How to Tell People That They (or Their Kids) Aren’t Invited to Your Wedding

Oh boy! This is one of the most nerve wracking parts of planning a wedding! I can’t tell you just how frustrating the wedding invitation guilt trips can be! And, it can come from seemingly nice people! Maybe it comes from Linda in the cubicle next to you at work, or from Ricky who whips up your latte and small talks with you every morning, or maybe even from your absolute favorite cousin, the one you grew up playing Barbie or Gi Joes with, and although you don’t talk much anymore, you know the general gist of their life because Facebook.

Phase One: The first thing you should do

The first thing you should do in war…I mean, wedding planning is to anticipate the enemy…I mean, friends and family reaching out after you get engaged! I’m sure your notifications totally blew up with that engagement photo, and that’s a good thing! After all, people are genuinely happy for you, but it’s a good time to remind yourself that the internet is not a closed room, and it can be easy to forget how many real friends you actually have!

These friends are now part of your journey, and you’ve invited them there. So you may want to consider limiting your audience either by purging your friends list or simply limiting the number of posts you share on wedding planning because every post is an invitation for a comment on the matter!

You can also quiet down the crowds by sending save the dates, but for all that is holy do not add “and guest” to your envelopes, unless you really mean it! I see you there, trying to be warm and accommodating, but that often comes back to haunt you, and it’s something that can be prevented. So, send your save the dates to only the names of the people you are extending an invitation to. If you’re not sure, don’t add them to the list. If you change your mind later, you can absolutely still send them an invite! Better safe than sorry, believe me.

Phase Two: Get Real

Okay, so now we’ve passed the time for save the dates, and your invitations are being designed and prepared for mailing. This is a crucial time to set the expectations of your guests, as invitations are there to communicate everything they’ll need to know about your wedding, and who is going to be invited is a key component.

First step: On your envelopes, address the names of the guests invited. Don’t want your brother bringing a random? Invite his boyfriend by name. Don’t want kids at your wedding? Invite only Mr. and Mrs. Johnson. This is the first indication of who is invited to a wedding.

Step two, tactic B: Design your RSVP cards with space to write in the number of seats you are extending to this person, eg. 2 seat(s) have been reserved in your honor. We do this often to limit the number of cheeky guests that try to add a name to the RSVP. 

Phase Three: Invitations are About to Go Out the Door.

The envelopes are sealed and addressed, you’ve allowed at least 4 weeks for RSVP collection and think, “”this is it! I’m really in it now!”

This is the time that people will start to text you/call you/email/ig/slide into your DMs with (hopefully) “Oh my god, these are the best invitations ever!” And, you’ll be smitten with your invitation reception because for once, you feel SOMEONE is just as excited as you about your wedding! 

Then one afternoon, you hear the facebook message ding. Or maybe it happens as your coffee crosses the counter “So, when am I getting my invite?” Awkward. There is a way to play this off and prevent a total meltdown.

First things first! Yes. It is absolutely R-U-D-E to ask for an invitation. But it doesn’t stop people from doing it. And mostly, it’s because, well, they like you (and who can blame them), and want to be part of the cool kids club. They think your wedding is going to be epic, (and it will be!) and they want to be part of it.

So–what can you say that will diffuse the situation without looking like a jerk! Try this: In a nonchalant humorous tone say, “Ha! As soon as I claim my lotto winnings, I can barely afford to invite myself!” And, they will laugh, and you will laugh, and then you casually slink out of there without further comment! 

Because here’s a secret, they probably don’t realize how expensive it is for each guest that attends a wedding if they’re asking you this. If they did, they would know not to say boo. Hopefully they get the hint here, but if they don’t, you can default to your size limitations.

Phase 4: When you thought all was going well

By this point you feel like you’ve really done it and are coming to the home stretch, then you get a message that says–”Hey I got your invitation, but I noticed that the kids weren’t part of the invite, does that mean they’re not invited”

And, technically, not getting an invite literally means you are not invited, but you might need to prepare a response like “While we believe children are a blessing and a joy, please take this night to enjoy yourselves. Our wedding is adults only”

BAM. It doesn’t get much clearer than that. 

You can even include this on an insert card with your reception information if you want to prevent these outcries altogether. And if it’s included in the invitation and you still get the above message? Copy and paste darling, copy and paste, and stick to your guns!

While we understand that for some people excluding kids from your wedding will come as an insult, the choice is ultimately up to you! And, if you’re one of the last of your friend group to tie the knot, including a dozen or more entire families might just break your budget! So set your priorities then stick with them!

And, truthfully, unless the kids in question are very close family (i.e. your only nieces and nephews), having them there might not enhance your day. But, on the other hand, if you’ve always imagined a dance floor of little ones dancing the night away, then invite away! It’s your day to do things your way! Period!

