Abbie Reis, Senior Catering Manager at The Balboa Bay Club & Resort has worked with hundreds of brides to create a magical day for them. She works diligently to ensure that a bride’s goal to invest in elements with the most impact are achieved without breaking the new couples budget. Here are a few trends and tips she knows make a great impact for this season:

• Color is in! Bright colors in the right combination can be used to bring high impact to your wedding design.
• Candles and pin lighting is a cost-effective way to give that dramatic WOW factor to a room and venue.
• Textures and prints are the new satin! Feathers, sequins, taffetas and damask prints add drama to signature tables such as the cake, sweetheart and head tables.
• Change the traditional seating out for something new. Fashion table groupings with banquet tables instead of rounds and coordinate with different linen colors and centerpieces. Stagger tables in different shapes or sizes or even add lounge areas around the dance floor. Don’t be afraid to mix it up!
• Keep it personal. Have a family member or friend officiate your ceremony. Ask a bridesmaid or groomsman to put together your slide show. Incorporating a personal touch or a signature twist to your wedding day will let your guests know how much you enjoyed having them celebrate with you.

Interested in learning more about what The OCeanfront has to offer you for your dream wedding? Check out our venue page to see each resort’s space. Also, see the specials our members offer so you can celebrate in style with a few featured below to give you a sneak peek:

Bridal Party Retreat Package at The Balboa Bay Club & Resort
Designed “just for the girls” to enjoy a day of pampering, laughing and reminiscing together and looking forward to the memories in the making. Guests of the bride can enjoy:

• Their choice of 25 minute mini-treatments, Kukui Nut Aromatherapy Body Wrap or Swedish Massage
• A lounge room to privately enjoy delicate tea sandwiches, fresh sliced fruit, and a glass of Champagne to toast the occasion
• Full use of The Spa, including: 9 treatment rooms, the eucalyptus steam room, hot whirlpools, dry sauna, relaxation lounge with fireplace, personal lockers with spa robe & slippers, showers and the finest in body and beauty amenities

$125 per person (Price does not include tax and gratuity. Treatment time and menu items can be increased for an additional cost.)

"A Vow to Help Others" Wedding Package at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
Along with vows to each other, newlywed couples celebrating their marriage at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, can also include “A Vow to Help Others” allowing them to share the happiness of their special day with those in need. With this package new couples can donate 5% of the total food revenue from their event equally between a charity of their choice and to the Community Footprints Fund, sponsored by The Ritz-Carlton.
"A Vow to Help Others" is applicable to wedding events booked prior to December 31, 2010 - for events taking place prior to December 31, 2011.

Wedding Savings at Surf & Sand Resort
Save on your Spring wedding reception at the Surf & Sand Resort. Save 25% on events held in February, 20% on March events, 15% on April events and 10% on May events from your banquet food and beverage and site fees for 30 or more wedding reception guests.
Some restrictions may apply and offers are not valid for previously contracted events.