3 Tips for your Wedding Tasting
1. Speak Up!
2. Order Off Menu
3. Customize It
1. Speak Up!
2. Order Off Menu
3. Customize It
Last week I watched the series finale of one of my favorite TV shows, Parks and Rec. Saying goodbye to Leslie Knope got me thinking about our very own Parks department here in LA. The City of Los Angeles offers some beautiful parks for your outdoor wedding. And the best part is all of these wedding venues are very budget friendly!
Here are some of our favorite Los Angeles Parks to say ‘I Do’ at:

Located in a secluded park is Grace E. Simons Lodge. The Lodge offers a blank canvas to create the wedding of your dreams. It is surrounded by a picture perfect bridge and serene water features. The Lodge can host up to 200 guests and is even available on holidays! Insider tip: there is usually a long wait list so try to plan up to a year ahead.

The over 100 year old Wattles Mansion is full of historic Los Angeles Spanish charm. A Hollywood backdrop, it is primarily used for filming but is a glamorous choice for your big day. Couples are able to rent out the house, garden and front lawn for all of their activities. Insider tip: this venue is perfect for couples with a small guest list.
For a complete list of all of the unique wedding venues the LA Recreation & Parks Department has to offer, click here.
xoxo,
Victoria
It’s no secret that I love BIG cakes. The bigger the better! But every now and then I am surprised by the cuteness of mini desserts.
Mini desserts have their advantages:
Here are a few of my favorite alternative big cake ideas!
Cupcakes
This trend is far from over. Any flavor, any filling, these are the perfect treat for your guests. Pair with your own personal cutting cake and this is one of the most fun desserts! Check out Vanilla Bake Shop in Santa Monica, CA, one of our favorite cupcake shops!
Macarons
These beautiful French delicacies are both delicious and elegant. The bright colors pair well with any color scheme and contribute to overall decor. Wrap these up in clear boxes for a colorful wedding favor or have them served on a traditional macaron tower. We recommend the professionals at ‘Lette Macarons based in Beverly Hills, CA. Yummy!
Candy Bar
Have guests pick and choose which candies they would like to snack on throughout the evening. Every guest with a sweet tooth will love going back to the candy bar!
Ice Cream Sammies
Cookies? Check. Ice Cream? Check. Handheld? Check. Ice cream sandwiches are so fun and make you feel like a little kid again. If you are looking for a hip dessert food truck, look no further than CoolHaus. Our favorite ice cream shop right here in Culver City!
xoxo,
Victoria
Our number 1 tip for designing a luxurious wedding ceremony is hiring live musicians. Adding live music to your wedding ceremony creates a beautiful mood by adding a touch of the luxe. Guests cannot help but smile as they arrive hearing gorgeous string music!
A classic string quartet can run a bit pricey. If you are on a budget, opt for a duo or a soloist that can play the songs you fell in love listening to. A favorite of mine is adding a single acoustic guitarist- a more rustic take on ceremony strings!
For a more personal touch, look into asking a friend or relative if they could play a few songs for your ceremony. Don’t let that beautiful talent go to waste!
Live ceremony music is the perfect start to your elegant evening, no matter your budget!
xoxo,
Victoria
Fresh flowers instantly elevate any event. Flowers are dramatic, spark conversation and become a focal point of your chosen color scheme. Truth be told, flowers are always one of my favorite things!
That being said, flowers usually come with one jaw dropping price tag. No matter your budget, here are a few tips to trim your floral bill while achieving that fresh flower aesthetic.
1. Mix high and low centerpieces
One of the ways to still bring the drama while cutting your price tag is to mix high and low centerpieces. Low centerpieces are about half the price of high ones and your guest’s eyes naturally gravitate toward the high flowers. Mixing centerpieces also achieves a beautiful textured look that is less monochromatic. Your guests will leave remembering the gorgeously tall arrangements!
2. Ask for extra loose petals
Florists charge extra installation costs for placing petals along the aisle and on your cake table. Instead, ask your florist to deliver extra petals to your ceremony location and delegate one of your bridesmaids (or your wedding planner!) to place the petals for you. This will save you hundreds of dollars and takes very little time during your wedding day.
3. DIY
Yes there is such a thing as arranging your own flowers! Have some fun and take a floral design course before the big day (or watch some YouTube videos!). Visit your local flower market a couple of days before your wedding and pick out everything you need. Arrange your flowers the day before and store in a cool place. This works well if you are having a local wedding or you have a creative family member who wants to hep out!
xoxo,
Victoria