How To Choose Your Wedding Theme

Wedding themes— there are thousands of possibilities! How will you ever pick just one? Here are some helpful questions and activities to help you decide on the perfect wedding theme that reflects the two of you as a couple. 

Explore Pinterest for Wedding Themes 

Are you a Pinterest fan? Pinterest can be a great source of inspiration for you and your soon-to-be spouse. Search for weddings, wedding colors, wedding theme ideas, or unique wedding decor, and pin every image that appeals to you to a special wedding planning board within the app. Both of you can do this exercise, together or separately! Once you have a board full of images, go through them together and figure out which pictures you both love. It’s a great way to get the imagination going and figure out a shared vision for the day. 

Go Back to Shared Interests 

What do you and your special someone like to do together? Do you enjoy hiking, biking, or hot air balloon rides? Perhaps you love nothing better than trying new foods or cooking together. Maybe you love golf, horseback riding, traveling, or browsing art galleries. Choose an interest that you share, something that you’re both passionate about, and draw inspiration from that activity for the theme of your wedding. 

Tell Your Love Story 

Maybe you met at an amusement park, or on the beach. Perhaps he proposed during a weekend getaway in the mountains, or maybe you popped the question while you shared popcorn and a movie. Whatever your story is, there’s a way to turn it into your wedding theme. 

Snap Some Photos of Possible Wedding Colors 

When you are walking through the mall, visiting your favorite shop, browsing an art gallery, or strolling the downtown scene, keep your eyes open for colors and contrasts. When you see hues that mesh well together or images that evoke a romantic feeling, take a photo! Soon you’ll be able to see which colors and objects inspire the sense of romance, fun, uniqueness, or elegance that you want for your wedding. 

Choose a Holiday Theme for Your Wedding 

If you enjoy the unique sense of togetherness and celebration that a holiday can bring, you can pick a particular holiday as the theme of your wedding. A wedding near Valentine’s Day can be all about hearts and romance; a wedding on Memorial Day weekend could infuse military traditions and celebrate America. The winter holidays lend themselves well to weddings, with their traditions of festive lights, evergreen garlands, and rich colors. 

Let Your Wedding Venue Inspire You

Your venue can be a wonderful source of inspiration. A venue like Nanina’s in the Park lends itself to a whole range of different themes; but it is particularly suited to weddings that include elements of romance, intimacy, and classic elegance. 

Remember, a wedding theme can be as subtle or overstated as you like. It’s your day, and if you and your spouse are having fun, everyone else will, too!

Visit our website at https://www.naninasinthepark.com

Alternative Centerpiece Ideas

When it comes to weddings, putting a new twist on a time-honored tradition can yield some unique and wonderful memories. Discover how to transform the traditional floral centerpiece and decorate the tables at your wedding reception with some impressive non-floral elements.

Candles
Candles are sometimes used in combination with flowers as a centerpiece, but they work well on their own as well. Use electric versions if your venue views real candles as a fire hazard. Include different sizes and shapes of candles to form a sculptural look and to give your reception a romantic glow.

Branches
Are you amazed by the beauty of blooming branches in the spring, or boughs bedecked with colorful leaves in the fall? Ask your florist to use these elements in your centerpiece. Even bare branches twined with tiny lights or strings of beads lend a wonderful natural beauty to your reception tables. If you’re having a holiday wedding, procure some branches encrusted with artificial snow and hung with glittering pine cones, pendants, or lights.

Driftwood
For a beach-themed wedding, obtain some big pieces of driftwood, perfectly weathered by saltwater, sand, and wind. Make sure they’re clean so they don’t sift sand onto your tables. Add seaweed, shells, bits of netting, and feathery grasses to the ensemble.

Lanterns
If you’re in love with the modern combination of the elegant and the rustic, place lantern centerpieces on the tables at your elegant wedding venue. The lanterns give a sense of cozy intimacy, and you can accessorize them with ribbons, flowers, or other bits of finery to tie them into the rest of your wedding decor.

Clocks
Your love is timeless, and time is precious— whichever sentiment you prefer, you can make your point by incorporating beautiful vintage clocks into the centerpieces at your wedding reception. Borrow some amazing old clocks from friends or purchase some from thrift stores and antique shops.

Feathers
Do you love the roaring twenties? Think Great Gatsby glamour and fill bead-bedazzled vases with huge, feathery plumes. Tall feathers that are all one color have the biggest impact.

Books
Imagine thick, beautiful volumes, your favorite old romance, and modern stories, piled on the tables at your reception. Add handwritten, framed cards with some of your favorite quotations, and include a candle or two or a bud vase with some choice blooms. The books represent your shared love of words, and they provide great conversation pieces for your guests.

Hot Air Balloons
Encase round helium balloons in netting, reminiscent of old-fashioned hot air balloons, and weight them with little baskets or vases. Add tassels, ribbons, or flowers as you like, and you’ll have fun centerpieces that guests will love to look at.

