Here Comes The Bride | SPRING - SUMMER 2024

2024

Planning for your Special Day at the Southern NJ Shore

Presented by Photo by Shaun Reilly Photography

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From Saying “Yes” to Saying “I Do”: The Ultimate Wedding-Planning Timeline 12 months before:

● Shop for wedding party

● Determine budget

gifts and rehearsal dinner dress

● Select venue (put down

7 months before:

a deposit) ● Choose the date

● Book a makeup artist,

● Celebrate at an engage-

nail esthetician and hairdresser ● Purchase wedding shoes ● Make dress alterations ● Shop for groom’s tuxedo

ment party ● Make social media announcement

11 months before:

6 months before:

● Select

a caterer and meal options ● Hire a band or DJ ● Hire a photographer and take engagement photos

● Choose and notify the

bridal party ● Book a honeymoon des-

tination

10 months before:

for a wedding dress ● Create the guest list ● Send out save-the-dates

● Send out formal invita-

● Shop

9 months before: ● Hire a videographer

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tions

● Taste and order wedding

8 months before:

cake ● Book a rehearsal dinner venue

● Create a wedding reg-

istry ● Meet with an officiant

5 months before: ● Create seating arrange-

ments

Continued on 6

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Timeline - continued from 4 ● Start premarital counsel-

ing ● Select wedding rings ● Order wedding favors

4 months before:

● Purchase bridesmaids’

dresses ● Purchase groomsmen’s

suits ● Design floral arrange-

ments ● 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:

● Confirm all vendors

● Have fun at bachelor and

● Book necessary hotel

bachelorette parties ● Finalize seating arrangements

1 month before:

rooms

● 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, and nail

● Welcome guests from

out-of-town

1 day before: ● Coordinate bridal party

and rehearsal dinner ● Take pre-wedding pho-

tos

appointments ● Buy ice, champagne, balloons, and decor

● Prepare bouquets

● Take dance lessons (if

Day of Wedding:

desired) ● Finalize vows ● Purchase bridesmaids’

● Give gifts to bridesmaids

1 week before:

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gifts ● Pack for honeymoon

● Select

playlists and songs ● Do some deep breathing

● Take photos ● Say “I do!”

SPRING - SUMMER 2024

Choose The Icon You Deserve!

Contact our Sales Team at 609-748-2400 x503 Wedding Packages starting at $116.00 per person 25 South Pitney Road, Galloway, NJ 08205 www.the-carriagehouse.com

GOURMET BAKERY

Unique Wedding Cakes, Viennese Tables, Groom’s Cakes for your special day!

If you can dream it, we can make it!

For Inquiries Email - mbrown@icon-hospitality.com 319 South Pitney Road, Galloway, NJ 08205 ~ www.lusciousandsweet.com

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2024 Wedding Trends 1. Sheer Tops for Braless Brides Florence Pugh and Kendall Jenner are bringing some French influence into American glamor, and bridal designers are taking the hint. New York Bridal Fashion Week in October 2023 featured multiple ‘Free the Nipple’ gowns.

For decades, brides budgeted for shapewear, but that’s no longer necessary. Think lace, floral embroidery, and sheer satin.

Too revealing, or fearlessly feminine?

2. Mixed Gender Wedding Parties Why exclude your childhood best friend from your wedding party, simply based on gender? Grooms-

By Sarah Fertsch

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lack dresses.

Sword fights instead of first dances. Dogs as ring-bearers. Nontraditional weddings have always taken place, but some fringe features are becoming mainstream.

Social media and advanced technology have changed the wedding industry and made the weird accessible.

If you’re getting married in 2024, check out the trends below for inspiration or warning. If you’re attending a wedding in 2024, here’s what you can look out for before they say “I do:”

Elegant Adornments for your Timeless Love Story Capture the essence of your everlasting love with our exquisite wedding jewelry collection.

Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands are the perfect symbol of a Lifelong Promise

We offer Natural and Eco-friendly Lab Grown Diamond Jewelry for All Budgets

Elevate your wedding day with jewelry as unique as your love.

