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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Why You Absolutely Need to Dance at Your Wedding!

Everyone is There For You!

True story! They are there because of their love for you! Imagine… It’s your wedding day, and you’re surrounded by your nearest and dearest family and friends. Every person there has been selected carefully by you and your sweetie to share in one of the absolute biggest days of your lives! All eyes are on you, and you get the privilege of setting the tone and vibe of your celebration. You and your sweetheart can consider yourself the ringmasters of your wedding circus! After all, you have painstakingly selected every detail, right down to the guest list and playlist, and now it’s time to enjoy it, while ensuring that everyone else enjoys it too! 

Want your wedding to be one for the history books? A momentous occasion that brings a smile to people’s faces for years to come? Then it’s up to you and your beloved to make it happen! No pressure necessary, because it really is easier than you think! We Promise!

Not a Dry Eye in the Place!

Maybe being the center of attention isn’t really your thing, maybe you prefer to be more of a background player. That may be, and that may work for you in other scenarios, but that’s not really an option at your wedding! Everyone that is in attendance loves the two of you, is simply happy to be included, and wants to witness your happiness personally! They’ve chosen to spend the day with you, when they could literally be doing anything else!

Your guests want to see your first dance! It doesn’t matter to them whether it’s traditional, or more adventurous! Maybe you want to go all the way and choreograph a complicated dance routine, maybe you don’t. Whatever you decide, they are there to see YOU, they are not there to criticize your dancing! Trust us! With our abundance of experience, we know what we’re talking about! You can decide just how far you want to take your first dance, but for the love of all that’s good and pure… get up on the dancefloor

Strut Your Stuff on The Dancefloor!

Some of the most enduring memories and moments of your wedding will happen after all the official business of the day is complete! Everyone is ready to get up, celebrate and let loose after all the big emotion of the day! 

But, the thing is, if you and your sweetheart want a happening party at your wedding, you need to get your behinds up on the dancefloor! You are the guests of honor after all, and if you’re dancing, your guests will join you out there! Ultimately, they came to spend the day celebrating you two and your love story! And, there’s a special kind of alchemy that occurs when you’re dancing with a big group of loved ones. Today is your day, and  you have a unique, and maybe never to be repeated, group of Grandparents, Parents, Aunts, Cousins, and friends! So get out there and make some memories! These are just the kinds of memories that become more valuable in time! You can’t get this day back, so dance!

Close your eyes and picture it! The DJ’s lights are shining and spinning brightly, your favorite music is playing, the dance floor is full of loved ones that are all dressed in their best, everybody’s bodies are swaying, bopping and bouncing to the beat, and everyone has a big smile on their happy faces! Pretty gosh darn special, right? 

The Sprinkles on Top of Your Sundae

Weddings are monumental events that change people’s lives, and expand their families in multiple directions, and we feel that it’s always a privilege to be invited, and you should treat your day with no less reverence! Going with the analogy of an ice cream sundae… if your whole wedding is the sundae, we consider the dance to be the colored sprinkles on top! Never an afterthought, but a meaningful element that contributes a marvelous little something, some flair and hopefully some delicious memories… if you will. So, all that being said, if you want that little something special, those sprinkles on top of that sundae… you NEED to get up and dance!!

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Jason Jani’s Top Wedding Venues: Park Château Estate and Gardens

Finding a venue to host one of the biggest days of your life can be a daunting endeavor. With my latest series “Jason Jani’s Top Wedding Venues,” I’m here to help you wade through the seemingly endless roster of wedding venues in New Jersey to find that perfect fit. First on my list? One of SCE’s all-time favorites: Park Château Estate and Gardens. 

Elegant Facilities  

One look at our footage from a night at the Park Château and it’s not exactly shocking that the French-inspired manse is one of the most stunning wedding venues in New Jersey. Situated on 15, sprawling acres of lush land, the massive estate is something out of a European fairytale. The venue’s aesthetic brings an element of classic refinery to your day of matrimony. Around every corner await opulent treasures: glistening chandeliers, priceless antiques, silver place settings and so much more. 

Spaces for Indoor and Outdoor Ceremonies 

Couples can take advantage of the Park Château’s flawless landscape with a beautiful outdoor ceremony beside the manicured gardens and picturesque pond. Not ready to brave the elements? Leave your wedding out of Mother Nature’s hands! Elect to have your ceremony at the estate’s chic, private chapel, just steps from the main house. 

Impeccable Service

The Park Château Estate and Gardens is one of the most sought after wedding venues in New Jersey for reasons beyond its luxurious architecture and sprawling landscape: the service. 

I can’t stress enough how important (and underrated) venue service is on your wedding day. Poor management and sloppy execution can bring the festivities to a grinding halt. With over 30 years of experience, the attentive, professional staff members at Park Château make sure you get hitched, without a hitch. I mean… wedding guests are literally greeted in the foyer by white-gloved servers distributing flutes of champagne. It doesn’t get much classier than that. 

Central Location 

As far as geography goes, you don’t get much better than Park Château Estate and Gardens. Located in East Brunswick, New Jersey, the venue is an ideal midway point for wedding guests in the tristate area. Situated about an hour from both New York City and Philadelphia, the Park Château’s central location is convenient for folks near and far. 

Potential to Party 

At SCE, we like to go all out on your wedding day. After all… it’s your wedding day. Park Château Estate and Gardens allows us to do just that. There’s no shortage of space in the venue’s expansive ballroom. An ample dance floor and high ceilings allow you to take advantage of our premium services: SCE fusion, cold spark fountains, dancing on the clouds, CO2 blasts, custom lightscaping, monogram projections, photo booths, indoor snow, media screens and other live features.    

