Should You ‘Hard Launch’ or ‘Soft Launch’ Your Engagement?

You’ve got exciting news! How should you tell the world? We’ll break down whether you should ‘hard launch’ or ‘soft launch’ your engagement. 

This article brought to you by Alli Murphy Photography, a Brides of Long Island Preferred Vendor!

Social media makes it easy to stay in touch with literally everyone — from distant relatives to old high school besties. Our networks are bigger than ever, and that means you’ll have a much larger audience for the major events in your life.

That is, if you choose to make those “major events” public knowledge. There’s nothing that says you have to announce every single detail of your life to everyone you’ve ever known, but there is something nice about sharing joyful news (like an engagement!) with your followers.

So now that you’ve got the ring, should you ‘hard launch’ or ‘soft launch’ your engagement?

• MORE: When Should You Have an Engagement Party?

‘Hard Launch’ vs. ‘Soft Launch’

What do these terms mean anyway?

A ‘hard launch’ is a bold public announcement that leaves no questions asked. Think close up selfies with your ring in prominent view, with captions like “I said yes!” posted hours (or even minutes!) after your proposal. You may tag your friends and family in the post, change your Instagram bio to “the future Mrs.” with a ring emoji, or make a TikTok chronicling your relationship with your engagement as the finale. 

A ‘soft launch’ is way more subtle. There’s no close ups of the ring, no captions about wedding planning, no juicy details or highlight reels. You may post an image with your ring in view, or talk about how much you love your partner, but there’s nothing there that explicitly states your engagement.

Why choose a ‘hard launch’?

Big announcements come with big fanfare. If you love seeing your likes and comments skyrocket, a hard launch of your engagement will surely do the trick. Sharing your news in an exciting way adds even more excitement and momentum to your news. You’ll be flooded with well wishes and congratulations, sometimes from people you haven’t spoken to in ages. It’s a great way to connect (or re-connect) with lots of different people in your lives.

It also saves time. No need to text all your friends and family members individually, a hard launch does it for you. Plus, all of the “engagement” (no pun intended) you get will boost your post in the algorithm, which means more people in your network will see it. 

• MORE: 11 Places to Take Engagement Photos on Long Island

Why choose a ‘soft launch’?

You may decide that you’d like to celebrate your engagement quietly at first, with only your fiancé. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that! Soft launches allow for greater intimacy and privacy, which many of us crave with the constant presence of social media. 

Soft launches also allow you to control the spread of information. While everyone will be overjoyed at your news, let’s face it — we all have that friend or family member that will be a bit hurt if they aren’t the FIRST to find out. With a soft launch, you can tell your VIPs first so they’ll remain feeling very important.

Additionally, a soft launch may be the way to go if you’re planning on a small wedding. If you tell your whole network right away, chances are they’ll be some people expecting an invite that would have never made the guest list. 

Should you hard launch or soft launch your engagement?

The decision is totally up to you…and your fiancé. 

It’s super important that both of you are on the same page where announcements are concerned — especially if one of you is a lot more active on social media than the other. Before you post anything, talk it over with them and come to an agreement (or, at the very least, a compromise). You’ll both want to feel as if your boundaries are respected.

There are pros and cons to both, and one decision is not better than the other. The right decision is the one that’s right for you and your fiancé!

Deciding not to ‘launch’ at all

There’s absolutely nothing that says you have to make your engagement public in any way. If you’re more comfortable keeping the news entirely private, then that’s the way to go!

• MORE: Launch into Ring Leader for stress-free wedding planning  

In Brides of Long Island’s Monthly “Mrs.” series, we profile some of our members’ unforgettable weddings. This month, Jen talks about the most important things she was looking for on her wedding day.

Jen and Omar got engaged at the end of 2022, but they bought a house before diving into wedding planning. With just about 10 months to plan, Jen and Omar focused on what was important to them – a smaller wedding surrounded by friends, family and good food.

A Traditional Proposal

Jen and Omar met at Queens College in 2015, as she was earning her post-master’s degree and he was finishing up his undergraduate degree in music. They were both leads in the opera Così fan tutte by W.A. Mozart – Omar as the tenor role and Jen as the soprano. “We actually met in our German diction class, and started rehearsing together,” said Jen. “By the end of the year, we were officially dating.”

Omar proposed on New Year’s Eve in 2022. They had rented an AirBNB for the night, and he was down on one knee in the living room when she came out for dinner. “It was nice that it was just the two of us,” she said.

The following year, the pair focused on getting a house. “Once we closed on the co-op, we started wedding planning in February of 2024,” Jen says. “We were very traditional though, so he didn’t move in with me until about a month before the wedding.”