Fruits and Vegetables
Bring the farm to the table! Use small wooden troughs or bowls, milk pails, or pottery pieces and have them filled to overflowing with fresh fruits or vegetables, interspersed with leaves and flowers. Invite guests to take a piece of the farm-fresh goodness home with them after the wedding reception.
Vases, pinecones, shells, desserts, lamps, candelabra, games, and photos can all turn into fantastic centerpieces. Use your imagination and find your own way turn the usual floral centerpieces into something unique and special.

Visit our website at https://www.naninasinthepark.com

10 Unique Wedding Invitations

When you’re planning an intimate wedding close to home, you may start to feel a little lost among all the generic options presented by vendors. How can you ensure that your wedding feels personal to you as a couple and expresses your special love story? The difference is in the little things— including the wedding invitation. Check out these 10 ideas for unique wedding invitations.

A Pop-Up Invitation for Your Wedding 
Who doesn’t love a pop-up book? Pop-ups aren’t just for kids’ books— they can be beautifully crafted art pieces. Hire a local designer to make a pop-up version of your wedding invitation. It will cost more than a standard 2D invitation, but the extra delight that your guests will feel when they open it just might be worth the price.

A Ticket to Your Wedding Venue 
How many movies, concerts, or shows have you attended as a couple? Your wedding invitation could take the form of tickets. A vintage playbill theater ticket, an old-fashioned train ticket with flowing script, or a modern-style concert ticket are all fun sources of inspiration, especially when paired with wording like “Admit Two” or “For One Night Only.”

A Balloon with the Wedding Details 
One couple attached a deflated balloon to their invitations. When inflated, the balloon revealed the date and time of the wedding, along with other details. It set the tone for unbridled fun that the pair wanted to have on their special day.

A Passport-Style Wedding Invitation
Do you love to travel with your spouse-to-be? Why not use a travel-themed wedding invitation that acts as the guest’s “passport” to the wedding? You could also print faux boarding passes as a nod to your love of travel, even if your wedding takes place close to home.

One-of-a-Kind Art for Your Wedding Invitation 
Suppose you really have to keep a tight rein on the invitation budget. Can you still have something unique? Ask an artistic friend to design a unique style of typography or some interesting art to feature on the invitation.

A Handkerchief Map to the Wedding Venue 
One couple printed a map to their wedding venue on a custom handkerchief and wrapped it in a brown paper sleeve with additional wedding details. The handkerchief serves as a reminder, a useful tool, and an artistic keepsake.

A Wedding Invitation of Engraved Wood 
One couple had their wedding invitations engraved onto slim pieces of thin wood, about the size of a bookmark, but thicker. The effect was beautiful! To save money, have the invitations block-printed instead of engraved.

Origami as an Invitation 
Do you enjoy Oriental art or Asian culture? Order invitations that are beautiful examples of the paper-folding art. Each new piece that is unfolded reveals a fresh detail about the wedding.

A Wanted Poster Wedding Invitation
Maybe you share a love of the Old West and its rough-and-tumble charm. Create wedding invitations that mimic old-time wanted posters. Incorporate rustic decor and western elements into the wedding itself to unify the theme.

Invitation to a Ball
If you’re having your wedding at a beautiful estate, you could always go the “fairytale romance” route. Choose a design reminiscent of the Cinderella story or a masquerade ball.

Any of these unique invitations will blend beautifully with a corresponding theme, no matter what type of venue you choose. However, most of them work best when your wedding is set at a beautiful location like Nanina’s in the Park. Remember to use an invitation that both of you love, one that sets the tone for your special day. 

How To Balance Dramatic And Elegant Wedding Colors

Some women have their wedding colors selected from the time they are very young, but those favorites may change with age or come and go with the current wedding trends. Choosing a color palette that carries the right balance of drama and elegance can be more difficult than you think. Explore these guidelines for select colors that complement each other, rather than clashing. 

Keep It Simple 

If you’re a lover of color, you may find it hard to narrow down your wedding colors. Ideally, you should have three to four colors in your wedding palette. Any more than that, and your decor will begin to look too busy, and you may accidentally include hues that clash. 

Play with Wedding Color Swatches and Samples 

Visit a paint store or a shop that sells cloth to obtain some free color cards or cloth swatches. Take them home and play around with the colors, mixing and matching the ones you like into different combinations. You can have a bold color and two paler hues, or two vivid colors and a lighter one, but try to include at least one calmer hue for elegance and balance. 

Ask Your Fiancé to Help 

If you’re stuck, ask your spouse-to-be to choose one color that he or she really loves from the selection of paint samples or cloth swatches that you’ve collected. Start with that shade, and add complementary hues to create your wedding colors. 

Include a Neutral  

Let’s imagine that you’ve selected two complementary colors, sunshine yellow and cornflower blue. You need another color, a neutral, to balance those bright choices and lend elegance to the ensemble. White or gold will accomplish that nicely. Dramatic hues like eggplant and navy need the gentle elegance of gold; aqua and cherry red look better with the addition of khaki as a balancing color. Vivid boysenberry and blush get that touch of holiday elegance when you introduce frosty silver to the mix. 

