How to Relax While Hosting an Event: A Comprehensive Guide

How to Relax While Hosting an EventHosting an event, whether it’s a corporate gathering, a wedding, or a casual party, can be an exhilarating experience. It’s an opportunity to bring people together, create memories, and celebrate special occasions. However, the process can also be stressful at times. The pressure to ensure everything goes perfectly can overshadow the joy of the occasion. But what if there was a way to host an event and stay relaxed throughout the process? This comprehensive guide will show you how to do just that.

Understanding the Importance of Relaxation During Event Hosting

Relaxation and event hosting might seem like two concepts that don’t naturally go together. After all, as the host, you’re responsible for the success of the event. However, staying relaxed while hosting is not just about your personal comfort. It’s about creating an atmosphere where your guests can feel at ease and enjoy themselves.

A relaxed host sets the tone for a successful event. When you’re calm and composed, your guests will feel more comfortable. They’ll sense your confidence and feel reassured that everything is under control. Moreover, when you’re relaxed, you’re better equipped to handle any unexpected issues that may arise, ensuring a smoother event overall.

Planning Ahead: The Key to a Stress-Free Event

One of the best ways to ensure a relaxed event hosting experience is to plan ahead. This might seem like an obvious tip, but it’s one that many hosts overlook in the rush of preparations.

Start by creating a detailed checklist of everything that needs to be done before, during, and after the event. This includes tasks like sending out invitations, arranging for food and drinks, setting up the venue, and planning for entertainment. When you book with knowledgeable wedding vendors, they will give you tips, pointers, and resources to set your mind at ease.

Having a clear plan in place will help you stay organized and prevent last-minute stress. It will also give you a sense of control over the event, which can significantly reduce anxiety. Remember, the more detailed your plan, the less you’ll have to worry about on the day of the event.

The Role of a Full-Service Catering Company

A significant part of any event is the food and drink, and this is where a full-service catering company comes in. Companies like Personal Touch Dining not only provide delicious meals for your guests but also handle all aspects of the event, from setup to cleanup.

This means you can focus on enjoying the event and interacting with your guests, rather than worrying about the logistics. You won’t have to stress about whether the food will arrive on time, if there will be enough for everyone, or who will clean up afterwards.

Hiring a full-service catering company can also add a touch of professionalism to your event. Your guests will appreciate the high-quality food and impeccable service, which will enhance their overall experience.

Choosing the Right Catering Company: What to Look For

When choosing a catering company, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, you’ll want to look at their experience. How long have they been in business? What types of events do they specialize in? A company with a proven track record in managing events similar to yours can provide valuable insights and ensure a successful event.

Next, consider the company’s menu options. Do they offer a variety of dishes to cater to different dietary preferences? Can they customize the menu to fit the theme of your event? Companies that offer flexible menu options are often a good choice, as they can adapt to your specific needs.

Finally, look at customer reviews. What do past clients have to say about their experiences with the company? Were they satisfied with the service? Did the event go smoothly? Positive reviews can give you confidence in your choice and provide reassurance that your event is in good hands.

Conclusion

Hosting an event doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. With careful planning, the right support, and a relaxed mindset, you can host a successful event and enjoy the process. Remember, the goal is not just to throw a great event, but also to have a great time doing it. So, take a deep breath, start planning, and get ready to host an event that you and your guests will remember for years to come.

Ready to host a stress-free event? Contact Personal Touch Dining today for exceptional full-service catering and event management. Let us handle the details so you can relax and enjoy your event. Visit our website or call us at (858) 638-0672 to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How far in advance should I start planning my event?

A: It’s never too early to start planning. The more time you have, the more details you can iron out, leading to a smoother event. Ideally, you should start planning a few months in advance for larger events.

Q: What should I look for in a full-service catering company?

A: Look for a company with experience in events similar to yours, a wide range of menu options, and positive customer reviews. Also, consider whether they offer additional services such as event planning and equipment rentals.

Q: How can I ensure my guests have a good time at my event?

A: A relaxed host sets the tone for a relaxed event. By staying calm and organized, you can ensure your guests feel comfortable and enjoy themselves. Also, consider hiring professionals to handle aspects like food and entertainment, so you can focus on your guests.

