— Frequently Asked Questions —
Where are you located?
Our studios in San Diego and Los Angeles were put in pause while we spent some much needed time taking care of family in Austin, Texas. We are back and ready to take on weddings in Southern California and our new home-base, the Big Island of Hawaii coming in Fall 2024.
I SEE Event management, BUT NO “DAY-OF” COORDINATION…DO YOU OFFER THAT?
Although there are many great “day-of” coordinators out there, we prefer to get to know our couples on a more personal level and learn how we can integrate their personalities into the big day. Unfortunately, this type of relationship and planning can’t be done in the final few weeks prior to the wedding, when there is little-to-no wiggle room for customization (our specialty!). Our Event Management + Coordination package actually starts at least 3+ months before the big day! This robust package allows for more guidance, vendor selection, and contract massaging to ensure a successful and stress-free final few months, even if you are a master wedding planner yourself! Event Management + Coordination starts no earlier than 6-months prior to the wedding date.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PLANNING EVENTS?
Owner & Creative Director, Nicole George, started planning events in 2010 while she was still in design school and has since planned and produced over 450 weddings, corporate, and social events ever since! She started her career with a leading San Diego wedding planning firm and went on to manage events at museums in San Diego’s Balboa Park. Nicole George Events launched in San Diego in 2013 and expanded with a second location in Long Beach in 2015 and third location on the Big Island of Hawaii in 2024.
DO YOU COORDINATE OTHER EVENTS BESIDES WEDDINGS?
We produce social and corporate events, creative shoots and launch parties, birthdays, and much more. Please visit our weddings & events page for more information.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO DESIGN A WEDDING?
“Our goal is to create a fun celebration with a side of wedding! You read that right….a party that your guests will remember without all of the tired wedding-y formality that, in all honesty, doesn’t speak to who you are as individuals or a couple. We truly believe that your celebration (or any celebration at that!) should be more than just the “pretty”… it should express purpose and personality. That is where design comes in. 95% of our couples come to us because they have an idea, but don’t really know how to execute it. It’s our job to help identify what makes you and your partner unique and how we will reflect that on your wedding day. Bringing those details to the surface will guide your theme, atmosphere, ambiance, and all of those fun + tiny details that make your wedding… “you.” Our focus is to pull those pieces together…decor and rentals, space plan + layout, budgeting, vendor selection… to create a fun and personalized experience for you and your guests. “
— Nicole George, Owner + Lead Planner.
If that doesn’t sound like something you’re into, no worries! … but we’re probably not going to be the best fit. Note that all of the weddings + events that you will find in our portfolio were design-oriented packages such as my Partial or Full Service Planning services.
WHAT DOES YOUR DESIGN PROCESS LOOK LIKE?
Most of our couples opt for design-oriented planning packages such as our Partial Planning or Full-Service Planning packages. However, since no two clients’ visions, wants, needs, and budgets are the same, we approach each event with a customized design process. Our design process entails a multitude of design conversations, inspiration & conceptualization, custom design projects, computer aided drafting/diagramming , and visual mock-ups just to name a few aspects. After honing in on a concept and design that fits our client’s style, personalities, and budget, we source like-minded vendors that share our values when it comes to everything from complimenting our design, to understanding your vibe, to ensuring a safe and comfortable environment at your event. Allowing couples to feel immersed in the process, we schedule in-person meetings and mock-ups for everyone’s voices to be heard and to allow the art of collaboration to begin. The design process continues as we collaborate with a variety of vendors to achieve the vision all the way through to the day of the wedding!
WHERE DO YOU MEET YOUR CLIENTS + DO YOU TRAVEL?
Before 2020, we were all about meeting in person (nothing better than a chat over coffee or cocktail)! But as times have changed, we’ve relied on Zoom and phone-calls for the safety of our team, vendors, and clients whether you are local or destination. Walkthroughs, mock-ups, tastings, and showroom visits are hosted in-person.
IS YOUR PRICING NEGOTIABLE?
Our rates are non-negotiable, but we are confident that in consideration of our experience, you will find that your planning experience will be well worth the investment. Many of our past clients comment on their investment in past reviews!
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN YOUR WEDDING PACKAGES?
Each package is designed to fit the needs of every type of wedding couple from logistical-focused Event Management & Coordination Package to a personalized Full Service Planning & Design experience. Basic descriptions of our packages are listed on our services page, however, please get in touch so we can send you our E-Brochure and Service Itineraries. All pricing is flat rate and based on 150 guests or lower. There are additional fees for higher guest counts due to the increased necessity of staffing, events requiring travel outside of Los Angeles counties, and if additional design services are requested, to name a few.
WHAT TYPES OF BUDGETS DO YOU WORK WITH?
Our client’s wedding budgets typically range from 50-100K and opt for the Partial of Full Service Planning Packages for a personalized and hands-on design experience.
IS YOUR PRICING ALL-INCLUSIVE?
Our packages are inclusive of taxes, standard staffing, service fees, liability insurance, etc. for weddings for up to 150 guests. Additional fees may apply for extra design services, travel outside of Los Angeles county, additional setup and breakdown hours, and extra staffing if necessary. Pricing may vary based on location and event date.
TELL ME ABOUT YOUR PAYMENT SCHEDULE…
Payments are broken into three non-refundable payments; first due with the contract, second due halfway through contract + event date, and third due one month prior to your event date. All contracts and payments can be made electronically. We do not offer cash discounts.
DO YOU HAVE A TEAM ON THE DAY-OF?
Yes! Aside from the Lead Planner, a seasoned Assistant Coordinator is included with all planning packages. Depending on the guest count and design style, additional assistants may be necessary and can be added onto any package.
ARE YOU LICENSED AND INSURED?
Yes! Our team is fully licensed and insured.
HOW DO YOU WORK WITH OTHER VENDORS?
Creating your dream team is one of the most important aspects of wedding planning! Collaborating with our fellow vendors from the very beginning of your wedding planning allows us to not only build a trusting relationship but to work together on all of the logistical details well in advance to ensure a smooth event on the day-of. We recommend like-minded vendors that share similar values (I.E. believe in creating a rad celebration, are LGBTQ+ inclusive, with similar philosophies when it comes to creating a meaningful and comfortable environment). Our vendors are personally vetted and of the highest quality and standards in the industry with a range of style and budget to fit your event. We are truly lucky that many of our fellow vendors offer exclusive perks and discounts to our couples on our behalf.
YOU SOUND LIKE MY SOUL MATE, HOW DO WE MAKE THIS HAPPEN?
Send us an inquiry form! I will get back to you within 48 hours with an E-Brochure and additional information about the company and availability. From there, we can set up a preliminary phone-call to see if we would be a good fit! If we’re both digging what we hear, we can set up a complimentary in-person consultation to discuss your preliminary wedding plans in further detail.