Elegant NJ Wedding Venue | Nanina's in the Park

 Imagine exchanging vows amidst breathtaking gardens, followed by an elegant reception in a grand ballroom. Nanina's in the Park, nestled within 360 acres of Branch Brook Park, promises an unforgettable wedding experience for you and your loved ones.

Unrivaled Elegance:

Nanina's in the Park offers a unique blend of classic charm and modern luxury. From the exquisite ballroom with its soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers to the meticulously landscaped gardens, every detail is designed to evoke a sense of timeless elegance.

Unforgettable Experiences:

At Nanina's in the Park, we go beyond just providing a beautiful setting. Our dedicated team of wedding specialists will work closely with you to create a wedding that is truly reflective of your vision and style. From personalized menus and exquisite floral arrangements to professional photography and entertainment, we ensure that every aspect of your wedding is flawlessly executed.

A Breathtaking Setting:

Located in the heart of New Jersey, Nanina's in the Park provides the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its picturesque gardens, serene lake, and charming bridges, the venue offers a tranquil setting for your wedding ceremony and unforgettable photo opportunities.

Memorable Moments:

Nanina's in the Park is more than just a wedding venue; it's a place where memories are made. We are committed to providing you with an experience that you will cherish for a lifetime.

Start Your Wedding Journey Today:

Contact us today to schedule a tour of Nanina's in the Park and start planning your dream wedding. Let us help you create a wedding that is both elegant and unforgettable.

Slaying Your Cold Weather Look With A Long Sleeve Wedding Dress

 Winter weddings. It can be cold for winter weddings in the Northeast. So, if you’re dreaming of a winter wonderland for your “I dos,” you need to make sure you’re warm and fashionable. That is where a long sleeve wedding dress and a few more chill-proof ideas for your special day come in. Keep reading to learn more about some trends for keeping warm during those chilly days.

Long Sleeves

When it comes to selecting the perfect long sleeve wedding dress, you’ll find a diverse array of options to suit your style and preferences.

• Classic Lace

Classic lace sleeves, with their timeless elegance and delicate patterns, create a regal aura around the bride, making her feel like royalty on her special day. The sleek and romantic appeal of lace, while not the warmest choice, offers a captivating and traditional look that has stood the test of time.

• Boho Bell Sleeves

If you’re drawn to bohemian vibes and seek a touch of fancy, boho bell sleeves are a fantastic choice. These free-flowing sleeves not only keep you warm but also add a carefree, ethereal quality to your bridal ensemble, allowing you to channel your inner boho spirit down the aisle.

• Beaded Brilliance

If you love a bit of sparkle and shine, beaded long sleeves are a brilliant option. These sleeves catch and reflect light beautifully, casting an enchanting and frosty glow, especially in winter weddings. The added benefit is that they look equally stunning in person as well as in your wedding photographs, making your attire truly dazzling.

• Sultry Sheer

And for those desiring a touch of drama without compromising on comfort, sultry sheer sleeves adorned with tasteful embellishments provide a perfect blend of allure and coziness. These unique sleeves give your wedding attire a distinct character, ensuring that all eyes will be on you as you make your way down the aisle.

So, whether you opt for classic lace, boho bell sleeves, beaded brilliance, or sultry sheer designs, your choice of long sleeve wedding dress can truly reflect your style and personality, making your special day even more memorable and remarkable. Head down to your local bridal shop and start trying on all the dresses!

Beyond Long Sleeves

Are you looking for ways to stay warm during your wedding beyond long sleeves? Keep reading for more great ideas.

• Capes

Firstly, let’s talk about capes. Regardless of whether you choose a full-length, regal style or a shorter, more playful version, capes are not only your ticket to warmth but also a source of enchanting photo opportunities set against the snowy, wintry backdrop. Their flowing elegance adds a touch of mystique to your bridal look, making your entrance down the aisle a truly magical moment.

• Velvet 

Now, if you want to infuse your wedding attire with an extra dose of luxury, velvet is your friend. Whether you go for a full velvet dress or opt for velvet accents, you’ll be enveloped in a soft, plush fabric that exudes richness while keeping the cold at bay. The deep, sumptuous colors and smooth texture of velvet can be the perfect choice for a winter wedding.

• High Necks & Collars:

When you value both warmth and style, consider high neck designs or collared dresses. These sophisticated choices exude an air of chic and add an extra layer of warmth to your bridal ensemble. High necklines and elegant collars not only keep you snug but also enhance your overall fashion look.

• Layers

Now, let’s discuss the art of layering. Underskirts or petticoats, when cleverly chosen, can be a game-changer. They not only lend volume and flair to your gown but also provide a much-needed shield against the winter chill. This practical yet stylish choice ensures that you’ll be well-prepared to gracefully navigate the elements on your big day.