The Art of Catering: Why a Creative Caterer is Essential for Your Event

Why a Creative Caterer is Essential for Your EventIn the world of events and hospitality, the role of a caterer extends far beyond merely providing food. A caterer is a key player in setting the tone, creating the atmosphere, and ultimately, contributing to the overall success of an event. Among the many types of caterers out there, a creative caterer stands out as a game-changer. This article dives into the importance of having a creative caterer and how it can transform your event into a memorable experience.

The Essence of Creative Catering

Creative catering is about more than just food; it’s about crafting an experience. It involves innovative menu design, unique presentation styles, and the ability to adapt to various themes and dietary requirements. A successful creative catering company understands how to provide a personalized and unique experience that leaves a lasting impression on guests.

The Uniqueness of the Menu

One of the most significant advantages of hiring a creative caterer is the uniqueness of the menu. A creative caterer doesn’t just offer standard dishes; they customize a menu that reflects the nature of the event, the preferences of the hosts, and the tastes of the guests. This can include innovative dishes, a fusion of different cuisines, and presentation of dishes to delight the senses. Whether it’s a “creative cuisine catering” service that blends culinary traditions or a “creative catering and events” company that integrates food with the event’s theme, the result is a menu that stands out and enhances the overall event experience.

Adaptability to Dietary Preferences and Restrictions

In today’s world, it’s common to find guests with various dietary preferences and restrictions at any event. From vegan and gluten-free diets to specific cultural or religious dietary needs, a creative caterer is skilled in crafting a menu that appeals to all. They can create delicious and innovative dishes that adhere to dietary requirements without compromising on taste or presentation. This flexibility ensures that all guests feel included and can enjoy the food at the event.

Integration with the Event Theme

A creative caterer doesn’t just provide food; they contribute to the event’s theme and atmosphere. If your event has a specific look and feel, a creative caterer might integrate this into the food and presentation. For instance, a “creative caterers San Diego” service might design a menu and presentation style that aligns with a laid-back coastal theme. This integration enhances the overall experience and makes the event more immersive and cohesive.

Problem-Solving Skills

Creativity isn’t just about coming up with new ideas; it’s also about problem-solving. In the dynamic environment of an event, unexpected factors can arise, such as a last-minute change in the number of guests. A creative caterer can think on their feet and come up with solutions to ensure the event runs smoothly. This ability to adapt and solve problems is critical to ensure the success of the event.

Creating a Memorable Experience

Ultimately, the goal of any event is to create a memorable experience for the guests, and food plays a crucial role in this. We feel that attendees should remember the food at an event, and creative, delicious dishes can leave a lasting impression. A creative caterer, whether it’s a “creative catering San Diego” service for a sizable event or a local “catering near me” service for a small gathering, can provide a memorable dining experience that makes your event stand out.

Go with a Trusted Company

If you are weighing the decision of hiring an experienced creative caterer vs a novice chef, always go with the more professional option. The value they provide in terms of unique, personalized service and memorable experiences will be well worth it. The uniqueness of the menu, the adaptability to dietary preferences, the integration with the event theme, and the memorable experience they create all contribute to the overall success of the event. Look for signals such as positive word-of-mouth, repeat business, glowing reviews, and quality of reputation when making your determination.

Choosing the Right Creative Caterer

Choosing the right creative caterer involves several considerations. Firstly, it’s important to look at their portfolio to understand their style and capabilities. This can give you a sense of whether their approach aligns with your vision for the event. Secondly, as mentioned, consider their experience and reputation. A caterer with a strong track record in handling events similar to yours can be a wiser choice. Thirdly, consider their ability to cater to dietary restrictions and preferences. Finally, consider their problem-solving skills and adaptability. A good creative caterer should be able to handle unexpected issues and adapt to changes smoothly.

Conclusion

If you are planning an unforgettable event, a creative caterer is a necessity. They bring more to the table than just food; they bring innovation, adaptability, problem-solving skills, and a memorable experience that aligns with your vision for your event. Whether it’s a wedding, a corporate event, or a small gathering, a creative caterer can make all the difference. So, the next time you’re planning an event, consider bringing a reputable and creative caterer on board. It’s a decision that should result in a successful, memorable event that leaves a lasting impression on your guests.

Are you planning an event and want to make it uniquely yours? Reach oFut to us today and let our creative caterers put together a customized plan for you. We promise to deliver a unique menu, address all dietary needs, and create a memorable experience that will leave your guests talking for years to come. Contact us now and let’s start planning your perfect event together!

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of events do you cater to?