Discover the art of Sage Jewelers craftsmanship and let us bring your vision to life with Custom Jewelry Options

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SPRING - SUMMER 2024

women and bridesmen are taking the stand at the altar. This has complicated bachelorette and bachelor parties, but some couples opt for one opulent extravaganza for the entire party.

On the other hand, mixed-gender parties have called into question bridesmaid dress standards, bridal suites, and even posed pictures. Is this too progressive, or another step toward equality?

3. Microweddings The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the wedding industry worldwide.

Fiances are taking notes from newlywed couples.

If a smaller ceremony and reception offers greater intimacy, why not limit invitations?

Microweddings mean saving money and awkward

interactions with invited acquaintances. However, can eternal love be encompassed by a diminished celebration?

4. Brides Give Themselves Away In the era of gender equality, heteronormative traditions have slowly faded from the cultural zeitgeist.

When women were dependent on men, and considered property, fathers transferred authority to the new husband. Thankfully, this is no longer the case.

Today, when a father walks his girl down the aisle, he passes on love and blessings. Yet, like the garter toss and first look, is this

rite of passage outdated?

5. Ceremony Friday, Party Saturday Let’s be real: the transition between ceremony and reception is awkward.

Everyone’s hungry, oddly sentimental, and antsy to get the party started. Weekend weddings have become more popular, so why not extend the wedding festivities across 48 hours?

The time in between creates more space for themed activities, like family brunch, relaxation on the water, and romantic moments between the two lovers. Sounds perfect, right?

6. Wedding Cake To-Go Guests frequently start yawning and eyeing the door, but don’t want to miss the cutting of the cake.

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Weddings at

Willow Creek Winery

From micro weddings of 25 guests to grand celebrations of 350, beautiful memories are made at Willow Creek Winery.

We are also the perfect spot to host a shower, bachelorette and rehearsal dinner.

Create your dream wedding journey with us today 168 Stevens Street | West Cape May 609.770.8782 willowcreekwinery.com

SPRING - SUMMER 2024

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Trends - continued from 9

Problem resolved: slices of cake as a party favor. Couples can offer espresso and ice cream, or fancy pastries to hungry dancers, and save the traditional cake for another evening.

Vogue magazine predicts that smashing cake will entirely disappear from modern weddings in the near future (why destroy an expensive face of makeup?!). But is cake to-go considered impolite?

7. Documentary-Style Photography Staged photos of the newlyweds and their families are outdated. Brides and grooms seek to capture goofy grins, smooches, and sips of champagne. Black and white polaroids, placed beautifully in a preserved album, are very trendy.

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Hired teams of photographers and videographers (motivated by larger portions of the wedding budget) record every moment, including those of the invited guests. All the more shareable on social media, right?

8. Anything But Rustic Remember barn weddings? Rural theming is considered cringey. Excessive signage, burlap banners, and distressed wood have peaked in 2014 and fallen out of fashion. In 2024, art deco and Great Gatsby looks are all the rage.

Semiformal, even black tie weddings define chic popularity. Expect oysters instead of barbeque, big bands instead of line dances, and sparklers instead of photo booths.

9. Digital Registries You better not buy a physical gift for your next bride-to-be! Couples opt for completely online gifts, with registry items delivered to the lovers’ address after the big day. Many couples even ask for financial donations toward a house, or even the honeymoon.

This trend has resulted in a decline of bridal showers, particularly the opening of homeware gifts during the party itself. Are digital gifts the new standard, or an omen of the

digital divide?

10. No More Speeches No one cares about the best man’s college shenanigans with the groom.

Speeches are awkward and intrusive. Why pause the dancing and drinking for a sister’s well-wishes to the couple?

The brides and grooms already value the special people in their lives, so keeping details private has gained traction. Do you look forward to speeches, or agree that this tradition has seen its demise?

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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.

Planning The Perfect Beach Wedding

Fine Catering menu for Weddings & Special Events.

Full staff from Chefs, Servers, Bartenders to Valet Parking.

Let us create a memory for you!

Shaun Reilly

O

ur 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.

Prep Your Guests Make sure your guests

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Shaun Reilly

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.

