Wedding Cakes - What's HOT, and what's NOT!?

by: Charish Pyatt Hoover
Owner: http://www.FresnoWeddings.Net/
http://www.WeddingCakesFresno.com/

Everyone LOVES wedding cake! If you don't, well, then I question just how human you are!? ;-)

If you're like me, the first thing you likely notice when you walk into a couple's wedding reception is not just the heavenly aura put off by the wedding cake somewhere across the room, (being displayed almost as if it's a non-touchable work of art), but you most likely notice the heavenly smell as well. A smell that takes you back to your child-hood when you remember sticking your finger in mom's frosting, or getting to lick the bowl clean when all the mixing and pouring is done. A smell that brings good feelings of contentment, and warm hugs.

Some cakes are just too pretty to cut, (Of course that's why the wedding photographer's picture of the cake is so important, so as to preserve this edible work of art that smells so darn good!)
FIND A PHOTOGRAPHER AT: http://www.FresnoWeddingPhotographers.com/

When I started out in the wedding industry in 1991, most people had not heard of fondant covered wedding cakes. In fact a photo of most wedding cakes from back then today - would most likely easily be "dated".

Then, it was common to see multi-tiered buttercream wedding cakes (topped with frosting flowers), and displayed on extravagant plastic (supposedly fairytale-like stands). Some of these stands were inspired by castles, some were just bridges, and some even had water fountains running through them. Most were topped by a traditional bride and groom wedding cake topper.

TODAY, it is rare to see cakes and cake stands as mentioned above. Our more modern bride and groom often take a more simple, and elegant approach when choosing their wedding cake design.

In fact, I'd go so far as to say, that the artistic appearance of the wedding cake is more important than ever for today's bride and groom, , , , but , , , without sacrificing excellent flavor, which can often be the case if choosing a cake designer without ample experience in the actual baking aspect of the cake.

Today - I see a good balance of cakes that are either Fondant (a sweet clay-like covering), or traditional buttercream frosted. Both have their benefits, unique taste, and decorative possibilities.

Frosting flowers are a thing of the past. (see gumpaste flowers below).
Today's cakery's often deliver a cake that is without flowers, that can, and often will be decorated with real flowers brought by the hired florist once the cake has been fully setup on its table.

It is becoming more common to see edible (gum paste flowers) as decorative accents on wedding cakes in place of real flowers, however real flowers are still used most often to date.

Both fondant covered and buttercream frosted cakes can be decorated with CAKE JEWELRY - which can either be a fashionable cake topper, monogrammed cake topper, and/or things such as pearls, or gems (aka BLING), placed all over the cake in a decorative manner. It is also common for colored, decorative, silk ribbon to be used around the base of each tier to add color, style, balance, etc.

FIND MODERN CAKE TOPPERS & CAKE JEWELRY AT: http://www.fresnoweddings.net/wedding_cake_jewelry.html

FIND PERSONALIZED CAKE TOPPERS AT: http://www.fresnoweddings.net/personalized_cake_toppers.html

I have learned that fondant covered wedding cakes tend to hold up better in higher temperatures, therefore if you're having your reception at an outdoor wedding venue, it would be wise to consider this option.

FIND A WEDDING VENUE AT: http://www.weddinglocationcalifornia.com/central_california_wedding_location.html

While some couples choose a more simple, elegant look for their wedding cake, there are those who want a cake designed specifically for the purpose of serving as an expression of their personalities, or a special passion in their life.

For example: One couple chose a wedding cake in the shape of a fire truck topped with a riding bride and groom. The groom had been a firefighter for many years, and the couple thought that this design was not only a tribute to the groom's dedication, but to the many firefighter friends/guests that were to attend their wedding reception as well. As a small tribute to the bride, a small duplicate of a tiny blue sports car she owned and loved was placed to the side of the fire truck.

So what's HOT, and what's NOT when it comes to wedding cakes? The answer is pretty much anything that suits the styles, and personalities of the bride and groom is HOT!!! What's NOT? I say who cares?

Whether you want a mini fondant wedding cake for each of your guests, a six tiered buttercream wedding cake smothered in daisies, or an elegant and completely BLINGED out fondant wedding cake, , , , , be sure to choose your cake designer/baker carefully, as few things can harm your reception success than a lopsided wedding cake (delivered late), , , that not only looks little like you had discussed with the designer, but also leaves a lot to be desired in the flavor department!