Food and Photography

Knowing they wanted a smaller wedding, Jen says that their initial searches for a venue were a little difficult. “We knew we didn’t want a huge venue, so at first we started looking at non-traditional venues, like steakhouses,” she says. In addition to a smaller venue, Jen and Omar wanted a venue that would serve Caribbean cuisine. “Omar and his family are from Jamaica, so it was important for us to have multicultural food at our wedding,” Jen says.

They found their perfect venue when they walked into Westbury Manor, a BOLI Preferred Vendor. “When we walked in, the staff was so welcoming,” she says. “The owner, Jerry Scotto, made us feel like part of the Westbury Manor family and he told us that they could have a Caribbean food station at the cocktail hour.” They booked their Nov, 9, 2024 wedding in the small garden room. “I was thrilled because it was a Saturday night.”

MORE: Brides Are Treated Like Part of the Family at Westbury Manor

Once they locked in their venue and church (St. Dominic’s Roman Catholic Church, where they both sing in the choir), Omar and Jen focused on finding a photographer. “Because we’re an interracial couple, it was important to find a photographer that could capture us well – to make sure everyone could be well-lit and look great,” Jen says. They chose Duet Photography & Video, who did not disappoint. “What I loved about them was when we met with them, they showed photos from other interracial couples they photographed, which were beautiful,” Jen says.

The rest of the vendors fell into place pretty quickly, including hair and makeup, and, of course, her brow girl Lacey from Arch Brow Suite. “I need to give a shoutout to Lacey!” Jen says. “She’s been doing my eyebrows for years, and she got me perfectly set up for my wedding.”

MORE: 39 Questions to Ask When Touring a Venue

A Duet to Remember

On their wedding day, Omar and Jen were married at St. Dominic’s by Father Chris Heller. Jen had worked with Father Heller for a few years before he transferred churches, so it was special that he returned to marry the couple. While the pair kept it traditional and didn’t have a first look, Jen did have a first look with her father. “It was so special to me because my father and I are very close,” she says.

Because their reception was later in the day, their photographer made sure to get special photos at the church in the daylight. “He was able to capture that golden hour light in the fall foliage, which is exactly what I was looking for,” she explains. During the reception, Jen and Omar performed a duet, “Fra gli amplessi in pochi istanti,” from the same Italian opera where they met.

Jen says that all of her vendors went above and beyond. From the amazing photos and videos to the service at Westbury Manor, everything was exceptional. She says that her hairstylist, Bri and her assistant, were amazing. “Bri immediately saw my dad’s hair was crazy that morning, so her assistant helped get him looking his best,” she says. “Her assistant was also amazing with my 9-year-old niece who had trouble explaining how she wanted her hair. She was patient and made her feel like a princess.” And the Caribbean food? “It was a hit! Everyone loved it,” she says.

Roll With the Punches

Jen loved using the search bar on the Brides of Long Island Facebook page. “I loved reading all of the reviews – the good and the bad,” she says. “Everyone is so honest, and it was so helpful in finding the perfect vendors for our wedding day.”

MORE: Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff

Now that the stress of buying a house and planning her wedding are behind her, Jen wants other brides to know that what’s going to happen is going to happen. She urges them not to sweat the small stuff. “I considered myself a chill bride, but I did get hung up on some little details toward the end of planning,” she says. “I got mono about a month before our wedding, which was pretty stressful, but there was nothing I could do but focus on getting better.” Being sick actually helped her decide on some last minute items – like favors – pretty quickly. In the end, she says the day is about you and your future spouse and starting your lives together. “Just roll with the punches, and everything will turn out amazing.”

Vendors:
Venue: Westbury Manor, a BOLI preferred vendor
Photographer/Videographer: Duet Photography & Video
DJ: DJ Body Rock
Florist: N.T. Designs
Hair: BChic Hair Boutique
Makeup: Makeup by Vic
Brows: Arch Brow Suite
Photo Booth: Ovation Photo Booth
Dress: Lotus Bridal in Mineola
Cake: Francesco’s Bakery
Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse
Transportation: All-Star Transportation, a BOLI preferred vendor

When tariffs increase on imported goods, some companies pass the extra cost onto customers.  

No matter your political thoughts, the reality is the increase in tariffs on imported goods from different countries – including Canada, Mexico and China – are impacting the price of everything. 

What is a tariff exactly? A tariff is a tax on imported goods, used by governments to regulate trade and protect domestic industries. The idea is to encourage customers to buy from local businesses. 

Everything from food, clothing, cars, and even wedding gowns are being affected. Importing companies like dress designers or bridal salons are responsible for paying the tariffs, not the foreign manufacturers. We get it – as if planning your wedding wasn’t stressful enough, add on extra costs that could put you over budget! It can be very frustrating. 

Brides of Long Island reached out to several of our preferred bridal salons to gather more information about the tariff increases. Some bridal salons are absorbing the added costs, while others have no choice but to adjust their pricing. However, they’re clearly communicating these new policies to their brides.

