This is the Transcript of the #WeddingMarket #Chat on February 27, 2013.

Los Angeles Weddings With Renee Strauss, Kevin Lee, Harmony Walton, John Goolsby and Judith Feldman.
The answers were made on Twitter so responses will appear different.

 

This Transcript was sponsored by  Luxe Hotel on Rodeo Drive , House Entertainment ,
Emma + Josh , Beverly Hills Luxury Motors and Wedding and Event Institute.

 

How did you get involved with the Wedding Industry ?

Renee: After growing up in gourmet catering I knew weddings were my passion.

 

Q1: What makes weddings or destination weddings in LA unique?   

Kevin: Always something going on in Hollywood and Beverly Hills.. LA is such a fabulous place for a celebration..!!

Renee:  LA has iconic landmarks that underscore unique themes & fab weather year round.

John: LA is unique because it offers every possible option for venues, settings and budget.

Harmony: The people make LA different – talented event pros + creative couples. Our city = great backdrop + the best in design.

 

 

Q2: What makes LA the ideal location for wedding guests?

Kevin: The weather is always so perfect in LA and Beverly Hills, with beautiful sunny ceremonies you can count on!

Renee: Guests can both celebrate & sightsee

John: We’ve got the weather, beaches, evening sunsets, glamour of Hollywood and Magic of Disney.

Harmony: LA is ideal for out of town guests bc of the weather – year round! Hello, this is So Ca! And hotel quality + variety too 🙂

Judith: There is so much to do for #weddings in LA which makes it stand out.

 

Q3: What does @LuxeRodeoHotel offer for a Wedding?

Kevin: How can you beat world famous Rodeo Drive?

Renee: The only property on Rodeo Dr & perfectly located for shopping sprees & lunch & your wedding, too!!

Judith: Luxe Hotel is is the only Hotel and the only restaurant on Rodeo Drive so it is unique for #Weddings.

 

Q4: How many different wedding locations does @LuxeRodeoHotel offer?

Renee: As a wedding planner I love the versatility of the Luxe LA properties from oasis retreat to modern luxury.

 

Q5: What are some other unique wedding venues in #LA?

Kevin: Venice mansions on the beach, museums, hollywood… You name it..!

Renee: Yamashiro, Annenberg Beach House, The Huntington Library & Beaches galore! Love Luxe Hotel Sunset Boulevard! Even had one of my son’s 5 day bar mitzvah celebration here!

John: I like them all from Beverly Hills Posh Hotels, to the Ocean Front Resorts to the Lake side Mountain Retreats.
Harmony: I love LA icons like @EbellofLA and some of the studio spaces like Sony with @WolfgangBuzz

 

Q6: How far in advance should a bride plan a wedding in #LA ? What is the smallest amount of time?

Kevin: One year in advance is ideal, 6 months is the smallest amount of time for planning.

Renee:  A year in advance gives quality lead time to accomplish a perfect event. Less than 3 months is challenging. 9 months…magic number for life’s celebrations!

John: Start 12 months out with a professional consultant…

Harmony: Each couple is unique, no time frame is right for all but I like a good nine months when possible, though Ive seen nine days!

Q7: What is the price range a couple will pay for a wedding in #LA ?

A: Kevin: The sky’s the limit..!!!!

Renee: The average wedding in LA is approx. $35K but I’ve seen & done weddings upwards of a million.

John: Full range from $50 to $5,000 per person

 

Q8: What are the latest trends in Bridal Gowns?

Kevin:  Sparkles are going out… Classic modern luxury with a Hollywood glam twist is in..!!!

Renee: Peplums, color, sleeves & illusion (sheer)

 

Q9: What are some wedding trends with flowers and event design?

Kevin:  Purple, deep sharp green with accents of gold.

Renee: Sparkle & Bling r perennial & never fade. Blk/Wht is history now we see pops of color!

 

Q10: What are some #LA wedding trends that you don’t see on a national level ?

Kevin:  Simplify the flowers with one type… Modern and simple is in..!!!

