This Jersey Shore reception hall loves having beach wedding ceremonies!  Summertime weddings are very popular, whether the bride and groom are local to the beach or the county.  Summer weddings can also seem very simple to put together, and with these 10 tips from NJ Wedding, planning your perfect beach wedding ceremony and reception will be a dream come true!

Source: NJWedding

Beach weddings continue to draw more couples to the water’s edge for their ceremony. With a little planning, your beach ceremony can be the wedding of your dreams. Here are 10 pro tips for making your seaside dreams come true:

1. Imagine your ceremony.

Do you see yourself and your friends in formalwear, strolling along the sand? Or do you have a handful of flowers, bare feet, and a short dress while your partner rolls up his pant legs and you get wet? How formal or informal your ceremony is will affect your choice of everything from ceremony location to invitations to bridal party wear. Keep guest comfort in mind and choose save-the-date cards and invitations that express the degree of casualness in their dress-you don’t want people showing up in floor-length silk dresses if they are going to be standing near the water line with their feet wet.

2. Establish a theme — or not.

Some beach weddings strive to retain a formal, elegant air-perhaps seashell or starfish motifs on the invitations, programs, and small touches during the reception will make the statement for you. Other beach weddings choose a theme-sailing, Hawaiian/tropical, New England clambake casual. Use this to determine the rest of your choices.

3. Think about how many guests you have.

If you have fewer than 50 guests, you may want to have them stand in a circle or semi-circle while you and your sweetheart exchange vows. More than 50 guests requires seating-it will take longer for everyone to arrive and guests grow restless and tired. Make sure you have chosen a location that will allow chairs on the beach, and don’t forget to check on rental costs.

4. Make sure guests are comfortable.

Larger, more formal weddings mean you need to rent flooring for people to walk on and to be seated. Remember that for people with disabilities or weakness, walking on the sand can be challenging, if not impossible. Remember to make arrangements so these guests can watch the ceremony, too. Parasols are also a thoughtful gesture, and they make for great photos.

5. Consider the roar of the waves.

The great thing about the ocean is that it provides background noise that helps drown out sounds of traffic or construction. The downside is, it can also drown out your ceremony. Look into renting a small public address system so your guests can hear your ceremony. Some wedding officiants have these available for a nominal fee-make sure to ask.

6. Decide upon the best time of day.

Morning weddings lead to brunch or luncheon receptions. The beach is usually quieter and more private, and the rising sun makes for preferred lighting. Guests appreciate the less-intense sun, too. Mid-day weddings on the beach should be kept shorter and shade should be provided, often in the form a tent for guests. Check with your ceremony site and your party rental provider for suggestions on the best way to accommodate your guests. Evening weddings also provide a break from intense sun, and the lighting can make for wonderful photographs. Some places will be still filled with beach-goers, though, so keep that in mind when you choose.

7. Mark a distinct location for the ceremony.

If you are having a small ceremony, you may wish to place large seashells, candles, or luminaries around the edge of the space so guests know where to stand. Consider raking the sand to smooth it out and create a strong visual impression. For larger ceremonies, the aisle can be marked with seashells, candles, luminaries, or torches (many party rental providers offer these and can guide you in the best choice). You may also want to rent a chuppah or an arbor for you and your partner to stand beneath for the ceremony itself.

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Summer may be drawing to a close for some, but at this Jersey Shore Catering Hall, there is always time to plan for the next summer wedding.  Some people may be skeptical about attending or even hosting a summer wedding, but this Central Jersey Reception Hall is here to put those myths to a halt!  This article, courtesy of The Knot, helps brides nervous about throwing the reception of their dreams by creating some alternative solutions in the sweltering heat.

Source: TheKnot

Myth #1: You have to have an outdoor wedding

If you live in a cooler part of the country where the lush, green months of summer are precious, it may seem like you absolutely must head outside for your summer wedding. But if an outdoor wedding isn’t what you’ve always dreamed of, an indoor space can be just as summery (and much more reliable). For one, if you’re in a super-hot climate, an indoor wedding may be more comfortable for your guests not wanting to bear the heat. But beyond that, you can use your creativity and design skills to make an indoor space suit the season. Hang summer lanterns or create a summer flower-strewn indoor aisle. Indoors or out, find your perfect wedding reception venue.

