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.

December 2010: Marina del Rey FEATURED LOCAL - Peter Ellis

For our December edition of our Featured Local blog series, we’re introducing you to the face of a Marina Holiday favorite tradition: this year’s winner of the Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade, Peter Ellis. Enjoy our holiday-inspired posting and interview with Peter.

Remember: Each month, we feature a Marina del Rey local to give you a peek into the Marina’s many diverse, one-of-a-kind personalities. If you have someone you’d like us to consider featuring here, please drop us a note!

Name: Peter Ellis

Years Participated in the Boat Parade: Sporadically since 1992

What makes the holiday season so special in Marina del Rey?: When you drive down the street in the Marina, you can’t help but feel the holiday cheer. From the lighted houses and ornamented shops, to the decorated street and boats with lights ablaze, Marina Del Rey is a pleasant reprieve in the middle of an otherwise hectic holiday shopping season. (We swear – he wrote that himself!)

How did you prepare for this year’s Boat Parade?: No matter how long we plan, we never seem to be fully prepared for the parade. As soon as the theme “A Rock ‘N Roll Christmas” was announced, we began to float ideas (no pun intended). We decided, who better than The King of Rock and Roll to lead a Rock ‘N Roll Christmas? So, with that, our primary objective was to create the “Big Elvis,” which was the oversized Elvis made of Christmas lights. On the day of the parade, we still had a number of items to complete before show time so, as a team, we worked together and had the boat ready just in time.

Any behind the scenes drama that we don’t know about?: There was a water skiing Santa Claus in the works, but he wasn’t ready in time for the parade.

Tell us a bit more about what appealed to the judges about your boat?: Well, the major concept behind our boat design was that the large “Elvis Rocks” sign would be switched by an animated elf to read “Elves Rock.” The boat was filled with live, singing elves and Elvises. In the spirit of the holidays, I really think the judges enjoyed the humor behind the design.

If Elvis were to come back to life for the parade, what would you tell him?: Of course, I would let him know that he is still The King (and that he, and elves, rock!). I would then take him to dinner after the parade, his choice, as he was always keen on finding the best eateries– which the Marina is known for. I reckon he’d be particularly fond of The Counter and Warehouse Restaurant.

Marina del Rey Is (Finish the Sentence): An oasis in an otherwise hectic world. (We couldn’t agree more!)

Okay – enough about the parade! What else do you love about the Marina year-round?: I’m an active participant in the boating community of the Marina, and enjoy the many opportunities to get on the water from the Marina. And, I love the many great restaurants across the city – from Fisherman’s Village to Admiralty Way, there are so many great options. 

Thanks, Peter, for being the Marina’s own rock star for more than 15 years. On behalf of the community, we thank you and all of the boat parade participants for making the holiday season so special in Marina del Rey. If you’d like to get in touch with Peter, send a note to our team at marinadelreycvb@gmail.com and we’ll make sure to share your feedback with Peter. Or, nominate someone for a future featured post.

Happy Holidays to All!

Marina del Rey Celebrates New Year With Fireworks and More

Marina del Rey New Year’s Eve Fireworks – Friday, Dec 31 midnight
Fireworks can be seen from most hotels and restaurants in the Marina.
Other popular viewing spots are Fisherman’s Village, Burton W. Chace Park and Marina Beach
Marina del Rey Visitors Center 310-305-9545 or e-mail info@VisitMarinaDelRey.com

Celebrate the New Year in the Marina!
Cafe del Rey
4451 Admiralty Way
310-823-6395
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with two seatings; 5:30 p.m. ($65 per person) and 8:30 p.m. (3-course pre fixe menu and champagne toast, $95 per person), both with holiday music.


Glow Bar – Marina del Rey Marriott
4100 Admiralty Way
310-301-3000
Exciting New Year’s Eve “Times Square” theme party. Live entertainment, ball drop and house music. Complimentary midnight champagne toast. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. $30 per person; free for hotel guests.


Hornblower Cruises & Events
13755 Fiji Way, Fisherman’s Village
310-301-6000
Hornblower’s popular New Year’s Eve Cocktail Cruise boards at 10 p.m., cruising from 10:30 p.m. - 1 a.m. at $99 per person, plus tax. Includes appetizers, glass of champagne and live DJ & dancing. The New Year’s Eve Dinner Gala boards at 8:30 p.m., cruising from 9 p.m. - 1 a.m., at $150 per person, plus tax. Includes a four-course prix fixe dinner, glass of champagne and live DJ & dancing.


Jer-ne Restaurant + Bar – The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey
4375 Admiralty Way
310-823-1700
New Year’s Eve Dinner will have three seatings, beginning at 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. for an $85 three-course prix fixe. And the New Year will be brought in with a special 9 p.m. five-course meal for $115 per person. Add champagne pairings, featuring Moet, for an additional $45.