Bring In the Bold Color 

Maybe you’re discovering that your chosen colors are all on the pale, elegant side. You’ll need to add a punch of extra color by including a vibrant hue. With cream and gold, add emerald or burgundy. With yellow and beige, add cinnamon. For pale green and white, add velvety black. Chartreuse and powder blue receive an extra jolt of energy when you add cornflower blue, while peach and sage look richer with merlot red.

Test the Colors at the Wedding Venue 

At some point during your color selection process, take some swatches and samples of your colors to the venue. You need to make sure that the colors you’ve selected actually look good in the space. If you’re having an outdoor ceremony and indoor reception, or vice versa, test the colors in both areas. You may want to check the swatches under different kinds of lighting as well. Fortunately, most classic wedding venues, like Nanina’s in the Park, decorate with beautiful neutrals that form the ideal background for a variety of wedding color schemes. 

If you’re having trouble picking a palette that really works for your wedding, ask some artistic or design-savvy friends to help you out. With a little patience and experimentation, you’ll solve the wedding palette problem and come up with colors that wow your guests and make your day even more special.

The Best Wedding Venue In New Jersey

Welcome to Nanina’s In the Park, a New Jersey Landmark nestled in the cherry blossoms. We invite you to a beautiful picturesque setting within a historical park which creates a picture perfect ambiance for both intimate weddings to large corporate events. Voted as a “Top 10” wedding venue by www.bestofnj.com and a multiple award winner from The Knot, NJ Bride, Manhattan Bride and MyWeddings.com, Nanina’s in the Park has been hosting weddings for over 65 years and along with a new multi-million dollar renovation provide an experience that is second to none.

The lavishly manicured grounds and traditional architecture provide the perfect scenery for an outdoor ceremony and cocktail hour. Our famous cherry gardens and Tuscan style villa will create the perfect backdrop which you must see-to-believe, and together with our exceptional cuisine and service will make your event unforgettable.

It is this combination of location, service and ambiance that set us apart. Feel free to schedule a tour to see what makes Nanina’s In the Park the best place to host your wedding or private event.

Visit our website at, https://www.naninasinthepark.com/

Best Floor Plan Layouts For A Smaller Indoor Wedding

It’s time to decide how you will accommodate your guests for the reception dinner at your upcoming wedding! Since you have elected to have a smaller indoor wedding, you won’t have to worry about the weather, and you can enjoy a cozy, comfortable celebration with your guests. Here are a few ideas to help you start selecting the best floor plan layouts for your smaller indoor wedding. 

Venue Visit 

First, visit the space with your wedding coordinator or planner. You may have been to the venue before, but this time you’re looking more carefully at the available space and design of the room. If you can’t make an extra trip to the venue due to time constraints or for some other reason, your contact at the venue can provide a sample floor plan that the venue has prepared for other guests with similar weddings. 

Round Tables 

One popular layout consists of the dance floor in the center of the room, with the bride and groom’s table at the head of the room. As you face the couple’s table, the cake table is the right and the table for cards is to the left. Round tables seating six guests flank the dance floor on either side. Across the dance floor, opposite to the head table, are the tables with food and beverages. 

Parallel Plan 

Another possible layout could feature longer, rectangular tables that run parallel to the dance floor and seat larger numbers of guests, as many as eight or ten at a table. You could keep the couple’s table at the head of the room with the buffet table across from it. 

Mix-and-Match 

Some people like to intersperse circular tables with rectangular ones for more visual variety. The circular tables could seat 6-8 guests, while the rectangular ones seat ten guests. This offers you a little more flexibility as you are planning your seating chart. Think of each table as its own miniature dinner party, and place guests with others of similar ages or tastes. 

Strategic Spacing 

Want to make the reception feel even more cozy and intimate? Choose smaller round tables with just four or five guests at each. The buffet can go at the head of the room, while the head table is placed on one side. The cake table could be in a corner of the room, still in view but tucked out of the way. This way, the bride and groom have the opportunity to greet guests as they make their way across the space to cut the cake later in the evening. 

Circle Time 

If you’re having the wedding reception in a wide, open space without architectural features like a pre-defined dance floor, try placing the bride and groom’s large round table in the center. Surround it with the other tables, with the buffet to the side and the dance floor and DJ at one end of the space. 

Benefits of a Smaller Indoor Wedding Venue 

Some smaller indoor wedding venues may only be able to accommodate a couple of different types of floor plans because of limited space or certain design features within the ballroom. This can actually be a blessing in disguise since it cuts down on the number of options you have to consider. With so many decisions to make during the wedding planning phase, you’ll probably appreciate having a smaller set of options from which to choose.  

How To Ensure You Don’t Miss Anyone Important At Your Intimate Wedding

You’re having a small, intimate wedding— but maybe you’re still concerned about the number of guests. How will you ever have time to talk to them all? What if you skip over someone without intending to? Find out how to ensure you don’t miss anyone important at your intimate wedding. 