Myth #2: You have to use bright summery wedding colors

While many summer couples look to vibrant colors to reflect the season, it’s most definitely not a requirement. If bold and bright just isn’t your style, there’s no need to hew to a palette of intense hues. Going with a subdued color scheme can actually be more unexpected — for example, icy blues will exude a cool and refreshing atmosphere. For a surefire palette that works with almost any style — from ultra-formal to relaxed and natural — look to a combo of whites and ivories with green accents. An apple green hue will give a preppy, fun feel, while a deeper green like loden or moss will imbue your nuptials with a subdued elegance. See photos of our favorite summer wedding colors.

Myth #3: You can’t have a formal wedding

Yes, high temperatures probably mean you should skip the stiff, heavy dresses made of taffeta and brocade. But you don’t have to put your bridesmaids in dresses with high hemlines and have your groomsmen don loafers if it’s not your style. Decide on a level of formality, and then work with your bridal salon and tux shop to explore your options. For a sophisticated, formal summer wedding, consider elegant silk sheaths for your bridesmaids and lightweight dark suits for the guys. You should be able to find attire that reflects the formality of your event but won’t leave you sweltering.

Myth #4: A city wedding won’t work

Summer is a season when many urbanites head for the hills or the beach. But if you’ve always wanted a chic city wedding, you can still have it even in the summer months. A rooftop ceremony or reception will give you an outdoorsy touch without sacrificing an urban feel. Loft spaces are great for summer weddings too. Awash in windows, you can avoid high temperatures while still taking advantage of bold sunsets and glittering skyline views.

Myth #5: The heat will ruin everything

Sure, summer can be hot. But don’t let the naysayers get you down. If you know there’s a decent chance it will be especially hot on your wedding day, make plans to avert any weather-related disasters. Avoid wilting blooms in the bouquets and boutonnieres by asking your florist to steer you toward hardier blooms, like orchids and lilies. Consider water-submerged centerpieces featuring Mokara orchids. Because the flowers are completely under water, they’ll keep cool all night long. And as for your wedding cake, get fondant instead of buttercream to avoid a melting mess. If you’re set on the rich taste of buttercream, display the cake during your cocktail hour and then have the cake cutting at the beginning of your reception.

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Most guests at a wedding are only looking at what the bride and her bridal party are wearing, but it is very important for all guests to look properly dressed. Sometimes it’s hard to choose the right style of dress for a wedding you are attending. We found these helpful tips for choosing the perfect dress for any wedding you are invited to, whether it is a garden wedding in the fall or a beach ceremony in the summer!

Source: dressestoweartoaweddings.com

Tip # 1: Consider the Location or Venue

Often the most overlooked factor in what to wear to a wedding as a guest is where the wedding will take place. A great dress can look great on you, but totally irrelevant to the place of marriage and setting. You may also be left feeling more dressed in dress or just comfortable in a dress weather appropriate. So before you attend the ceremony or reception, consider: the inside dining room or outside? On the beach or in a courthouse? A decadent affair in a castle or a simple ceremony at a friend’s house or garden? Is it a ceremony of the day or evening? Can you take your wedding ceremony outfit to the reception, or do you need an outfit or accessory change? With so many dresses to wear to a wedding it’s best to narrow down your choices to make the decision easier and quicker.

Garden Wedding:

For a daytime garden event a colorful tea length dress should be appropriate. Do not pick a very sexy dress and very high heels or wear a mini-dress for this type of event! Having your beautiful new pair of heels impaled in the grass in a garden ceremony will leave you wishing you wore flats! So plan ahead, bringing a change of shoes for a reception later.

Traditional Ceremony:

For the classic marriage made until eruption of the century, you have to accept that the buildup of this event requires advance planning. For these types of events, classic cuts and styles are best. Stay true to timeless, the LBD (Little Black Dress) or LWD (Little White Dress) for a summer wedding, and a pair of tasteful heels paired with matching clutch. These weddings can be as fun as it is a great excuse to really feel like a princess as you watch your friend take her vows. A dress for this type of case is usually glam chic enough to take you to the reception.

