I often hear people say that their cake needs to be the wow factor of their wedding.  And for many brides it does and it should be.  I see many photos of these intricate cakes with all kinds of contemporary designs and images.  Some brides choose to defy gravity with cake and seek that wow factor in that.  Some choose to have a cake decorated in color and some choose to adorn their cake with images and styles unique to them. 

And some brides choose to create the wow factor by choosing a classic beauty for their wedding.  Suzanne had a beautiful outdoor ceremony at Winifield Inn.  The elegant plantation style home was the perfect venue for their gorgeous vintage/shabby chick wedding.  The cake table was an elegant vintage wooden table.  Covering the table were classic candles and t-light holders.  Old bird cages, and antique pie plates where old fashioned American pies were going to be placed.  The centerfold was a simple 3 tier white wedding cake.  Soft simple lines circled around each tier.  A small yellow border brought just a smidgen of color.  And the beautiful fresh flowers from Wild Bunches added the color and softness to bring the cake to perfection!  I truly believe that Suzanne's cake table, with the classic white wedding cake, tasty pie desserts, and small antique decorations created just the focal point for her reception!  It's the understated wow factor!

With so many vendors and so many categories it can quickly become overwhelming when planning your wedding.  Bride's want to make sure they get the right person for their wedding, but with so many options they can start spinning their wheels and become easily frustrated.  Here are a few tips to help you choose the best vendors for your wedding day with the least amount of stress.

1. Make a budget.  Create a realistic budget for  your wedding and stick to it. 

2. Work on one category at a time.  Don't try to select your photographer, florist, and baker all at once.  Start with one, select them and then move onto the next one.

3. Research.  Go to shows and visit online resources.  Gather information on the vendors you like either by meeting them at their booth or by visiting their website and other online wedding sites. 

Work on one category at a time.  Don't try to select your photographer, florist, and baker all at once.  Start with one, select them and then move onto the next one.

4.  Find 3 vendors in each category that you liked and that fit in your budget and set up a consultation.  If you can afford a cake that is $3.00/slice or less there is no need to meet with a vendor whose prices start at $3.25/slice.  Those little additions add up fast and create a lot of stress when it comes to pay the bill. 

5.  Meet with all 3 vendors within a few days of each other.  Take notes, ask questions.  Try to get a firm quote and contract.  Visiting more than 3 vendors can create stress and bride's often begin to confuse them. 

6.  Take them home and compare.  Which vendor did you mesh with the best?  We all have different personalities and styles.  Try to select the vendor whom you felt the most connection with and also whom you felt their artistic style matched your style as well.  Different vendors have different styles and we strive in those styles.  Select those who meet your taste the best.  And obviously, rate each vendor compared to how pleased you were with their product. 

7.  Make a decision within 48 hours and contact them as soon as you can to book your date.  Most vendors will not hold dates.  It's frustrating and stressful for brides to spend weeks researching vendors and finally choose the perfect one only to find out their date has been snatched up by another bride.

It's almost that time again!  Time for the largest wedding show in Austin.  The Austin Bridal Extravaganza!  If you don't have your tickets, now is the time to purchase them.  The show will be held on September 15th from noon until 6:00 pm.

I personally love the show!  I love all the energy, the music, the different brides, and chatting with other vendor friends.  One of the most common things I hear from brides is how overwhelming the show is.  With rows and rows of booths at the Austin show, I can certainly see why.  So, today's blog will discuss how to organize yourself to get the most out of the show with the least amount of stress possible.

1. Create a priority list.  Create a list in order or priority for the things you need.  Obviously, your venue is first priority.  Followed by photographer and catering.  Then florist and cake and DJ/band.  Dress and invitations, transportation, etc follows.

2. Do your homework.  Visit  http://www.austinweddings.com/bridalextravaganza/exhibitors/ and see which visitors will be there.  Visit their websites and research their reviews.  Usually you can get a good feel if you connect with that vendor based on those two things.  Make a list of vendors you really want to see.  If you haven't chosen a venue yet, I would recommend visiting the venues before the show (and maybe even booking them).  That way you are a step ahead as you really can't plan much else of the wedding until your location/date is secured.

3.  Start on one side of the convention center and just work your way through.  If you already have a vendor selected (say florist) then there is no need to stop at florist booths.  So, skip booths that you already have or are not planning on having at your wedding.  Spend the most time at the booths you need first.  If you need invitations and catering, catering is top priority.  So just get the necessary information for the invitations, but really take your time at the catering booths.

4. Do not eat before the show!  Seriously, don't!  There is so much food there and if you are looking for food vendors you will want to sample.  And they will be pulling out all the really tasty stuff!

5. Bring a bag to put everything in, as well as a pen.  Write notes on the brochures.  If you really like a vendor, put a star next to them.  If you don't, maybe put an x on their brochure.  You will get so much information, it will be hard to remember everyone when you are going through everything after the show.

6. Less is more.  Do not bring an entourage.  The show is crowded and the booths are small.  Trying to keep a group of 6 together can get very overwhelming.  If you can, leave the kids at home.  Wheeling strollers through the crowds can create frustration and distraction.  Your attention will be divided and your focus won't be on planning the day, but grabbing information and getting home before your child's attention span runs out.  Try to keep your group to 2 or 3 close friends/family.

7. Relax and have fun!  You probably won't get your entire wedding planned, so don't try to do it.  Enjoy the day and the experience.  Go to the shows.  Eat the food.  Have fun planning your wedding day!

Hopefully these few tips will help as you prepare for the show.  Next week I plan on discussing how to narrow down and select your vendors.  So check back in next week and I hope to see you at the show!