A Planning Guide Hot Sheet, Plus Our Picks of the Week

Happy TGIF.

Planning an event has a lot of moving parts, so we thought it would be helpful to provide a highlight of important items and when to execute them. If you need assistance, please give us a call at 818-246-2288.

Please note, this list is not an entire planning guide.

XO, Gianna

six to twelve months -
determine your budget and guest list
secure your location, then hire your event professionals -
caterer
officiate
wedding planner
band or DJ
photographer
videographer

choose your attire after you secure your venue - delivery can vary, usually 4-6 months, then you have fittings and alterations after it is delivered.

send out your save the dates

six months before -
choose your room blocks
select your bridesmaids and their dresses
register for gifts
secure your rehearsal dinner and brunch venues

five months before -
interview and hire your florist
if your budget permits, interview lighting companies and secure one
order your wedding invites

four months before -
review and secure your rentals
have a hair and make up trial and take photos
select your linens (talk with your planner and florist on options)
review your honeymoon options and secure
compile your shower invite list
review your music list - first dance, etc.
secure your suite for your wedding night and/or the night before
order the groom and groomsmen attire

three months before -
setup a food tasting with your hotel or caterer
purchase your shower hostess gift
break in your wedding shoes
weigh one of your wedding invites at your post office to make sure you order sufficient postage
secure the valet company
secure your passports if traveling abroad
order your rehearsal invites

one month before -
pull your marriage license - make sure you don't overlook the expiration date
finalize your timeline with your fiance and planner
give your photographer your shot list
confirm transportation for your wedding party and guests
finalize your vows with your officiate
review your final music selections with your band contact or DJ
schedule your floral mock up with your florist
purchase any special items for your wedding - guest book, etc.
secure ceremony items

two weeks before -
final dress fitting
finalize your seating chart
contact any guests who have not RSVP'd

one week before -
treat yourself and the groom to a manicure, pedicure and massage
deliver any out of town welcome baskets
pack for your wedding
give your hotel your final count and your seating chart to your calligrapher

Then, relax and let your planner handle the rest so you can enjoy your day! XO

Estate Pick of the Week - 7316 LA













Gianna's Picks of the Week -





Mercury glass, white flowers and hanging votive candles.

Wishing everyone a great weekend. 

Gianna 

Defining the Day of Wedding Planner, Plus Our Money Saving Tips of the Week

Our office receives five to seven calls a week for a day-of wedding coordinator.

The term, "day-of" itself is a very misleading description and here is why:

A coordinator who is not involved with any of the planning, but only shows up on the "day of the wedding" will commit career suicide. The only thing this planner will end up doing is trying to fix problems and keep tempers from flaring.

We get calls from clients who do not want to spend more than $500.00 on a planner.  There are planners who are building their resumes and they will gladly do it for this fee.  Planning a wedding takes a minimum of 100 hours to plan - which means that you would be trusting a $5.00 an hour planner to handle your wedding.

Our packages vary, but we include the following services on every coordination job to ensure that our clients have a great experience. 

1. Attend one walk through with you and your event professionals, so we can see the venue through your eyes and plan out the logistics.

2. Review all of your event professional agreements, so we can familiarize ourselves with their delivery, setup and strike times prior to the event.

3. Confirm all of your event professionals before your event day to make sure we resolve any questions or challenges ahead of time.

4. Create a comprehensive timeline that covers your wedding starting from the rehearsal to the end of the night.

5. Include a planning meeting with our clients to make sure that important tasks are covered.

6. Attend the wedding rehearsal to collect important items such as escort cards, marriage license, guest book, topper, party favors, and final payments as well as rehearse the processional and recessional, so our clients can relax and enjoy their day!

7. Be present on your event day for a minimum of 10 hours to oversee setup, your event and gathering up your personals at the end of the night.

8. Phone and email support.

Our packages start at $2000 and we customize each package to fit our client's planning needs.

Money Saving Tips of the Week -

Choose flowers that are in season - they look prettier and cost less.

Check out three professionals for each service, then compare their services and prices.

Ask your photographer to include the digital negatives in your package.

Reserve hotel rooms near your venue as soon as you book your venue.  Ask about points for you and your fiance.

Hire a planner - we can save you money and valuable time.

Gianna's Estate of the Week -Estate 8536 Malibu

Outdoor dining



Vineyards and beautiful views.

Inside and outside access.

My Picks of the Week -




Vintage






Cute idea for the cake cutting.



Have a beautiful week!  XO, Gianna