What Kind of Photo Booth Should You Hire For Your Event?

Nowadays there are so many choices in photo booths, it can be hard to know which would be best suited to your specific needs/wants. Let us help by walking you through today’s most popular photo booth experience options, and why they might be a good fit for your event! Also, if you’re planning a party in the New Jersey area, we’d be happy to answer your questions, so reach out! There’s even a request for information form right on our website. But, now, onto the photo booth info!

Mirror Photo Booth

What’s a mirror photo booth, you ask?! Well, it’s really just as it sounds, a full, floor length mirror in a beautiful gold gilded frame, that also happens to be a photo booth! The camera and guts of the booth are all behind a thick pane of one way glass, allowing your guests to see exactly how the photos will turn out, while fun animations lead them through the whole process. It’s also handy for giving your outfit a quick once over, or reapplying lipstick in a pinch. If the process of the Mirror Booth still isn’t clear, we have multiple videos on our website where you can see a mirror photo booth in action! Truly, whenever it goes out, people rave about it!

Lounge Or Open Air Photo Booths

A Lounge or Open Air photo booth is a great option when you want to have large groups in the booth at one time. Both Lounge and Open Air booths allow for groups of up to 12 guests, meaning both options allow lots of space for a LOT of fun inside the booth, and the prints will be available almost instantly once the session is complete! The main difference between the two is that the Lounge Booth is a private enclosed space including a customized backdrop, and the lounge photo booth open to the party, but also comes with its own custom backdrop. Both booths create truly beautiful photos, so the choice comes down to preference! If you want to see a demonstration, there is a video of the Lounge Photo Booth in action, right on our website!

Social Booth

A Social Booth is an all-digital photo booth, set up to take pictures just like a regular photo booth as well as being able to animate them into fun GIFs and Boomerangs for your guests to enjoy. Kind of like a modern day flip-book, you guests will love seeing themselves in action! Also, Social Booths come with a ton of available filter options and are easily shared to your guests via text or email! A Social Booth is a great option for anyone looking for something different than a traditional photo booth, for party venues with space restrictions, or for parties with budget constraints. If you have questions, you can see it in action on our sister Snapshot Photobooth Instagram @hellosnapshot

360 Spin Photo Booth

You might be asking yourself, what exactly is a 360 Spin Photo Booth?! Well it’s a slow-motion 360 degree video experience! How it works is, you step up and pose on an elevated platform while the camera slowly spins around you, catching every angle! If you have a tech-savvy crowd looking, or a group that’s looking for something different than a traditional booth, this option could be for you! And, you can see it in action right on our website.

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Surprise Wedding Costs and How to Navigate Them

Weddings are among the most expensive life events, and really the sky’s the limit on how much you can spend. But, when you’re deciding how much to spend and how much money to allocate to certain things, it’s important to also prepare for unanticipated wedding expenses. There are actually quite a few unforeseen costs involved in hosting a wedding that you might not have given a second thought.

The Wedding License

While many couples focus on the ceremony itself, it’s important to remember that the legally binding part of your marriage is your actual wedding license. You’ll need to give yourself enough time to apply for, pay for and complete your marriage license. While fees vary by location, a marriage license typically costs between $50 and $100, not a huge amount, but you want to include it in your budget.

Permits

If you’re planning on hosting your wedding at your home, at a local park, or even on a beach, you may need to apply for a permit with the town or township where your wedding will occur. Generally the cost to obtain a permit is typically low, around $50, but the cost can increase to $250+ depending on your state and where you are planning on hosting your wedding. And, no, it’s not in your best interest to not apply for a permit! The relatively low cost of the permit comes with the peace of mind, to be able to legally host your guests in your chosen locale without fear that authorities may put a stop to the festivities.

