10 Things to Consider when Planning your Outdoor Wedding

Everyone knows the first rule for planning weddings and commitment ceremonies: location, location, location. And, whether you’re a local who enjoys an ocean view from home or work or a bride-to-be who rarely sees the ocean all year, an outdoor wedding venue with a waterfront view is a wedding dream come true.

Did you know that Marina del Rey plays host to more than 600 weddings each year? Sure, we’d venture to say that we’re experts. Our very own wedding planners weigh in on how to plan the perfect outdoor wedding without any surprises on the big day.

1. Let nature set the scene. By having your wedding outdoors, you are not only securing a venue but also a breathtaking, natural environment. “Brides tend to forget that the outdoor scenery is stunning enough for guests… brides and their coordinators should merely enhance their natural scenery by adding simple touches, like smaller, personalized centerpieces for the reception and minimal décor at the ceremony,” said Patrick Rafferty, social specialist at Hornblower Cruises & Events, Marina del Rey.

2. Embrace a One-Stop-Shop. Having an in-house wedding coordinator on your team will minimize surprises and ensure your big day goes smoothly. Be sure to look into what services and arrangements are available at the venue you have selected. At the California Yacht Club in Marina del Rey, for example, an expert coordinator can take care of your every last wish.

3. Track the forecast. The weather isn’t always very considerate. Thankfully when planning for a wedding in Marina del Rey, forecast isn’t your number one concern. The Marina boasts year-round temperate weather with light breezes and some sun, reducing the chances of wet or scorching hot surprises.

4. Choose a Venue to Match Your Style. Sure, weddings on the beach often evoke images of flip flops, Hawaiian shirts and sandy toes. But, have you considered venues off the sand that might fit your dream style – whether it’s vintage wedding on the lush hillside of Burton W. Chace Park or an elegant wedding with top-notch service at The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey?

5. Offer something for everyone. When guests receive an invitation to an outdoor wedding destination, the first thing to cross their mind: where to stay nearby the wedding venue and within their budget. “In Marina del Rey, there truly is something for everyone,” said Janet Luna, Director of Event Planning at Marina del Rey Marriott. “Every price point can be accommodated. From room nights under $100 to luxury accommodations, it’s important that brides give every guest an opportunity to fully celebrate the big event. ”

6. Consider everyone. Your wedding is a huge affair with people coming from all walks of life. Make sure to keep everyone in mind when planning your outdoor wedding—from Baby Niece to Great Grandpa. Consider tents or paper umbrellas to shield the guests from the sun and have iced water on hand. If you really want the ceremony to be in the open, perhaps hold your reception indoors so all can share in your love.

7. Create plans convenient for travel. When planning rehearsal dinners, bridal brunches, or even bachelor and bachelorette parties at destination weddings, minimize complications by planning them near the location of the wedding ceremony. Marina del Rey offers a host of restaurants, bars and lounges within a one mile stretch to host all your wedding-related celebrations.

8. Don’t forget the paperwork. Though perhaps the least exciting of all wedding preparations, obtaining the proper licensing is key to securing the date and facilities for your wedding. At Burton W. Chace Park, for example, a permit must be acquired for all events. Visit the Los Angeles Department of Beaches & Harbors website at labeaches.info for more information.

9. Keep the sendoff in style. When planning your send-off, consider a bridal getaway on a luxurious sailboat. Why not take advantage of the water? “In recent years, we have seen this sendoff style become more popular with couples looking to make a lasting impression on guests,” said Stephanie Ginzburg, senior events producer at FantaSea Yachts & Yacht Club.

10. Leave it to the experts. Have you talked your local CVB about their recommendations? The CVB is a great place to begin your planning because they’ve seen weddings at all venues – and can recommend the best place to fit your dreams. Check out Marina del Rey’s site for weddings and to request a free wedding planning package.

Fun on the Fourth of July, Marina del Rey Style

We all know, whether you are in Times Square or Marina del Rey, it can sometimes be a drag to put up with the crowds or fight for a nice view of the fireworks show. This year embrace the red, white and blue comfortably.  Where else can you relax and watch the colorful sparks trickle from the sky and sizzle away on top of glassy water? Hands down, Fourth of July festivities are red-hot amazing in Marina Del Rey. The fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. and is accompanied by music heard on KXLU FM radio 88. 

If you’re looking to put some bang in your 4^th of July, try one of our insider’s tips on enjoying the holiday—Marina del Rey style!  Why not try a little something different this year?

