1)      Plan some unexpected entertainment:  Guests are accustomed to seeing the usual things, like the money dance and other wedding favorites; but why not surprise your guests with unique entertainment?  One bride and groom wowed their guests with a fully choreographed tango dance, while another had a live band karaoke at their reception.  One unique option is renting The Abbey’s one of a kind photo booth, full with silly props it can be a big hit at your reception. It is always a great hit among guests and can really jazz up your party.

2)      Add a lounge to your reception:  Sometimes guests get restless sitting at the dining tables and don’t really feel the need to shake their booty, so why not create a nice lounge space for guests to escape to?  Renting a few couches or small pieces of furniture with some pillows in an area lit by candlelight really would add a level of class to your reception while maintaining a fun atmosphere.  The Abbey Catering can help, we have great lounge pieces for any occasion.

3)      Music, music, music:  Whether you hire a band or one of The Abbey’s preferred DJs for entertainment, make sure you see eye to eye on the type of music they play.  Songs like “The Macarena” and “The Chicken Dance” should really be outlawed.  And bands normally take a break or two during the reception, so make sure they have something to play as backup during those times.

4)      Kids are people too:  It’s inevitable that children will be attending the wedding, so have a game plan to keep them entertained while the adults can have some quality time together.  Hire a babysitter to watch over the kids while they enjoy a movie in a separate room or have other games and activities to keep them occupied.

5)      Keep the toasts to under 2 minutes each:  Simple and heartfelt toasts are the way to go and help maintain the flow of a good party.  Too many toasts and those that are awkward or long-winded from the cousin-you-never-talk-to can really dampen the mood.

6)      Have fun and fresh food:  The Abbey has amazing menus to appease any palate, so take advantage of what we have to offer and customize it by your tastes!  For a more casual style, order stations of Mexican tacos or a slider bar for guests to enjoy.  If a buffet-style or plated dinner isn’t your cup of tea; have heavy hors d’oeuvres or a simple yet elegant display.

7)      Hire a day-of wedding coordinator:  After all of the time and planning, nothing is worse than being stressed out on your wedding day.  So look into using one of The Abbey’s veteran day-of wedding coordinators to take care of all the little details and to ensure your day is as special and as worry-free as can be!

Tell us your ideas, share with us and we will share even more ideas with you, the two of us will make a great team…..

Marina Village – with all its charm and attraction, can accommodate small intimate affairs of 60 guests or grand weddings of 350. For Saturday receptions, rental rates start at $600.00 for the “Nautical Room”, which holds 60 seated guests and the Saturday price is still low at $2600.00 for the “Baja Room”, a room which holds an amazing 350 guests.  Rental of a suite includes a 5 hour period to hold your event, and you can setup and breakdown, at any time of the day, the dance floor or complimentary tables and chairs.  Each room is only rented out once per diem, so you can come in to decorate as early as 9:00am and even rarer for San Diego event venues – your event does not have to end until midnight!  Still another bonus is a costless and vast parking space available for you and anyone you are so inclined to invite.

Consider having your wedding ceremony in a beautifully landscaped lawn, the birds humming perfectly pitched tunes, the wind blowing soft curls through your hair and all for $600.00, renting a prime locale on the best day of the week – Saturday, for only six benjamins the beauty of this experience could be yours to remember.  The $600 covers a liberating 3 hours, an arch and a hundred white wood chairs. If you book the ceremony and reception through The Marina Village, you can look forward to a $100 discount.

If any of the above intrigued you, The Marina Village is located on 1936 Quivira Way and stays open 7 days a week.  Feel free to check out their website to find some wonderful pictures and an array of information at their website or you could pick up a phone to schedule a visit by dialing (619) 222-1620.

We have always enjoyed working with The Marina Village and if you also require culinary expertise our phones and doors are always open – we offer cash saving specials on catering and event design with this beautiful venue.

Do you dream of spicing up this magnificent venue? What details can we help arrange for the celebration of your special day…

The Abbey Catering Photo Booth for fun, personal videos and pictures.

