San Diego’s Behind The Scenes (BTS) wedding planners are synonymous with innovation, passion, and attention to detail. Since 1985, their dedicated team has been custom-crafting thoughtful catering and event planning processes to ensure each client enjoys a seamless culinary experience. From their origins in backstage celebrity catering, they have expanded their expertise to produce a wide range of events, including weddings, intimate gatherings, and large-scale corporate functions.

We sat down with the creative minds behind BTS to discuss their journey, inspirations, and what sets their services apart in the world of wedding planning. Here’s an inside look at the passion and precision that go into every event they orchestrate, as well as what’s coming in the wedding industry for 2025 and beyond.

 

 

What are some of the most important questions a couple should ask before choosing a wedding planner?

Before you start the exciting journey of planning your wedding, it’s essential to take some time as a couple to align on your shared vision for the big day and determine your top priorities. Whether it’s creating a stunning atmosphere with decor, providing your guests with a memorable culinary experience, capturing every special moment with photography, or finding the perfect venue, having these discussions upfront is crucial when meeting with wedding planners. Once you’ve established your vision and budget, it’s time to start looking for planners.

When choosing a wedding planner, it’s important to ask several key questions to ensure you find the right fit for your special day. Some questions to consider are: What services and packages do they offer? Based on your vision and budget, what do they recommend that fits your needs? It’s important to get a full understanding of what is included in that package. Since you’ll be working closely with the planner for a few months, it’s essential to make sure your personalities click! What’s their communication style? Will it work for both of you as a couple? Have they organized an event or wedding with your preferred style or theme? Are they familiar with the wedding venue and local vendors in the area? Asking these questions can help you gain a better understanding of a wedding planner’s experience, style, and approach, ultimately helping you make an informed decision when choosing the right professional to bring your wedding vision to life.

How did you get started in the wedding business?

BTS has been producing weddings for over 34 years in San Diego. The company originally started as a caterer to touring concert musicians in San Diego and Los Angeles, providing backstage catering to the band and crew. After a few years, we started getting inquiries from clients, guests at our events, and others for catering their personal celebrations and weddings. Initially we were catering to high-net-worth family’s private weddings at their estates in Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, and La Jolla. Soon thereafter we were invited by several exclusive venues to provide our services for their wedding clients in several exclusive San Diego Wedding venues.

 

 

Spill the tea. What do you think some of the biggest wedding trends of 2024 and 2025 will be?

We love a good trend! A big shift we’ve seen this year is the use of bold color choices in wedding schemes. Colors truly set the tone and tell a unique story for each couple, and we’re excited to see this trend continue into 2025 weddings. Interactive culinary experiences are on the rise, too. Food stations engage guests with interactive culinary offerings, allowing couples to add a personal touch to their wedding through food. Whether that’s including food from their first date or meals they often share together, the options really are endless. A growing number of couples are opting for non-traditional dessert options, and we’re looking forward to seeing more creative dessert choices that truly reflect each couple’s story.

What coastal towns would you suggest for a coastal wedding in San Diego?

San Diego is home to some of the most incredible beach towns in the country. Some of our favorites include La Jolla, Del Mar, Coronado, and Point Loma. Each town has its own unique traits that make it special, but you can always count on their picturesque views, majestic cliffs, and beautiful sunsets to create an unforgettable setting for a wedding.

 

 

Where are some of your favorite locations in San Diego for an intimate wedding party to stay?

Orli La Jolla is at the top of the list. It truly is a gem in the heart of La Jolla. This boutique hotel marries all our favorite qualities of staying in a luxury hotel and warm homestay vibes. A few of our other favorites would have to be Kona Kai in Point Loma and the iconic Hotel Del Coronado.

 

 

How early do you think a couple should book their wedding accommodations and room blocks?

It is never too early to start arranging accommodations. Booking a year in advance is a good rule of thumb, but for popular destinations, it’s common for couples to book even further out. This allows you to secure the best deals and ensure that your guests have plenty of options for their stay.

 

Images: @emmalauren.photos