About East Williamsburg
East Williamsburg, a vibrant neighborhood in the northwestern portion of Brooklyn, New York City, combines rich history, eclectic architecture, and a thriving arts scene. Often referred to as Bushwick, this area can trace its roots back to Dutch settlements in the 17th century. The weather here is typical of New York City: hot summers, cold winters, and beautiful springs and falls, making it ideal for year-round visits.
East Williamsburg is notable for its 'gritty, industrial vibe,’ with warehouses, apartment buildings, and converted artist lofts providing a distinctive landscape. Imagine hosting a wedding amidst this vibrant backdrop. The mechanical architecture of East Williamsburg lends itself beautifully to weddings, creating a unique blend of old-world charm and modern elegance.
The neighborhood's diverse culinary scene offers a wide range of catering options, adding a local flavor to your wedding feast. Whether it's a small, intimate gathering in a converted loft overlooking the city skyline or a grand celebration in a modern event space, the neighborhood offers a variety of unique spots for couples to exchange vows.
Wedding Options in East Williamsburg
- Event Planners
Event planners coordinate and manage all aspects of a wedding, from the venue selection to the day-of logistics. Working closely with the couple, they bring their vision and preferences to life. Having an event planner can significantly reduce the stress of planning a wedding, as the masters handle all the details and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
- Limos
Limousines provide luxury transportation for the wedding party. They are excellent for transporting the bride and groom, their families, or the entire wedding party, providing ample space, comfort, and a touch of elegance. Many limo services in East Williamsburg have packages specifically designed for weddings, often including champagne, red carpet service, and a professional chauffeur.
- Cakes
The wedding cake is not just a dessert but a reception centerpiece. It's frequently custom-designed to match the wedding theme or the couple's style. Choices range from traditional tiered cakes to more modern designs; flavors can be as simple or exotic as the couple desires. Some couples even opt for alternatives like cupcakes, cake pops, or a dessert bar.
- Bartenders
Bartenders play a crucial role in keeping the wedding reception lively and guests happy. They serve drinks, create signature cocktails, and ensure guests are served responsibly. Hiring professional bartenders for a wedding may elevate the reception experience, as they often bring their flair to the drink service, whether through bartending tricks, personalized cocktail creations, or simply their charismatic service.
Wedding Vendors in East Williamsburg
- Modern Rebel
Weddings, parties, and general events bring people together to celebrate life's special moments. Amy Shack Egan, Founder and CEO of Modern Rebel, has seen it all. But what sets her apart from the rest is her fresh take on an outdated industry. Amy’s intelligent and witty approach to event planning has made her a go-to for media outlets, like the NYTimes. When she's not changing the wedding industry one event at a time, she spends time with her partner, John, and her toddler, Arlo.
- Ride In Style Limo
Established in 2008 by Preet, this transportation business provides great chauffeur service to clients looking for safe and reliable transportation. From luxury airport transportation to private chauffeur services, Ride in Style Limo has grown to offer a wide range of transportation options. Whether you need a late-model sedan, SUV, sprinter van, or limo, the team is ready. You can sit back, relax, and allow them to take you to your destination in style.
- byPensa
byPensa is a cake studio in New York City founded by Nikki in 2017. It all started with small birthday cakes for friends and family, but as the word got out about her delicious pastries, Nikki found herself creating larger and more elaborate cakes. She expertly crafts intricate cake designs for graduations, weddings, or any celebration. With over fifteen years in the culinary industry, Nikki has found her true passion in the sweet world of wedding cakes.
Pros and Cons of Weddings in East Williamsburg
East Williamsburg is known for its vibrant arts scene, industrial charm, and cultural diversity. It's an area that has become increasingly well-liked over the years for its unique lifestyle and as a wedding destination. However, like any location, it has pros and cons when hosting a wedding.
Advantages
- Unique Venues: From repurposed factories and warehouses to art galleries and chic restaurants, East Williamsburg offers numerous unique venues that can cater to different wedding themes and sizes.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The neighborhood's street art, industrial landscapes, and urban charm provide a visually captivating backdrop for wedding photos.
- Access to Local Artists and Musicians: Given East Williamsburg's active arts scene, you can easily access local artists and musicians who can add a unique touch to your wedding.
- Proximity to Manhattan: East Williamsburg's location in Brooklyn provides easy access to Manhattan, which may be convenient for out-of-town guests.
Disadvantages
- Parking: Like in many parts of New York City, finding parking in East Williamsburg can be challenging. This could pose an inconvenience for guests traveling by car.
- Noise: The neighborhood's vibrant atmosphere could also mean potential noise disruptions from the streets or nearby establishments during your event.
- Availability: Given the neighborhood's popularity, securing your preferred venue and date might require early booking and flexibility.
- Lack of Green Spaces: Unlike other parts of Brooklyn, East Williamsburg has fewer parks and green spaces, which might be a drawback if you're dreaming of an outdoor wedding.
Tips on How to Organize Weddings in East Williamsburg
There's so much to consider when planning a wedding, from picking the right venue to choosing the perfect local caterer. But worry not; we've got you covered with some essential tips to help you organize your dream wedding in East Williamsburg.
- Hire Local Vendors: Support local businesses by inviting local vendors for catering, decorations, photography, etc. This will not only boost the local economy but also add a touch of authenticity to your wedding.
- Think about the Weather: While East Williamsburg has a relatively moderate climate, it's important to plan for unexpected natural changes. If you're planning an outdoor wedding, have a backup plan in case of rain.
- Incorporate Local Culture: Contemplate elements of this into your wedding, such as hiring a local band or serving traditional Brooklyn cuisine.
- Plan Transportation: As with any urban wedding, logistics and transportation can be tricky. Ensure you have a plan for getting your guests to and from the location, whether that's by arranging shuttle buses or recommending local taxi services.
- Send Invitations Early: Send invitations early, especially if you have many guests from out of town. This gives them ample time to plan their trip and accommodation.
- Hire a Wedding Planner: If organizing seems too overwhelming, call a local wedding planner. These masters will have insider knowledge of the best vendors in East Williamsburg.
Famous Locations in East Williamsburg
- Cooper Park
Peter Cooper was an inventor, industrialist, and philanthropist, who became one of America’s most successful businessmen. He was from New York and the son of a workingman with less than a year of formal education. Cooper Park was the former site of a glue factory he purchased in 1821. Today, this park is a modern recreational facility with new features, including a wading pool, handball and basketball courts, and play areas for children. There’s even a spot for your furry friend.
- The City Reliquary
Want to uncover the less well-known history of the Big Apple? This quirky museum showcases the weird, wacky, and wonderful artifacts that tell the fascinating story of New York. With permanent exhibitions celebrating everything from old subway tokens to antique seltzer bottles, you'll leave feeling like a true New Yorker. And if that wasn't enough, the Reliquary also hosts some unique and family-friendly events each year, including Bike Fetish Day, and the Havemeyer Sugar Sweets Festival.
- McCarren Park
Are you in the mood for a peaceful outdoor retreat, complete with birds chirping and leaves rustling gently in the breeze? If so, head to McCarren Park. It’s situated on the border of Williamsburg and Greenpoint, offering endless games of baseball, soccer, football, tennis, kickball, and more. The newly renovated track is a sight to behold, and the jungle-gym-inspired fitness area will inspire you to work out.