If you are anything like the team at the Abbey, we know you like to have fun, either acting goofy with your friends and family or making lasting memories in which you can look back on and laugh about later.  So, guess what?  We decided to get a fully functional, state of the art photo booth, with  video capture and access to upload your photos to facebook almost instantly!

You can imagine your surprise as your friends, family and guests take candid shots of which they can share on their facebook instantly or you can have as we conveniently store all the videos and photos onto a usb flash drive, while they get to have the proofs.  This is a great way to entertain everyone as you have some genuine fun making goofy faces, and recording special messages for a seasonal party, wedding, or corporate event, and it makes a great ice breaker as you share the photos you have taken over food, drinks, and a great all around time. You can even come in and check it out for yourself. Oh! And did i mention that the themes can be fully customized for any event, and its mobile, meaning it can be brought to any events catered by the Abbey…now how’s that sound for a little added fun?

The Abbey has plenty of ideas to help add more excitement to your event day and we value your thoughts on how we can make it better. Click here and share your ideas…

Who is your favorite Harry Potter character? Come make memories, we can help you host….

They don’t just groom you for weddings either….whether its a night on the town, or a photo shoot, they come to you in the privacy of your own home and they even do spray tanning, which drys instantly, doesn’t smell, changes the topical layer of your skin so you actually tan underneath…It goes on easy, sets in 15 minutes, and last 6-12 days. And it actually feels good during the process….what can you say to that guys? But don’t worry gents, they can also do woman too. Its 100% confidential, and in a totally comfortable atmosphere. And ladies if your reading this, now he has no reason to not look his best, as PROJECT – M grooms his physique and relaxes both mind and spirit making sure you both look your best for your pictures.
Last but not least, and this is the best part, you can get all your grooms and brides-maids done too!

Project M has different packages to cater to all your needs, and it’s part of The Abbey’s All Inclusive Package.

Contact us here to find out more about The Abbey’s All Inclusive Package options.

A wedding reception at MoPA catered by the Abbey Catering for wedding guests.

The Museum of Photographic Arts, located in the heart of Balboa Park in San Diego, is a favorite venue to house a wedding reception for couples such as Kristie and Jarold.  With room enough to hold about 200 guests and access to an open patio for cocktails before dinner, guests get private access to the many beautiful exhibits that pass through this historical building.  There is also access to a photo booth for fun pictures with the guests and a widescreen projector to share photos and other fun life experiences.  The Museum is one of many preferred venues of the Abbey Catering.  This couple and their guests were treated to a lovely cocktail hour with drinks while servers walked around with trays of delicious appetizers consisting of sauteed chicken skewers, hummus on fresh pita bread, coconut shrimp and the favorite ahi on cucumber slices.  Then followed dinner and dancing with a DJ provided as part of their wedding package selected through the Abbey.  As the sun set over the park, the guests completed their memorable experience as Kristie and Jarold departed to begin their honeymoon as a couple now bound as one.

Let one of our Preferred Venues bring beloved memories and joyful smiles to your next celebration…

Coronado boasts some of the most beautiful views of downtown San Diego, which makes it a perfect location for a wedding. The Coronado Community Center is a popular choice for those who want to combine a breathtaking location with top-notch amenities. The Nautilus Banquet Hall comfortably seats 250 people, and is situated right next to a ceremonial lawn which overlooks Glorietta Bay and the skyline of San Diego.

The location of the Community center is just one of the selling points for the venue. Aside from this, many brides flock to the center for the amenities it provides, such as large reception room, patio for cocktails and photographs and doors which open up onto the bay. The venue has its own kitchen, and allow full flexibility with vendors to allow you to personalize the wedding exactly how you wish. Tables and Chairs are even included!

Another plus point for the Coronado Community Center is the location for visiting guests. The Center has an ample parking area, and there is an endless choice of accommodation for those who have a few too many glasses of bubbly by the bay. Being by the bay allows the ocean breeze to tantalize the senses as they waft in through the fully sliding, fully open, ocean side doors.

The venue costs $400 by the hour and $200 by the hour if you are a current resident of Coronado. But make sure to book quickly and far in advance! The coronado venue is high prized and is usually booked for two years at any given time.

