Fashion trends to influence your wedding cake design

Fashion is a powerful force. It defines generations and bends cultural barriers, and it can even inspire culinary creations. As a cake artist with a background in the fashion industry, the runway is always a source of creative delight for me.

When it comes to wedding cakes, the design of your cake should be as unique and fashionable as your wardrobe, so here are some tips to consider when choosing an on-trend cake:

Look for inspiration

Spend an hour flipping through fashion magazines with your friends. What pops out at you as you go through the pages? Do you love the pops of neon that are so hot right now, or are you more into vintage-inspired designs that feature lace? What about shape — do you like a flowing, feminine design or something more modern and structured? You can apply this same philosophy to choosing a wedding cake design. Clip out a few photos you love (or check some out on Pinterest!) and save them for inspiration.

Find the current trends

Review the current trends. Some of the biggest trends right now are perfect for wedding cake design. For example, ruffles and rhinestones are big on the runway right now, but they are also easily re-created in the cake world as well. Fondant, gum paste and even chocolate are great bases to build up both of these trends in edible forms, and they are as delicious as they are on trend. From glittery accessories made from isomalt, sugar and shimmering disco dust to flowing fabric-like fondant, inspiration can be found in every new cut, color and cloth that walks the runway.

Really go for it

Make it count. Think of your cake as the sweet note of your event, the big hurrah that everyone looks forward to at a party. If it’s your wedding, your cake will often be the focal point of your reception and the main event that everyone looks forward to after dinner. Don’t feel as though you have to hold or downplay your cake design. Make it as fun and glittery as you want — your cake is the one place you can really let your hair down and be unique, so don’t feel you have to tone it down or go with the usual choice. Be unexpected and delightful, just like the fashions on the runway.

5 Must-dos as you prep for your wedding day

Weddings are such complicated and exciting events; it’s easy to be so caught up in the rush that you miss the day itself! Use these tips to get the very best out of the special day you've planned and worked so hard for!

Get lots of sleep the night before

Consider throwing your bachelorette party a week or two before the ceremony so you can party your heart out -- without paying for it during the ceremony. If you’re too tired to focus on your vows or a headache stops you from having a great first dance, you’ll be sad, so stock up on your beauty sleep!

Have a moment with your bridesmaids before you all walk down the aisle

Many of your girl friends will be emotional and worried as they lose you from the gang of single gals! Grab them in a group hug, let them know you love them and be together one last time. If you have a few minutes, this is also a great time to give them cards about how much their friendship means to you. A moment with just you and the girls will help calm your nerves.

Don't wear your wedding night lingerie to the ceremony

This might be obvious, but you’ll have several hours between putting on that cute lace and silk and the time when your special someone gets to see it on you. Whether it's laughing a little too hard at your reception or dancing yourself sweaty, you'll want to save the nice stuff for later, so it can look pretty and fresh when it counts.

No worrying within 24 hours of the ceremony

This means it doesn't matter if the cake icing doesn't match the bridesmaid dresses or if the flower arrangement is crooked. Your job as event planner stops the day before the wedding. After that, you just enjoy yourself. This is the key to making sure the day doesn't rush past without you. Promise yourself that you will just go with the flow, and make yourself absorb every beautiful minute and detail. You’ll be glad you did.

Focus on your husband-to-be

If, in spite of your best efforts, things get too chaotic, quiet your mind with the reassuring delight of loving and knowing the man you're going to be with for the rest of your life. Imagine the sweetness of a honeymoon with just the two of you and the life you’re building together. If you can do this, everything else starts to get trivial and you start to smile.

5 Ways to keep your bridesmaids happy

Your wedding may be the biggest day of your life, and you might be over the moon about the prospect of saying “I do,” but that doesn't give you license to embrace your bossy side.

Don’t over-schedule them

Expecting your bridesmaids to attend several bridal showers, the bachelorette and a Jack and Jill isn't fair. While they want to help, they shouldn't be expected to put their entire life on hold to plan shower games and drive all over town for every event in your honor. Rather than try to cajole all six girls to go to every shower, suggest that only one or two go to various events. They can decide amongst themselves who goes where so everyone’s happy.

Choose universally flattering dresses

Before you decide on a dress, consider your bridesmaids’ body types. If they vary vastly (one is tall, one is top-heavy, one is petite, etc.), consider letting them choose their own style in the color you've chosen. No they won’t all look uniform, but at least they’ll feel good in what they’re wearing. If they all have a similar body type, choose a dress that works with everyone's shape. Consult them and have one try the dress on before you make your final choice. The more comfortable your girls feel, the more fun they’ll have.

