Wedding Cake Wake-Up Call

May 30, 2011 by  
Filed under Wedding Cakes, Wedding Planning

The perfect wedding cake should reflect the overall theme of the festivities, and so there are a few questions that need to be answered prior to ordering this most important centerpiece.

1487607374_43ebeaacd2Questions such as:

  • Are you planning for a formal or informal wedding reception?
  • Is it going to be an indoor or outdoor event?
  • Warm weather or cool?

Believe it or not, each of these factors should be taken into consideration when choosing a wedding cake; as ignoring them could be turn out to create unnecessary drama, as well as, unpleasant memories…in pictures and on video.

That being said…just because your Aunt Edna has a sterling reputation for making a fierce carrot cake, does that mean you should entrust her with your reception’s  crowning masterpiece?  “But she’s so sweet”, you may say. “Cakes are so expensive and she offered to make it for free….as a wedding gift!“  While the sentiment may be nice, just think: Could you honestly entrust this woman with making your wedding cake?  Has she ever made one before?    While her cakes may be a hit at the family reunion, you’d better think twice before commissioning her to bake  your “cake of a lifetime”.  A lopsided cake on a picnic table, sliding under the weight of its own icing, in the hot July sun may be acceptable at a barbecue, but is this what you really want to happen to your cake at your wedding reception?  And do you really want a blue cake trimmed in red icing?  Hold that thought and marinate in it for a while…

Now that we’ve gotten you frightened to death…you can call Aunt Edna, and decline her offer.  Go ahead…call her now.  Thank her profusely, while nicely telling  her that its “already been taken care of”.  End the conversation by kindly letting her know where you are registered and tell her that you “haven‘t been given a kitchen spatula yet” … then move on….To the REAL baker.

During your consultation with your chosen baker, be sure that all questions are answered to your satisfaction.  Make sure that you are both clear as to what you do, or do not want.   Do not assume anything!  Be sure to provide your baker with details, keeping in mind that he has no idea as to what is most important to you.   Take a look at the baker’s cake portfolio to see examples of work previously done, and to get ideas that can be incorporated into your final masterpiece.  Provide your baker with as much advance notice as possible.    Be VERY clear as to the delivery date, time and setup instructions.   Be doubly sure to have everything in writing.

One last thing:  Please don’t forget to give Aunt Edna a seat nearest the bridal table.  You’ll thank me for this later.

photo by tastetheworld

Wedding Fashion Trends for 2011

You’ve been dreaming of the day since the first time you draped a piece of lace over your head and pretended to be a bride. Now, you actually are a bride and it’s time to choose all the little details of your own bridal look. Of course, you want to look classic and timeless at your engagement—these are pictures you will treasure for the rest of your life. But every year’s runways bring with them modern trends and twists that can apply beautifully to a bridal ensemble. The key is subtlety—you never want to look dated or super-trendy, only modern and fresh. By choosing design elements you love and incorporating them into a classic bridal look, you will look up-to-date and elegant without worrying that you will one day regret your big hair or voluminous lace collar. It’s very similar to engagement ring shopping—you want to incorporate new and fresh designs into a framework that is very classic and traditional.

The 2011 runways provided many brides with exciting new bridal fashion ideas. Badgley Mischka showed a 1920’s-inspired look, with dropped waist dresses, art deco jewelry elements and geometric draped fabric. Brides can incorporate that art deco look into their wedding day ensemble with geometric beading and simple silhouettes. Carolina Herrera offered a cheerful but sophisticated runway show, with elegant but bold details and interesting asymmetrical silhouettes. Brides can incorporate the look with delicate details and subtle prints in their bridal gowns. Designer Monique Lhullier, known for her ultra-feminine looks, is perfect for bridal inspiration. Her runway show offered pastel looks with lush tulle draping, flowing chiffon, and dramatic use of ruffles. All these fun details—tulle, chiffon, ruching and ruffles—work perfectly for the girly bride. Meanwhile, Nicole Miller prefigured the Kate Middleton inspired look that is sure to become the biggest bridal trend of the year—the daring but modest v-neckline on an otherwise classic dress.

