A 'prickly' wedding cake topper

Now here's one you just won't see in the US.  A hedgehog wedding cake topper!  It's almost bigger than the cake!!!  Sorry the picture is so small.

Obviously, this is not from the US, but from an Australian cake designer - The Cake Woman.

Elegant Halloween theme wedding cake

This one is here so that you know that it is absolutely possible to have an elegant Halloween wedding cake.  Not like the last one I just posted.

This is also from the wonderfully talented people at Pink Cake Box.

Total grossed out Halloween wedding cake

Now, that is extremely scary and not very romantic.  Still, to each their own and I'll bet this cake tasted great since it was by Pink Cake Box.

Funny Halloween Wedding Cake Topper

Just wanted to share this cute little Halloween cake topper I saw on Earth Friendly Weddings.  Puts me right in that Halloween spirit.

When I followed the credits back, it said the cake was from the North Hill Bakery in Seattle.  

- Sharyn

Funny Wedding Cake Toppers

Stunning hand painted wedding cakes

There's rarely a day that goes by that I can control my cake indulgence.  Not necessarily eating it, but browsing all the incredible cake masterpieces I see around the web.  Here are two great examples from Sugar, Sugar Creations. The first one, with the little handpainted birds, is just crying out for a cake topper.  The design is so exquisite that it would need something truly elegant and simple.

The second cake just takes my breath away.  The bold, pink flower painted on the side and wrapping around the top must have been incredibly difficult to do.  I would just want to stand back and stare.  I'll bet it looked amazing next to the bride and groom.

PS - I found these on a blog I just discovered recently, OMG I'm Getting Married.

Something for the Bridezilla in all of us

Usually I'm not big of the whole rage about 'bridezillas'.  We all have a bit of that creature in us, especially when we are emotional, nervous, and want things to go well.  This little magnet, though, just made me giggle.  It could just as easily be me, 'mom on a rampage' (sans veil), so I can relate.  Except for the glasses.  How about putting a little of that wedding budget towards some contact lenses?

The magnet is $6 from Simply Cute by Karin, on Etsy, and I found it in a post on Beyond and Beyond.

Eco-friendly wedding event company

Just heard about this event planning company that is eco-friendly, 360 Design Events.  They use recycled products where possible and recycle or donate leftover supplies and food.  For NYC area couples who want to have a 'green' wedding, their worth looking into.

Surprise roses!

Had to share this picture of a gorgeous bunch of roses that my husband just surprised me with when he came home today.  Aren't they so romantic? Fyi, we've been married for almost 20 years!

Sharyn
Sent from my Droid

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Silver monogram cake topper - with diamonds!

This unusual cake from Intricate Icings just caught my eye since it shows how you can use a monogram cake topper even with the so-called 'couture cakes'.  

It always seems to me that the really high end, pricey cake designers look down on cake toppers. It's true that, in some cases, a cake topper might detract from the design of the cake itself. However, this cake shows how it can also be a key element that actually highlights the design.

I especially like the diamonds that adorn the cake.  I believe those must be blown sugar, like the ones the Cake Alchemy does. And are those actual lights on the cake?  

- Sharyn

Funny Wedding Cake Toppers

How much does a wedding really cost?

After the elation of deciding to get married, one of the first things couples think about is "how much is this going to cost?"  This is especially true if the couple is paying for some or all of it themselves.

According to The Wedding Report, the cost of weddings is going up:

In the first half of 2010 the average cost of a wedding increased 21.9% from $19,581 (2009) to $23,867. 

 

Don't panic! The key word in this statement is 'average cost'. You can certainly find ways to get the cost down, and many couple have done this through diy and help from family and friends.

The biggest costs that have increased were in areas such as wedding planners, gifts, and travel.  The last one is no big surprise to me.  The last time we checked on the price of a ticket to London from New York, to go visit my husband's family, it was $900 for one ticket!  Needless to say, we're not all visiting any time soon.  

What should you do to keep costs under control?  Look at your priorities first and what you can do yourself.  Just don't cut back too much on the important parts of the wedding that are best done by professionals, such as the photographer and entertainment.

- Sharyn

Just Weddings.org

Another cute wedding cake topper - crocheted

Don't you just love Etsy?  I just saw this cute little crocheted bird wedding cake topper on Project Wedding that is from Etsy.