MORE: How to stick to your wedding budget

All the salons we spoke to are trying to keep the costs down as much as possible. To do this, some are adding a flat tariff rate on all dresses. Some are adding a separate line item for the tariff price, which could be up to 40%. The price would depend on the designer and country of origin. Some designers have chosen to absorb the added costs, while others have incorporated the extra fees into their production costs without increasing the retail price for brides.

Some bridal salons say off-the-rack gowns aren’t affected by the tariff increases, as they have already been imported and are in the store. In fact, they suggest searching for the perfect off-the-rack gown if you’ve got a strict budget. They also add that buying off-the-rack is a great option for those shopping with less than a year before their wedding.

MORE: 15 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding Gown

Since tariff policies change from day-to-day, all bridal salons are hoping they can either remove or lower fees by the time dresses are delivered. But that is not a guarantee. We recommend contacting the bridal salon you’re working with to get the most accurate and up-to-date information. 

Ultimately (and unfortunately) these tariffs are a “wait and see” situation. They continue to fluctuate, and this could mean that a gown you order today may or may not be subject to the same conditions when it arrives at the salon. All of our preferred bridal salons want brides of Long Island to know that they are closely monitoring the situation, and remain committed to supporting and remaining transparent with their clients.

If you have any questions regarding pricing on gowns – or any other services – BOLI recommends reaching out to your vendors and getting the information straight from them.

Owner Jerry Scotto’s philosophy is that the guests always come first at Westbury Manor.

From the moment you set foot inside Westbury Manor, you are considered part of their family. With five acres of manicured gardens and cuisine from around the world (literally!) Westbury Manor, a BOLI Preferred Venue, has it all.

 A Home Rich With History

The Westbury Manor property dates back to the 1880s. At first an estate, it was sold several times over the next hundred years. Jerry Scotto took ownership of Westbury Manor in 2005, but his history with the Manor goes back to the 1980s when he worked there as a teenager. “I actually got married in 1989 at the Westbury Manor on a Thursday night, when it was unfashionable to get married on a weeknight,” says Scotto.

Growing up in the restaurant business, Scotto says family always came first. He’s incorporated family recipes from his great uncle and grandmother into dishes at Westbury Manor. “For me, it’s always been like a family meal,” he says. “When people come here, they’re coming to my home. I’m their host, and I want them to have the best food and the best time.” Scotto says his dedicated staff has been with him for more than 15 years, and they welcome every couple with open arms, whether you have your wedding there or not. “We are just appreciative of the opportunity they are offering us to potentially share in their special day,” he says.

And Scotto loves interacting with couples as they plan their wedding. In fact, he makes himself available to all couples all the way through to their wedding day. “I try to pop in to each wedding at the Manor,” he says. “I’m at my happiest when I see how happy couples and their guests are on their wedding day.”

MORE: 39 Questions to Ask When Touring a Venue

Picture Perfect Grounds

The service isn’t the only thing that’s exceptional at Westbury Manor. The property features five acres of gardens that are perfect for a ceremony or an outdoor cocktail hour. It’s home to thousands of flowers and evergreens, tucked in between flowing ponds, waterfalls, a bridge and a gazebo. Don’t be surprised if you see a wandering Peacock as you take photos among twinkling lights throughout the garden. And in the warmer months, you might even consider setting up a Viennese hour among the stars.

You won’t feel like you have to rush to take full advantage of the beautiful outdoor space at Westbury Manor. “We are a one wedding at a time venue,” says Scotto. “And we let couples arrive early to take as many photos as they like before their ceremony or reception. We want them to be able to enjoy their wedding, and not feel rushed while taking photos during the day.”

If the weather isn’t cooperating on your wedding day, there are plenty of options inside for beautiful photos. Westbury Manor features cozy fireplaces and live floral arrangements throughout the year, as well as a grand piano in the Polo Lounge and elegant furniture. As a bonus, there is an onsite photo studio with different backdrops that you could use.

MORE: 6 Reasons Why Rain on Your Wedding Day Can Be Awesome

Gourmet Cuisine

Your guests will not leave hungry on your wedding day. From the 40 selections of cocktail hour stations to the seven dinner entrees to choose from, there are delicious options that are sure to satisfy every palate. “Our menu is 10 pages long,” says Scotto. “We work with each couple to curate the perfect menu for their wedding day with cuisine from all over the world.” The cocktail hour stations could include Asian food with an oriental wok or General Tso’s chicken, the Italian stations with different dishes from northern or southern Italy, the fajita station and even a barbecue station. “The barbecue ribs are a big favorite,” says Scotto. “It always brings a smile to my face when I see empty plates during the cocktail hour. That means they’re loving the food.”

