WELCOME TO THE
PLANNING experience
hello@savvy-events.com 323.834.9611
www.savvy-events.com
CONGRATULATIONS
you said yes.
In the whirlwind of congratulations, countless hours on Pinterest, and lots of advice coming your way, you’ve begun to piece together ideas of what your wedding will look and feel like. Planning your day is an incredibly intimate process, culminating in a precious 24-hour experience that must be handled with great care. Putting on a wedding takes team effort, from friends, family, vendors, and venues. We hope that whoever comes alongside you to help curate this memorable day, makes you feel truly cherished.
welcome to your beginning...
CONTENTS Savvy Events || Welcome
pg. 6 About Us
pg. 8 Testimonials
pg. 13 What To Expect
pg. 15 Frequently Asked Questions
pg. 20 Timeline Tips
pg. 24 Tips & Tricks
pg. 29 Wedding Day Checklist
pg. 30 Our Collections
pg. 34 Payments & Policies
pg. 35 Wedding Budget Tracker
LET’S GET TOGETHER // about us The Savvy Events team would love to help you collect an array of individuals who feel more like friends than professionals, offering you the best wedding planning experience. From design and planning to vendor referrals and budget management, we’re here to help guide, organize, and simplify your event. Let us serve as your confidant, friend and strategic partner while you take in each moment, from saying yes to stepping into the getaway car as the new Mr. and Mrs.
Based in Sherman Oaks and servicing Southern California and Destination locations, we have been helping brides and grooms celebrate their special day with sophistication and elegance since 2009.
We are honored to offer the following to each of our couples: · A fully-customisable experience with your goals, budget and style fully orchestrated · An authentic affair unique to you · A seamlessly-executed day through meticulous logistics and experience
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS...
FEATURED ON
6 | Savvy Events PLANNING & DESIGN
Apart from the world of weddings, we are passionate about so many things! DeNeitra Burnett, Owner & Creative Director I was born and raised in Southern California and spent summers at the beach enjoying the ocean breeze, pink lemonade, and quality time with family. Holidays have always been one of my favorite things to experience. I vividly remember my mom breaking out the china each year and preparing our home to receive guests. She took so much pride in ensuring everything was perfectly planned, every napkin perfectly folded and every flower perfectly arranged. An excellence in planning has been ingrained in the core of my spirit for as long as I can remember. I love perusing the aisles of any home design, furniture, or artisan shop. Roaming the cultured blocks of Downtown Los Angeles to pick new flowers to adorn my home warms my heart. Spending quality time with my husband, best friend and business partner, Lawrence and our sweet baby boy, Isaiah is my absolute favorite thing in the world. When I’m not planning events you can find me lounging at the beach, casually sipping red wine or enjoying a mani and pedi with a girl-friend. I am truly blessed to do the work that I love and I am so excited to partner with you to make your celebration a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime, one-of-a-kind of event.
A GLOWING REFERENCE // testimonials
8 | Savvy Events PLANNING & DESIGN
DeNeitra was so excited about executing “the vision� of our wedding that I knew there was NO reason I should be stressed on the day of my wedding. I completely trusted DeNeitra and her team from the beginning. Thank you DeNeitra and the Savvy team, you were worth every penny and my wedding would not have been the same without you!
Jessica & Marc
My wedding would not have happened without Savvy Events! Not only did Savvy help run the entire wedding day, they helped facilitate hiring almost every vendor, arranged meetings that fit my schedule (sometimes late at night!) and was always available to help with any questions I may have. I can’t wait to have an excuse to hire Savvy Events again!
Lauren & Mike 10 | Savvy Events PLANNING & DESIGN
We love Savvy Events!! I had the most wonderful wedding and mainly because I knew I didn’t have to worry about anything. DeNeitra was such a sweetheart, even when I was frantic, she had everything under control with her cool, calm demeanor. I would highly recommend Savvy Events to handle any/all of your event needs. Everyone was so professional, kind, reliable, helpful and fun!
