It's okay not to invite everyone you've ever known, everyone who is related, no matter how marginal they are. It's okay to not include co-workers (who you usually find in a group...), old college friends (who you usually find in a group...), kids, (except your own or those in the wedding party) plus ones for people who are not in relationships, and anyone who is more of an obligation than a friend.

I know that once you sit down to get your guest list together, there is a lot of, "Oh, well, we have to include them" statements, but honestly, that's not really true.  And since being a guest can be very expensive (one recent article put that cost at about 700.00 per guest), they may be delighted NOT to be invited and cheer  you from afar!

If you keep your list  to your close friends and family, you'll end up with an intimate, joyful, celebration that everyone will remember forever!  (And those not invited will surely understand when you say, "We're keeping it to a very small group of family and long time friends.)   You can spend quality time with everyone, they can spend quality time with each other, and you'll be in the company of those who are truly invested in your partnership.  And just as an accidental bonus, your budget will be treated gently!

And that's why 'Micro-weddings" were created!!  (Well, maybe not created, but named!) Let's talk about the possibilities!

​ 5.0 View moreMost beautiful personal ceremony
We love Celia! From the first meeting over FaceTime we knew we wanted Celia to officiate our wedding. She has the best personality and is so attentive to every single detail. As soon as we sent our first payement Celia sent us the cutest box with pre wedding goodies in it! Filling out the extensive questionnaire about our relationship and lives was a great way to reminisce about the years me and my fiancé had spent together. We keep hearing from our guests how personal our ceremony was and that is all thanks to the work Celia puts into writing her ceremonies. One of our guests asked us if Celia knew us personally because of the words she said. I can’t recommend Celia enough. Thanks for making our ceremony super memorable!
Sent on 12/09/2018

1 Flowers!!!!! I love them.  You love them. We all love them. I'd rather buy flowers than bread, but they can get expensive.  

Consider where you'll get the most impact for your flower-buying buck.  Here are some great ideas culled from our fave florist partners.

1. Keep your ceremony decor simple.  It's a short period of time and everyone is looking at you. You don't need to spend a fortune on arches or arrangements  unless they can be used elsewhere. 
2. Repurpose your centerpieces as decor for the aisle and ceremony space.  Add a few columns or pedestals to a few centerpieces and you're good to go!
3. Pick the most picturesque spot at your venue; it may not be the same place that they automatically suggest!
4. Don't spend a lot of money on decor for the cocktail hour.  Again, it's a very short period of time and literally no one is paying attention to what's on the cocktail tables.  A votive candle, a little bubble ball with a single bloom; keep it simple. 
5. Ask your florist how to save money.  A good one will use your money well. 
6. Be flexible. If your dream flower is five times as expensive as something just as nice (that you didn't think of....) maybe use a few in your bouquet and move on. 
7. Greenery is your friend. Votive candles are you friends too.
8. Boutonnieres?  Skip them (except for maybe your groom, if you have one, and your dad). No one will miss them. 
9. If you haven't picked your wedding party?  Keep it small. Less people, less flowers.
10. Consider alternative containers; wooden wine crates, fishbowls, antique flea-market teapots, those cute tin cans that tomatoes come in, a grouping of craft beer bottles with single stems, even GASP  mason jars.....
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As far as I'm concerned, every great NJ wedding has hors d'oeuvres; you know, those little teasers that stave off hunger and give the guests a delightful glimpse  of all the culinary treats to come!   But what if those delectable mini-bites could make an appearance later on?   How fun would it be to have a tiny sweet snack in between all that after dinner dancing and the 'real' cake?  Lots! And at a recent wedding showcase at the iconic Perona Farms in Andover, we got to see this in action! After a fabulous array of appetizers and entrees, their fabulous staff circulated with tiny pastries and truffles and TEENY TINY ICE CREAM CONES!  Such a cute idea (but then, Perona is kind of known for cute and innovative ideas; mini donuts made on site during cocktail hour, cocktail soaked fruit skewers....and on  and on...and on.....)
These adorable little gems would be a great addition to your celebration; much neater and more portable than a chocolate fountain too!  

So, my last wedding was a little bigger than our typical 'Micro Wedding" in NJ, (just about 50) but the couple made some choices that really made it feel very intimate and special.  It was a morning-into-afternoon wedding, which already has a bit of a cozier feeling.  The couple greeted people as they arrived, in between taking photos in one of the venue's areas where pre-wedding offerings include coffee, tea, little pastries and juices.  It really felt like going out to Sunday Brunch with a bigger group than usual, lol!  The guests were whisked down to another lovely space for short, sweet ceremony which included their children unity candles along with the couple. (I always think it's sweet when the couple includes their children in a meaningful and appropriate way. 

Then it was off to the reception area, where the couple (and flutes of Champagne) again greeted everyone as soon as the party started!  Fabulous cocktail food was served in a several different spaces so people moved around, explored and mingled.  There was so much interesting food (mac and cheese with cool mix-ins like lobster, scallions, bacon), that cocktail hour could have gone on forever!  (But realistically, for a brunch? Forty-five minutes is just plenty.)

And off they went!  The atmosphere was warm and fun and just perfect for this couple.  And maybe you too!

Very often, your team of vendors can make all the difference in the way YOU enjoy your wedding.  Your guests? They may not know if your photographer drove you insane or your DJ forgot your first dance song. But you will  know ,and it will nag at  you. 

I was the officiant for a lovely wedding at Liberty House, in Jersey City last weekend.  Of course the view is heart stopping, but the staff  there is simply amazing and they are on top of every detail (while being warm and professional). the food is inventive and delicious and for this weddingn,  signature drinks (named after the couple's dog!)  were on trend and buzz-worthy (Moscow Mule-ish again!).   Add to that Joann, from Elegant Occasions who kept us all on time, Susan Baker, our photographer who captured all the glorious moments both grand and intimate (and there were dozens of them!) and Posh who soundtracked the ceremony and kept the dance floor humming!  While it wasn't at all effortless, it certainly seemed that way to the couple and the guests. And THAT, loyal readers, is the dream!

So the 'Real Wedding Monday" takeaway?  People will remember the experience, and you'll treasure the mementos.  Hire the very best vendors you can (including your NJ Wedding Officiant, lol) and then trust them to do the work. (That's why you chose them!) They will truly give you an event to look forward to and memories to treasure.  Then try to relax, enjoy the celebration, and bring comfy shoes for the party!

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