What is the difference between Joie de Vivre and Joie de Vivre Petite Weddings?

JdV Petite Weddings offers curated boutique wedding experiences that are planned at a specific venue on a specific date with everything included in the package - even food and beverages.  This wedding experience is offered to 3-5 couples at different times on a specific day.

Joie de Vivre Events and Weddings was established over 20 years ago to work with couples to transform their wedding dreams into reality.  Each Joie de Vivre wedding is custom-designed for each couple.

How long does our Petite Wedding last?

30 minute pre-ceremony photography session (couple only)
10-15 minute refresh and meet with your officiant
15 minute ceremony
1 hour sweets & bubbly reception (Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum)
or 2-3 hour private seated three course lunch or dinner (California Club)

(90 minute Photography and Cinematography coverage including pre-ceremony)

How do we know if a JdV Petite Wedding is right for us?

If you are a couple who is super excited about getting married, but you don’t want to make all of the detailed decisions usually involved with planning a wedding, and if you are looking for an intimate experience, a JdV Petite Wedding is probably a great option for you.

What is included in the photography portion of the package?

90 minutes of coverage including the pre-wedding couple portrait session, ceremony coverage  and petite reception.  High-resolution downloads will be available 2 weeks after your wedding.

Can we order a wedding album from the photographer?

Yes, our photographer can give you several options for albums.

Can we schedule more time with the photographer?

Yes, you may schedule more time on the day of your Petite Wedding and you can also schedule a pre-wedding shoot 1 or 2 days prior to your wedding day (based on availability).

What is included in the cinematography portion of the package?

90 minutes of coverage including the 30-minute pre-wedding portrait session, coverage of the ceremony and the beginning of the seated meal.  An edited, one-song video and the raw footage will be provided for each couple.

Can we schedule more time with our videographer?

Yes, based on availability.

What if we would like a longer edited video?

No problem. A longer edited version will be offered as an upgrade.

Will we be able to make our own meal choices?

Yes, each venue will offer several menu options. You will be able to choose which menu you would like to serve your guests. If you select the choice of two proteins for your guests, we will need the exact count 5-7 days prior to your wedding.

Will the venues be able to accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes, they will be able to accommodate most requests.

Will we be able to make our own beverage choices?

Most of our packages will include a sparkling wine toast and offer red and white wine during your meal. Most venues will be able to offer upgrades including a signature drink, full bar, upgraded wine, etc.

Will there be non-alcoholic beverages and coffee available?

Yes, these will be noted on the menus included with each package.

Can we customize our JdV Petite wedding?

We get it … sometimes it is hard to completely let go – but this is part of the joy of a JdV Petite Wedding – we design the wedding so you don’t have to worry about the myriad of choices.. We will offer a few color and style options for your personal flowers and your tablescape.

What if we want more than the Petite Wedding package offers?

While JdV Petite Weddings cannot be customized, there are some enhancements that can be added such as a hair & make-up stylist, live-streaming services, live music, favors, etc..

What if we would like to be more involved in planning our Small Wedding?

No problem – we love to collaborate with couples to turn their dreams into reality! 

If your guest count is under 20-30 people, we suggest you look at LosAngelesElopement.com.  We created Los Angeles Elopement in 2017 as an answer to the couples who were already thinking about simplifying their wedding plans.

If your guest count is larger, than 30 or 40 guests, we suggest looking again at the Joie de Vivre options. 

Can be bring our own vendors?

Our team is hand-selected for each Petite Wedding Day which is what helps us to deliver an exquisite ceremony setting while also saving on materials and resources.  For this reason, we cannot use other vendors.

What if we don’t want all of the elements included in a JdV Petite Wedding?

No problem – we have worked with several couples who have wanted a very straightforward ceremony.  On our LosAngelesElopement.com site, we call this our Modern Elopement.

What will our wedding experience look like in terms of time?

You and your fiancé will spend the first 30 minutes with your photographer for your photo session.  Then as your guests are arriving and being seated for the ceremony, you will meet with your officiant and go over any last-minute questions you may have.  Your ceremony will last for about 15 minutes.  Once your ceremony concludes, you will have 2-3 hours to celebrate and dine with your guests.

Can we incorporate any ceremonial traditions in our wedding ceremony?

All of our ceremonies last about 15 minutes, so depending on the tradition, we may be able to include it. For example a short scripture reading, reciting of The Seven Blessings, and/or breaking a glass may be included.  Most likely a unity candle or sand ceremony would not be able to be completed within the time frame.

What does a Petite Wedding cost?

We are aiming to make our exclusive Petite Weddings cost-effective by sharing resources and hosting several weddings on the same day.  We anticipate all of the services listed above and a three-course seated meal for 10 guests will be priced between $10,000 and $12,000 based on the venue.

What is the difference in how Joie de Vivre events are priced compared to JdV Petite Weddings.

The price for your JdV Petite Wedding includes all of the essentials you need for a seamless day: the venue, design, florals, photography, cinematography, officiant & marriage license, food & beverage, gratuities, etc. You supply the rings and your attire (and your hotel accommodations).

Weddings with Joie de Vivre are planned exclusively with you and therefore they are priced individually based on the scope of the wedding and the planning involved in much the same way an interior designer might charge for their services.

What is not included in the price?

Hotel accommodations, travel to your venue, wedding attire, and wedding rings are not included.

Are there any other enhancements we can consider?

Sure, transportation, specialty music, live entertainment to name a few.

How many guests can we invite?

At present, all JdV Petite Weddings are based on 10 people (the couple with 8 guests).  Most of our locations can accommodate more socially-distanced guests. 

Can we have a wedding party?

While we allow a few minutes pre-ceremony for you to meet with the officiant and talk through your ceremony, we won’t have time for a wedding rehearsal.  For this reason, we suggest you select one or two attendants to stand with you for the ceremony.

Can we include our pup?

This will depend on the location, but if you like, we can check with the venue to see if your furrever friend can be a part of your ceremony or photo session.

What dates are available?

Please check Locations and Date page as we will continue adding new venues and dates.  Depending on the season and the location, some dates will book quickly.  We suggest booking sooner than later to guarantee you get the date and venue you prefer.