Photo Courtesy of Picnic World

With the return of gorgeous weather here on America’s own Riviera, our business takes on an additional niche to weddings: that of the summer picnic. We are seeing a large increase in corporate business as the economy improves, and one of the first things to return to companies is the return of the annual company picnic.  And it’s not just Corporate America enjoying the return of summer fare in a new way, with graduations and family reunions,  a summer picnic in Santa Barbara is anything but ordinary.

While people are still enjoying a sumptuous BBQ with all the trimmings, some are enjoying having the luxury of a a meal dropped off for them at this busy time of year so they don’t have to cook (graduations, family reunions).  Others have taken the “picnic” idea to new heights to maximize their Santa Barbara summer experience with a tour in wine country with customized gourmet picnic provided for them at a winery, a scavenger hunt by day ending with a fabulous clam bake and bonfire on the beach in the evening.  Whatever the choice,  people are enjoying the outdoors and having someone else do the cooking and all the work involved with producing a fabulous and memorable event.

For more traditional company picnic style, check out our most popular menu:

Employee recognition events are more than just providing an opportunity for employees to get to know each other outside the work setting, they are an opportunity to build relationship and morale, thereby increasing work productivity.

Is the traditional employee summer picnic still “in”?  Yes.  But what we’ve found is that employee recognition events such as these have also taken on a life all of their own and companies want to provide an “experience” for their employees.

Consider these ideas for your next company picnic or employee recognition event:

Wine Tour with Picnic:  Let your Full Service Caterer pack a gourmet, over the top “picnic in Tuscany” for your employees as they board a shuttle for wine tasting in wine country.  Choose one of the best wineries to stage the picnic, have a guitarist play while employees relax and enjoy

Scavenger Hunt: for destination corporate retreats (now called “workshops”), consider staging a scavenger hunt that familiarizes participants with the area they are visiting: trivia, landmarks and more.   End the entire hunt at a landmark destination such as the beach with an old-fashioned clam bake and bonfire.  Your Full Service Caterer can assist you in finding the ideal location for this.

The Company BBQ:  Instead of having just a BBQ, consider having horseback riding or a hay ride that takes everyone to the picnic/BBQ destination with western entertainment such as an old-fashioned cowboy sing along under the stars by campfire.  Maybe even country line dancing lessons later.   A Full Service Caterer can also assist you with finding the perfect entertainment vendors for your event as well.

No matter what the “experience” you want to create for your employee recognition event or company picnic, your Full Service Caterer has access to the perfect location, decor and entertainment – and a stellar menu to complement it all!

Photo Courtesy of the Abbey Blog

Wedding Reception Planning Tips

• 1. Private clubs, restaurants or hotels, which provide complete service and facilities many times can be less expensive, and be all -inclusive, keeping things easier on the task list.  Other times, they don’t allow you as much flexibility as venues that allow outside caterers.  Not sure which is for you?  Ask us.  We can help.

• 2.  Make sure you see the actual room or location where the reception will take place.

• 3.  Have the room name, or description, written on your contract to avoid any confusion later.

• 4.  Disadvantages with private clubs, restaurants or hotels are that you must conform to their time schedule, and many times, to pre-established menus which allow little or no flexibility

• 5.  Private homes or gardens can offer more flexibility with regard to personal desires and time schedules. However, the burden of coordinating is on you, and may require the assistance of a wedding coordinator.

• 6.  Interview a few caterers and reception location managers; compare the cost and what each will provide before making your final decision.