I wonder how you clean off the icing at the end of the party so that you can save the topper without getting ants in the house?  Just thinking of the practical side, once again.

- Sharyn

Unbelievably Pink Paper Wedding Dress

Watch out for paper cuts!  I found this on Wedding Chicks, and it has to be one of the most amazing wedding dresses I've seen.  It is actually made completely of paper.  I think it rivals the dresses that were made of candy and candy wrappers on an old episode of Project Runway.  Just a few tips to keep in mind if you are ever in the situation to wear a dress like this:

- Bring bandaids for potential nasty little paper cuts

- Do not send it to the dry cleaners after the wedding

- Stay away from the fireplace or any other heat sources (like the chafing dishes at the buffet)

- Don't let your loved one squeeze too tightly (crumpled paper just doesn't have the same effect)

- Love kids? Bring crayons and let the little ones decorate the dress....or not

Finally, take lots of pictures.  This dress is not, unfortunately, going to be a hand me down for future generations. A yellowed paper wedding dress?  Not a chance.

- Sharyn

Just Weddings.org

Funny Wedding Cake Toppers

Wish Upon a Wedding

Please read about this very worthwhile cause.

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BridalBuds/~3/1lj5um7Qwao/

Sharyn

Whimsical Chair Covers Give a Fairy Tale

These unique chair covers from Wildflower Linen are made from strips of organza, taffeta, and chiffon.  I love the soft look they give the chairs.  But even more, I love the fact that they dress up the whole table with just that one accent.  The effect is soft, frilly and fun. 

I suggest keeping the rest of your table decorations simple and elegant when using this type of chair cover.  Too much detail on the table will look busy and detract the eye from the covers, which deserve all the attention they can get.

They even have matching tablecloths! Too much?  You be the judge.  

Custom cake topped for penguin lovers!

http://ericaobrien.blogspot.com/2010/09/penguin-cake.html

I laughed out loud when I saw this adorable penguin wedding cake topped and the cake designed by Erica O'Brien Cake Design.  You can see some of her other work on her blog at ericaobrien.blogspot.com.

This particular topped was custom designed and made from fondant well before the wedding so it could dry. Have any creative instincts? Get yourself some fondant and start sculpting!

Sleek, modern table and chair covers for weddings

You have to either love or hate these spandex chair and table covers. I've seen them done at a couple events and they definitely have their pros and cons.

On the plus side, they have a very modern look, with smooth lines and sharp angles.  Manolo for the Bride has a mixed attitude about them:

There’s no graceful draping here, and no chance that you’ll accidentally pull the tablecloth off (though you might slide out of your chair if you’re not careful). Spandex on a reception table acts just like spandex does on us – you see every curve, every angle, everything jutting this-and-that, and every bulge. 

The bows on the back of the chairs in this picture do soften the look a little, though you can see all the details of the chair underneath the cover.

In both the events that I attended, the reception was in the evening with dancing, a DJ, and the lighting that comes with that.  My recommendation?  Use these for a modern, clean look, but stick to night time events only.

Source for photos: Manolo for the Bride

Wedding Cake Alternative - Jello?

Here's another wedding cake alternative that really took me by surprise.  A jello cake (or jelly as they say in the UK).  This is something I would not have considered in my wildest dreams, or nightmares!  After all, jello is reminiscent of childhood or those horrible jello rings with fruit and marshmallows that my grandmother used to make for Thanksgiving.

On the other hand, if you really think that a jello wedding cake will be fun, take a few tips from Christa Terry at Manolo for the Bride:

You can have individual jellies presented on cupcake stands (like the one above from Bompas and Parr), jelly parfaits, amazing jelly squares with thin layers in different colors and flavors, or a molded jelly shaped to look like almost anything. Get creative, and have fun. As long as you *like* jelly, that is.

I have to admit, the photo does make the jello kind of interesting.  Maybe it just needs a little bobble head cake topper of the bride and groom.  That would be the ultimate, final touch.

