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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
When planning your event, whether it’s a wedding, birthday party, bat/bar mitzvah, social, or corporate event, you want absolutely everything to be perfect. A great starting point is to pick out your colors. Once you have chosen the colors for your event, you will then need to decide how you would like to showcase those colors. There are many colors and fabrics available for specialty linens at Linens by the Sea, and you can mix and match them to create any style or color combination for your event.
No matter the color or pattern, the right linen can transform event décor. Table linens, napkins, and runners that come standard with our packages can be exchanged for luxury options that will enhance your event’s overall look and feel. Exquisite linens can be the statement piece of a table that will save money later when wedding venue decorations won’t need to go the extra mile to compensate for, essentially, a standard empty table.
Highlight Key Details
Show off your event’s color scheme with solid color linens in our stunning hue color options. Fabrics like satin, damask, pintuck, or organza will provide a sophisticated look to table settings, and they will look absolutely stunning. You don’t have to fill the entire room with pattern or texture, but using it tactfully can make those important pieces really stand out. Choose key stations where all the action will be, like the head table, cake table, and escort card table. Make them stand out with a pop of color, pattern, or different texture. They’ll attract guests’ eyes, letting them know they’re important.
Building That Cruccendo
You can transform each portion of your event (welcome, ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception) into distinct moments with your choice of colors and linens. Starting with a more traditional neutral pallet for the ceremony can leave space for bold colors later in the cocktails hour and beyond.
Pairing Patterns and Textures
Just like in fashion, mixing linen patterns and textures can enhance your wedding’s overall feel. Start with a bold (dominant) pattern to define your palette. From there, choose a smaller-scale pattern with the same colors. Finally, pull in a neutral solid to allow for a visual rest. The same goes for textured linens, too.
Mixing two different textures can add depth and dimension to a room. Textured tablecloths such as lace overlays can give that “White Wedding” look, but with hints of color from the base linen peeking through. It could be the significant detail that sticks with a guest as they look back on how elegant the evening felt.
Sometimes subtle lace accents are too demure for the type of event you’re envisioning. If you are looking for a different kind of contrast or a more dramatic effect, you can use black as your base with your other chosen colors as accents. This black sequined linen adds a bit of edge, class and allows for simple decorations!
Photo by Walter Wilson Studios
On the opposite end of the spectrum, where we live and breathe pink, this linen above has the similar benefit of allowing for smaller, simpler decorations. It also adds a fun air of cheerfulness and buoyancy because of the texture.
Photo by True Photography
If you’re looking down a more glamorous avenue, but the idea of collecting a dozen sparkly centerpieces is daunting, perhaps some dazzling sequined linens are exactly what you need! All the glitz and glam allows for simpler decorations, a thrifty trick!
And who says that you have to use solid colors for your linens or event theme? Consider using prints such as polka dots, stripes, animal prints, plaids, or other motifs. Decorative runners could be the economical solution to this issue. With bright pops of color to tie in with the floral arrangements, a fun napkin choice can polish everything off for the perfect constructed tablescape!
Specialty Linens For A Special Day
Even if your wedding is more relaxed, there are a few formal details that keep the day feeling special. Specialty Linens and cloth napkins at a BBQ can send the right message; that the occasion is important.
A great way to seem more casual and possibly save on linen costs is to have Farm Tables! Farm Tables with their minimalist motif tend to use large sprawling garlands down the center to fill space. Using linen napkins is a great way to enhance your table settings. Try napkins intricately folded or in contrasting hues to create a distinctive look for your event. Table runners can add color and style to any table, and they would still allow for some table exposure.
Just ask our gifted Coordinators to help introduce you to our endless Linen Upgrade options!
Let’s discuss how you and your event planner can create different looks and moods with your specialty linen choices. For more ideas and suggestions for using color and specialty linens, reach out to our fantastic event planning team!
Whether you are planning a private party at home, wedding, reception, or corporate event, catering is one aspect that is sure to be remembered. Like many clients, you may have a grand vision for your event catering, with a lavish menu to match. Or, you may prefer to keep it simple and unassuming. No matter the scenario, our event and wedding catering packages are designed to be flexible for our clients, with many options to choose from.