The Coronado Community Center is a popular wedding choice and offers so much that it’s no wonder it has become one of Abbey’s highly recommended preferred venues. Just as the Coronado Community Center has The Abbey Catering and Event Design as their #1 caterer!

 Contact us today and let’s talk about your Coronado wedding day!

 Where to my delight the beautiful aroma of flowers wafted through the air welcoming me as I entered this scene of fantastic art and floral display. Many mingling and merrily refreshed onlookers wandered amidst surroundings which emanated an ambiance of an enchanted garden. It was In that moment I could feel this was an event put together with style, class and soul. Chilled martini glasses hung as forbidden fruit among orange and ruby roses which transitioned nature and play in a heavenly style, as if they were apples asking to be picked and savored.

As I turned from the menagerie and martini tree toward other delectables I was enticed to find the flavor of the artists and the flavor of the fine dining were in perfect harmony. Each taste from my avant-garde mashed potato martini possessed and mused with the visual taste of the décor and design. While each sip of my classic martini fulfilled my desire while I pondered the magic involved and thirsted for more time among this spellbinding Walk through the Arts. Unknowingly I came to the San Diego Museum of the Arts with an fantastical hunger and left full of wonder, filled in spirit, and rich in taste.

San Diego Museum Of Man

It boasts a majestic tower and tiled dome when lit up will delight your guests as they marvel at the seamless flow of the Rotunda which is ideal for mingling or as additional seating for your day. Your guests can meander through exhibits as they engage in good food , cocktails, and good times. This is a destination Venue at the front door of Historic Balboa Park that is not to be missed.

San Diego Museum of Man

San Diego’s Balboa Park has much to offer you and your event if seeking history and beautiful structures and landscaping, is this what you seek or more…….

Hall of Champions

The Abbey Catering had the Honor of Representing Equality California at the Hall of Champions on April 30, 2011 for their San Diego Equality Awards Ceremony honoring Equality, Leadership and Justice.   At a sit down dinner for 300 guests, that was sponsored by over 30 companies who also supports Equality California, the featured entertainment was Mango and Dango.

Banquet Dinner Setting

The Awards recognized distinguished compatriots who went above and beyond their duties while facing challenges and over coming obstacles. Equality California was founded in 1998, and has helped many individuals throughout its inception and continues to do so in present time. The Abbey Catering was one of the biggest contributors to Equality California and we were proud to represent them at their Awards Banquet with delectable dishes of savory food and scrumptious desserts.

Equality California Awards Speaker

Hall of champions Awards Banquet

Also please LIKE us on facebook.com and stay current on upcoming events, specials, and blogs.  Click here to find out how The Abbey Catering can make your corporate event a success.

Puerto Vallarta Silent Auction

Congrats to the Winner of our Silent Auction for a trip to Puerto Vallarta.

Scott won a trip sponsored by The Abbey Catering during our Equality

California Event hosted by the Hall of Champions located in Balboa Park.

Like us on Facebook to have a opportunity to enter and win at other

upcoming events sponsored by us.

Britt Scripps Inn wedding catering venue and party planning spot.

RSVP Robert(Wedding Planner/Event Coordinator) 1-866-535-8949 ext 728

The Abbey Catering

RSVP to the event now by clicking ahead and get complimentary engagement photos….

Wedding ceremonies held here for those planning to use the Abbey Catering.

The Abbey staff answer the Top 5 questions for the Darlington House in La Jolla, a preferred venue of The Abbey Catering.

1: How many guests can fit in the outdoor upper brick patio?

A:  The Darlington House can accommodate up to 180 guests including a dance floor in the outdoor courtyard.

2: Can I get married there?

A: Yes, Darlington House has a water fountain and small pool that is perfect as a ceremony site.  You can fit up to 120 seated, and there are many areas around the perimeter where the gentleman can stand if necessary.

3: Can I bring my own alcohol?

A: Certainly, you’ll need to get bartenders through your selected catering company and see what each of them can offer.  You can also bring your own alcohol to Darlington House and have your caterer serve them for you.

