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 

Five Important Tips for Keeping Your Event Safe, Plus Our Hot Picks of the Week

When you are planning a wedding or special event, it is important to consider how to keep your guests safe.   You want your guests to remember the wonderful details of your wedding - from the stunning views, unique venue, to the amazing decor and the reason for celebration - but, the last thing you want them to remember is a guest getting injured or injuring someone else, or worse, in a drunk-driving accident.

Here are five important tips to consider, plus one bonus tip - xo

1. Hire shuttles to transport your guests to and from your venue; this is especially helpful if your guests will be drinking.

2. Make sure that your servers are licensed professionals who are trained to know when a guest has had too much to drink.  Never agree to a self-serve bar - this will guarantee trouble.

3. If you want to offer your guests alcohol shots, please make sure that this option is not available for the entire duration of the event.  Shots are a recipe for disaster.  We have seen guests become extremely ill, and the last thing you want are paramedics at your wedding because someone is unconscious.

4. If you know that you have a relative or friend who has a serious drinking problem, please make precautions ahead of time.

5. Please consider having "last call" about 45 minutes to one hour before your event ends, your caterer can serve delicious late-night snacks to your guests.  I love when our clients offer their guests sliders and fries or grilled cheese sandwiches with tiny root beer floats as an end-of event treat.

Bonus tip - If there will be young children at your wedding or special event, hire a licensed, insured, and reputable baby-sitting service to be on-site to supervise the children.  Their parents will thank you and the children will be entertained with games and movies, so you can rest assured that everyone is safe and has a great time.

Estate Pick of the Week - Estate 1646 

This private estate is amazing for a wedding or special event - it has stunning views and features an AMF two-lane bowling alley, 3500 square foot ballroom with gorgeous chandeliers, and private screening room.  

Gianna's Picks of the Week -

Simple but elegant.  

Have a great week. Gianna XO 

Tips for Creating an Original Event, Plus My Newest Adventure - Getting Fit The Healthy Way

There are so many diets and weight-loss plans for losing weight and getting in shape that it's difficult to know which one is right.  I have tried everything from carb-free diets to special teas and coffees to strenuous work-outs; many of our clients want to slim down before their fittings and they endure the same challenges.

My goal is to feel better and look better while building strength for healthier bones and joints, so I recently enlisted the help of a personal trainer at Pasadena Elite Fitness .  My trainer Danielle has placed me on a serious regimen that consists of cardio, weight-training, nutrition counseling, and dietary changes.  She keeps me on track through measurements, body fat analysis, and regular weigh-in sessions. Next week I will post a photo of myself, followed by a new one in four weeks, so I can track my progress.   Stay tuned....xo

Tips for Creating an Original Wedding: 

The Dress - 

You don't need to spend a fortune to find a unique and beautiful gown.   When I first started my company, there was a popular dress with a sash that came in a handful of colors - we had at least five weddings that year with brides wearing this exact dress.   Your dress should be comfortable and flattering, should make you feel uniquely beautiful, and should be within your budget.  

The Location - 
If you are renting a private estate, please make sure that you're working with a reputable company, with full authority to rent the property.  Also, make sure that the estate is not for sale.  We have been renting estates for over 10 years and I have heard several horror stories about last-minute estate unavailability, a true disaster! 

The Food - 
There are countless wonderful caterers in our business.  While interviewing caterers, be sure to check out their reviews.  Accomplished caterers understand how to customize a menu to fit their client's taste and budget; they also understand that their presentation is a big part of the allure and atmosphere of the event.

The Photography - 

Your photographer should be someone who is easy to be around and makes the session as effortless as possible - their work is your keepsake.  You don't have to spend an-arm-and-a-leg to find a great photographer, however, you need to find someone who can comfortably and professionally deliver the key moments you want captured.

The Traditions - 
These days, very few brides and grooms follow all of the wedding traditions; it is not necessary to have a father-daughter or mother-son dance.  If you don't have an uncle or brother who can share this moment with you, then you may wish to dance with your mother or skip the tradition entirely. Your planner can help you create a wedding guideline which suits your own personality, style, and panache.

Photos of the Week -

Estate Pick of the Week - Rancho Palos Verdes - 9530 PV 

Have a great day!
Gianna

Important Facts to Know When Planning a Private Estate Wedding

Several times a week, we receive inquiries from clients asking for a "day-of" planner for a private estate wedding.

The best way to imagine this type of event is to think of it as bringing a restaurant to someone's home. Every detail must be covered, from safety to comfort.

An experienced planner knows how to review the rental orders to determine what is missing and what is not needed.  In addition, the event planner confirms the insurance certificates with the event professionals and ensures that the transportation grids are correct, so neighbors aren't blocked into their driveways. Our job to make sure that every "i" is dotted and "t" is crossed for a successful event.

Experienced event planners have seen several scenarios play out at off-site events, so we know how to prepare for the event.

Planning an estate wedding takes over 200 hours.  When the planner arrives on the setup day, it is important to have a full understanding of all of the moving pieces, so that he or she does not end up putting out fires, but instead, can focus on making the client's day special.


Our Estate Pick of the Week -  A New Venue in Beverly Hills:

Beverly Hills Private Estate

Stunning views with no noise ordinance due to its location, please call our office for details.

Images from a recent party we produced in Malibu  - party with a Caribbean vibe. XO 

Colorful cocktail tables added fun to the design.

Trending Colors in 2014 -

Wishing everyone a great weekend!  XO, Gianna