Keep dress costs down

Even though it’s your day and you want everything to be perfect, that doesn't mean your bridesmaids want to break the bank being part of your wedding. If the dresses you like cost over $200, offer to pay part of the cost, or find something similar for less money. Not everyone has the same financial situation and it’s not fair to assume everyone is able to spend that kind of money on expensive dresses.

Allow them some hair and makeup leeway

Not everyone looks good with an up-do and red lips. It’s OK to have a general idea of how you want your bridesmaids to look, but don’t dictate exactly how they get their hair and makeup done. Maybe they all end up with a smoky eye and coral lip, but make sure the look works with their skin tones and face shapes.

Show them you appreciate their time

It’s easy to get so caught up in the lead up to your big day that you forget to thank the people that are helping to make it possible. Give them a small gift at the end of the rehearsal dinner and also take a moment to tell them each individually how much their time and support means to you.

Wedding Photographers: Talent doesn't come cheap

Experience determines how much a photographer should cost. A new photographer (less than two years pro) would be high-minded to charge $5,000. Years of experience add to the value, so make sure to look at plenty of samples. And don't be afraid to ask to see an ‘entire event,' not just the best of.

Wedding packages can be as sparse as shooting only, to as deluxe as including e-sessions and albums. "In wedding photography, remember more is not always better. Compare two hypothetical photographers, both charging $3,000: Photographer A is also including an e-session, eight hours on the wedding day, and an album; photographer B is only providing eight hours on the wedding day. Which is the better deal? It depends — the better question is whose photographs do you like more? It may be worth it to get less now, and have photographs that are worth saving later.

It's imperative to read the contract carefully to determine what kind of deal you're getting for your money. Do you have an out if you don't like the photographer? When do you get to meet them? If its two weeks or two months before your wedding, it won't matter if you don't like them; who on earth are you going to hire at that point?

Lastly, be cautious of the lowest cost photographer. Experience, professionalism, service and quality simply aren't cheap.

TOP 5 WEDDING INVITE TRENDS

For those of you tying the knot, Beautiful Brides magazine wanted to look ahead at what's coming down for wedding invitation trends.

Newest hues

Move over black and white – fresher, more unique color combos are taking over from the more staid beiges or traditional black and white.

Marine inspiration

We've seen this color theme a lot over the past two years – in everything from clothing to accessories, and for invites, marine-inspired hues are here to stay. The soothing appeal and gentle shades seem to resonate with brides, and from pale aquamarine to deep ocean blue, oceanic tones are multipurpose and can be used for both casual gatherings and more elegant I do's.

Lavender and rose

A lavender and rose color palette is both elegant and eye-catching.

The pale, pretty tones are soft and easy on the eyes and create a more feminine look. Watch for this palette to be popular in early spring.

Lemon and lime

Fresh, bold and fruity, an invitation color palette that incorporates bright yellow and lime-green is great for brides who want an element of fun in their nuptials. Ideal for an outdoor summer wedding, yellows and greens are also easily carried over into place settings, décor and floral arrangements.

Deep purple

Purple is one color that rarely goes out of style and we see it year after year – with good reason. Deep shades will become more prominent, taking over from some of the lighter shades.

Make it mineral

Often used in decorating, these understated and natural colors will carry forward into next year.

Watch for raw material tones such as jade, copper, slate and gravel to dominate invitation color palettes, both in printed pieces and in paper stock.

Bride on a budget: 3 Ways to save on your wedding

According to the 2012 Wedding Report, the average cost for a wedding in the U.S. is $25,600. Depending on what part of the country you live in, your wedding expenses could easily be double that amount — or even more.

 

What’s a couple to do when they don’t want to compromise on their wedding, yet don't want to start their new lives together saddled in debt? Well, plenty!

Thanks again to the internet, there are so many amazing ways to keep your wedding costs down without losing its high-end gloss. To help you save on costs but not on style, here are a few amazing businesses every bride should know about.

Discounted duds

Dreaming of a designer gown but want to allocate a high amount of funds elsewhere? Be sure to check out Lightinthebox.com. While the name may be a bit misleading, the site is home to a wide variety of “couture-esque” wedding dresses. Most gowns cost under $500 but look like a million bucks! They also carry bridesmaids, flower girl and reception dresses.

Alternatively, should you decide to spring for the real thing and discover that you have spent more than you budgeted on your wedding gown (it happens to the best of us), your accessory budget will most likely now be zero. Don’t fret! Just simply rent your accessories from happilyeverborrowed.com. This online treasure chest will save you about 80 percent on gorgeous wedding jewelry, tiaras, clutches and veils.

Frugal flowers

It’s no secret — flowers are another huge wedding expense. While creating your own floral masterpieces may seem like an economical option, let’s stop and really think about this for a moment. During one of the busiest times in your life, does this DIY solution really seem practical? If your schedule allows it, great! If not, there are a number of websites like bridesign.com and fiftyflowers.com that offer a hybrid solution. These companies prepare all of your flower needs based on your color combinations and choice of bridesmaid dresses. Premade arrangements are then shipped to you directly, covering everything from the boutonnieres, to the bouquets, to the center pieces. All have reasonably priced packages that can be adjusted to the size of your bridal party and event.

