Planning an Event on a Rooftop? Here’s What to Know About Wind at Bonaventure Brewing Co.

Our outdoor garden patio is one of the most popular spaces at Bonaventure Brewing Co. Located on the 4th floor rooftop of the Westin Bonaventure Hotel, it gives you skyline views, open air, and a beautiful setting for private events.
But with that fresh air comes one important factor: wind.
Downtown Los Angeles rooftops can get breezy, especially in the late afternoon and early evening, and wind is something many clients and vendors underestimate during the planning process. While it will not ruin your event, it can definitely cause issues if you are not prepared.
Here are a few tips and real examples to help you plan for wind and avoid day-of surprises.

1. Skip Lightweight Decor
Paper signs, loose greenery, and anything held up by a single stick or string is likely to blow away, bend, or fall over in our garden space. Wind tends to pick up around sunset, which is often right when your guests arrive or dinner service begins.
What works better:

• Acrylic signs with stands or frames
• Weighted table numbers and menu holders
• Real greenery or florals with heavier bases
• Cloth linens with clips or ties to keep them in place

2. Avoid Freestanding Backdrops Without Proper Anchoring
Photo backdrops and lightweight arches are often top-heavy and prone to tipping in even moderate wind. If a vendor is bringing in a backdrop for photos or ceremony purposes, ask them how they plan to secure it outdoors.
What to recommend to vendors:

• Use sandbags or weights on the base
• Avoid tall frames made with PVC or hollow metal
• If fabric is used, make sure it is tied tightly to the frame and not draped loosely
• Keep signage or props attached firmly with zip ties or clips

3. No Loose Balloons or Confetti
We recommend skipping helium balloons, unweighted clusters, or confetti of any kind. Balloons tend to float, tangle, or pop from the heat, and confetti or glitter blows into corners of the patio and cannot be fully cleaned up.
If you're hoping for a playful or colorful element, consider:

• Garlands or ribbon installations that are tied down
• Dried florals or fringe attached to poles
• A balloon garland that is anchored on a weighted frame

4. Use Enclosed Displays for Cards and Paper Items
If you are having a welcome table or gift station, make sure card boxes are lidded and that any loose signage is framed or clipped. Programs, menus, or small notes can quickly scatter with just a light gust.
Tips for setup:

• Bring clips or tape to secure paper to tables
• Use trays, frames, or shadowboxes for smaller details
• Avoid stacking items like napkins or coasters unless they are in containers

5. Florals and Centerpieces: Keep It Low and Secure
Florals look beautiful outdoors, but tall arrangements in vases or foam blocks can tip over quickly. Ask your florist to design centerpieces that are heavy enough to withstand wind and avoid top-heavy stems or unbalanced designs.
Ideas that hold up well:

• Low arrangements in wide bowls or glass vessels
• Garland runners with weighted ends
• Bud vases grouped tightly in clusters
• Tied or wired designs that are already anchored before arrival

6. Communicate with Vendors in Advance
We always mention wind during your finalization call, but it is important to loop in your vendors, especially if they are bringing in decor, signage, or anything structural. Some vendors are used to indoor setups and may not realize how different the environment can be outdoors.
Helpful things to share with vendors:

• Our patio is fully outdoors with no permanent wind barriers
• Wind is often strongest from 4 PM to 7 PM
• There is no ceiling or canopy
• We recommend weighted bases and backup plans for all decor

7. Let Us Help You Adjust the Layout if Needed
We have seen hundreds of setups in this space and are happy to recommend layout adjustments based on weather. Sometimes shifting the seating direction, moving a display table closer to a wall, or swapping out linen styles can make a big difference.
Let us know what you are planning and we will help you tweak it to make sure everything stays in place and looks great all night.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Worry, We’ve Got You
Wind is something we deal with often, and our team knows how to adjust quickly if something isn’t working. We always have extra clips, weights, and backup ideas to help your setup look clean and polished even if conditions change.