Photo Courtesy: Anar Party Rental 

8 Pro Tips for Surviving a Wedding Show

Wedding shows can be a fun and bonding experience either with your betrothed or your wedding party, and you can get so much checked off of your to-do list. It can also be a bit overwhelming. If you’re planning to attend the San Diego Bridal Bazaar or the Wedding Show Weekend at El Camino Country Club be sure to read these pro tips first!

#1 – Wedding Email. Create an email address specifically for your wedding so you can keep all wedding related messages together. At wedding shows, you’re going to be signing up to win prizes, receive additional information, or make follow up appointments. Tip: Never use your work email.

#2 – Address Labels.  Print out small address labels with your name, mailing address, email address and wedding date or approximate wedding date. Phone number is optional. This makes signing up for the free offers go much faster. Sign up for everything, at every booth, as long as you want/need what they’re offering. (Don’t forget to check your SPAM folder a few weeks later in case there is a prize notification hanging out in there.) Many vendors will send everyone that signs up a special show discount so don’t skip this step. 

#3 – Go with a plan. What is your goal while you’re there? Do you want to just “experience” the Bridal Show as a rite of passage or do you meet vendors that you’ll want to hire?  If the latter, then come ready with a list of things that you need to book (cake, caterer, stylist, etc) and questions that you’ll want to ask. When you first arrive, you’ll receive a show booklet listing the vendors by category, their locations, and a map. If you’re short on time, use the map to plan your rounds. Don’t expect to book vendors onsite, but do plan to make follow up appointments so have your calendar at the ready.

#4 – Colored Stickers. It’s going to be tough remembering everyone you meet.  You’re not going to have a lot of time to make detailed notes.  Have three colored stickers to quickly add to the marketing material that you’re given.  For example: Green (Loved them, set appointment), Yellow (Liked them, need more research). Red (Not for me).  Make any notes or observations on their literature. This will greatly help when you empty out your bag of stuff when you get home. You won’t have to rely on your memory.

#5 – Have your camera ready.  Take photos of displays that you like or color combinations that catch your eye. Make sure you ask the exhibitor’s permission. Photos are a great way to remember whose work that you liked best. Also, be sure to tag vendors and the show when sharing photos to your social media streams. They’ll appreciate the love.

#6 – Prepare yourself. Wear comfortable shoes, dress in layers, bring water and energy bars. You’ll be given a bag to hold your goodies, but if you prefer, bring your own backpack or tote bag. There is usually food to purchase but the lines tend to be long and it can be pricey. Less and less caterers are bringing full samples so that probably won’t fill you up, unless you plan on sampling all of the cake and desserts.

#7 – Try and find a sitter. I know how tough this can be and of course children are welcome, however stroller navigation is very tough in crowds and tight aisles and older kids will get bored pretty quickly. They will also want to try every sweet tasty thing being handed out which can have disastrous consequences.

#8 – Arrive early. The shows tend to get busier as the day progresses.  If you want to sail on through, arrive at the show opening and start in the BACK and work your way forward. Note: If you want get a complimentary up-do, make up, or lashes, hit those first. They usually have a sign up sheet with appointment times throughout the day and those can get booked up pretty quickly. 

Don’t forget to Relax and Enjoy! This is the fun stuff!

Weddings & Special Events

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3 Days of Fun in the Sun!

Oceanside has made a name for itself as a fantastic travel destination thanks to its stunning natural beauty, great year-round weather, large beaches, iconic pier and picturesque harbor. Those attributes compounded with a bustling downtown, booming culinary and arts scene, and packed event calendar means there truly is no shortage of things to do in Oceanside. 

With so much to experience, we know it can be a difficult task to narrow down your plans so we’ve created this 3-day itinerary, highlighting some of the fantastic things you can explore and experience in Oceanside over three days.

If you are traveling with a group for a corporate retreat, reunion, wedding or special event, check out the tips below each itinerary item for ideas on how you could create a customizable experience for your group. For assistance creating your group’s custom itinerary, please contact the Visit Oceanside Group Travel Department.

More: Best Season for your Oceanside Family Reunion

Day 1 – Tuesday

Start your Oceanside experience off on the right foot by making your first stop at the California Welcome Center Oceanside. The Welcome Center’s knowledgeable team of volunteers and staff will be able to answer any questions you might have about your upcoming stay in Oceanside, as well as offer discounted attraction tickets and plenty of fun O’side souvenirs and keepsakes! After grabbing some O’side swag don’t forget to purchase discounted whale watching tickets with Oceanside Adventures for the following day’s activities.

Group Experience: Members of your group can explore the Visitor Center while picking up attraction information and local gifts to commemorate their stay. Bus groups are invited to stop by the Welcome Center for special Motorcoach Driver Incentives.

Next, grab a bite to eat at one of the many fantastic restaurants in downtown Oceanside or near the next stop on the itinerary, Golden Coast Mead Oceanside Tasting Room. Within walking distance to the tasting room are several dining options for you to choose from, including: Enzo’s BBQ, Guahan Grill or One Love Island Cuisine.

Have you ever tried mead? If not, you are in for a real treat. Mead is a honey-based alcohol alternative to beer, wine, and cider. Golden Coast Mead is open daily for tastings and has cheese plates available for purchase, courtesy of The Miller’s Table.

Group Experience: For an elevated tasting experience, make prior arrangements to have a local caterer or food truck provide culinary delights for your group. 

Once you’ve had your fill of refreshing mead, check-in to your Oceanside hotel or vacation rental. It’s now time to relax with friends, family, or coworkers while enjoying a cool ocean breeze. Be sure to scope out a good vantage point before the sun goes down, you don’t want to miss one of Oceanside’s famously stunning sunsets.