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Event Enhancements For Your Wedding Celebration

Looking for something to truly take your wedding to the next level?! Looking for a way to customize your event and make it unique?! Looking to create incredible ambience and picture perfect moments you can cherish for a lifetime?! 

If that sounds like you, keep reading!! 

At SCE we want to encourage you to think and dream big. We dare to stand out in the crowd and be different. And most of all, at SCE we want you to have a celebration that is just as amazing as you are! 

So, if you’ve seen a moment that absolutely blew you away at an event you’ve attended, or in a movie you’ve watched, or maybe the only place you’ve only seen it is in your dreams… We want to help you achieve it!

One of the best ways we can accomplish this is putting together an over-the-top, custom wedding package, using our a-la-carte event enhancements! And, the good news is since these event enhancements are available a-la-carte, they can be totally customized to fit your event, budget and theme!

Lightscaping, Party Lighting or Specialty Lighting

Lighting makes it to the top of the list, because we know how quickly the right lighting can enhance the vibes of your party! So at SCE we offer everything from dramatic architectural uplighting to subtle lighting accenting event features, we even have the ability to change or evolve the lighting design over the course of your party! 

Dance on Clouds, Make it Snow, CO2 Blasts & Cannon

If you’re really looking to make a wedding moment extra magical and picture perfect, we suggest looking into Atmospheric Event Enhancements for your wedding reception! Just imagine having your first dance as a married couple, right among the clouds! Sounds dreamy right?! Or Maybe you want to have your first dance with snowflakes gently falling all around, creating a winter wonderland-like experience? Or maybe you want to create a huge impact at peak moments using CO2 blasts or our CO2 cannon… bringing that exclusive Las Vegas nightclub vibe to your reception! 

Indoor Fireworks! Yes! Really!

Talk about impact! Our latest impact enhancement offering is our Indoor Sparkular Fountain!  Imagine your grand entrance, or your first dance or your packed dance floor elevated by a beautiful display of cold sparks that do not produce smoke, are non toxic, add a dramatic WOW factor, and are safe to use indoors! And speaking of impact, you can have up to 6 total fixtures linked together during your milestone moment to add a huge dose of visual awesomeness!

Media Screens, Musicians and Live Performers

Ever wanted to have your own video dance party, or have special video content or custom visuals you’d like to incorporate into your reception?! It can be available to you by incorporating media screens and technology into your event! Or are you looking to take your wedding dance energy over-the top by bringing in a live musician to enhance the music your DJ is playing? Think a live saxophone player mixing and mingling with your guests, or a live percussionist vibing with the music! Or, maybe you have your heart set on having a live performer, performing group or production or impersonator at your wedding reception! At SCE we can offer that to you, just tell us what you’re dreaming up, and leave the rest to us! 

And, So. Many. More!!

Seriously! I know we’ve listed off a ton of amazing event enhancements, but we’re only just scratching the surface! So, if you don’t see the event enhancement you’ve been dreaming of in this list, get in touch and we will see what we have to do to turn your dreams into reality!!

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New Jersey Bride, For Jersey Girls…By Jersey Girls!

When you’re planning a wedding in New Jersey the New Jersey Bride is an absolutely vital planning resource and guide, and the best part is that it’s local! Meaning you will be able to access a vast, but at the same time, carefully curated list of exceptional and professional wedding vendors in every category! 

They cover everything from wedding venues, to florists, to calligraphers, to wedding rentals, to entertainment, to honeymoon travel arrangements, to transportation & limousine services, and everything in between!

So, it doesn’t matter if you’re planning a small outdoor tented wedding, a large golf and country club wedding, an intimate wedding at a boutique hotel, or a lavish estate wedding. You will find options to pursue to fit your wedding, no matter the size of style. 

The website also features real New Jersey weddings, meaning you’ll get to see local venues and vendors in action, and many of the featured weddings let you in on the behind the scenes, even going so far as to include a little about the couple’s love story, the details of their big day, their favorite moments, and what advice they’d offer other couples after their own wedding! 

And, if you’re interested, you could share your own wedding details and photos to have it featured on New Jersey Bride after the big day (with permission from your photographer of course). As I look through the Real Weddings featured on New Jersey Bride, I’m actually feeling overwhelmed and grateful for the thriving wedding and event industry in New Jersey! We really are spoiled for choice when it comes to beautiful places to say “I do!” and stunning places to celebrate and dance the night away!

A Jason Jani – SCE and New Jersey Bride, Grand Entrance Showdown Contest!

We’re actually currently running a contest in partnership with New Jersey Bride where you can help us decide the ultimate grand entrance song in New Jersey! 