We cater to a wide range of events, including weddings, corporate events, private parties, and more. No matter how big or small your event, it will be worthwhile to contact us to see what options are available.

Can you cater to specific dietary needs?

Absolutely! We pride ourselves on our ability to cater to a variety of dietary needs, including vegan, gluten-free, and specific cultural or religious dietary requirements.

Can you create a menu that aligns with our event theme?

Of course! Our creative caterers are experts at integrating the event’s theme into the menu and presentation.

What if we have a change in the number of guests or other unexpected issues?

Our team is skilled at problem-solving and can adapt to changes smoothly. We will work with you to find the best solution and ensure your event is a success.

More Fabulous Client Reviews!

Your Family Is Our Family

We strive to be as attentive to your guests as we are to you on your big day!

Kelly and her family noticed our efforts, so she left us this amazing review.

Thanks for taking the time to leave such an incredible message for our future clients and us!

Bright Event Rentals | San Diego Vendor Spotlight!

Bright Event Rentals

“Providing unforgettable details for life’s memorable experiences.”

About

This full-service special event rental company is well known throughout the event world. As a fellow event planning service vendor, we know we can rely on Bright to be professional, respectful of our event timelines, and flexible enough to accommodate anything from corporate to black-tie events. Like a loyal friend, their expertise in the event-planning industry reflects our own, and we love recommending their products to our clients!

 

The Bright team as a whole is passionate about their attention to detail and committed to elevating their client’s events to new levels. This fun-loving company makes the planning process enjoyable. Bright dedicates itself to finding–and sometimes setting–the latest event trends, with you and your guests always in mind. Bright is made of those who embody the ideals of excellence and strive always to exceed expectations.

Services

The Event Design Team at Bright are customer service masters at creating a stress-free environment. Through their guidance, planning your event details is effortless from design to installation.

Peruse their Rental Catalog for design inspiration!

Contact Bright Today!

Phone | 858-496-9700

Check out their Instagram to see them in action!

San Diego Event Coordinator Spotlight! | Breezy Day Weddings

 

About

Established in 2013, this San Diego-based sister team thrives on helping their clients achieve their wedding dreams. Courtney, the Founder and Lead Coordinator for Breezy Day is a San Diego local–born and raised! She’s an organized perfectionist with an artist’s eye for design. With her well-versed event coordination skills and her sister Heather as the head of floral designs, this dream team has always been such a delight to work with!

From a professional standpoint, Breezy Day is always quick to respond to our questions and has so much passion for their work. As a company that also loves what we do, it’s comforting to see that same energy mirrored in a fellow event vendor. Their shared joy for their clients, who they treat like family, is palpable, and we appreciate their dedication to their craft.

Event Coordination Services

“Your day ~ your way ~ no worries!”

The Breezy Day Coordination package includes, but is not limited to: 

– An initial consultation to discuss your wedding day plans and to get to know each other

– Unlimited contact via phone, text, and email from the first contact through the wedding day

– Help with finding the perfect vendors for your day

– An in-person meeting 4-6 weeks before your wedding to finalize details, vision, diagram, and day-of timeline

– Help with venue layout and venue walk-through

– Finalization of details with vendors before your wedding, providing all with final timeline, diagram, and other wedding day details

– Coordination of ceremony rehearsal

– Coordination of wedding ceremony and reception:

  • Unlimited hours of on-site coordination on the wedding day.
  • Point of contact for all deliveries, vendor arrivals, wedding parties, and family.
  • Set up of all provided decor items.
  • Personal wedding day assistant to the Breezy Day couple.
  • Clean up and safely transport personal decor items, gifts, etc., to the appropriate hotel room or car.

Breezy Day will coordinate your venue, vendors, families, and guests — ensuring all the puzzle pieces come together flawlessly, just the way you envision it to be. Their services do not come in packages. Once they’re involved in your big day, it’s 100% commitment 100% of the time.

“When you book with them, you have unlimited contact and communication during the planning process,” whether you are getting married next month or next year, “right up through the BIG day.” 

 

Full-Service Floral Design

Breezy Day’s Full-Service Floral Design is for couples who want a distinct floral experience for their big day. Begin with an in-depth consultation at the Breezy Day home office, where you can personally get to know the team and thoroughly explore your floral hopes and dreams. After the consultation, Heather will create a custom quote for your review. From unique bouquets to ceremony installations, cocktail hour florals, welcome table statement pieces, elevated centerpieces, to cake flowers, every detail is considered. No design is too big for Breezy Day’s full-service floral design.

