Sneak Peek : Dayna & J.C : Santa Monica, CA

Monday, August 31, 2009

After a bit of blog stalking, I snagged a few images from the super duper talented Samuel Lippke of one of my recent weddings at Casa Del Mar in Santa Monica. He is such a huge talent and I was honored to work with him. Be sure to sneak over to his blog and website to get the full experience. There is so much more to come, but here is a sneak peek of Dayna & J.C.'s over-the-top Latin inspired wedding. They had everything from Mariachis to a 10 piece Latin Salsa Band to Cucumber Mojitos. And, the flowers, by the too good to be true, Sunny of White Lilac, were out of this world! Again, enjoy this teaser. I promise to share more once they are in my hands.







Loving This: Amanda Marsalis Shoots Polaroids

Friday, August 28, 2009

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Amanda Marsalis at the wedding of Zoe and Griff. She was walking around taking polaroid pictures of the event as the rest of the guests were having watermelon lemonade and mini meatball sliders. I was wondering what the heck she was doing. I mean, she was shooting with the same eye and attention to detail as I see from my other wedding photographers, so I could tell this wasn't her first go around, but, being that I have NEVER seen even a remotely decent polaroid picture, I kind of thought she was wasting her time a bit. Boy, was I wrong! Little did I know that Miss Amanda is a well known artist in the photography world who has captured the likes of Juliette Lewis, Dennis Hopper, Beck and many, many others. Her images are breathtaking, and Zoe and Griff were so lucky to have another pair of creative eyes capturing their day. Here are a few of my favorite shots from Amanda Marsalis.

Polaroid wedding photography

In Print: BHE in Inside Weddings

Thursday, August 27, 2009


If you haven't picked up the latest copy of Inside Weddings, you should do so immediately. Not only is it overflowing with lots of juicy details and information for your upcoming wedding, but you can see a few shots from one of our recent weddings. If you can't make it to pick up a copy, in the meantime, you can view some of the details of Louisa and John's wedding along with their story online.. This was probably my favorite event of 2008 and I'm so honored that one of my favorite publications seemed to agree. To see more about Louisa and John's wedding and what I had to say about it, click here, here and here. This couple also inspired my blog post about maintaining perspective, which is an appropriate read no matter where you are in your planning process.

Planning Tidbit: Must Knows about Private Estates

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Private Estates are sneaky little devils...they promise privacy, intimacy and even offer a blank slate to create a world that is all your own. But, with that blank slate comes a cost and one you should definitely figure into your budget BEFORE committing to a private estate. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE private homes...They are perfect for the type of events I usually plan and the brides that invite me to be a part of their day. You don't have to worry about hotel guests crashing your reception or bumping into another bride all dressed in white, on YOUR wedding day. You can usually bring in any type of caterer you like and even save a few dollars on alcohol if you want to bring in your own. For these reasons, they are the perfect match for a lot of couples, but very often, I'm brought onto a wedding for a couple who have already picked their venue. They've chosen a popular private estate in Southern California and couldn't be more excited. Sure, they know they have to bring in the tables, chairs, forks, glasses, etc. but rarely do they know how this can add up. Here are some of the added expenses you may run into while planning your private estate wedding:

