Blog

Creating Memories, One Event at a Time

Ideas, Inspiration, and Insights From the SKY Armory Team

Planning your event comes with a lot of questions. Our blog is where you'll find answers, ideas, and inspiration drawn from years of experience planning and hosting events of every kind. From wedding planning tips and menu inspiration to behind-the-scenes looks at real events and what's happening in downtown Syracuse, there's something here for every stage of your planning process. Browse the latest posts below.

Exterior view of SKY Armory venue with modern architecture and outdoor seating area.

Our Venue Story: The Journey to SKY Armory

Our Venue Story: The Journey to SKY ArmorySKY StaffSep 30, 20253 min readSKY Armory 2025Every story has a beginning, and for SKY Armory, it began in 1996 with a woman named Nicole Samolis. Leaving behind a career in retail management, Nicole...

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Red cocktail in a coupe glass on bar counter at SKY Armory.

Fall Signature Cocktails to Warm Up Your Celebration

Fall Signature Cocktails to Warm Up Your CelebrationSKY StaffJul 23, 20254 min readUpdated: Jul 24, 2025As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, there’s something magical about fall in Central New York . And your event’s signature...

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Couple exchanging rings during a marriage proposal in a romantic setting.

Three Tips for the Perfect Syracuse Proposal

Three tips for the perfect Syracuse proposalGuest AuthorJul 14, 20253 min readPopping the question is one of life’s most unforgettable moments, and choosing the right location, setting, and time is crucial for ensuring it’s nothing short of...

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Friends celebrating with drinks, smiling, and having fun at a social gathering.

Best Places for a Rehearsal Dinner in Syracuse

Best Places for a Rehearsal Dinner in Syracuse SKY StaffMay 16, 20253 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2025The rehearsal dinner is one of the most exciting parts of your wedding weekend. It’s a time for friends and family to come together in a more relaxed...

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Two cocktails on a marble surface, one with a lemon twist and the other with a lemon wedge.

May Cocktails Inspired by the Kentucky Derby

May Cocktails Inspired by the Kentucky DerbySKY StaffMay 1, 20252 min readCocktails by SKY Armory & The Tasting Room @ SKY ArmoryAs we gallop into May with the Kentucky Derby this weekend, it’s the perfect excuse to shake up some fresh,...

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Bridesmaids in pastel dresses holding bouquets at SKY Armory spring wedding.

Spring Weddings at SKY Armory

Spring Weddings at SKY ArmorySKY StaffMar 6, 20253 min readTom Studios PhotographySpring is a season of renewal, blossoming flowers, and fresh beginnings, making it one of the most magical times of the year to tie the knot. With the weather warming...

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Bride and groom cutting wedding cake at reception.

Wedding Trend Wednesday: Unexpected Reds

Wedding Trend Wednesday: Unexpected Reds SKY StaffJan 8, 20252 min readPhoto by: Emily Netti Photography (Nicolette & Tyler, SKY Armory, October 2024)Welcome to Wedding Trend Wednesday, where we spotlight the latest wedding trends to inspire...

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Business professionals networking at SKY Armory event in New York City.

Elevate Your Next Corporate Retreat at SKY Armory

Elevate Your Next Corporate Retreat at SKY ArmorySKY StaffSep 20, 20243 min readCorporate retreats are the perfect opportunity to reset, re-energize, and realign your team. But planning one that’s both productive and engaging can be a real task....

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Wedding table with gold plates, pink napkins, and wedding favors.

Wow Your Guests With Wedding Favors They’ll Enjoy!

Wow Your Guests With Wedding Favors They’ll Enjoy!SKY StaffJul 30, 20242 min readUpdated: Jan 7, 2025Wedding favors. These can be a controversial topic. Some people believe that wedding favors are a great way to show guests that their presence is...

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Beautiful wedding table with floral centerpiece and candlelit ambiance.

