7th April, 2013 - Posted by Lia - No Comments
One of the key features of a wedding is the cake and sweets, which can be tricky, since it’s virtually impossible to cater to everyone’s taste. There are some ways over overcoming this, like having a multi-flavor tiered cake. Traditionally, a large tiered cake with icing and fondant is the popular choice for weddings, but recently little towers of cakes or even cup cakes are gaining popularity in weddings.
It helps to pick a theme for the wedding, and using the icing, sugar paste flowers, lacework and even monograms and motifs can help to find the right theme. Usually, a good cake maker will come and prepare the cake on the site.
There is a tradition that the top tier of the cake needs to be kept for the first anniversary. You’ll want to carefully wrap it up and store it in a cool and dry place, or simply you could freeze it. However, you could just store some of the sugar craft details in a glass container.
Some tips to help you get the perfect cake. Try to pick the cake after choosing the theme and take along the sample materials and colors to the cake maker. Do make sure you have sample tastings and if you’re going to include fresh ingredients to bear in mind that this will have to be made in advance, plus take into account of any allergies your guests may have.
If you’re serving dessert, then avoid having the same flavor for the cake, so a chocolate dessert and a cake might be just too much. Also, if you want to preserve a tier of the cake, make sure you discuss this with your cake make so you can store it the best. However, also check the practicalities, like whether delivery and assembly is included in the cost of the cake, and ask for a written contract including a deposit.
Arrange a time with the venue when you can access and set up the cake table.
You can get creative with the wedding cake. Cupcakes are becoming increasingly popular, and this is a way of accommodating a variety of flavors for guests with different tastes, plus cupcakes are easy to transport and assemble. The great thing about modern weddings is that it’s become more convenient to cater and set up shop, however for the traditionalists out there, there are still plenty of ways of having that perfect wedding cake.
25th March, 2013 - Posted by Lia - No Comments
Nothing says romance more than the Caribbean, but with so many islands to choose from – which is the ideal location for you to exchange rings and say, “I do”?
The great thing about getting hitched on one of the many Caribbean islands is that you can combine your wedding and honeymoon all into one, and save on all the practical hassle that comes with organizing both. Here’s a mini guide to inspire you to marry on a sandy beach under the palm trees.
Antigua is a wonderful, idyllic island sporting 365 stunning beaches and an ideal destination for those looking to take a boat out. If you’re looking to celebrate your big day at an all-inclusive and high-end resort, then look no further. The best spots to get married on Antigua are Jumpy Bay, a luxury resort located on a private 300-acre island just off the coast, rich in natural beauty.
Another great location is the Jolly Beach Resort. This is the largest on Antigua, and offers all-inclusive stays on the beach, and the great thing is the more guests you bring, the more the resort throws in for free!
The Bahamas make up a collection of 700 islands, and offer something for everyone’s taste, whether you’re looking to rent your own island or go to one of the big mega-resorts. You can find lively places like Nassau and Paradise Island or something more laidback and remote like the Exumas.
The lush green island of Jamaica is a unique place in itself, with its laid-back atmosphere and rich culture. The island has so much to offer those looking to get married from beautiful beach weddings, a traditional affair in one of the big grand houses from the colonial era or simply head off the beaten track. It’s the perfect place to go if you’re looking for a non-traditional wedding experience and there is just so much you can do there.
Aruba is a popular place for weddings, however there are some laws stating that you might need to file the paperwork in a town hall. But while you might legally tie the knot in a less romantic setting, have no fear, you can still celebrate with that perfect beach wedding with all your friends and family.
A final destination to consider is St. Lucia, which is famed for its natural beauty and is a long-time favorite with brides and grooms. To make things run smoothly, try to find a wedding planner on the island to take care of everything for you.
11th March, 2013 - Posted by Lia - No Comments
So you have finally decided to get engaged and are planning your wedding and have bought the perfect wedding engagement rings from 77 Diamonds and now you are ready to plan your Honeymoon in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
The Polynesian Island of Tahiti inspires thoughts of turquoise colored seas, bright blue skies and Gauguin’s brilliant color palette. With the island’s immaculate beaches and drastic mountain peaks, it’s easy to see why Tahiti is gaining in popularity as an important wedding destination. Anyway, here is our mini-guide to get you started on where to get hitched in Tahiti.
The InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa offers breathtaking views of Mount Otemanu, which means you’ll have some wedding snaps that’ll look like you got married on a movie set.
The property has areas suited to a beach wedding, but you’ll also find a chapel on site, if you’re looking for something a little more traditional. However, this isn’t any ordinary chapel, since it has a glass floor with views into the crystalline waters, with an altar that frames the mountainous backdrop.
Four Seasons Bora Bora offers a stunning selection of wedding locations that’ll take you beyond the usual Polynesian beach wedding. You can get married in a chapel with views of the lagoon, making it perfect for a sunset wedding.
The tiny island of Moorea is just 50 minutes by ferry from the Tahitian capital of Papeete, with vistas of the South Pacific that make the whole journey worthwhile. It’s a little cheaper than Bora Bora, but no less beautiful. Each room at the Moorea Pearl Resort and Spa is decorated in traditional Polynesian style, without sacrificing the luxury element. You can have a traditional wedding here, with a flower-decked villa and traditional Tahitian dancers.
You can also opt for Legends Resort on Moorea, where you have the site spread out across 17 acres of hillside with stunning views of the surrounding sea. While it might not offer any overwater bungalows, it does have some stunning villas and one of the best restaurants in Tahiti on site.
If you’re looking for an economical option for your guests, then try hosting them in the vicinity of the capital Papeete, like the Manava Suite Resort Tahiti, where you can organize a wedding on Moorea, with beautiful and dramatic natural backdrop.
The St. Regis Bora Bora resort is ideal for a potential wedding setting, since this place is definitely a stand-in for paradise. You have a number of ceremonial spaces to choose from, such as white sandy beaches or a lush green lawn next to a spa. The site has its own planning staff to ensure things run smoothly for you.
7th March, 2013 - Posted by Lia - No Comments
Planning a wedding is lots of work and sometimes it’s difficult to find inspiration – so perhaps looking at the current trends for upcoming weddings in 2013 might help.
If you’re thinking about what colors to go with, cool mint is hot right now. Whether you’re looking for chic bridesmaids’ dresses, elegant mint wedding cake to jewelry and even the groom’s suit, mint is the color that’s in right now. Why not get some mint colored crockery or even serve mint colored macaroons. Spice up your white wedding dress with mint accessories and shoes.
Birds are the big thing in fashion and décor at the moment, and naturally, this will spill an avian theme into many weddings in 2013. Nothing says natural, beautiful and stylish like birds for your wedding.
Add a little bohemian spice to your decorations with birdcages filled with bouquets or decorate your tables with birds’ nests and eggs.
For an inexpensive way to decorate your wedding, why not go for paper lanterns? They’re festive, beautiful and make any event feel special. You can go for the traditional Asian style, but with many chic designs for lanterns there are plenty to choose from to suit your style.
If you’re wondering what to do with your hair, then the rustic braid is in. There is so much you can do with braids. They’re pretty and creative – perhaps go for something different from the usual curling tongs.
Laser cuts are in for any paper or card design. Make beautiful invitations sent out in laser cut envelopes, or perhaps stylize your place cards.
When thinking of doing a themed wedding, then one hot era to aim for in 2013 is recreating the glitz and glamour from the 1920s. Celebrate your nuptials Great Gatsby style, whether it’s with a flapper style wedding dress, accessories or hair, or whether you just want a cool art deco theme for your reception – the 1920s are in for 2013 weddings.
Other trends to consider in 2013 are garlands and bark. There is a strong theme of nature in the fashion for the upcoming year, and garlands are easy to incorporate – whether they’re real or paper made.
Tree bark also makes excellent candleholders or vases, and adds a country and rustic feel to your décor. You could even go all out and decorate your wedding cake – tree style!
The overall focus of 2013 weddings seem to be rooted in nature, whether it’s flowers, bark or birds to outdoor paper lanterns and rustic braids, the hot trend for wedding is getting back to our country roots. For those of us who prefer something a little elegant there is always the 1920s and mint colored designs for inspiration.