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 bristle paintbrushes 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!

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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.

Venue Offers - Sit Down Dinners, Buffet and Cocktail Style Events Wedding Ceremonies | Reception | Cocktail Hour Engagement Parties | Showers | Rehearsals 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ | steelpier.com | info@guestservices.com | 609-513-1690

Wedding - continued from 12

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

Dress Code 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

Shaun Reilly

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

Loose, flowing hair may suit your free-spirited style, 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 updos are also a lovely choice.

We’ll do the driving

TROLLEY RENTALS AVAILABLE FOR YOUR SPECIAL EVENT! FOR INFO CONTACT US AT TROLLEY@DRBA.NET OR 800.643.3779

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SPRING - SUMMER 2024

TAYLOR NICOLLE PHOTOGRAPHY

This Valentine’s season, we are offering fantastic rates on all wedding packages, for any available 2024 wedding dates.

Book your wedding by March 31, 2024 to get this special offer.

• All-Inclusive Wedding Packages • Sweeping Bay Views of Atlantic City Skyline • Elegant Ballroom • Skyline Garden, Skydeck + Covered Patio

• Premium Bridal Suite + Historic Locker Room • Gourmet Culinary Options • In-House Executive Chef • Unparalleled Service + 127-Year Legacy

Start planning the wedding of your dreams today!

Book a venue tour while there’s still some PREMIUM 2024 DATES available! Email our wedding professionals at events@accountryclub.com or call (609) 236-4400, Ext. 3 for more information.

This offer is based on availability and not valid on previously booked weddings.

Wedding Cakes that are Almost too Beautiful to Eat

C

oastal inspired cakes give new meaning to the words “sugar sand”. Decadent layers create a centerpeice to the party.

If you’re exchanging “I dos” near the water’s edge, then it’s a great idea

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to draw inspiration for your wedding-day details from the ocean. The treasures of the sea—shells, pearls, coral, the deep, moody blue hues—can all be jumpingoff points for beach-themed details. Instead of incorporating all of them though, keep things tightly edited

by choosing only one or two of your favorites. The end result will be elegant, sophisticated, and not overly themed.

When it comes to your wedding dessert, a talented cake designer can turn ocean elements into incredible (edible!) cake embellish-

ments. Again, if your overall wedding aesthetic is elegant and modern, then err on the subtle side and aim for a more minimalist dessert design. You cannot go wrong with soft, watercolor hues paired with intricate oceaninspired elements fashioned from sugar.

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An award winning venue with a unique blend of elegance and rustic charm.

I Love Refe�als!

I'd Love To Help Sell Your Home!

I'd Love To Help �nd Your New Home!

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Getting a NJ Marriage License

I

f the bride is a resident of New Jersey, the marriage license should be obtained in the municipality where she lives. If groom is a state resident and the bride is not, the marriage license should be obtained in the municipality where he lives.

You can download and complete the marriage license application form from https://nj.gov/health/vital/ registration-vital/marriagelicenses/ or you can fill it out at the local registrar’s office. Make sure you don’t sign the marriage application form before going to the local registrar. You must sign the application while under oath,

in the presence of the issuing authority.

Items to bring with you: ● Proof of identity by presenting your driver’s license, passport or state/ federal ID ● Proof of your residency ● Your Social Security card or Social Security number ● A witness, 18 years of age or older ● $28 application fee 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.

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*

293A Route 9 south Marmora, NJ 08223

Harbor Pines Set to Wow with Final Phase of Renovations to Reveal Stunning Wedding & Events Banquet Room

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estled in the heart of Egg Harbor Township, Harbor Pines Golf Club is helping love stories come to life against a backdrop of sophistication and relaxed charm. Amidst the lush greenery of the golf course and pines that dot the landscape, weddings take on a distinct aura of warmth and intimacy. Regardless of the scale of the event, the Harbor Pines team prides itself on bringing couples’ wedding visions to life.

