When you’re getting married, any time of the year is perfect. Each season offers different benefits and adds beauty in it’s own way. Chiff.com has some tips for brides-to-be for planning a fabulous fall wedding. Check out Branches Catering and newest venue, Laurita Winery for wedding locations and packages.

Source: Chiff.com

Getting married when autumn color is at its most vibrant?

There’s no better time, in fact, when the planet seems to blaze a trail of warm fall colors in celebration!

As the trees begin to combine green with brilliant reds, yellows and oranges (in northern climes, especially), many brides take the cue from Mother Nature and incorporate these vivid colors into their fall wedding themes.

Popular fall wedding colors

Rich browns, cream, terra cotta, eggplant purple or cobalt blue are included into the fall color palatte so popular with modern brides.

Although spring and summer are usually the best time for flowers, fall is no exception. The season offers a rich variety of nature’s bounty including multi-colored mums, carnations, freesias, and other flowers paired along with bright fall foliage.

Deep red roses have also become popular at fall weddings and blend in beautifully with other darker hues. Cornucopias fit the bill for decorative accents along with baskets brimming with colorful gourds, apples and pomegranates.

Fall wedding venues

If you’re lucky enough to live up north, you can plan the ceremony and/or the reception around a location that takes natural advantage of brilliant fall colors.

Consider a local winery, a cozy bed & breakfast, an orchard or a country lodge. Early autumn also lends itself nicely to an outdoor ceremony in a gazebo, botanical garden or near a lakeside park setting. Again, depending on your location, wrap up your wedding with a breathtakingly beautiful fall foliage tour honeymoon.

Favorite fall flowers

Allium, Anemone, Baby’s Breath, Carnations, Chrysanthemums, Cockscomb, Freesia, Gladiolus,Iris, Gloriosa Lily, Orchids, Queen Ann’s Lace, Statice, Star of Bethlehem, Sunflowers, Zinnias.

Fall wedding favors

In keeping with the season, small jars of jam or preserves make flavorful favors for your guests to bring home and enjoy. Also think about fall colored candles, or autumn spice cookies wrapped in a ribbon of country calico. Small potted yellow mums make for a special ‘thank you’, as well, wrapped in colorful paper tied together with elegant gold ribbons.

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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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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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