Mekela & Jason
Great love affairs start with champagne... - HONORÉ DE BALZAC
12 | Savvy Events PLANNING & DESIGN
GREAT EXPECTATIONS // what you should expect CHOOSING YOUR PLANNER Bringing on a planner is one of the most personal decisions you can make for your wedding day. Fully research and interview an array of people to see their personality, style, and scope of services. Look for someone who is transparent and communicates well, someone who has a history of turning great ideas into glamorous, well-organized plans. A good planner should be as hands off or as hands on as necessary, someone who can speak for you and your vision. We promise to only enter into a contract if we believe that we can best serve you. THE PROCESS Whether you come to us looking for wedding management or a full-service team effort, we can help you enjoy your event by minimizing stress and maximizing organization. In planning your entire experience, we will discuss your vision, your budget, your must-haves, walking through your ideal wedding day. Through suggesting valued vendors and offering simple solutions, we can help you stay within your budget without compromising style. Wherever you are in your event planning experience, we would advise you to book your vendors in the following order: venue, photographer, caterer, DJ/Band, Florist, Hair/Makeup, and finally, the rentals. Choosing from our preferred vendors guarantees the most efficient communication between the planning and production teams
DAY OF THE EVENT Every bride needs someone she can rely on to keep the many different tasks on track while she spends time with her friends and family. The day of the wedding, we host every aspect of your event as if it were our own. We will: •
Greet and direct vendors •
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Set up wedding and reception decor •
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Manage deliveries
Keep track of the wedding party
Ensure timeliness of all family members and the wedding party •
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Serve as bridal party assistant •
Cue the wedding start
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Manage processional
Work with food and beverage service •
Keep track of the reception events
•
Handle any emergency situations •
Oversee event breakdown
14 | Savvy Events PLANNING & DESIGN
FAQ’S // everything you need to know WHY IS HIRING A PLANNER WORTH THE COST? On a full-planning package we estimate 100 hours of work. That’s 100 hours that we’re saving our couples from spending time e-mailing, attending meetings, and more. And each moment of the wedding is an opportunity to make a memory. Instead of trying to manage the day-of details, hiring a planner ensures that our brides and grooms enjoy the experience, knowing that a professional is taking care of each detail. We strive to make our prices as affordable as possible, while still having our services exceed expectations.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A WEDDING PLANNER AND VENUE COORDINATOR? A venue coordinator is a great member of your wedding team, but cannot be responsible for the execution of your event. Because the venue coordinator is responsible for overseeing the venue’s interests, he cannot orchestrate vendor details or ensure that the wedding runs smoothly. The wedding planner oversees each aspect of the wedding, working as your representative in every situation.
DO WE HAVE TO USE YOUR PREFERRED VENDORS/VENUE? You are not required to use vendors/a venue from our preferred list. We highly recommend them, due to the wellestablished relationships that we have cultivated with these professionals. If you do choose from our preferred list, you will be guaranteed a fully-customizable and streamlined approach to your wedding planning experience.
CAN WE FULFILL MY VISION WITH MY BUDGET? We will do our best to exceed expectations while staying within budget. Prioritize the most important aspects of your wedding, label them as non-negotiables, and prepare for us to offer alternative complementary solutions for the remaining wedding details. We desire to create a captivating wedding experience that reflects the most unique aspects of your vision.
HOW CAN I REALISTICALLY SAVE MONEY? Two of the most influential aspects that affect the budget are your guest count and venue location. For the most savings, consider booking a Friday or Sunday option and streamline the guest list as much as possible.
WHEN SHOULD I SEND MY INVITATIONS OUT? Eight weeks before the wedding day to allow time for followup with late responses. If the event is a destination wedding or many people will be traveling, we recommend sending out Save the Date cards.
WHAT TIME DO YOU ARRIVE ON THE WEDDING DAY? We arrive well before the first item scheduled on our wedding day program to ensure a smooth start to the day HOW MUCH WILL I BE RESPONSIBLE FOR IN THE PLANNING PROCESS? The amount of planning you must accomplish depends on what service you choose. As you consider our services, realistically evaluate the amount of time you can set aside for wedding planning each week. And no matter what level of service, there will be some tasks that a planner simply cannot do for you.
WHO SHOULD I INVITE? The most important people to you and your fiancee. Usually this includes all immediate family and friends. If there are any family members or friends that you haven’t seen or spoken to in over a year, do not feel obligated to invite them. You are not required to give guests a plus one; however, if someone is engaged, married, or has been with a significant other for more than a year, you would want to include them on the invitation. Inviting children is always optional.
DO YOU MANAGE ALL OF THE CONTRACTS? For our planning and design clients, we handle contract negotiations and facilitations. While we do not handle payment processing for vendors (since the contract is between vendor and client), we do maintain a schedule of payments due for the client.