When talking with our San Diego wedding catering company, we will take your desired budget into account, making the best recommendations to fit your needs. With a little information, we will start providing helpful and knowledgeable insight into making your event exceptional. By the time you contact us, your event’s details may already be determined, like the event date, venue, and general timeline. Other aspects may still be considered: the target number of guests, event theme, and specific meal preferences. By learning what has been decided and where our insight will be most beneficial, we will begin creating a big day plan.
When making recommendations around your budget, we will ensure we can provide the highest service level without sacrificing quality. Because of our wide variety of options, we find that our price range for wedding and event catering is typically attainable for most potential clients.
Here are a few areas to consider when anticipating how to budget for catering services:
Number of Guests
If possible, it is helpful to have a general idea of the headcount expected. This way, we can consider the scale of the dining options and the staff needed, and the length of preparation time required. We understand this number may fluctuate a bit in the days leading to the wedding or event, but if we have a basic target at the beginning, we can make more accurate recommendations. If the headcount changes before the event (which happens all the time), we have built-in solutions for this, which we will explain when talking over the event planning.
Experience
Hiring a catering company with a depth of knowledge means they will help you budget effectively, communicate throughout the process, and be transparent with costs. When evaluating the right catering service provider, it is ideal if the caterer has done a large number of events similar to yours. This may include experience at your specific venue and at larger events, so you have confidence that their capabilities measure up. If you are planning an event at a non-traditional venue, such as a park, beach, or private residence, it will be imperative to bring on a top-level professional who understands the costs involved and will help you plan accordingly. Our San Diego event and wedding catering company has worked at nearly every local venue countless times throughout our decades of experience. We truly understand the ins and outs, prepare for unforeseen circumstances, and what kinds of budgetary considerations to make during the planning process.
Ask for Recommendations
When we meet with clients and wedding couples, we are always happy to give advice and a range of choices. For example, if the budget allows, we may get creative with a classic favorite and give it a gourmet twist. If a more cost-efficient alternative is needed, we will share options that have worked well for other clients. We want our clients to be thrilled and always have your best interest in mind, which you will see reflected on review websites like Yelp and WeddingWire. Our San Diego event catering company strives to consistently provide the highest value and service possible and create amazing experiences across all budget levels.
Cuisine Selection
When clients consult with our San Diego wedding catering company, we help choose a cuisine to match the event style and theme. For example, our recommendations will be different for an outdoor garden wedding than an evening ballroom reception. Creating a menu that best suits the event and understanding the factors involved can help you budget costs accordingly.
Additional Services
Along with our event catering, we offer additional services that clients and wedding couples often need. For example, we provide options for rentals, bar services, tenting, and decor, which can be added for more full-scale event production. These all-inclusive packages help you manage your budget because you can accomplish a lot, all in one place, and apply your budget accordingly. Instead of dealing with lots of vendors and negotiating their individual price structures, we make it easy. We also have a wide network of partner vendors we have worked with for years and who we believe will provide the best service and value for your event. If you are looking for a particular service and would like options within your event budget, please ask us. Most likely, we will have a solution or recommendation for you.
Reach Out
Whether you are starting to determine your price range for event catering or fully understanding your budget, it will be beneficial to talk with us. We will help you make the best decisions for your San Diego wedding catering services, plan a menu to match and start creating an amazing experience for your big day.
You’ve painstakingly perfected your tablescape but the most commonly overlooked feature of an event design? The seating.
It goes without saying that chairs at your event are essential, but we understand how they could be pushed to the back burner when bigger planning factors are considered. The types of chairs you choose will affect your wedding decor and overall aesthetic. They’ll be in a lot of your wedding photos — and depending on the size of your guest list, you could have hundreds of them throughout your venue. Even if you only invest in a few special chairs for your sweetheart table and keep the rest simple, we think being educated on your options is worth it!
This faux-bamboo option has been around forever and was the pioneer in the early 2000s when looking for an “elevated” level of sophisticated seating. They’re most often used at traditional weddings and very formal events and can be left bare or dressed up with fabric covers. Chiavari chairs are most commonly seen at events in natural wood, neutral tones, or metallics, but some rental companies offer bright colors, pastels, or even transparent varieties. Tie-on seat cushions enhance guest comfort and are usually available in white, ivory, or black.