 

Make Your Wedding Day A Breeze!

858.336.50I9
courtney@breezydayweddings.com   

Featured Venue: Darlington House

Timeless, Charming, and Philanthropic, There’s No Place Like Darlington House!

 

Rich History

What better venue to encompass the all-around excellence that is San Diego other than Darlington House? This unique historic home and romantic event venue is located two blocks from the Pacific Ocean in La Jolla. The home began as two separate houses pieced together by Sibyl Darlington and were used as her seasonal home to escape the East Coast winters. With items and inspiration from all over the world, it is a fusion of culture, and its exquisite artistry is timeless. The many patios offer countless combinations of spaces for classic dinner parties or weddings. As a catering company, it is definitely one of our favorite San Diego venues because it allows clients the versatility to make the spaces their own while still maintaining its dignified charm.

Designated a historic San Diego Site in 1995, it acts as a location for the Social Service League of La Jolla, a non-profit public benefit corporation. According to the Darlington House Website, this corporation “provides housing and meal support to seniors who have lived and worked for the greater San Diego area” at the neighboring “League House” apartment complex. It is a uniquely beautiful venue and a selfless part of caretaking for San Diego’s valued aging population that you can help contribute to while enjoying your dream event.

Charnel + Munyoki | True Photography

Picturesque From Every Angle

The entire venue is yours when you book! Couples could spend hours exploring every corner for that priceless photo. Check out Darling House’s Video Tour on their site for a sneak peek tour of the historic home.

The Main House

Comfortably furnished and elegantly decorated, the Living Room, Dining Room, and several Sitting Rooms are available for all guests to lounge in and explore on your big day.

Groom’s Room

Reserved space for the Bridal Party with a private restroom, dressing room, and comfortable lounge area. This room offers welcoming furniture and plenty of space for getting ready in style.

Bridal Suite

An East-facing room also with its own private restroom, dressing room, and lounge area. This room comes with an attached Juliet balcony that overlooks the courtyards where the event setup will occur.

Library

Catering companies use this space to construct an event bar for guests. The arched ceiling and second-floor bookshelves offer uniquely beautiful photo opportunities. With architectural nods to Sybil’s many trips to Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, the Library is a photographer’s playground!

Egyptian Patio

Named after the dazzling reflecting pool at its center, the colorful antique Egyptian tile lining the pool can become the threshold for your vows. The most common location for wedding ceremonies, chairs can face either the main house arches or the elevated iron gate arch depending on your guest count.

 

 

Andalusian Patio

After the ceremony, guests are most commonly ushered into the enclosed Andalusian Patio between the Library bar area. There, they can enjoy complimentary craft cocktails and check out the seating chart while your catering company works to put the final touches on the main floor in the Rose Garden.

Rose Garden

Lush and green year-round, this space is a blank canvas for an imaginative couple hoping to bring their wedding dreams to life!

Brittany + Chris | Cait & Co. Photography

Bree + Brock | Logan Cole Photography

Click Here To Inquire About Your Upcoming Event Today!

(858) 454-7625

Monday – Friday, 9 am to 4 pm.

 

 

 

Delicious Summer Sippers!

Our Top 3 Favorite Summer Signature Cocktails!

When it’s chilly, we can’t get enough of those hot toddies and mulled wine. Now that we’re officially at the start of summer, we’re going to need something to battle these classic sunny San Diego days! We’ve gathered some of our favorite fruity and refreshing libations for you to enjoy. These easy-to-make cocktails are great for any summertime celebration and will surely impress your guests with their appetizing presentation.

NOT-YOUR-KID’S OTTER POPS

Short of hiring a bartender for your casual BBQ, the trouble with hosting and providing these fun specialty drinks is being tied to the bar to whip them up all night. These slushies are the ultimate solution. Bag these up the night before and throw them in the freezer. The next day, you’ll have these frozen fruity wonders ready and waiting for guests to relive their childhood in the best possible way. These recipes use tea, fruit juice, and vodka poured into little plastic bags and frozen until you’re ready to serve (with festive straws, of course). Give your guests a couple of flavor choices for variety, and you might even have a few left over to sip by the pool the next day!

