*Safely, responsibly, joyously, and with love

Planning an event can be exhilarating and exciting. We're here to help it not be exhausting! As businesses, gathering, and life in general starts to open up, we want to help make sure you and your guests feel safe and comfortable as you celebrate.

We have made adjustments to how we operate, to keep our clients, their guests and our team members safe. Always, our goal is to please our clients and help make their event dreams come true. Right now, it is critical for us to help our clients find ways to celebrate their most important moments in a safe way.

In addition to aligning our practices with current mandates and health safety recommendations, here are some of the practices we are keeping in place for the time being, to help keep your celebration safe for your loved ones:

 Client meetings, site tours

• We are a handshake-free and hug-free organization for the time being. This does not mean we don't love you!
• Masks will be worn by all team members at all times.
• Team members will maintain social distancing.
• Event Planners will provide all clients the option of virtual consultations and venue visits via Zoom, FaceTime or other virtual meeting software familiar with both parties.
• Clients will drive to locations in their own vehicles.
• All consultations will take place in spaces that allow an appropriate amount of distance based on the number of guests. 
• Keep in mind that different venues may have different policies. Know before you book what to expect for your event, and to advise your guests accordingly.

​Event Service Standards

• Team members wear a mask at all times, and observe proper social distancing.
• Standard on-site safety equipment includes a portable handwashing station, hand sanitizer, disposable disinfecting surface wipes, ample supply of disposable gloves, and extra disposable masks.
• Food and beverage stations will be attended, rather than self-serve.
• Routine sanitizing of all surfaces both in the front and back of the house will take place periodically throughout the event.
• All food and beverage service locations (stations, bars, etc.) will have hand sanitizer for team members and guests.
• Food and beverage attendants have a supply of disposable gloves and backup serving utensils at each station.
• Guests will be served from the stations by event staff, rather than helping themselves.
• Guest table settings or rental items such as chargers, plates, glassware and utensils will remain in original packaging and be moved to the dining area just prior to being unwrapped for placement. We suggest that flatware be wrapped in napkins prior to service.
• Any additional or backup products remain in original packaging until needed.
• Tray-passed food items are served in individual portions in individual containers.

These are just a few of the ways we work to keep your event clean and safe. Read on for ideas that you might want to consider as you plan your event! 

Planning Tips

• Venue considerations: Before deciding on your venue, be sure you understand their covid-related policies, including what is expected of your guests, and their date-change or cancellation policy.
• Throw out traditions: Is there a better time to think outside the box? Focus on what is most important to you, and let the pressure to adhere to (possibly musty) tradition just fall away. You might find that your overall event goal is amazingly simple.
• Take it outside: Fresh air is best, and here in SoCal we are lucky to have pretty nice outdoor weather almost all year. When we do expect rain or chills, canopies and portable heaters will help keep your guests comfortable. Remember to limit the sidewalls of your canopy, though, for better airflow.
• A safer buffet: An attended (staffed) buffet is preferable to a completely self-serve buffet or food station. Let our staff fill plates for your guests. On this note, talk with your DJ to find a fun way to release tables to the buffet to avoid a line.
• Buffet? No way! If you would feel better avoiding a buffet altogether, consider plated dinner service, or family-style service. We also offer sealed bento-box style gourmet meals if you would like a no-contact meal option.
• Guest seating: Seating for ceremonies and receptions should be planned so that family units or household “pods” will be seated together. This means you will need to have assigned seating for both ceremony and reception. A bit more work? Yes. Worth it? Also yes.
• Hand-washing station: your guests would most likely welcome an easily accessible hand-washing station during the reception. A portable hand-washing station can be rented and placed in the reception area, along with hand-sanitizer.
• Communication: Let your guests know before-hand what to expect. Will you be requesting that they wear masks? Will you have accommodations for guests that are at higher risk, or that might feel unsafe?
• Guest comfort level: Several planners recommend asking your guests to indicate their comfort / carefulness level. This is something you can ask on your RSVP card. You could even offer (attractive) color-coded wristbands during your reception so other guests will know if it’s okay to go in for a hug - or not. Consider requesting that your guests be tested just prior to your event date - a negative in this case is a positive!
• Space: Think bigger, in relation to the amount of space you will need – for seating, for dancing, for food and beverage stations. This will help your guests maintain social distancing while still enjoying your celebration.
• Food & beverage stations: Space permitting, your reception meal can be broken into several smaller food stations, so that guests don’t congregate in one area.
• Keep it light: many couples are opting for shorter, more casual receptions, during daylight hours. You can skip a lot of the traditional activities, and have fun instead with different types of entertainment, such as lawn games. Who doesn’t love a champagne brunch with mimosas and giant jenga or cornhole? Maybe a coffee & dessert-only reception, with specialty coffee drinks instead of a bar is just the ticket.

When we meet to talk about your event, any modifications we suggest will always be based on the latest and best current safety practices measures.  If you would like more ideas or are ready to start planning, let’s talk about your event.