These event chairs are made entirely of acrylic or lucite. Ghost chairs provide the most modern look for your big day and are typically used in a clear finish for a sleek, minimalist effect. If you want to go bold, they’re also available in opaque black, translucent gray, pink, blue, green, and orange. Ghost chairs are easy to keep clean and won’t clash with other decor or furnishings. Use two for the sweetheart table, just a few at small tables in a Moving Style Event, or use these for the whole room!
Folding Chairs
By far, the most popular chairs for outdoor events are the classic Folding or Lawn chairs. A popular option for outdoor weddings and events, these folding chairs can be left alone or easily dressed up using adornments like small floral arrangements or other aisle markers. An option that’s easy on your wallet, they’re available in various colors to match the theme color(s) of your event.
Wooden folding chairs make an ideal choice for couples who want a hint of sophistication without too much fuss. Folding chairs are a go-to for designers who plan on repurposing a single space for several functions. These chairs can be set-up and stowed quickly to transition from ceremony to reception fluidly.
Cross-back Chair
These chairs are taking the wedding world by storm. Reminiscent of what we imagine would reside at an Italian vineyard, these chairs are beautiful. They’re usually seen in a natural wood finish with the signature “X” on the back. Cross-back chairs offer photo-ready rustic elegance and are among the most popular wedding chair styles for farms, gardens, vineyards, and barn venues.
Professional Insight
Looks aside, when selecting a chair for your event, imagine you are a guest. Ask yourself whether you’d be comfortable sitting in that chair for the duration of the wedding, corporate event, or another occasion. Here are a few other important considerations professional event designers use to factor into their overall decisions:
Will the event be indoors or in a covered area?
If the event is outdoors, will the chairs be on an even or uneven surface?
How long will guests be sitting? Consider padded chairs for seated events longer than one hour.
Chairs often appear in event photos, so select chairs that complement your event’s aesthetic.
Do you need specialty seating such as high chairs, barstools, booster seats, etc.?
What will your guests be wearing? Choose a style that will match the tone of the event!
Interested? Need an Expert Opinion?
Reach out to our talented Event Coordination and Planning Team! From logistics to style, their experience makes them capable of answering any questions you might have.
As a trusted and experienced San Diego caterer, event planning company, and connected vendor in the San Diego Entertainment Industry, we feel it’s our duty to help guide anyone towards the best recommendations for a successful event. While planning your event, avoid becoming one of the many horror stories we hear about. Don’t randomly select vendors without doing your research! At least check the company’s reviews from top review sites such as The Knot, Wedding Wire, and Yelp. If you see that the company has won awards or proudly displays referrals from other companies, you can trust that they’re trustworthy professionals.
When deciding on the right San Diego event catering company to fit your event’s unique needs, here are a few things to watch for!
When evaluating San Diego catering companies, it helps to have an overall sense of what you can spend, along with the level of quality you would like to see. If an expert catering company is close to or a bit over your expected budget, it will be worthwhile to have a conversation, especially if top catering is a priority. A highly experienced company will develop ideas and suggestions to work within your budget without cutting corners. Sometimes, clients hesitate to reach out if they are not sure the pricing will line up, but we are always happy to talk with couples and provide our best recommendations.
Ask About Extra Charges
When planning event catering for our clients or customizing an all-inclusive event package, we take the extra steps to explain each part of our process and what will be included. This promotes a shared understanding of the services provided, with no hidden fees or charges. We don’t believe in surprises that have not been discussed and approved. When talking with a San Diego event catering company, you will want to ensure they are fully transparent about their price structure (ex: whether they charge per guest), what your total package includes, and adjustments available to give you flexibility leading up to the event. An upstanding catering company will communicate well, make you feel comfortable, and answer any questions you may have.