Source: PureWow.com, Photo: Liz Andrew, Styling: Erin McDowell

 

To make 8 servings

RASPBERRY-LIME COOLER INGREDIENTS

3 bags raspberry tea

5 cups water, divided

4 limes, juiced

½ cup superfine sugar

⅓ cup raspberry vodka (optional)

6 lime slices

LEMONADE ICED TEA INGREDIENTS

3 bags orange pekoe tea

5 cups water, divided

3 lemons, juiced

½ cup superfine sugar

⅓ cup lemon vodka (optional)

6 lemon slices

RASPBERRY-LIME COOLER INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Boil 2 cups of water. Place the raspberry tea bags in a glass liquid measuring cup and cover with the boiling water. Steep for 3 minutes, then remove and discard the tea bags. Add 1 cup of cool water.
  2. While the tea steeps, stir the remaining 2 cups of water with the lime juice and sugar. Add this mixture to the tea mixture and stir to combine. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Remove, then stir in the raspberry vodka if using.
  3. Carefully pour the mixture into 6 tall (6-ounce) plastic bags, so each is three-quarters of the way full, then add a lime slice to each and seal. Place the bags on a tray and freeze until solid, about 1 hour. Thaw 10 to 20 minutes before serving. (Thaw less time and it will be a slush; thaw longer, and it will be a drink.)

LEMONADE ICED TEA INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Boil 2 cups of water. Place the orange tea bags in a glass liquid measuring cup and cover them with boiling water. Steep for 3 minutes, then remove and discard the tea bags. Add 1 cup of cool water.
  2. While the tea steeps, stir the remaining 2 cups of water with the lemon juice and sugar. Add the lemon mixture to the tea mixture and stir to combine. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Remove, then stir in the lemon vodka if using.
  3. Carefully pour the chilled mixture into 6 tall (6-ounce) plastic bags, so each is three-quarters of the way full, then add a lemon slice to each and seal. Place the bags on a tray and freeze until solid, about 1 hour. Thaw 10 to 20 minutes before serving. (Thaw less time and it will be a slush; thaw longer, and it will be a drink.)

 

APEROL SPRITZ SLUSHIES

Remember the wave of Rose Wine slushies that were all the rage a few years ago? With how popular Aperol Spritzes are right now, we figured, why not hop on that frozen slush wagon? Enter the frozen Aperol spritz, a trendy new take on the classic cocktail, courtesy of Plated. It’s one part boozy, two parts refreshing, and 100 percent our new favorite summer drink. This alternative stars bubbly prosecco and Aperol for the perfect summer sipper with fresh lemon and orange juices.

Courtesy of Plated.com

To make 1 serving

INGREDIENTS

2 oranges

2 lemons

3 ounces prosecco

1 ounce Aperol

1 cup granulated sugar

8 to 10 ounces ice

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Halve the oranges and lemons; cut half of 1 orange into slices for serving. In a large bowl, stir together the prosecco, Aperol, juice of the lemons, and juice of the remaining oranges.
  2. In a small pot, combine the granulated sugar with 1 cup water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until syrup is translucent (about 3 minutes.) Remove from heat and set your simple syrup aside to cool.
  3. In a blender or food processor, combine the prosecco-Aperol mixture, ice, and 1 ounce of simple syrup (or less, if desired). Save the remaining simple syrup for your next happy hour. Pulse until ice is slushy and the mixture is fully combined. Pour into glasses and garnish with orange slices.

 

WHITE PEACH SANGRIA

We’re always up for mixing up a bulk batch of a liquid party starter. Our favorite way to quench a group’s summer thirst? This sweet and refreshing sangria.

(Bonus: This concoction is totally white-jeans-friendly, so your Labor Day party-goers will be worry-free!)

Source: PureWow.com, Photo: True Photography

 

To Make 6 to 8 servings

INGREDIENTS

3 peaches, thinly sliced

1½ pints raspberries

1 lemon, zested and juiced

¼ cup peach juice

½ cup orange-flavored liqueur (such as Cointreau)

1½ bottles white wine (such as dry Riesling), chilled

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. On a baking sheet, spread the peaches and raspberries in an even layer. Place the sheet in the freezer for at least 45 minutes or until the fruit is frozen solid.
  2. Place the frozen fruit in a large pitcher. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, peach juice, orange liqueur, and wine. Stir to combine. Pour into glasses and serve.
  3. Pro-Tip! Start with frozen peaches and raspberries to cut back on assembly time. Instead of becoming diluted by ice cubes, the sangria will get more flavorful as it chills, thanks to that frozen fruit.

 

What are your favorite summer cocktails?

