8.15.2011

Wedding Cake Remix



Hello, lovelies! Thanks for stopping by my blog for my second bi-monthly August post.

Closely following the gown, the cake (and corresponding cake cutting) is quite arguably THE MOST iconic wedding element! Recently, however, there has been an increasingly-popular trend in remixing this coveted dessert tradition! I invite you to take a peek below of some adorable ideas that other Brides and Grooms have taken a liking to in their wedding ceremonies:


*CUPCAKES*



• The top tier, which is a cake layer, presents the Bride and Groom with 2 options:
Option #1: The Bride and Groom can cut into the top cake layer tier for the traditional cake cutting, and distribute the individual cupcakes amongst their guests; or
Option #2: The Bride and Groom can leave the top cake layer tier uncut by cutting into one of the cupcakes for the traditional cake cutting, distributing the individual cupcakes amongst their guests, and saving the top tier until the newlyweds celebrate their 1st Wedding Anniversary.
Having cupcakes for each individual guest instead of serving slices of cake actually saves you $$, because you will not need to pay the caterer for "cake service."
[Cake service = the cutting and serving of the wedding cake to all of your guests.]


*DONUT CAKE*



• This idea is slightly more unconventional, but super cute, right?! And individual donuts are SO much cheaper than individually-decorated mini cakes. Don`t be scared to mix up the flavors!


*PUFFED RICE WEDDING CAKE*



• I`ll admit, this is my first time seeing this concept, but each wedding is unique and reflective of the bride and the groom, so if puffed rice cereal is what you`re into -- go for it! After all, it is YOUR day :)


*CHEESECAKE*



• This idea is a little more delicate, because cheesecake needs to be refrigerated and therefore cannot be on display throughout the entire reception like a traditional wedding cake could/would be. BUT it`s still a super cute concept! Pick a flavor (or two), find a cute tiered cake stand, and you`ll have your own cheeseCAKE in no time! How do you like that play on words? ;) hehe


*PIES*



• One of my favorite weddings, in which I had the honor of serving as the Day-of Coordinator, utilized this option at the reception! Like the cheesecake, be mindful of the pie options you choose, because some flavors will have to be refrigerated. Also, some flavors are extremely messy, and you don`t want a gooey mess slipping off the fork during the pie cutting and falling down your pretty dress! Pictured above are individual mini-pies = cute, and FAR less messy!


*CANDY BAR*



• Personally, I LOVE this idea! While most people use this idea as a fun wedding FAVOR idea for their guests, it could definitely be a substitute option for the cake if that`s what you want!


*SWEET DIPPING STATION*



• This idea is something that will have your guests up and talking about for months after your reception and wedding day are over! How fun?! And depending on what your theme/vibe is, you can have indulgent dipping options, guilt-free options, or a fun mix of the two!


*CAKE SHOOTERS*



• Talk about a FUN FUN FUN idea! Cake shooters, what more needs to be said about these cute little shots of Heaven? I may definitely be stealing these for myself someday 0:) but shhhh!


Hopefully, you`ve seen a few ideas that you like :) Thanks again for your support and I shall see you again on September 1st and 15th with my next posts! Until then, stay fabulous.


8.01.2011

Going to the Chapel -- But Yours, Mine, or Ours ?

So hello again, lovely readers! I cannot believe it is already August, but nonetheless, here we are :) This blog post was inspired by one of my dearest Sorority Sisters who contacted me a few weeks ago and stumped me with a really great question:

Does the BRIDE or the GROOM select the wedding venue?



And more importantly:

What do you do about the LOCATION when the Bride and the Groom are from two different areas/states?



Great questions, right? Well no more worries, because I did some research, and these are the suggestions/conclusions that I came up with to present to you.

Traditionally-speaking, it is actually the BRIDE who determines the wedding location/venue, and the Church/Chapel is located in the Bride`s hometown. Today, however, many couples are choosing to "remix" many aspects of the traditional wedding by interweaving some newage concepts with the "tried and true" ways of the past.

In the instance that the bride and groom are from different hometowns or do not have families who are centrally-located in concentrated areas, I definitely feel that the bride and the groom should work *TOGETHER* to determine the best location for their special day, and let the traditional approach to the location take a backseat.

If both sets of families will have to travel, maybe the two of you lovebirds could work together to find a location that is equidistant, making each side feel equally as important as the other and minimizing even the slightest bit of room for misinterpretation. Once you find a general area that could possibly work, take a peek at the surrounding areas in a sensible radius, and ask around! Depending on the location/season, some places may be more affordable options than their neighboring counterparts. Also, if traveling is a must, logistics shouldn`t be taken lightly. Allow modes of transportation, ease of travel, and travel costs associated with each option to play a major role.

Following "loving, honoring, and cherishing", the first lesson in a happy marriage is COMPROMISE. As a following suggestion, if the Bride`s opinion weighs more heavily in the decision for selecting the wedding venue, perhaps the Groom`s opinion could be the louder voice in selecting the reception location? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Dare to be different and make your decisions based on a day reflective of what your wedding is truly celebrating -- two lives becoming one -- in whatever ways that means to you!

^^The Stunning Westminster Abbey | How bout THAT for a fabulous venue, eh?


Until August 15th, may you each have wonderful days :)

Live fully, laugh earnestly, and love deeply.