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…..

The San Diego Botanical Garden located in Encinitas is a choice spot to have a wedding and with the perfect weather that frequents San Diego an outdoor reception is paradise waiting.  The Huyhn party chose this spot for its beauty and seclusion, they wished to have a nice intimate gathering of family to witness this special day for their exchanging of vows.  Surrounded by blossoming flowers, stunning clear blue skies overhead and exotic smells wafting throughout the gardens.

Fifty guests sat in the “Walled Garden” and watched while the officiant began the exchange of vows.  Gathered together under a wood grove of trees and green fern, shaded from the sun and birds flying all about, the ceremony commenced.

After the two “I do!”‘s, the guests move to the reception area. The Victorian Gazebo Lawn is a space where you can seat up to 250 people for dinner and dessert.  Their dinner was set using  buffet stations, a martini salad shaker station, a main entree station and the favorite, a doughnut station, where there was a selection of doughnut pastries and hot chocolate. The perfect invitation to treat one’s self to after dinner. The buffet station was perfect for this environment, guests could get up for second helpings if they wished and eat at their own pace.

The sun finally set and lamp lights began to come on.  The the gazebo where the cake was being set up lit up in brilliant blues to cast an enchanting hue over the guests as they finished dinner and prepared for the cutting of the cake.  The day was a total success and the guests and staff watched as the newly wed couple whisked away to begin their honeymoon.

We would like to thank our vendor-partner Julie Buchta Davis Photography & Associates for providing the amazing photographs that you see here.

Thinking of an outdoor wedding? Where have you considered or would you like us to assist in finding you an outdoor venue location…

It was a beautiful day in Coronado, as Heather and Kurt arrived at The Coronado Community Center. The weather was perfect for the Twilight Ceremony on Coronado Beach.

As we were began setup, the power went out in the building. Power outages when the weather is warm is common. When we were told how large of an area was without power, we acted on the areas that we had control over. The remaining problems were met with creative solutions. One of which was the Center getting the generators. I was very impressed at how quickly The Coronado Community Center responded to this crisis. They were able to rent two portable generators from the City of Coronado and had them on-site within 45 minutes which allowed us to setup temporary lighting for both the banquet room and for the kitchen and have enough power for the DJ. Everything had been accomplished prior to the ceremony even ending. As the guests arrived for the reception, they entered an oasis of Music and Light while the rest of Southern California sat in darkness.
The reception area has beautiful views of Glorietta Bay and the San Diego Skyline.

As guests arrived, they were welcomed by the Abbey Staff passing trays of Ahi Poke served on a Wonton and Filet Wellington. The open bar, fresh fruit floral display and gourmet cheese and cracker display was also a popular area of the patio.

Uncontrollable obstacles happen all the time, its how you handle those obstacles that make all the difference, come see how we do it…

Abbey one, Outage zero!

On to the Coronado Community Center, at reception time it was lights out for millions in San Diego and Coronado Island was not exempt. Fortunately, the Community Center & Abbey Team worked in concert with one another to ensure back-up generators powered the Reception.

Abbey Two, Outage Nothing.

When a situation seems beyond all our control it could have easily been a time when people stood by and just accepted the state of affairs. Brides & Grooms may have been understanding but when you secure the best, expectations must be exceeded.

Congratulations to our Happy Couples & Go Team!

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!

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…….

Make your event truly regal with The Abbey Catering & Event Design Co.

Buckingham Palace isn’t the only place in the world where one can say “Do fetch me another diamond tiara”, The Abbey can do that for you too, almost.  In honor of the Royal Wedding of the decade, we are offering anyone name Kate or William a royal-getaway-for-two by providing them with our exclusive Maui penthouse for their own kingly pleasures.

Feeling blue-blooded? Check out some of our Royal Wedding ideas…

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….

Event Design wedding decoration for San Diego wedding.

The Abbey is absolutely the best catering and event design company in the region.  My fiance and I chose the Abbey after doing a bunch of research, and we have not been disappointed!  We booked their wedding package, and went in for our food tasting today.  Everything was marvelous!  Matt, the chef, created an amazing assortment of dishes for our big day, and everything was delicious.  I loved the appetizer selections and main course choices – they were so different from traditional wedding cuisine.  We ended up choosing a bunch of different appetizers for the cocktail hour, including ceviche that will be served from a martini tree.  For dinner, Matt suggested (which we loved) that we go with stations.  I am super excited about the shrimp mac&cheese station.  The sample was hands down the best gourmet mac&cheese we have ever had.  I was a bit picky in telling them what I wanted, and the Abbey Catering and Event Design created the perfect meal.  Our wedding isn’t until September, but I am so looking forward to the real thing in a few months!  Everyone is so helpful at the Abbey and I have enjoyed working with their entire team.   — from client posted review 4/19/2011

We do what we know and that seems to be working for us and our clients and we know food best click ahead  and get scheduled for your tasting….