Wedding Insurance

Wedding insurance policies typically cost under $100 and can increase from there. But…Without a doubt, the cost is worth it! Wedding insurance policies typically include General Liability Insurance, which is often the main requirement that venues may insist on, in order to host your event. Your wedding Insurance protects your venue from a lawsuit if any of your guests get injured (highly unlikely, but it’s best to plan for every possibility). Policies also offer you financial protection for any property damage to a venue during an event (again, we know this is highly unlikely but has been known to happen). Sometimes policies even include wedding cancellation provisions that will help to protect the financial investment you have made into your wedding, in case of any unforeseen mishaps.

Postage… Yes, Postage

This shouldn’t come as a surprise, but it’s often an easily overlooked wedding expense! Many couples forget to factor the cost of invitation postage into their wedding budget. Not to mention the cost of mailing out save the dates and thank you cards after the big day. Also, wedding invitations often cost more to mail because they typically weigh more, or are a different size or shape than traditional mail, which also increases postage cost. Make sure to keep this in mind when budgeting for your overall stationery total.

Meals for the Vendors

When you’re totaling up the final RSVPs to get a final headcount, make sure you don’t forget to add in the vendors who’ll be at the event. Typically your vendors are considered guests in terms of your total headcount and they will require a meal. Your wedding planner, photographer, videographer and entertainment are vendors who are often on-site for the full wedding day or reception and it is expected that they will receive a meal. After all, no one does their best work hungry and you don’t want your vendors to have to go offsite to grab dinner.

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SCE Wedding Highlight: Miami Dolphin Wedding

We know we always say this, but we have some pretty awesome wedding clients. Just recently we had the ultimate honor of working with Miami Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki and his fiancé (now wife) Halle Proper! 

The Happy Couple  

Originally from Jersey, Mike and Halle met and fell in love during their time at Penn State University. While they both currently reside in Florida, they wanted to have their wedding in their home state of New Jersey so that friends and family could easily attend.  

The Venue 

If you’ve ever been to a wedding at The Ashford Estate, you know that this Allentown-based venue is unlike any other… Set upon hundreds of acres of preserved farmland, the expansive estate is a balanced blend of quaint and sophisticated. It features a barn chapel for onsite ceremonies, a conservatory for cocktail hour, exquisite accommodations for the wedding party and a magnificent reception ballroom. In essence, the sprawling property is equipped with all the makings for an extravagant celebration. 

We were thrilled that Mike and Halle chose this stunning property for their big day! The Ashford Estate was the perfect option for their extensive guest list, onsite ceremony and need for a centrally-located destination.   

Event Enhancements 

We were honored that this happy couple chose us at SCE Event Group to help carry out their matrimonial vision! Like most couples, these two wanted to throw the party of a lifetime. For us, that meant taking the reception to the next level with our top-of-the-line event enhancements. 

We worked with the newlyweds to create custom production services that matched the energy and vibe of their celebration. Mike and Halle’s add-ons included: lighting solutions, spark fountains and live performances from a drummer and saxophone player. 

Check out the video below to see some highlights from the big day! 

Soundscape

If you can’t tell from the video, there was never a dull moment at Mike and Halle’s reception. These guests knew how to party! Halle and Mike wanted an energetic, danceable playlist for their celebration – so we were sure to blast a mix of 2000’s, today’s top hits and classics. In homage to the couple’s shared collegiate experience, we even made sure the Penn State Zombie Nation anthem made its way over the sound system… 

Let’s Make Your Day Happen! 

Ready to throw a party as epic as Mike and Halle’s? With our team at SCE Event Group, anything is possible. From our à la carte event enhancements to our full-time professional DJs, we have the creativity and resources to give you the wedding of your dreams! 

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Jason Jani’s Top 52 First Dance Songs

So you’ve found “the one” but now you have to find that other “one” – the perfect first dance song. 

Your first dance is one of the most intimate and personal moments of your wedding reception. Finding a danceable, memorable song that embodies your relationship can be an overwhelming undertaking, especially given the seemingly endless array of options. Lucky for you, we’ve made the process a bit easier and compiled a list of Jason Jani’s top 52 first dance songs (in no particular order). From classics to country, this list is sure to have a hit for you and your loved one! 

