Wedding and Event Planning Tips l Los Angeles Event Planner Gianna and Company

Gianna and Company has been busy working on our brand, new website and blog and getting ready for a busy year.  If you are planning a special event or wedding or looking for a private estate or special venue, please let us know how we can help. xo

Here is a quick guide to keep your event from falling flat or going up in flames -

1. Don't skimp on the audio, so your guests can hear your vows, toasts, and the entertainment.

2. If you're having a slide show, make sure your content fits the equipment and is formatted correctly.

3. If you have a lot going on at your event, such as lighting, slide show, a band, schedule a technical walk-through.

4. Hire a professional and licensed alcohol caterer to serve the drinks; never agree to a self- service bar.  As the host, you are liable if your guests become intoxicated, and someone gets hurt - or worse.  When we produce an event, we use licensed and insured bartenders, experienced valet companies and off-duty police officers to help ensure maximum safety.

5. Make sure that you are kind to your event professionals. These people are hired to help make your dreams and visions come to fruition. We recommend that you confirm where they will park (make sure it is as close to the venue as possible), provide shade for the musicians, and a substantial hot meal if they are working more than four hours.

6. When planning your event, connect the dots from the moment your guests receive their
save-the-date to the final weeks before the event. Your event should be about the fun details, not about the money that you spend.

7.  When planning an event, we always think about the comfort of the guests - will they be baking in the sun, or could they be too cold?  When your guests are comfortable, the event goes more smoothly and everyone has a better time.

8. Be careful of event professionals who "promise you the moon."  Periodically, we talk with clients who have a $50,000 budget for a wedding in Los Angeles with 200 guests, and they want a high-end event.  I never say no to my clients as I value the importance of their needs, however my job is to be honest and help guide my clients toward reputable event professionals so they have options.

9. Watch the weather 10 days before your event and make sure you have a carefully considered contingency plan in place.

10. If you want to enjoy your event day and the time leading up to it, hire an experienced event planner to help you stay stress-free. Leave the planning to us and enjoy the process.

Estate Pick of the Week - We Have Access to Hundreds of Private Estates & Mansions

A Fun Idea for Your Next Event - 

Try a snow cone table for a late night snack.  Ask your venue or caterer to supply ice with a variety of exotic flavors, such as mango-mint, strawberry-basil and lavender-lemonade syrups.

Picks of the Week -

 Private Estate Wedding - Cake design by Super Fine Bakery

Jimmy Choo

 Love the crystal votives.  

 Hanna's bouquet.  

Love chandeliers and beautiful lighting.  

Have a great week!  XO, Gianna 

Tips for Throwing Bridal Showers, Bachelorette Parties and Rehearsal Dinners

If you have a lot of out-of-town friends, please consider the costs for them to attend your bridal shower and bachelorette party.  Most likely, they will have to pay for their air travel, hotel, rental car, food and gifts.  Consider combining the two parties on the same weekend or day, such as an afternoon of pampering with your girlfriends followed by a coed dinner party or barbecue.

Bachelorette parties use to be the bride's last chance to "party" as a single person before getting hitched.  Today, with social media posts traveling faster than the speed of light, the last thing a bride wants is to find a less than flattering photo of herself on Facebook tucking money in some guy's g-string.

Consider a spa weekend or a fun camping trip - whatever you and your friends would like to do to spend time together.  Whatever you plan, try and have it at least two weeks before your wedding.  Avoid planning anything too close to the wedding day, so you don't end-up with bags under your eyes or feeling hung-over.

Traditionally, a rehearsal dinner is when both families get to know one another.   If you want to keep costs down, think about a DIY dinner party at home with your favorite table decor and a lot of pretty votives to add ambiance.   If the budget permits, have it catered or order from your regular take-out place.  If you don't have the time to plan a party at home, then book the dinner at your favorite Mexican restaurant with a limited bar consisting of beer, wine and Sangria.

Estate Pick of the Week - 6981 Malibu

Beautiful estate overlooking the ocean with a guest house for the bride to get ready and great recreation room for the groom and groomsmen.  For more information, please call our office at 818-246-2288.  xo

Gianna's Picks of the Week. XO

Have a wonderful weekend!  XO, Gianna 

Important Questions to Ask a Wedding Planner, Plus our Hot Picks of The Week.

Recently, I spoke at a wedding show at the Santa Anita Racetrack.  The producer of the show wanted to know my thoughts on important questions to ask potential wedding planners. 

Here is the list that I determined to be important: 

Before interviewing wedding planners, have the following planning decisions set in place:

1. Budget.
2. Your guest count.
3. Preferred wedding date(s).

Once you determine these three items, schedule appointments to meet with potential planners.

In addition to the questions above, here is a list of questions that will help you determine if the planner is the right fit for you and your fiancé:

1. Do you have our wedding date(s) open?
2. How long have you been working as a wedding planner? 
3. Have you ever worked at the venue that we are considering?
4. Do you plan weddings and special events full-time? If you are a part-time event planner, what is your other profession?
5. Will you be on-site on our wedding day or will you send another planner?
6. Do you offer different packages to work with within our budget and planning needs?
7. How many weddings will you take on during the month of our wedding?
8. How do you charge for your services?  Hourly, customized packages, or a percentage?
9. Can you provide us with a list of references?
10. What types of planning do you handle?  Do you handle the logistics and design?  If you don't handle the event design, do you work with other vendors who specialize in the design?

My workout update at Pasadena Elite Fitness -


After two months of being diligent and working out three times a week with my trainer, I am happy to report that I feel better and I have lost 10 pounds.  My fitness trainer Danielle has been a gem; she has guided me on both nutrition and incorporating a sensible work-out routine in my daily life that is easy to follow.   

Pasadena Elite Fitness is celebrating their two-year anniversary and they are offering one week of free small group classes and 20% off on all their packages this month only.  Check it out - :)   

Inspired by Country French - xo

Gianna's Hot Picks of the Week-

Have a wonderful weekend! 

XO