Here Comes The Bride | SPRING - SUMMER 2023

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Photo by Shaun Reilly Photography

EVENTS BY THE SEA

2023

Many Dates Availa ble

2023 Wedding Trends

What’s in and what’s out

By Sarah Fertsch

What does cheetah print, babydoll tees, flip phones and infinity sign tattoos have in common? They were all popular at one point (namely 2012), but have fallen out of fashion in recent years.

Trends come and go, so it’s important to be classy and timeless in your style, and that includes your wedding. Nothing is more cringey than browsing your wedding photos and questioning your decision to include a silly trend that is long gone.

Preventing that cringe is crucial to appreciating your special day for decades to come. If you feel overwhelmed, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered.

Here’s your guide to what’s out and in this wedding season:

Out: Smashing Cake In Each Others’ Faces

This tradition has been

long overdone. What started as a silly, cute photo opportunity has transformed into a messy, stereotypical rite of passage. Wedding influencers have been calling couples to cut the cake with class, preserving the expensive hair and makeup of the bride. You could even enjoy cupcakes or a nontraditional dessert, instead of a cake.

Out: Cringey Signs

Remember in 2010 when everyone had the ‘Keep Calm and Carry on” saying everywhere?! That’s evolved over the years, but the cheesy phrases have got to go. Say-

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ings like ‘Bride’s Last Ride,’ ‘Booze Before I Dos,’ ‘My Happily Ever After,’ make people want to roll their eyes. It’s okay to have a wedding theme, but make it original!

In: Meaningful Flowers

Flowers can cost an arm and leg for weddings, so brides have opted for homegrown or hand-picked flowers from a local farm. You could even ask guests to bring a potted plant to the engagement party and adorn the venue with the organic decor, literally surrounding the newlyweds with flowers nurtured with love. It’s cute and frugal!

Out: Garters

Save the magic for the hotel and avoid uncomfortable, sexist traditions. No one wants to see the groom getting a little too sexy with

his young cousin. For a classier approach, ask the photographer to take some more intimate photos in the limousine or the hotel elevator. Just be sure to leave your great grandparents out of the equation.

In: Champagne Towers

It’s your big day, and the best way to celebrate is with

a toast! Stack some gorgeous glasses in the shape of a pyramid and before the father of the bride or maid of honor make their remarks, pour some bubbly over the glasses to create a luxurious waterfall. It’s a beautiful moment and super cool.

In: Dress Codes

For the sake of aesthetic, wedding planners are including guest dress codes in the invitation. Guests could be asked to wear all white while the couple wear purple or red or black. If it’s a garden party, require guests to wear florals or pastels. Some brides are even doing a metallic theme, with gold finishes and lots of beautiful glasses!

In: Unplugged Weddings

Picture this: You are having the best moment of your life, and your great aunt decides to stand up and livestream the ceremony, shoving a phone in your face. Make sure that guests know your technology preferences and ask the ushers to enforce the rules. Staying in the moment will help you feel more connected and grounded, allowing for you to feel all your emotions and love for your partner.

Out: Open-Air Tents

We get it; you want all the beauty of an outdoor wedding without the risk of inclement weather. But those white tarp walls block out the glory of the day itself. Opt for either a fully-outside ceremony and reception or move the event indoors. Tents just feel so COVID-19, right?!

In: Specialty Drinks

Everyone loves a fun cocktail, especially if it’s themed toward the bride and groom. Reflect on what makes this couple unique and theme a drink after it in collaboration with the bartenders. Maybe if the bride is from Georgia and the groom is from Tennessee, do a peach-whisky sour. If your wedding is beachy and coastal, try a local take on a Miami Breeze or Sex on the Beach.

Out: Family-Style Food

The 2010s made weddings inclusive and comforting with huge barbeque platters and sloppy sides. Your big day shouldn’t feel like a fast-food feast. Splurge on some gourmet cuisine and your guests (and photographers) will thank you.