As the seasons shift and love fills the air, Harbor Pines Golf Club prepares to unveil its latest transformation: a reimagined banquet room that can accommodate 250 guests. Set to be unveiled this spring, the redesigned classic chic space will boast a contemporary, open-concept design complemented by floor-to-ceiling windows offering sweeping views of the golf course. Every element of the reception is meticulously planned to ensure an

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unforgettable experience for both the couple and their guests.

The banquet space’s renovations are a pivotal component of a three-phase expansion plan. Stage one introduced a state-of-theart pro shop, while stage two unveiled The Roost, a vibrant bar and restaurant space that quickly garnered acclaim. Stage three is the revitalization of the banquet area, completing the transformation.

“Our commitment to excellence extends to ev-

ery detail, especially in our wedding and events banquet area,” says Mitchell Gurwicz, owner of Harbor Pines. “We wanted the expansion and renovations to reflect our dedication to creating timeless spaces where unforgettable moments are celebrated and cherished.”

What truly distinguishes Harbor Pines weddings is the exceptional service and meticulous attention to detail provided by the dedicated team. From the initial consultation to the final farewell, their commitment lies in ensuring that every moment is nothing short of extraordinary.

Director of Sales and Marketing and experienced wedding and event consultant, Debbie Stevenson feels a special connection to the position.

“With years of expertise, we prioritize making your day exceptional,” says Deb-

bie. “The positive feedback from our couples and their guests after each and every wedding reminds us why our space is so special.”

One of the most enchanting features of Harbor Pines weddings is the picturesque gazebo overlooking a serene pond and the well-manicured golf course—a scene reminiscent of a storybook setting.

Following the ceremony, guests can savor cocktails on the veranda, soaking in pristine sunset views. It’s the kind of scene that feels straight out of a fairytale—a perfect setting for saying “I do” and beginning a lifetime of love. For couples ready to embark on the journey to “happily ever after,” Harbor Pines Golf Club stands as an inviting option. With its rejuvenated spaces, warm ambiance, and picturesque surroundings, it’s the perfect place to begin a new chapter of life and love.

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Embracing Sustainability in Bridal Fashion: A Love Story with the Planet

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n the timeless journey of love, where vows are exchanged and dreams are woven into reality, there lies an opportunity to embrace sustainability as well. Dress to Impress offers a selection of designers who are not only dedicated to crafting exquisite bridal gowns but are also committed to preserving our planet for future generations.

One such designer leading the charge towards sustainable bridal fashion is Maggie Sottero.

From outer-shell recycled

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polyester to inner linings made from recycled polyester, every element of their gowns demonstrates their

dedication to a sustainable wedding industry.

Another esteemed bridal designer, Pronovias, has

also embraced the call for eco-friendly fashion with their campaign, #WeDoEco. From design to production, fitting to delivery, every step of the process is infused with a dedication to sustainability.

Dress to Impress also breathes new life into pre-loved gowns, ensuring that these beautiful gowns don't end up in landfills. Not only does this approach align with our commitment to sustainability, but it also provides an avenue for budget-minded brides to find their dream dress without compromising on style or quality.

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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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Put More You into Your Wedding Day

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wedding day is filled with symbolic tradition, from varied religious customs to the neverending 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 collec-

tion 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,

Professional Cinematography from sky to shore!

609-268-7044 24

AllianceVideo.com SPRING - SUMMER 2024

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. In-

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stead, 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.

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Nobil on the Bay is proud to present the Ocean City Yacht Club.

Please contact Bill McGinnity at (609) 457-7112 or at Bmcginnity@icloud.com for information.

www.nobilfoodservices.com • email: Bmcginnity@icloud.com (609)457-7112 • (609)822-3604

Here are some pointers to help make your wedding stand out and leave a lasting impression: 1. Identify your ideal wedding must-haves. Create a vision board, describe it in detail. Do you want a traditional wedding or are you looking for a unique and unconventional experience?

Once upon a time…

2. Are you looking for someone to implement all of your ideas and visions? Or are you a DIY person? If you don’t have time to do everything yourself, consider hiring a planner to help with organization. Clearly communicate your ideas to your partyologist: Someone who gets you and can execute your vision. Stress can bring out the bridezilla in anyone!

