04
Prepare the space before the celebration
Location planning matters as much as styling. A gathering in Los Angeles might use hotel ballrooms, studio-style event spaces, rooftop venues, each with its own practical limitations. When inviting guests from Pasadena or Burbank, explain the entrance they should use rather than relying only on a street address. Check lift access, unloading times, available electrical supply and any paperwork the venue needs from suppliers. Protect accessible routes and keep the guest arrival separate from equipment movement. For open-air plans, identify a covered alternative before finalizing the layout. Allow arrival and vendor setup time for cross-city traffic. Outdoor courtyards need a plan for lighting after sunset and the venue's sound curfew.