Beach Vows:

If you are at a wedding on the beach, you’ve probably already lost a large sum of money on airfare, then skip the madness for new shoes. In all that sand, who will notice anyway! A well cut chic maxi dress will do wonders for both ceremony and reception, and coupled with gladiator sandals, you will feel comfortable at this wedding destination, and have fun without breaking the bank!

Black-Tie Optional:

So you head to the country club for a black tie wedding? Do not stress, as this is really a fun opportunity to dress up and feel great in formal attire with an up-do. If you’re not sure how formal to go, ask the bride, or play it safe with more than casual fancy. Being under-dressed is embarrassing, but so is outdoing the bride. A high-do with a formal cocktail dress tea length fits perfectly in between ball gown and evening gown. Opt for a fancy dress, with pearls, and bring a wrap to add stylish sophistication. Do not dress too sexy and do not show up in a pants suit!

Tip # 2: Consider the season

Summer Wedding:

The official wedding season, summer, is the time chances are you will be invited to attend a wedding. Do not sweat this season bearing in mind some simple tips that will ensure you turn heads while keeping cool and comfortable, and of course, keeping the attention focused on the bride. First, since its season, stick to light, sunny, summer colors and prints. While a LBD is correct for an evening reception, do not attend a ceremony during the day in dark colors, and of course, do not come in white, either, unless its a white wedding theme. Keep away from plunging necklines or sky high heels for the garden and outdoor ceremonies: it is not the time to look nightclub sexy, nor the time to fill the lawn with holes from your heels. An outdoor ceremony during the day may also be suitable for a sleek pantsuit, but not short! For formal ceremonies inside, it’s better to forget the costume pants just to be on the safe side. A black tie event is to be kept classy and formal, but a floor length dress is not necessary in this season. A destination wedding means it’ll been sunny all year round, so be sure to keep it light and hassle free for a wedding on the beach.

Spring Wedding:

It is perhaps in the spring, when we are all dying to get out of our winter wardrobe and frumpy style, but it’s still cold outside, so dress smart for a wedding in the spring. This is the perfect opportunity to wear bright colors and bold floral prints to look cute without sticking out like a sore thumb. A pretty pastel dress with heels is also a good option if the air is still alive, or you do not have time to work off those winter pounds at the gym. A half-length cocktail dress in a solid color can take you directly to the reception, but remember, a black dress for a daytime ceremony in spring does not work. You probably want to ditch the pantyhose for a wedding in the spring, and make sure you get a pedicure! Bring a colorful pashmina as a stylish and comfortable cover-up. A spring wedding is the perfect time to try a hat or even gloves. If the royal wedding can have hats, so can you!

Fall Wedding:

This is our personal favorite season of marriage, as the clear nights warm days and cool evenings are perfect for the daytime ceremony and evening reception! Dressing for a fall wedding can be difficult at times trying to find a balance between attending to the wishes of a warm day and a cold night. If you attend a black tie event, a floor-length evening gown is more suitable for the reception, although a tea length cocktail dress can create an illusion of class without the drama of a full blown dress. If you are not sure, dress, somewhere in the middle of the cocktail and formal. Stick to deep, rich colors, not necessarily a LBD. Formal heels and a clutch will look great with a dark pantsuit, cocktail dress or a floor-length dress. Bring a wrap in case the air is chilly.

Winter Wedding:

By place of marriage, winter temperatures range from cool to freezing. If you are invited to a wedding in a few feet of snow, be practical. A trouser suit is acceptable for the ceremony here, and a jacket over your dress. An elegant dress pants, black with pearls to dress you turn right from the ceremony to the reception. If you are braving a dress, bring a jacket but make sure of it is fancy enough to keep you from looking and feeling frumpy. It’s a good idea to bring a wrap, even at a heated indoor reception, just in case. If you decide to wear boots, go with black heels, after all it is a wedding, even if the bride and groom have invited you to a freeze out! Deep, beautiful colors of purple, burgundy, blue or green will look great in a winter wedding. Since this type of wedding is increasing in popularity, its best to have a dress ready and waiting in your wardrobe. As a side tip, go for a simple hassle free haircut, freezing cold winds and snow will destroy the best loops in no time!

