For decades, the traditional tri-state area wedding was a huge event with all of a couple’s family and friends. Most New Jersey couples budgeted tens of thousands of dollars for their big day (in 2018, the average NJ wedding ranged from about $38,000 to well above $62,000), and no expense was spared to throw an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime celebration.

When COVID-19 hit in early 2020, any plans for a large, lavish wedding went out the window. Social distancing and indoor gathering restrictions forced many engaged couples to rethink their plans.

Some opted for a livestreamed Minimony on their original date, with only close family and the wedding party attending in-person. Others decided to postpone their entire wedding until they could have the reception of their dreams.

It’s clear that the pandemic isn’t going away any time soon, and recently engaged couples are wondering how to proceed. We’ve found that, rather than waiting months (or years) for the world to be “safe” for a big wedding, many Hurricane couples are intentionally planning an intimate, simple wedding, pared back to the essentials for their guest list and services.

In the process, they’ve realized that these smaller, simpler celebrations are often more fun and more affordable.

Why the simple wedding is here to stay

Based on the current trends, we see simple weddings as the new standard for New Jersey celebrations. Here are a few reasons why couples are opting to scale down and focus on fun and core wedding services.

1. Fewer guests mean a lower price tag.

Food and beverage costs are consistently the biggest line item on any couple’s wedding budget. Venues and caterers tally your bill based on the number of guests, so a smaller crowd naturally means a less expensive wedding.

2. You’ll actually get to interact with each of your guests.

Couples who invite 200-plus guests to their wedding rarely get to spend time talking to every person who attends. A reduced invite list ensures you’ll get more than a quick hello and goodbye with each wedding guest.

3. You can save your money for the things that matter.

Sometimes couples allocate so much of their budget to per-guest expenses (food and drinks, invitations, favors, etc.) that they run out of money for things like videography and ceremony sound. These types of core services can greatly enhance your wedding day experience, and you’ll be able to afford them if you

4. It’s easier to social distance.

While we won’t have to social distance forever, it’s certainly going to be a factor at private events for the foreseeable future. DIY backyard weddings with a small number of guests make it much easier to keep six feet apart.

5. You can still broadcast your vows to everyone you love with a private livestream.

Just because you can’t host all your loved ones in-person doesn’t mean they can’t take part in your big day. Setting up a wedding livestream means anyone can witness your vows from anywhere with an internet connection — no travel required.

2022 dates are filling up! Book your core wedding services now.

Planning a 2022 wedding? Hurricane Productions offers a full suite of media, entertainment, and livestreaming services for your special day.

Whether you’re planning something small and simple or big and extravagant, we have packages to suit your needs and budget — plus, we offer competitive discounts for bundling services.

Dates are booking up quickly, so fill out the form below to request a quote and confirm our availability!

If you would like to receive booking information or would like to make an appointment please contact us using the form below.