Share Your Style
Highlight your personality on the day of the event! Through the venue, theme, and especially the menu served, you should be able to customize every last detail. When we are brought on as your professional San Diego caterer of choice, we want your event to be uniquely yours. As we get to know you, we will make recommendations that are reflective of your personal style. Along with time-tested favorites and seasonal recipes, we can look for ideas that are particularly suited to your preferences and tastes. If there is something specific that you have been dreaming about, share and inspire us. Clients may think that they should let the vendors do all the talking, but we want to hear from you!
Elegant and timeless always, Lois Mathews Designs is a fine art floral design service. Experienced in nearly every motif, from sleek and modern to romantic elegance, their commitment is wholeheartedly devoted to each client being overjoyed with their blooms.
Weddings, corporate events, and editorial shoots are no stranger to Lois Mathews’ magical touch. She offers full-spectrum floral design, from the smallest details to large-scale installations. She specializes in customizing unique floral pieces to fit each event’s individual aesthetic.
Now that certain areas of the country are reopening–hopefully for good this time–are you in the midst of picking out a professional San Diego Party Catering company? Since the start of the pandemic, we’ve missed so many celebrations of big milestone events. We all miss getting together, but the elephant in the room lingers, and you wonder, “will parties ever be the same?”
We’ve got you covered. You’re likely hoping that your event will help ease your guests into both a safe and “normal” feeling gathering. This is where a reliable and time-tested San Diego Party Catering company can make all the difference. By choosing an experienced and trusted company, your food and beverage menu will be sure to please all the guests present at your party. Plus, their dedication to the safety and wellness of your guests is sure to shine through. Here are a couple of tips to remember when planning your perfect party and finding your ideal caterer nowadays.
Step 1: Don’t Forget To Count Heads!
When deciding upon catering providers and selecting the menu, estimate the guest count that you expect will attend your big event. This way, you can prepare for various options that are sure to please the crowd. Your caterer will help you properly estimate your headcount and explain how to account for any family or guests who confirm very close to the event. By hiring a company with extensive experience, your catering team will make the best menu recommendations to accommodate your entire party.
Step 2: Know Your Budget
You may likely have a designated budget set aside for catering services. If you have a general understanding of your budget, that will help you identify the best San Diego Party Catering company within your price range. It will be useful to share your budget with each vendor so that every creative opportunity can be expanded upon within your set parameters. Depending on your preferences, you may want the dining to be casual and light fare. Or, you may want a grand meal that is the centerpiece of your entire event. A great catering company will help you make this determination and review all the available choices.
Step 3: Consider The Entire Package
Beyond catering services, a proficient catering company can custom build an entire event package that best fits your needs. For example, you may benefit from an all-inclusive package covering all the details like linens, china, and décor. Your caterer of choice may be well connected within the industry. They can help you make advantageous connections with other vendors that are high in demand. By helping you easily assemble your entire event team, narrowing down all your services at once, your caterer will bring value far beyond the delicious meal itself.
Feeling inspired?
Reach out to us about the next step in planning your upcoming party!
Being “Friendly” and “Efficient” is Our Personal Touch
Kelsey Schwarz, a phenomenal San Diego Event Coordinator, left this glowing review for us!
We’re beyond appreciative that Kelsey from Forever Enchanted Events took the time to write this coordinator review for us!
“Sky-rocketing” up to the top vendors on any of our fellow event vendors lists is fantastic! Positive feedback like this, especially from one Event Professional to another, is such a wonderful compliment. Our hard-working Event Teams deserve to know that their commitment to excellence is recognized. She helped us provide that encouragement!
We loved working with Kelsey and her amazing staff. She felt like one of our own with her organized and cheerful demeanor!
Working with a talented event coordinator like Gina is like being with another member of our Personal Touch Dining family! We’ve always admired her positive attitude, impeccable organization skills, and professional commitment to excellence.
According to her website, and our personal experience, her event planning business is all about “executing flawless and unforgettable weddings here in Southern California and beyond.”
From intimate to opulent, in her hands, your event will be more than you could have ever imagined!
She is a highly experienced event coordinator, with over 300 successful weddings and events beneath her belt.
According to her website, she makes sure to provide “complete inclusivity of ethnic/interracial, LGBT, military, and destination weddings.”
As an event coordinator, Gina takes great pride in her impeccable attention to detail, her ability to understand her client’s needs, and her complete client devotion.
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