FIND A TRUSTED FRESNOWEDDINGS.NET MEMBER CAKERY AT: http://www.fresnoweddings.net/wedding_cakes.html

2010 Vera Wang Bridal Gown Collection

Yesterday marked the end of Bridal Fashion Week in NYC. At their shows, designers reveal their latest collections (and the newest styles and trends) that will be available in Fall 2010/Spring 2011.

If beautiful wedding dresses makes you drool, then you won’t be disappointed by the newest collections from Vera Wang and Monique Lhuillier.

The inspiration for Vera Wang’s newest wedding gowns came from 1964’s “My Fair Lady” starring Audrey Hepburn. Black accents, soft romantic lines, and layers and layers of fabric showcase the sophisticated femininity that is a hallmark of Vera Wang’s style.

Tips for first-time brides and grooms combining households

Tips for first-time brides and grooms combining households

(ARA) - First-time brides and grooms are older than ever before, according to recent U.S. Census Bureau figures. The median age for men marrying for the first time is now 28 and it's 26 for women - that's 30 percent older than in 1960.

Because today's first marriages are occurring later in life - not to mention second or third marriages - more often the modern dilemma is whose couch stays and tallying how many flat-screen TVs the couple has between them.

When couples married 40 years ago they were barely into their 20s and often still living at home. The traditional wedding shower carried great value in that age as it supplied newlyweds with all the necessities that married life required, including dishes, cookware and bedding.

Bob Gomori got married last year at 27 - just one year shy of the median age for men. However, Gomori had already built a successful career as a franchisee of the moving company Two Men and a Truck in Youngstown, Ohio, and he'd already owned his own home for several years. He had a unique vantage point of the challenges associated with combining households for first marriages.

"It's tough because you both have things that you want to keep, but to keep it all is certainly not the most efficient thing to do," Gomori says. "The successful couples I see as a mover are those who take first marriage as an opportunity to take inventory of what they have and sort it out before they combine homes. I know it's a lot to think about, particularly with wedding plans in the works, but ultimately you avoid moving things two or three times, and you save money in the long run."

Certified professional organizer Monica Ricci is a renowned organizing expert, speaker and author based in Atlanta. Ricci counsels her clients on effective organizing and simplifying strategies for home and work, and offers free advice at www.CatalystOrganizing.com.

"Try not to be too attached to something simply because it's yours," says Ricci. "You each deserve to keep some items you love. Remember, the more you streamline now, the easier your move will be. "

Ricci and Gomori agree proper planning is the key to starting off on the right foot in the early years of marriage. They suggest the following tips for combining households for first-time marriages:

* Go through each house together, and identify which items are duplicates. Talk about each item honestly. If you can legitimately use two of something in your new life, such as televisions or stereos, go ahead and keep both.

* Do the same evaluation for small items, such as silverware, as you do for the larger items. These smaller items can add up quickly, and often produce the most basement or attic clutter.

* Organize with boxes and colored markers. Contact your local Two Men and a Truck moving company to purchase a variety of box sizes before you begin so you can appropriately tag and box both items that stay and those that go along the way.

* Think about donating to those in need. If a garage sale isn't of interest, consider donating to local churches or synagogues, homeless shelters or the Salvation Army.

The experts agree that couples can successfully blend two households if they take time on the front end to address the move. The key, as with all organizing projects, is proper planning. For more moving advice, visit www.twomenandatruck.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Sandals Resorts - Memorial Day Weekend SALE!

Sandals Resorts - Memorial Day Weekend SALE!

HURRY SALE ENDS MAY 31st!

Booking Window: Now – May 31, 2010

Travel Window: Now – December 28, 2010 & January 1 – December 28, 2011

Blackout Dates: December 29 – 31, 2010 & February 19 – 26, 2011

Minimum Stay: 3 nights

Bluntly Honest Grooming & Beauty Tips For Brides

Bluntly Honest Grooming & Beauty Tips For Brides

SEE RECOMMENDED BEAUTY SERVICES - CLICK HERE

By: Charish - California Weddings

Being that I have worked as a wedding professional since 1991, and started out as a wedding photographer for many years, I've seen a lot of brides, their wedding dresses, hair styles, makeup jobs, etc.

With that said, I've seen some very beautiful brides who needed little to no help with their appearance on their wedding day, and of course the opposite as well.

Regardless of your genetics, YOU as the bride owe it to yourself, and your groom to make every effort possible to look your very best on your special day. Likewise, the groom has the same responsibilities to both you, and himself.

Most brides want their wedding ceremony decor, and their reception decor to be unique, spectacular, memorable, etc., , , so - it only makes sense that a bride would take the same level of care, and interest in her own appearance on her wedding day.