For a quick cheat sheet on the must-have bridal fashion trends for 2011, check out these top ten trends. Choose one or two for a bridal ensemble that is current and up-to-date without going overboard with every option!

1. Sleeves.

Experts predicted that Kate Middleton would wear sleeves to her traditional Westminster Abbey wedding ceremony, but when audiences around the world saw her beautiful sheer lace long sleeves, calls went out to bridal ateliers around the world. Sleeves are unexpected, fashionable, classy, and flatter every figure.

2. V-necks.

With long sleeves, a crew neckline can seem a little frumpy, while a scoop neck can seem over-exposed. A narrow but deep v-neck shows a little sexy skin, without revealing too much, and also helps elongate the figure, making you look tall and thin. And who doesn’t want that?

3. Color.

Expect to see more and more brides opt out of the de rigeur white bridal dress in 2011, and walk down the aisle in gowns that are pink, gray, or even purple. For less adventurous brides, adding a shot of color through colored gemstone jewelry, a ribbon sash, or a great pair of shoes can be a great way to personalize a classic dress.

4. Vintage.

Not only are vintage dresses unique and fashionable, but they are eco-friendly too, which more and more brides care about. Finding the perfect vintage dress that is retro without looking dated, and then getting it altered to fit you perfectly, can be more of a challenge than brides expect. Leave yourself plenty of time to search for that perfect dress, and be prepared to replace parts that are faded or out of date.

5. Colored shoes or comfortable ballet flats.

Brides are no longer stuck wearing boring white satin pumps. You can add a sassy pair of red patent leather heels, a vintage-inspired pair of suede booties, or beaded flat sandals, to tailor your dress to your wedding. Some brides are even choosing to skip the heels altogether and wearing comfortable, neutral-tone ballet flats so they can dance all night without blisters!

6. Hats.

If one trend is likely to cross the pond after the royal wedding, it is the elegant and quirky British mini-hat known as the fascinator. These small hair ornaments are attached to the head with clips or combs, and can be decorated with anything from feather to flowers to genuine gems. Trendy brides are topping bridal fascinators with retro birdcage veils for a bridal look that is totally 2011.

7. Short gowns.

One continuing trend in wedding planning is simple, casual events where guests can wear comfortable clothes and eat fun, unfussy food while dancing to Top 40 hits. Weddings like these call for short bridal dresses like linen sundresses and little white cocktail dresses, so the bride can party til dawn with her guests.

8. Groom fashion.

Grooms have a lot more options than the basic black tuxedo. Dress your fiancé in a cute and trendy gray suit, or dress up a classic tuxedo with a colored vest or tie in your wedding colors. If your guy is leaning towards a simple, dressed-down look, suggest that he pair a casual pair of slacks with a linen blazer for a classic summer look.

9. Hair accessories.

Bridal hairstyles remain simple for 2011, with most brides choosing to wear their hair down in loose waves or pulled back softly in loose chignons. But the trend is in the ornamentation, with modern, trendy brides choosing creative hair ornaments like clips, combs and even tiaras embellished with rhinestones, crystals and even gemstones.

10. Wedding colors.

Moving away from boring pastels, brides are choosing summer wedding colors that reflect their personalities. Fun colors like turquoise and coral add a tropical feeling to a summer wedding, while subtle hues like latte, slate gray, and muted yellow make a sophisticated, elegant impression. Black and white wedding colors remain popular, but the number one bridal color of the year is the official Pantone color of the year—honeysuckle. This fun, upbeat shade of pink is confident, courageous, and looks great on everyone.

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Mediterranean Island Destinations for your Honeymoon

May 20, 2011 by  
Filed under Honeymoon, Wedding Planning

yacht-charters-greece

The Mediterranean Sea has long been a popular destination for honeymooning couples. Many people focus on the mainland of countries bordering the Mediterranean such as Israel, Egypt, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Turkey, and completely forget about all the islands located in the region. There are over 3,000 islands in the Mediterranean Sea, many of them exquisite and little known locations where you can honeymoon in peace and quiet. Here are three of the best kept secret Mediterranean island destinations for your honeymoon.