Planning The Perfect Beach Wedding

Our beaches offer a dramatic and romantic setting for your special day, allowing you to share your vows against the backdrop of breaking waves and Atlantic waters on the horizon. New jersey offers a few beach settings, and you can marry along the shoreline even if you aren't a New Jersey resident. While arranging a beach wedding isn’t overwhelming, it's best to handle these tasks far in advance to give you the best chance of securing your preferred site. Some towns, such as Cape May, allow you to hold your beach wedding without a permit, while others, such as Atlantic City, require you to purchase a permit.

Feet: Some beachy couples are providing a “shoe valet” where guests can trade out their Ferragamo pumps for casual flip-flops. Another nice touch is to have a de-sanding station—soft bristled paint brushes are a fun way to wipe the sand from between your toes!

Eyes: Sunny days at the beach can be blinding, so make sure everyone knows to bring sunglasses, hats, or parasols—you don’t want them squinting at you the entire time!

private-label bottled water!) and paper fans (we love them printed with wedding programs) would make guests more comfortable.

Dress Code

or faux-fur capelet makes an elegant cover-up while keeping goosebumps at bay.

Loose, flowing hair may suit your free-spirited style,

Prep Your Guests

Make sure your guests know that the wedding is actually on the sand, so they can dress appropriately. This can be communicated with the invitation (included with the map/directions), on your wedding website and through word-of-mouth.

Weather: Remind your guests to bring appropriate wraps, in case it gets chilly. It’s not a bad plan to have sweaters, shawls, sweatshirts or even blankets on hand, should Cousin Ann show up without her pashmina. Alternatively, if it’s a high-noon ceremony in August, providing cool drinks (you can even order your own

A beach wedding is not the ideal setting for a formal ballgown or long train. Whether you opt for a tropical island sheath or a demure slip-dress, take advantage of the heaps of stylish fashions available to set a coastal mood. Light fabrics, such as sheer silks and chiffons, have a nice fluid movement to them, yet still look dressy.

If you’re having a platform set up as a wedding aisle, then your satin pumps will be fine. Otherwise, consider sandals… or why not go barefoot? Find a pair of bejeweled barefoot sandals and you’ll look both dressy and casual. You can save your high heels for the reception.

And don’t forget your own wrap—a filmy stole, lacy shawl

but if there is strong breeze, you could be battling strands in your face. Instead, select a wedding hairstyle that has at least the front part of your hair off your face. Loosely arranged up-dos are also a lovely choice.

Shaun Reilly

Shaun Reilly

Shaun Reilly

Our Wedding Packages Include the Ocean!

When the location is “Perfect” the moment will follow. Steel Pier is truly a unique and exceptional venue for your special day. You and your guests will gather 1000 ft over the ocean to make memories that will last a lifetime. We offer two beautiful venues for your reception, the Ocean Reef or the Waterside Pavilion, which have incredible views of sandy beaches, picturesque ocean, and breathtaking sunsets. Our menu packages vary from upscale foods to boardwalk fare, along with beverage packages.

The possibilities of customizing your special day are limitless: First Look On The Observation Wheel, Arrive By Helicopter, Amusement Rides, etc.

wedding cakes by

From Saying “Yes” to Saying “I Do”: The Ultimate Wedding-Planning Timeline

12 months before:

● Determine budget

● Select venue (put down a deposit)

● Choose the date

● Celebrate at an engagement party

● Make social media announcement

11 months before:

● Select a caterer and meal options

● Hire a band or DJ

● Hire a photographer and take engagement photos

10 months before:

● Shop for a wedding dress

● Create the guest list

● Send out save-the-dates

9 months before:

● Hire a videographer

● Taste and order wedding cake

● Book a rehearsal dinner venue

8 months before:

● Create a wedding registry

● Meet with an officiant

● Shop for wedding party gifts and rehearsal dinner dress

7 months before:

● Book a makeup artist, nail esthetician and hairdresser

● Purchase wedding shoes

● Make dress alterations

● Shop for groom’s tuxedo

6 months before:

● Choose and notify the bridal party

● Book a honeymoon destination

● Send out formal invitations

5 months before:

