The wave of cupcakes in lieu of the traditional wedding cake is ever growing…and I love it! As a wedding planner who has cut her share of wedding cakes, cupcakes are a godsend! And guests love them too. In addition to adding a bit of whimsy to the event, they make for a good conversation topic, they’re less expensive, and less messy. Couples can still feed each other a slice of cupcake too, so don’t think you will miss out on that tradition. I also love the idea of having one tier of wedding cake for the couple to save for their first anniversary (see some below). And just because you are opting for a cupcake wedding cake, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put much thought into presentation. I’m a true believer that presentation makes all the difference, no matter what the item or cost. So how you arrange your cupcakes is just as important as the taste. Here are a few ideas and one giant cupcake cake just for fun!
October 29, 2008
October 27, 2008
Savvy Wedding Programs
I found some savvy wedding programs on this site: http://www.tgkdesigns.com/. They also offer you a total wedding ensemble for all of your printing needs. Here are some of their programs:
TGK Wedding Programs by sweetp1968
October 23, 2008
Hot Shoes for the Bride!
I absolutely LOVED this cover of Brides magazine with the surprising hot pink shoes! (the cover shoes are Christian Laboutins…sharp!).
Well, it got me inspired and I wonder how many brides are trying something other than the traditional white shoe? Here are some colorful heels to match your wedding palette and give your groom a surprise when he goes for the garter…if you can keep them on that long:-)
shoes by sweetp1968
October 17, 2008
What’s Out and What’s In
Here are some trends that are out (or should be) and some trends that are in:
1. OUT: Large wedding parties — IN: Wedding parties with just those who are dearest and closest or just the bride and groom
2. OUT: Tiaras — IN: Elegant hair pin or a single bloom
3. OUT: Fairy tale princess themes (unless it’s your Sweet 16, leave the princess themes to the teenagers)
4. OUT: Chocolate fountains – IN: Candy buffets, mini dessert buffets or butlered served confections on silver trays
5. OUT: Ice sculptures of initials, hearts and swanns – IN: Bars made entirely of ice
6. OUT: Bouquet & garter tosses – IN: Bouquet & boutonniere dedications
7. OUT: Mashed potato bar – IN: Sushi bar
8. OUT: Chi-chi hors d’oeuvres – IN: Mini old fashioned comfort foods: mini grilled cheese sandwiches, pigs-in-a-blanket, mini serving of mac n cheese, deviled eggs, fried chicken lollipops, or mini burgers
9. OUT: Typical first dances – IN: Surprise your guests by dancing to a collection of your favorites songs (fast, slow, or both)
10. OUT: Formal wedding party introductions at the reception – IN: Presentation of the couple ONLY at the reception
11. OUT: Brown/Pink and Brown/Blue color themes – IN: Brown is normally paired with a soft pastel, try it with Kelly green or cranberry which speaks to the new trend of using bold colors
12. OUT: Photo Montages at the reception – IN: Photo booths or instant photo shots taken during the reception
13. OUT: A wedding cake decorated with lots of stuff: repeating swags, columns, basket weaves, pearls and sitting on gold or silver foil board
14. OUT: Martini bars – IN: Bars with a four drink menu called: Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, or a wine tasting table, sangria bar, hot cocoa bar, smoothie bar, or an after-dinner drink bar (cordial, port, brandy)
15. OUT: Salads as a first course – IN: Soups (hot or cold) or an individually served hors d’oeuvre
16. OUT: Candies wrapped in tulle, candied almonds, mini photo frames & personalized candy wrapper bars – IN: Donations to a charity in lieu of a guest favor
17. OUT: Traditional large centerpieces — IN: Centerpiece of varying heights and sizes interspersed with candles
18. OUT: Big “I Do” letters
19. OUT: Tiffany themed weddings – IN: Bold colors – strong yellows, rich purples, bright greens, and shocking pinks
20. OUT: Balloons or small white Christmas lights for decoration
October 15, 2008
Pink & Green Wedding
Always a beautiful combination – pink & green. I created this Weddingscape for my AKA girlfriends…Delta and Zeta are on the way!
October 10, 2008
Orange & Green Wedding
Orange and green with hints of gold continue to be a fresh wedding palette. I created this Weddingscape for the couple marrying in the Spring, Summer or Fall.
Hors d’oeuvres – It’s All About Presentation
The popular trend in hors d’oeuvres is an unique presentation. From shot glasses, mini espresso cups, martini glasses, small plates/bowls, and spoons.
Here are some of my favorite hors d’oeuvres: mini beef wellington, chicken lollipops, tomato basil french toast, baby lamb chops, mini crab cakes, mini burgers, mini grilled cheese sandwiches, duck a’la orange bundles, lobster filo triangles, filo wrapped asparagus, vegetable spring roll, chicken satay, beef satay, bacon wrapped scallops, vegetable crudites served in tall shot glasses with ranch dipping sauce, fruit kabobs, mushroom risotto spoons, goat cheese beignets, poached pear and brie bundles…ok, I’m officially hungry!!
October 9, 2008
Chocolate & Cream Wedding
I created this lovely chocolate and cream Weddingscape that would be perfect for a summer or fall wedding. I hope you find some inspiration!
October 8, 2008
Getting Organized
Smart planning begins with smart organization. Gather items, such as: pictures, swatches, checklists, vendor contracts, calendar, attendant & guest information, and budget information into one place, like a binder. Check out: www.russellandhazel.com/wedding.html for binders, inserts, and totes. The site also offers a large collection of downloadable wedding templates: http://www.russellandhazel.com/ideas_weddingtemplates.html
May 19, 2008
Seven Ways to Save in Wedding Planning
1. Choose a brunch, lunch, tea, hors d’ouervre or dessert reception, instead of the typical sit-down dinner.
2. It may be hard, but try to limit your number of guests. Caterers prices are based on per guest…so the more guests, the more cash you will need.
3. Instead of securing a limo for 4 hours (3 of which the limo will be sitting outside your reception), ask for a “transfer”, which is a one-way ride. To save more money, have your attendants drive their own cars.
4. Instead of a full, premium open bar, consider a consumption bar where you pay for what your guests actually drink. Or just have a wine and beer only bar.
5. If using silk flowers, shop for them after a holiday to get them at a discount.
6. Make a cd of music to play throughout your cocktail hour instead of hiring a DJ or band for an additional hour. Do the same for your ceremony prelude which is played the 30 minutes before the ceremony.
7. Skip the salad, soup, and extra dessert course (the wedding cake is enough for dessert).