Things that are often overlooked or undervalued when it comes to the bride's appearance are:

1. Facial and nose hair - Yes, in my years as a wedding photographer, I've seen far more protruding nose and facial hairs on brides than I care to admit. Not only was detail very important to me as the photographer, but how does one tell the bride on her most special day, , , "Um, you've gotta hair coming out of your nostril." , or "In this lighting, I can see every hair on your upper lip, and chin." Needless to say, I never said these things, but simply did my best to re-pose or position my view from the lense that would best flatter or hide the issue at hand.

Solution? Waxing and plucking has never killed anyone, and for the sake of your wedding day appearance, photos, video, etc., , , , I'd say a little pain would be worth it ;-) Also, contrary to what some may believe, waxing will not cause more coarse hairs to grow back in, , , it's actually quite the opposite, as the waxed/plucked hairs will likely be replaced with softer, finer hairs. (See Also THREADING Below)

2. Messy, bushy, eyebrows - Both the bride and groom should pay extra attention to this area of their face. Eyebrows are frames to the eyes, and unruly, bushy eyebrows can make a huge difference in the overall appearance of the upper half of the face. Eyebrows can make you look more alert, more youthful, or tired, and quite simply worn out.

Solution? We've all seen these new mall kiosk businesses that offer eyebrow threading! I highly recommend that this be considered at least a couple of days before your wedding, but only after you've had a trial run by the same business, and individual approx. 2 months prior to make sure you like the shaping, results, etc.

Makeup & Hair - Far too many brides (in my opinion) skimp on having their makeup and hair professionally done. The reason for this of course is to "save money", , , , but at what expence really? Their appearance? The difference between a professionally made-up bride, and a self-done makeup job by the bride is often like night and day. If you're going all out on the cake, flowers, and decor, why would you put yourself on the back burner? Remember this is supposed to be a once in a life-time event, , , so don't treat yourself like you're not important for a once in a life-time knock out bridal look!

SEE RECOMMENDED BEAUTY SERVICES (Makeup, Hair, Teeth Whitening) - CLICK HERE

Skin Care (and I mean everywhere on your body) - A dry bride is a dull bride, and whether we're looking at your face, your arms, and legs, or your feet, nobody wants to see a bride with dry, dull skin.

Solution? Start a total-body skin care regimen several months prior to your wedding day. Let's call it a skin fitness routine. This routine should include exfoliation of the skin a minimum of one time per week. My personal favorite exfoliating product is (St. Ives Exfoliating Apricot Scrub "Invigorating") as it gives the skin a great scrub, and leaves it feeling smooth, and fresh. Be sure to wear sunscreen after using any exfoliating product. Also remember to include a great overall body moisturizer right after getting out of the shower to keep skin smooth. On the wedding day - try a cream oil based moisturizer to give your arms, legs, and feet a smooth, healthy sheen. Just for fun - add a tiny bit of glitter gel or powder to your feet to give them a sexy shimmer. A mild glittery/bronzing powder can be added (in moderation) to your arms, legs, shoulders etc., but only if it matches your skin tone. Again a professional makeup artist would be beneficial in this area.

Nails, on hands and Feet - My personal favorite is the French Manicure on both hands and feet. This is a clean, classy look that will match any wedding dress, as well as hair, and makeup job. A lot of brides focus on their hands, but neglect their feet. Feet can be and should be a sexy addition to your wedding day look, just remember to include your feet in the above mentioned skin care regimen, and DO get that French Manicure for the toes!

Solution? Don't do a manicure job yourself, and don't simply go with the cheapest deal in town. Few things would be more embarrassing on your wedding day than to see your nails flying off during your ceremony, or any time during your special day.

FIND ANYTHING FOR YOUR WEDDING (ANYWHERE) - CLICK HERE

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The Significance of Wedding Favors, Little Gifts That Say A Lot

The Significance of Wedding Favors: The Little Gifts That Say a Lot!
by: laurawsn10

Wedding favors say that you appreciate that your guests took time away from their busy schedule to be with you on your wedding day. Most brides and grooms provide drinks and food for their guests, but if you want to do something more, consider upping the ante with little gifts that say a lot.

Favors also add to the festivities as part of the decorations. Coordinate your favors with the theme of your wedding and wedding invitations, place cards, program, and menu sheets. One elegant way to do this is to stay with the seasons.

Spring

Nothing says spring like pastel colors, fresh greenery and flowers - lots of flowers. Lay colored table cloths or heavy duty paper table cloths underneath lace cloths. Or buy inexpensive wall paper in floral prints and use that as the table topper with a gathered skirt around the table itself.

