About Los Angeles
With good reason, Los Angeles is arguably the most well-known city in Southern California. Its near-perfect weather allows tourists to enjoy plenty of activities under the sun. The largest city in the state of California, L.A. covers a total area of 502 square miles and has a population of 3.9 million residents as of 2020, the second-most populous city in the US only behind New York City. A major center of global commerce and entertainment, L.A. is home to many film production studios, such as 20th Century Studios, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Paramount Pictures, Blumhouse Productions, CBS Films, and Nickelodeon Movies, to name some. It's quite common to spot a celebrity walking around in L.A. because it's home to many movie and TV stars.
L.A. is a haven for people who like to have fun and try out new things. Whether you're a local or a tourist, you'll realize that there's not enough time to explore everything! If you're an adventure-seeker, don't miss hiking at Griffith Park or the 56-trail Topanga State Park. Those who are interested in history and want some quiet time will delight in visiting the Huntington Library. If you love art, make sure to check out the immersive Yayoi Kusama installations at The Broad Museum. Fashion enthusiasts will surely love the 100 blocks of apparel, flowers, and food shops at the Fashion District in Downtown Los Angeles. Food lovers will enjoy the tacos and egg sandwiches at the Grand Central Market and the street foods at the Smorgasboard L.A. Don't forget to stop by the West Hollywood District, which is famous for The Sunset Strip and historic LGBTQ establishments in Santa Monica Blvd.
L.A.’s coastal climate, laid-back atmosphere, and diverse attractions make it an ideal place not just for filming—it's also a prime location for hosting private events, fundraisers, holiday parties, private dining, birthday parties, and dinner parties. You'll have no shortage of iconic event venues to choose from, from elegant homes to creative studio spaces and popular landmarks in the area. And if ever you feel overwhelmed somewhere in the process of organizing your next event, don't worry—you can reach out to any of the numerous service providers in the area, such as caterers, photographers, and entertainers. By hiring their services, you can rest assured that you're putting together a glamorous and polished event!
Event Options in Los Angeles
Once you’ve secured an event space in L.A., it’s time to put together all the details. Consider enlisting the help of local event professionals so you can focus on your guests.
- Catering
A special event is not complete without delicious food. After all, you'll want to keep your guests satisfied. For a small private event like a birthday party, you can cook big batches of dishes or have your friends bring their own food potluck-style. But for bigger, more formal affairs, hiring a catering service is your best option. In L.A., many caterers serve different cuisines, whether it's traditional American food, Mexican, Italian, or Asian. Some caterers specialize in fusion-style cuisines. Whichever you like, don't forget to consider if you have any guests who may have dietary restrictions so they can enjoy the food, too!
- Transportation
Let's face it—traffic in Los Angeles is one of the worst in the world. If you have guests who don't have vehicles, or if they're driving to your event separately, they may be faced with heavy traffic which can cause them to be late to your party. Consider hiring a shuttle service to safely pick them up from their homes and get them to your party venue.
- Equipment Rental
Any event, big or small, will require some sort of equipment, especially if it's a specialized event. A cocktail party, for example, will require ice machines, blenders, shakers, mixing glasses, bottle openers, and spoons, while a corporate meeting will need a high-quality projector, screen, computers, and microphones. It will be expensive and impractical to buy all this equipment for a one-time event, so the best solution is to rent them from rental services in the area.
Event Planning Companies in Los Angeles
If you are planning an event in Los Angeles., hire an area professional who can help with all of the details. These pros know the ins and outs of Los Angeles venues so you can have the event or private party of your dreams. Many of them are based in downtown Los Angeles and the surrounding regions and can serve multiple areas.
- The Party Goddess
This L.A. event planning company offers planning services for gatherings of all themes and sizes. The Party Goddess is all-inclusive and can help you plan everything from event venue selection and decoration to catering and entertainment.
- Bravo Events
Bravo Events creates fun and unique events customized to meet the host’s needs. From large corporate gatherings and weddings to hybrid in-person and remote guest group events, this L.A. event planner can help make your party a success.
- Liven It Up Events
This Los Angeles event planner coordinates gatherings nationwide. The company specializes in weddings, corporate events, and social networking occasions.
- SO Events
SO Events (Special Occasions Events) is a contemporary event planner in Hollywood and can help you plan a gathering that will keep your guests engaged. The company’s website offers sneak peeks into their recent events and has lots of pics for inspiration and ideas. Their 25-year experience allows them to turn an ordinary event venue into a creative space with original design concepts.
Pros and Cons of Events in Los Angeles
When you plan an event in Los Angeles, consider the pros and cons of hosting one in an event venue in the city.
Advantages
- Commercial hub
Los Angeles’ infrastructure is business-friendly, making it a great environment for conferences and other corporate events.
- Fantastic scenery
The region’s natural beauty is sure to impress your guests.
- Coastal climate
With cool ocean breezes and comfortable temperatures, Los Angeles’ weather is just about ideal.
- Easy to access the city
Los Angeles’ international airport and public transportation options make it easy to reach and navigate the city. Guests who opt for public transport can easily get to the event venue.
- Venue variety
Los Angeles is a popular place for events, and there are plenty of event venues here to match every theme and need, including banquet halls, party venues, wedding venues, open spaces, luxury hotels, large conference rooms, and industrial spaces. There are also numerous unique venues if you want something out of the ordinary for your guests, such as a yoga studio or an art gallery.
Disadvantages
- High cost of living
As the entertainment capital of the world, expect that products and services can be costly in L.A.
- Traffic
L.A. traffic gets heavy at times, especially during rush hours. Plan accordingly and expect delays.
- Lots of events
Los Angeles event venues are in high demand. It’s best to book your beautiful venue well in advance so you avoid losing it to someone else!
- Crowded
This Southern California hotspot is always busy, and it’s difficult to find a place without people. Expect lines and wait times, and book your parking, dining reservations, and show tickets ahead of time.
Famous Event Locations in Los Angeles
- Griffith Park
This 4,200-acre urban park sprawls just a few miles north of central L.A. It’s home to the Los Angeles Zoo, the Hollywood Sign, and the popular Griffith Observatory. Trails weave throughout the park, and golf courses are on-site. Spend an afternoon exploring the stunning setting or, better yet, host your event in a workshop space near Los Feliz, and you’ll be within walking distance of this top Los Angeles attraction.
- Hollywood Walk of Fame
Stroll this star-marked stretch to view markers commemorating thousands of Hollywood’s most popular people. VIPs with stars along this world-famous walk include Walt Disney, Marilyn Monroe, Michael Jackson, and Steven Spielberg.
- Dodger Stadium
One of the oldest ballparks in the U.S., this historic stadium is the perfect place for a team-building outing before a corporate event or an excellent place to unwind post-gathering. Join a guided tour to learn about the stadium and the history of L.A. Dodgers baseball or come during game day to see the team in action.
With plenty of venue options in Los Angeles, you’ll be spoiled for choice. In choosing the perfect space for your special occasion, consider factors such as the event type, your budget, the amenities that you need, and the location’s accessibility. Remembering this, you can host an amazing experience for your guests!