• 7.  When comparing cost of different locations, don’t forget to add in the cost of rental equipment, such as tables, chairs, glasses, plates, silver and serving dishes, if you are considering a location that doesn’t provide these items.

article courtesy of Beverly Clark Enterprises, LLC

Event Supply Partner Team: Location:  Santa Barbara Historical Museum;  Caterer:  Catering Connection;  Rentals: Ventura Party Rentals;  Florist: Cana Flowers;  Wedding Cake: LaStarr & Co;   DJ/Band:  Jose Marquez;   Photographer: Beaux Arts Photographie;   Specialty Lighting:  Bella Vista Designs

The Menu: Passed Hors d’oeuvres:  Chicken Taquitos with Chipotle Dipping Sauce;  Jalapeno Poppers with Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce;  Papaya, Brie and Green Onion Quesadilla;   Dinner:  Plated Spinach Salad with Jicama, Mandarin Oranges and Almonds with Champagne Dressing;  Buffet: Grilled Salmon Filet with Tomatillo Apple Salsa;  Grilled Tri Tip with Corn and Jalapeno Relish, Mexican Salsa, Asparagus with Confetti of Red Peppers, Roasted Red Potatoes, Selection of Freshly Baked Artisan Rolls with Butter;  Dessert: Wedding Cake and Coffee.

Special Touches:   As with the suggestions on a menu fitting the location and style of the wedding location, so should the favors and decor.  Notice the darling succulents this bride used for her escort cards (also doubled as favors for guests to take home) and anytime is a good excuse for mariachis.  This was a lively, festive wedding !

Photo Courtesy of WeddingsToBe

A growing number of destination brides and grooms show their commitment to each other and Mother Earth by opting for an eco-friendly wedding bash. For good reason: Besides supporting our planet, “green weddings can be more economical,” says Christina Friedrichsen, founder ofIntimateWeddings.com.” Here, Friedrichsen and fellow wedding industry veterans share simple steps couples can take to marry and save green.

1. SIMPLIFY THE DECOR. The beach or a flower-filled garden makes for a green venue that requires less energy and embellishment. “Highlight what’s already there in a simple way,” says Friedrichsen, author of Intimate Weddings: Planning a Small Wedding that Fits Your Budget and Style. Opt for floating, organic, locally grown blooms in glass bowls in lieu of lavish centerpieces, or go with a few elegant flowers in a vase as opposed to spending bundles on big bouquets. Having an edible decor can be fun, too, suggests Jill Meister, editor ofGetMarried.com. “Build your centerpieces around local fruit, like lemons, or use coconut or cacti to decorate.”
2. GO LIGHT ON THE MENU. Cut down on cost-and waste-by serving less food. “Place the emphasis on one great entree and one great dessert,” recommends Friedrichsen. Or stick to a light cocktail menu that pairs a few tasty appetizers and drinks. Choose menus of free-range meats, fish that’s not endangered and low in mercury or meat-free dishes. Serving locally grown food eliminates fuel reliance and supports local farmers.
3. CUT THE CAKE. Literally. Customized and multilayered wedding cakes typically cost a lot and leftovers are usually thrown away. Unless a cake is included in your wedding package, look for a smaller one made by a local baker; this way you also support the local economy. A wallet-friendly alternative: replace the cake with organic cupcakes.
4. RIDE GREEN. Having the ceremony and reception at the same location, or within close proximity, will limit travel impact and expenses. If the distance between venues is too great to walk, hire an earth-friendly shuttle service for your guests, like a trolley or rickshaws (bike cabs), or rent bicycles.
5. DO IT YOURSELF (DIY). When it comes to saving money, New York-based planner Lisa Light, author of Destination Bride, points to the growing trend of DIY weddings-some brides design their own stationery, jewelry and decor elements. “Couples are very creative, using their own talents and asking other people to help.” At the end of the day, you’ll have a greener and more meaningful celebration.
6. SAVE ON STATIONERY. Your wedding invitation sets the tone for your big day, but that doesn’t mean it has to cost a fortune-or pollute the environment. It’s easy to find recycled paper options for invitations, save-the-date cards and menus. Or go for the e-cards. Another affordable and green alternative: Through Etsy Alchemy(etsy.com), couples can commission their green wedding stationery and have artists bid on the project.
7. WEAR VINTAGE. Brides can buy pre-owned wedding dresses and accessories for a fraction of the cost at sites likeVintageous.com andEncoreBridal.com. For those who’d rather not wear a used gown, companies such as Natural Bridal Collection(naturalbridals.com) and Rene Geneva Design(renegenevadesign.com) use such sustainable materials as peace silk, bamboo and organic linen and cotton. Conscious Clothing(getconscious.com) creates hemp gowns and suits that add style to sustainability. With destination weddings requiring less formal wear, economical options abound, says Meister. “You have less heavy materials and shorter hemlines, which is hot right now with weddings in warmer climates.”
8. BE CONFLICT-FREE Look for diamonds that come with the internationally recognized Kimberley Process certificate, proof that they are free of conflict. Jewelers like Brilliant Earth(brilliantearth.com) and Tiffany & Co.(tiffany.com) work with suppliers who practice green, humane mining. GreenKarat(greenkarat.com) uses recycled gold. Consider a less expensive and highly durable gemstone like moissanite or check out Gustav Reyes’ exquisite wood creations(simplywoodrings.com). Shop for vintage jewelry or wear wedding bands passed down from a family member.
9. DO YOURSELF A FAVOR. Homemade favors with personal flair are always a hit, like a booklet of family recipes or a CD with songs played at the ceremony. Then again, not having favors for a destination wedding is perfectly acceptable. “For many couples, it’s a waste of money,” attests Friedrichsen, who proposes consumable favors inspired by the location.
10. GIVE SOMETHING BACK. Suggest that your guests make a donation to a charity in your honor. For inspiration, visitWeddingListGiving.com orGoodGifts.com. Or fill your wedding registry with gifts that keep on giving. Sites such asGreenFeet.com,VivaTerra.com and RegisterLocally.com offer a mix of items that are fair-trade, organic and locally handmade.