Source: dressestoweartoaweddings.com

Preparing for your big day can be confusing and stressful, and nobody knows that more than newlywed Vanessa Minnillo. Thankfully, she’s posted her top 10 tips for those brides-to-be  to make the wedding both memorable, and stress-free! When you’re done, make sure to check out what Branches NJ Catering Hall can do do help make the wedding of your dreams a reality, either at our hall, or somewhere beautiful off-site.

Source: She Knows

Vanessa Minnillo has married the man of her dreams. In the process of getting hitched to Nick Lachey, the 30-year-old learned a thing or two about being a bride and the wedding planning process. Here are Vanessa Minnillo’s top 10 tips for other brides!

Vanessa Minnillo, whose big day was featured on TLC’s Nick & Vanessa’s Dream Wedding, writes on her Twitter page:

Tip 1: Try on different styles of dresses. Even if u know what u want, it may surprise u. Go for it all & be girly! Most importantly, HAVE FUN

Tip 2: I Love a “little” splash of color! I had a beautiful bouquet of gloriosa’s, BUT I didn’t put my matron of honor in a fuchsia dress

Tip 3: Listen to your groom & have elements of what “he” wants in the Wedding. After all, it’s both of your day. Nick had great suggestions.

Tip 4: A welcome bag w/”personalized” goodies is always nice! We did beach towels w/their names embroidered, & all the beach essentials.

Tip 5: Make sure to take time before the wedding & spend it with ur fiancee. A night with a glass of wine, or a weekend away. #QualityTime

Tip 6: To save money: use venue’s place settings & glassware, but we brought in our personalized linens and chargers for a more custom feel.

Tip 7:If you can, have multi-photographers. We loved Yitzhak Dalal, & he brought 2 others w/him. There’s always more than one angle u want!

Tip 8: Consider weather when planning an outdoor ceremony. The ONE thing I regret is we didn’t have fans or a.c. at the ceremony. #sweating

Tip 9: Do something special for ur fiancee b4 the ceremony, a gift, &/or a hand written card. Let them know how u feel & that u Love them!

Tip 10: HAVE FUN! Once it’s the day of, try ur hardest not to let ANYTHING get in the way. You’ll regret it if u obsess about small stuff!

*Tip 11: Secure a wedding sponsor or three and air your nuptials on television to help off-set the cost of your dream day.

*We kid, we kid!

Congratulations to Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo on their gorgeous wedding!

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As wallets start to tighten across the country, your big day may start to be a real strain on your finances. Luckily with these tips from MintLife, and great deals from this Jersey Shore catering hall, your wedding doesn’t need to break the bank.

Source: Mint

You’ve decided on a date and even found the perfect place. Now what?

If you’re overwhelmed by the seemingly endless list of costs associated with the Big Day, you’re not alone. With the U.S. economic recovery still on shaky ground, brides are spending decidedly less today than they did two years ago, according to BRIDES magazine’s 2011 American Wedding Study. On average, a wedding cost $26,501 in 2011, down more than 5 percent from 2009, the last time the survey was published. Still, that’s up $8,000 from almost a decade earlier.

How can you host the wedding of your dreams without maxing out your credit cards, or, even worse, taking on more debt? Here are my top five tips on what every bride can cut back on and still host an event to remember.

Cut the Guest List

Thinking about inviting that long-lost relative? Don’t. A wedding should be an intimate gathering of the people you love and who love you back. If your wedding comes up in conversation with someone who isn’t on the guest list, simply say, “We’re keeping our celebration small by only inviting only close family and friends. I’m excited to share our wedding photos with you.” I know it’s hard to cut the list, but brides are getting the message – the average guest count dropped about 5 percent to 141 in 2010 from the previous year, according to TheKnot.com & WeddingChannel.com 2010 Real Weddings Survey. My pick for the perfect-sized wedding? 100 people; 35 if you’re hosting a destination event.