San Diego Event Wedding Couple Thank You Letter

Dear Abbey,

I cannot thank you enough for helping David and I to create the most perfect wedding, EVER!

When I first contacted The Abbey, I thought all the services you offered seemed too good to be true. In reality, you went well above and beyond what was promised, and you are the reason my friends and family are still raving about our perfect wedding!  Finding you was like winning the Lottery!

When we purchased our complete wedding package from you, I didn’t fully realize the exceptional value of the services we were getting.  Not only was the food absolutely to die for, but each and every vendor you helped us choose far exceeded all of our expectations.  A man is measured by the company he keeps, and you certainly keep the company of some quality people.  Everybody we worked with on the wedding was amazing.

DJ Neko had the party rocking from the start, and even the “old folks” were happy with his tasteful music choices!  We will continue to seek him out at places like The Altitude Bar and other venues.  I can’t give enough accolades to photographer Michelle Zuniga, whose photos are just stunning.  She perfectly captured our personalities and our love for one another, and we felt like she was a dear old friend who was there to help us celebrate.  Flour Power’s cake caused a bit of an uproar, because it was so tasty that everybody tried to scramble for seconds.  I’ll be gong back to James and Flour Power for my mom’s birthday cake later this month.  Oh, and speaking of flowers, Anar Floral created the perfect bridal bouquets and centerpieces for our beach-themed wedding, and we couldn’t have been happier.  They did exactly what they said they’d do.

The greatest value that the Abbey provided us, though, was you, my wedding planner.  When I contacted you on the 8th of January for a February 25th wedding, you weren’t even fazed. You took the burden of planninng an entire wedding in just 45 days off of my shoulders and placed it on your own, giving me the opportunity to concentrate on my dress, the guest list and those other time-consuming and stressful details.  You are such a superstar.  From the moment I emailed you at the Abbey, all my worries were over.  Thank you, Abbey, for being our wedding planner, our hero, and our friend.  You ROCK!  We cannot wait to have another occasion to use the Abbey’s excellent service again.

Thank you, Abbey!

All our best,

David and Nancy Salisbury

We work hard for you so that you don’t have to and when a client expresses their gratitude it makes our day even better click ahead  and get started on your big day, Nancy would recommend it….

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….

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

The Abbey Catering

Britt Scripps Inn wedding catering venue and party planning spot.

Finding the right venue is as easy as one visit, so take a peek and click ahead so we can expect you at the bridal show….

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.

This couple brought an amazing twist to a special day not only for theme but to friends and guests as well!! Working with the deaf community, her wedding was catered with interpreters for the deaf. The wedding ceremony, toast, and dance were catered with interpreters for all guests to love, cherish, and enjoy. It was truly remarkable and left a spot for softness in all guests’ hearts.

Neatly designed wedding cake by food caterer to fit your gourmet desires.

Table setting for wedding ceremony created by catering and event planning staff.

Getting married? Then get event planners to create your wedding reception.

Each table had center pieces of three foot vases designed by Artquest Florists. The vases were filled with floating lemons and a beautiful arrangement of yellow, white, and red roses bursting from the top, while full bloom pussy willows wept enchantment over the table. Held at the La Jolla Women’s Club, the reception provided a perfect pinch of elegance and spring class!

Flower arrangements vary in size, shape and color but each has its own aura of elegance and beauty.  Click ahead and share you ideas for  flower arrangements and event designs….

Beautiful flowers for your wedding ceremony or wedding photos.

This couple desired a small intimate setting for their wondrous wedding. Held in the beautiful Fish Bowl on La Jolla beach, the location left a feeling of warmth and coziness as an amazing ocean breeze gently floated over the coast.

Gourmet catering for your event or wedding ceremony or reception.

The reception was flowing with white linens and Babycakes providing their perfect touch with delectable cupcakes. Flowers with abundant colors were provided by Flower Frenzy and centered each table shouting vibrantly to every attending guest. The wedding couple could not have been more beautiful, and the Abbey was delighted to cater to their every need and fill them with our renowned braised short ribs and salmon on croute.

Laughter and love filled every moment, and not one of those moments escaped Kim Bly’s camera throughout their special day. It was kept within its intimate setting and every moment was loved and cherished! It couldn’t have suited them better.

Why not make the center of your universe, simply perfect.  We know how to do it right the first time, click ahead and right now you can share what you want and we can focus are full energy on you…

The vibrant royal blue was the main color of the wedding and thus, everything else seemed to fall into place. It was held at the Immaculata Church at USD which couldn’t have been a more suited place with its desirable blue ceilings and wall draperies. Eighty guests were invited to this special ceremony to have their hearts filled with love and joy for the couple’s special union.  The reception was held at the La Jolla Women’s Club. It was also decorated with royal blue linens center pieces with a broad range of bright colorful flowers, and accompanied with silver chivari chairs that brought class to the room like no other.