Photo Courtesy of Intimate Weddings

Article courtesy of Elite Wedding Collection, WeddingLocation.com , divisions of Beverly Clark Enterprises, LLC.  Author:Isabelle Gullö

The Event Supply Partner Team:  Location: Ty Warner Sea Center;  Catering: Catering Connection;  Rentals:  Discount Party Rentals;  Music:  Music by Bonnie;  Flowers:  Farmer’s Market;    Lighting:  LBPS Events;   Photography:  Mary Jane

The Menu: Tray Passed Hors d’oeuvres:  Three Cheese Wontons with Roasted Red Pepper Aioli, Teardrop Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella and Basil Skewers served with a Balsamic Dipping Sauce; Crostini with Pear, Warm Brie and Roasted Walnut;  Displayed Hors d’oeuvres:  Custom Cheese and Antipasti, including Green Hill from the Sweet Grass Dairy, Cypress Grove Lamp Chopper, Redwood Hill Farm Fresh Chevre and Cubed Mild Feta, Local and Imported Olives, Italian and Domestic Salami, Fresh French Baguette and Ciabatta Slices;  Laguna Dinner Buffet:  Peppercorn-Crusted Beef Tenderloin with a Cabernet Sauvignon Reduction, Grilled Salmon Filet with Tomatillo Apple Salsa, Wild Mushroom Risotto, Seasonal Vegetable Medley, Classic Caesar Salad with our Homemade Garlic Croutons and Shaved Parmesan;  Assorted Freshly Baked Artisan Rolls with Butter; Dessert: Wedding Cake and Freshly Brewed Coffee

Special Touches: It was the Ty Warner Sea Center!  The special touches were everywhere.  Check out the whole pulse of this special day , captured by the incomparable Mary Jane Photography.