Some dinner options include melt-in-your-mouth filet mignon and a grilled pork chop or the sophisticated duck a l’ orange. Make sure to tell your guests to leave room for dessert. You get to choose from several options like a homemade brownie with ice cream to individually baked cheesecakes that accompany a custom-designed wedding cake.

For those with dietary restrictions, there are vegetarian and gluten-free options. They also offer kosher meals through a third-party vendor, and can recommend kosher catering if needed.

MORE: Summer Soiree? Fall Fête? A Breakdown of Weddings by Season.

Something For Every Bride

The Westbury Manor works with brides with all different budgets – they offer a package that includes a florist, photographer and a DJ, with the option to add on transportation.

Scotto urges all brides not to get overwhelmed with the planning process. “There are so many options and decisions that brides need to make for their wedding,” he says. “I always tell them to separate their planning into two categories – the essentials and the extras.” The essentials being the gown, tuxedo, transportation, entertainment, flowers and, of course, the venue. “The extras can get overwhelming for brides,” he says. “I always tell couples that if something isn’t there on your wedding day, it won’t necessarily be missed.”

If you get overwhelmed, Scotto says it’s great that brides are able to connect with other brides in the Brides of Long Island Facebook group. “I think that’s such a great resource for brides in regard to planning and trends,” he says. “I love that brides can speak with other brides so they know they’re not alone in the planning process.”

Ultimately, Scotto and the team at Westbury Manor can’t wait to welcome you with open arms into their home to share in your special day.

Little ones are adorable, but sometimes it’s best to call in a babysitter! Here are 6 tactful ways to say “no kids at our wedding.”

There’s no denying an impeccably-dressed flower girl or a precocious ring bearer will draw a few “awws” from your guests. But if you’re being really honest with yourself, you’d prefer to have your wedding be an “adults only” affair.

As we often say here at Brides of Long Island, it’s your day and you get to call the shots. If you’d rather not include children on your guest list, that’s your prerogative. At the same time though, you don’t want to offend your family and friends who have little ones. 

So what are some tactful ways to say “no kids at our wedding”? Here are 6 of the most respectful and straightforward statements you can make — on your invites, wedding website, or any other wedding-related communications you send.

• MORE: My Wedding, My Decisions, No You Cannot Bring Your Child

1. “Adults-only ceremony and reception.”

This is about as clear as it gets. 

2. “We love your kids but due to space restrictions, we can only accommodate guests 18 and over”

If you’re feeling uncomfortable about excluding the kiddos, put the blame on your venue’s capacity. You can also adjust the age range at your discretion — feel free to list the minimum age you’d consider.

3. “Moms and dads, you need a night out! Our wedding will be adults-only. Please contact us for a list of recommended babysitters!”

Hey, those moms and dads probably DO need a night out! And if you can provide vetted babysitters to recommend, that’s a huge plus. Check out BOLI Preferred Vendor Sitter Network!

4. “We kindly request that no children attend our wedding events. We thank you in advance for your understanding.”

Another clear statement that extends gratitude.

5. “While we’d love to host your entire family, our ceremony and reception will appropriate for adults only. Thank you!”

For real, though — should a toddler be twerking with everyone else on the dance floor? 😂 

6. “The couple requests that the ceremony and reception be adult-only events.”

Again — it’s your wedding day, and you get to request whatever you want!

• MORE: Am I a Bridezilla for Not Allowing Children at My Wedding? 

Keep in mind that if children aren’t invited, there’s a chance the parents on your list will RSVP no. That’s okay! They have to put their children’s needs first, and if they can’t find a child care option that they find suitable, they may have to skip out on your festivities. Don’t take it personally, and instead enjoy your wedding day with those guests in spirit. 

• MORE: Invites shouldn’t be a hassle. Download Ring Leader and simplify the process.

Your guests will be on the dance floor all night long with these Long Island Wedding DJs!

For some brides it’s the most important part of wedding planning – choosing the perfect DJ! From the ceremony and your walk down the aisle to your first dance as husband and wife and a rocking dance floor, you want everything to be perfect when it comes to music. And remember a DJ is so much more than music these days! Most offer a variety of extras to make your night memorable – including photo booths, zap photos, party favors for the dance floor, uplighting and so much more! The possibilities are endless when you choose the right DJ.

There are so many great Long Island DJs, you probably don’t know where to start. Well, Brides of Long Island is taking the work out of your search and has 27 of the best Long Island wedding DJs that will be sure to meet all of your needs.

Absolute Entertainment
With over 30 years experience, Absolute Entertainment is a full-service entertainment company. Sparkler towers, giant lettering, photo booths, and of course excellent DJs and MCs to create the perfect night music-wise with you! Absolute represents over 20 catering halls on Long Island, including all of the Lessings’ venues.

MORE: Read more about Absolute Entertainment 

High Voltage Entertainment
High Voltage Entertainment wants you to know they are more than just great music! They offer photographers, live musicians, event coordinators and dancers to start. Their event coordinators cater to your needs and create the day you want.

