Grooms' cakes trends

A significant focal point of weddings is the cake. It’s on display, in photos and there are traditions that go along with it like the ceremonial cutting and the bride and groom having the first bite. But it’s often the brides that take responsibility for choosing its color, flavor and theme. Lately though, men are taking more of an active role in their wedding day dessert.

Grooms' cakes: Behind the trend

In recent years, adding a specialized grooms' cake has gained nationwide recognition. Grooms' cakes are an old Southern tradition and I think the concept has just come around again. It's a fun tradition that many couples are finding enjoyable and an extra way to personalize their big event.

Grooms' cakes: Why get one?

Since today’s weddings are typically planned with the bride’s list of must-haves in mind, a special cake for the groom provides a simple way to include the groom in the reception festivities and excitement. It's a fun way to bring a little personality to an event and make your groom feel extra special. Whether the groom-to-be is a travel enthusiast, sports fanatic or aspiring musician, it’s important to recognize special elements of the groom’s personality in a fun and creative way.

Grooms' cakes: Options

Grooms' cakes come in all shapes, flavors and sizes and the possibilities are endless. There are few limitations when it comes to developing grooms' cakes. I’ve created a golf bag, replicated a sports stadium and even designed an armadillo cake. Additionally, since most grooms are unaware of their cake, it’s a great way to add an element of surprise on the wedding day.

Whether or not you get your groom a cake is up to you and whether it fits into your overall vision. If you do opt for a second cake to represent the groom, just have fun with it first and foremost. Choose something that means something special to you.

How to save money on a bar at your wedding

If no one in your family drinks, you've just saved a bunch of money on your wedding reception. For everyone else though, it is expected that some form of alcohol be served - even at a morning wedding.

THINK ABOUT THE BAR EARLY ON

Although decisions about what to serve can come later, you need to at least be aware of issues surrounding a bar when you begin to talk to wedding venues. 

Many venues will require you to purchase extra insurance if you're serving alcohol. Some will include a bar package in your rental price. You will also need to discuss the bar, and who is responsible for serving with your caterer.

ALWAYS HAVE A BARTENDER

Even if your wedding reception site and your caterer allow you to handle the bar any way you wish, you'll want to hire a bartender. A bartender will save you money by pouring appropriate size drinks, and save you headaches by not serving underage or already drunk guests.

GET MARRIED DURING THE DAY

An afternoon or Sunday evening wedding will have less drinking.

CREATE A SIGNATURE DRINK

A signature cocktail, especially one that's heavy on the fruit juice can save you money.

CLOSE THE BAR DURING DINNER

Only serve wine during dinner, and make sure the waiters pour the wine as opposed to leaving it on the table.

CLOSE THE BAR HALF AN HOUR BEFORE THE END OF THE RECEPTION

Close the bar too early and you'll lose guests, but leaving it open until the reception is over not only can cost you money, but it can be unsafe for your driving guests.

5 Tips for hiring a wedding caterer

Hiring a wedding caterer is an important early step in your wedding planning.

1. GET RECOMMENDATIONS AND REFERRALS

Tastings are a lot of fun, but you don't have the time to do tastings everywhere, so try and use recommendations from friends and online ratings to narrow your choices down to 3-5 caterers before you make appointments. Once you've narrowed your list down, get referrals of past clients from the caterer.

2. KNOW YOUR BUDGET

There's a caterer out there for almost any budget, but you can save yourself time and aggravation if you have an idea of both your overall budget and your food budget before you start looking. Don't forget to consider your budget for linens, plates and tables as well, since the caterer will often coordinate renting these items. You will probably be asked to put down a 50% deposit when you sign the contract, so make sure you're absolutely committed before signing. It is expected that you'll tip the wait staff and the catering manager, so don't forget to budget for that as well.

3. CHECK WITH THE VENUE

Some wedding venues may have an approved list of vendors. This is why it's important to decide on a venue before choosing a caterer. Usually these lists are necessary because of insurance requirements, but sometimes it's simply that these are vendors the venue knows can be trusted. There is value to choosing from a recommended list, it means the caterer will be familiar with the set up and will have an easy time coordinating with the venue staff. But if you're having trouble finding a caterer that works for you on the list, discuss it with the venue manager.