 

Top 52 First Dance Songs for 2022

 

1. “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” by Elvis Presley, covered by Haley Reinhart
2. “I Get to Love You,” by Roulle
3. “Speechless,” by Dan & Shay
4. “You are the Best Thing,” by Ray LaMontagne 
5. “Then,” by Brad Paisley 
6. “First Day of My Life,” by Bright Eyes 
7. “Perfect Duet,” by Ed Sheeran, Beyoncé 
8. “Wonderful Tonight,” by Eric Clapton 
9. “XO,” by John Mayer 
10. “Beautiful Crazy,” by Luke Combs 
11. “All of Me,” by John Legend 
12. “Beyond,” by Leon Bridges 
13. “Yours,” by Russell Dickerson 
14. “Crazy Love,” by Van Morrison 
15. “Make You Feel My Love,” by Adele 
16. “You and Me,” by Lifehouse 
17. “I Won’t Give Up,” by Jason Mraz 
18. “I’ll Be,” by Edwin McCain 
19. “A Thousand Years,” by Christina Perri 
20. “Forever Like That,” by Ben Rector 
21. “Lover,” by Taylor Swift 
22. “God Gave Me You,” by Blake Shelton 
23. “You Make it Easy,” Jason Aldean 
24. “Into the Mystic,” by Van Morrison 
25. “I Am Yours,” by Andy Grammar 
26. “Amazed,” by Lonestar 
27. “In Case You Didn’t Know,” by Brett Young 
28. “Let’s Stay Together,” by Al Green 
29. “Marry Me,” by Train 
30. “Say You Won’t Let Go,” by James Arthur 
31. “Better Together,” by Luke Combs
32. “Die a Happy Man,” by Thomas Rhett 
33. “Thinking Out Loud,” by Ed Sheeran 
34. “At Last,” by Etta James 
35. “Your Song,” by Elton John 
36. “The One,” by Kodaline 
37. “You Are The Reason,” by Calum Scott 
38. “Lucky,” by Jason Mraz 
39. “Tenerife Sea,” by Ed Sheeran 
40. “I Don’t Dance,” by Lee Brice 
41. “Conversations in the Dark,” by John Legend 
42. “Bless the Broken Road,” by Rascal Flatts 
43. “How Long Will I Love You,” Ellie Goulding 
44. “You Make My Dreams Come True,” by Daryl Hall & John Oates 
45. “I Choose You,” by Sara Bareilles 
46. “Tennessee Whiskey,” by Chris Stapleton 
47. “Wanted,” by Hunter Hayes 
48. “Unchained Melody,” by The Righteous Brothers  
49. “Better Together,” by Jack Johnson 
50. “The Luckiest,” by Ben Folds
51. “One Man Band,” by  Old Dominion
52. “Falling like the Stars,” by James Arthur 

Access the full Spotify playlist here!

 

Still Can’t Decide? 

Don’t limit yourself to this list! Find a song that speaks to you and your significant other. At SCE Event Group we can find the perfect version of your song (be it acoustic, unplugged, covered), to fit your special day. We’ll work with you, provide suggestions and even offer production services to ensure the song fits the vibe of your wedding. Whether that’s “deconstructing” the tune or adding enhancements (like special lighting, fog or snow), our seasoned entertainment professionals can help heighten your first dance with unique, personal touches. 

Contact us today to learn more about our event enhancements and wedding reception services!

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Wedding Traditions – Which to Embrace, Which To Do Without?

When it comes to weddings, there are a lot of expectations, and traditions, but ultimately you get to decide which ones to embrace, and which ones you believe need to be left in the past. Let’s explore some of the traditions surrounding weddings, as well as the modern interpretations of them. After all, you want to make sure your big day is truly reflective of you and your partner and the values you share as a couple… not simply an ode to the past! It’s good to explore some of these wedding traditions as a couple, to see how you both feel and what your expectations are for your big day!

