More wedding couples choose Brooklake for planning reception-only or sequel celebrations
So many New Jersey weddings have been put on hold due to Covid-19. Here’s an interesting thing we’re seeing: Some couples are choosing to have a small, intimate ceremony or even elopement followed by a party reception planned with us months, or even a year later. Some of our New Jersey and New York couples who were married in 2020 are planning their reception for 2021. Other couples are saying their vows in the colder months and postponing their big celebration for when the weather is more pleasant.
Sequel weddings are becoming increasingly popular
There’s even a term now for the trend of delayed receptions: Sequel Weddings. With a sequel wedding, couples legally tie the knot now and postpone their reception for a time when it is safe for large groups to gather.
2020 saw many intimate weddings – even Zoom weddings
With the health advisory guidelines so many couples faced in 2020, the number of elopements, intimate ceremonies, and even virtual Zoom weddings were at an all-time high. Many couples simply did not want to put their lives on hold. Others found that after the shutdown of many venues in 2020, it is difficult to find open reception dates in 2021, pushing their event even to 2022.
Some say the intimate memory of how they took their vows with only their closest friends and family is something they will treasure. A sequel wedding allows couples to celebrate their union now, and have something to look forward to in the future.
Make your lists
Your sequel wedding may include the entire list of friends and family, and your “sooner ceremony” may just be your closest circle. It may even be just a witness and the two of you. Be tactful and sensitive, but absolute. There are family dynamics to consider in order to make everyone comfortable with how you break down your lists.
Wording your invitations
Make sure the invitations are as definitive as possible. Perhaps you will be saying that the legal wedding already happened. Whether you’ll be having a symbolic ceremony or just a really big party, help your guests know what to expect.
Ideas for how to phrase your invitation:
- Join us in the celebration of the new Mr and Mrs …
- Surprise! We tied the knot and now it’s time to party.
- COVID hasn’t stopped us from getting married… please join us in 2022 for a big celebration and a symbolic ceremony
- Celebrate the marriage of…
Keep yourself knowledgeable of NJ State Regulations
Always remember, if you’re unsure of what the regulations for New Jersey are in regards to gatherings, consult with the state’s Covid website here… New Jersey Bride also has a private Facebook group that can notify you of the latest changes and explanations. As always, you can contact a Brooklake Event Specialist. They will be more than happy to answer any of your questions.
Whether you are looing for a hall for hundreds of guests or a small and intimate event, consider Brooklake for wedding celebration. See what Brooklake has to offer as wedding hall in the Beechcrest, Brandywynen, Florham Park, and Sun Valley neighborhoods.
