readers start off their dream event on the right path.

You're Engaged  - Taking the First Important Steps:

Step number one - smile, take a deep breath, and enjoy this time with your new fiance before you dive into the planning process.

Before you sign any agreements, determine a budget (money you can realistically set aside and what is going to be contributed) for your wedding.  Once you have the number set in stone, then confirm your guest count. Once these two big ticket items have been determined, talk with an experienced event planning company (like us) and make sure that your budget matches your guest count, so you can maximize your wedding.

Determine when you would like to have your wedding - the month and day(s) then, check with your VIPs and find out if there are any family or good friend events taking place on dates that you are considering.

If you are on a strict budget, you may want to consider having your wedding at a venue where everything is already provided - such as the food, service, lighting, tables, chairs, and parking to name a few important line items.  Please give us a call if you need assistance finding the right venue.

If your budget is flexible, then you might want to consider an estate wedding.  Our company has access to over 4,000 private estates and mansions and our team will be happy to answer any of your questions.

For more tips, please call our office and let us know how we may assist you!

Picks of the Week - 

                                                                                                                                          XO

Milly Clutch

XO

Wow.

Alexander McQueen

Nicole Miller Bridesmaid Dress

Elegant.

Clara Kasavina Clutch - Lilia

J. Crew Bridesmaid Dress for $99.00

Stuart Weitzman

Cute ring pillow, but please remember not to place real rings on the ring pillow,

unless you want to see them go bye-bye. xo

Deciding on your color palette.


Ask your florist or planner if your favorite flowers will be in season when you get hitched.

Loving the table lamps. xo

Love the photo.

Red velvet cake design to resemble a candy cane. xo

Winter wonderland wedding.

The blue lighting gives it the special effect of winter - it could be 70 degrees outside, but it looks cold.

Happy holidays and have a great week.
Gianna

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