● Create seating arrangements

● Start premarital counseling

● Select wedding rings

● Order wedding favors

4 months before:

● Purchase bridesmaids’ dresses

● Purchase groomsmen’s suits

● Design floral arrangements

● Enjoy a bridal shower

3 months before:

● Apply for a marriage license

● Book a flight for the honeymoon

● Consider transportation (for the wedding)

● Start hair and makeup trials

2 months before:

● Have fun at bachelor and bachelorette parties

● Finalize seating arrangements

● Confirm all vendors

● Book necessary hotel rooms

1 month before:

● Write vows

● Shop for decor and a wedding guest book

● Complete premarital counseling

● Book an after-wedding brunch

2 weeks before:

● Have a final dress fitting

● Enjoy skin, hair, nail appointments

● Buy ice, champagne, balloons, and decor

1 week before:

● Take dance lessons (if desired)

● Finalize vows

● Purchase bridesmaids’ gifts

● Pack for honeymoon

● Welcome guests from out-of-town

1 day before:

● Coordinate bridal party and rehearsal dinner

● Take pre-wedding photos

● Prepare bouquets

● Select playlists and songs

● Do some deep breathing Day of Wedding:

● Give gifts to bridesmaids

● Take photos

● Say “I do!”

Put More You into Your Wedding Day

Awedding day is filled with symbolic tradition, from varied religious customs to the never-ending circle reflected in the rings and the types of flowers accentuating the celebration. Even with all the traditional rituals to consider, nearly every bride and groom can find ways to give their special day some unique touches that reflect their personality and love.

Music sets the mood for every wedding, and it’s an easy place to put your own spin on the celebration. Whether you forgo the traditional bridal march entirely or simply look for an arrangement that gives an

updated twist to the classic version, let guests know this isn’t your average wedding by setting the festivities against a soundtrack that lets your true character shine.

The wedding party is intended to be a collection of those nearest and dearest to the bride and groom, who help ensure the day goes off without a hitch and who lead fellow revelers in celebrating the start of the new couple’s life together. That being said, there’s no reason this group must be limited to women on her side and guys on his, or even that it’s limited to humans – a beloved pooch can make for an adorable ring-bearer, after all.

Photography is an essential element of your big day, but think beyond the images you’ll capture throughout the wedding and reception. Photos lend a personal touch, no matter what your color scheme or theme. Integrate photos of the two of you at various stages of life, together as a couple and with loved ones (perhaps even some you’re honoring in memoriam). You can display these at a table with the guest book, as part of the table centerpieces, or even on the gift table. Or take things digital and load all your images into a slide show set to music.

Make favors meaningful. Forgo more common items like bubbles and chocolate, and instead send a little of yourself home with your guests. Maybe it’s a memento from a place with special meaning to you both, or a bottle opener shaped like a bicycle to

represent the way you met. Just think about the moments and things that define you as a couple and do some searching online. You’ll probably be surprised by how quickly the options pile up.

Serve up a menu that shows guests more about your life together. Your loved ones can order basic beef or chicken anywhere. Instead, give them a glimpse into you. Make your main course the same food you enjoyed on your first date or during another monumental moment in your courtship. Or plan the entire menu around a region that you hold close to your heart.

Weddings are filled with traditions, but that doesn’t mean you can’t put your own touches on the day for a special event filled with memories that are uniquely your own. Find more advice for life’s special moments at elivingtoday.com.

The Real Questions to Ask Your Potential Vendors ...

When planning a wedding, it can be difficult to know what to ask or how to prepare. After all, you don't know what you don't know, right? W ith so many resources and opinions out there, who can you trust to ensure you're getting valuable information that will enhance your wedding experience and not the other way around? We have asked the area's top professionals to weigh in on real information to help your day go smoothly. There is no fluff here, no promotional angle, no sponsors, just beneficial tips and tricks from those who have made careers working with couples on their b ig day We are hitting all the major categories from photography to formal wear and everything in between. W e hope this information helps your wedding planning experience and assists in creating your perfect day!

DJ / Entertainment

• Meet them face to face to get to know them. Your booking should be based on their personality as well as their talent. Confirm they fit your personality and vision for your day.