HOW DO I OBTAIN A MARRIAGE LICENSE? Each state differs but you will find that information readily available at your local City Clerks Office.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU’RE SICK OR HAVE A FAMILY EMERGENCY THE DAY OF? A planner of equal qualification will be able to step in on my behalf.
IF MY FAMILY HAS SENSITIVE DYNAMICS, HOW CAN YOU HELP ME NAVIGATE THEM? We spend time talking about any specific possible personal problems with the client prior to wedding day. We strive to be as prepared as possible to handle difficult situations from specific relatives, guests, or even wedding party members.
WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM OTHER WEDDING PLANNERS? At Savvy, we wholeheartedly love what we do. We bring energy and efficiency to each and every wedding, bringing your unique vision to life. We are in the business of exceeding expectations and creating a planning experience that is fun, fresh and exciting for you. There are so many amazing planners to select from, our hope is that you see our heart and passion for guiding you and your fiancé through this incredible and joyous season of your life.
I love you without knowing how, or when or from where. I love you simply without problems or pride I love you in this way because I do not know any other way of loving but this, in which there is no I or You. - PABLO NERUDA
ILLUSTRATIONS // tips for writing your timeline •
Speak to your photographer first! Ask him what time he wants to start and how long he need for bride/groom, bridal party, and families. Work backward and forward from there.
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Tell the bridal party and family to arrive 30 minutes prior to when they actually need to.
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Consider doing a first look so photos can be done prior to the ceremony.
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Avoid making the guests move more times than necessary.
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Build in extra time everywhere.
20 | Savvy Events PLANNING & DESIGN
Sample Timeline 8am Bride’s hair and make up Bridesmaids’ hair and makeup Groom and groomsmen getting ready 11am First look pictures 11:30-1pm Bridal party pictures off campus 2pm Groom and groomsmen arrive Bride and bridesmaids arrive Freshen up 2:30pm Family pictures and group pictures in wedding venue 4:00pm Ceremony 4:30pm Cocktail hour 5:30pm Reception Begins —First Dance — Father/Daughter Dance — Mother/Son Dance — Welcome Toast (a Parent) — Salad — Toast (Best Man and Maid of Honor) — Main Course — Guests invited to dance — Cake — Bouquet toss 9:30pm Farewell
When you love someone all your saved up wishes start coming true. - ELIZABETH BOWEN
AS AN INSIDER // helpful hints
TOP THREE TIPS FOR A HAPPY WEDDING PLANNING EXPERIENCE
1. Start prioritizing and budgeting early. 2. Do your research and trust your instincts. 3. Enable others so you can relax and enjoy your wedding.
24 | Savvy Events PLANNING & DESIGN
OTHER HELPFUL HINTS •
Prioritize what is most important to you and your fiancé.
•
Organize your thoughts and ideas on paper before consulting with a planner.
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If you can work with a planner throughout the entire planning process, do it. You will find the event runs more smoothly with all vendors and venue united to take care of you and your guests.
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You can’t please everyone. With that in mind, plan a day that reflects and celebrates you, our values, and your love. The people who truly love you will respond well to that and enjoy the day in the end.
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Don’t shop for your wedding dress before you pick your venue.
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Enjoy the planning process. Even in the stress-filled moments or difficult decisions, remember that you are planning this event to help cultivate memories with your friends and family — and the planning process is a part of that.
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Do your research but keep it simple. Interview no more than three of each vendor area.
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Don’t sweat the small stuff. Leave that to the event planner and remember to enjoy the day and make fun memories, quirks and all.
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Go on a date with your fiance the week before the wedding and leave the wedding talk behind.
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The day of, stop and watch. Take a few seconds at each stage of the wedding day to store the emotions, scents, conversation, and imagery that is swirling around you. The day will be over before you know it.
Thank you Nicole Lennox Creative Anna Delores Photography Elizabeth Burgi Photography Judy & Gavin Photography
for providing us with beautiful photos
It ’s delightful when your imaginations come true, isn’t it ? - ANNE OF GREEN GABLES
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD // wedding day checklist Your wedding day has arrived! Hopefully you are well-rested and ready for a full schedule of events. If we are taking care of you, we will supply you with a packing list for each step of the day, but here are a few things that you need for the wedding to go off without a hitch:
[ ] Marriage license [ ] Bride and groom’s attire [ ] Rings (all of them!) [ ] Copies of the invitation and program for the photographer [ ] A pretty hanger for the dress [ ] Comfortable shoes [ ] A few loose flowers [ ] A sewing kit [ ] Breath fresheners [ ] Tissues [ ] Bobbi Pins [ ] Safety Pins [ ] Pain relievers [ ] Feminine products [ ] Phone Charger [ ] Everything packed for the honeymoon
OUR COLLECTIONS Allow our team to become yours, solely dedicated to meticulously delivering an impressive event. Each package starts with a complimentary event consultation to understand your needs. We can recommend a particular package after understanding your vision, priorities, budget, and length of time until the wedding day.
