About Pasadena
Clustered with Victorian and Art Deco buildings, Pasadena is a historic city that lies just a stone’s throw from downtown Los Angeles. It’s famed for its magnificent City Hall and the Norton Simon Museum, as well as playing host to the annual college football clash known as the Rose Bowl.
With its rich history, elegant architecture, and leafy public parks, Pasadena is one of the most attractive places to live in Southern California. Its luxurious properties are ideal for hosting both small and large-scale parties, whether you’re after a mid-century mansion, a Victorian villa, or a classic Craftsman bungalow.
Party Options in Pasadena
Booked your party venue in Pasadena? It’s time to start looking for experienced vendors to make your design visions a reality.
- Florists
Floral features are an easy way to add style and sophistication to your party space while keeping with your event’s theme. Pasadena florists can cater to all aesthetics and provide creative bouquets and designs to suit.
- Furniture Rentals
If your Pasadena party venue doesn’t come with all the furnishings you desire, there are plenty of equipment rental companies in the Los Angeles area who can provide you with tables, chairs, and decor.
- Caterers
From bite-sized hors d'oeuvres to fine-dining meals, your party catering can be absolutely anything you want. Pasadena is on the doorstep of outstanding restaurants and catering companies that can deliver a memorable culinary experience to your guests.
- Photographer
While everyone has cameras on their phones, the images never quite meet the quality that a professional photographer can achieve. They’ll capture all the moments and memories of your party, so you don’t have to worry about it, and you’ll have amazing photos to share with family and friends once the event is over.
- Hair & Makeup Artists
Look your absolute best with the help of Pasadena’s beauty professionals who can come to you while you prepare for your party. From hairdressers to makeup artists and nail technicians, they’ll ensure you feel confident when you arrive at your party venue in Pasadena.
Event Planning Companies in Pasadena
Need help planning your party in Pasadena or some assistance with coordinating things on the day itself? There are plenty of event companies in Pasadena with the resources and experience to ensure you execute a party that your guests will never forget.
- Event Professionals
With more than 25 years of experience in the industry, Event Professionals can customize their services based on your needs and budget. From full-service catering to party rentals, staff, and table settings, they are a one-stop-shop for planning an unforgettable event.
- Lumiani Events
Lumiani was established by four women who brought their respective talents from the legal, entertainment, artistic, and financial worlds to create one of Pasadena’s premier event planning companies. They pride themselves on getting to know your vision and helping to bring it to life, no matter what level of support you need.
- Love Is Sweet Events
Founded by Candace Lam in 2012, Love is Sweet Events offers everything from event design and full planning to day-of coordination. They provide professional guidance throughout the planning process.
Pros and Cons of Parties in Pasadena
Pasadena’s setting in sun-drenched Southern California is a definite “pro” to holding your party here, but some of the city’s drawbacks should also be considered.
Advantages
- Beautiful weather
Pasadena is blessed with beautiful weather throughout the year, making it an ideal place to host an outdoor party, even in the cooler months.
- Diversity of venues
From luxurious mansions to creative studios and fully-equipped salons, Pasadena boasts a diverse range of venues to host your party.
- Experienced vendors
With Los Angeles right on your doorstep, there is no shortage of professional vendors to help bring your party visions to life, whether you’re after florists, photographers, or hair and makeup artists.
- Convenient transport options
With flights from all over the world arriving at Los Angeles International Airport, your party guests can easily get to and from your party venue in Pasadena.
- Proximity to the great outdoors
Whether you and your party guests prefer the beach or the mountains, you’re never far from the great outdoors if you want to go hiking, swimming, or mountain biking.
Disadvantages
- High costs of living
Pasadena has a higher than average sales tax (one of the highest in the state of California), which translates into a more expensive party planning experience.
- High costs of rentals
Rental prices for party venues in Pasadena may reflect the city’s soaring housing prices.
- Traffic
The traffic in Greater Los Angeles can be terrible, particularly during rush hours. In Pasadena, it’s notoriously bad during Rose Bowl events when the streets can come to a standstill.
- Poor air quality at times
At certain times of the year, the air quality in Pasadena can be quite poor, and it may be best to find an indoor party venue.
- Relatively high crime rate
Pasadena has a crime rate that is higher than 70% of California’s other towns and cities.
Famous Locations in Pasadena
- Norton Simon Museum
For a cultural fix, you and your party guests can visit the Norton Simon Museum, which boasts an outstanding collection of art dating from the 14th century to the modern-day. In addition to European paintings and tapestries, there are woodblock prints from Asia and several notable sculptures by Auguste Rodin in its landscaped grounds.
- Kidspace Children's Museum
If you’ve got guests traveling with kids in tow, they’ll love this interactive museum and play center. In addition to more than 40 hands-on exhibits, there’s a Storyteller Studio, an Imagination Workshop, and two acres of outdoor learning environments where they can get active.
- The Huntington
Combining a library, an art museum, and a botanical garden, this sprawling educational and research hub was established by Henry and Arabella Huntington. Browse the 18th and 19th-century European artworks on display and wander through the landscaped grounds, which include gardens designed according to Japanese and Chinese aesthetics.