The first week has been decided, and DJ Khaled has made it to the second round! But there is still plenty of time to get in on the action! In fact, right now Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy” is up against Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling.” It’s a hard choice! So weigh in and let us know which of these two you would pick for your own grand entrance! Then keep coming back each week to enter for a chance to win an adorable Gucci Marmont Mini Bag, that would make a perfect wedding or honeymoon accessory!

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The 360 Slow Motion Video Booth updated for 2022!

If you are looking to have a fun new enhancement at your upcoming wedding celebration the team at SCE Event Group has you covered with the all-new 360 slow-motion video booth experience.  The 360 video booth or spin booth experience is not new to SCE Event Group, but we recently remixed our 360 video experience/. The 360 booth experience can now produce videos instantly, and these videos can be fit into a number of video formats.  The video file is recorded in super crisp high-resolution videos.  The video files can also be branded to include your monogram or logo file.  The videos can include some effects and can be created to look super cool.

 

We have done the 360 video booth for so many awesome companies, sports teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, celebrity clients like Martha Stewart and so many wedding families all over the northeast.

These videos can be shared immediately and look incredible on social media too!

The SCE Event Group 360 Spinbooth experience comes with 3 trained attendants, and all of the needed equipment to make sure the experience runs smoothly for the entirety of your party.  The 360 video booth is a great option for weddings, holiday events, corporate galas, and other life events and parties.

If you would like to get information on pricing, availability, and booking information, please consider contacting the SCE Event Group office at 888-278-0900.

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Nervous About Your First Dance? We Have Some Tips for You!

There are so many details to plan for when it comes to your big day, and you could say that the first dance is the last of the formal details, before the party really starts. But, if you’re someone who prefers to live ‘out-of-the-spotlight’, sometimes the thought of getting up on the dance floor in front of all your guests is anxiety inducing!

After all, everyone’s eyes are on you for the whole event. Especially when you’re saying your vows then of course, for the first dance! But, we’re here to tell you that doing your first dance doesn’t have to be scary, even if you’re feeling a little nervous about it now! 

With these tips, you will be able to relax and enjoy the moment, so that you can let loose and grace the dance floor with a moment you’ll cherish forever.

A Deeply Meaningful Song is a Must!

Picking a song that has significance to you as a couple can help calm those ‘all-eyes-on-you’ nerves. When you hear the first refrain, it can take you to a place that blocks out all of the eyes on you, and makes you focus only on your new spouse! Kind of like a scene in a romantic movie, when the couple is suddenly caught up in a moment and everything else fades away. So, we advise you to pick a song that makes you and your partner swoon a little. 

Consider the Song Length

As much as you may love certain songs, length is an important consideration when picking a first dance song. And if you are feeling nervous, a 3 minute song is much less intimidating than a 6 minute song! And, if it is choreographed, it won’t feel like you are just filing time with a little side to side shuffle. To gauge your comfort level with song length, we encourage you and your partner and dance to a couple of songs that you are deciding between and see how you feel dancing together through it.

Practice… But Not too Much

If you and your sweetheart opt to go for a choreographed dance? Practice, certainly. But not too much! Overdoing might backfire and actually make you feel more nervous because you’re going to try and get it just right. Of course, you want your first dance to be great, but perfect isn’t necessary, and a little bit of naturalness goes a long way! We also guarantee that you’ll have more fun if you don’t stress too much about the outcome! Everyone is going to think your dance was perfect anyway!

Savor Your Moment

After all, what really matters most is the person standing in front of you. So, do your best to focus on your new spouse and let the rest of the world fall away, and the dance will take care of itself! And, remember, your nearest and dearest, didn’t really come to see your dance skills, they’re here to witness and celebrate the love between you and your new spouse!

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Questions to Ask Before Booking a Photo Booth

Whether you’re planning a Birthday Party, Wedding, Anniversary Party, Corporate Party or Product launch, your celebration will benefit from hiring a photo booth! And, it will benefit even more if you hire a professional photo booth vendor! So, where do you begin?! And, what are the most important questions to ask before signing the contract?! Well… since you asked, keep reading and we’ll tell you!

What is the quality of the booth itself?

We know that your upcoming event – and every event –  is important and one of the last things you want when you hire a photo booth company is a silly DIY looking camera on a tripod in a corner at your event! In our travels we’ve seen quite a few different kinds set-up over the years. We’d go so far as to say that some of the set-ups we’ve seen hardly qualify as photo booths! We’ve seen ‘photo booths’ of all different shapes, sizes, and varying quality… and, while we understand that businesses have to start somewhere, we don’t believe your event should be the testing grounds. And, as the old adage goes “You generally get what you pay for.”

