Filling the Unexpected Gaps in Party Plans--for a Price

Remember when the mariachis you hired called to say they couldn’t come because the trumpeter was having a calculus test the next day?

Remember your wedding day when the caterer called in sick?

Remember when the Champagne fountain dropped from the able hands of the rental company deliverer and he said sorry, that was the last one? Remember. . . ?

You’ve got the idea. There are people and places you can turn to when you need last-minute help. Most caterers and prop companies are set up for last-minute emergencies, but be warned: You must pay extra sometimes.

Prices Can Soar

In an extreme case, one source, which normally quoted $50 for delivery of a cake, charged a last-minute customer $120 because the caterer had to use outside sources for the cake and delivery. Some sources might charge 25% to 50% extra for the special service. Because there is no hard-and-fast rule, find out the full cost of the service before you deal.

Host Helpers in West Los Angeles offers last-minute bartenders, waiters/waitresses, kitchen help and cleanup help for private parties, office parties, special events and holiday events. Reserve ahead during holidays. Information: (213) 478-7799.

Many firms can do Southern dinners, Jewish religious feasts, grand openings, birthdays, charity events, weddings, banquets, ethnic dinners, open houses, Texas barbecues, Mexican fiestas, Yankee Doodle parties. But can they deliver a party for 1,000 within 24 hours? Try Mastroianni Family Enterprises Ltd., the umbrella company for Jay’s Catering, Mastroianni Fine Cuisine and Executive Dining in Garden Grove. Information: (714) 636-6045.

Want to have a party on a movie or TV sound stage? Parties Plus, Beverly Hills, will set up one and do it all for you within 24 hours. Information: (213) 838-3800.

Cars, Bars, No Stars

Ambrosia, in Venice, the people who did the last Governors Ball (the Academy’s post-Oscar bash), will do it all for a sit-down, cocktail, business meeting or box lunch to go for two to 1,500 people, except deliver the stars--within 24 hours. Information: (213) 392-8547. Ask for Terry Aronson.

Need valet parking service for your party? Bernard’s Valet Inc. will send a courteous crew of greeters and parking attendants to your house. Information: (213) 274-2577.

Shuttle service is missing from your party? Z Valet and Shuttle Service will come up with luxury seven- and 15-passenger vans, a classic T-Bird or Cadillac within an hour. Information: (213) 659-1095.

Need a caricaturist, palm reader, mime or magician on short notice? Wonderful World of Fantasy, in Los Angeles, will help materialize a performer within 8 hours. Information: (213) 202-7007.

Thrills and Entertainment

The balloons you ordered for delivery on Saturday morning pooped out before Saturday night. Call Balloon Bouquets in Los Angeles for balloons, delivered within a couple of hours. (213) 653-4062.

You need an elephant, tiger, stunt man, greased pig or a real roller coaster to give your party a thrill, and you need it fast. Lucky Entertainment can help most times. Information: (213) 277-9666. Synchronized swimmers to entertain pool-side guests aren’t cheap, but you can get them quickly. American Eagle Productions in Los Angeles also provides swans for your pool, rhythmic gymnasts, hula hoopers, skate boarders, snake charmers and saxophone quintets, among others. Information: (213) 321-1793.

You need a 1915 vintage car to highlight grandpapa’s birthday the next day? RWB Party Props has one and many other hard-to-find props. Information: (714) 538-8629.