Of course you'll have floral center pieces for each table at the reception but don't stop there. Scatter blossom, buds, and petals across the table.

Favors that continue the springtime theme include a Butterfly Wine Stopper for each guest or Miniature Wooden Birdhouses with "Love Nest" inscribed on the front.

Love Blossoms is a card with a modern botanical image featuring two detachable blossoms embedded with real wild flower seeds. Set a rose ball candle in an attractive see through gift box besides each setting. Or a calla lily vase shaped candle.

For do- it-yourselfers, have stickers or cards personalized with your names and wedding date. Attach with a festive ribbon to color coordinated boxes filled pastel mints, potpourri, or a single flower shaped candle.

Summer

Warm breezes, the beach, and bright colors all say summer. Hand Fans in SSA paper provide cooling breezes and will be appreciated by your guests at an outside reception.

Summer wedding receptions can be dramatic or fun. Tropical flowers, such as orchids, proteas, and ginger aren't cheap but they are so unusual you only need one or two in a vase. Fill the vase with lemons, kumquats or limes before inserting the flowers for even more color. Lay a runner of palm branches or banana leaves down the tables to continue the tropical theme.

Favor your guests with Flip-Flop Photo Frames with Flower Accent, the colors are bright greens, pinks, yellows, and blues. Fill a Palm Tree Favor Box with candies. Or set a Marguerita Glass Gel Candle in a Tiki Hut gift box by each place setting. Place "Love-sicle" Popsicle Soaps in children's sand pails for guests, but be careful, the soaps look good enough to eat. SALE
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Evoke the beach even if you're miles away by using vases filled with pale blue water and masses of baby's breath. Spread seashells around the vases and a few starfish. Add Seashell Candles as the favors. Mark each guest's place with a Seaside Sand and Shell place holder which can later be used as a photo frame.

Fall

Crisp days, gold and burgundy chrysanthemums, and falling leaves put anyone in an autumn mood. Instead of flowers, use piles of apples as the centerpiece for the tables surrounded by Apple of My Eye apple shaped candles. Pumpkins, squash, and gourds make a fall floral arrangement when interspersed with yellow and red mums. If you're ambitious hollow out the pumpkins and use them as containers for potted mums.

Mark each guest's place setting with a Turning Leaves Bookmark with Burgundy Silk Tassel or a Leaf Tea Light and Place Card Holder with Autumn-themed Gift Box.

Fill Autumn Elegance Laser-Cut Fall Leaf Favor Boxes with gold, yellow, red, and burgundy jelly beans for guests to take home.

Winter

Winter means snow, icicles and, of course, Christmas. If your wedding has a winter wonderland theme, create a snowscape. Sprinkle white, silver, and iridescent glitter on a white table cloth. Use silver chargers at each place setting. Place a mirror in the center of the table surrounded by artificial snow so the snow covers the edges of the mirror. Hot glue silver and white iridescent snowflakes to the mirror with a dab of hot glue so they stand upright. Place votive candles in glass holders around the snowflakes. When the candles are lit the sparkle begins.

Continue the winter theme with Snowflake Place Card Holders, Snowflake Gel Candles, and Winter Wonderland Glass Coasters. Your guests won't soon forget your wedding. Any extras make wonderful keepsakes for your first holidays together as a married couple.

Fill white Tin Favor Pails with Hershey kisses (which can be ordered with your names). Wrap in a cellophane bag tied at the top with blue personalized ribbons.

Thanking your guests for joining you in your wedding celebration lets them know how special they are. Favors don't have to be expensive as long as they're thoughtful

Choosing A Wedding Venue That Offers An All Inclusive Package

Select A Wedding Venue That Includes Everything, or at least most of what you need.

Many people are convinced that having a backyard wedding, or renting empty hall space is a great money saver.

When all is said and done however, the costs of rentals such as tables, chairs, wedding linens, dinnerware, etc. can really ad up.

The Real Money Savers??

Select a wedding venue that offers a location for both your ceremony, and your reception. Many locations do offer both ceremony locations, and reception locations, but sometimes you may have to ask if they do.

Also, many such venues will include all linens, tables, chairs, and dinnerware in their packaged rental fees.
It's worth asking a few questions, and you may get a much nicer location as a result. Remember if the venue is pretty to start with, you'll also save on decorations as well.

Want More Tips On Saving Money On Your Wedding And Reception - Without Skimping On Quality?

Read More CLICK HERE