Ready to see more of the Park Château Estate and Gardens? Follow us on social media to browse photos and clips of this spectacular, full-service property. Keep an eye out for more of my top wedding venues in New Jersey!

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LGBTQ Anthems That Will Make Your Event Feel Inclusive, and Why That’s Important!

The LGBTQ Community and Music, A Long History

When it comes down to it, music and the LGBTQ+ Community can be described as synonymous! Over the years, lyricism and song content have been used to express the frustration, anxiety, hope and joy associated with non-normative sexual and gender identities.

Music truly offers marginalized groups a vehicle for freedom of expression, which is both socially accepted and is accessible to be enjoyed by everyone, helping to foster tolerance and understanding. But even more than that… It’s where a lot of the very best songs have come from!

Does it Really Matter if Your Event is Inclusive?

Our Answer to that question is a resounding yes! For starters, it is simply the right thing to do as well as being a way to extend your values into your event. Making your event inclusive improves the experience for all of your guests, which is always a good thing. It’s also easier to achieve than you may think!

Everyone Should Feel Welcome on the Dance Floor

After all, dance is a universal language as well as a great equalizer. People from all different walks of life and experience can come together on the dance floor, with everyone adding their own special way of moving and grooving to the mix. After all, it’s the differences between us that make life colorful and interesting! Wouldn’t life be boring if we were all exactly the same?!

Now onto the Music!

Here’s a short list of LGBTQ anthems, as well as being great songs, that’ll be sure to pack the dance floor:

“All the Lovers”, Kylie Minogue

“Freedom!”, George Michael

“Walk on the Wild Side”, Lou Reed

“Raise Your Glass”, Pink

“Take Me, or Leave Me”, From the musical “Rent”

“Vogue”, Madonna

“True Colors”, Cyndi Lauper

“I’m Coming Out!”, Diana Ross

“Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” lil Nas X

“Smalltown Boy”, Bronski Beat

“Supermodel (You Better Work)”, RuPaul

“Follow Your Arrow”, Kacey Musgraves

“Go West”, Pet Shop Boys

“Brave”, Sara Bareilles

“Dancing Queen”, ABBA

“Firework”, Katy Perry

“I want to Break Free”, Queen

“Born This Way”, Lady Gaga

“Rebel Girl”, Bikini Kill

“Grace Kelly”, Mika

“It’s Raining Men”, The Weather Girls

A Few Easy Changes, For Big Results

Adding music that will appeal to everyone is a great step, but there is another small thing you can do that will really help bump up the inclusivity of your event! Our small, but impactful  change is using gender neutral terms, instead of gender specific terms when addressing your guests. Ladies and Gentlemen can easily transform into Distinguished Guests. Hey Guys can be changed to Hi Folks, Hey Friends or Hi Y’all! Making those few small changes in your language, doesn’t detract from your event, and will likely make some guests in your group feel right at home! Sounds like a win-win to us!

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How to Plan (and Rock) a Virtual Wedding

According to a worldwide survey, around 82 percent of weddings set to take place in April 2020 were postponed. While the COVID-19 pandemic forced couples across the world to waylay their marital plans, a whole new style of celebration was born for the folks who simply couldn’t wait: the virtual wedding. At SCE Event Group, we’ve hosted our fair share of remote celebrations in the last two years. Seeing as we’re basically experts in the area, here’s a little guide on how to plan and rock a virtual wedding! 

1. Hire SCE

The first step for planning your virtual wedding is kind of a no-brainer: hire SCE Event Group. As your one-stop shop for DJing, event enhancements and photo booth services, we can tailor our offerings to fit your big day. Planning an in-person, virtual or an in-person/virtual hybrid celebration? We have the experience, creativity and resources to make it happen. 

2. Choose Your Venue Wisely

Our next piece of advice for the virtual wedding planner is to choose your venue wisely. Whether you’re hosting an intimate backyard wedding or a massive banger, make sure the space you choose has proper reception and WIFI capabilities. Visit the venue ahead of time to get a better understanding of their virtual services. Notify them of your unique plans and see if you can coordinate with their management team in advance! 

3. Hire a Great Wedding Photographer 

Sure, your virtual wedding might not be the most conventional, but that makes it all the more memorable! Spend some time researching industry photographers and videographers who have experience capturing unique, virtual events so that your day can be properly documented. 

4. Live-Stream Everything 

Give your virtual guests an authentic, in-person experience by bringing the party to their televisions! You can work with us at SCE Event Group to set up devices at various vantage points and stream everything: the ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, dances, toasts and speeches. The more camera angles, the more interactive and enjoyable for your long-distance guests. 

At a recent wedding, our bride’s father was on lockdown in New Zealand and couldn’t attend his own daughter’s big day. We worked with the bride and her father to coordinate a live-stream so that he could be included in all of the festivities. The results were nothing short of amazing. With the help of an immersive stereo system and broadcast streaming tools, it felt like the remote guests were right there at the party with us. Check out the video below for a little glimpse of this unique wedding! 

5. Don’t Skip the Dancing 

We all know that dancing is the best part about pretty much any wedding… Just because yours is virtual doesn’t mean you have to miss out! At SCE, we’ve hosted enough live-stream celebrations to know that anything is possible, including a dance party. Make sure you have a camera or two pointed at the dance floor so virtual guests are in on the action. They can have their own little dance parties right in their living rooms! 

At SCE Event Group, we can adapt to nearly any hurdle, including a global pandemic. To learn more about our services and how we can help you plan your virtual wedding, contact us at (888) 278-0900. 

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