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favorite venues of Los Angeles

2/22/2019

By Hannah McCarthy
Sales Manager

Los Angeles has become a hub for weddings and special events. It holds some of the most eclectic venues we’ve seen. From intimate garden weddings to a large concert, you are sure to find a venue perfect for your occasion!

Millwick
Once used as a livery and later a storage warehouse, Millwick has been reinvented into a beautiful loft for weddings, special events, and productions. This 7,000 square foot venue can accommodate up to 175 guests. It is located in the middle of the Arts District in Los Angeles and considers itself to be a “green” venue. At Millwick, you can have an indoor or outdoor event, complete with a jungle-like grand hall, 2 gardens, 2 cozy lounges that can be used as dressing rooms, and The Fondrevay-a space to let your imagination run.

Website: www.marvimon.com/millwick

SmogShoppe
As you could guess, this venue was originally a smog-check center in the 1980’s. It is now a 6,500 square foot indoor/outdoor venue that can provide space for 150 person garden ceremonies and formal dinners as well as 250 person cocktail parties filled with desert plants and vintage furniture. The SmogShoppe is located in the heart of Culver City, close to Santa Monica, LAX, and Hollywood. This venue includes a quaint garden, a grand hall with elevated ceilings, a cinema/DJ space, magic closets, and a private dressing area.

Website: www.marvimon.com/smog-shoppe

Valentine
This venue spreads to 9,000 feet of “green” space for large gatherings and events. It previously has been used as a hotel, brothel, an oyster company, a location for glass blowing and marijuana growing. Valentine is as unique as its history! It is located in downtown Los Angeles and can accommodate up to 750 guests. It holds an entryway full of sculptural art, a tropical dining room, a starlit veranda, a bar composed of cinder cone, and a private hideaway.

Website: www.marvimon.com/valentine

The Unique Space
Sitting in a historic old factory, The Unique Space considers itself to be the home to innovation, creativity, collaboration, and entrepreneurship. It offers a fresh workspace with offices and one of LA’s newest event spaces that can seat up to 250 guests. The Unique Space is made up of exposed brick, high ceilings, wood floors, and locally created decor, connecting it to the community. Including a rooftop patio, 2 grandrooms, a marble bar, and an open-vendor policy, this venue is the fantasy for every modern L.A. couple.

Website: www.theuniquespace.com

440 Seaton
440 Seaton prides itself on being able to host a multitude of events. Previously used as an indoor lumberyard, its scope of services sweeps wedding, parties, concerts, films, commercial productions, and large scale exhibitions. Reaching 10,000 square feet, it can fit 1,700 standing and 600 table-seated guests. This space being composed of 50 ft. ceilings, a saw tooth roof, wood/concrete flooring, and a freight elevator can be used to create the memorable event of your dreams.

Website: 440seaton.com/details

Aren’t these spaces beautiful? Los Angeles offers some of the most eclectic venues for weddings and special events! Let us know if you have any questions about these venues or our experience working their. Cheers!

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fun ways to display your seating chart

2/15/2019

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By Hannah McCarthy
Sales Manager

Find your seat and bon appetit! The reception can be the most fun part of the wedding for your guests. It can also be the most awkward. Every wedding is unique and so are the relationships of the people present. Some guests might be close friends and some might not like each other. Family can be great, but sometimes those relationships are strained. Some of your guests might be the life of the party, but some might not know anyone else there. Making a seating chart for your reception can help everyone have a blast on your big day! If you have members of your family at odds with each other, put them at two different tables. If you have a friend there that does not know anyone, place them with an outgoing and inclusive table.

One of the things you will need to do is communicate seating arrangements with your guests. Having a seating chart at the front of the reception will give your guests direction! You can get creative and have fun with your seating chart. Below are a few of our favorite seating charts!

Picture Frame + Chicken Wire
This picture is two ideas combined! We’ve seen couples use picture frames and chicken wire, but never together. If you want to make the chart more simple, pick one. To change it up, add a few frames with pictures of you and your new spouse. We love this idea!