Tilos, Greece – With a population of barely over 500 people and only three hotels in the area, you’ve hit the jackpot if you’re looking for a remote vacation spot free from chattering hordes of tacky tourists. The downside to a place with so few places to stay is that you have to book early in order to get a spot. Tilos is a wonderful place to watch bird migrations, and there are several ruins on the island that you can explore, including the Megálo Chorió and Mikró Chorió castles and the Monastery of Áyios Pandeleímon.

Maddalena Archipelago, Italy – The Maddalena Archipelago is a group of seven large islands and several little ones. The seven islands, from largest to smallest, are Isola Maddalena, Caprera, Spargi, Santo Stefano, Santa Maria, Budelli and Razzoli. The entire archipelago is part of the Arcipelago di La Maddalena National Park, which is currently being considered by UNESCO as a future World Heritage Site. If you were interested in checking out the area but are not interested in staying at the nearby world famous Costa Smeralda resort, then the Maddalena islands are perfect for you as they share the same beautiful water and coastlines but the Maddalena islands are much less popular. Only three of these islands are actually inhabited, which leaves visitors with plenty of undeveloped land to explore.

Sovalye, Turkey – The island of Sovalye is part of a chain of twelve islands in the Gulf of Fethiye. It is the only one of the islands that is still inhabited. Although Sovalye is the island that is actually closest to the mainland and only ten minutes away from nearby mainland settlements by boat, the regular tour boat operators ignore it because they want to take tourists out to islands that are further away, which results in more money for them. This is great for travelers visiting Sovalye looking for a peaceful and undisturbed paradise. On Sovalye there are no cars or roads – people get around by walking. Canoes and boats are the best way to explore the island. Another popular activity is to snorkel through the crystal clear waters to see the sunken mosaics and other remains from ancient Roman times that have slid into the sea. There are a few rental villas, a couple of guest houses and self catering apartments, and a hotel on the island and the prices aren’t too bad.

 

This post was provided by Car Rental Express (CRX) and it was written by Ryan Embly. CRX provides cheap rental cars in cities all across Europe and North America.

The Difference Between a Wedding and a Marriage

Article provided by Lipgloss Culture – We are genuine, bold, open-minded, curious, adventurous and not afraid to tell it like it is. We live busy lives, have diverse interests, and are always trying new things. We count on our girlfriends for support and advice. Our motto is to work smart, play hearty, and look good while we’re at it!

There are millions of women around the world who yearn to one day have a beautiful wedding. They eagerly want to find “Mr. Right” and be whisked away in his arms and into happily ever after. From dating often; searching on the internet and even going on television shows to fight for their Prince Charming, many women long to hear their very own wedding bells. However, it seems that in today’s society, many women who are so committed to getting married do not comprehend the difference between a wedding and a marriage. Many women and men as well are so fixated with the fantasy of an extravagant wedding that they don’t give much thought to life after the wedding ends and the reception hall closes.

More people need to realize that a wedding is just a ceremony where the “I do’s” take place whereas a marriage is the lifelong partnership between 2 people. A wedding is merely a show that tells the public that a union has been made between 2 people. All shows must end and in this case, when the wedding ends, the marriage comes into play. By understanding the difference between the 2, many more women and men, might begin the think longer and harder about rushing into a marriage. It is something that should not be taken lightly and should be given much thought because after the dream of a fabulous wedding is over, reality begins to knock at the door, just waiting to enter.

In the United States, about 50% of marriages end in a divorce. According to studiesoflove.com, the first 2 years of a marriage are the most crucial. This discovery is an astonishing one being that in the first 2 years of marriage, the “honeymoon” phase should still be in effect. Many believe that the first few years of a marriage should be a great time for a couple because the couple should be enjoying their new lives together as the first time as man and wife. Unfortunately, this belief is not as true as previously thought. How is that?  Why are the first 2 years of a union between 2 people who are suppose to be happily and madly in love so difficult so early in their marriage? That’s just it. The newlyweds are finally in a MARRIAGE. The fun of the wedding is dead. The food, family, friends, laughter, music, decorations, elegant dresses and sophisticated tuxedos are a thing of the past and reality has struck. With the end of the wedding and the beginning of the marriage, many couples begin to realize that they were so in love with the idea of an amazing wedding that they never gave much thought about live after. These couples finally see that they might not actually know or even love their spouse as much as they thought because only desire of a glamorous wedding was what really mattered to them at the time.

