Every now and then I love to showcase an entire wedding!  By incorporating a few pictures I can allow brides-to-be a rare glimpse into the wedding days of others who have recently walked their same path of wedding planning!  Enjoy the wedding of Scott and Vicky, married August 4, 2012, as the story of their love is told through these timeless images. (A special thanks to Jess Addington Photography for these photos).

This was just too funny not to share!

Planning a wedding requires so many decisions to be made.  There's the theme, the venue, the cake, the dress, and the list goes on.  Then, there are the little details many bride's forget about until the last minute!  Here's one for you - the cake topper!  What beautiful trinket can we adorn atop our reception centerfold to bring the entire cake together?  There are so many options!  Here are a few for you to think over:

Fresh Flowers - my personal favorite!  Classic and timeless.  Fresh Flowers come from your florist so they will match the rest of the flowers throughout. Flowers soften a cake and help tie the cake in, to match the rest of the decor throughout your reception; in addition to adding a little fullness and height to the top of your dessert!

Initial - What better way to announce your unity then placing the initial of your new last name on top of your cake.  Add a flower or some greenery for a little touch of color and you have an elegant display to showcase your new family name!  This beautiful photo was taken by Jeff Campbell Photography.

Personalized Topper - There are so many ideas!  This couple found two doves which matched the decor around the venue.  Others choose a traditional bride/groom to show their love.  Still others get creative!  I've seen puzzle pieces made to look like bride and groom, willow trees, salt and pepper shakers (an idea inspired from the movie "Fireproof").  One thing to note if you choose personalized toppers, always show them to your baker first.  Many "toppers" can be top heavy and can fall over.  Make sure you show it to your baker to make sure it will be stable enough to use prior to the wedding date. 

Let's face it, weddings are expensive!  Every bride wants their dream wedding...but at what cost?  I've put together a little list of do's and don'ts in ways to save money without compromising your dream wedding!

• DO have your wedding on a Friday!  Saturday bride's pay a premium price for their date because it's the most sought after.  Move your wedding to a Friday.  Most venues give Friday/Sunday discounts.
• DO NOT serve a 5 course meal!  If a caterer is good, then he's good.  It doesn't matter if he's serving up filet or chicken in a garlic sauce!  In the words of Father of the Bride - "I'd like the cheaper chicken!" 
  
• DO consider getting married during off-season!  April-July and October are heavy months for weddings!  Vendors are booked solid.  Consider getting married in August, January, or February.  If a vendor doesn't have a wedding booked chances are they may be willing to cut a deal.
  
• DO NOT ditch the professionals!  I cannot stress this enough! I've read in many blogs to have a friend take the pictures, or make the bouquets.  Big Mistake!  I can't tell you how many frantic phone calls I've received from bride-to-be in 2 weeks because Aunt Sue who has made all their birthday cakes has realized that making a 4 tier wedding cake is a very different task then a sheet cake and has backed out. And what if the pictures turn out horrible, or the cake falls - will that friendship be ruined?  Hire the professionals - they know what they are doing (we do this everyday) and you will get a good quality product.  However, stick with the basic packages. 
  
•     For bakers, instead of an Italian Cream cake with tons of sugar flowers opt for a standard Vanilla cake with fresh flowers! 
  
•     For florists, make those bouquets just a little smaller.  Use flowers that are in season.  Opt for a less expensive flower. 
  
•     For  your photographer, omit the huge leather bound album with all the fancy stuff.  Choose something sturdy and beautiful and less expensive to showcase your day.
•     For your bar, beer and wine is all you need!  Really, will it ruin the day if Uncle Joe has to choose a Budweiser instead of his Jack and Coke?  Nobody will notice it's not there!
• DO make your own favors!  This is an area where you can have fun and play around.  Make up a cute goodie bag or other special treat.  Check out my previous blog for more information on this.
• DO NOT invite the whole town!  Instead of having a huge event with 300 people, half of whom you haven't seen in 20 years, choose to have a smaller more intimate affair.  Limit your guests to less than 150.  Less people means smaller space to rent, less mouths to feed, and less alcohol to buy!  Less tables, so fewer centerpieces...and the list goes on!

All that to say, be smart with your money saving!  You can still have a beautiful wedding, just be smart about it!  Timing is everything, and will save you money!  Stick to less expensive packages!  This will ensure you have a quality, professionally run, beautiful wedding of your dreams without compromising your vision or your friendships!

I saw these wedding favors at Chateau on the Creek last night and loved them!  I loved the idea behind them.  The groom was Chinese and they found some great ways to incorporate their culture into their wedding.  The favors were one way!  They gave a little bag of cookies along with a little teapot and single serving of tea to all their guests.

According to Chinese tradition, the newlywed couple often present tea to their elders as a way to express their gratitude to them for raising them.  Tea is also used to connect the two families on their wedding day.  Chinese families can often times be quite large and many family members hadn't met the other family before the wedding.  The bride and groom would often serve tea at the wedding.  Drinking the tea was a sign of acceptance into the new family!  What a sweet way to express their thanks to their guests and still honor family tradition as well!

What are some unique and fun ways you can tie your culture into your wedding day?

Do you have a fall party to go to?  Need to bring a dessert?  Want something fresh and made from scratch that you don't have to make yourself?  For a limited time you can special order cupcakes custom created for the fall season! 

All orders must be placed at least one week in advance.  Cupcakes are $20/dozen and must be ordered by the dozen.  See our exciting and tasty flavor and design details below!  Call or email today to order your cupcakes.  Available until October 31st!

Pumpkin Flavored Cupcake - looks like the real thing, only sweeter!
Available with Buttercream or Cream Cheese Icing