3rd March, 2013 - Posted by Lia - No Comments
Vintage is in right now, and with the Great Gatsby craze of the moment, we can expect to see many 1920s themed weddings in 2013. But vintage doesn’t necessarily mean flappers and gin; you can come up with your own blast from the past that’s uniquely yours.
While planning a wedding is part of the fun, it can also be really stressful. To get it right involved meticulous planning and structure ideas before we put them into action.
One popular theme that can give a little personal touch to your big day is to pick a retro style from the 60s, 40s and even 20s offering a touch of the past with modern comforts.
A vintage style wedding involves a lot of detail – from the decoration to wedding invitations; even the bride’s dress and grooms suit should also fit the time. And what about photography and transportation? You can hardly do a Victorian style wedding with a stretched limo! It’s important to decide how authentic you’re going to be – all out period drama, or just a hint from the past.
Picking an era is the fun part, the 1920s makes one think of glamour and an irreverent spirit, equipped with Rolls-Royces and low-rise tassel dresses and tuxedos. The 1960s we think of the elegance of Audrey Hepburn or Marilyn Monroe, whereas if you’re up for a hippy wedding then the 1970s could be fun. The trick of getting the vintage wedding right is in the details, but in a subtle way as to not make it totally overbearing.
When you’ve picked your era, decide what kind of touch you want to add – decadent, romantic or even ecological, just because it’s based on a different time doesn’t mean you don’t get to stamp your own finger print to it. If you’re going with 1950s, then pick a Frank Sinatra soundtrack or a live jazz band. Make your invitations with that antique touch.
The right venue can also act as the perfect stage for your wedding. For a 1950s wedding, a country house with a nice garden with a live, tuxedo-clad band would be idea. For those wanting something more antique, like the 1920s, an old mansion with a classy, formal dinner with silver wear is perfect. Get out the pearls and the champagne!
And last but not least – the bride’s dress. With vintage being so in for 2013 it shouldn’t be difficult to find the right dress.
Pick a 1920s style wedding dress or a 1950s full skirt and knee-length gown for that final touch. The groom could even dress up with vintage style elegance, with a look inspired by Mad Men to accompany his 1950s bride.
26th February, 2013 - Posted by Lia - No Comments
We hear all about the lavish weddings of hosted by celebrities, read plenty of ideas on how to have a vintage, bohemian and unconventional weddings – but a what about when the average Joe gets married?
A wedding for a typical person is hard to define, since we’re all individuals so perhaps it’s better to ask the question on how to throw a traditional wedding.
One important component in throwing a traditional wedding isn’t necessarily about the bank balance but about the timeline. For a traditional wedding that’ll be talked about for ages, it’s key to know when to do what and how to plan it.
After saying your vows, whether in a traditional church wedding or in a courthouse, it’s the reception after-party that’s the most important when it comes to your guest. It’s traditional at this point for the husband and wife to head off for pictures with their photographer in tow before you can really get down and celebrating. During this time, instead of keeping twenty to over a hundred of guest waiting, let them go off and being the celebrations without you.
The cocktail hour is a great way to get the ball rolling. Kick off the reception with some boozy delights and classy canapés, and this will give guests a chance to chat, socialize and wait for the newly weds to make their big arrival. One thing that’s important is to greet your guests, and it’s common for couples to greet their guests as they arrive on the site, but modern newlyweds are choosing a post ceremony line, rather than going round the tables during the dinner.
Once everyone is lubricated with cocktails, the bride and groom will make their grand entrance, and perhaps kick start the dancing with their first dance. This can come later after the dinner, but it marks a nice arrival.
Of course no dinner can start without the cheers and toasts, a great time to tell funny stories to the family and friends and to celebrate the couple. Then there is the dinner of course, but once the plates are cleared away it’s time to party. There is also the cake cutting that’s a huge part of the party!
After the party, all things must come to an end and the last dance is an important part to leaving the right lasting impression. So make sure you pick something festive.
For your final farewell, make sure you say your goodbyes and leave with a grand exit! Friends and family can blow bubbles or toss rose petals. Make sure you close in a way people never forget.