5 Tips for Planning Your Dream Wedding

5 Tips for Planning Your Dream WeddingSKY StaffMay 16, 20243 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2025Emily Kae PhotographySo you’re planning a wedding! This is an extremely exciting time, but it can also feel overwhelming if you’re not sure where to start....

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Map of downtown Syracuse parking garages and surface lots for visitors.

Downtown Syracuse Parking

Downtown Syracuse Parking SKY StaffMay 9, 20242 min readThere are so many reasons to visit Downtown Syracuse. During the summer, there are plenty of fun festivals, like Jazz Fest, Taste of Syracuse, the Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival and...

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Blurred image of a couple in front of Sky Armory building.

What Is an All-Inclusive Wedding? A Complete Guide for Couples

An all-inclusive wedding is a type of wedding where most or all key services are provided by one venue or team. This typically includes catering, bar service, planning support, rentals, and design elements, allowing couples to avoid coordinating...

Wedding Exit Ideas and Reception Send-Offs

Wedding Exit Ideas and Reception Send-Offs

A wedding does not begin and end with the ceremony. Some of the most memorable moments happen in the transitions, especially how you enter and exit each part of the celebration. From your first walk down the aisle to your final send-off of the...

Couple at Sky Armory wedding venue with cityscape background.

What Is an All-Inclusive Wedding? A Complete Guide for Couples

What Is an All-Inclusive Wedding? A Complete Guide for CouplesSKY StaffApr 73 min readPhoto by Courtney Mezger PhotographyWhat Is an All-Inclusive Wedding?An all-inclusive wedding is a type of wedding where most or all key services are provided by...

Indoor event space decorated with string lights and round tables for a celebration.

Winter Wedding Decor Inspiration at SKY Armory

Winter Wedding Decor Inspiration at SKY ArmorySKY StaffJan 231 min readWinter weddings are timeless, romantic, and effortlessly elevated. At SKY Armory, winter decor embraces candlelight, texture, and intentional design to create a warm, inviting...

Couple exchanging rings during a marriage proposal in a romantic setting.

Three Tips for the Perfect Syracuse Proposal

Three tips for the perfect Syracuse proposalGuest AuthorJul 14, 20253 min readPopping the question is one of life’s most unforgettable moments, and choosing the right location, setting, and time is crucial for ensuring it’s nothing short of...

WISE Symposium 2019 event banner with date and location details.

What to Expect at the 17th Annual WISE Symposium

What to Expect at the 17th Annual WISE SymposiumSKY StaffApr 12, 20193 min readUpdated: Apr 15, 2019Each year, the WISE Symposium provides a setting of inspiration for Central New York’s leading female entrepreneurs, creators and innovators. The...

Two smiling women at a wedding reception table with greenery and candles.

Meet Your Planners

Meet Your PlannersSKY StaffAug 16, 20184 min readThe Event Planners are the backbone to SKY events. I mean without them would we even have an event in the first place? Probably not. Design meetings, room layouts and running down the street to buy a...

Modern SKY Armory building with glass facade in an urban setting.

Beyond the Beautiful Space: What Sets SKY Armory Apart

Beyond the Beautiful Space: What Sets SKY Armory ApartSKY StaffJun 18, 20252 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2025Photo by: Whitney Nichols PhotographyAt first glance, SKY Armory might catch your eye with its stunning interiors and Downtown Syracuse...

Map of downtown Syracuse parking garages and surface lots for visitors.

Downtown Syracuse Parking

Downtown Syracuse Parking SKY StaffMay 9, 20242 min readThere are so many reasons to visit Downtown Syracuse. During the summer, there are plenty of fun festivals, like Jazz Fest, Taste of Syracuse, the Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival and...

Large Irish flag carried by parade participants during Syracuse St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Best Places to Watch the Syracuse St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Best Places to Watch the Syracuse St. Patrick’s Day ParadeSKY StaffFeb 19, 20242 min readAs St. Patrick's Day approaches, Syracuse gears up for one of its most celebrated traditions - the 42nd annual Syracuse St. Patrick's Day parade. With a rich...