3. Budget! Have a realistic figure that includes your

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top 5 must-haves, then your wish list items, if there is any more room in the budget.

4. Have a partyologist book/obtain your 5 musthaves ASAP. They will make sure all things are secured.

5. Wedding planning experts know the ins and outs and can save you time, reduce stress, and help create a memorable experience.

6. This is a hard one.

Everyone will have advice for you. Welcome it all and know that you, the bride, will decide in the end.

7. Destination weddings are a bit different. In the shore area it’s great on a beautiful day, but weather can be an issue. Sometimes

plan B needs to be implemented and having a partyologist on call is important.

We are more resourceful than a planner and can do or find what is needed to fix any dilemma that may arise.

8. Timelines are important and addressing them

saves you stress and makes things easier.

9. Get plenty of beauty sleep. Don’t let the stress take control!

10. Just breathe. There is a chance something may not work according to plan no matter what!

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Make Your

Wedding Pop! Party FAVORS & WELCOME BAG TREATS

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Phone in Your Order at:

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Why do wedding services cost so much more than other events?

T

o find the answer, we turned to local wedding ex p e r t , Ke n Schaffer. Ken is an awardwinning, full-time DJ-MC, dedicated to excellence in the wedding industry.

Here’s Ken’s take as it relates to DJ Entertainment: Unlike a typical birthday party, graduation, or reunion where a popular neighborhood DJ may be sufficient, weddings are a big responsibility. The stakes are high, there are no second chances, and the pressure is on. When a wedding seamlessly flows from one special moment to

the next, chances are it was planned and executed by a professional with the right experience. If a DJ views his or her work as a “job”, that is not what you want for your special day. The best entertainers and vendors across the board are passionate. It’s a lifestyle and a commitment that includes many late nights, personal sacrifices and giving up family time and weekends when others are having fun.

It also includes consistently following trends and hours of preparation each week.

Weddings require much more planning, attention to detail and a high level of

skill and expertise. Quite frankly, they’re a lot of work, but a true professional is passionate and takes on the pressure and responsibility in stride. That type of dedication is a far cry from the abundance of average DJs who simply show up and play music. Along with expertise comes years of practice, understanding and mixing music, and a desire for continuing education through industry groups.

Much like good athletes, a desire and commitment to evolve and continually improve their skill set is what passionate DJs are all about.

Saying a DJ works just 6 hours on a Saturday is analogous to saying Tom Brady plays football for just a few hours on a Sunday afternoon. It’s not about the game. It’s about doing what it takes to be among the best of the best.

Part-time and side hustle DJs are cheaper, and for good reason. They’re not in demand, not properly equipped, and not experienced to handle many of the moving parts and nuances of a wedding. Anyone can push buttons in the digital age, but you’re investing in

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Begin your happily ever after with a waterfront view!

Two Mile Landing is e perfect venue for your wedding events. Offering indoor and outdoor spaces for engagement parres, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, and receppons.

For more informaaon visit our websii or email us at twomileinfo@@ecrabhouse.com

*Mention this ad while booking and receive a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine with an event of 25 guests or more. -exp 12/25

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SLB

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Drift Day Spa

The The Hard Hard Part Part Is I s N N Ging Ging Here…

Here…

It’s I t’s Leaving Leaving

Catch the Wave of Relaxation At Drift Day Spa

Full Spa services

Private Rooms Personalized services Bride- to- BePamper Packages

Drift Day Spa offers some of the best massage and facial therapies in South Jersey. Our highly skilled therapists are the best in their field. All extensively trained and prepared to pamper you! Come and enjoy our tranquil, cozy lounge with a cup of warm herbal tea. Stop in, take a deep breath, relax and enjoy. You deserve it!

Private Spa Parties great for Bachelorette Parties, Girlfriend Parties, Birthday and Celebrations

201 Tilton Road Suite 13A Northfield, NJ (609) 377-8175 www.DriftDaySpa.net

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an individual who is reliable, competent and articulate as an Emcee, representing you and offering a stress-free experience on your special day. A great DJ is not only a skilled audio-visual technician, but he or she is also a master of programming and a consummate student of music, always eager to learn more and study new trends. Mastering the best of all genres is a must to please the most diverse of audiences and that is part of your entertainment investment.

