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 

Tips for Enjoying Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day is right around the corner.

I was thinking about planning tips to help make Valentine's Day fun, romantic, and save time.  xo

If you have not made a dinner reservation, or you can't go out for dinner, then try checking out this link to TV Food Recipes for Valentine's Day . xo

Frankly, going out for dinner on a popular night like Valentine's Day can be a challenge - late night reservation openings that start at 11 pm, food that is not prepared the way you like it, and menus are limited.

If you don't have time to whip up something fabulous, and trust me, we get it, then call your favorite take out place and order dinner.  Before you pick up dinner, decorate your dinner table with colorful candles, (a great time to pull out your pretty candle stick holders), and your favorite glassware to match.  Instant fabulous, without all the time, fuss and expense.

Valentine Picks of the Week -

Using a real bow tie for your gift. Cute.

Cookie cutter to make these work.

Peppermint whipped cream.

Add flowers through-out the house.

If you are looking for tips for an upcoming event, here are some of my favorites:

1. Write out checks for your service professionals ahead of time.  Please refer to their contracts to confirm their terms.

2. Don't try any new creams or procedures on your face right before your wedding or special event.  You want to make sure that you don't have any reactions or break outs.  Most professionals recommend starting around six months before the event.

3. Confirm your wedding vows with your officiate the week before you walk down the aisle.

4. Hire a "day of" coordinator, so she or he can finalize all the details at least two months before the wedding or party. This will give you enough time to do a walk through and hand off responsibilities.

5. Start working on your dinner reception seating chart a month before your wedding or special event. This will give your calligrapher ample time to address your escort cards with the table number, guest name and food selection.  Please don't skip on assigned seating.   I heard about one wedding where there was open seating, and there was no place for the VIPs to sit. :(

6. Put together a labeled box to give your planner on your wedding or event day containing your escort cards, place cards (if you are doing place cards), table numbers, copy of your toasts, your vows, wedding license, guest book, pens, etc.

7. Break in your shoes before your big day and if you want to dance the night away, bring a cute pair of second shoes.

8. Lay out your clothes so you don't forget anything at home.

9. Prepare a shot list for your photographer - these are the must have photos - from before the ceremony to family photos. You don't want to have to think about it on your wedding day.

10. Review the "do not" play list and special dance songs with your band or DJ ahead of time.

11.  Remember, if something does go wrong, let the professionals handle it and enjoy your day! xo

Estate Picks -

Estate 6981 Malibu

Ideal property for corporate and private events.  Justin Bieber celebrated his
16TH birthday at this home. 

Estate 5062 Chatsworth

Great for a wedding or private party.
This gorgeous home has a lot of history. Lucille Ball and her two children once lived here, as well as Frank Sinatra.  The swimming pool was used in Marilyn Monroe's last photo shoot and parts of this home was used in filming Dream Girls and the feature Bewitched.  Sinatra loved this home so much, he had a similar home built in Palms Spring.

Estate 1646 Beverly Hills

This estate is ideal for a wedding or corporate event.  This home has a ballroom with several gorgeous black chandeliers, a two lane AMF bowling alley and the views are spectacular.  Michael Jackson once lived here in 1993.

Estate 9059 Simi Valley

Beautiful property located in Simi Valley. Spectacular views and a great setting for a wedding or special event. Area works really well if you have a great band. xo

Gianna's Picks of the Week

Essie Nail Polish

Shade your guests. 

Bridesmaid dress. xo

Mercury glass, wooden tables with chandeliers - love the white speaker in the corner,

a black speaker would stand out.

Have a great day!
-Gianna

Newly Engaged? Important Tips Every Bride Should Know.

The holidays are a romantic time of year from sentimental movies to commercials to nostalgic songs on the radio.

Nine years ago this month, my husband proposed to me, so I definitely can relate to this time of the year.

This week's blog focuses on planning tips to help our readers start off their dream event on the right path.

You're Engaged  - Taking the First Important Steps:

Step number one - smile, take a deep breath, and enjoy this time with your new fiance before you dive into the planning process.

Before you sign any agreements, determine a budget (money you can realistically set aside and what is going to be contributed) for your wedding.  Once you have the number set in stone, then confirm your guest count. Once these two big ticket items have been determined, talk with an experienced event planning company (like us) and make sure that your budget matches your guest count, so you can maximize your wedding.

Determine when you would like to have your wedding - the month and day(s) then, check with your VIPs and find out if there are any family or good friend events taking place on dates that you are considering.

If you are on a strict budget, you may want to consider having your wedding at a venue where everything is already provided - such as the food, service, lighting, tables, chairs, and parking to name a few important line items.  Please give us a call if you need assistance finding the right venue.

If your budget is flexible, then you might want to consider an estate wedding.  Our company has access to over 4,000 private estates and mansions and our team will be happy to answer any of your questions.

For more tips, please call our office and let us know how we may assist you!

Picks of the Week - 

                                                                                                                                          XO

Milly Clutch

XO

Wow.

Alexander McQueen

Nicole Miller Bridesmaid Dress

Elegant.

Clara Kasavina Clutch - Lilia

J. Crew Bridesmaid Dress for $99.00

Stuart Weitzman

Cute ring pillow, but please remember not to place real rings on the ring pillow,

unless you want to see them go bye-bye. xo

Deciding on your color palette.


Ask your florist or planner if your favorite flowers will be in season when you get hitched.

Loving the table lamps. xo

Love the photo.

Red velvet cake design to resemble a candy cane. xo

Winter wonderland wedding.

The blue lighting gives it the special effect of winter - it could be 70 degrees outside, but it looks cold.

Happy holidays and have a great week.
Gianna