Source:
https://www.theknot.com/real-weddings/vintage-picture-frame-seating-chart-photo

Wine Bottles
A wine bottle seating chart can go with any wedding theme! There are so many unique wine bottles that they can be used as is for the chart. To add a fresh touch, place a flower or greenery inside. Roses are an easy option because there are so many different colors that they go with almost anything.

Source:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbdaCAklth-/

Hanging
The modern bride will love the hanging chart. For a streamlined look, use only the frame and seating cards. To give it a softer touch, add greenery. The beauty of this is that it is easy to make. Spray paint PVC pipes to match your wedding colors, print off the tags, hole punch them, and tie them with twine or ribbon.

Source:
https://paperandlace.com/2017/09/05/10-unique-mostly-easy-diy-seating-chart-ideas-for-your-wedding-reception/

Window Frame
The window frame can fit any indoor or outdoor wedding! White molding will make it feel light for spring/summer and dark wood will make it feel warm for fall/winter. Pay attention to where the window is placed because anything behind it will show through. A plain backdrop behind it will ensure the names are legible.

Source:
https://www.weddingchicks.com/blog/purple-and-gray-wedding-inspiration-l-12471-l-43.html

Wood
The wood option works for many brides because it so versatile. You can choose a light wood, dark wood, painted wood, distressed wood, and even clean wood. It won’t take much to make this fit into your wedding. One thing that’s unique about this board is that all the names are in alphabetical order. We have all had the experience of waiting in a long line simply because we could not find our names. Alphabetizing the names will help remedy this problem!

Source:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/548811110/solid-wood-wedding-seating-chart-sign?utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share&utm_term=so.lp.d2.v1&share_time=1549990005000

Each wedding is just as unique as your guests! Use these ideas to help you navigate the arrangement of your reception. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about how to setup your big day!

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how to host a galentine's day party on a budget

2/8/2019

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By Hannah McCarthy
Sales Manager

What’s Galentine’s Day? “Oh, it’s only the best day of the year. Every February 13th my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home and we just come and kick it breakfast style. Ladies celebrating ladies. It’s like Lilith Fair, minus the angst. Plus frittatas.” Leslie Knope started a new holiday for women! Ladies have never needed a reason to celebrate one another and this exciting holiday encourages them to! Coming on the heel of Christmas and eve of Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day might come on the bottom of your financial priority list. Even though you’re working on a tight budget, you can still throw a great party for your ladies!

Decor
One way to save money is by being purposeful with your decorations. Make sure everything that you are using contributes to your vision for the party. Use different shades of pink, red, and white to give your party a feminine touch! One cost effective way to decorate is with balloons. Scatter an abundance of balloons across the floor. To make a cute backdrop for your food table or photo booth, use rose gold heart balloons or one large balloon that says “XO.”

Source:
https://www.inspiredherway.com/valentines-day-party-decorations/

Food
Of course for Galentine’s Day, you need to have some breakfast food! One great option is a waffle bar! Make sure to include toppings like strawberries, whip cream, chocolate chips, peanut butter, syrup, and powdered sugar! If you want to have other food options, use their shapes and colors to contribute to the decor. Similar to the balloons, use hearts, cute phrases, lips in pink, red, and white.

Source:
https://www.macys.com/ce/splash/its-all-about-martha?cm_mmc=mmg_social_org-_-pinterest-_-masID_campaign_marthastewartcollection_valentinesday-_-02052018_02112018

Drink
Mimosas are the drink of choice for the Galentine’s Day breakfast theme! For a sweet change, use strawberry, cranberry, and watermelon juice to make your drinks instead of orange juice. Martinelli’s can be used as a more cost effective alternative. Martinelli’s will also allow your non-drinking guest to enjoy the fun!