• Faux Fur

And last but certainly not least, let’s not forget the allure of faux fur finishes. Faux fur stoles or jackets can be draped over your shoulders, creating a look that’s not just warm but also glamorous. These cozy accessories add a touch of opulence to your bridal attire and make you feel like a winter wonderland bride, both comfortable and elegant.

Say ‘I Do’ Amidst Winter Elegance At Nanina’s In The Park

Once you’ve picked your dreamy dress, think of your venue. You’ll want somewhere that complements the winter magic. That’s where Nanina’s In The Park comes to mind. A gem nestled amidst historic parklands, this venue transforms into a winter fairytale. The sweeping ballroom with its twinkling chandeliers feels like something out of a snow globe, while the manicured gardens become a frosty wonderland, perfect for those magical photo ops. Ready to make your winter wedding fantasies come alive? Reach out to Nanina’s In The Park and start planning your special day!

Touching Ways To Honor Your Parents

 Weddings are all about celebrating love, but while the focus is usually on the lovebirds, there’s another kind of love that deserves some of the spotlight—the unwavering love of your parents! Are you looking for some heartwarming ways to honor your parents on your wedding day? Keep reading to learn about touching ways to honor your parents on the big day.

Memory Lane

Toss in a surprise slideshow or nostalgia filled video featuring all those quirky, embarrassing, and endearing snaps of you and your parents. From their old retro hairstyles to those memorable family trips. If you have some, you can even show pictures from when they were kids, pictures from when they were dating, and their wedding photos.

Family Dance

Forget just the father-daughter and mother-son dances. With more weddings shifting away from tradition, feel free to change it up! You can dedicate a special song for the whole family to dance to together. A tune from their wedding? A family favorite from those long road trips? There are so many options to choose from!

Customized Accessories

Another touching way to honor your parents on your wedding day is to gift them custom-made accessories. Maybe a tie for Dad with a message sewn inside, or a handkerchief for Mom with a heartfelt note. You can also consider engraved jewelry for both. It’s all about the little touches and giving them something to cherish!

Wedding Program

You can write a heartfelt thank you note to your parents in your wedding program. This tribute is bound to pull some heartstrings and can even result in a happy tear or two! You can go one further and share some wisdom that your parents have shared with you that truly made a difference in your life. Sharing with everyone the tremendous influence your parents have had on your life.

Handwritten Note

Another heartfelt way to show your parents how much they mean to you is to pen letters to each parent. Pour out those emotions, revisit old memories, or simply express gratitude. Seal it in an envelope and ask them to open it on the morning of the big day. You can embellish your letter with paper that matches your invitations, consider adding a touch of your wedding color fabrics, and sealing it with a wax seal that is your initials or loving word.

Something Borrowed

How about wearing a part of your parents’ wedding attire? Mom’s veil, Dad’s cufflinks, or maybe even incorporating a piece of their wedding dress or suit into your own ensemble. It’s a beautiful way to add a sprinkle of sentiment!

Memorial Corner

If you have a parent watching from the heavens, create a memorial corner. Light a candle, display a photo, or simply have a moment of silence. This is a time-honored tradition to celebrate the loved ones that cannot be with us on the big day.

Dream Big With Nanina’s In The Park

Every nook of Nanina’s tells a tale. The sparkling chandeliers, the lush gardens, and the elegant ballrooms are just the start. The team at Nanina’s brings dedication, love, and care to your wedding day to craft a day that’s perfectly yours. If you are ready to make Nanina’s In The Park your wedding venue, give us a call to schedule a tour and see how we can make your wedding day truly magical!

Travel Tips for Honeymooners

Your honeymoon is the first vacation the two of you get to take as a married couple. Though you may have been on vacation together before, this trip is special. It’s a time to indulge yourselves and to make memories that will last a lifetime. Check out our travel tips for honeymooners so you can make the most of this special journey as newlyweds.

Tell the Hotel it’s Your Honeymoon

Before you arrive at the resort or hotel, let the staff know that you’ll be on your honeymoon. Even if you didn’t spring for a honeymoon suite or romance package, the staff may still provide a little something extra, like flowers, a free upgrade, a box of chocolate, or some complimentary champagne. Those little surprises can make the experience extra special.

Take It Slow At First

The first day or two can be slow-paced and leisurely. After all, the two of you need to recover from the months of wedding planning and from the emotions and stresses of the wedding itself. Plan to save that first day for a nice relaxing time at your hotel or resort. No need to jump right into sight-seeing!

