#394: noteworthy.

via a desert fete.

ahem. please say hello to what will most definitely be the inspiration behind our invitations.

#393: i'd love to stay sane.

"i want this bad boy $10,000 budget to encompass everything...the venue the food the dress the booze the rings to the everything else. e-ver-y-thing." -me

yes, that was me. about 1.5 years ago. and wow, how things doth change with 1.5 years worth of reality checks.

so here's what i'm thinking:

$10,000 must include venue, food, drink, dress, dj, centerpieces, invitations.
$10,000 will not include photography, rings, honeymoon, gifts.

because my tag line is "can i do it?" and at this point, i'm really starting to feel like i can't. not with my original checklist.

the MUSTS:

• 100-125 guest list (80% of that is family. so cutting further isn't an option.)
• evening event with alcohol
  

and those 2 criteria are killing me larry. no matter how i slice and dice, i can't seem to make it work, not if the $10,000 has to include food + bev, PLUS photography, the rings, gifts, etc.

so what do you think of my re-write, now that i know about 20% service fees and 8.25% sales tax charges? and cake cutting fees, dance floor fees, site fees, security fees...

does it make my budget more reasonable? or is it a cop-out?

#392: the dog did not eat my homework.

here's the round up of research conducted this week by yours truly in part thanks to you and your brilliance.

cliff's edge - left vm
ortolan - min buyout $15000
luna park - min buyout $10000
tangier - MEETING WITH THEM TODAY!
royal t - left vm
cafe metropol - waiting for pictures from the owner

additionally, i've contacted:
yamashiro - $12000 for 125 (food & alcohol)
savannah at the beach - $15000 for 125 (all inclusive)
bld - waiting for the events person to call me back
tesoro trattoria - left vm
bungalow club - emailing with owner (thanks sarah and dana!)
ca del sol - approx. $15000
the sunset restaurant - what was i thinking
westlake village inn - again, what was i thinking
greenside cafe - emailing with the coordinator

#391: introducing...friday edition.

i've decided to start a 'friday edition' series...a collection of images that allow me to share more of myself, the fiance, and our relationship with you.

i don't know why. i just wanna fanta.

the title of this friday's edition: his socks.

#390: tuft made pretty.

toole art via lucky me!.

so unique and ruggedly pretty.

and diy-able, i'd think.

#389: method (wo)man.

i am not an event planner.

so instead of reinventing the wheel and limiting myself to my own research, i've reached out to several industry experts to help me.

first, there was this. their response was quick and sweet but alas, no matches with their affiliated partners and my paltry budget.

and then there was this. did i ask for help? i surely did. did they have any suggestions for me? not yet. but i just sent a follow up email. so we'll see.

and finally, you'll find my most recent call for help below...in the form of a mass email to a bunch of caterers.

Hello Caterers: I found your information courtesy Brides Magazine, Southern California and was hoping you could help me.

I'm trying to
1) find a location
2) stick with a budget of $8,000 for 100-125 people for *fabulous* food and alcohol
3) throw an awesome wedding party

I'm based in Los Angeles but I'm open to suggestions for the SFV, OC, anywhere within 40 minutes drive of LA.

If you have ANY ideas, as far fetched as they may be, for venues or catering or ANYthing that would help me stay within my budget, please get back to me and I would be entirely grateful.

**********************************************************

i know. it makes me come off a bit desperate, eh. but really. i kind of am.

so far, i've received a couple of automated responses (next!)...but one catering company in particular has been remarkably helpful and attentive. and she's suggested several venues i've never even heard of (score!).

i'm sure it's not a 'new' idea to ask event specialists and caterers to share their expertise when you're looking for a venue...but i don't think it's an entirely common practice either. i'd say most people just research the nets on their own or ask friends for advice.

which makes me wonder: what method did you use to find your venue?

please. share.

#388: 99 cents.

saw these the other day at ikea. thought they'd look beautiful grouped together, multi-hued and filled with bunchy flowers like hydrangeas or peonies.


and here's the vase in action...

via the brides cafe.