Wearing A White Wedding Dress

Traditional white wedding dresses are beautiful, but they’re not everyone’s cup of tea. So, if you want to wear a sapphire lace gown, or a sparkly pink pantsuit, who says that you can’t? 

We personally feel that you should wear whatever will make you feel like a million bucks and reflect the magnificence that is you!

Having A Bridal Party

Apparently, Roman law used to state that ten witnesses needed to be present at a wedding.  Which is where the idea of a bridal party is said to have originated, but If you’re concerned about hurting feelings by choosing one friend over another, or you really just don’t want a bridal party, then feel free to skip it! The choice is ultimately yours. And, if you’ve always wanted a bridal party  – maybe even a large one – they don’t necessarily have to wear matching outfits. You’re free to do whatever is best for you and your sweetheart!

Subtle And Understated Is Best

Many brides are advised to avoid statement jewelry and bright red lips, under the guise of ‘less is more’, but maybe you’re more of a maximalist than a minimalist. If that’s the case, embrace it! Wear that bold necklace, rock those chandelier earrings, don that five alarm shade of red for your lips and nails. The most important thing about your wardrobe for the day is that it truly feels like you! Subtle and subdued, go for it! Over the top, embrace it! 

Bouquet  And Garter Toss

If the thought of single friends trying to find love by lining up to catch the bouquet or garter makes you uncomfortable, feel free to skip it! You could istead, offer up your wedding bouquet (or one custom made for this purpose) to the couple in the room who has been married the longest. You could even gift the bouquet to your parents or in-laws, recognizing all they’ve done to get the two of you to this special day. And, if you think that bouquet and garter tosses are awesome, then embrace it fully! The choice is yours!

Traditional Gift Registries

Many modern couples no longer feel the need to ask for “traditional” gifts like casserole dishes and fine china. Many couples live together before the wedding, and if they don’t already live together, then often they’ll end up having two of everything when they merge their households!  That truly makes for a lot of ‘stuff’! Alternative gifts can include charitable registries where couples can denote a specific cause (or causes) they support, or perhaps the gift of experiences for the newlyweds, or maybe simply a beautiful card with cash that can be used towards their wedding, or to start their new life together. But, if you have your heart set on a 12 place setting of gorgeous bone china, then do it! It is your wedding after all!

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Is Your Party On Point? Exploring The Biggest Wedding Trends of 2022

With the continued easing of Covid-19 restrictions, weddings are beginning to look a lot more like their pre-Covid counterparts. But what’s changed over the last 2 years!? Well, for starters, couples are suddenly much more aware how precious time with family members and friends is, and they want their weddings to be a celebration of this togetherness. As such, couples in 2022 are looking for ways to create a day that’s highly unique, creative, personal and fun! Many couples have been featuring standout, unexpected elements to charm their guests and create a truly memorable, personal experience that will be remembered for many years to come!

Garden Party Weddings

There has been a dramatic increase in weddings at venues with private, some might say enchanted’ gardens! Many couples have embraced the outdoor wedding trend over the last two years, and this summer is no exception. This summer wedding season is sure to feature many weddings in exquisite greenery-filled outdoor spaces. Outdoor/garden weddings do involve a higher degree of planning and are of course more weather dependent, but, they also provide a unique opportunity to exert greater control over the look, feel and flow of the day, and – if you’re lucky- go on partying as late as you like!

Weekday Weddings

There were so many Covid postponements in the 2020 and 2021 wedding seasons, so that means there’s a huge surplus of weddings in the 2022 season, and we couldn’t be happier! All of that means a lot less weekend availability at most of the venues in the area. So… why not tie the knot on a weekday?! While it’s true that weekday weddings require a little more effort from your guests, many couples have been happy to reap the benefits, which often include cheaper rates and better availability in terms of venues and vendors. Just be sure to give lots of lead time for people to book time off of work!