Talk About Honeymoon Goals

Couples often have different visions of what a vacation should be like. To avoid conflict while you’re on your honeymoon, have a clear, honest discussion about honeymoon expectations before you actually go on the trip. Is one of you eager to explore the city, island, or countryside, while the other would prefer lots of time in the hotel or resort? Find a balance or compromise that makes both of you happy.

Have a Basic Plan

You want to leave some room for spontaneity, of course, but having a general plan for the honeymoon can be helpful so you don’t leave your destination disappointed. Discuss which points of interest are must-see spots for you, or which activities you absolutely want to make time for. It also helps to have a budget for your time away, so you don’t start out your marriage having money arguments about what you can and can’t afford. Remember to build in some financial padding for unexpected expenses along the way.

Limit Electronics Time

A honeymoon is all about enjoying each other. Consider an agreement between the two of you to severely limit your time on electronics, including laptops, tablets, or phones. You can set your phones in airplane mode so you can still take gorgeous honeymoon photos without being distracted by other apps and social media.

Surprise Your Lover

Remember, the honeymoon is all about romance and connection. Try to plan a little something to surprise your new husband or wife while you’re on the trip. It might be a small thoughtful gift or a big romantic dinner at a scenic location; the scope of the surprise doesn’t really matter. What matters is showing your new spouse how much you care.

For more tips about weddings and honeymoons, browse the Nanina’s in the Park blog, and remember to view our gorgeous photo galleries for inspiration as you continue to plan your wedding. If you have any wedding-related questions, our event specialists will be happy to help you.

4 Ways To Make Doughnuts The Star Of Your Wedding

We here at Nanina’s in the Park always love to shine the spotlight on great wedding trends as they emerge, especially when it comes to the many food choices that couples’ have to celebrate their nuptials. It seems that doughnuts are having their wedding moment, as they have been spotted at weddings all over the U.S. as a welcome alternative to the traditional wedding cake or even the cupcake trend that has popped up in recent years.

But how do you make doughnuts the star of your wedding reception? If you’re looking for some creative inspiration, try a few of these great ideas for your wedding day.

1. Doughnut Pops

We’ve all seen cake pops before, but doughnut pops are a new spin on this extremely popular food trend. While traditionally-sized doughnuts may be a bit too large for skewers, smaller donuts that are either dusted in sugar or in colorful frosting will be a welcome reception snack for you and your guests. With a nearly unlimited amount of frosting and sprinkle options, you can design doughnut pops in a color scheme that matches your wedding theme perfectly.

2. Doughnut Wall

This is by far one of the most popular new wedding trends, which consists of arranging donuts on a wall with hooks, either on a cork or wooden board set against a wall. Not only is this a perfect backdrop to play around with color and other creative designs, it’s the perfect place for guests to come by and grab a snack during the evening, as well as being a wonderful spot to take photos. If you’re working with a tight budget, this is one of the easiest and least expensive DIY projects you can take on for your special day, and there’s a good chance that your guests will have never seen anything like it before!

 3.Doughnut Cake

No one says that you need a traditional wedding cake on your special day, so if your dream dessert is a heavenly stack of donuts, you can make it a reality! Doughnut cakes have become increasingly popular in recent years, and while you can make one yourself, bakeries have begun making specialized doughnut arrangements for weddings. Who doesn’t want to cut into a slice of stacked donuts after a night of dinner and dancing?

4. Doughnut Favors

Last but not least, if you’d like a delectable way to send off your guests as your wedding day comes to a close, doughnut favors make for a perfect snack for the ride home. Make an effort to support a local bakery to give your guests a taste of a local specialty, and try to pick a doughnut that reflects your chosen theme or the season in which the wedding is held.

How to Share Your Wedding Hashtag

 

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With the nearly ubiquitous nature of social media in our daily lives, platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and others have become just as indispensable for your wedding plans as hiring a wedding photographer or a caterer. Uploading pictures, videos and other reactions will create a digital record of your ceremony, but these files will be scattered all over their respective social media platforms if you don’t encourage your guests to utilize a wedding hashtag during your special day!


A hashtag refers to a word or phrase preceded by a hash or pound sign (#), which turns this arrangement into a direct link that will track discussion topics, picture/video uploads and other reactions under one umbrella. For instance, if you created the hashtag #johnandrachelwedding, guests who use this phrase can organize their best moments in the same place. But, spreading the word and educating your guests (who may not be social media-savvy!) is a challenge for your special day. Here are a few of our best suggestions from Nanina’s in the Park.