19th February, 2013 - Posted by Lia - No Comments
At the best of times, weddings are expensive affairs – so how can you find an effective way of cutting the cost, without cheapening things? Here are some DIY tips for your perfect wedding.
Forget having bouquets of fresh flowers and go creative, you can make some stunning bridal bouquets out of dried flowers or pinwheels. DIY bouquets can be made in advance and can carry your own personal artistic stamp on them so that they’ll be totally unique and very you.
Using fresh flowers in a DIY bouquet is time consuming and perhaps even stressful the day before the wedding, but you can capture something vintage and romantic with dried flowers. You can also use fall leaves if you’re having an autumn wedding in your bouquet!
Save on the pennies and get creative with your ceremony location. You have so many wonderful locations on your doorstep that only require a little creativity and then you’re done! Apply for a free permit to marry in a national forest or a national park. You’ll not only save money, but you’ll also enjoy a ceremony that’s both unique and beautiful.
There is an effective way to decorate when on a budget. You can go for creating a ribbon display on your altar or use crepe paper streamers. It’s effective visually and it’s very affordable. Save extra pennies by buying ribbons and streamers online.
You can also create a ceremony state by using wooden palettes. Play around a bit by staining wood and attach flowers and moss to it, sign it with your own design and match it to the style you’re aiming for.
There is no need to go couture for bridesmaids’ dresses. You can keep you close ladies happy by finding stylish, beautiful and affordable wedding dress. Etsy is a great place to find affordable and beautiful dresses, you can have them handmade or scout the thrift stores for beautiful dresses. There’s plenty out there that look great, without the designer label and price tag.
With a little bit of creativity, it’s so easy to plan a wedding that won’t leave you in debt for years to come. DIY weddings offer an intimate and personalized atmosphere that captures the essence that is you. Employ a little creativity and imagination and you too can have your perfect wedding that people will remember for a lifetime, but without breaking the bank.
14th February, 2013 - Posted by Lia - No Comments
Outdoor weddings work wonderfully on paper – you’re close to nature and under the perfect circumstances they make for the perfect and memorable day. However, they can also be incredibly unpredictable so try to avoid some of the pitfalls with some of these tips.Photo source courtesy of Mishka Designs
http://mishkadesignsmexico.com/chris-jessicas-vintage-fiesta-wedding/
Planning is the key, and do take into account what the weather will be like for the time of year you’re planning to get married. Is it going to be very hot and summer or are you likely to have rain? If it’s in the middle of august and the temperature gets up high where you are then make sure your guests have plenty of ice cold water, a fan and sun cream. Hire some electric fans with a generator and invest in a sunshade. For colder days, make sure the guests know to dress warmly or even rent some portable heaters to keep things warm.
Even the best laid plans can go wrong, so it’s always good to have a plan B. Consider what will happen if it’ll rain – make sure you have an indoor location on standby just in case. A good compromise is to have the vows outside and the party indoors. A tent is a good option, but this is only foolproof if you get a light shower and no heavy winds.
This brings us onto the next consideration. Having an outdoor wedding in a wind is something that needs to be planned. Avoid materials in your wedding and bridesmaids dresses which are light – and don’t invest too much into an elaborate hairdo if the wind is only going to upset it.
Food that’s served indoors and outdoors work differently. Having a wedding cake with elaborate chocolate decoration isn’t going to work if it melts under the sun. Make sure you pick caterers with experience with the outdoors. And since drinking a lot under the sun can dehydrate, make sure there are plenty of non-alcoholic drinks to stock up with. Water is a must, but some homemade lemonades or iced teas are a good substitute.
Flies and mosquitoes can be rather pesky, but invest in some citronella candles and your guests can enjoy their meal without being eaten themselves.
And last but not least – if you’re getting married in a park or on the beach make sure you’ve got a permit for your wedding – the last thing you want is to spend your honeymoon in a cell!
10th February, 2013 - Posted by Lia - No Comments
Weddings are a pricy affair, and sometimes you need a little help to prevent you starting married life with a second mortgage. One area you can help cut costs is with the food and drink, if you come up with some little creative ideas.
