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 

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.

Top Ten Planning Tips Every Bride Should Know, Plus Our Picks of the Week!

I have been gathering my top planning tips over the last 10 years.  Here are my top 10 picks with hopes that they will save you time and stress.  Happy planning!

1. Set your budget and make sure that it matches your guest count. Once you establish both numbers, run them by a professional planner to make sure that they are realistic. 

2. Check with your fiancé and both of your families to ensure that you choose a date that will work before you start planning.  Make sure that there are no other events for family members or your bridal party before you sign on the dotted line. 

3. Before you hire any event professionals, secure your venue.

4. Select your wedding attire after you select your venue.

5. Make sure that you have ushers to help your guests find their seats and let them know where you want family members and guests to be seated.  Sometimes guests are not sure where to sit and this will help make it seamless. 

6. Don't choose flowers that are not in season during your wedding.  You will save money and they will be at their best. 

7. When you interview make-up artists and hair stylists, make sure to book a trial session.  It is important to practice different looks and take photos of the final look. 

8. Start a Pinterest account. Your photos will help your event professionals (florist, planner, invitation house, baker, etc.) understand your style and taste.  

9. Instruct your planner on big decisions that may come up on your wedding day.  Some brides and grooms want to let it go on their day and others would prefer to leave it up to their planner or a member of the bridal party who knows them best. Whatever you decide, please communicate your wishes. 

10. If your wedding is during the rainy season, please have a contingency plan. We always start looking at the weather about 10 days out to determine if extra heaters will be needed. 

Bonus tip - Check out all of your event professionals before you hire them.

Estate Pick of the Week - Estate 8463 Pasadena

This gorgeous home is ideal for a high-end cocktail party or sit-down dinner for up to 75 persons.









Picks of the Week -

Classic Hairstyles for Different Looks  

How to Keep Sane On Your Wedding Day, Plus Ideas for Throwing a Great Halloween Party!

Every time we produce an event, we run through the details until we are confident that everything has been covered.

Once on site, we work hard to ensure that the wishes of our clients have been taken into consideration.

Here are this week's tips to help you find a balance for planning the perfect wedding day -

1. Choose your event professionals very carefully and hire the ones that come highly recommended.
2. Once you make a decision, don't keep second-guessing yourself, this will make you cray cray (new favorite expression).
3. Take care of the important details in advance of  your special day, so you can block out time for R&R.
4. Let your fiance, family and close friends know what you need help with, so you don't try and take it all on yourself.
5. Keep your eye on the ball and remember why you are getting married.
6. Things come up at events and if you know that you are a type A and want control over all the decisions, let your event professionals or planner know how you want decisions made on your wedding day - will your planner need to ask you or make the decisions for you.   For an example, if the wedding is running ahead of schedule and the hotel wants to start serving the entree 20 minutes early - do you want to know?
This change can impact the evening and leave time for more dancing, but you may want the dinner to go at a slower pace.

Estate Pick of the Week - Estate 9349 in Malibu














Found a great article   - Wall Street Journal - How To Cope When Your Spouse Embarrasses You.

CUTE DECORATING IDEAS:

Here are a few fun recipes from Martha Stewart and TV Food -

Guacamoldy with Creature Chips




Pumpkin Cheese Ball

For more recipes go to this link -  TV Food Network for More Savory Halloween Recipes.

Wedding Picks of the Week - 



Vintage with a lot of Details. 


Simple but elegant. 







Cute...XO