Long Island Sound DJ Entertainment
If you want to make a personal statement, LI Sound is the DJ company for you. From their top-notch emcees and DJS, to their state-of-the-art accent lighting, your wedding guests are sure to be impressed and won’t leave the dance floor.

L.I. Nights Entertainment
With over 20 years experience, Chad and the staff at L.I. Nights Entertainment will work to ensure a one-of-a-kind wedding. They create perfect, customized timelines for you to maximize the amount of partying on the dance floor.

Ultimate Sound DJs
At Ultimate Sound DJs, the music never stops. Their DJs will keep the good vibes rolling from your first meeting to the very last dance at your wedding. Ultimate Sound DJs love being a part of a couple’s special day. They create magical moments, helping couples celebrate their love with family and friends.

Tommy’s Tunes
For over 30 years, Tommy’s Tunes has raised the bar in DJ entertainment. Tommy’s Tunes offers an array of customized services to fit any budget and any party size.

MORE: How to create the perfect playlist 

Genesis Events
If you want to make lifelong friends, look into Genesis Events. The owners want to get to know you, your likes, your dislikes, how you and your future spouse met, and what you were like as kids! This way they can throw you the best wedding ever.

MORE: Genesis Events Brings the Best of All Worlds to Your Dance Floor

Variety Music
Variety Music knows that one of the most important aspects of your wedding is the music, which is why they will create a classy, fun and lively atmosphere for you and your wedding guests. They also offer bi-lingual MCs to cater to all of their clients.

Studio 27 DJs
‘Get a real job!’ is something the owner of Studio 27 DJs has often heard. But this is his real job and he loves it! At Studio 27, they are constantly dreaming up new ways to give you the most unique and amazing wedding day.

MORE: Studio 27 breaks down what makes them stand out 

Get Your Groove On DJ Entertainment
If you really want to get your groove on, then look no further than Get Your Groove On DJ Entertainment. Their staff is energetic and ready to make your wedding the party of the century! They also offer photo booths, Zap photos and much more!

MORE: Get Your Groove On DJ Entertainment Keeps Your Guests Dancing All Night Long

TLC Entertainment and Event Group
Sophisticated, exciting, and most importantly, customized for you. This is the wedding experience that TLC Entertainment and Event Group offers all its brides. Creating a fun, unique atmosphere is what they proudly offer, and they can’t wait to entertain your guests.

WiredUP NY
The staff at WiredUP NY strives for nothing but perfection. They create the perfect atmosphere for all types of wedding celebrations. Making your wedding a special day that you’ll never forget is something WiredUP strives for.

MORE: First dance songs that still stand the test of time 

Partytime Entertainment
It’s time to party with Partytime Entertainment. Being a part of your day is fulfilling for the Partytime DJs and emcees. They work hard to ensure your wedding leaves your guests saying ‘Wow, that was the best night ever.’

Fourth Generation DJ and Entertainment
With more than 30 years experience. Fourth Generation DJ and Entertainment make it their mission to make all of your wedding entertainment dreams come true. From a traditional affair to an over-the-top banger and everything in between, the DJs and emcees at Fourth Generation will be there every step of the way.

Top Tier Entertainment New York
Top Tier Entertainment is a full-service event production company. With everything from photographers to DJs, film making and live music, Top Tier will make your wedding a night you’ll never forget.

Events by Elite Entertainment
Events by Elite Entertainment offers bilingual DJs and emcees. They work side-by-side with you to make sure all of your music is perfect. And don’t forget to ask about a photo booth or uplighting!

Gotham Events NYC
This boutique production company is all about extreme professionalism, hands-on customer service, and the utmost attention to detail. Gotham Events NYC will leave no stone unturned when planning your special day.

Sensational Sounds DJ Entertainment
Sensational Sounds works to ensure that your wedding reception will be a celebration that you’ll remember with joy and happiness, laughter and special moments you shared with family members and friends.

Everlasting Productions
Everlasting Productions isn’t just your DJ – they will guide you to create an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. They know it’s not their show – it’s your wedding day and it’s all about you. They want your guests to be dancing, celebrating your love and making lasting memories. Founder AJ is ready to create the wedding event you’ve always dreamed of.

Dynamic Beats Entertainment
This close-knit family will make you one of their own as they plan your very special day with you. At Dynamic Beat Entertainment, they celebrate alongside you, your loved ones, and your cherished guests and work to ensure your special day shines with the very best in entertainment.

Ello Entertainment
Owner Joseph Mondello – also known as DJ Ello – began his career as a club DJ. Originally into house and dance music, Ello Entertainment caters to all genres for every wedding he DJs. DJing isn’t a job for Joseph, it’s his passion.  Joseph brings upbeat energy in music and packed out as well as professionalism and a calm demeanor.