~Rentals: Yes, I know they told you about this, but did they tell you that rentals alone can cost from $60 to $100 per person when all is said and done? This includes chairs, tables, linens, forks, knives, dessert plates, bread and butter plates, coffee cups, martini glasses, oh and those super cute double shot glasses that you want to see your desserts displayed in.
~More Rentals: If your private estate will not allow your caterer to cook in the existing kitchen, which 95% of them will not, plan to rent items like convection ovens, heating racks, fryers, prep tables, trash cans and even things like astroturf to protect the floors of the venue and to protect the staff.
~Portable restrooms: I know you hate them, but you need them. Even if you can use the home's existing restrooms, if the venue recommends adding a portable restroom, or if you are working in a home where you are simple not sure of the plumbing system's capabilities, then spend the couple hundred dollars it costs to get a portable restroom. Best case scenario, it can be used for the vendors so they don't have to track through guests and your home during potty breaks. Worst case scenario, it acts as a back up plan if all of the sudden, the homes restrooms can't handle your crowd. Oh, and if the portable restroom is your only outlet, I would recommend upgrading to a VIP restroom which can rent for $1000 to $2000. They come in on a trailer and look just like the bathroom in your very own home inside, complete with sinks, mirrors, etc.
~Parking: Homes are not designed to park 100 cars. There's no way around it. Plan to spend a couple hundred to rent a nearby parking lot if street parking is not an option.
~Valet or Shuttles: Well, if the parking lot is not attached to the home, chances are the guests are going to need to get to the venue somehow. Make it easier on them by either offering valet service to take their car to the lot for them, or by shuttling the guests from the lot to the venue. This can run from $750 to $2500 and up depending on how many guests you are trying to transfer.
~Lighting & Generators: Again, most homes aren't designed to host parties of 200+. They might have track lighting to light pathways, or enough power to run a small sound system, but chances are, they don't have enough light or power to run the event. I recommend checking the venue out at night to see exactly what type of basic lighting you might need. I'm not talking decorative lighting here...I'm talking the necessary light that will ensure your guests are not eating in the dark. Once you determine the amount of light you need to bring in and the amount of power necessary, check with your band, DJ and caterer to determine how much additional power they need. It is very rare that I get by without a generator at a private home, so do plan for the worst budgetwise, but you never know...if you go super basic on lighting and then just have a DJ, you might be able to get by on the home's existing power, but if there is any question at all, don't risk it. There would be nothing worse than all of the power going out just when the dance floor is getting started.
~Lastly, and you'll rarely here me plug the services of a wedding planner, but if you are going the private estate route, do yourself a favor and get a wedding planner. At minimum, you'll need one to double and triple check your rental order, power needs, ensure the valet is going smoothly, etc., etc., etc. Don't put this added stress onto yourself by being bogged down with the logistics.

With all of this said, I don't want to talk you out of a private estate in any way, shape or form. I L-O-V-E, love them! Some of the most amazing events I have ever planned have been in beautiful courtyards, mansions overlooking the pacific, or even just quaint and historic plantation houses in the Hawaiian Islands. So, while I 100% believe they are worth the extra work, make sure you do your research both on your needs and expenses you will face before signing on the dotted line of your venue contract.

Quick Design Tip: Don't overthink the color palette

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

So many brides out there spend lots and lots of time hunting for the exact shade of ribbon that matches the envelopes of their invitations which also matches the stitching on the bridesmaid's shoes and so on and so on, but I say, no more. Not only will this make your head spin in circles, but in the end the focus of your design becomes these one or two colors that have now vomited on your event. The colors rule you and your design instead of you ruling the design. All of the sudden you are buying hot pink toe nail polish for the bridesmaids and purchasing items like purple pens for favors just because they are in your color scheme. Instead of having the romantic glamour you were going for, you now have a pink mess that includes pink favor boxes tied with the perfectly matched pink ribbon enclosing the perfectly matched pink macarons which now match the pink napkins at the cocktail hour and the pink ties on the groomsmen. Rather than forcing yourself to choose a strict color palette, plan on choosing a color story along with bringing in elements that you simply just like. You don't have to have pink lemonade just because your wedding colors are pink and yellow. But, if you love a certain palette then plan to feature these colors without overdoing it. For example, if your "colors" are lavendar and green, don't be afraid include a variety of purples in the palette to make things look more natural all the while relying heavily on the lavendar. Add some texture to printed items and even some of the accessories for the wedding party that feature hints of the palette without forcing it down your guests throats. Make your focus more on creating an atmosphere or a feel more so than anything else. Don't worry if the paper on your placecards is not the exact color as the signature cocktail, because no one else will be. In fact, if you do overly match these types of things, guests might start to notice the slight OCD that you have been developing since the planning process has begun and that's not good for anyone :). But seriously, in the end, the event will look more interesting and more sophisticated by not taking the obvious path to an overly matched event.