• Do they carry backup equipment? They should be prepared with backups just in case something goes wrong electronically.

• How often do they upgrade? Every 3-5 years is standard.

• Are they nickel and <liming you? Do your research on package pricing and what's included.

• Ask them to show you examples of what the setup will look like on your day. It should look clean and professional.

• Ask if the DJ will be a 1099 subcontractor or W2 permanent employee.

• Ensure your vendor carries the proper insurance and licensing.

Videography

• Ask how many weddings they do a year (25-30 is the average minimum for a full-time professional.)

• Ask what the guaranteed turnaround time is for the video(s) (not just a teaser), how the video(s) will be received, and in what resolution.

• See other full videos they have delivered from previous weddings. If you can see a video from your venue, that's a bonus.

• Ask about their lighting, make sure they have appropriate lighting that won't take away from your wedding, but enhance it.

• Ask about the quality of their equipment. Current industry standard is 4k cameras with 3-axis gimbals.

• Ask if the lead videographer will be a 1099 subcontractor or W2 permanent employee.

• Ensure your vendor carries the proper insurance and licensing.

Photography

• Ask how many weddings a year your lead photographer does each year (30-35 is the average minimum for a full-time professional.)

• Ask your photographer to see at least four full client galleries from the time of year you'll be getting married (around the same month and within the past year). Make sure they are the full galleries the client received and not blog posts - this is not the same! If you can see a full gallery from your venue, that's a bonus.

• Ask if the lead photographer will be a 1099 subcontractor or W2 permanent employee.

• Ensure your vendor carries the proper insurance and licensing.

• Ask about how they handle different lighting situations (inclement weather, after dark, indoors), and ask to see examples.

Hair & Make-up

• Make sure they specialize in bridal hair and makeup. They should be licensed, certified, and insured.

• How many weddings do they do a year?, The minimum for professionals should be around 60-65 per year.

• How much time will it take to complete the bride and bridal party?

• How many individuals per artist? Make sure they have enough artists to support the size of your party.

• Ask about their products. They should carry a variety of hair and makeup products that are high quality and industry tried and tested.

• Don't skip out on your trial! It's the time to test out your wedding day look and work with your artist to ensure they get what you're going for and can accomplish it.

prior to your store. They coolers to be from a dyes that formal wear, them as a examples of everything should vision!

Dress/Formal Wear

• Do not order your dress online - go to a store to see sizes, colors, styles and material.

• Before you go, call and ask the price point of their dresses to see if it fits your budget.

• Don't be afraid to mention your budget when you go for an appointment.

• Ask if the bridal shop offers alterations and how they determine additional fees.

• Let them know your wedding date and to ensure they can accommodate your time frame.

Wedding Planner

6 months in- house the location commercially kitchen. building and though the their work with your previous clients work.

• Ask how long they have been a wedding planner and how many weddings they plan each year.

• They should have dozens under their belt already! At least 10-15 per year.

• A reputable wedding planner is in the industry for 3 years or more.

• Ensure they are properly certified and carry proper licensing and insurance. They should be able to provide this.

• Ask for at least three references from the past year.

• Ask what would happen in the event a contracted vendor doesn't show up on your wedding day.

• Ask what their plan is if they became incapable of being there physically on your wedding day.

• Aim to book your florist at least 9 months prior to your wedding date.

• It is always advised to meet them in their store. They should have a brick and mortar location

• Your florist should have several large walk-in coolers to properly store flowers.

• Where are they getting flowers from? It should be from a quality wholesaler, not a produce outlet or store.

• Quality florists do not use any paints, sprays, or dyes that can, and will, drip on your dress, suit, or any formal wear, thus staining your wedding day attire.

• Sit down with them to see if you connect with them as a vendor. They should be able to provide quality examples of their work.

• There should be no fixed "packages" everything should be custom to your ideas. Make sure they get your vision!

Bakery

• Make sure you book with your baker at least 6 months out.

• It is common for venues to have contracts with in- house bakers.