We believe that what you should be looking for is a photo booth that is elegant, streamlined and professionally constructed, and should also come with a beautiful interface, where you can see yourself and the photos as they’re being taken.

Are the photos and prints high quality?

To a casual observer, a photo booth might not seem very complicated, just a quick and simple set-up and BAM, you have a photo booth! But there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes that allows the booth to take high-quality images! So, it’s a good idea to ask the company you’re thinking of hiring to show you sample images; that way you’ll know what you can expect from the photo booth you’re thinking of renting. You might also want to inquire if the booth has professional style lighting! This type of bright front lighting ensures that the photos turn out well exposed, sharp and clean looking. Also look to see if the people in the photos are washed out against the backdrop. We see a lot of companies using flat black or white backdrops, with poor lighting, which generally don’t work well when the bride is wearing white and the groom wearing black. Lastly, find out what kind of printer they use for the prints. The professional industry standard is using a dye sublimation printer that can print either beautiful black & white or color photos, and can do so in about 7 seconds.

Does the company have liability insurance?

This is a big one! Don’t worry, nothing is likely to happen, but it should bring you peace of mind if the answer is yes! This question helps to separate the unprepared, make-shift/DIY photo booth companies from the reputable professional ones. Generally those who run a photo booth business as a side hustle will not be able – or willing – to pay the costs of business insurance and licenses. In our experience, the more a company has skin in the game, the more invested they are in the outcome of the events they’re hired for.

What are the fees, and what do they include exactly?

From our extensive experience in the event industry, It’s been our experience that if a deal seems way too good to be true, it generally is! Sometimes companies have a low initial price, but once you actually receive a quote you see that there are all sorts of hidden additional fees that you weren’t counting on! So, sort out if the company you’re looking to hire is charging fees for mileage, delivery, setup/take down, props, USB drives, digital photo delivery, prints or an attendant. Sometimes a ‘cheap’ photo booth really doesn’t end up being a great deal!

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The 3 Most Important Elements For a Successful Event!

When you’re planning a celebration, an event-planning checklist is one the most important tools you can use to make sure your event is a successful one. Though it might seem like a small detail, a structured checklist really will help you stay organized and keep you on task as you plan, and best of all, it will ensure that you don’t forget any important details. 

When you go about creating your checklist, there are some things that are just more important than others! Specifically, in our opinion, the following three items are the most important things when it comes to planning your event!

Venue

When planning an event, your first and foremost concern is the “Where?” meaning, if you don’t have a venue chosen, your first priority is to create a checklist that highlights all the most important things you’re looking for in a venue. Things like size, location, capacity, lighting, and, of course, price are all incredibly important considerations to take into account. In fact, once you lay out all of your expectations and the requirements of your event, you will likely have a much smaller pool of possible venues than you started with. 

If, on the other hand, you have already chosen your venue, you can create checklists to ensure everything venue related will be taken care of before the event. And, this might seem like a small thing (and an impossible scenario) but could create a huge headache if there’s any misunderstanding. It is crucially important to make extra sure that you and the venue manager have the venue booked for the correct and same times, and that all the details of the contract are correct!. It’s also important that you do research in your own municipality to ensure you have the proper event permits (if you need to) in place well before your event.

Logistics

Logistics are very important when it comes to the flow and overall success of your event. One logistics mistake, and you could bring your event from truly exceptional to simply average. So, creating a logistics checklist is a great way to make sure the coordination and execution of all your chosen event elements. This part of party planning isn’t glamorous, but it’s important! Logistics directly affects your guests’ experience of your celebration.  Some of the important considerations that should be included included on your checklist are:

• Traffic flow and parking & coat check
• Distance from parking to venue
• Timeline and guest arrival and departures
• Creating clear signage (people like to know what to expect)
• Clarifying vendor expectations and set-up/tear-down times
• Event Floor planning and seating planning
• Event scheduling and timeline

Guest list and invitations

Creating the perfect guest list for your event and sending ‘keep the date’ cards & invitations takes both time and patience, but doing the work up-front will save you from many headaches down the line. Truly, in our experience speaking to clients, one of the hardest aspects of this part of planning is dealing with the paranoia that you might forget to invite someone important. And, you definitely don’t want to do that! 

A guestlist checklist, and giving yourself lots of time to complete this task, will help to ensure this doesn’t happen! On your checklist, you can include a list of all your guests and all your invitations. That way, if you forget to create or send an invitation, you can easily correct your mistake because your checklist will remind you!

I also suggest letting other organizers and guests of honor go over the event guestlist to ensure that you haven’t missed any important connections or people, before you get to the task of preparing your invites!

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