MORE: Entrance songs guaranteed to get the party started

Paradigm Sounds
Paradigm Sounds wants to transform your wedding into an unforgettable experience. Their musicians can cover a range of genres to make sure everyone is up on the dance floor. From R&B to Motown and contemporary hits, they can do it all. With years of experience and a passion for music, Paradigm Sounds is ready to elevate your wedding day.

Xtreme Entertainment
Xtreme Entertainment has staff from different backgrounds, all of whom are talented and ready to bring the energy on your wedding day. They work with couples on any budget to ensure the dance floor is filled. They can’t wait to meet with you and discuss music, add-ons like Zap shots, light shows and more!

Metro Sounds
What started out as a fascination with radio DJs turned into a passion and career for the owner for Metro Sounds. This small business prides itself on their attention to detail, ensuring spectacular entertainment on your wedding day. By connecting with their brides, they can create a memorable event.

Drive Up DJ’s
With Drive Up DJ’s, you get your own personal party planner to make sure your wedding day goes off without a hitch. From DJs to lighting and photo booths, they have everything you need to create the wedding party of your dreams. They will turn your wedding day dreams into memories that last a lifetime.

TCM DJ Events LLC
Tasteful, Classy and Memorable DJ Events (or ‘TCM’) says it all in the name. Their DJs cater to your music requests while keeping the dance floor packed all night long. With their music app, you can hear the songs you want while putting together your wedding timeline to make for a smooth and unforgettable day.

Come Alive Music and Entertainment
What started as a husband and wife duo turned into a full DJ-band hybrid that gives brides and grooms their dream wedding entertainment. They work with couples to ensure there is a mix of everything for everyone on their wedding day. They can’t wait to see your wedding come alive!

So, what are you waiting for? Don’t walk but dance to book one of these fantastic Long Island DJs for your wedding day.

Welcome your guests with a hotel treat! Include these 7 items in your wedding welcome bag.

You didn’t get that hotel block for nothing! Several guests on your list are traveling in for your big day, and you couldn’t be happier. While most hotels are stocked with the essentials, putting together a wedding “welcome bag” for your guests is never a bad idea. 

So, what exactly goes into a welcome bag? The contents are totally up to you, and we’ve seen some brides of Long Island go above and beyond! But if you’re feeling a bit stumped, here are the top 7 items to include in your wedding welcome bag

• MORE: What Should They Wear? The Pros and Cons of Wedding Guest Dress Codes

1. An itinerary

Give your guests an idea of schedule and other important information. Let them know about shuttle departures, ceremony start times, Uber codes, and after-party addresses. 

2. Drinks and snacks

Sure, most hotels will have restaurants (or at least vending machines). But including a few bites and sips for your guests is super thoughtful! Even better if they fit the theme of your wedding, or offer your out-of-towners some local treats and flavors.

3. Over-the-counter meds

Will the hotel gift shop carry ibuprofen? Probably. But will your guests feel like schlepping to the lobby after sampling your signature cocktail…all night long? Probably not. Throwing a few pain killers in your wedding welcome bag could be a lifesaver!

4. Portable stain removers

You know your venue’s chicken parm is out of this world, but it’ll be bad news if that sauce ends up in someone’s lap! Wet naps, detergent pens, and other stain removers are always a great idea.

5. Fun, personalized items

Matchbooks with your names and wedding date, candles with your initials, or even beer coozies with your hashtag are all festive swag options for your wedding welcome bag.

6. First Aid items

We never want to think about our guests getting injured, but it can happen. Bandages, alcohol pads, and anti-bacterial ointment can be very useful.

7. A notepad and paper

Sure, everyone uses their phones to take notes. But there’s something classic about a small notepad and pen! This is another item you can personalize with your wedding details. 

• MORE: Keep your guests in the know with Ring Leader 

Looking to personalize your wedding invitations? BOLI has seven of the best invitation & station vendors for you!

When it comes to your wedding invitations, you want to make an impression. This is something that will live on your family or friend’s refrigerator or desk for weeks leading up to the big day. But where do you begin? Why not look into using one of the seven best Long Island invitation and stationery vendors? They will help you customize and design the perfect wedding invitation that will wow your guests!

Red Letter Day Invitations & Design
If out of the box is where your mind is headed, then schedule a free personalized design session with Red Letter Day Invitations & Design. They will come to you and make creating your dream wedding invitation and fun experience, adding personal touches to impress your guests.

The Stationery Bar
Lindenhurst
Romantic, timeless and sparkly – just wait until you meet Joy at The Stationary Bar! Work with her directly to create a custom package of wedding invitations that share your love story. Joy makes sure your invites represent you and your style. And don’t forget to ask her to customize your day of stationary, seating charts and wedding day signage!