• Meet them at their bakery so you can see the location inside and out. All food must be prepared in a commercially permitted and FDA approved and inspected kitchen. Baking out of a home residence is not legal in NJ.

• Talk with them about their experience in building and transporting your wedding cake.

• They should have consistent and quality work though the use of quality ingredients.

• They should he able to provide examples of their work and a tasting for you prior to your wedding day.

• Sit down and discuss what you're looking for with your baker so they get your vision.

• Check reviews and social media for previous clients experiences and up to date examples of their work.

Getting Your New Jersey Marriage License

#TRUTHS

must sign the application while under oath, in the presence of the issuing authority.

Items to bring with you:

• Do not colors, styles

• Before to see if it

• Don't be an appointment.

• Ask if determine

• Let them accommodate

Wedding

• Ask how many weddings

• They least 10-15

• A reputable or more.

• Ensure licensing this.

• Ask for

• Ask what doesn't show

• Ask what there physically

If neither of you are residents of New Jersey, the marriage license must be obtained from the registrar

- SUMMER 2023

plete the marriage license application form from https://nj.gov/health/vital/ registration-vital/marriage-

● Proof of identity by presenting your driver’s license, passport or state/federal ID

After you apply, there is a 72-hour waiting period before the license can be issued. The application is valid for six months from the date it is filed. Once the license is picked up, it is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance.

Music matters!

Choosing the right entertainment for your wedding is one of the most important and memorable decisions you’ll make.

By Ken Schaffer

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years from now, guests at your wedding may not remember the entrée you served or the color of your décor, but one thing they WILL remember is what a GREAT TIME they had if your reception is epic! All DJs are not equally experienced or committed to their craft, and your choice will greatly impact the flow, energy, and fun your guests will experience. Some DJs hosting community events and small parties on the side are affordable, but on such a momentous day, a dedicated, full-time professional will offer a personalized experience. Wedding specialists who are in demand will come with a higher price tag, but their preparation, programming knowledge, and expertise is priceless. A professional will invest ten or more hours into preparation, from the initial consultation to fully understanding your musical taste and compiling your final timeline. Then, they’ll spend another 10 hours with you on your wedding day. Typically, they’re among the first to arrive, setting up multiple systems and the last to leave, after breaking down when the last guests exit.

Take away the fancy front boards and the lights. Take away the sparklers, photo booths and the fog. What’s left MAKES the difference and experience is essential!

The stakes are high. Finding the right entertainer for your wedding may seem like a daunting task, but it really can be simplified if you ask the right questions. Hopefully, I can shed some light to help you navigate this process: Much like dating or in business, we pick up a vibe on the people we meet. Your connection to your entertainer is no different. Consider this a partnership in both planning and representing you on your special day. Select someone who will take the time to fully understand your vision, plan with precision and deliver a fun, stress-free performance so you can confidently relax and enjoy your day!

The season you choose, level of talent, and options requested will result in a variety of quotes. There are several important factors to understand before asking any DJ what they “charge for a wedding?”

I make this point because it’s common on wedding sites for couples to randomly message multiple DJs inquiring about price with very few details given. The only answer to the “price” question is several more questions, so clearly begin with your date, times, location and potential needs when you inquire. No two weddings are exactly alike. One may be a simple threehour, off-season cocktail reception, requiring minimal equipment and prep in an

easy access, climate-controlled room. Another may be a prime Saturday in the height of wedding season with multiple locations for cocktails and reception, plus a beach ceremony that requires long trips through hot, soft sand that is difficult to navigate with equipment in the heat of summer. That “quick, 30 minute beach ceremony” can be exhausting in some locations. It adds two hours to the day for your DJ and assistant between setup, providing prelude music as guests gather, and specialized wireless equipment and battery power in the wind and sun.

I often ask potential clients a simple question: How important is music and entertainment to you?

Most feel that it’s very important and most want different options. That’s where the value of an experienced, well-equipped professional will shine.