WEDDING MANAGEMENT · Two one-hour strategy meetings · Unlimited phone and email communication prior to wedding · Referrals to our preferred creative team · Creation of a detailed timeline/ production schedule · Coordination of wedding rehearsal · Oversee set-up of decor · Manage vendors and ensure set-up meets your vision and specifications · On-site management of your wedding day · Distribution of final payments and gratuities · 1 Event Manager and 1 Event Assistant
Investment Starting at
$
2500
PLANNING & DESIGN · Management of all aspects of the wedding planning experience includes everything listed above, as well as:
EVENT DESIGN · Comprehensive event design questionnaire · Meeting to discuss your event, inspiration, dreams and desires · Development of a design proposal including the florist, rentals, linens, invitation designer, lighting company and other design related elements · Design presentation meeting to review the design proposals · Management of design budget · Create layout/floor plan of ceremony and reception space 30 | Savvy Events PLANNING & DESIGN
EVENT PRODUCTION · Assistance finding and contracting your venue including up to 3 venue scouting trips · Up to 8 planning sessions, including 2 venue walkthroughs · Management of budget including budget spreadsheet · Securing and management of all wedding vendors · Manage all wedding vendors and serve as point of contact · A detailed event day timeline and event production schedule · Vendor confirmation the month prior to your event · Point of contact for venue and all vendors · Unlimited phone and email communication prior to the event Investment:
Customized to each client
“ To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love.” - JANE AUSTEN
DUE’S & DONT’S // policies & payments SATISFACTION // The Savvy team will go above and beyond to provide you with peace of mind during the planning process. Please review the extensive explanation of our policies in the service agreement before you sign. PAYMENTS // •
For Wedding Management clients, a non-refundable retainer of 50% of planning package is due with the signed service agreement.
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“For Planning & Design clients, a non-refundable retainer is due with the signed service agreement (amount determined based on scope of work).
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25% is due mid-way between the date of contract and wedding date
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The remaining contracted balance must be paid in full 3 weeks prior to the wedding date.
COMMUNICATION // Our preferred methods of communications for clients: •
(1)Aisle Planner: To streamline the planning process and to keep track of the numerous messages we will send each other, our preferred method of communication is via our project management system, Aisle Planner. We will walk you through how to use the system to ensure you are comfortable and at ease.
•
(2) Phone: Should you need to reach us by phone, please reach us at 323.834.9611. Please be advised that due to our schedule of client meetings, site visits, etc. scheduling a call via Aisle Planner is the best way to ensure our availability.
OFFICE HOURS // Monday and Wednesday 12pm – 5pm Tuesday and Thursday 11am – 2pm 34 | Savvy Events PLANNING & DESIGN
SOCIAL MEDIA // Instagram @savvyeventsllc Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest @savvyevents
ALLOCATIONS // This is a general recommendation sheet for them to be able to fill out. If you’d like customizations please contact us directly about these.
VENUE, CATERING & RENTALS
Venue & Rentals
_________________________
Food Service
_________________________
Rehearsal Dinner
_________________________
Limo
_________________________
Wedding Cake
_________________________
Officiant
_________________________
Additional Expenses
_________________________
WEDDING PLANNER
Wedding Planner
_________________________
APPAREL
Wedding Dress
_________________________
Tuxedo
_________________________
STATIONERY
MEDIA
Photographer
_________________________
Save The Dates
_________________________
Videographer
_________________________
Invitations
_________________________
Prints & Albums
_________________________
Programs, Menus Etc. _________________________
DJ
_________________________
Guest Book
Ceremony Musicians
_________________________
BEAUTY
DECORATIONS
Ceremony Decorations _________________________ Reception Decorations
_________________________
_________________________
Hair
_________________________
Makeup
_________________________
HONEYMOON
FLORALS
Decorative Florals
_________________________
Attendant Florals
_________________________
Air Travel
_________________________
Hotel
_________________________
Savvy Events PLANNING & DESIGN | 35
“The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds.� -Nicholas Sparks