We’re always looking for more inspiration, so leave us a comment with your recipe, and we could feature your signature drink on our next seasonal cocktail blog!

 

Father’s Day 2021 Tribute!

“A Father is someone you look up to, no matter how tall you grow.”

Jessica + Dave | Aldous Photography

“I sit and look back to how far I can remember,
And you are always there next to me.
Each and every day, you were helping me grow up,
And making me be the best that I can be.

Your love was forever strong,
Your cuddles forever tight.
Every day since I was born,
Your love was always in sight.

I will always be your Baby Girl,
And you will always be my Dad.
I know I will always be the luckiest
To have the best Dad, any girl could have had.

My Daddy, I love you with all my heart,
Much more than I ever say.
You are my world, my everything,
Each and every day.”

My Daddy, by Ranja Kujala

 

To all the Father figures who helped keep us grounded during the chaos of 2020.

It’s because of your endless love and hard work that make each of our weddings and special events possible.

 

From all of us at Personal Touch Dining, we hope you feel loved and appreciated on your special holiday.

Have a wonderful Father’s Day!

 

Caitlin + Patrick | Michelle Flores Photography | San Diego Botanical Garden


 

Romantic Garden Getaway!

Working in collaboration with Perfect The Event, Event Planning Services, we were honored to be part of Patrick and Caitlin’s gorgeous wedding and reception at the San Diego Botanical Garden! The event was a whirlwind of twinkling market lights, fantastic vendor cooperation, and watching the guests dance the night away.

 

To start the day off, Patrick and Caitlin waited anxiously for their private First Look at each other. Michelle Flores Photography expertly captured this tender moment!

Bride and Groom First Look

The First Look with Michelle Flores Photography stole our hearts!

The Walled Garden is tucked away from visitors of the Botanical garden, offering a secluded and beautiful spot for intimate wedding ceremonies. Mulberry & Moss decorated the space for the ceremony using romantic bundles of white flowers greenery to match the surrounding natural beauty of the park.

Wedding Ceremony in the Walled Garden, an intimate location for gorgeous wedding ceremonies amongst nature. Florals and Decor: Mulberry & Moss

Everyone cheered for the happy couple as they walked back down the aisle as Husband and Wife. Our favorite part of the ceremony is this “I Do” Glow on their faces!

While the newlyweds and bridal party finished up their photoshoot, guests made their way down to the reception area for our signature craft cocktails and fresh appetizers made on-site!

The Gazebo Garden offers plenty of outdoor space for a larger guest count, plus all of the happy couple’s favorite food stations that we offer! Offering their guests “the works,” we had the pleasure of offering several food stations at cocktail hour during dinner service.

Guests got their fill of our delicious Taco Bar, extensive Salad Station, savory Trip-Tip station, and deluxe–made-to-order–Pasta Station! No matter the food preferences or dietary restrictions, we made sure there was plenty for everyone.

Florals and Decor: Mulberry & Moss

After dinner, Soundwave Productions kept the dance floor grooving, and Susie Cakes shared their tasty treats with the crowd! As the guests partied the night away, the newlyweds enjoyed dancing with everyone under the stars.

 

We’re so happy for these lovebirds and wish them all the best in their bright future together!

 

 

Vendors:

Event Planning Services: Perfect The Event

Desserts: Susie Cakes

DJ: Soundwave Productions

Florals and Decor: Mulberry & Moss

Photography: Michelle Flores Photography

Venue: San Diego Botanical Gardens

 

 

Beachy Summer 2021 | Trendy Wedding Tips

Summer 2021: San Diego By The Sea

Beach weddings are alluring for more reasons than one. First and foremost, there’s definitely something to be said about being out in the open in a romantic oceanfront setting while the wind and waves sing their praises over your union. Then there are all the fun vacation-esque decor, food, and cocktails!

Unlike traditional weddings in a church or community hall, beach weddings call those who thrive in comfortable shorts and sand between their toes. Summer 2021 is all about these San Diego beach weddings. Bringing the party to the seashore, or vice versa is all the rage! Check out all these beachy-beautiful trends couples are using to bring the vibe to their weddings!

Make Waves With The Invites!

Sea-inspired invitations will undoubtedly get your guests excited for the upcoming bash. These fun invites allude to the beach venue and hint at the event’s colorful ’60s theme. Minted did their invitations and Paperie, and we are so impressed with this gorgeous watercolor work that flowed throughout their event!