Entertainment is a personalized and specialized service. Have you ever attended a wedding where the DJ was a dud? He or she sat most of the night, didn’t interact and played all the wrong music as guests left early. That scenario can be

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avoided by proper screening, checking reviews thoroughly and asking venues for their opinions on vendors.

When a “GREAT” wedding seamlessly flows from one special moment to the next, rest assured, it didn’t just “happen”! It was planned and executed by a passionate professional who has perfected their craft and THAT is what you are investing in.

Shopping by price alone can be a critical mistake. Once the realization sets in, it’s too late. In the business world, both price and value are considered. The same principles apply to planning a wedding. You owe it to yourself to choose wisely. Extreme quotes, both high and low are analogous to retail shopping. Walmart and

Macy’s have coexisted for decades. There’s a place for Walmart in every market. The quality and service at Macy’s will be superior and their customers understand value.

Your entertainer will be an extension of you. They’ll deliver every special moment of your celebration from formal introductions to your first dance and any traditions you choose. He or she will make recommendations from experience and communicate well with other vendors, forming a team.

Prioritize the impact of each item in your budget. If you must cut corners, evaluate the lower priority items on your list. It’s common to learn that someone made an inferior choice to save money on entertainment, yet they invested an extra $1,500 in an added dessert or chair

covers that will have FAR less impact on the overall experience.

In today’s digital age, access to music is easy and many hobbyists call it a “side hustle”. Some don’t even own their music. They subscribe to streaming services or rely on poor quality you tube “rips”. They hope for good WIFI and intermittent, awkward moments of silence are common. Inexpensive gear is readily available, but it won’t stand up to the demands of professional use. This puts your celebration at risk, subject to total failure.

It’s truly an art to successfully entertain a diverse group of guests from 8 to 80, and often with multi-cultural backgrounds. There is NO substitute for experience and intuition. This commonly

found meme on bridal sites sums it up well:

One additional warning when shopping online. Don’t be fooled by flashy, non-descript sites offering “national” talent. They’re internet marketers fishing for unsuspecting consumers. Many digital marketers run remote “one-stop” wedding sites from all over the globe. This is not to be confused with local multi-op companies. Digital marketers are not local, and they don’t have a reputation to protect. They can change their company name to hide the negative reviews you’ll never see. Beware of generic pictures boasting deeply discounted “bundles” with DJ Entertainment, Photography and Video for ONE low price. Stock photos and forwarded phone numbers

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• Marry at the top of the light, Keeper’s Cottage, or on the 2 Acre Manicured Lawn

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appear local, but they’re not. These are web marketers using SEO as a middleman. They work off the bottom line and the less they pay out, the more they make. Many have NEVER set foot in your state or worked a wedding in their life. They simply collect leads, prey on consumers with the lure of unrealistic, low prices and then assign jobs to the lowest bidder behind the scenes for a fraction of what they’re charging. The low bid goes to anyone who will take the job through online ads they run behind the scenes. Sometimes you don’t even know who your entertainer is until they show up. That way, if there’s an “emergency” and reassignment just days before your wedding, it’s transparent. Sadly, you get what you pay for, and in some cases,

less. Don’t fall prey to marketing ploys like this and always remember that if something seems too good to be true, it likely is.

In summary, find someone local with strong reviews and recommendations. Seek out someone you’re comfortable with. Dig deep as reviews speak volumes and ask your banquet manager for their opinion. They work with many DJs on a weekly basis, and they’ll know who is best for you. Venue managers want to work with professionals too as it makes their job easier and the night go smoother, plus it protects their brand. Finding the right entertainer will truly make your wedding a stress-free, enjoyable experience. Approaching this decision with an education, you’ll feel the connection when you find the right DJ for you.

According to a recent Wedding Wire study, over 60% of couples interviewed after their wedding said they would place more emphasis on the quality of their wedding entertainment if they had to do it all over again.

As a dedicated, lifelong professional, one of the greatest compliments I often hear is “You did our wedding years ago and everyone still says OUR wedding was the BEST they ever attended!”

To me, that’s the ultimate compliment. At the end of the day, that’s what keeps me going, AND it’s how every wedding client should feel!