Destination Style Weddings

Close to Home: Many couples have dreamed of a destination wedding, but are still hesitant to plan one due to the continuing uncertainty around travel, and want to take their guests’ travel comfort level into account while planning their big day. You’ll be relieved to hear that you can create the look and feel (but, maybe not the weather!) of a wedding abroad in a venue right in your own backyard! From luscious Tuscany inspired weddings, to Moroccan lounge weddings, to Ibiza ultra-glam weddings, couples are embracing the challenge of recreating some of the magic and experience of a destination wedding. They are working with their planners to create authentic, immersive and transformative experiences for their guests, with the addition of world-inspired menus, fabrics, music, scents, and flowers. Sounds dreamy!

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Luxury Wedding Venues in NYC

When it comes to planning your wedding and choosing your venue in one of the greatest cities in the world, there are quite a few factors that will dictate where and when you wed. Your biggest deciding factors (aside from budget) are likely to be, location, style, and capacity. But, what if you have your heart set on a wedding that looks like it’s from a rom-com movie set, or right out of the New York Times Vows section, or straight out of your champagne and caviar dreams? If that’s the aesthetic you’re hoping for, where should you consider to say “I do!”

Well, we’ve compiled a short list of some of the swankiest, poshest and more storybook venues in the big apple!

• The Plaza Hotel

The Plaza is most famous for it’s Grand Ballroom, which has hosted an untold amount of events over the last century, and for their Terrace Room with its splendid and impressive crystal chandelier.  If you have a large guestlist, don’t fret, as The Grand Ballroom can host 1000 people for a standing cocktail style event or 500 people for sit-down dinner. The Plaza has also hosted a great deal of the most important political conferences, the most lavish galas and the most exclusive parties ever to take place in NYC. 

• The Rainbow Room

Located at the ‘Top Of The Rock’ at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, this venue hosts views that rival that of the Empire State Building, with sweeping 180-degree views of the NYC Skyline. Some might even say the views are better from the ‘Top Of The Rock’, than at the Empire State Building, a polarizing discussion for New Yorkers, to be sure! 

The Rainbow Room is a gorgeous space, with huge windows, impressive chandeliers, and a beautiful and intricate dance floor. The Rainbow Room has a serious commitment to quality, style and glamor, and has been host to some of the most iconic events the city has ever seen! 

• 620 Loft and Garden

Want to get married right in the heart of NYC? 620 Loft and Garden at The Rockefeller Center might be right for you. The 620 Loft and Garden boasts, wall-to-wall windows that flood the interior with natural light while offering views of the Prometheus statue, 5th Avenue, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Channel Gardens, and Radio City Music Hall. The interior is an extraordinary and fully customizable loft space, and outside, the gorgeously manicured roof-top garden will make an exceptional backdrop for your event and photos! 

• The Museum of Natural History

This venue is a bit different from the rest of the list, but a venue doesn’t have to be conventional to be beautiful or luxurious! Ever wanted to sip cocktails with dinosaurs, dine with a 94-foot-long model of a blue whale, or dance under a huge planetarium projection? If so, you have to check out the Museum of Natural History! With 4 different event spaces to choose from, able to host events for groups of all sizes (from 350-1500 guests), and each space with an entirely different character, you’ll be able to plan the over-the-top wedding of your dreams!

• Gotham Hall

Gotham Hall is an iconic Midtown event space that features a 9,000 square-foot Grand Ballroom with 70-foot ceilings, dramatic decor lighting, and a gorgeous stained-glass skylight! When you host your wedding at Gotham Hall, you will be led through the experience by their experienced in-house event coordinators, who will make your wedding distinctive and iconic, whether you’re hosting an elaborate celebration or something a little more intimate. And, since Gotham Hall only hosts one event at a time, you can be sure to have the full attention!

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