Courtesy of Your Wedding Day Magazine

Last night, I had the honor of attending the Your Wedding Day Magazine Launch Party for San Diego.

The event was held at the exquisite Grand Del Mar, which provided yummy drinks and tasty food! Chameleon Chairs and Wildflower Linen were some of the sponsors for the decor as well as Kathy Wright & Co.!

I must say that YWD picked a great location that complimented their style and what they are all about and made quite the entrance to the San Diego scene! Wayne Foster Music & Entertainment provided a great ensemble for the evening, Plush Impressions’ lounge furniture was a hit and San Diego Stage & Lighting Supply did an impressive logo display on the lawn below the Manchester Terrace. And did I mention the food?  Mushroom Risotto, Mini Goat Cheese Pizza Slices & Pumpkin Profiteroles…delish!!

Centerpiece with Pomegranate....love love love!!

Chandelier of Flowers!

Belly Bars with Chamelon Chairs

Capella Chapel - Photo does not do it justice!

Vendors:

The Grand Del Mar - Del Mar, CA
Chameleon Chairs - Los Angeles & San Diego
Kathy Wright & Co. - San Diego, CA
Wildflower Linen - Orange County & Los Angeles
Plush Impressions - San Diego, CA
San Diego Stage & Lighting Supply - San Diego, CA
Wayne Foster Music & Entertainment - Carlsbad, CA

Yummy!!

Some people think food is just food….not I!  I think that food is one of the centerpieces of nearly any event.  I look forward to seeing what kind of food is being served and what yumminess I have the pleasure of consuming!

So when it comes to planning an event I put a lot of stock in the catering.  My philosophy is that if you want your event to be memorable, make the food memorable.  And doing so does not require taking out a loan.

If you are planning a cocktails/hors d’oeuvres/dessert only type event, then advertise it as a scaled back version of what you will actually be doing.  For a wedding, on the invitation print: “Champagne and Cake Reception” but have a combination of champagne cocktails (like a Bellini!) or a beer and wine bar, do an assortment of mini pastries on display along with your cake, and have some tray passed hors d’oevures.  You will far exceed your guests expectations and they will be so pleasently surprised that your event will certainly be memorable!

For a full dinner, try some interesting sauces or variations on a classic.  Typically, the least expensive entrees are chicken but chicken does not have to be your good ol’ Rosemary Chicken or Chicken Marsala (unless that’s your personal favorite!).  I’ve been to events where a dish of chicken stuffed with jarlsberg cheese, granny smith apples and almonds was served with an apricot brandy sauce.  Can you say delicious!?  So surprise your guests with a new take on an old favorite!

Any caterer worth their salt will be able to help you create a menu that is special to you, but that does not cost an arm and a leg.

Here are some of my favorites:

Indulge Contemporary Catering - San Diego, CA
Truly Yours Catering - Los Angeles, CA
Thank Goodness It’s Sofia - O.C. and Los Angeles, Ca

Happy Planning!!