- Sharyn

Just Weddings.org

Funny Wedding Cake Toppers 

Vintage Headband Giveaway

Having a vintage style wedding?  This beautiful headband is from Bel Canto Designs, who are giving it away!  Go to Project Wedding to see the details and get an extra bonus discount through October 19th if you shop through their link:

www.projectwedding.com/wedding-ideas/bel-canto-designs-vintage-headband-giveaway

Elegant Silver and White Wedding Cake

I haven't posted a picture of a wedding cake from my favorite bakery in a while, so here's a simple and elegant one from Pink Cake Box.

As trends dictate, they have used elements of the wedding in the design of the cake.

The detail from the brides wedding dress formed the inspiration for this 3 tier round wedding cake with crystal accents. We included silver and white floral embroidery patterns from the dress across the cake along with thin silver bands across the base of each tier.

I also love the fact that they are willing to do different flavors on different tiers.  This one had carrot cake for one, chocolate with peanutbutter cream for the second, and red velvet cake with raspberry buttercream for the last.  Yum!!

 

As a final touch, I think the cake would also look great with a crystal or brushed silver monogram cake topper on the top.  Nothing too large or flashy that would take away from the simple sophistication of the cake itself.

- Sharyn

Just Weddings.org

Funny Wedding Cake Toppers

Finding a Photo Cake Topper

It's not always as easy as you think to find a good photo cake topper for your anniversary or wedding cake.  You'll have to consider a number of factors, including what the cake is iced with and how heavy it is.  Don't forget to leave enough time to get a great photo done and instruct the photographer as to the size you need also.

At Funny Wedding Cake Toppers, I found a heart photo cake topper which would be great for a heart theme wedding.  Although hearts are always a romantic option to use, no matter the theme.

Satin Drapes and Fondant Lace Wedding Cake

I've just fallen in love with another cake designer.  This beautiful cake comes from Ana Parzych Custom Cakes in Cheshire, CT.  If you are having a wedding anywhere in the area, this is the place to go.  Look at the exquisite detail of the fondant lace and the realism of the drapes on this cake.  This particular cake was made for a wedding in Dubai which they posted in their blog, so I guess they are willing to go to great lengths to deliver their cakes!  The lace matched the couple's invitations, the drapes were designed with the bride's dress for inspiration, and the sugar flowers (which took weeks to make) matched the flowers in the bouquets.  A masterpiece for the eyes. 

Sharyn 

Just Weddings.org

Funny Wedding Cake Toppers

Truly Unique Table Linens and Chair Covers

I just stumbled on this incredible linen provider in Costa Mesa, California - Wildflower Linen.  Talk about stunning!  If you are looking for something unusual and have the budget to do it, take a look through their website and be inspired.  YoungSong, who started Wildflower Linen, is extremely talented and her textile creations are true works of art. 

Enjoy!

Sharyn 

Just Weddings.org

and

Funny Wedding Cake Toppers

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Support Operation Smile with a Bracelet

https://www.whitehothopedonations.com/bracelets/images/Bracelet.jpg

Brides.com is promoting Operation Smile and Dress for Success through sales of these cute bracelets at White Hot Hope.

Operation Smile gives free, life-changing facial surgery to children worldwide. Dress for Success helps disadvantaged women gain economic independence.

 Go to White Hot Hope Donations to purchase yours for $15.  $5 goes to the two charities.  You can find out more about it at http://www.WhiteHotHope.com

Paris Engagement - the ultimate in romance

We Americans may make jokes about the French, but they certainly know their stuff when it comes to romance.  I was just in Paris this past summer and seeing these pictures made me want to go straight back. There is nothing in the U.S. that can compare to the beauty of that city, steeped in so much history and culture. This couple is extremely photogenic and their engagement shoot in Paris brings out all the romance of that city.  In fact, I have some of my best memories of my times with my husband (then boyfriend) in Paris.  The photos are by Tea Lily Photography and come to us via Polka Dot Bride.

Haven't been to Paris yet?  Everyone should go at least once in their lifetime and your honeymoon is a great opportunity.  In case you're wondering what the landmarks are in the pictures here, they are Notre Dame, the Louvre, and pretty much any street somewhere in Paris (maybe Montmartre?)

A Bientot!

Sharyn

Just Weddings.org

Funny Wedding Cake Toppers

How to avoid hiring a wedding planner

Here's another attempt at sharing the link to the video I discussed in my last post.  I may just have to find another way to post my articles.