Renee:  Our weather permits versatility so we have combo Indoor/Outdoor events often.

Harmony: I love the residential design aesthetic. Welcoming guests into an inviting space reminiscent of your home on its best day.

 

Q11: @LuxeRodeoHotel What are some of the latest trends in catering?

Renee: Espresso Bars, Champagne Cocktails, Candy Buffets, @Bobaluberries.

Harmony: Small bites, tapas, and even miniature food favorites are hugely popular right now thanks to the designs by @peter_callahan

 

Q12: What is your favorite #LA Wedding & Why? 

Renee: Every current wedding is my favorite because I fall in love with the couple.

Harmony: No fave! I love all weddings.But being a part of the #TomKat wedding was certainly an unforgettable experience.

 

Q13: What are the latest trends in wedding videography?

John: More fun with Concept Films, Same Day Edits, Lokk Backs and Destinations Weddings.

 

Q14: How do you use social media to promote your weddings & Biz ? 

Kevin: I love using instagram to show my fabulous events..!!

Renee: I find being a wisdom source is my way to connect with fans, brides & industry all over the world

 

John: Post our films on Facebook and tag the wedding party and other vendors

Luxe Hotel VP:  Panelists using all social media channels for content development and promotions. Wedding Gawker 1 unique channel mentioned.

 

Q15: What is the proper etiquette to use social media on a wedding day?
Renee: Limit communication to tidbits not play-by-plays.  Cute signs asking guests “no twittering today, please” work!

Harmony:  Don’t tweet a wedding surprise a guest could see before they see it at the event!

 

Q16: What types of apps or technology are couples using to help with their wedding?

Renee: Personal wedding websites, @appiecouple & TV Shows #BridesofBeverlyHills. The @newlywish wedding app for small businesses .

Harmony: My favorite app is @AppyCouple for couples’ websites and I love @Newlywish for registry – both game changers.

 

Q17: What is unique about the Wedding Industry in LA?

Renee: LA is a hub for designers therefore we set trends.

John: Really the finest in wedding vendors and of course the Left Coast Sunsets over the Ocean

 

Q18: What was the best celebrity wedding that took place in LA?

Kevin:  I loved Jennifer Aniston & Brad Pitt’s wedding..!! It was fabulous..!!

Renee: #DrewBarrymore married recently in Santa Barbara and it was quite lush.

Harmony: I’ll say the wedding of #Kendra & Hank at the Playboy Mansion – it was a wonderful event (and they called on us for help!)

 

Q19: Are there any celebrity weddings that will be taking place this year?
Renee: We’re planning one now! @dianadegarmo & @iamaceyoung.

Luxe Hotel VP: #AmericanIdol Alums Diana and Ace, celebrity couple, will be married this summer at Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel.

 

Q20: What do you want wedding pros & brides to take away from the #WeddingMarket Chat ?

Kevin: Weddings can be beautiful, personalized, and memorable without having an over the top budget… Just work with professionals!

 

John: LA is great spot for a Destination Wedding. Hollywood, The Ocean, Fabulous Resorts, World Class Vendors and Disneyland

 

#WeddingMarket Question: What about wedding trends in transportation?
Kevin: How you arrive is so important… It’s the first impression of the wedding.

Renee:  Yummy desserts full of luxurious ingredients! colorful macaroons!

 

#WeddingMarket Question: What wedding traditions are we seeing coming in or going away?

Kevin: Tradition first… Then have fun..!!!

Renee: Tradition is back!

 

#WeddingMarket Question: What are the trends in wedding entertainment?

Renee: Everything from full orchestras to banjos played by men in striped shirts & bow ties & djs & harps! 

Harmony:  The earth harp by @elanartists is a big hit for unique wedding music

 

#WeddingMarket Question: What is the best way to target the high end wedding clients?

Renee:  Your work speaks for you! be the best – attract the best!

 

#WeddingMarket Question: @bridalbar do you think LA is where wedding trends are born or do you think Australia and Asia are the trend setters?

Harmony: We (you) set the trends! LA weddings are like Hollywood for fashion.