Planning Your Dream Event and Not Losing Sight of Your Budget

Having a budget in place, whether it is $50,000 or $150,000 is important.  Establishing a realistic budget will help determine how much you can spend on each line item such as the venue, attire, band and/or DJ, invites, cake, menu, decor, flowers, and the list goes on...

When you are setting your budget, first determine how much money you have for the event, and what you can realistically set aside until your event takes place.

Ask yourself - are you willing to go into debt for your event or wedding?  If so, what is the limit and can you pay it off in a reasonable amount of time? Will this affect a down payment on a new home and/ or the honeymoon?

Finally, how much will your loved ones contribute to the wedding or special event? We recommend that you don't guess when it comes to this line item, since you could get in trouble by estimating.

Be careful which budgets you use to estimate a budget.  Some of the budgets found online or in magazines are great for different parts of the country, but not here in Los Angeles.  XO

Mishaps to avoid -

Avoid doing a cash bar. We recommend having wine, beer and champagne and maybe a signature drink. Guests will spend money on your gift(s), a new outfit, travel, and if you charge for drinks, it could be a very unpopular decision.

If your budget is very specific, consider having less guests.  This way you can have a really nice event, rather than a lot of people - it comes down to quality versus quantity.

Avoid having the dance floor in a room not connected to the dinner reception because this makes it hard for your guests to know if there is a special toast or dance taking place.  If you don't have any choice in the matter, then make sure that your coordinator writes a great timeline to avoid this from happening.

Estate Picks of the Week -

Estate 3162 in Santa Monica
Panoramic ocean views, with inside and outside access, plus a screening room for an after party.

Estate 8063 in Los Feliz
Sweeping views of Los Angeles. Ideal for a smaller wedding or event.


Picks of the Week -

A memorable exit for the couple. If fireworks are not in the budget, consider sparklers for your guests as you depart. xo

Candles.

Mercury glass with peonies and ghost chairs.

Beautiful shot. xo

Personalized bridesmaid gifts.

Cute.

Late night snack or appetizers.

Vintage Rentals.

Signature drink - great for a spring event or wedding.

Orange Mint Julep
2/3 cups of sugar
1 cup snipped fresh Mint
1 teaspoon shredded orange peel
2 cups orange juice
2/3 cups lemon juice
1/3 cups of Bourbon (or Vodka)
2 cups water

Directions: Mix sugar and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat; pour over mint leaves. Stir in orange peel, orange juice and lemon juice. Cover. Let stand at room temp for one hour. Strain mixture through a mesh strainer and add liquor. Cover and chill up to 24 hours. Serve over crush iced and garnish with a sprig of mint and slice of a ripe orange.



Have a great week!  XO, Gianna