4: What can The Abbey Catering provide you by choosing the Darlington House?

A: Abbey All-Inclusive clients will have their proposals discounted by $1,000 for selecting this Abbey preferred venue.

5: Are tables and chairs included at Darlington House?

A: Darlington House does not include any tables or chairs for your ceremony or reception.  Although, through The Abbey Catering, we can pass along our wholesale rates for equipment rental to provide the best value.

One of many venues to choose from but what a perfect place to hold a ceremony in front of  a beautiful fountain and pond clicking ahead  gets you one step closer to picking the place you want….

Event Design for woman's garden club having gourmet food catering.

Center Table Setting for Special Event created by an event planner.

This specific event belongs to the  ladies of the La Jolla Garden Club and was hosted at the Cuvier Club in beautiful La Jolla, CA.  There was plenty of food for tasting and a book signing or two for small talk as the ladies began to stream in the door.  As they walked in they were met with beautiful standing flower vases and red luxurious quilt.  Entering the event hall the ladies gazed at tables filled with such things as scones, individual cakes and a variety of finger sandwiches.  Ornate, red umbrellas placed in stands floated overhead and fun decorative flower arrangements filled the center of the guest tables.  All was in place and the event begins.

All we need is a little time to prepare and you will get the event you always wanted.  Its as easy as clicking ahead and giving us a little direction and then we’ll take the lead….

The original Abbey built for royal ceremonies, events, weddings and other parties.

The most talked about event of this year will likely be the royal wedding of Prince William and his lovely bride to be Kate Middleton.  All happening on the 29th of this month this very exclusive, all inclusive event has been on the lips of many over the previous months.

Imagining your own wedding right now? Wouldn’t you like to have your own Royal Wedding, filled with the same luxurious foods, colors and ambiance of which all your guests will talk about for years to come?

Just one of many choices to decorate your wedding cake prepared by our favorite catering vendors.

We can help you make it happen, with our highly qualified staff. We will take care of your every need and treat you like the royalty you are. Just talk with our Event Planners to get started today.

Be treated like royalty for one day, ask about our exclusive royal wedding package and let us see what we can do for you.

Event Design wedding decoration for San Diego wedding.

A great way to add to your event is to rent some unique furniture that goes with the a theme that you have chosen.

Lounge furniture with clean lines offers a contemporary feel, and now many companies are incorporating color into the buttons, piping, legs, so you can personalize it! A large white square ottoman with throw pillows and blankets are a great way to create a “cozy” feel.

Tufted couches are fantastic for many designs as well! For a vintage feel, try a velvet tufted couch or chaise in a rich color. For a shabby-chic feel, a fabulous overstuffed white or cream couch, even scour your friends and families houses and “borrow” it for the day (sometimes the cleaning bill is more econimical than renting PLUS it can be a better fit!). My favorite at the moment is using colorful adirondack chairs in the perimeter of your space, maybe outside in the garden or lawn. It makes an amazing and bold statement.

Use your imagination, you can never make your wedding too personal.

Event design is fun and makes your wedding photos look classy.

Even the simplest of details can make ordinary become extraordinary. Make your event have a little extra flare in it, click ahead and give us a taste of what flare you would add to your event…

The perfect venue and catering spot for the after wedding party.

Top 5 questions for the Cuvier Club… and Abbey preferred venue.

1: How many guests can fit in the ballroom?

A:  As many as 240 guests can be comfortable seated in the main ballroom, including a dance floor, but with the use of the two adjacent connected room, the guest count can be 300.  Cuvier can accommodate up to 500 for a standing room cocktail party.

2: Can I get married there?

A: Yes, Cuvier recently poured a brand new concrete fan pattern slab for an enclosed ceremony or cocktail site.

3: Can I bring my own alcohol?

A: Certainly, you’ll need to get bartenders through your selected catering company and see what they can each offer.

4: What can The Abbey Catering provide for the Cuvier Club?

A: All Abbey confirmed clients will be given 150 mahogany chivari chairs to be used indoors for the reception.  Also, the use of the Cuvier Club kitchen complimentary.  Other caterers need to pay additionally for this.