A Receiving Line 

One way to make sure that you speak to everyone is to have a receiving line. After the ceremony, you and your new spouse stand at the exit of the ceremony space and greet each person as they are leaving. If you speak to each person for only 10 seconds, you’ll get through six people in about a minute. If you have 100 guests, that’s over 15 minutes. Keep time constraints in mind if you select this method of greeting your guests. 

If you’re having your intimate wedding outdoors, there’s a chance that people might find another way out or slip past you, making it difficult to tell if you really greeted everyone. If you choose to have a receiving line, ask your wedding coordinator to arrange the layout so that people are channeled towards you as they leave the ceremony area. 

A Cocktail Hour 

Take your photos in advance so you don’t have to snap too many shots right after the ceremony. This way, you can go directly to a cocktail hour with your guests. Enjoy drinks and mingle with everyone at your intimate wedding. Bridal organizers suggest that you and your spouse stay together; that way, you can speak to more people at once. 

A Tour of the Tables 

At the reception, you’ll want to have some time to eat and drink at your own table; but after you have eaten something yourself, you and your new spouse can wander through the reception space, stopping by tables to visit for a few minutes. This can be a time-saving method, since you don’t have to find and greet each person separately. Don’t forget to take photos with out-of-town guests or VIP guests while you’re doing your table tour!

A Partner Swap on the Dance Floor 

Dancing with your new spouse is probably at the top of your to-do list for the evening, but make a little time for other dance partners as well! It’s a great way to have fun and connect with relatives, friends, and out-of-town guests. Don’t forget to dance with the smaller guests at the party, too. Little ones love being swept into the fun to dance with the bride or groom. 

At your wedding, every guest is important, from the oldest great-grandparent to the smallest member of the family. Just remember that you don’t have to have a long conversation with everyone! It’s primarily about saying hello and acknowledging the people who set aside time to celebrate your big life event. With a little strategy and a lot of smiles, you can ensure that everyone feels valued and welcome at your intimate wedding.  

7 Tips For A Traditional Wedding That Feels Elegant, Not Dated

Tradition doesn’t have to mean sameness. You can have a traditional wedding that feels elegant without being old-fashioned— a wedding that speaks to your personality as a couple. It can retain the traditional vows, feature a medium-sized bridal party, and take place at a traditional venue, while still showing off the classy individuality that represents the two of you. Get some tips for planning a traditional wedding that feels elegant, not dated. 

Tip #1. Embrace Minimalism 

An elegant wedding doesn’t have to be extravagant. Sometimes, simplicity is actually the key to elegance. As you select the decor, centerpieces, and other options for your wedding, choose modern options that emphasize quality over quantity. Your guests will notice and appreciate your good taste. 

Tip #2. Wear Any Dress You Like 

Gone are the days when brides had to wear long white dresses. Today, you can wear any fancy dress you like, white or not. Many women still opt for white, silver, or ivory, but add colorful elements like patterns, sashes, ribbons, and dyed lace. Other brides play with length and style to add a modern twist to their traditional wedding.  Any dress that makes you feel beautiful and elegant is the right choice for your wedding. 

Tip #3. Choose a Fresh Color Scheme 

Your wedding colors can be elegant without being boring. Try plum, sage, and nude with white; or opt for rose gold, rich wine red, taupe, and champagne hues. White and black, along with violet and winter white, is a truly sophisticated choice, while the combination of peach, silver, coral, and strawberry works well for a fall or winter wedding. Experiment with raspberry, blush, blue, and classic gray. Keep exploring the color options until you find one that speaks to you; just be sure it includes at least one rich, vivid color that you can play up when you need to modernize an element of the wedding. 

Tip #4. Include New Music 

When you select the pieces for your band or DJ to play at the reception, make sure that you mix the oldies with some fresh, fun music. Your music choices for the ceremony could also be new songs from this year or the year before, rather than the expected selections such as Pachelbel’s Canon in D or the traditional wedding march. You don’t necessarily have to choose hip-hop, air pop, or electro rock, but you can find fresh pieces that fit the atmosphere you want to create. Keeping the music current is one way to make sure that your traditional wedding feels elegant, not dated. 

Tip #5. Use Modern Lighting Techniques 

Most wedding venues, even smaller traditional ones, have a number of different lighting options. Experiment with lighting patterns, intensities, and colors until you find one that strikes the right blend of modernity and elegance. 

Tip #6. Slip in Some Classic Embellishments

You can use traditional accessories like crystals, lace, glassware, and pearls, but incorporate them in an unusual way. Keep your embellishments sparse and streamlined rather than fussy, and you’ll find that these old-fashioned decor items can become just as of-the-moment as the rustic farmhouse-style pieces that modern decorators love. 

Tip #7. Ask for Advice and Clarify Your Vision 

Rely on the advice of friends who share your style aesthetic, and get some advice from your wedding coordinator as well. With their help, and with your own sense of style as a guide, you’ll be able to design a traditional wedding that feels elegant, not dated.  