Blog Love: Beth Helmstetter Events on Hostess with the Mostess

Monday, August 24, 2009


I absolutely love Hostess with the Mostess and their amazing blog! She provides readers with realistic inspiration that you could really do at home for your next party that everyone can enjoy. As I am a sucker for the art of entertaining, I love that she makes throwing an amazing party possible no matter where you live and what your budget is. So, of course, I was more than honored when she featured the recent baby shower I planned on my last trip back to the Midwest. It was a Cowboy themed shower that was pretty much DIY all around and anyone could replicate or spin it and make it your own the next time you are looking for a relaxed but fun theme. Click here to see the love, HWTM gave us. Click here to see all of the pictures posted on my previous blogpost.

Real Wedding : Adamson House : June 7th, 2009

Friday, August 21, 2009

I recently had the honor of planning and designing a wedding for a couple that prefers to remain anonymous, but they have allowed me to provide some beautiful pictures from the day. The event was at the Adamson House in Malibu and shot by the too good to be true, Jose Villa. It's ashame you can't see the emotion he captures on a wedding day in this post, but his detail shots have captured my heart as well!

The bride wanted a very low key, backyard dinner feel to her wedding. She wanted the day to feel approachable and effortless, which just so happens to be my specialty, so we were definitely the perfect fit!

The breathtaking flowers were by Holly Flora (of course!). She's too talented for words.

Calligraphy was by my girl, Laura Hooper of LH Calligraphy. Again, she is at the top of my referral list when it comes to adding custom designed charm to the day.

Linens were by La Tavola, who I also love for making me look so good!

Cake was by Vanilla Bake Shop. So yummy!

Enjoy the pics!
Claire Pettibone,Jose Villa Beth Helmstetter Events,Adamson House

Coral Peony

Ceremony at Adamson House
Adamson House Ceremony
Adamson House,Beth Helmstetter Events Holly Flora,Jose Villa laura hooper calligraphy
Adamson House Jose Villa,Holly Flora Beth helmstetter Events
Holly Flora Beth helmstetter Events,Adamson House Jose Villa
escort cards,laura hooper calligraphy
laura hooper calligraphy,place cards; escort cards
Coral Peony at Adamson House
Beachside lounge
Ceremony at Adamson House
Organic centerpiece,paper lanterns
Organic centerpiece
Adamson House Jose Villa,Beth Helmstetter Events
Kitchen for Exploring Foods,Jose Villa Beth Helmstetter Events
Holly Flora Beth helmstetter Events,Adamson House Jose Villa
Photobucket
Adamson House,Kitchen for Exploring Foods,Jose Villa Beth Helmstetter Events

New Blog Format

As some of you might have noticed, I'm switching up my blog a bit. You are still going to hear about my happenings and see pictures from the real weddings I've been working on, but I now hope
to include so much more. I'm starting to include three new regular columns including:

-Planning Tidbits: This will be quick thoughts on budgeting, logistics and overall planning how to's.
-Quick Design Tips: Including my thoughts and inspirations for a well designed wedding or event.
-Loving This: Overviews of both new and sometimes old things on the market that I just love.

Mixed in with these regular features, I won't forget to update you on our latest print exposure and blog love we are receiving and of course, the favorite details and moments from our recent events. You may even find a guest blogger on here every now and then. I'm hoping to keep you updated three to five days a week, but if you don't hear from me, just know I'm cooking up some new events that you will soon be the first to know about.

With this new format, I'm hoping to not only create a space for you to come to for inspiration, but I'm also hoping to give you a little glimpse into my planning perspective. To warn you upfront, I plan to be a little more realistic about things as this is simply who I am. You likely are not going to find things like amazing DIY projects that look ridiculously easy only to find out they are impossible to do once you try it at home. I'm not going to give tips on how to have an over-the-top wedding on a budget of $3,573.68 and I will not write about things like how you can get your photographer to cut 75% off of their package price. That's not the type of planner I am in general and I don't ever want to provide false hope. Instead, I will tell you how to shave a few dollars without losing the overall style and sophistication of your event, how to set realistic budget expectations and overall how to make the most of your planning experience.