Ask for help

Lastly, do not hesitate to ask your family and friends for help. Tens of thousands of brides add cash-gift funds to their wedding registries on MyRegistry.com. Doing so helps to cover some wedding expenses, honeymoon costs and the purchasing of other items necessary for your big day. You can keep your wedding fund together with your other gifts, and your family and friends can contribute by using a credit card. Many couples are marrying later in life and do not really need a lot of new appliances. However, they do not want to compromise on the wedding itself. In any scenario, your guests will be happy knowing that they are directly contributing to the most important day of your life and helping to make it even better!

Cash gift etiquette for weddings

 Is there anything better than cash while you are knee-deep in debt planning your wedding? I don’t think so.

With the average cost of a wedding hovering around the $27,000 mark, any reprieve is welcomed by cash-strapped couples. This is why more and more soon-to-be newlyweds are registering for cash gifts in one form or another.

What are your options?

So, how does one tastefully ask or register for cash? Well, there are numerous ways to do so, and it can help to defray some of the major wedding expenses when done correctly. You can set up Cash Gift Funds on your registry, which give you a bit more flexibility on their usage. Another option is to utilize a honeymoon fund website to help cover the specific costs attached to your dream getaway. Either way, these funds are especially helpful when so many brides today have no need for new household items, or what would be considered traditional gift registry fare, as these types of items have already been accumulated.

With the etiquette taboo on asking for cash mostly lifted, people are no longer surprised to hear that about 75 percent of the engaged couples using MyRegistry.com register for cash gifts. These cash gift funds can sit among other tangible gifts, or alone. They describe the purpose of the funds with images and text to make them personalized and “tasteful.” While many of our members do use their cash gift funds to help pay for their honeymoon, general wedding funds are not uncommon either.

What will guests think?

Surprisingly, many wedding guests really do want to give cash, especially if they know what it is going toward. Be sure to be specific on your cash gift funds and tell the story of what and why. If it is for your honeymoon, tell your wedding guests where you are going and why you chose that particular destination. Let your guests know what they are participating in so that they can feel like a part of the process. Wedding gifts are for your loved ones, friends and family to help you and your partner start your new life together with whatever means the most to you. So, if that means letting you afford the wedding of your dreams, let them know and they will be happy to help!

Save the Date Maps!

 I love the idea of sharing a map of important and meaningful locations with your guests as a Save the Date magnet or postcard!  I have found some Etsy options below that I am considering, or for the DIY bride who has some creativity (and patience with photo editing software), why not try your hand at a homemade design?!

How much should your wedding photographer cost

When the cake is cut and the dress has been worn, one thing remains forever after the wedding (besides love, of course): the photos.

Choosing a wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions a couple will make for their big day, but hiring an appropriately priced photographer can be confusing.

What's too high or too low? What percent of your budget should you spend? Here, professional photographers and wedding experts weigh in.

Generally speaking, you can expect to spend 10 to 15 percent of your budget on wedding photography coverage, and another 10 percent on any accessories you want to purchase, whether before or after your wedding, says Lia Moore, wedding designer and planner at Full Circle Eventi. Your package should include the digital negatives of your event, but be sure to clarify the specifics with the photographer. Many photographers will only enhance 10 to 15 photos, while the rest of the 700 images are only negatives, she warns.

"You'll hear a lot of people say 10 to 15 percent, but if photography is important to you, don't be afraid to make it a larger portion of your budget," says Christine Lee Smith, of Christine Lee Smith Photography. "Every person is different, but 10 to 15 percent is a good baseline average. Remember, in photography just like everything else, you get what you pay for."

The actual cost of the engagement and wedding photos varies greatly by city and what is included in the package, but a general estimate is $300 to $500 for engagement photo shoots, and $2,500 to $10,000 for wedding shoots. The bride and groom should read the contract carefully to see how many photos the price includes, whether an album is included, etc.

10 Unique wedding guestbook ideas

In addition to your wedding bands and photos, your wedding guestbook is something you'll have and cherish forever. For most traditional wedding guestbooks, guests simply sign their names — with some opting to leave a note or words of encouragement for the newly-married couple. If this seems a little too traditional or mundane for you, there are other things you can do instead of a basic guestbook.

Mad Libs Guest Book — ‘Guest Libs'

Offer wedding advice to the new couple by playing Wedding Mad Libs! It's fun for the guests — place one game at each person's seat in the reception hall so they can fill it out during dinner or dancing. The bride and groom can make a book out of everyone's cards or simply get a great laugh a few weeks following the wedding!