MORE: The Do’s and Don’ts of Writing Your Thank You Cards 

Inklinations
Great Neck
This husband and wife team has been running Inklinations for over 34 years. After becoming a professional calligrapher, it seemed only natural for Annie Kantor to open a retail invitation shop with her husband Earle. They are ready to create your perfect wedding invitations.

Dolce Press
Bohemia
With over 20 years experience in designing invitations, Alexandria at Dolce Press can’t wait to meet you and bring your wedding invitation vision to life! She will obsess over every little detail of your invitations or stationary to make sure everything is perfect for your big day.

MORE: How to Make a Small Wedding Guest List 

 

(Photo courtesy of Fairy Tale Affairs)

Fairy Tale Affairs
Massapequa
At Fairy Tale Affairs, your vision for invitations – and so much more – is brought to life. Mother-daughter duo Tracey and Dezi are the masterminds that bring everything together.

Jessica Leigh Paperie
Bay Shore
With 18 years experience in creative services and design, Jessica Leigh Paperie is a boutique invitation design studio. Together with JLP, you can create high-end wedding and event invitations as well as any other design needs for your big day (think menus and escort cards).

MORE: How to Address Your Wedding Invitations 

Violet Invitations
Ronkonkoma
Violet Invitations is passionate and dedicated to creating exceptional designs for all of your wedding paper needs. Melanie’s experience in design and marketing gives her a keen eye and attention for detail to hand-design your dream wedding invitations.

Planning a wedding can be stressful. These invitation and stationary vendors on Long Island work hard to make creating your wedding suites fun, creative and stress-free!

Cash is king, but it’s not without its pitfalls. Here’s how to avoid common cash wedding gift mistakes.

It may be different in other parts of the country, but on Long Island, weddings mean cash gifts. Whether it’s in paper dollars or paper checks, many newlyweds leave their venues with full card boxes and soon-to-be fuller bank accounts.

Getting loads of cash is exciting, but there are a few errors that many couples can make when it comes to their congratulatory windfall. Before heading to the bank, know these common cash wedding gift mistakes and how to avoid them.

• MORE: How to Handle an Empty-Handed Guest

1. Not having a plan for the money

Depending on your guest list, you and your fiancé can expect to get a chunk of change for your wedding. Before you get to the big day, decide what you want to do with the money you receive. You may want to open a joint savings account and leave it there while you discuss things further. Or, you may decide you want to invest it and meet with a financial advisor. You might also want to put it towards buying a home or another major purchase. Whatever you choose, make a plan for the money before you get it. That way, you’ll be less likely to make the second cash wedding gift mistake on our list…

2. Splurging on impulse buys or everyday purchases

Your wedding gifts may amount to the largest amount of cash you’ve ever been given. We know you have a pair of Louboutins in sight, but resist the urge to splurge! Your best bet is to talk with your fiancé and funnel the money towards something for your future — like a home, a sound financial investment, or even as an extended honeymoon budget. 

You’ll also want to avoid spending the money on things like groceries or gas. We know that money could fuel your car for years, but a smarter decision would be to invest the money or dedicate it to a once-in-a-lifetime experience.   

3. Neglecting to note which guests gave cash gifts

Remember ripping open a birthday card and making a beeline for the cash inside? Yeah, we all fell into that trap when we were younger. But doing it with your cash wedding gifts could mean you easily forget who gave you what. And let’s be real — you’d like to write a really nice thank you note to the uncle that gave you $500. Keep a ledger as you open your cards, and make a note of which guests gave you cash and checks. That will make things so much easier when it’s time to write your thank you notes.

4. Waiting too long to cash checks

We know you’re going to be exhausted after the big day, and you’ll want to rest and recoup before getting back to the real world. It may be tempting to stuff checks in your purse to cash later, but remember — most checks are only good for 6 months after the date listed, and some are valid for only 90 days. Banks aren’t required to honor them after that point.

It’s also worth mentioning that unless your guests balance their accounts religiously, they may forget that they have a large outstanding check in your name. Waiting too long to cash their check could cause them to overdraft, or eat into money they need for mortgages, rent, or other expenses.  

5. Using cash gifts to pay off wedding expenses

It’s so tempting to spring for a live painter or DJ uplighting that’s way out of your budget, with the thought that money you get for gifts will make up the difference. But here’s the thing — you never know just how much money you’ll be getting, and if it will be enough to cover expenses that brought you into the red.

Instead of spending theoretical gift money, set a strict wedding budget and throw a party that’s within your means. We promise you’ll have an incredible day — even if you have to skip the uplighting. 

• MORE: Need to stick to a budget? Use Ring Leader!

In Brides of Long Island’s Monthly “Mrs.” series, we profile some of our members’ unforgettable weddings. This month, Chelsey talks about why she chose a wedding band over a DJ and the perfect fall weather on her wedding day.

