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 

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