5: Are tables and chairs included at Cuvier Club?

A: 60″ round tables are included as well as standard metal/plastic chairs.  Additional rentals need to be arranged individually.

The Cuvier Club has lots of history on and around the property, so why not become apart of its history and use this venue as your next place to party, click ahead and make your event one to remember for your history books…

1. I love your Venue but how do I determine if it will accommodate my guest count?

-The Britt Scripps Inn can comfortably accommodate 100 guests seated and 120 for a cocktail standing reception in their side garden.

2. What ammenities are offered with your Venue?

-At the Britt Scripps Inn, exceeding your expectations is our mission-all-day venue rentals come complimentery of 9 rooms for your guests who would like to stay the night. This also includes a complimentery breakfast for those attendees including our world famous home made scones.

3. What if I’m looking to hold just me ceremony or perhaps a lunch and don’t require use of your rooms?

-For a discounted rate, the Britt Scripps Inn offers a two hour ceremony-only or lunch between the hours of 12-4pm.

4. Are you pet-friendly?

-Yes we are! At the Britt Scripps Inn we welcome our four legged friends to participate in ceremonies and receptions. We ask guests to tend their needs and regrettably we don’t allow overnightt stays for our littlest family members.

5. What do you offer regarding parking for my guests?

-For any of your guests that will be staying the evening, we offer adequate parking spaces . Aside from that there is ample street parking and garages that offer all-day parking within a few blocks.

6. What if my guests want to stay the night before or after?

-They simply need to contact the concierge to book the room or you can certainly book it on their behalf. Another consideration is that you may want to extend the Venue Rental so that your guests are guaranteed the opportunity to enjoy the grounds and maybe even plan a night before coacktail reception or a day after brunch.

7. Do you have any Packages?

-Yes, the Britt Scripps Inn offers Catering Packages as well as All-Inclusive Wedding Packages that can handle every aspect of your day. From your flowers to cake, dj, videography, limo service, and coordination. We can also handle all of your rental needs.

8. The Britt Scripps Inn is over 100 years old, does it have handicap access?

-Yes, of course. The ceremony and reception site both are on level ground. Should any guest require the need to enter the house, there is an elevator located on the front of the property that opens onto the main patio.

9. Will my guests have access to the house during my reception?

-Yes but this does need to be contained to mainly your overnight guests and those who require the restrooms. We certainly encourage your guests to come in and view the beautiful salon and dining room however these rooms only accommodate up to 25 guests at a time so the mass of your event will take place outside.

10. It’s San Diego, but, what if it rains?

-It’s always important to consider the possibility and be prepared with a contingency plan. For smaller events less then 25 some consideration may be offered. For larger events, tents are certainly available for rental that will completely cover your reception.

Britt Scripps Inn wedding catering venue and party planning spot.

This venue is perfect for the perfect party of just the right size but not too big now, click ahead and tell us how your intimate but not too intimate party is laid out in your mind…

San Diego Party Yacht

Do something different and take your gathering to the water. Then click ahead and be different, give your peers an event they’ll remember for years to follow….

tree with fruit infused champagne

You are such  true professionals. You made every idea I had about the wedding come true and exceeded every expectation I had.  Every time we spoke, you made me feel like I was the only bride you had as a client even though I know you were always in high demand! You genuinely cared about our wedding and went to every length to ensure our satisfaction.  I cannot express my thanks to you enough; you honestly gave us perfection.The entire Abbey experience was amazing.  Every single person that had a hand in our wedding made it as special as if it were their own.  I felt so calm and confident knowing that every detail was taken care of by the Abbey staff.  I can honestly say that I was never “stressed” about any part of the wedding planning or the actual day because of the trust I had in the Abbey and the vendors I had chosen.  It is clear that everyone takes pride in their work and is shows in every wedding they do.  So thank you to Robert, Rob,  Arturo, Randy, Blake, Tande, Babycakes and all the service professionals for making our day perfect.

With warmest regards

We really enjoy making people happy…whether planning events, and weddings or just taking care of the little things…At The Abbey you’ll never have to sweat the small stuff…