Six tips for planning your New Jersey summer wedding
So.. you’re having a summer wedding in New Jersey? Preparing and planning for your special day can be a daunting task.. especially when you opted out of having a wedding planner and now you’re feeling the pressure of making one of the most important days of your life - perfect.
Wondering why you should be taking advice from me? I’m no wedding planner, but I have shot over 500 weddings in the past 9 years so I might have a valuable tip, or two.. or six, to share 😉
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Tip One… choosing your venue
New Jersey is home to a variety of wedding venues, we have beachside resorts, barn to lush gardens. Consider the number of guests you anticipate on inviting and the kind of ambiance you are striving for. There are so many opportunities to take advantage of the beautiful summer weather we are blessed to have for these few months!
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Tip Two… plan for heat
New Jersey in the summer can be quite warm, so be sure to provide plenty of shade and hydration options for your guests. I view this as an opportunity to be extra. Just imagine, every guest that has a custom hand fan with a cute little saying that celebrates your love.
Tip Three… the dress
When trying on dresses, try to picture yourself standing in direct, beaming, sunlight. Opt for a lightweight, breathable materials such as cotton, linen, or chiffon. If you have a dress that you love, but the material might not be ideal, you can still wear it. Making a smart fashion choice for your wedding can still be chic - it is 2023 and we are fully embracing two wedding dresses. You will have everyones jaws on the floor when they see the outfit change.
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Tip Four… outdoor activities
When I think of outdoor activities I think of playing corn hole or sitting around a fire with good company. But, this is your wedding day, not a backyard BBQ! Two words : paper lanterns. You can get the kind that float or the kind that fly, your choice! Sparklers, fireworks and bubbles are a few extra details you can include to spice up the day into night. Things like this could be a photographers dream, but also a super wholesome moment for you and your loved ones to cherish.
Tip Five… flowers
Summer is peak season for many beautiful flowers, this makes it the perfect time to choose blooms for your wedding. Think about incorporating bright, colorful blooms like sunflowers, daisies and lilies into decorating. You can incorporate this element to your wedding in many creative ways - a flower wall for a photo op or a flower wall for guests to make their own bouquet for their goodie bag 💐 ✨
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Tip Six… be mindful
This one might seem obvious, but it pretty much sums up everything. Being mindful of timing - the sun sets later in the day, do you want the sun setting as you say I do? Or do you want to kick off the reception with a golden hour glow?
Be mindful of your environment - whether you’re by the beach or near the trees there may be annoying mosquitoes. Pssst… strategic placement of candles can help this!
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The list could go on forever and this definitely does not cover all the valuable tips I plan to share about planning summer weddings. Considering these things I’ve mentioned, I’m sure that your wedding day will be a day that everyone will cherish. With careful planning & paying attention to detail, your summer wedding in the garden state will truly be an unforgettable experience.
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Vendors:
Host: @styledshootsacrossamerica
Concept & Planning: @Heatherbengeofficial
Venue: @carinwood
Hair & Makeup: @sunkissedandmadeup
Floral Design: @rosaspinafloral
Stationery: @elephantlimbo
Cake: @itstartedwithacupcake
Event Rentals: @partyrentalltd
Gowns: @styled.gowns
Men’s Wear: @_themoderngroom
Specialty Decor: @rosiereventrentals
Shoes: @sachlirene_tfota
Earrings: @elizabethbowerofficial
Models: @laur.weeks & Michael Belardino