Handfasting: A Unique Way To Tie The Knot

Are you looking for a special way to mark your union with the one you love? Add a twist to the classic wedding ceremony with the rich, ancient tradition of handfasting. Here’s what you need to know about this time-honored Celtic ritual.  

Ancient Celtic Roots 

Handfasting is an Irish or Celtic tradition that dates as far back as 7000 B.C. In the olden days, a Druid priest would conduct the simple ritual, twining a rope or cloth around the hands of the couple. For a year, that couple would be considered engaged, and they would have the freedom to consummate their relationship. After the year, they could either marry officially or have their bond dissolved.  

The material that is wrapped around the couples’ hands and tied into a knot is called the “chord.” In ancient times, couples used thin strips of dyed cloth or rope. If they were skilled or wealthy, their handfasting materials would be finer, perhaps embroidered with decorations or emblems. Today’s chords can be anything you like, from ropes and ribbons to vines and flowers.  

Words of Ancient Wisdom 

During the handfasting portion of the ceremony, the officiant or celebrant will briefly explain the tradition of handfasting and then ask the two participants to join hands. You can hold hands side by side or cross hands, right hand to right hand and left to left. As each section of cord or each separate ribbon is looped around your hands, a new vow is read aloud. Explore some online sources to find beautiful hand-fasting vows.   

Sometimes the handfasting vows are used instead of traditional vows, or you can do both. The bindings are removed before the exchange of rings, so make sure that they are not too tight or too complicated.  

From Many to One 

Whether you’re blending your families or renewing your vows, let the kids get involved! Your children can help you pick out the handfasting chords and braid them. You could even pick a different color to represent each child, creating a thickly braided chord that represents all of them. Keep the chord and cherish the memories! 

Even if you don’t have children, you can involve other important members of your family in the handfasting ceremony. Give ribbons to special people in your lives, so they can step forward during the ceremony and contribute their ribbon to the hand-fasting chord.  

Charming Memories 

Sometimes, couples add special charms to their hand-fasting chord. Look for charms that represent special times together or important moments in your relationship. They could be items that represent your personalities or activities that you enjoy doing together, or they could symbolize your wishes for the future of your relationship.  

There are many different ways to incorporate handfasting into your wedding, so feel free to get creative and adapt the tradition to your preferences. The addition of this meaningful Celtic ritual can add a unique depth and beauty to your special day! 

Visit our website at, https://www.naninasinthepark.com

Planning A Harvest-Themed Wedding

Autumn is a time of bounty and a season of traditional gratitude. It’s the perfect time to get married and celebrate your thankfulness for the most wonderful person in your life! Give the harvest-themed wedding a modern twist and incorporate the riches of fall into your wedding.  

Freshly Harvested Produce 

Fresh produce is relatively inexpensive, luscious, and beautiful at this time of the year. Use the bounty of autumn to create table centerpieces featuring shiny apples, fat pumpkins of all shades, oranges, pears, and gourds. Multi-hued ears of corn and sprigs of berries are also wonderful options for decorating the rows of seating at your ceremony.  

Simple Neutrals 

To tame the riot of fall colors, remember to skillfully incorporate neutrals into the decor. Natural wood, burlap, twine, chalkboards, and anything with earthy tones or rough texture forms a delightful complement to brilliant autumn hues.  

Bare Natural Beauty 

Ask your florist or bridesmaids to collect bare branches or boughs with colored leaves still clinging to them. You can place these in large urns on the ground or in shorter vases and pitchers on tables.  

A Touch of Warmth 

Is your wedding taking place outdoors? The weather in autumn can be notoriously unpredictable, so come prepared! Set out some deep baskets containing small plaid blankets, tied in rolls with twine. Add a sign to let guests know that these blankets are theirs to borrow if the weather turns chilly during the ceremony.  

At the reception, include hot beverages for the guests, especially if the event is outdoors. Hot chocolate, apple cider, and similar drinks will keep your toasty and warm. 

Elements of Autumn 

Your cake can also reflect the harvest theme! Talk to your baker about apple cake, maple-flavored frosting, or some other fall flavor that appeals to you. If you’d rather go with the traditional taste, ask your cake baker to dress up the outside of the cake in fall style instead. Look at some autumn wedding cakes online to get ideas so you can show your baker what you want— or trust your baker’s expertise and artistic spirit.  

Fall Flowers 

Instead of limiting yourself to roses, orchids,  peonies, or other popular wedding flowers, let your florist guide you! Ask him or her to tell you which flowers are most beautiful during the month of your wedding, and incorporate those blooms into your centerpieces and bouquets. By choosing seasonal flowers, you’ll save on the cost while enjoying the best of nature’s floral harvest.  

Tasty Gifts for the Guests 

Fall-themed goodies can make great wedding favors. Consider wrapping some apple pie pops, candy apples, tins of maple candies, or cute bags of sugared nuts for your guests to take home with them.  

A Good Pair of Boots 

Want to take the harvest theme a step further? Get into the country vibe and let your wedding party wear cowboy boots! The look will suit a rustic fall wedding, and your wedding party will be grateful for the cozy footwear.  