4. BE UPFRONT WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

If you want a vegetarian menu, or have specific allergy or ingredient concerns, discuss this with your caterer before making an appointment for a tasting. If you're having children at the wedding, arrange for special children's meals; these will be less expensive and keep the kids happy.

5. GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING, AND READ IT CAREFULLY!

There are a lot of gray areas with catering a big event. Is the caterer providing tablecloths and linens? Are they an extra cost? If it's a buffet, do you need to rent the serving dishes separately? How many waiters and what will they wear? If the event lasts longer than expected, will you need to pay additional charges? Who is responsible for paying lost linen fees? It's a lot of detail to consider, but you need to pay attention.

6. EAT!

Don't forget to relax, sit down and have a bite yourself!

How to be a great bridesmaid

Modern bridesmaids are strong, savvy women ready to pitch in and do what needs doing... if only someone would tell them what needs doing!

Every bride is different and has different needs and expectations. Make sure to check in with your bride often and find out what she wants or needs from you. Some brides just want a fab bachelorette party; others need a hand to hold every step of the way.

We've put together a basic list of the sorts of things the maid of honor and bridesmaids are often asked to do. The details are up to you and your bride.

BEFORE THE WEDDING

• Help the bride shop for her dress and accessories
• If you're lucky, help her choose the bridesmaids' dresses
• Be a sounding board for the bride
• Help the bride with any DIY projects
• Plan and host a bridal shower and a bachelorette party

THE WEDDING DAY

• Help the bride get dressed and ready
• Hold the bride's dress while she pees (yes, we're serious)
• Collect and carry an emergency kit for the bride
• Straighten the bride's dress, train and veil before the ceremony
• Be cheerful, upbeat and calm even if she stresses out
• Walk nicely down the aisle
• Stand at the altar without fidgeting
• Keep the drama to a minimum

THE RECEPTION

• Stand in the receiving line, if asked
• Give a toast or speech, if asked
• Help bustle her train, or change outfits if necessary

There you go, that doesn't seem so bad does it?

How to Master Wedding Day Transportation For your Guests

Let your wedding guests relax and party without worrying about who the designated driver is by making sure that you have transportation to get them safely from the reception site to the hotel.

If you can afford it, hire a shuttle company to run shuttles to and from the wedding reception at specific hours. For example, if your reception is from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. you might have shuttles leaving the hotel (or ceremony site) at 5:45 p.m., 6:00 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. Then, have shuttles returning to the hotel at 9:00 p.m., 10 p.m., 10:30 p.m., and 11 p.m. Make sure to put information about shuttle times in the guest welcome packages.

If you have a small guest list, and you trust everyone to be ready on time, you might just hire one bus to drop off and pick up wedding guests at one specific time. It doesn't have to be a fancy bus or trolley, a school bus can be decorated and can give the event a fun, festive feeling. If you're renting a limo or town car for your bridal party, make sure to ask the company if they offer other transportation as well. Booking more than one type of vehicle with the same company may save you money.

If you can't find a shuttle company that's in your budget, talk to the hotel. Frequently hotels have an airport shuttle service that isn't used very often at night. The hotel may be willing to rent the shuttle to you at a discount. Because the hotel has more experience working with transportation needs, they may also have some good leads for you on less expensive services.

When looking at contracts for transportation services, make sure to check for things like minimum hour requirements and charges for mileage. Also, make sure to ask about their drivers' qualifications. Obviously, all drivers should be licensed and insured.

If there's simply no way to work transportation into your wedding budget then make sure to ask your wedding reception site to have taxis waiting at the end of the evening. It's much easier to convince a tipsy guest to take a taxi if that taxi is ready and waiting.

Arranging transportation for your wedding guests may seem like one more to-do in an already crowded list, but this sort of thoughtful planning will help your guests relax and enjoy their evening.