2

Vintage marriage advice postcards

Newly-married couple Kendra and Dave's favorite pastime is traveling. For their wedding, they purchased vintage travel postcards and had each guest write down their best marriage advice on one card. The maid of honor mailed one card each day following the wedding to the couple. Kendra and Dave loved reading the advice and placed all the postcards in a photo album as a keepsake.

3

A memory book

Instead of having guests just sign the wedding guestbook, have them write down their favorite memory of them and the bride or groom. This provides the bride and groom a chance to reminisce about old times as often as they pull out the guestbook!

4

Quilted memories

At a recent family reunion, everyone signed one pre-cut piece of fabric each that was later sewn together to create a beautiful quilt. This idea works wonderfully for wedding guestbooks, as well. Choose colors to match your home and leave the quilt on display!

5

Polaroid photo book

Enlist your bridal party to capture Polaroid photos of all the guests. Have the guests place the photos in an album with a message to the bride and groom and their signatures. This is a fun and inexpensive way to create a guestbook that allows the bride and groom to relive their special day!

6

Fingerprint canvas

Have each guest place their fingerprint on a large canvas. Guests can make a ‘family tree' out of their fingerprints (each print is a leaf) or randomly place their print anywhere on the canvas as a form of abstract art. Later, display this canvas in your home, which will serve as a memory of your wedding day each time you pass it.

7

Sign a frame or meaningful object

Purchase a large photo frame that each guest can sign and place your favorite wedding photo in the center. If you don't like the idea of having guests sign a frame, have them sign any object that is significant to you and your spouse. Ideas include a guitar, a nightstand or piece of old furniture, a wooden initial, a puzzle or even a few wine bottles.

8

Date night jar

Have guests jot down romantic ideas of things to do on date night, sign the card and place in a large Mason jar. The new couple can refer to this jar and pull out an idea any time they're feeling bored or looking to do something fun!

9

Recipe for a perfect marriage

This one's simple yet too cute not to consider. Provide each guest with a blank recipe card and have them create a 'recipe' for a perfect marriage. Ours would be equal parts laughter and love, sprinkled with compromise and rolled in with forgiveness! Store all 'recipes' in a recipe box to pull out whenever your marriage needs a little extra TLC!

10

Letters to the bride and groom

Purchase a blank guestbook and glue miniature colored envelopes onto the pages. Have guests write sentimental thoughts about marriage on note cards and seal in the envelope. The couple then opens one per day (or week) until there are no more. Guests can write quotes, lessons learned on marriage, their favorite thing about being married, well wishes to the couple or anything else the couple may find useful.

Honeymooning with the kids

Honeymooning with the kids might sound like an oxymoron, but it can be done. These days you might marry a man who has children from a previous marriage or you both might have children and decide to combine your families. Or, maybe you chose to get married after your baby arrived. Whatever the reason, a honeymoon with the kids might be your only option for celebrating your new marriage. Here are some ways to make it work.

 Choose your destination wisely

While a safari in Africa or scuba diving in the Maldives might be your dream honeymoon, this is not the time to select an exotic location. Instead, look for destinations that are within a three to five hour flight from your hometown (if you are on the West Coast, the Hawaiian Islands are an obvious choice, and if you are on the East Coast, the Caribbean is a great option). The more familiar destinations also eliminate the need for travel vaccinations and shorter air-time can reduce the chance of jet lag. If budget is an issue, sign up for deal alerts.

Find a family-friendly resort

Once you choose your destination, make sure children are welcome at the resort. Many high-end properties cater mainly to adults and the worst thing would be to feel like you have to keep your children quiet the whole time! There are tons of resorts that not only welcome families, but have kids clubs and babysitting options available. Kids clubs are a win-win situation for everyone. The kids are entertained and kept busy while you lounge by the pool (and there is nothing like a little romance after spending an afternoon in the sun or a romantic walk on the beach).

Prices for kids clubs can vary from $50-$100 per child per day, so they are not inexpensive, but if you can factor this into your budget for a couple of days, it can be well worth the price! An example of an award-winning family resort is the Hawaiian Hilton Village in Waikiki (on the island of Oahu in Hawaii). Their kids club, Camp Penguin, keeps your little ones entertained all day while you "honeymoon."

Pack a separate suitcase

Now that your kids are entertained at the resort camp, it is your chance to show your new husband some sexy bikinis and lingerie! This is where a separate suitcase packed with all of your romance gear will be vital to your passion plans. It will help you avoid an embarrassing moment if your kids go through your suitcase!

Plan family time

Prior to your honeymoon, research some excursions or activities that the whole family can enjoy during the trip, such as hikes, zip lining or water activities. Your children will feel included and you can create exciting memories for the family as a unit.