 

 

http://www.howcast.com/videos/213911-How-To-Make-a-Wedding-Planner-Checklist

 

I definitely suggest checking out some of the free wedding planning websites available where you can create your own personal wedding website to help keep track of all your plans, share information with friends and family, and lots of other tasks.  A couple of the most popular are eWedding.com and mywedding.com.  I know there are some that have templates to match your invitations, which is kind of cool.
 
When it comes down to your decision to hire a wedding planner, you should still think about just how organized you are, how busy you are at work or with other things in your life, and just how tight your budget is.
 
Good luck and hope you can watch this!
 
Sharyn
President,
Just Weddings.org

and
Funny Wedding Cake Toppers

Hire a Wedding Planner? Not necessarily

The following video gives you the very basic tasks involved in planning your wedding.  It is really just the big picture outline of what needs to be done, but that makes it all the more helpful if you are feeling overwhelmed.  These are many of the things that a wedding planner would help you do, but it is not at all unachievable when you hear it laid out so clearly.

 

<div class="embedded-howcast-video" style="text-align:center;font-size:9px;">

Tips for Saving Money on Your Wedding Cake

As you probably already know, your wedding cake is one of the most featured items at your wedding reception.  People will often head straight for the cake to ooh and aah over it.  Naturally, you want it to be beautiful.  But at what cost?  As a recent article in the RealSimple.com newsletter said:

When it comes to the cake, the sky’s the limit. But know that the more elaborate you make it, the more expensive it will be.  If your cake is truly elaborate, it will be less expensive to keep it small and offer a sheet cake for serving guests. But that’s not always the case. Say you have 200 guests: If you ask for a sheet cake for 100 and a tiered cake for 100, the baker still needs to bake the same amount of cake. The only savings is in decorating time. Single-layer sheet-cake slices won’t look the same on the plate as those cut from a tiered cake.

If you are on a very tight budget, look at examples of wedding cakes that are a little simpler in design.  These can still have a major design impact.  Notice how some cakes can be knockouts just by having one elaborate element, like a single bold flower.  Add a cute cake topper or some flowers strewn around the base of the cake on the table and you have a truly elegant wedding cake.  Everyone will be impressed, you'll have a beautiful cake for your highlighted cake-cutting photo, and you won't have blown your budget.

Photo of cake by Tara Donne from Real Simple.

Sharyn

President, Just Weddings.org

Funny Wedding Cake Toppers

Peeing While Wearing the Dress - Project Wedding

Anyone who has their wedding coming up any time in the near, or not so near, future needs to read this article from Project Wedding. It provides some frank and detailed advice that every bride needs. Personally, I remember having help from my friends. This is not a time to be shy! http://www.projectwedding.com/wedding-ideas/peeing-while-wearing-the-dress?ut...

Sent from my iPod
Please excuse typos or brevity Sharyn

Roses and Crystal monogram cake topper

This is sheer elegance at its finest.  Pink Cake Box gives us another stellar example of how to do it right. In this cake, they have combined a simple fondant cake with exquisite details and deep red roses.  Then they topped it off with what looks like a Swarovski crystal initial cake topped.  Naturally, there are the usual decadent fillings.
Romance and sweetness for the eyes.

Magnolia Bakery shoot photo

Aaaaaaargh!!  I can't believe the photo didn't attach to the post.  Well, let's try again.  I must need a cupcake.

Magnolia Bakery Engagement and Dreams of Wedding Cupcakes

This photo, via Classic Bride, is from an engagement photo series focused around Magnolia Bakery in NYC.  For those that don't live in the New York area, or who are hiding under a rock, Magnolia is probably the most famous cupcake bakery in the world.  In fact, they may even be the ones that started the whole trend devoted to cupcakes.  This couple decided to showcase their own love along with the cupcakes, red velvet of course, right outside the bakery.  I'm definitely missing living in Manhattan right now as I look at these photos.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3t0nld0v2Hk/TIEVzC2j9yI/AAAAAAAAH2E/WbTUnFUDmxY/s800/mag3.bmp

Next time you're in New York, head to the upper West Side (Columbus Ave) and grab yourself a cupcake.  In fact, go all out and build yourself tiers of wedding cupcakes.

Enjoy!