With all of this being said, if there is a question that's been keeping you up at night, a topic you want a planner's insight on or just something you love that you think my readers will love too, then please send those ideas over. You can do so by both commenting on my posts or directly via email at beth@bethhelmstetter.com. Thank you for reading!

Planning Tidbit: Prepare for Unexpected Expenses

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Sure you've thought of the flowers, the photography, the cake and the caterer, but have you given much thought to items like alterations, facials and restrooms? Most couples don't and for this reason, I think a lot of people end up nickeling and diming their wedding budget to a slow painful death. Below are seven of the biggest surprise expenses that you may face. Please keep in mind that most of the numbers are averages for Southern California brides and not necessarily representative of averages around the nation.

1. Alterations: Everyone has to have the perfect dress and many work oh, so hard to stay within their predetermined budget when purchasing the gown, but they rarely take into consideration the aftermath. Alterations can surprisingly cost a pretty penny with some even running the same amount as your wedding gown. Make sure to set aside $500 to $1000 and up to alter your gown.

2. Shipping: I used to just talk to my destination clients about shipping expenses, but with today's focus on customizing every detail of the big day, even my Los Angeles based clients spend a lot of cash on shipping, whether it's to get the perfect lanterns from France or something as simple as your favorite cookies from New York. On average plan to set aside $100 to $250 just to ship items in for your big day.

3. Stylist, Spa Day and all of the fun stuff: Hair and makeup is the one area that most of my clients end up with a bit of sticker shock. A professional stylist can cost anywhere from $150 to $300 for makeup application alone. Not to mention paying for hair and makeup for the wedding party. Adding this onto things like manicures, pedicures, pre-wedding facials, etc. and you can plan to spend in the $1000 to $1500 range just to look pretty.

4. Rentals: Rentals is always a scarier number than most people expect. Depending on what the venue includes, you can easily drop a significant amount of your budget on rentals and this is something to take into consideration BEFORE you book your venue. Often couples will hire me after booking an unbelievable private estate which seemed liked a killer deal, only to find out that they are looking at $8,000 to $10,000 plus in rental expenses to furnish the home with just the basics like portapotties, lighting, generators and a kitchen for their caterer to cook in. On the other hand, if you are considering a venue that includes most items, take a moment to consider your design before signing on. Sure they have chairs, but are they the rustic bentwoods you are dying to have? If not, plan to spend another $10 per chair to get them. Are the linens and china going to fit your aesthetic? If the answer is no, budget another $1000 plus to compensate.

5. Big Bridal Parties: Everyone underestimates the cost of having a wedding party. It's not just the bouquets (at $65 each and up they can add up quickly) or the gifts you need to give each attendant (estimate $100 per person), but it's also things like the bridal luncheon, the spa day, hair, makeup and so on and so on. Sure you don't have to have these things, but you most likely will want them and the more people that tag along for the ride means the more money you will shell out. Plan on spending about $500 per bridesmaid once you add in flowers, gifts and beauty services.

6. Vendor Meals: Are you having a big band? Are you hiring a crew of cinematographers? If so, plan to spend $25 to $50 per person who is working your event. Most of the weddings I plan have 10 to 20 vendors that are being fed, which can add an additional $500 plus onto your budget when you add in tax and service charge.

7. Gratuities: Along with vendor meals comes the added expense of gratuities. While, entirely optional, if you are of giving nature, make sure you budget for it, so you aren't hemorrhaging unexpected funds the week of your wedding. Depending on the number of vendors, you can anticipate spending anywhere from $250 to $1500 on gratuities alone. I'll be sure to post some tipping guidelines very soon to give you a clearer breakdown of these expenses.