Moreover, according to divorce statistics.org, 45%-50% of first marriages end in divorce, 60%-67% of second marriages end in divorce and 70-73% of marriages end in divorce. As you can see, the more marriages that occur between people, the higher their risk of divorcing. One thought for the reason for these statistics are, is because as some people who have been previously married decided to get married again…and again, the thought of love and commitment to their new spouse becomes less and less important. Love and commitment for their new partner are not top priorities anymore. But wait, weddings still are great! The show of your huge diamond ring and your insanely expensive dress and the most beautiful reception that your guests ever saw will definitely leave them in awe. Your already married friends will surely eat their hearts out when they see how much better your wedding is to theirs. This sadly is the thought that millions of soon to be married people, especially women think when they are planning their weddings. With the constant images of how incredible your wedding could possibly be, who has time to think about true love, commitment and the rest their lives with their soul mate? Clearly not many.

Can’t Get Over the Royal Wedding?

May 8, 2011 by  
Filed under Wedding Planning

Here’s How to Bring Some Windsor Magic Back Home.

If you’re still burning with Royal Wedding fever, you’re far from alone. And if you’d like a little of that imperial glamour to spark things up your own wedding, then there’s no reason at all not to take some style hints from Britain’s It Couple. After all, as the Bishop of London famously remarked, “all weddings are royal.” Here’s how to make sure yours is exactly that!

Baby Bridesmaids
The European take on bridesmaids tends to involve pint-sized versions of our own. Is there anything cuter than a gaggle of cherubs in curls and formal dresses, tottering down the aisle? Nothing against the grown ladies we see here, but when it comes to the cutest entourage out there, we think the little girls have it.

Nature, Inside and Out
One of Kate’s special requests was to have live potted trees (and we mean trees … they were 20 feet high!) line the aisle of Westminster Abbey. This served to soften an intimidating structure, and brought a cozy “English country garden” feel to some very formal proceedings. Kate’s sisters across the water are just as crazy for tying the knot in natural settings, so if a garden or vineyard wedding is calling your name, just consider that a sign of your high-born taste.

A Demure Dress
Designers everywhere breathed a concerted sigh of relief when they saw Kate’s Grace Kelly-influenced gown. Why the excitement? The hope that brides, at last, will tire of regulation strapless. Kate’s lovely gown has the potential to create a tipping point, as interest in alternatives has been rising. Case in point? The new illusion necklines and tulle sleeves showcased in recent designs by Pronovias, Enzoani, Priscilla of Boston and my personal favorite, Claire Pettibone.

Of course, if you want the closest thing to Kate’s actual dress and not one merely dipping a toe in the same aesthetics, not to worry: you’ve doubtless heard that A.B.S. by Allen Schwartz and JS Collections (look for the “Duchess” dress) are both bringing brazen knockoffs to a department store near you.

Groom’s Cake
Brides went wild for groom’s cakes this year, and we’ll see plenty of them in 2012, too. Similarly, the groom’s cake stole the show at Kate and Wills’ wedding. Sure, the “official” cake was a tour-de-force fruitcake with 17 layers … but it was the death-by-chocolate groom’s cake (involving 35 pounds of chocolate and over 1500 cookies) that Prince William zeroed in on to satisfy his royal sweet tooth.

A Traditional Bouquet
VIPs have been known to be saddled with monstrous bouquets you can barely hold, but by royal standards, Kate’s was a modest mixture of rather unshowy blooms … and yet another homage to the humble English garden. A laid-back mixture of lily of the valley, hyacinth and Sweet William, her fragrant bouquet revealed her refinement all the more … not least when it was finally placed at the Abbey’s sacred Grave of the Unknown Warrior.