Are you ready to start planning your fall wedding? With a little help from your wedding coordinator, your friends, and your favorite wedding blogs and magazines, you can find some unique and enjoyable ways to bring the joy of harvest to your big day.

Paper Products You Need For The Big Day

Your wedding involves lights, flowers, outfits, jewelry, food, music, and more— but don’t forget about the paper! You’ll be selecting a variety of paper products for your big day, from the invitations and envelopes to the place cards and gift tags. Check out our list of some top paper products you’ll need to order from your favorite designer before the big day arrives.  

Invitations 

Wedding invitations, save-the-date cards, and RSVP cards are must-have paper items that you’ll need to order. The invitations set the tone for your wedding, hinting at your color palette and letting guests know how formal or informal the wedding will be. One of your first decisions as a bride— besides the wedding date, time, and location— will be choice of design, paper, font, and wording for the invitations and related items.  

Programs 

Although it’s not an essential, a wedding program is a nice formal touch. It’s something for guests to hold and peruse as they wait for the ceremony to begin, and it lets them know about the order of events. Within the wedding program, you can also give credit to certain vendors, thank specific people, or include quotations or song lyrics.  

Seating Cards and Place Cards 

Assigned seating is a subtle way of arranging the guests to facilitate conversation and minimize potential conflicts. For a sit-down reception dinner, you could simply provide seating cards that assign guests to specific tables. If you want to take the arrangements a step further, you may choose to have individual place cards for your guests.  

Table Cards 

Do you plan to number your tables? If you’re having a sit-down meal with assigned seating for the reception, it’s a good idea to number the tables so guests can find their spots more quickly. You’ll need large cards in holders or numbered signs that are clearly visible to incoming guests.  

Wedding Favor Tags and Gift Tags 

Many modern wedding favors include imprinted messages, while others include tags instead. Tags are removable, allowing the gifted item to be used in a variety of situations. If you choose to use labels instead of imprinting or engraving the wedding favors, you’ll need tags that include a special message, along with your names and the date of the wedding. Remember to order tags for the gifts that you give to your bridal party as well! 

Signs 

On the day of your wedding, you may need to have a few signs posted around the venue, welcoming guests and directing them to the areas where the ceremony and reception will be held. Talk to your wedding coordinator about where to place these signs, and order designs with fonts and colors that match your wedding invitations and coordinate with your theme.  

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Autumn Color Schemes For Weddings

Getting married in the fall is a delightful option— the weather is cooler, the foliage is becoming more colorful by the day, and there’s a festive anticipation in the air as the holidays edge closer. To make the most of your autumn wedding, you’ll want to select an autumn color palette that pays tribute to the season. Red, orange, and yellow may match the autumn leaves, but those colors could also make your wedding party look a little too flammable. Explore some alternative color schemes that might work perfectly for your big day! 

Peach and Green 

Orange is one of the colors most associated with autumn, but you don’t have to use an over-bright version. Try a rich peach hue instead, paired with a soft green and a creamy white. These hues lend themselves well to the natural color scheme of fall, without overdoing the concept.  

Boysenberry, Silver, and Pale Pink 

Start with a deep, rich color— a jewel tone like boysenberry— and soften its intensity with a pale pink. Add touches of silver in your florals and jewelry; the hint of frost will add elegance and coolness to the mix.  

Plum, Peach, Taupe, and Lilac 

A full-fledged wedding color palette often includes “something rich, something light, something neutral, and something bright.” Combine deep plum purple with pale lilac, neutral taupe, and warm peach for a delightful color scheme that gives you plenty of options.  

Blue, Cinnamon, and Gold 

A warm brown with orange tints, reminiscent of cinnamon or nutmeg, works beautifully with various shades of blue. Experiment with gold accents to compliment this color palette, which contrasts a pleasant earthy neutral with the colors of a clear autumn sky.  

Maroon, Gold, and Cream 

The classic fall hues of red, orange, and yellow are still a possibility, as long as you combine them the right way! Focus on a deep red— think maroon— and add in elements of cream and touches of gold. Keep it a clean color trio, or throw in a few pops of brilliant orange in the bouquet, boutonnieres, and table arrangements.  

Shades of Gray 

A number of fall color palettes incorporate gray into the mix. Think rich autumn orange, mango, and mustard colors, tempered with a light charcoal hue. Silvery and gray keeps things monochromatically elegant, while gray and navy brings the color scheme up a notch while maintaining a cool, classy feel.  

Red and Yellow 

This one’s for the lovers of bright, cheerful colors! Pick a lovely sunflower yellow or pineapple yellow and pair it with red, like a cardinal’s feathers or a candied apple. It’s a bold, impressive choice that works well with natural elements like greenery and natural wood to temper the brightness.  

If you don’t see a color combination you like, don’t despair! Talk to friends, discuss your ideas with your wedding coordinator, or visit a paint store and look at samples until you find a favorite autumn color combo. From ocean-blue and amber to orange and green, there are a myriad of fabulous ways to color-coordinate your fall wedding.  

