Melissa Barrad Breaks Down San Diego Summer Love

As our carefree summer flows seamlessly into a serene fall, San Diego men and women find themselves wondering if their relationships can endure the changing colors of the new autumn season.

Celebrity wedding planner, star host of I Do … Weddings!, WE TV regular and San Diego local Melissa Barrad gives local singles and quasi couples much needed advice on how to size up your somewhat-significant other and discover if your relationship is a fleeting summer fling, or the real thing.

Just a fling
With text messaging almost more popular than speaking, relationships are beginning to feel the strain of abstract and missing lines of communication, honesty, and face-to-face contact.

If those few romantic nights under the stars on the beach receive all but a text reading something along the lines of "that was fun, see you soon," then you know you are the victim of a fling. Melissa suggests, "always being open and honest with the people you get involved with" in order to save yourself from some serious heartache.

Many guys cringe at the word "girlfriend" because of the prospect of the dreaded "stage-five clinger" that was forever immortalized in Wedding Crashers. "Girls should understand that early in the summer it may be too early to give him a framed photo of the two of you; focus on fun, practical gifts and dates such as picnics in our beautiful town." Girls, note to self: men love food and sports, not decoupage-d picture frames.

Could it be more?
As Melissa explains, there are some sure signs that your summer fling could progress into true love. "First of all, if he is talking about plans for the fall, it's a definite sign your relationship could be more than a fling." It's also a very good sign if "he knows the names of your parents, best friend, and cat." We've learned that no guy really cares about your cat, fish, or bird unless he truly cares about you.

Creative dates that take thought and planning are also signs that your man is really into you. Dates out with the boys or eating pizza in front of the TV do not scream romance, so take note of these date spots Melissa believes are really special. "San Diego is full of beautiful outdoor date spots. The beach is obvious, so consider Balboa Park, the Quail Botanical Gardens or even the view from Presidio Park for a meaningful, different and thoughtful way to show you are interested."

True love
If you are one of the lucky ladies whose summer fling turned into true love, let it be known that we are all extremely jealous. This summer, Melissa says it's important to not "play by the rules," but to rather be honest and go with your heart.

This new kind of 'game' has left many San Diegans thinking about fall weddings. With hundreds of stunning weddings under her belt, Melissa explains that her "favorite places to propose are: the place you first met, a private setting such as your favorite restaurant, or even at a Padres game. Think about her favorite things to do, and how you may be able to incorporate it."

Lucky for San Diego girls, Melissa is passionate about San Diego weddings in autumn. She says, "September and October are the best months for weddings in San Diego. I recommend La Jolla, Del Mar or Coronado, as theses areas have a number of beautiful locations, as well as amazing sunsets in the fall. I also love the El Cortez, in the downtown area, as its beautiful Don Room is perfect for fall weddings."

So San Diego women – single, hitched, and ambiguously-attached – be honest with yourself and appreciate your hot summer relationship for what it was. Whether you had a whirlwind fling filled with spontaneous fun, or you're beginning to think about a romantic autumn wedding of your own, know that you will remember your summer love for the rest of your life.

For more information and advice on San Diego weddings from Melissa Barrad, visit sdweddingplanner.com. And for more San Diego dating tips, get the details here.