Wedding bouquet for the bride getting married, Catch It!

The Wedding Ceremony and the exchange of wedding vows.

Wedding ceremony after party hosted by us the catering and event staff.

That perfect wedding cake for those fun wedding photos...cake in your face.

Catering menu picked and tables set for gourmet foods and caterer special dishes.

Guests experienced fine dining provided by the Abbey Catering and an open bar to with a wide selection of cocktails. DJ Randy kept all on their feet throughout the afternoon and not a moment passed that Julie Buchta didn’t capture with her amazing photography. This was most certainly one for the books and will be talked about in a once upon a dream for ever and always!

The color scheme mesmorized every guest instantly and your wedding can be just the same, so click ahead and tell us a story we could tell our children about your ceremony with your prince charming…

Getting married was the first step, having a beautifully catered reception second.

Diversity at your event is simple with a little help from the Abbey. Two-Hundred and eighty guests enjoyed this ceremony which was held at the North Chapel at Liberty Station and decorated with the simple elegance of yellow roses near the alter. The reception was held downtown at the Culy House, and brought a pizzazz that enlightened the occasion with the brilliance of a modern look, without losing its traditional roots! Located in the heart of the Gaslamp district in downtown San Diego, this venue was originally built in 1914 as a truck company, and its brilliants remains today as a warehouse for events special enough for this couples Wedding day!!

Short chianti braised short ribs and panko crusted chicken breast with gorgonzola cream sauce filled the guest rumbling stomachs and was accompanied with delectable sides of truffled rosemary mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables! Overwhelmed with a dinner fit for kings, there was nothing that could hold these guests from a beautiful wedding cake prepared by flower power, decorated in gorgeous fresh yellow daisies, lilies, and hydrangeas! . It was displayed under spotlights which laminated its beauty from the moment one walked through the door

This extravaganza was not done alone however, Rick and Bernadette from Narrative Images, Tareq Zataari Photography, and Dj Tim Altbaum all worked together to make this special day one filled with luminous and vibrant memories not only for the wedding couple but for every attending guest to remember for lifetimes to come!

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

Classy should bring a smile to your  face every time you see it in action.   The old trends when given a modern flare make strange, positive statements, click ahead and make your statement known for your event…

A wedding sea breeze

The Nelson Wedding was a one of a kind wedding with nothing routine about it. On March 26th the Nelson party gathered at Ocean View Villas in San Diego, California for the wedding of Kelda and Erick.  The bride and groom wanted a real casual, fun, social wedding, that was different from your typical traditional wedding. This allowed us to get creative and really have some fun with the design. There was not any assigned seating at this wedding and instead we choose to use lounge furniture and belly bar tables to provide spots for the guests to hang out, lounge, and have a good time. There were tables and chairs for some guests, but the idea was not to force people to be sitting down the whole wedding, which gave the wedding a great vibe and guests had an awesome time. This wedding is an example of what we as a company can provide to those who choose to stray from the “typical wedding”; not that there is anything wrong with the ”typical wedding”, but it is not for everyone.

Served ocean crisp

After the wedding we jumped right into our cocktail hour and provided our guests with some of our signature appetizers and drinks. We then prepared for the grand entrance and shortly after The newly wed’s family and friends were treated to 3 dinner stations: Our custom “SHAKEN NOT STIRRED,  SALAD STATION.” Our “TASTE OF HOME” station including Chianti-Braised Short Ribs with a Red-wine DemiGlace, Rosemary Scented and Parmesan Mashed Potatoes and Grilled Market Vegetable Garnish. The “TASTE OF THE ORIENT” station with Marinated, grilled, sliced chicken breast, Buckweat soba noodles/With Garlic Soy Reduction Pan Roasted Summer Vegetables/Button Mushrooms/Thai Peppers/Onions served in Chinese TOGO boxes with Individual Chopsticks. After dinner the newly weds cut their Norwegian cake and we opened up the DESSERT STATION with Individual Creme Brulee’s topped with fresh blueberries.

Typical is not how we do things at the Abbey, and we know you don’t want a typical wedding, click ahead and make your wedding unique to you…

Elegant Table Setting

Fit for their wedding day

After cocktail hour we moved right into dinner service, starting with the bride and groom we served our signature Abbey salad consisting of Mixed Greens with Dried Cranberries, Caramelized Walnuts and Crumbled Imported Feta with our homemade raspberry vinaigrette. After salad service was complete we opened the buffet and excused the tables individually to get their entrees. The Entrees included in dinner service were Salmon En Croûte (Fresh Wild Salmon wrapped in puff and stuffed with sautéed spinach, Wild Mushrooms and Goat Cheese) and Chargrilled Chicken topped with a Cream Buerre Blanc/Thyme Sauce.  After dinner the newlywed and their family and friends danced the night away!

Does this menu melt your taste buds or do you have something more delicious in mind, click ahead and share your savory ideas…