About Brooklyn
Home to about 2.6 million residents, Brooklyn would rank fourth on the list of largest cities in the United States, if it stood independently as a city. However, it’s an administrative division that falls under New York City and the state’s most populous borough.
Brooklyn is a melting pot of cultures with foreign-born occupants accounting for 40 percent of its population. The diversity is what gives Brooklyn its "cool and hip" vibes.
The borough is warm half the time and experiences cold to mild winters for the rest of the year. You are better off planning an indoor wedding in Brooklyn, but there are plenty of suitable outdoor wedding venue options worth considering as well. For instance, you could say "I do" underneath the full bloom of the Kwanzan Cherries at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden or settle for a historic Brooklyn Brownstone for your nuptials.
Wedding Options in Brooklyn
Locking down a Brooklyn wedding venue is undoubtedly one of the biggest aspects of planning the big day. However, several more details collectively go into creating the perfect and memorable day that every couple envisions. Brooklyn offers selections of choices from the wedding bands down to the decor.
The image that comes to mind when thinking about your big day describes your vision. It contributes to the overall theme or style that your wedding will take. Perhaps a garden ceremony will suit a couple who enjoys laidback Sunday brunches. More inspiration can come from your personal preferences, seasonal considerations, Pinterest boards, or even your home decor choices.
Let's face it, the search for the almost elusive perfect wedding dress is amongst the nerve-wracking processes of planning the big day. That's why you should start shopping as early as 10 months out. Even if you know precisely what you want and where to get it, there are still fittings and adjustments required before the material day.
Three to four months away from the nuptials is the sweet spot to purchase the wedding rings. The time frame is more than enough to get the ring sizing correct and make necessary changes if required. It also gives the jeweler ample time to work on special wedding band requests.
It's an unwritten rule that the food is the icing on the cake that guests expect when attending a wedding. Brooklyn is equally known for some of its iconic dishes and it doesn't hurt to include some of these delectable cuisines in your menu. That includes a cheesecake from Junior's Restaurant, The Theater at Tatiana's banquet-style spread, or a rare steak from the Peter Luger Steakhouse.
Every couple wants beautiful and professional photos taken to document their big day. Securing a Brooklyn wedding photographer early enough gives you the peace of mind that you'll have heartwarming pictures to commemorate the day. Use an engagement shoot as practice, and most photographers usually include it as part of the package.
Wedding Companies in Brooklyn
Most folks only get married once, and that alone guides the decision to work with a wedding planner in Brooklyn. Having a professional on board minimizes the chances of experiencing hiccups and it just makes your planning experience much more stress-free.
As implied, Small Shindigs caters to the couple who wants something other than a courthouse ceremony but small enough to keep the gathering intimate. The client-focused planners strive to help couples who are more invested in the marriage part of things kick start their lives together.
Driven by the mission to bring folks together, Thirty4thStreet has a track record for helping their clients create unforgettable memories. They work with each individual couple to best represent their style and personality for the big day. Best still, they combine live streaming technology to the experience of helping couples share their moments with loved ones who are far away.
- A La Mode Weddings & Events
A La Mode Weddings & Events has perfected the art of helping couples execute the vision for their big day. Debbie Louis is the brains behind the events company and she brings on board 12 years of experience planning a myriad of gatherings. The planner is dedicated to bringing out your individuality and leaving your guests with lasting memories.
Pros and Cons of Weddings in Brooklyn
Brooklyn isn't free of shortcomings, much like any other place in the U.S. Some of the upsides and downsides of settling for the borough for your upcoming nuptials include the following.
Advantages
- The cool and weird borough
Brooklyn is home to artisanal finds and you can get your hands on an array of cool down to weird stuff in this borough. If you fancy having your bridal party don feathered gloves there's a store that exclusively sells them.
Commuting around Brooklyn isn’t exactly a breeze but the subway is your surest bet. 170 subway stations exist within Brooklyn with the Atlantic Terminal serving as the major transit hub.
- The cultural selling point
Brooklyn and the other New York boroughs, in general, are considered as zero-judgment zones. The vibrant diversity makes you feel like taking risks or testing your limits. It's a suitable option for couples who are not afraid to try out different experiences for their grand day.
- An endless list of things to do
You won't be short of something exciting to do whether it's within the borough or crossing over to the other four administrative districts for some fun times. They don't call it the Big Apple for no reason, and the events that take place within any of the boroughs are always on a grander scale. That's why Brooklyn is an equally great choice for a grand ceremony.
Disadvantages
On the flipside, transit isn't as reliable in Brooklyn and the commute to Manhattan takes about an hour each way. You'll want to consider having everyone stay within the borough, and possibly work exclusively with local vendors to avoid setbacks related to accessing the borough.
Driving is another option to get around Brooklyn, except that parking is an issue. Uber services are always available but it isn't the practical choice for the couple and their bridal party. Have this in mind when securing a Brooklyn wedding venue.
- It can be quite expensive
Brooklyn is right on Manhattan's tail in terms of the cost of living. You are likely to spend more in this borough and you should budget for it.
Famous Locations in Brooklyn
Brooklyn Botanic Gardens is the ideal place for those who love everything floral from roses to hydrangeas. The Botanical Garden is filled with flowers, trees, and vast manicured lawns over 52 acres of color. Be sure to check out the outdoor spaces, along with The Palm House and The Atrium.
Brooklyn Museum is the third-largest in the city and houses over 1.5 million works. It’s a must-see when one has an afternoon to marvel at sights like masterpieces from Monet and Rothko. Important pieces of African, European, and Japanese art, among others, are showcased here. Book a historic 1895 Brooklyn Brownstone near the museum if you are looking for a more quaint, culturally significant wedding venue.
Everyone knows the formidable Brooklyn Bridge and its towering supports. This span really is majestic and was once the longest suspension bridge in the world. Although this title is no longer, the view from the walkway is spectacular nonetheless.