Stateside brides are increasingly on board with Kate’s enthusiasm for the traditional all-white bridal bouquet. Former worries about the bouquet blending into the gown in pics have evaporated, now that pro cameras pick up every shade and nuance, and brides are loving the traditional “bridey-ness” of all-white blooms popping against some cool green foliage.

Something Borrowed
As today’s brides strive to embed more personal meaning and DIY touches in their big day, the importance of something borrowed has loomed bigger than ever. Sure, yours might not be a 1936 Cartier “halo” tiara lent by a queen, but almost every bride can pinch something truly meaningful from a sister, friend or mother. The old bit of magic in this tradition is to get a love boost from a happily-married couple that’s gone ahead, so go for it: proudly wear your grandmother’s locket or handkerchief, your sister’s veil, your best friend’s drop earrings, or a scrap of your mother’s wedding dress that’s pinned to your slip or wrapped around your bouquet stems.

About the Author: FavorIdeas.com has connected brides with the perfect favors and wedding themes since 2005. From our silk favor fans to our wide variety of personalized bridal shower and baby favors, FavorIdeas has helped thousands of brides convey this heartfelt message: “thank you for sharing in our special day.”

4 Crazy Weddings Ideas for the Hopelessly In Love

May 6, 2011 by  
Filed under Destination Weddings

Your wedding should reflect you and your future spouse, right? While most couples take this to mean choosing between a traditional or a modern wedding, others take their weddings to the extreme.

After all, it’s your day; why not make it your own?

Here are four crazy wedding ideas for the hopelessly in love.

1. Get Married and Cross Something off Your ‘Bucket List’ at the Same Time

Have you ever wanted to go sky diving? Scuba diving? Bungee jumping? Parasailing? Rock climbing? Surfing? Skiing? If there’s something you’ve both always wanted to do, now is the time. Your wedding day only happens once and the sky’s the limit.  Couples have said their vows underwater, free falling from the sky, and on the side of a mountain. No matter what you’ve both always wanted to do, there’s a way to make it happen as part of your wedding ceremonies.

2. Get Married at an Extreme Location

Is there a special place where you both met? How about a place that you’ve always wanted to go? Whether you’re looking to get married in Italy or you’re thinking about getting married at SXSW (it recently ended but you can still plan for next year), get creative with your partner and dream big.

There’s no reason you should settle for anything less.

Get married on a boat, on an island, in a foreign country, or at a live event to make even more memories that you’ll never forget.

3. Have a Themed Wedding that Matches Your Interests

Themed weddings may seem like a silly idea to those who want a traditional church wedding- but for those hopelessly in love that share the same passions, a themed wedding might be just what you need.

Are you both comic book geeks? Have a comic-themed wedding and enforce a costume-only dress code. Are you foodies? Plan an extreme tasting menu for you and your guests. If you’re both wine aficionados, research local wineries. Photographers can rent a photo booth or decorate their reception hall with shots they’ve taken. Have a sports-themed wedding outside (or in) your favorite venue. Dog lovers can even have their dogs be in the wedding party. Ask yourself what you love to do together, and use that as a springboard for personalizing your wedding.

4. Use Romance as Your Inspiration

Host a fairy-tale wedding, complete with tiaras and rose petals. Recreate a favorite old movie scene. Go horseback riding on the beach at sunset. Invite your guests to a tropical paradise for your wedding. Start by discussing what you both picture when you say the word “romance” and go from there. Do you see an intimate candlelit dinner? How about a picnic near a waterfall?

Do you picture you both languishing with an umbrella drink in side-by-side hammocks?

Even if he sees a cozy cabin and you see candlelight, you can easily combine these two aesthetics so you’ll both have the romantic wedding of your dreams.

There’s no reason you need to follow every wedding rule and tradition in the book. It’s your day, so make it something that you’ll like, with memories you’ll always cherish. Forget what everyone else wants. So what if your family is pushing for a big church wedding? If you want something small and intimate on the beach, do it.

As long as you’re pleasing yourself and your future spouse, it’s sure to be the wedding of a lifetime.

