How Much Do Wedding Planners Cost in Los Angeles l Gorgeous Private Estates in Southern California

Let's face it, planning a wedding is not for the faint of heart.

Whether your guest count is 30 or 300, as the host, you want to make sure that you align yourself with the right wedding and/or event coordinator to help you plan your dream event.

Level One - $2500 - $3500
One personalized meeting to discuss planning, budget and design
Telephone, email and text support
Vendor recommendations - up to three in each category to match your budget and style
Review all vendor agreements for pricing, logistics and information before clients sign
Create an event itinerary/timeline with updates, including the final distribution to all vendors
Create a production spreadsheet, so no detail is over-looked
Confirm all the vendors one week before the event
Assist with floor plan design
One to two walk-through meetings with vendors to discuss design and logistics
Wedding rehearsal coordination and collect important items the day or week of the wedding
Event day - placement of escort cards, ceremony items, line-up the bridal party, vendor coordination, manage timeline and make sure clients have a great experience
Wedding day support with one assistant -10 to 12 hours
Note:  Additional assistants are required with estate weddings, larger venues and multiple venues
Setup and Strike day: Applies to private estates - hourly fee is applicable

Level Two - $3500 - $5,000
Two personalized meetings to discuss planning, budget and design
Telephone, email and text support
Vendor recommendations - up to three in each category to match your budget and style
Arrange all vendor appointments
Review all vendor agreements for pricing, logistics and information
Create an event itinerary/timeline with updates, including the final distribution to all vendors
Create a production spreadsheet, so no detail is over-looked
Confirm all the vendors one week before the event
Up to three design meetings with the florist and rental houses
Coordinate transportation itinerary and prepare transportation grids
Menu tasting with caterer or venue
Assist with floor plan design
Create a customized planning calendar based on Client's needs
appointment setting with vendors and venue based around our client's schedule
Assist the photographer with gathering family and bridal party for photos
Two onsite walk-through meetings with vendors to discuss design and logistics
Wedding rehearsal coordination and collect important items the day or week of the wedding
Event day - placement of escort cards, ceremony items, line-up the bridal party, vendor coordination, manage timeline and make sure clients have a great experience
Wedding day support with up to two assistants - 10 to 12 hour day
Note: Additional assistants are required with estate weddings, larger venues and multiple venues
Setup and Strike day: Applies to private estates - hourly fee is applicable

Level Three - $5000 - $7000
Personalized meetings to discuss planning, budget and design - as many as needed to handle all aspects of the planning.
Telephone consultation and support.
Vendor recommendations to match your budget and style
Arrange all vendor appointments for client
Review all vendor agreements for pricing, logistics and information
Create an event itinerary/timeline with updates, including the final distribution to all vendors
Create a production spreadsheet so no detail is forgotten
Confirm all the vendors one week before the event
Design meetings with the florist, linens and rental houses
Conference calls with vendors to review logistics
Coordinate transportation itinerary and prepare transportation grids
Menu tasting with caterer or venue
Assist with floor plan design
Handle RSVPs in our office
Create a planning calendar based on Client's needs
Coordinate and confirm the rehearsal dinner and brunch based on client's needs
appointment setting with vendors and venue based around our client's schedule
Assist the photographer with gathering family and bridal party for photos
Walk-through meetings with vendors to discuss design and logistics
Attend up to three shopping visits for wedding attire, make-up / hair trial session and decor
Wedding rehearsal coordination and collect important items the day or week of the wedding
Event day - placement of escort cards, ceremony items, line-up the bridal party, vendor coordination, manage timeline and make sure clients have a great experience
Wedding day support with three assistants - 12 to 15 hour day
Note: Additional assistants are required with estate wedding, larger venues and multiple venues
Decorate the honeymoon suite on the wedding night with fresh petals and ensure the suite is ready for the couple's arrival - suite must be within the same city as reception
Setup and Strike day: Applies to private estates - hourly fee is applicable

Full-service event planning service rates cost 10% - 15% of the estimated wedding. 

Taking a peak inside an event planner's emergency kit:
Batteries - AA and AAA
Hair comb/ spray/bobby pins
Q-tips
Heel protectors
Sewing kit
Baby powder
Make-up remover
Tide pen
Lint roller
Fake diamond ring (you never know)
Breath mints
Floss, a new tooth brush and toothpaste
Nail kit - file, clear and cream polish plus polish remover
Cotton balls
Scissors
Drinking straws
Binder clips - in case the dress won't cinch-up
Coat check numbers
Aisle ribbon in white and cream
Hand sanitizer
Measuring tape
Floral pins
Lip balm
Dr. Scholl's flats in various sizes for our brides
Ear plugs - not sure why we have these, but they are in the kit. XO

Featured - 
French Provincial at a Private Estate in the Hollywood Hills.

