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!

Cupcakes by sweetp1968

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

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

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

Always a beautiful combination – pink & green.  I created this Weddingscape for my AKA girlfriends…Delta and Zeta are on the way!

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. 

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!!

I created this lovely chocolate and cream Weddingscape that would be perfect for a summer or fall wedding.  I hope you find some inspiration!

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

I’m all for DIY projects, but this company offers something unique: Wonderful Graffiti is very thin pieces of matte vinyl that look “printed” when applied to smooth surfaces. Wonderful Graffiti removes quickly, and won’t harm underlying surfaces. It can be used on dance floors, limos, favors, and walls. Give them a look at: www.wonderfulgraffiti.com