 Invitations/Wedding Website

To ensure that your guests know about your special wedding hashtag, make sure you start early in the process! Put a reminder on your invitations, and go in-depth on your wedding website to show your guests how to use the hashtag and why it is such a helpful tool in collecting all of the best pictures and videos from the gathering. This is a great way for your less social media experienced guests to become familiar with hashtagging before your big day!

 Chalkboard Sign
At the entrance of your ceremony, ask a friend or family member with great handwriting or artistic flair to write out your wedding hashtag with an illustration that adheres to your chosen theme. Place it in an area where your guests can pick up your wedding programs so they don’t miss it!

 Drink Stirrers

When it’s time to kick off your cocktail hour, drive the message home even further by including your hashtag on drink stirrers. This is a clever way to remind your guests to share their favorite moments using your hashtag, and it can help improve the visual punch of your cocktail menu! Additionally, putting a few small signs around your bar and other main focal points of the venue can be welcome reminders to your guests to share.

Wedding Centerpieces

Last but not least, whether you’d like to include your hashtag on your wedding table numbers, as a feature of your centerpieces or simply as cards on your guests’ dinner tables, this is the perfect time to remind your guests that every picture and video they take during the event can and should be shared online for everyone to see.

Visit us at, https://www.naninasinthepark.com

What You Should Know Before You Start Interviewing for a Wedding Planner

 

Before you check Google for all of the wedding planners that live within a thirty mile radius of you, and before you walk into those all-important consultation visits, it’s important to have an idea of what you need out of a prospective wedding planner. It’s okay if you’re not sure. How many times in life have you searched for and interviewed a wedding planner? Chances are highly likely that this is the first. Here’s the basics so you can move confidently forward in your search:

Compatibility is a must

You’ve probably seen this plenty of times, if you’ve ever searched “what makes good wedding planners” or just searching in general for a wedding planner. The two of you should get along, right? Of course!

Well, that’s true, and we’re not downplaying that as an important factor but it’s also a half-realized concept. Interpersonal skills are a high priority for effective wedding planners. They’ll make you feel welcome; they’ll smile. They never have a shortage or crazy wedding stories and jokes –that’s wonderful. But –as choosing a partner for marriage teaches people –compatibility is about much more than being able to enjoy each other socially in doses. The two of you need to hit it off in terms of direction and taste as well. If you want the most out of your wedding, you’ll need a wedding planner that’s excited about your themes and choice of aesthetics. You guys will need to gel creatively and interest-wise.

That sounds like we’re putting a lot of pressure on the wedding planner, but the fact is that not everyone works effectively together for the purposes of long-term projects. You guys might not have hit it off, but that same wedding planner may be perfect for the next couple that crosses their path. Any successful director or manager has a knack for recognizing good work chemistry between people and utilizing that potential. When it comes to directing your own wedding, you need employ that type of long-term critical thinking. If you’re looking to hire a wedding planner, ask yourself can I work with this person over the next several months and stay enthused? The answer must unequivocally be yes.

Ideas are wonderful, but planning requires substance

There’s a popular nugget of wisdom in business. The specifics vary, but the basic idea remains throughout each telling: ideas are great. Everyone’s got an idea What have you created? How will you go about turning your next project into a reality?” Anyone who’s ever had a drink with someone who’s all-too-eager to describe themselves as “a Producer” knows what we’re talking about. Beware of any wedding planner eager to sell you on their Vision™ for your wedding.

This a major red flag. When you meet with a wedding planner for a consultation, most of their talking should be making inquiries about your vision for the wedding; not vice-versa. You’ve had a vision for your wedding for decades –perhaps longer. Their job is to take that vision and use their savvy to make that into a reality. Don’t be afraid to ask for specifics. “What vendors will you contact? Will you have other weddings to attend on my wedding day? Is this possible with this budget outline? How many hours a week will you be available during crutch time?” (one month and counting down to the wedding) These aren’t nitpicky concerns. They’re an oral test to make sure you talking to a planner that can deliver.

 Know what type of planning your need and budget accordingly

We’ve been tough on wedding planners so far, but the truth is that it certainly doesn’t all fall on them. By the time you visit a wedding planner, you should have an idea as to both the budget and scale or your wedding. If you want their help in turning your dream wedding into a reality: direction and communication will go a long way towards making that happen.

You’ll also need to have an accurate idea of what you need from them. i.e. type of service. Are you just looking for some pointers and have vendors recommended? Because some planners (and agencies) will just charge by the hour for in-depth consultation visits. Perhaps you’re just looking for help and crowd control for the wedding day? Or are you looking for a full-time partner in crime from the consultation visit until you drive away in the getaway car with the “Just Married” logo fading off into the horizon?

Those different types of needs have vastly different costs and lets the planner know where they’ll need to focus their attention and energy to best suit your needs.