Day 2 – Wednesday

After enjoying breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, head on over to the charming South Oceanside business district. There you will find unique and eclectic local retail shops, craft coffee, and creative gifts.

Group Experience: Head over to SoCal Bikes and book a guided bike tour. If this sounds like too much work, they do have e-bikes too. 

After all of the shopping and cycling, I am sure you have quite the appetite! No need to get “hangry” there are loads of fantastic lunch spots within walking distance.  A few to check out would include: The Privateer Marketplace & Wine Bar, Panca Peruvian Cuisine & Rotisserie, The Privateer Coal Fire Pizza, PCH Sports Bar & Grill and Anita’s Mexican Restaurant. 

After indulging in a delicious lunch, take a short drive over to Oceanside Harbor where the group can take a picturesque walk through the quaint New England-style Harbor Village before embarking on a whale watching cruise. Whale watching trips from Oceanside Adventures are held daily at 12pm and 2:30pm, taking approximately two hours to complete. Depending on the time of year, sea life sightings can include Gray Whales, Minke Whales, Humpback Whales, Blue Whales, Fin Whales, Killer Whales, and all species of Dolphin.

Group Experience: Private charters including wine cruises, sunset cruises, team-building cruises, whale watching tours and more can be booked with Oceanside Adventures hosting groups up to 45 passengers.

More: Whale Watching in Oceanside

Once back on dry land, shake off those sea legs and take a short walk over to Harbor Beach where numerous large pavilions are located, perfect for gathering around and discussing the incredible sightings you just witnessed! For the more adventurous, consider walking out onto the jetties located at either end of Harbor Beach to get a unique perspective and beautiful view of the beach, ocean, and the Oceanside Pier.

To close out Day #2, head back into Harbor Village and enjoy a picturesque dinner at Lighthouse Oyster Bar & Grill, located just steps away from where you boarded the whale watching catamaran. Menu items include fresh seafood, steaks, salads, fish tacos and more, as well as a daily happy hour from 3pm-6pm.

Day 3 – Thursday

On your last day in Oceanside you have to visit the iconic “King of the Missions,” Mission San Luis Rey. The mission was founded on June 13, 1798, one of the last missions built in California, and is the largest of the 21 missions in the state!

After taking in the beautiful facade and grounds, head into the Mission San Luis Rey Museum, open Monday-Friday from 9:30am-5pm and Saturday-Sunday from 10am-5pm. The museum features an extensive collection of artifacts from Native American, Spanish, Mission, Mexican Secularization and American Military periods. 

Group Experience: Private group tours of the mission can be scheduled ahead of time by calling (760)757-3651, ext. 170. Tour stops can include the soldier barracks, the lavanderia (or washroom), the quadrangle, the historic church, and cemetery.

More: Unique and Unexpected Things to do in Oceanside

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, enjoy lunch at the San Luis Rey Bakery and Restaurant for authentic Mexican dishes and delicious traditional Mexican pastries!

Continue to experience the vibrant local culture by heading back to downtown Oceanside and visiting the Oceanside Museum of Art. There you will be pleased to find numerous artistic and cultural exhibits. 

Group Experience: A 45-60 minute docent-guided tour of the Oceanside Museum of Art can be scheduled for groups of 10 or more by visiting OMA Group Tours or calling (760) 435-3727. An additional art workshop can also be arranged to commemorate the experience.

Just a short walk down Pier View Way will lead you to the next cultural jewel, the California Surf Museum. Oceanside is proud to be the home of the renowned California Surf Museum, which features an incredible collection of historical surfing artifacts, surf-related displays, and captivating athlete exhibits, currently featuring Bethany Hamilton and Kelly Slater. The museum regularly closes at 4pm, but on Thursday’s they are open until 8pm in coordination with the weekly Sunset Market.

Group Experience: Personalized California Surf Museum tours tailor made for your group can be scheduled in advance by calling (760) 721-6876.

The picture-perfect ending to your Oceanside visit is to experience the famous Sunset Market. Every Thursday evening from 5pm-9pm, four blocks of downtown Oceanside transform into an open-air festival complete with a wide variety of incredible food vendors, eclectic shopping, arts and crafts, live entertainment, and more. Its best to walk up and down each row of vendors, letting your nose and eyes help guide you to find your perfect culinary treat. 

More: What to Eat at the Oceanside Sunset Market

This itinerary was created for a group of up to 45 people. Pricing and availability will vary based on the number of participants. For details on this 3-day group experience or to create a custom group experience, please contact the Visit Oceanside Group Travel Department.

Beaches, Bikes, and Besties: A Girlfriend Getaway to Oceanside

Whether its for a bachelorette party, a baby shower, or that you simply need to getaway and laugh with your friends, there are many reasons to pick a date and get together for a girlfriend getaway. Jamie Wade, an aesthetician in New Hampshire, recently invited her girlfriends, who live in different parts of the country, to join her for a destination getaway in Oceanside to celebrate her 40^th birthday.  Their three day vacay included a stay at a private home near the Oceanside community of South Morro Hills, a day at Oceanside beaches, and a themed dinner party.  

Jamie wanted to make sure the girls had all of the supplies needed for their fun in the sun and put together swag bags that included sunscreen and towels. The girls then began their day in Oceanside with bike rentals where they cruised by the Top Gun House and then cycled down the Strand. They enjoyed a catered lunch set up for them by Details Defined where they toasted the birthday girl and shared endless laughs. Jamie hired local photographer Tatiana M Photography to capture the special moments of the day as well as get in a fun little photo shoot. What a special way to remember their time in Oceanside!

Thank you for sharing your photos with us on Facebook, Jamie! We really enjoyed seeing how you and your friends played in Oceanside.

Looking to plan a girlfriend getaway? Our group travel team is here to help! Request our gathering guide to get started or click here for our own Girlfriend Getaway Itinerary!