Must-Do:	Bring your own finger foods and rent a small boat. Share the moment with your closest friends and family!
Cost:	$140.00 for 2 Hours
Why it Rocks:	You can keep a small guest list and have an intimate 4th of July fireworks viewing
Heads up:	Rentals are booking quickly, call or go online to make a reservation early
Contact:	Marina Boat Rentals, (310) 574-2822, www.boats4rent.com
Must-Do:	Enjoy a three-course dinner aboard a ship and watch the fireworks fall into the sea
Cost:	Dinner cruise $99 per person; Observation cruise $65 per person (plus tax)
Why it  Rocks:	You get to spend a couple hours on the water and have one of the best views, plus a live dee-jay to keep the party going!
Heads up:	4th of July cruises are quite popular, buy your tickets now!
Contact:	Hornblower Cruises, (310) 301-6000, www.hornblower.com
Must-Do:	Pack a picnic and spend a day at the park on the water. Stay ‘til sundown and catch the fireworks!
Cost:	FREE
Why it Rocks:	You’ll have a whole day to soak up the sun and a great view of the fireworks at this gorgeous park (without breaking the bank)!
Heads up:	Because this park offers such an amazing view, you will have to share it with others. Arrive early to make sure you get a great spot.
Contact:	Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey, Calif. 90292
Must-Do:	Dance on the water aboard a Polynesian-styled fireworks cruise
Cost:	$59 per person (plus tax)
Why it Rocks:	Help yourself to an unlimited appetizer buffet and a welcome glass of champagne!
Heads up:	Set some dollars aside for the cash bar.
Contact:	Tiki Mermaid, (310) 410-8454, www.tikimermaid.com
Must-Do:	Enjoy an all-American BBQ buffet and watch the fireworks from the shore.
Cost:	Adults $75 per person; kids under 10 $35 per person (tax and tip included)
Why it Rocks:	Location, location, location! You won’t miss the fireworks from this great on-the-water spot. DJ and dancing until 11PM!
Heads up:	Reservations are required so you have to book ASAP, especially if you want outdoor seating
Contact:	Shanghai Red’s from 5-9PM, (310) 823-4522, www.ShanghaiRedsRestaurant.com
Must-Do:	Sip on premium cocktails, delight in an elegant dinner with unobstructed views of the fireworks!
Cost:	$89 per person prix fixe menu for 7 p.m. seating
Why it Rocks:	Enjoy fine dining, live music and great waterfront views from this award-winning restaurant
Heads up:	The waterfront view is so desirable, there are two seatings:  the first seating is from 5-7 p.m. featuring an a la carte dinner menu; the second seating starts at 7 p.m. with a 3-course prix fixe menu plus sparkling wine for $89 per person reservations are mandatory.  FYI: The second seating will allow guests to remain at their tables to watch the fireworks. Book now, it’s almost full!
Contact:	Café del Rey, (323) 823-6395, www.CafeDelReyMarina.com
Must-Do:	Try something HOT! Polynesian fire dancers with your fireworks at a family-friendly barbecue outdoors celebration.
Cost:	Free admission. Food and drinks can be purchased on-site.
Why it Rocks:	This hotel is located right on the water with the best views by far.  Plus, special guest, Pink’s Hot Dogs will be dishin’ up their famous dogs at the barbecue! Noon – 10 p.m.
Heads up:	Avoid traffic- arrive early!
Contact:	Marina Del Rey Hotel, (310) 301-1000 www.marinadelreyhotel.com
Must-Do:	Celebrate America's independence on the water!
Cost:	$25 per person (Kids 2-11 years: $15)
Why it   Rocks:	You'll board from Fisherman's Village, be on the water when the festivities begin, and back on the dock afterward. A great break from the goings-on on land
Heads up:	Early arrival is recommended; and reservations are required
Contact:	Marina del Rey Flyer - info@catalinaferries.com; http://www.catalinaferries.com/home.html

Visit http://www.visitmarinadelrey.com/events/by-month-july.html for more information. 

We're going to the chapel, and we're going to get married......

Beginning right after the holidays, we began to receive all kinds of phone calls asking about wedding locations in Marina del Rey! The staff at the Marina del Rey Visitors Bureau has been busy answering the calls. And we are ready to help!

For years, the Marina has been a popular wedding location, probably because it's on the waterfront and in the middle of West LA. There are lots of options for ceremony sites, including hotel terraces, sandy beachfronts, public parks, restaurants overlooking the harbor, yacht clubs and a handful of beautiful yachts right on the water.

The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey, Marina del Rey Hotel and Marina del Rey Marriott are the most popular hotel wedding locations. California Yacht Club is well-known for their beautiful wedding site (and non members can use the facility for events), and both FantaSea Yachts & Yacht Club and Hornblower Events and Cruises have at least six luxury ships to choose from - can you imagine have your special celebration aboard a ship? It's more affordable than you think! There's even a Tiki-style houseboat available called the Tiki Mermaid, which is fun for themed or casual celebrations.

Restaurants and lounges are popular for rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, engagement parties and last day brunches. Glow, Jer-Ne Restaurant + Bar, The Waterfront, Cafe del Rey, Waterfront Bar & Grill, Shanghai Red's (who also hosts many ceremonies), The Charthouse and The Warehouse and Tony P's are all popular venues.

If 2010 is the year you're planning to get hitched, get more information by e-mailing the Marina del Rey Visitors Bureau for a free Wedding Planning Package to be mailed to you, or download your own guide to the Marina's Banquet Space.