Source:
http://www.swankyrecipes.com/strawberry-cream-mimosa.html?crlt.pid=camp.6vTdFsAteQl1

Entertainment
Movies are great entertainment for Galentine’s Day! When you send out your invites, ask your guests to vote on movies. This way everyone will be excited about the film that is playing. Of course your guests can always chat and socialize with the film in the background. Another activity your girls can do while watching the film is coloring. You can find some cute Galentine’s Day coloring printables on Pinterest.

Source:
https://www.lifehack.org/630257/100-inspirational-and-motivational-quotes-of-all-time-98-ap-pinterest-quotes

Favors
There are so many cute favors for Galentine’s Day! One our favorites is a bag of chips with a small sign that says, “You’re all that and a bag of chips!” You can have have an assortment of chips depending on what your ladies like. Costco and Smart and Final are both great places to purchase small bags of chips in bulk!

Source:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/494277756/watercolor-hand-lettered-youre-all-that?

Include your Gals
If your gals are anything like mine, they would love to help and be involved! Include your girls in the planning and preparation process. This can be a special experience for you to share with them! If you have friends that want to cook, have them make heart-shaped cupcakes with pink frosting. If your friend loves to decorate, allow them to set up the space for your party.

Source:
http://www.theperfectpalette.com/2016/02/galentines-day-gala-with-tangerine.html

Who would’ve thought ladies celebrating ladies and breakfast food would make for such a fun party?! We hope this blog gave you some ideas to make your party special for your gals! The most important part of your party is to make sure your girls enjoy the night!

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fun cocktail garnishes

2/1/2019

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By Hannah McCarthy
Sales Manager

Cocktails are sure to liven up any party! Whether you are having a wedding, anniversary party, or corporate party, cocktails will help you and your guests celebrate! One easy way to bring some fun to your party is by selecting a typical cocktail and giving it a custom name for your event. Another way to make your cocktail special for your event is by using a unique garnish. There are a few garnish ideas that we want to share with you!

Lollipops
Use a lollipop garnish for your fruity or sweet cocktail. These are great for a ladies night, birthday party, or bridal shower. They add a sweet touch to any drink, even non-alcoholic drinks! If you are having a party with underage folks, make a fun mocktail and top it off with a lollipop!

Source:
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/packages/weekend-cooking/10-new-ways-to-garnish-your-drinks

Clothespins
Clothespins can be used to make a garnish for a few types of occasions. Two occasions that would be well suited for these are baby showers or a rustic party. Different color clothespins can be used with different items to make a garnish that fits your event!

Source:
https://www.kegworks.com/mini-wooden-clothespins-for-cocktail-garnishes-pack-of-50

Flowers
Flowers can make a beautiful garnish.. They will give your cocktails a fresh feel regardless of what is in them. Use various types of florals and greenery depending on your event or the season. For spring, use lavender. For a winter event, use something with pine or mint.
https://scontent-ams3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/v/t1.0-9/12670180_1715504268696882_8996478015711919859_n.jpg?oh=e7d380e8448a9313738ca0a0febff7cd&oe=5783FEFC

Cotton Candy
Bridal showers, girl’s nights, and galentine’s parties are all events where you can pull out all the fluff and sparkle you want! Cotton candy will make your cocktails feel flirty and feminine. The great thing is that you can find different color cotton candy to match or provide contrast with your cocktail.
https://kirbiecravings.com/cotton-candy-champagne-cocktails/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:+KirbieCravings+(Kirbie+Cravings)

Shapes for the Occasion
One of the best parts of planning an event is working with the theme that goes with it! Utilizing your garnishes for decor is a great way to make your vision come to life. One easy way to accomplish this is by using shapes that enhance your occasion. If it’s an engagement party, put engagement rings on a toothpick. An easy way to make edible shapes is by using a cookie cutter to cut fruit.
https://www.brides.com/story/heart-shaped-wedding-drinks-and-desserts

You can have so much fun garnishing your drinks! Our team is super passionate about cocktails and would love to serve at your bar. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions about the drink menu for your next event!

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favorite venues of Los Angeles

fun ways to display your seating chart

how to host a galentine's day party on a budget

fun cocktail garnishes

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