One way to lower the costs is to provide your own appetizers. This might sound like a lot of effort and it’s almost tempting to just get the checkbook out, but this is much easier than it sounds. Pick some finger foods which can be either made in advanced or can be frozen, then just warm them up before the cocktails are served. This is an area caterers love to overcharge, so by doing it yourself you can save a huge ton of money.
Skip the servers if you want to save for the piggy bank. It might be fun and classy to have waiters walking round with silver platters, serving champagne and appetizers, but to be honest, this is not an essential luxury. Your guests are there for you, and if anything is of importance it’s the quality of the food – not who serves them.
Going all out on elaborate appetizers is a waste of time. The cocktail hour is about socializing before the formal meal, and chances are guests are going to be on the hungry side, so any snack will do. Even something as simple as cheese, crackers and some fruit will go down a treat for peckish guests.
The drinks tab can be a hefty price to pay, and one way to save is to make the event bring your own bottle. By doing this, you save on inflated prices the venue would charge for serving those drinks. An open bar can create some problems, and not just with the bridesmaids making a fool of themselves, but in terms of price. Limit the bar to maybe one or two hours, and to even cut costs – just serve wine and beer only or maybe one signature drink.
Saving money on the meal can be done a various ways, from skipping the sit down meal in favor of a buffet with multiple stations. You can even get your catering from a take out services, but make sure your venue allows for outside catering. If you do want a sit down affair then go for family style – have each table come with their own dish you can serve yourself. It’s fun, intimate and you’ll get some great quality food. And remember, seasonal food is always cheaper than non-seasonal, and tastes better too.
Save on the elaborate wedding cake with some alternatives, like some beautiful cupcakes, which can be displayed in a tiered style to mimic the wedding cake. Have friends or family bring their own desserts – the choices are limitless! If you’re not a baking type, then opt for a sweets bar – get some bags of candy and prepare a buffet, or offer a variety of cookies and brownies. This is a lot cheaper than a wedding cake, and you’ll find your guests get to have more fun
3rd February, 2013 - Posted by Lia - No Comments
Claire Pettibone’s designs are popular with brides all over the world. She has an exquisite eye for design combined with her style and use of silk Charmeuse, which makes each bridal gown by Claire Pettibone a work of art.
“When I design a collection I strive to make a woman feel as special as the delicate creation she is wearing: take her to an enchanted time and place where women are princesses and magnificent beauty,” says Claire Pettibone on her official website.
Her philosophy asks to us to take a moment’s breath and indulge in the beauty around us. While growing up in the rural New York area, her childhood imagination was fuelled with stories of fairies and princesses, where even her earliest designs were some of the most elaborate gowns more suited to fantasies and fairy tales.
Claire Pettibone’s upbringing was rich in art and creativity, where she was exposed to museums and galleries, studying ballet for years, becoming utterly immersed in the romantic world of its stories, costumes, elegance and grace.
Later it would be European Vogue, which would continue to inspire her, and would push her to Otis Parson’s School of Design in Los Angeles.
Pettibone has always sought to create gowns of the upmost femininity, by using the finest fabrics and details, to fuse modern with vintage.
“I have a very romantic vision of how fashion can enhance our beauty and indulge our dreams. I invite you to share that dream,” says Pettibone.
Claire Pettibone’s collection is a fusion of the romantic with something avant-garde. Her cuts are soft and feminine, calling to mind Pre-Raphaelite paintings, with original details and designs. Her dresses are enough to capture the imagination of a bride looking for some creativity and passion in her gown.
Her designs might be fantastical and something out of a fairytale, but there are no cliché princesses here. Each and every dress carries an original cut, detailed with embroidery and lace to give them a special look. With gowns available in a variety of silhouettes from A-line and empire, to mermaid, sheath and strapless. The selection of fabrics available is also varied, with a choice of details such as beading, embroidery, lace and silk.
Nothing says romance like a wedding gown from the art that is Claire Pettibone, and it’s easy to see why she’s one of the top designer choices for brides the world over. Whether you’re looking for something original or romantic, she’s definitely the designer to turn to.
Older Entries