Two women enjoying drinks at Sky Armory event with a bartender in the background.

Creative Ideas for Your Corporate Holiday Party

Creative Ideas for Your Corporate Holiday Party SKY StaffNov 9, 20234 min read6 ideas from Sky Armory to help you get started planning your 2023 or 2024 corporate holiday party...Photo From a Sky Armory Party Corporate holiday parties are an...

Celebrating socially and distantly with a handwritten note on a wooden surface.

Celebrating Socially & Distantly

celebrating socially & distantly SKY StaffJul 23, 20202 min read We held our first wedding (yeah!) for only 50 guests (boo!) and wanted to share how everyone worked together for the safety of the guests, vendors and event staff. We started with...

Couple kissing at wedding with sparklers and guests in background.

SKY Armory Reopen REMIX

SKY Armory Reopen REMIXSKY StaffMay 31, 20202 min readUpdated: Jun 22, 2020We are excited that Central New York is officially in Phase 2. We look forward to getting haircuts and having more people back in downtown Syracuse. I have not had a haircut...

Couple dancing at SKY Armory reopening celebration with guests and string lights.

Reopening SKY Armory

Reopening SKY ArmorySKY StaffMay 23, 20202 min readUpdated: Jun 22, 2020We have been in the news recently talking about our reopen plans which may have confused some people. How can you put 150 people in a ballroom for hours and maintain social...

Decorative dessert table with personalized signs and treats for a party.

Late-Night Snacks: Why + What You Should Offer

Late-Night Snacks: Why + What You Should OfferSKY StaffMar 26, 20192 min readOn wedding days, a few things almost always hold true. Emotions are running high, someone will cry, and guests come prepared to party. Even with the most delicious meal,...

Colorful Shamrock Juice cocktail with lemon and cherry garnish.

Shamrock Juice

Shamrock Juice SKY StaffMar 13, 20191 min readThe St. Patrick's Day Parade Party is just around the corner - Saturday March 16! This year's most sought after concoction- Shamrock Juice. Make it at home to prepare yourselves (and get excited) for...

Wedding seating sign at SKY Armory with elegant script and chairs in background.

A Taste of SKY

A Taste of SKYSKY StaffOct 9, 20182 min readUpdated: Oct 10, 2018When you book with SKY Armory, you're committing to more than just a venue, you're committing to a wedding experience you'll always remember. With the assistance of your SKY planner,...

Chef Challenge ingredient list on blackboard at SKY Armory event.

Chef Challenge Syracuse meets SKY Armory

Chef Challenge Syracuse meets SKY ArmorySKY StaffAug 7, 20182 min readUpdated: Nov 30, 2018 The Chef Challenge started in Syracuse, NY as a collaborative, community-based marketing experiment. Within four months the team was bringing boxes of...

Guests enjoying a pop-up dining experience at Sky Armory.

Pop-Up Dining: Summer Spritzers meets the Farmer’s Market

Pop-Up Dining: Summer Spritzers meets the Farmer's MarketSKY StaffAug 3, 20181 min readUpdated: Aug 7, 2018Pop- Up dinners have seen an 82% increase across the nation in the past year! The pop-up dining trend brings more than just a unique menu to...

Fresh homegrown tomatoes for sale at the farmers market.

Tuesday Trip to the Farmers Market

Tuesday Trip to the Farmers MarketSKY StaffJun 8, 20181 min readFeatured Seasonal Ingredient: sicilian eggplant Every Tuesday in the sweet season of summer, Clinton Square of downtown Syracuse hosts a local farmers market- our favorite place to...

Elegant plated gourmet dish served at SKY Armory restaurant.

Your Style, Defined By Food

Your Style, Defined By Food SKY StaffApr 24, 20185 min readSelecting the menu for your wedding reception is a pretty fun to-do item, but before you dive into choosing specific dishes to serve, you may want to consider the type of food service you...

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