In the end, when budgeting, if you don't want any surprises, try to think about everything in advance. Because, while it is the obvious things like catering and photography that can take huge chunks out of your day, these little items add up so quickly as well.

Blog Love: Beth Helmstetter Events on Style Me Pretty

Wednesday, August 19, 2009



I feel like if you are reading this blog then you absolutely have to know about Style Me Pretty. It is an absolute must read if you are planning your wedding or even if you are in the industry. I love it with every piece of my heart. I've been a Little Black Book member for a couple of years now, and with Abby, the editor's, sense of style, I can only blush every time I think of the honor she has given me by including Beth Helmstetter Events in her list of favorites. The only thing that makes me more humble is when she gives me a little blog love. Click here, here, here and here to read the most recent posts she wrote on Beth Helmstetter Events and one of the events I recently planned. But, as I always say, please, please don't stop there. Check her blog out everyday. She gives amazing inspiration from some of the nation's best wedding vendors in bite sized pieces which can be devoured in a quick minute or provide hours and hours of entertainment!

Quick Design Tip: Don't forget the linens

Tuesday, August 18, 2009



I'm a linen snob and anyone who has worked with me knows that I think linens and/or the furniture you choose is the palette for your design. Many, many couples come to me in the beginning convinced they are just going to use the in house option for tables, chairs, linens, etc. and just "dress it up" with some candles and flowers. Here's my response: Sure, you can do that and your event can look like every other wedding being thrown on any given Saturday night across the nation. Flowers are amazing...believe me, I'm a flower snob too...but they are only part of the picture.

Put another way, I look at the tables whether with or without linens like furniture in your home. You wouldn't choose to get any ole table for your house and then just say, "ehh, I'll just dress it up with some great place mats or something." No, you would take the time to find the table and chairs that are right for your style and home. The same should be said for your wedding. Take the time to really think about what the right palette for your amazing flowers, lighting, stationery, etc. is. Is it a beautifully distressed wood table dressed in only lightweight, lace table runners? Is it layers and layers of luxurious dupioni silk linens? Or, maybe it is just a crisp, clean white table cloth, but I promise you, no matter what your style is, the right choice is not a cheap polyester table linen that shows off the metal legs of a rental table. Now, don't get me wrong...I'm as frugal as all get out. I would be embarrassed to share my wedding budget with you, so I'm not suggesting for you to bust the bank on the linens or furniture, but what I am saying is give them a little love too. Cut a smidge off of the flower budget if possible, or completely eliminate things like programs and favors (as God knows very few people appreciate them) and instead, really finish the look of your event.

Oh and on a side note, the napkins are the only piece of your decor that your guests will literally interact with. This being said, really consider getting something that is nice to the touch and feel. It is a subtle touch that doesn't go unnoticed.

Loving This: Inside Weddings New Website

Monday, August 17, 2009



I'm a wedding magazine junkie. I literally read every page of each publication as soon as it arrives in my mailbox. And, though, I do love them all, Inside Weddings is one of my favorites. They usually include many pages of real weddings from around the nation which I think many of my brides find super inspiring and as do I. So, imagine my surprise to find out Inside Weddings just launched a brand, spankin' new website which is as equally amazing as their magazine. Be sure to check it out immediately, but give yourself some time as there is a ton of information and lots of great inspiration on there that you won't want to miss.

Also, as an added bonus, yours truly has been invited to join their Editor's Cirle, which is a huge honor. Along with this recognition, you may just even see a few of my blog posts circulating amongst the pages of the lovely site. But, of course, I'll let you know here first.