Shanghai Red’s Restaurant
13813 Fiji Way
310-823-4522
New Year’s Eve Buffet begins at 7:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. with live DJ & dancing, party favors and midnight champagne toast. $65 per person in public seating area, $80 for private seating. Pre-paid reservations required. Special New Year’s Day Brunch Buffet from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., $55/adults, $13 kids (6-12).


Tony P’s Dockside Grill & Tavern
4445 Admiralty Way
310-823-4534 Annual New Year’s Eve Party in the Tavern. Live DJ, light snacks & beverages, party favors and midnight balloon drop. $10 per person with regular dinner purchase, $20 without.


Vū Restaurant & Bar
14160 Palawan Way
310-439-3033
Special dining service and festivities throughout December in the marina’s newest waterside hotspot. Vu offers an 8-course "Exploration of Vu" ($75) in addition to their a la carte menu. Call for reservations.

Warehouse Restaurant
4499 Admiralty Way
310-823-5451
Special events planned for New Year’s Eve. Call for details and reservations.

Waterfront Bar & Grill – Marina del Rey Hotel
13534 Bali Way
310-301-1000
Special events planned for New Year’s Eve. Call for details.

Special!!!!! New Year Whale Watching and Sea Life Cruise!!!!
The ocean is alive with dolphins, porpoises, sea birds, sea lions and whales!
On January 1 and January 2, Marina del Rey Sportfishing will be offering 2 special whale watching and sealife tours at 10 a.m. both days. The three-hour cruise costs $25 for adults (discounts for kids). Cash only. Departs from Dock 52 on Fiji Way (free parking). Reservations needed. Call 310-822-3625.

November 2010: Marina del Rey FEATURED LOCAL

For our second edition of the latest Featured Local blog series, we’re re-introducing you to one of the Marina’s most beloved faces.

Remember: Each month, we feature a Marina del Rey local to give you a peek into the Marina’s many diverse, one-of-a-kind personalities.  We hope to cover everyone from sea-faring captains and seasoned executive chefs to your everyday Joes and Janes who live, work and play in Marina del Rey and the surrounding areas.  If you have someone you’d like us to consider featuring here, please drop us a note! And, as always, feel free to let us know if this blog post gives you warm fuzzies about the wonderful locals of Marina del Rey!

 

Name: Maya Diamond

Occupation: Event Sales Manager at Café del Rey

Years in the Marina: Almost two years!

If I could do one job for the rest of my life… it would be: An astronaut! Okay, realistically, I love my job. The marina is truly a hidden gem of Los Angeles. It’s such an ideal place to hold an event because of its gorgeous views, year-round activities and easy accessibility. I love that my job is to sell events in a place that even I think of as paradise.

You have 24 hours to live.  What are you going to do?: Spend a perfect day in the marina.  Brunch at Café del Rey, featuring all-you-can-drink mimosas and sparkling wine and a jazz trio, followed by a stroll through Chace Park, then a sunset cruise, ending with a ride on the water taxi to eat dinner at Jer-ne.  That would be a perfect day!

You have one last meal.  What’s it gonna be?: The truffle pizza with caramelized onion, black truffle cream and reggiano at Café del Rey!

What things should we add to our growing bucket list for Marina del Rey?:  Take a sailing lesson.  Participate in the Holiday Boat Parade.  Go on the Friday night Blues Cruise from Hornblower Cruises & Events.  See a concert/movie at Chace Park. 

That last part sounds a bit biased ;-) But definitely not untrue, residents and visitors alike love Café del Rey for its gorgeous waterfront views and fine dining choices!  The holidays are coming up…are there any specials for residents and visitors to take advantage of?:  Definitely!  We will be open Thanksgiving day, as well as Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.  On Thanksgiving, we are offering a three-course meal (prix fixe), with some great selections for everyone in the family, from crispy calamari and Kumamoto oysters, to venison tenderloin, pumpkin brulee, donuts and hot chocolate. And, to add to the growing list of reasons to visit, we recently welcomed a new executive chef, Daniel Roberts!

That’s all work talk.  Let’s talk about what you do outside of work!:  When I’m not enjoying my work in the marina, I enjoy being outdoors and experiencing new things.  I enjoy hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains and biking down to Hermosa Beach.

You work at a restaurant, so is it safe to assume you’re a foodie, too?: I am a huge foodie and am constantly trying all the new restaurants around town. 
 
One last question… If you had to describe Marina del Rey in less than 10 words, you would describe it as: a truly special hidden gem of Los Angeles

As you can see…it’s Maya who’s the truly special hidden gem of the Marina – and she’ll plan the event of your lifetime! Drop by and say hello to Maya at Café del Rey located at 4451 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, CA, 90292. Here’s a little tip: Even their cocktails are handmade to reflect what’s in season. Check out the menu when you pop in for a drink by their oversized fireplace, and take a look at what the chef has picked up at this week’s farmer’s market.