How to Choose the Right Venue, Plus our Picks of the Week

It has been a few weeks since I posted a blog.  This week I though it would be a great idea to focus on venues.  Finding the right venue can be very challenging, but there are steps that you can take that will help make the search less stressful.

1. First and foremost, establish your budget, then start checking out different venues and/or estates that will accommodate your budget.

2. Decide on what time of year you would like to have your event take place. If you fall in love with an outdoor venue and your wedding is in January, make sure your budget handle a contingency plan.

3. Start working on your guest list to make sure that your venue can accommodate your guest count.
We always recommend creating an A and B list - it will help keep your invite list in perspective.  Also, you may want to consider whether or not to have your single guests (those that are not in a serious relationship) to bring dates.

4. If you are on a strict budget, we don't recommend having your event take place at a private estate.  Most estates do not include rentals, catering, lighting, and the fees can quickly add up.

5. Once you decide on your ideal venue, then allow yourself to enjoy the creative process.  I love to go on Pinterest and spend hours checking out the latest ideas.  If your venue allows open flames, place pretty votive candles on the dinner tables, cake and escort tables.  I really like the idea of mixing up the decor, such as pairing something modern with something vintage.

Our Picks of the Week -

Pretty candy and dessert table for an intimate reception. 

Last week, we produced a birthday party in Malibu at a private estate.  The pool was covered to create the dance floor and a deck was built over the lawn to create an even space for dinner.  

Wishing everyone a great week! XO, Gianna

Smart Ideas to Make Your Wedding Unique and Stress Free

I moved to L.A. in my 20's and started working in cable TV.  A few years later, I landed a job at Sony Picture Entertainment's GSN.  My very first job assignment was taping boxes for our traveling sales team. I had no idea where this job would lead, but I knew I was working with some very talented people and this was a great opportunity.

BTW to this day - I can still tape up a box for shipping like there is no tomorrow. LOL

After a few years, I was producing live game shows and special events all over the country.

I had my dream job and it all started with the jobs that no one wanted to do.

Today, I am fortunate to be doing what I love the most - producing special events, live shows, and weddings for wonderful clients.

We are proud to announce that we have expanded our business operation to Central California.  Our senior event coordinator, Cara Vidaurri will be managing our Central California division. For more information, please call Cara at 559-301-9552 or our L.A. office at 818-246-2288. XO

Here are a few ideas sprinkled with a little creativity to help with the planning process -

1. Start a Pinterest account.
They are fun and easy and your event professionals will get great insight into your style.

2. Consider using votive candles and lighting to create the right ambiance at your dinner reception.  When the doors open and the guests enter the reception, the energy will come alive when the lighting is done correctly.

3. Set realistic goals when you decide to get into shape for your wedding day. Crash diets are dangerous.   Schedule an exam with your doctor and ask if there is a nutritionist that she or he recommends, plus check out the different workouts that are available in your area.

4. Keep your party and guests safe.  Hire only insured and licensed professionals such as the bartenders, wait staff and valet to help ensure that your party goes smoothly.  Our company hires off-duty police officers at all of our off-site events to make sure that people don't drink and drive. The extra $45.00 per hour for the officer is money well spent. Our police officers are professional and they know how to handle situations by notifying us so we can communicate with the party host.

5. Avoid asking toxic friends to be in your wedding party.  If you do this, you might be inviting unnecessary stress into your life.

6. Limit the type of bar you have at the wedding rehearsal.  There is nothing worse than a hungover bride, groom or wedding party on the wedding day.  In addition, we recommend not serving shots at the wedding. If you do this, we can almost guarantee someone will end up getting sick.

7. Tip your event professionals at the beginning of the event - it is a nice gesture.

8. Just because it is expensive, does not mean bupkis.  A few years ago, we produced a high six-figure wedding for one of our clients. Our bride spent almost $2,000 for each of the bridesmaid's dresses and they were not one of my favorites.  Even though our client spent a lot of money on her wedding (she was happy with the outcome), her wedding was turned down by all the popular publications and wedding blogs.  Moral of the story, the amount of money one spends does not have anything to do with getting published.

9. Don't do any serious procedures on your face or body close to your wedding or event date.  Please give yourself PLENTY of healing time.  Talk with professionals and only use reputable medical spas and doctors. Also, ask questions and please don't get everything done all at once.

10. Finally, if you want to save money, time and stay stress free, consider hiring a professional event planner.  XO

ESTATE PICK OF THE WEEK:

ESTATE 8536 MALIBU

This property allows inside and outside access, including sleep over options.  Perfect for a 150 person or less guest count.






















