What is Hot and What is Not, Plus Tips Every Couple Should Know

Work has been a little busy, so I am somewhat late with this post.  We are very excited about this summer and the wonderful clients whom we have the opportunity to work with on their events.

When there is time, I love getting together with other planners to swap event stories (without using client names, of course).

Ask most event planners to name their top tips and there is probably a story that goes along each one.

Here are my top five this time around, in descending order -

5. Choose your bridal party wisely and try not to focus on balancing both sides of the party equally.  Surround yourself with sincere friends, who will have your back on one of the most important days of your life. The wrong person or persons can cause unnecessary stress.

4. If you decide to display family photos at your wedding, please use discretion on which photos guests will see, especially if a divorce has occurred. One of our clients used a wedding photo of her parents, and the guests repeatedly asked the second wife if it was she in the photo.  

3. Try and stay away from being too trendy.  What seems really hot right now will most likely look dated in a few years. 

2. Create a budget and spend what you can afford.  There are so many creative ways to create a beautiful event, and it is not necessary to go into debt trying to do it.

1. When things get stressful (try not to inundate yourself with all of the wedding web sites and magazines), remind yourself why you are getting married and focus on creating the style and sentiments which reflect you and your fiancé (within your budget, of course).

Bonus tip - If it sounds too good to be true, check it out because it probably is too good to be true. 

Estate Pick of the Week - 9662 Malibu

Romantic estate with beautiful gardens and ocean view.

Picks of the Week - xo

Have a great weekend! Gianna 

Guidelines to Renting an Estate

Every time we rent out a private estate, it occurs to me that there are several helpful tips to consider.  

1. When looking for a property for your event, estimate your guest count on the higher end to ensure that the venue is large enough to handle your event and setup.  Homeowners give us a quote based on the guest count.  Later, if our clients add more guests, we make sure that there is a maximum guest count stated in the agreement and what the additional cost is per person.

2. Make sure your event planner takes photos of the home before the event; if there are any spills or damages, this will confirm if they were pre-existing.

3. Make sure you have a walk-through during the day so you can see what the venue looks like should you want your florist to change or spruce up any flower beds.  Our company will list any requests on the location agreement so both parties are in agreement of any changes.

4. Purchase special event insurance for your event. We make it a requirement at all of our events and require that the event professionals carry it.

5.  Insist that your rental company place Astroturf or something similar under the kitchen area (this setup is usually on the driveway) to avoid any spills and to prevent paying for power washes.

6. Be prepared with decor decisions if the area you choose is windy. 

7. Confirm who will be hauling all of the trash at the end of the night. Homeowners do not want garbage left on their properties - this can attract wild animals.

8. Check the weather 10 days out to make sure that your guests and event professionals will be comfortable.

9. Verify the bathroom situation - availability and stocking up on important items. 

10. Hire a professional coordinator to handle this type of event, so you can enjoy yourself.

Here are Our Picks of the Week -

Simple but elegant. 

 I love succulents - so pretty. 

 Refreshing snack on a hot summer day. 

Have a wonderful week!  

XO, Gianna