Planning Tidbit: Vendor Personalities

Friday, August 14, 2009

The number one complaint I hear from both brides I work with and those working on their own, is that wedding vendors can be "unprofessional". While it is not usually the case with the team I work with, with some vendors, it can take days to get a call or email returned and then if you do reach them the follow up can be equally frustrating for some couples. While I'm not a psychologist, I do have a theory for you brides out there: Most vendors, if they are really talented, are artists first and foremost. A florist's specialty is not excel spreadsheets and many bands and DJs are rarely out of bed until 1 or 2pm each day due to late gigs the night before. While this isn't meant to be an excuse, it is something to keep in mind while planning the big day. If your vendor is a true entrepreneur in addition to their God given talent, then they may have an office assistant or business manager to compensate for their wonderfully developed right brain and weaker left. So, if you are the type to panic easily or even lose your patience with typos, overlooked emails, etc. find out the organization of the business and their approach to your wedding. Are they a one person show (which coincidentally would probably save you a buck or two) or do they have a ton of staff. Are they boutique in structure or are they ran more like a corporation? In the end, it's up to you to evaluate what you are and aren't willing to tolerate from a vendor, but my advice is to really research and check the references of the vendor you are working with. If you hear things like, "sometimes they were slow to respond, but the cake was the talk of the town," then make your decision based on what your personality can handle. Once you have thoroughly researched and found the right team, the best advice I can give is to then trust that they will produce the same breathtaking flowers, the absolute best meal or the wildest dance floor as they have been known to produce at their previous events. The accounting might have been slightly off or the photographer may have made a small typo early on, but in the end, you are hiring these people to design and create a unique event and not to do your taxes. While, I can truly appreciate a perfect contract or invoice, some of the biggest talent in the business spend more time perfecting their art instead of pouring over their books.

Loving This: Choreographed dance as gift to bride and groom

Thursday, August 13, 2009

I know I've promised more images of Zoe & Griff's big day and I am hoping to share them very soon, but in the meantime, I wanted to share one of my favorite moments in the wedding. The bridesmaids and groomsmen actually had a Bollywood style dance choreographed for the bride and groom, which then 20 of the couple's closest friends performed on the wedding day. It was such a great touch as the bride and her friends had taken a trip to India many years ago and they were all so inspired by the culture. Because of this, it made the dance even more meaningful and not to mention fun. Not only did the bride and groom love it, but the dance brought the energy of the whole party up and it was a great way to open the dance floor.

Take a peek! My favorite part is the end when the guys shower the couple with rose petals and fresh herbs...

Zoe & Griff's Bollywood Dance

Oh, and, yes, they are dancing on a clear dance floor/pool cover on top of a pool filled with lots and lots of marigolds! Have I mentioned how much I loved this wedding? I seriously have the best job on earth!

Quick Design Tip: Don't celebrate the ugly

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

It is rare that I walk into a venue and it is absolutely perfect. There is usually an eye sore somewhere, whether it be portapotties near the entrance, a chain link fence in the back ground or an 80's style lattice surrounding the storage area. Most people's first instinct is to decorate the area. They want to tie ribbons to the railing going up the steps to the bathrooms, add twinkle lights to the lattice and drape garlands over the chained link fence. My advice is this...either completely hide the eye sores or ignore them. While there are great ways to cover things like this from manicured hedging to draping that coordinates with the rest of your room, adding lights, flowers, ribbons, garlands and so on to something ugly, only draws more attention to that something ugly. If you don't have it in the budget to cover these areas up, then ignore them. Divert guest's attention by creating a beautiful table scape, a lush lounge area or other area decor on the other side of the room or venue. Chances are they will never even notice the oh, so annoying part of the room that's been keeping you up at nights.

Sneak Peek : Zoe & Griff : Los Angeles, CA

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

I just finished what I believe to be my favorite wedding of the year and wanted to share a little sneak peek.

These detail images were shot by Steve Steinhardt, who is uber talented and if you want a little tip from me, you brides out there will take advantage of his up and coming rates before he is so huge he is out of price range for the everyday bride. Really, he is that good! These detail shots just show the very tip of his talent but as you can see he really captures everything.

Enjoy and when all of the pictures are back, I'll share even more of the ceremony, bouquets, beautiful wedding party, and the surrounding events which included an intimate dinner at a beautiful restaurant in Beverly Hills and a chic but laid back brunch at the Viceroy in Santa Monica. I can't wait to share!