PICKS OF THE WEEK -
I love seeing beautiful votive candles (mercury is my favorite) and candelabras on dinner tables mixed with flowers.  This allows each table to be unique, but still have continuity.

















Could not resist - very popular where I am from - Central California.








Have a great day! XO, Gianna

Our Top Reasons to Hire an Event Planner, Plus Our Newest Estate Rental

Recently, a client shared with me that she was advised by her friends not to hire an event planner for her daughter's wedding.

I understand the logic and I used to feel the same way before I got into the event planning business.
Experience has taught me the value of what an event planner can bring to the table.

Here are our top reasons why to hire an event planner: 

1. We can identify problems before the event day. An experienced planner is calm and knows how to problem solve at a live event.

2.  We can manage several event professionals prior to and on your event day.

3. When things are not going well with one of your event professionals, we can resolve matters.

4. We proof your agreements to ensure that important information is detailed so you can avoid costly mistakes

5. We call all your event professionals prior to your event day to discuss their duties, delivery, setup and start times.

6. Our creative experience and resources can help make your wedding look like you spent a lot more money than you did.

7. We create a timeline that incorporates all the important details on your event day.

8. Our company has built strong relationships with talented event professionals and we share those relationships with you.

9. Whether your style is chic, elegant, timeless, or hip, we can provide you with a fresh approach to your vision.

10. An experienced event planner is not going to build his or her portfolio at the expense of your event - the focus is to make your event a success!

Our Estate Pick of the Week -

This newly constructed modern estate is available for special events and short stay overs for up to 12 persons.  Rental fees start at $7,500 and the property allows for up to a 150 person guest count.

 Estate 9419 Los Angeles



















Picks of the Week - 







Love Lady Slipper Flowers.


Gorgeous evening shoes.

Ten Important Tips to Know When You First Get Engaged, Plus Our Picks of the Week

After planning weddings for over 11 years, I have discovered a large percentage of men like to pop the question around the holidays.  I can relate, since my husband popped the question 10 years ago this month. XO

Our Company offers a variety of different services, so we may accommodate all of our clients.

We have access to over 4,000 private estates, mansions and venues in the greater Los Angeles area.

Here is our link to our Private Estates and Venues.

In addition, we can help with the wedding or event planning, whatever works best for your needs.

For a stress free wedding, we have listed our top tips for brides and grooms to avoid costly and time consuming mistakes.

Happy 2014


Let the Planning Begin -
1. Talk with an experienced and reputable planner before you start the process.  Event planners can run through your numbers (guest count and budget) and make great recommendations. The last thing you want to do is start on the wrong course and end up spending more money then you have in your budget.

2. Choose the best date or dates before you book a venue. Start with family and close friends to make sure there are no conflicts.

3. Take some time at the beginning and talk with the groom about the type of wedding you both would like to have, such as will it be formal, elaborate, chic, casual, themed, beach style to name a few ideas.

4. Wait until you secure your venue before you start your search for your event professionals and your dress.

5. Ask your planner to verify all of your event agreements before you sign. We look for important details such as timeline, contact, pricing and other information that are necessary to keep things running smoothly on the event day.

6. Make sure that your event planner creates your timeline (we create one right after we are hired), before you negotiate your start and end times with your event professionals. This saves valuable time and money.

7. Check out all of your prospective hires on Google and Yelp before hiring them.

8. Start collecting your favorite photos on Pinterest. This will help your florist, event planner and others be more in tune with your style, plus creative meetings will stay on target.

9.  Before you purchase your wedding dress, verify how it bustles. If they break or they are complicated, it can delay your time on the dance floor!

10. Create a wedding web site so your guests can access important wedding information in regard to such things as travel and hotel accommodations. Make sure this is done before the save the dates go out.

Inspired by Color and Pretty Things - What I Am Into This Week: 
Here is an unique and great idea to check out for a gift or special card by talented artist Debra Alouise.
Each drawing is done by hand and with water colors with high quality glitter dust.

Debra's Etsy Shop ~   http://www.etsy.com/shop/grandhorse?ref=seller_info

Many times our caterers advise us that due to the menu, we won't have room for florals on the tables  - below is an option that is different and beautiful.





Lavender adds a nice touch to the escort card table and beverages. 

Fun, fearless and being different - white gowns are stunning, but not everyone wants to wear the traditional white gown at their wedding.   



A dark blue gown may seem wild, but trust me it could be stunning. You could ask the bridesmaids to wear ivory (make sure your table cloths are not solid ivory to give some contrast) and the groom and groomsmen to be dressed in sharp looking black tuxedos.   XO



Live, Laugh, Love, 
Gianna