The Event Suppliers:  Location: Elings Park;   Catering:  Catering Connection    Rentals:  Ventura Party Rental Center;  Florals: Juniper Design;  Wedding Coordination:  Zohe Felici;  Lighting:  LBPS Events;  Photography:  Foticielo Photography;  Music: Gonzalo Gonzales;   Videography: You’re The Star

The Menu:  Welcome Beverages including Vodka Raspberry Lemonade;  Hors d’oeuvres:  Italian Hand Sliced Salamis, Fresh Mozzarella, Cubed Feta Cheese, Assortment of Local and Imported Olives, Marinated Mushrooms, Cocktail Onions, Large Stuffed Grape Leaves, Freshly Baked Artisan Breads and Fresh Fruits;   Dinner Buffet:  Las Positas Buffet:   Plated Salad of Shepard Salad with Blue Cheese, Roasted Walnuts & Cranberries, Homemade Balsamic Dressing;  Herb Seasoned New York Sirloin of Beef Carved to Order with a Cabernet Sauvignon Reduction, Grilled Marinated Salmon Filet , Lemon Dill Sauce, Roasted White Rose Potatoes, Penne Pasta with Tomato and Green Olives, Green Beans with Tear Drop Tomatoes, Selection of Freshly Baked Rolls and Butter, Coffee and Wedding Cake.

Special Touches:  Check out the darling touches this couple had for their special day in our photos below (photos by Catering Connection).

Where:  Heartstone Ranch Carpinteria, CA

Event Supply Partners:  Catering: Catering Connection;  Rentals: Ventura Party Rental Center;   Floral Design:  Nina Kincaid Design;  Wedding Cake:  Siblings Bakery;  DJ/Entertainment:  Music by Bonnie;   Photography (and all images on this BLOG post):  Andrew ofAV Photo.

The Menu:  New Orleans Themed:  Hors D’oeuvres: Bourbon Glazed Meatballs, Chicken Sate, Mini Crab Cakes with Tartar Sauce, Corn Fritters with Cajun Mayonnaise;  Plated Salad:  Shepard Salad with Goat Cheese, Walnuts and Apricots and Whole Wheat Croutons with Balsamic Dressing, Selection of Freshly Baked Artisan Rolls and Butter;  Dinner Buffet: Caramelized Pork Loin served with Apples, Cinnamon and Served with Pan Juices, Cajun-Blacked Snapper Served with Cajun Reduction, Sugar Snap Peas with Confetti of Red and Yellow Bell Peppers, Seasonal Vegetable Medley, Brown Rice – Vegetarian Dirty Rice with Black Beans, Celery, Anaheim Chile and Cajun Spices;  Homemade Cornbread served with Sweet Butter, Grilled Tofu; Freshly Brewed Coffee and Wedding Cake

Special Touches:  Each table had its own china , providing a country/rustic feel; handmade signs to guide guests through each part of the event;  window panes with table assignments (with a southern twist) and much more!  But don’t take our word for it – see the photos below in our gallery.

A military wedding can take place anywhere in the world, thus making it one of the quintessential definitions of a destination wedding.  There are so many aspects and details to a military wedding, but here are the most commonly asked bits of information for the bridal couple as well as guests attending a military wedding:

Military Wedding Locations:

Military chapels & academy grounds are generally the most common locations for military weddings and need to be reserved about one year in advance.

Otherwise, hosting a military wedding at any location that serves the bride, groom, their families and is appropriate means a military wedding can take place anywhere in the world.  It’s the traditions that are brought to the location that make it a military wedding and not just the location itself.  Need help finding the perfect Santa Barbara military wedding location?  Just ask us!

Wedding Attire

If you are in the bridal party and are an officer or currently enlisted in the military, you would wear uniform in accordance with the seasonal regulations as well as formality of the wedding itself.  White gloves are necessary for any and all sword (saber) bearers.  If you are a guest at a military wedding, it is optional to wear your uniform.

Etiquette Tips

If there is to be a receiving line and if the groom is in uniform, the groom must go before the bride.

Cutting of the cake: if there is a sword/saber, this is used to cut the wedding cake (note: the saber is not supposed to be decorated)

Only the bridal couple may pass under the Arch of Swords (Saber) if they choose to do this tradition.

While a military chapel may be complimentary, it is good form to give them a donation for use of their space.  Same for the chaplain, who will generally perform the ceremony at no charge- it is considered polite to give him/her an honorarium for their time and service.