Ken Schaffer is a lifelong, dedicated wedding professional. He can also be heard on Wibbage FM 94.3 throughout South Jersey as host of “Totally 80s”, Monday through Thursday at 7pm.

Ken’s DJ career began in Delaware County, PA as a teen who loved music and radio. From his humble beginnings hosting school dances, he went on to build one of the largest DJ entertainment companies in PA which still exists today. Ken now resides at the South Jersey Shore, and he’s returned to his roots as a hands-on DJ-MC, personally entertaining most weekends at weddings and corporate events. Ken has been awarded the prestigious “Best of The Knot” designation in the Wedding DJ category for 8 consecutive years and he’s been awarded “Best DJ” in the Atlantic City Weekly Reader’s Choice Nightlife Awards. If you’d like to learn more, visit KenSchafferEntertainment.com or find him on most social media platforms.

Don’t Stress Over These 3 Things

Wedding Guests Don’t Care About

It’s a universal truth – wedding planning is stressful. With an endless list of things to do, from the décor to the dress to the catering and everything in between, the stress can pile on quick. One minute, you’re trying to choose between roses and ranunculus. Before you know it, you’ve fallen down the Pinterest hole, scrolling between 19 slightly different shades of pink petals while stress-eating wedding cake samples.

That said, there are more than a few items on your wedding checklist that guests pay far less attention to than you think. Instead of

driving yourself crazy over the teeniest details, save yourself the headache (and probably a few bucks, too) by knowing what matters to your guests, and more importantly, what doesn’t. Here is a handy list of wedding details that guests don’t really care about.

Wedding Invitations

I hate to break it to you, but these little suckers end up in the recycling bin faster than you can say, “I now pronounce you husband and wife.” Sure, it’s the very first introduction to your wedding, but a beautiful invitation is a beautiful invitation. No one is judging your choice of paper stock, orna-

mentation or font. The average couple spends $445 on their wedding invites. Don’t stress about your invites and instead find an option that fits your budget.

Wedding Guest Book

Guest books can get pricey, and the cost can skyrocket once you start piling on the works. Do yourself a favor and keep it simple or go ahead and nix it altogether. Your guests won’t miss it, and in the age of digital photography, you’ll have tons of tons of snaps of your family and friends sharing your special day. If you decide to go with a guestbook, create something simple. A cute DIY

board is charming, cheap, and something you can display after the wedding.

First Dance

Short of a live performance by Adele to provide the soundtrack, no one will remember your first dance. A nervous, shaky, overly choreographed routine may be what sticks with them. Instead of the weeks of rehearsal required to try and fix your two left feet, it’s more important just to be yourself and enjoy the moment.

With that, we hope to help alleviate some of the stress of wedding planning by helping you not sweat the small stuff.

5 Financial Tips for Newlyweds

February is the month of love and one of the most popular times of year for couples to get engaged. According to a recent study, 36% of respondents said Valentine’s Day is the most romantic day to propose. If you’re about to get married or just walked down the aisle, here are five things to do to ensure your financial health.

1. Determine how you will handle finances. They say money can’t buy love and happiness, but talking about it in a marriage, or even beforehand, goes a long way. You’ll want to discuss whether you’ll have a joint bank account and credit cards, separate ac -

counts or a combination of the two. It’s a personal deci-

sion, so consider the pros and cons. It’s also a good

idea to know the roles you will play. For example, will

you or your partner pay the day-to-day bills? The other person may want to manage the monthly mortgage and auto expenses, or even the long-term investments and retirement funds. If you need help coming up with a plan, you may want to seek the advice of a financial counselor.

2. Get life insurance. You may not realize that February is also Insure Your Love Month, a time to think about protecting your loved ones if something unfortunate should happen. “If you have people who depend on you – including your new spouse – chances are you need life insurance,” said Lou Colaizzo, senior vice president, Erie Family Life. “While it’s hard to think about the possibility of not being there for a loved one, it’s so important to plan for.” Colaizzo added that some people may hesitate to seek out life insurance because they don’t want to go through the trouble of getting a medical exam, but that’s not always necessary. For example, Erie Insurance has a policy called ERIExpress Life, which may be able to provide protection with a simple application process and no physical medical exam. Colaizzo recommends people consult with their insurance agent to find the right life insurance policy and coverage amount that’s best for them.