Scotch Bar

Fashion Picks - 

Have a wonderful day!  xo, Gianna

Event Planner Los Angeles l Wedding Planning Tips for Brides and Grooms l Sneak Peak from a Wedding at the Bel Air Bay Club

Sometimes, brides and grooms want to try things that are unique and sometimes they don't always turn out right. 

One of my many jobs, as an event planner is to guide our clients and do everything I can to help make their wedding day special and run smoothly.

Here are a few tips to help you navigate through the planning process -

Choose your event professionals carefully.  Make sure that they are reputable and come highly-recommended. There is nothing worse than having your florist, rental company or caterer show up late.  When this happens, it creates a ripple effect and the other vendors have to scramble to get things done - this is when mistakes happen.  

Try and keep the number of toasts to a minimum.  Normally, the parents, maid of honor, best man and the couple should toast on the wedding day.  Most toasts should last from one to three minutes per person, with no more than two or three persons going up at the same time.  

Consider having the "first look" before the ceremony.  Couples who wait to see each other when the ceremony starts usually don't enjoy their cocktail hour.  Experienced photographers are great at planning the "first look" so that it's special and poignant.  Photographers usually choose a remote spot on the grounds with just the bride and groom. keeping it romantic and private.

Carefully proof your timeline and make sure that you communicate your wishes to your event planner.  

Once all the planning has been done - don't obsess over the details on your wedding day - enjoy the day. 

Hugs, Gianna 

Here is a sneak peak from a recent wedding at the Bel Air Bay Club.

Kim and Tim's Wedding Highlights from the  Castle Green in Pasadena, CA
We were very honored to work with this sweet couple.  Wishing them all the very best.

Our Picks of the Week -

Sparklers make great exit if your venue allows it. 

What a fun idea for a photo shoot. 

Babies breath wreathes are really pretty. 

Love the dress and her hair style. 

Have a wonderful weekend.  
XO, Gianna  

Private Estates for Rent in Greater Los Angeles l Tips for Planning an Unforgettable Wedding or Special Event l Wedding at Calamigos Ranch in Malibu

Planning a special event and booking event professionals can be a challenging process. Our job, as an event planning and location company is to ease the burden for our clients.  Our company is equipped with a network of professionals to make sure our clients receive high-quality service at an affordable price. We have access to over 4,000 private estates and mansions.  Although, we can be involved in every aspect of planning the wedding or special event, the final decision on everything is ultimately yours. 

Our company offers complimentary estate searches. For more information, please call our office at 818-246-2288.  

Our Estate Picks of the Week: Estate 8208 Malibu -
Ideal estate for weddings and special events for up to 150 persons.  This estate has a very nice guest house for the bride to get ready and a game room with a bar and pool table for the groom and groomsmen. The ocean views are beautiful and this estate has a cabana, outdoor fireplace, fire pit and a large built in bar.  

This Week's Tips for Planning a Wedding or Special Event -

When you are in the beginning planning stages with your event professionals, make sure that you have your budget, guest count, Pinterest inspiration photos, location (if you have one) and a good idea of your style in place. If you are having challenges deciding on important items, hire a reputable event planner, so he or she can assist with the process. 

Consider skipping the guest book and replace it with a photo booth.  New technology keeps reinventing the design and capabilities of the photo booth.  Even though they have been around for awhile, guests have a blast using them.  In addition, your friends and family will be able to take fun photos and leave you memorable notes as keepsakes.

If you want a private ceremony, avoid having it at a public space like a park, beach or at a museum.  People love to watch weddings and sometimes strangers can't help themselves and think it is acceptable to make comments and stare.  

Since the photography will last longer than the actual event itself, I believe it is important to hire someone whose work you love.  The photographer is going to be with you for majority of the day and it is vital that you really like this person.  Since the wedding day goes really fast, it is easy to forget an important shot.  I always advise our clients to create a "shot list" of must have photos, so nothing is missed on the event day.  Also, please make sure that your photographer is good at capturing the essence of your event organically, so everything does not looked staged.  

If you want to cut down on costs, offer one entree along with a vegetarian alternative for your guests. 

I have always believed that the details are what count when throwing a party.  I am happy when we are able to offer guests a refreshing beverage upon their arrival and their comfort is taken into consideration, so they are not sitting in the sun or standing too long on their feet.  Happy guests, make a great party! 

Danielle and Brad's wedding at Calamigos Ranch in Malibu this last November -

  Wishing everyone a lovely day!  XO, Gianna