A true professional also knows that the conditions will never be perfect. He or she will always expect a curveball and their intuition to react without missing a beat is impeccable. This all comes with experience.

Simply put, the best of entertainers LOVE what they do and they’ve spent a lifetime honing their craft!

It’s a passion first, then a business, all in one. That’s the type of DJ you want representing you on such a momentous day. Considering that there are only 26 prime Saturdays annually and 80% of couples choose those dates, supply and demand are a major factor in seasonal pricing.

There’s such a difference when you find the RIGHT entertainer who can capture your vision, execute it with precision and create special moments and memories that will truly last a lifetime.

Most couples have never hired a DJ before, so the process of choosing one can be daunting. According

Christine's Italian Pastry Shoppe Everything from your Engagement to Your Special Day! Ask about our gluten-free products!

(609) 646-5666 314/316 Tilton Rd. Northfield NJ Across from Tilton Movies

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to Wedding Wire, over 80% of couples polled after their wedding would place much more emphasis on the quality of their entertainment if they understood the complete role and importance of their DJ and wedding host when planning.

When a great wedding has a consistent level of positive energy on the dance floor, you can be sure that an experienced professional is in control!

Here are a few facts to consider when hiring a professional: ● Many hours are invested to fully learn, understand, and deliver your vision with perfection.

On average, a wedding is not a “6-hour” assignment. It’s 10-20 hours of planning and preparation, plus a 12-hour day with multiple systems, lighting, and other features to set up, manage and break down. Your wedding professional is investing an average of 32 hours into you and your guests having the

time of their life! In addition, they are sacrificing their weekends and holidays so clients can celebrate. ● Nothing is taken for granted and a reputation for competence and reliability is essential. Check reviews thoroughly! ● Your DJ will set the entire tone for your celebration, so hiring a professional with a proven track record is essential. ● A competent DJ effectively reads the crowd, programs the right music, and respects the parameters given to reflect your personal style and taste. He or she also acts as a filter for you, taking requests, if applicable, and deciding what is and isn’t appropriate to please the majority of guests. ● A professional offers guidance, suggestions and support during the entire planning process.

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properly equipped DJ offers total flexibility and provisions for all the “what-ifs” that may become a reality.

Preparation and having backup provisions are all essential. ● Aesthetics matter and an elegant presentation to impress your guests is a must. ● A professional is insured. This is VERY important as your venue will require a certificate of insurance and that is often requested closer to your wedding date.

Ask about this in your very first discussion. ● Professionals purchase their music from high quality, legal sources and they often have specialty versions of music

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that less experienced DJs will not provide. All of this takes time and an investment made by the DJ. They’ll also have a complete backup of your entire day on a local hard drive, ready to go. You do NOT want a DJ who relies on online sources for their music.

Wifi is not always available or reliable! ● Full-Time Professionals work regularly, offer references and remain relevant. There’s a reason they are recommended by venues and other professionals. A team of vendors is only as strong as the weakest link and the best photographers, videographers, DJs and venues know and respect this, so they tend to recommend one another.

A great DJ is flexible, and he or she will dedicate the time necessary to ensure your satisfaction. He or she will adapt to any situation with one goal in mind… making sure your wedding is a success. Choosing your wedding DJ – MC will be one of the most impactful decisions you’ll make.

Ask all the right questions and choose wisely. Rather than compare price to performance hours, consider the full package and commitment your professional is offering. Find someone you’re comfortable with as this will be an incredibly important decision and essentially a working partnership from the planning stage to the last dance of the evening.

Ken Schaffer is a lifelong, dedicated wedding

professional. He can also be heard on Wibbage FM 94.3. 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 can be found entertaining regularly at weddings and corporate events. He’s been awarded the prestigious “Best of The Knot” designation 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 on most social media platforms.

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NORTHFIELD - SOMERS POINT MAYS LANDING - VENTNOR

Ken@KenSchafferEntertainment.com

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