3. Protect your bling. Chances are you spent a lot of time and money picking out rings you’ll love and wear every day. Unfortunately, burglaries are more common than

you may think. According to the FBI, there were more than 1.1 million burglaries in 2019. Protect your wedding jewelry, and any other expensive jewelry, by adding these items to your homeowners or renters policy. It is advisable to have photos and documentation of the value of the ring and other valuable jewelry in the event of a theft or a loss.

4. Update your car insurance. Notify your agent to make sure you’re both covered to drive each other’s cars. You may also be eligible for savings, such as a multi-car discount or bundling your car insurance with homeowners and/or life insurance. Additionally, some insurance companies offer a lower rate for married couples.

5. Make updates to your records if you change your last name. It’s a big decision and takes a lot of work if one of you decides to change your name after marriage. It’s important to be patient and diligent as the entire process may take several months. Remember to update all the appropriate forms, including a new Social Security card, driver’s license, passport, bank accounts and credit cards, among other considerations. Additionally, notify your employer for payroll and health insurance coverage updates.

Getting married is an exciting, big life event. While you and your partner start your new life together, have an open conversation about financial considerations and double check to make sure you’re covered to protect the life you’re building.

Relax while your guests rave. Our convenient catering packages allow you to bring the outstanding taste and presentation of Romanelli's Garden Cafè to your guests. Relax and enjoy your event, knowing your guests are in good hands.

Fine Catering menu for Weddings & Special Events. Full staff from Chefs, Servers, Bartenders to Valet Parking. Let us create a memory for you!

Planning the Perfect Honeymoon

“The Caribbean is still the number one destination for honeymooners,” says Susan Berman, owner of Berman Travel, LLC. Couples love all-Inclusive resorts and there is an array to choose from.

Traveling outside of the United States has changed in the past two years and there are different entry protocols and requirements for each destination which we will help you to navigate.

So whether you’re interested in honeymooning in The Bahamas, Barbados, Aruba, Antigua, Jamaica, or St. Lucia (to name a few) you won’t leave the Caribbean disappointed.

From turquoise water to sugary white sand beaches to incredible sunsets, the Caribbean Islands are paradise, the perfect place to explore for two people in love.

One thing that makes an all-inclusive honeymoon in

Give a gift your guests will treasure forever!

Remember your special day with unique and custom favors

the Caribbean so enticing is that you get a lot for your money. You can hop on a plane or boat to visit several islands. Because each island offers something special and unique. If you and your spouse love being on the water, there is no better destination than the Caribbean.

In addition to island hopping, you can enjoy deep-sea fishing, sailing, kayaking, & paddle boarding. Along with the sheer romance of it all, spending time on the water allows you to see marine life up close while providing amazing photo opportunities.

Regardless of age, couples can enjoy so many memorable experiences together, some low-key and others adventurous. When spending your honeymoon in the Caribbean at an all-inclusive resort, many excursions are part of the package deal. Some of the more popular adventures include hiking through the rainforest, sightseeing, and participating in an array of watersports, such as scuba diving and snorkeling.

In addition to the Caribbean, the islands of Hawaii & French Polynesia have become extremely popular for honeymoons as well. Couples can experience several islands on their honeymoon and in Bora Bora the Overwater Bungalows are a once in a lifetime experience for a romantic & memorable honeymoon.

Although exploration can be a huge part of any honeymoon, so is privacy and “chill time” especially after spending extensive time planning a wedding, Couples want and need alone time with their loved ones!

For your honeymoon, there is nothing better than feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin. We take the stress out of planning and “hold your hand” through the planning process.

Before making a decision, you and your partner can view hundreds of Berman Travel Destinations at: www.BermanTravelVideos. com Also, be sure to check out: www.BermanTravel. com or call (609) 345- 2129 for more information.

Fun & Games on Wedding Day