Keeping Energized While Planning a Summer Wedding

May 2, 2011 by  
Filed under Wedding Planning

Any bride will tell you that her wedding day was magical, but putting it together was not. Planning a wedding can be a stressful, time-consuming and exhausting endeavor. Summertime is fast approaching and the temperatures will rise accordingly. All of you future brides, who will be running around in the heat searching for the perfect venue or vendor for you big day, remember to keep hydrated! Good hydration is the key to keeping a high energy level while preparing for your big day.

The health benefits of drinking water are numerous- It is common knowledge that water helps us keep a lustrous skin and good kidney function. It also helps us to stay focused, which any bride needs when making big wedding decisions. One of my favorite ways to drink as much as I need to on a hot day is to spice up my water bottle with Crystal Light’s Refreshing Flavors.

Crystal Light contains caffeine, which helps keep your energy up. Unlike energy drinks, Crystal Light has zero grams of fat and no sugar! It also contains vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and iron, which helps boost your immune system. With only five calories per serving there is no need for a guilty conscience.  Crystal Light will fuel you and your dress will still fit. Crystal Light comes in a wide variety of refreshing flavors so there is a flavor for everyone.  Another cool feature is that they come in these cute little packages that are perfect to carry in any bag, or even in your pocket.

What are some of your tips and tricks to staying hydrated while running around planning your big day? Share your great ideas in the comments section.

Get Married at A Golf Destination

A marriage at a golf resort should be as straightforward or as complex as you wish. Just because you share a love of golf, doesn’t mean that you have to give up the drama of the white gown. It means that the traditional long flowing train and a full skirt is probably not a very good choice. Rather, a simple straight elegant white dress that allows you to easily move with a detachable train would be the best possible choice for your gown, especially if you’re going to swing a club as part of your ceremony. Use special bridal jewelry to enhance the simple elegance of your dress. Picture crystal glistening in the sun, or pearls to accessorize the gown.

Perhaps, you want to have your wedding be more informal, and then the choice of clothing is simple. Simple white golf clothes for the bride and her bridesmaids can that compliment the wedding colors are a great choice. Enhance a white visor with some beads and a lace veil and you will be ready for the ceremony. The clothes of the groom should distinguish him from the crowd, possibly with a special tie or hat as an addition to his golf clothes. Don’t forget to add elegance by donning  special crystal wedding jewelry purchased just for this special day. The money you saved on your dress should allow you to treat the entire wedding party to stunning jewelry for your wedding.

The wedding can be on the course, if it’s allowed, and the reception right in the clubhouse. Choose a nice vacation site at a higher price to increase the luxury of your golf wedding. Las Vegas golf courses offer a vast array of prices for your wedding that closely resemble the traditional cost of any other type of wedding. Some have packages that often save you a considerable amount of money. If you want to up the ante, consider places like the hotel at Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course, Banff, Canada. The beautiful setting of the greens against the backdrop of the Canadian Rockies is set off by a hotel that has looks like a Scottish castle. It is nearly impossible to find a comparable setting with such a scenic impact. If your guests don’t golf, there are side trips like a visit to the glacier or a trip on the gondola to the top of the mountain, an especially beautiful event when the wild flowers are in bloom.

The reception can be the most fun to plan for this type of wedding. Why not choose special golf gifts for the guests? They will add to the theme. A golf ball with your names and wedding date is one way to catch the eye of everyone that walks through the door. Golf tees with your names and the date is also a great way to have everyone have a remembrance of the event that they will appreciate. Giving candy golf balls of chocolate and special golf themed cans containing mints are another way to make your wedding unforgettable for your guests.

If you have the reception at the club, normally they handle the food. A catered outside reception is also another way to keep with the theme of the game. Decide whether you would like to have a regular meal or just provide snack food that your guests can take with them when they go on the course. It would be a shame to waste the pleasure of playing golf on a beautiful day when the golf is only a short distance away. If you are serving alcoholic drinks, you should have a special champagne punch and a few drinks a lot of people will like as well as some beer. Be sure to remember to save enough Champagne for toasts to the bride and groom. Use a couple of golfers as a topping on your wedding cake or have a topping that has a golf club or golf bag. Have fun with your reception and enjoy a round of golf as husband and wife.