Visits for more information: https://www.naninasinthepark.com/2017/08/10/autumn-color-schemes-weddings/

How To Make Your Wedding Feel Like A Fairytale

Have you been dreaming about the ultimate fairytale wedding? The first step is, of course, to secure a magical venue like Nanina’s in the Park; but there are many more fairytale elements that you can incorporate throughout your wedding to give it that storybook vibe.

A Princess-Inspired Dress

You don’t have to dress up exactly like Belle or Cinderella, but you can find a dress that looks similar. Take a look at some of your favorite fairytale dresses and write down which colors or design elements appeal to you the most— perhaps an off-the-shoulder style with a sweetheart neckline, a hint of a bustle in the skirts, or lavish embroidery. Then search for a wedding gown that includes those features—and don’t forget the glass slippers!

Hairstyles are another way to subtly include storybook romance at your wedding. Model the hairstyle of your favorite princess, and have your bridesmaids’ hair done in a similar style.

Iconic Fairytale Elements

Want to extend the fairytale theme to the invitations and programs? Have the wedding invitations and the programs designed in scroll form, like the announcement that a herald might read in ancient times.

Instead of traditional candle holders, opt for holders in the shape of tiny crowns. You can also choose ornate candelabra styled after the ones used at castle feast tables. Use lovely leather volumes as part of the centerpieces on the reception tables, as a tribute to old storybooks.

A “Be Our Guest” Book

Buy a guestbook that features a fairytale theme. Maybe it has “Once Upon a Time” or “A Tale As Old As Time” on the cover, or perhaps it includes lovely storybook-style drawings among the pages where your guests will sign their names. You can order a themed guestbook online or have a local artisan craft one to your specifications.

Enchanted Forest Decor

If you envision yourself as a fairy princess, why not go with an “enchanted forest” theme? Have your florist weave a gorgeous crown of fresh blooms for your head and create a fantastic spray of wildflowers as your bouquet. Drape your reception tables in trailing ivy (real or artificial depending on what your venue allows), and keep the centerpiece arrangements natural and wild-looking. For a Beauty and the Beast theme, classic red roses are the perfect romantic touch.

A Fairytale Cake

One bride had her wedding cake presented inside a beautiful open sculpture of Cinderella’s coach. Another ordered a fantastic castle-shaped cake, a truly magnificent sight. If you prefer a more classic look for your cake, you can pay tribute to storybook elegance in other ways. Request that your baker include words from a favorite story on the cake, or place a special fairytale cake topper at the pinnacle of the piece.

“Happily Ever After” Favors

At the end of your wedding, surprise your guests will some lovely “happily ever after” favors.” These can be tiny books, engraved goblets, little glass slippers, bottle openers shaped like the key to a castle, or anything else that fits your fairytale wedding theme.

Romantic Wedding Venues in New Jersey

Welcome to Nanina’s In the Park, a New Jersey Landmark nestled in the cherry blossoms. We invite you to a beautiful picturesque setting within a historical park which creates a picture perfect ambiance for both intimate weddings to large corporate events. Voted as a “Top 10” wedding venue by www.bestofnj.com and a multiple award winner from The Knot, NJ Bride, Manhattan Bride and MyWeddings.com, Nanina’s in the Park has been hosting weddings for over 65 years and along with a new multi-million dollar renovation provide an experience that is second to none.

The lavishly manicured grounds and traditional architecture provide the perfect scenery for an outdoor ceremony and cocktail hour. Our famous cherry gardens and Tuscan style villa will create the perfect backdrop which you must see-to-believe, and together with our exceptional cuisine and service will make your event unforgettable.

It is this combination of location, service and ambiance that set us apart. Feel free to schedule a tour to see what makes Nanina’s In the Park the best place to host your wedding or private event.

Visit our website at https://www.naninasinthepark.com/

Beautiful Wedding Venues in New Jersey

Welcome to Nanina’s In the Park, a New Jersey Landmark nestled in the cherry blossoms. We invite you to a beautiful picturesque setting within a historical park which creates a picture perfect ambiance for both intimate weddings to large corporate events. Voted as a “Top 10” wedding venue by www.bestofnj.com and a multiple award winner from The Knot, NJ Bride, Manhattan Bride and MyWeddings.com, Nanina’s in the Park has been hosting weddings for over 65 years and along with a new multi-million dollar renovation provide an experience that is second to none.

The lavishly manicured grounds and traditional architecture provide the perfect scenery for an outdoor ceremony and cocktail hour. Our famous cherry gardens and Tuscan style villa will create the perfect backdrop which you must see-to-believe, and together with our exceptional cuisine and service will make your event unforgettable.

It is this combination of location, service and ambiance that set us apart. Feel free to schedule a tour to see what makes Nanina’s In the Park the best place to host your wedding or private event.