Like most brides, Chelsey was worried about the weather for her Oct. 5, 2024 wedding. But when the day arrived, it was 74 degrees and sunny the entire day! The great weather meant she and her husband Mark got to have their ceremony outdoors – which is what they wanted all along.

A Sorority Setup

Chelsey and Mark met at Syracuse University in February 2015, when a friend set them up for a sorority social. Like most college couples, they hung out for a while before getting serious. In fact, Chelsey says she met his entire family at a wedding before they actually made things official. 

In 2022, during their annual apple picking trip, Mark popped the question. “We had been going apple picking near Syracuse every year since we started dating,” says Chelsey. “We usually go with his family, so they were all there when he proposed.” Mark also invited Chelsey’s family for an engagement dinner.

The Perfect Indoor/Outdoor Venue

As Chelsey and Mark started looking for venues that October, they knew they needed to find one that had a great outdoor space for their ceremony but also a suitable indoor backup in case of inclement weather. “We looked at a lot of venues that just turned their ballroom into a ceremony space,” explains Chelsey. “But we wanted a venue that had a dedicated space for a ceremony.” And they found the perfect space at Pine Hollow Club, a BOLI Preferred Venue. “Even though we didn’t use it, the indoor ceremony space at Pine Hollow is beautiful and exactly what we were looking for,” says Chelsey. “It has really high ceilings and windows, which make you feel like you’re outside.”

Another reason they loved Pine Hollow? They could arrive at the venue any time they wanted. “We were able to get there at 6:30 a.m. to start getting ready,” says Chelsey. This meant they could have their first look and all of their photos done ahead of their ceremony. “Pine Hollow was so flexible and accommodating,” she says. “It was so easy to work with them to create the timeline that we wanted.”

MORE: Pine Hollow Club Offers Beauty, Sophistication, and Versatility on Your Wedding Day

All Night Long

Aside from the venue, Chelsey says the band and the photographer were their most important vendors to choose. “We LOVE watching live music,” says Chelsey. “We always knew that we wanted a band at our wedding.” They booked with Crossing Midnight Entertainment, a BOLI Preferred Vendor, and they were not disappointed. “The band covered pretty much every song and genre of music we asked for,” says Chelsey. “Everyone was raving about them. People were literally getting kicked off the dance floor to eat dinner. They were that good.”

Crossing Midnight Entertainment wasn’t the only vendor that went above and beyond all night for Chelsey and Mark. “Honestly, we loved all of our vendors,” says Chelsey. “From the amazing food and the bridal attendant who didn’t leave my side at the Pine Hollow Club to our photographer Hannah from JayLim, who matched my creative vision, everyone was amazing.”

MORE: Best Long Island Bands and Musicians

Because of the amazing weather, they got to have the outdoor ceremony they had hoped for. They worked with Jacqueline Brehm, from LI Officiant, a BOLI Preferred Vendor. “From our first call before we booked her to the day of the wedding, Jacqueline was amazing to work with,” says Chelsey. Jacqueline drafted a script that really captured Chelsey and Mark’s relationship, and even helped the pair work on their wedding vows. “It was the perfect balance of humor and emotion that we were looking for,” says Chelsey. “Our ceremony was everything we dreamed of because of Jacqueline.”

A Moment of Calm

You may have heard the saying “calm before the storm.” Chelsey says as she was getting ready, she looked out the window of Pine Hollow and had a true moment of calm – which ended up lasting the rest of the day. “We had such a beautiful day,” says Chelsey. “As I looked out the window that morning, I felt a really nice moment of peace. I honestly couldn’t believe it.” And the rest of the day went smoothly because she says she trusted her vendors. “I put a lot of faith into my vendors,” says Chelsey. “We shared our vision with them, and everything turned out exactly how we wanted it to.”

MORE: Enjoy Premier Long Island Wedding Venue Pine Hollow Club — All to Yourself

Now that she is settling into married life with Mark, Chelsey has some words of advice for future brides. “As you start your planning, take one vendor at a time,” she says. “When I started planning, I was so excited I emailed everyone. And it was overwhelming when everyone started responding at the same time.” She suggests narrowing down your vision, and tackling one vendor at a time to find the perfect one for you and your future spouse. She adds, “Trust your vendors, and just enjoy yourself on your wedding day.”

Vendors:
Venue: Pine Hollow Club, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Photographer/Videographer: JayLim (Hannah)
Band: Crossing Midnight Entertainment, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Florist: Andrew Pascoe Flowers
Hair: AP Hair Designs, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Makeup: Makeup by Marisa
Officiant: Jacqueline Brehm, from LI Officiant, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Dress: Bridal Salon of Huntington Village, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Cake: Buttercooky Bakery
Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse
Transportation: Sir Oliver, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Invitations: Maple and Ember
After Party: The Coop Nashville Kitchen and Bar