Cue the DJ

I love a great DJ! In fact, I wish I hired a DJ instead of a swing band for my wedding almost nine years ago. I would much rather hear “Bad Romance” sung by Lady Gaga than by the best impersonator any day. Plus, a DJ costs approximately one-third of what a band does, according to the TheKnot.com & WeddingChannel.com survey. Still, resist the temptation to create a playlist on your iPod — I’ve seen that strategy work exactly once.

No One Will See Your Feet

The ultimate wedding shoe? The Gigiritz, a satin peep-toe from Stewart Weitzman. But at $298, it’s a budget buster for a one-day event. And, no matter what you tell yourself, you will never wear your wedding shoes again – even if you die them black. Instead, consider slipping into some ballet flats, or, better yet, a pair of white or gold Havaianas Slims, the stylish Brazilian flip-flop you can order online for $24. Not only will you be able to spend the money you save on something else, you won’t be tempted to kick off your shoes during the reception. And you can wear them again if your honeymoon is on the beach.

Let Them Eat…Sweets

The average wedding cake costs almost $500, according to the BRIDES survey. And, let’s face it – you can’t get away with serving only cake, no matter how good it is. Better to skip the cake altogether, and, instead, roll out a dazzling display of desserts – cupcakes, petit fours, miniature ice cream cones and truffles of all flavors. I also love the idea of displaying a variety of individually wrapped sweets, including Hershey’s Miniatures, in large glass containers and inviting guests to fill up a goody bag to take home. Want to splurge a little? A full-blown Viennese table is a showstopper.

The Rest is History

Welcome baskets. Calligraphers. Ceremony programs. Wedding favors. All are needless expenses. Eliminate them. I’ve never seen a welcome basket that contained anything more useful, or creative, than a map and a bottle of water. In lieu of hiring a pricey calligrapher, invest in several $2 Marvy calligraphy pens and address the invitations yourself. Call in friends and family if you’re not up to the task, but never use computer-generated address labels or send an Evite. Regarding ceremony programs, I can’t tell you how many of the most beautiful creations I recently scooped off the floor. And, finally, there is no favor you can give your guests that will compensate them for the time and money spent attending your wedding. Show your guests how much you appreciate them by thanking each and every one personally before stepping out onto the floor for your first dance.

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You’ve planned your perfect wedding. You’ve ordered the flowers, picked your band, got your dress and found the perfect shoes. After your beautiful waterfall garden ceremony or beach wedding the next big event is your honeymoon! This Jersey Shore catering hall found these 10 helpful tips when packing for your honeymoon.

Source: Jean M

What’s the big event after the big day? The honeymoon, of course! Here are my top tips to make packing easy and stress-free.

1. Pack Light. Pack only what you need — heavy luggage is tough to lug around airports and can get expensive when you’re charged those annoying overweight fees. Choose clothes you can mix and match and wear more than once. Pare down your look to one formal dress or outfit and take just one coat or sweater. And shoes? They’re heaviest of all! Take one for walking, one for dressy and one for the beach.

2. Be romantic. Don’t let packing light get in the way of romance. Surprise your fiancé by packing a small gift to be opened when you arrive. Also toss in travel candles, massage oils and silky lingerie to set the mood.

3. Rely on the hotel’s complimentary benefits. Find out what your hotel provides in your room (soap, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, hair dryer) and leave these heavy items at home.

4. Pay attention to the weather. Check the forecast for your destination and pack accordingly.

5. Capture memories. Pack your camera along with memory cards, batteries and other accessories. Also pack zippered plastic bags for taking home mementos you find on your trip.

6. Don’t pack duplicate items. Compare packing lists with your fiancé to make sure you don’t double-up on items that you could share like contact solution, toothpaste, aspirin and sunscreen.

7. Roll clothing, don’t fold. Folded clothes take up more room in luggage. Roll your clothes for a better fit. Rolling also prevents wrinkling.

8. Stow “must-haves” in your carry on bag. Airline tickets, identification, credit cards, cash, prescriptions and important contact information should be with you at all times.

9. Don’t forget the important extras. Tuck in an extra set of contact lenses, eyeglasses, camera battery and other small items you can’t live without.

10. Include a collapsible bag in your luggage. Just in case you find lots of souvenirs or have lots of dirty laundry to take home, you’ll have a separate bag you can check instead of leaving things behind.