Visit our website at https://www.naninasinthepark.com/

Handling The Summer Heat At Your Wedding

Are you planning to take advantage of the gorgeous summer weather and have an outdoor wedding? With the natural light and the beautiful surroundings, your pictures will be amazing. But what about the heat? If you suspect it might be a little too toasty outdoors on your wedding day, check out these survival tips for handling the summer heat at your wedding.  

Offer Cooling Cocktails 

Why not provide the cocktails in popsicle form? Serve them in glasses before the wedding so that guests can enjoy the refreshment as they wait for the ceremony to begin. You can find recipes for popsicle flavors like vodka gummy bear, champagne-and-fruit, Bourbon and white peach, mint citrus mojito, or jalapeño mango margarita. Just be sure to have some clearly-marked virgin varieties available for any children and teens at your wedding.  

Cover the Seats 

If you have rows of chairs in the sun, they’re going to get hot, especially if they are metal or wooden chairs. Lay cloths, slipcovers, or cushions on the chairs to ensure that your guests don’t burn the backs of their legs when they sit down.  

Provide Shade 

Arrange tables or chairs in areas that are shaded by buildings or trees, rather than placing them in direct sunlight. Tents, canopies, or umbrellas are other ways to create shade for a wide open space. Talk to your wedding coordinator and setup staff about this ahead of time to ensure that plenty of shade will be available for your guests.  

Use the Wedding Favors 

To amplify the amount of shade available, you can provide individual sun umbrellas for guests that double as wedding favors. Choose umbrellas or parasols that fit with your wedding theme and colors, and customize them with the date of your wedding or a special phrase. If you’d rather not do umbrellas, why not create customized paper fans as wedding favors? Lay them on each seat so that guests can create their own breeze. It’s a cheap and practical way to keep your guests cool, and they’ll love the concept.  

Control the Sweat 

Have pity on the guys in the bridal party! Allow them to skip the full tuxes with jackets and just go with a crisp dress shirt and a vest instead. Provide anti-sweat kits for the groomsmen and bridesmaids, including deodorant samples, body wipes, and sunscreen; or stock the bathrooms at the venue with these items.  

Offer Plenty of Water 

Encourage your guests to stay hydrated by providing tables with cold ice water and glasses. For a more casual and relaxed affair, you can supply large barrels or buckets full of ice, stocked with bottles of regular bottled water or mineral water.  

Any queries? Visit our website at, https://www.naninasinthepark.com

Secrets For A Successful Summer Wedding

Are you getting excited about your summer wedding? Here are a few ideas to help everything go smoothly.  

Select an Indoor-Outdoor Venue 

Choose a location that includes a beautiful outdoor space and an equally gorgeous indoor space. That way, you can give your guests the option of going inside to cool off if the heat becomes too oppressive. For elderly guests and children, having access to air conditioning is important. Plus, if a summer thunder shower moves in during the ceremony or reception, you’ll all be able to take shelter quickly.  

Have the Wedding Later in the Day 

A late afternoon or evening ceremony ensures that the midday sun won’t cause too much glare for your wedding pictures and reception shots. Plus, your guests will feel a little more comfortable if they don’t have to sit outdoors during the hottest part of the day.  

Say Bye-Bye to the Bees 

Summertime means more insects, including bees. They tend to like sweet fragrances, so if you don’t want to attract them, avoid floral perfumes. Remind your bridesmaids to skip the scent or use just a light spritz. To prevent insects from landing on the food at an outdoor reception, request chafing dishes with lids and platters with covers. Ask your florist which flowers are bee magnets, and keep those off the buffet tables. 

Serve Certain Foods Indoors 

If you’re planning to have a raw bar, sushi platters, ice cream, or some other kind of temperature-sensitive food, you may be taking a risk if the outdoor temperatures are soaring. Ask your caterer about the equipment they offer and the methods they have for keeping those foods cool. You may wish to serve them indoors instead, or select other food options that are less susceptible to heat.  

Plan for Allergies 

Do you or your spouse-to-be have allergies? Check the pollen count for the day before the wedding and make sure you take your usual allergy medication. The last thing you want is clogged sinuses, inflamed eyes, and a runny nose on your wedding day. 

Think Twice About the Ice Sculpture 

Do you have your heart set on an ice sculpture? It’s going to melt quickly in the heat, so consider displaying it indoors. If you must have it outside, select a design that will still look good even as it is partially melting.  

Consider Wardrobe Choices 

If you’re going to be having the ceremony or reception outdoors, you may be walking on grass for part of the time. Remember that thin, spiky heels will sink into the turf, and your gown’s trailing train may collect dirt and grass stains. You may wish to opt for chunkier heels and a shorter gown instead.  

Review Hair Options 

Long hair, though beautiful, can act like a cloak on a hot summer day. Go for an off-the-neck style rather than flowing tresses to keep yourself cooler. At the same time, remember that a sculpted up-do with curls and lots of product may start to sag in the heat. A low ponytail, a braided style, or a chignon should hold its own better. Instead of fresh flowers in your hair, choose realistic-looking artificial blooms that won’t wilt.  

Check our website to learn more. https://www.naninasinthepark.com