The current financial climate suggests frugality over frivolity, intimate over grand, quality over quantity. And this sensibility is translating into all sectors of our lives, including event planning. But who’s to say we should stop the party because money’s a little tight? Don’t we need to have fun that much more?

In this era of economic downturn and uncertainty, elegance and sheer sophistication go farther than ever before. Enter The Peninsula Beverly Hills (9882 Santa Monica Blvd.) as the perfect venue to plan your event flawlessly, with great attention paid to the individual and each unique perspective.

“From the moment they check-in, guests are treated as royalty,” said Private Events Manager Jamie D. Friedman. “They are not just another wedding or event. When we have weddings here, there’s just one and that’s it.”

Weddings at The Peninsula are an intimate affair limited in size but absolutely not in quality. Generally held in the Verandah Room and on the garden terrace, a wedding or private event can accommodate 100 guests with a sit-down dinner, or 200 for a cocktail reception. How lavish you make it is your own choice. Do know, however, all services, from food and beverage to entertainment to flowers, are of the same five-star Peninsula quality. But, she acknowledges, “Most people who come here for a wedding, come for the food.”

The kitchen of The Belvedere restaurant, overseen by Executive Chef James Overbaugh, is the same AAA Five Diamond, Mobil Four Star kitchen that will cater your event. Choose from a three- or four- course menu, a tasting menu, or develop your own based on individual tastes, complete with signature cocktails.  

“You tell us what you’d like us to do and we’ll be able to do it,” said Friedman. “There’s no such thing as a set wedding banquet menu at The Peninsula. Many couples choose to have formal seating and a four- to six-course gourmet tasting dinner menu with matching wines, while others prefer a contemporary walk-around cocktail reception, with lounge-like sofa seating and stations featuring everything from caviar, sushi and dim sum, to edible martinis, Kobe beef sliders and chocolates.”

The Peninsula’s event staff can meet all needs and dining requirements, even accommodating for kosher-style dining. A doggie menu is also available, should your pet factor largely into your special event.

“There’s a lot we can add-on to create the perfect package,” said Friedman, although generous packages can start at just $220 per guest. With this, amenities include a bridal suite with Perrier Jouet champagne and breakfast in bed, and extras such as spa treatments, transportation, monogrammed napkins for guests, monogrammed linens for the honeymoon room, cleaning and shipping of bridal gown and a send-off brunch are readily available.

As an added bonus, couples that wed at the hotel receive a gift on their first year anniversary evening with a complimentary dinner at The Belvedere and a night’s stay. “We’re thrilled to invite our brides and grooms to stay with us as our guests a year later,” said Managing Director Offer Nissenbaum. “The first anniversary is the first of many romantic celebrations for a newlywed couple and The Peninsula Beverly Hills is pleased to be a part of these important moments.”

But special events at The Peninsula are not just limited to weddings and commitment ceremonies: bridal showers, baby showers and private meetings are also a common occurrence and can be catered to any specification, including their world-famous high tea.

For more information on special event planning or to book an event, email weddingpbh@peninsula.com or call 310-551-2888.