Vacation-Vibe Centerpieces and Tablescape

Bohemian details feel right at home at beachside weddings. We’re obsessed with the distressed white paint paired with these incredible straw chargers. Amber-toned glassware, stoneware plates, gilded metallic accents, and a sheer, rust-hued runner complete the aesthetic.

Phoebe + John | Alyssa Boynton Photography | Scripps Seaside Forum  | Goblets and Napkins by Hostess Haven.

Be inspired by the sea when choosing your tableware. Try incorporating subtle details, such as plates featuring an embossed starfish and seashell design for your guests. This couple kept with the beach theme using similar watercolor-designed menus, table numbers, and escort cards. The deep blue of their water goblets effortlessly tied into the aesthetic as well.

Another way to bring the ocean to your tabletop is to include natural Beachwood, sea glass, soft candlelight. These blue runners are a great way to balance the contrast of the dark polished tabletop and the unfinished natural wood.

Light and Breasey Wedding Ensembles

Relaxed, Bright, and Beautiful! Stay cool on your wedding day, and think about opting for beach-friendly options. An easy-breezy dress of lace or a flowy skirt will look fabulous and beach-ready, but if your heart is set on something more modern or has heavy fabric, think about finding a second dress for the reception!

 

This bridal party looked so polished in their soft gray and slate attire. When choosing styles and colors for your bridal party, we recommend this versatile gray for the groomsmen and a flowing floor-length skirt for the bridesmaids.

Ocean-Inspired Signature Drinks and Food

It’s not a full-fledged beach theme until your guests can actually taste the ocean. Try incorporating a seaside theme into all components of your celebration, including cocktails and food. This will offer an in-depth vacation experience for your guests naturally found by the beach.

This elegant cake is ready for its seaside debut! Adorned with gold-painted shells and pearls—we love the organic approach– this cake topper was hand-made by the bride for her special day.

What’s a beach theme without coconuts? Go all out and treat your guests to delicious signature coconut-based cocktails, or keep it real with coconut water, served in coconuts engraved with your names, the wedding date, or a hashtag. Bonus: They make the best photo prop.

Water-Front Ceremony and Themed Decor

You’ll need to tweak your décor to suit the outdoors, especially in windy locations. This means you may want to think twice about super lavish flowers, towering candles, and even windy ribbons and balloons, which may end up getting blown away by the wind. Use sturdy décor and avoid breakable items. Anything you can’t live without (like name tags, photos, etc.), secure with adhesive, or place something heavier on top to hold them down.

With a view this magnificent, you’ll want nothing to get in the way, but a minimalist ceremonial backdrop may be in order. The structure creates the perfect frame for the newlyweds’ vows while leaving the sweeping oceanic vista free from obstruction. Monstera leaves, palm fronds, orchids, pampas grass, and white king proteas can finish off the look.

In terms of flowers, you also want to make sure you choose varieties that stand up well against high temperatures that won’t wilt before the ceremony even begins. Orchids, roses, and calla lilies are always up for a beach day, but there are unexpected options, like poppies, that could better fit your overall look!

Woven baskets are a surefire win for a beachy theme. These gorgeous basket lanterns keep with the vibe and maintain the airiness of the venue without weighing everything down.

You can have nautical touches at your wedding even if there’s no beach in sight. These sea glass escort cards are beautiful and unique to each guest! You’ve heard of farm-to-table, but what about sea-to-table? Set into a simple gold picture frame and resting on the sand, they’re the perfect beachy wedding detail to bring the ocean right to your plate.

Wedding Cabana

Planner & Designer @k.sageevents | Venue @franciscangardens | Photographer @emmahopp

Give yourself and your guests the VIP treatment with these chic dining cabanas! The billowy curtains and box frames of these dividers take us back to private poolside resorts, and we can’t get enough.

Final Tips!

While you can’t fight nature’s elements, you can be aware of them and plan accordingly with safeguards, like the following:

  • Carefully time the event, being mindful of that midday heat!
  • Consider the wind (especially when decorating with candles or open flames).
  •  Go for a lighter wedding dress, or have a reception outfit in mind.
  • Look into using airbrush makeup.
  • Schedule touch-ups for hair halfway through the event.
  • Ensure guests stay hydrated and refreshed.
  • Have a contingency plan for rain.

Reach out to our fantastic team of Event Coordinators for any more tips and tricks to having the perfect beach wedding this Summer!

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