You look through pages and pages of magazines.  You search the internet for hours.  Eventually, everything looks the same.  There are so many designs, sizes, shapes.  Choosing a wedding cake can become very overwhelming.  But, it doesn't have to be.  Illyana came into our consultation, like most bride's, not really sure what she wanted.  Together we discussed her colors and theme for her wedding.  She found a photo of a cake that she liked, but it wasn't "the" cake.  So, we took that idea and ran with it.  She loved the two interlocking hearts on the design of the cake because it showcased the love between her and her fiance.  However, she wanted to incorporate her colors.  Adding one purple interlocking heart at the top was the perfect touch...not too much color, but just enough.  Now, how to adorn the cake?  She wasn't a big fan of toppers.  She wasn't having a lot of flowers in her reception.  She saw another photo with strawberries!  That's it!  Instead of flowers, fresh strawberries will decorate the cake in an elegant and beautiful way.  Plus, you can eat them!  It's a win-win!  Not to mention, her filling of choice was strawberry.  So, it complemented the cake very well.  A few other minor decisions and it was done!  Together, we had created the perfect cake for her wedding! 

Your dream cake may not be out there.  Don't worry.  Bring in photos of cakes you like if you see some.  Let's talk about them and run with certain ideas.  Together, we can create the cake of your dreams!

I will not be posting a blog next week due to the holidays.  So, to everyone out there I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas!  May God Bless you and your family this Christmas season!

So you're engaged!  Congratulations!  Now the planning begins!  There are so many vendors, how do you choose?  There are so many resources, which ones are the best?  Well, here's a few recommendations on how to plan and choose your wedding vendors:

1. Word of mouth - Ask your friends!  Chances are, you know a few people who have recently gotten married.  Ask them who they used.  They have personal experience.  I'm sure they would be more then happy to recommend some people who they were pleased with.  And, wedding professionals, always love recommendations!  It shows us we are doing a good job, when one bride was so pleased with our work that they suggested us to another.
   
2. Open Houses - Once you select your venue, most of them offer Open Houses.  Go to them!  First, they are a blast!  Second, they have vendors there.  Vendors who they work with on a daily basis and know their quality and professionalism.  Definitely look hard at their recommendations. 
   
3. The Big Shows - Yes, go to the Bridal Shows!  Yes, they are overwhelming.  Yes, they are busy.  But yes, they are quite fun!  Do your research before you go and make a list of several vendors you want to see.  There you can compare them side by side.  If you plan right, you can mark a lot off your to-do list.
4. Wedding Website's (knot, weddingwire, weddingbee, etc) - While I wouldn't use this as a main source, it's a good way to gather information.  By visiting these places you can learn which vendors are out there.  Visit their websites.  Usually you can get a good feel of that professional by their website and decide if you want to pursue them or cross them off your list.  It's also a good way to check out reviews.  If a vendor has all positive reviews, that could be a good thing, but it could be a little fishy as to the credibility of those reviews too.  If a company has many negative reviews, that is probably an indicator that they might not be the best place to go.  Target those with mainly positive, but a few negative reviews too.  No company has a 100% satisfaction with every bride.  Realize that and remember that those who aren't happy speak the loudest.  So, don't let a few bad reviews turn you off of a vendor you like, especially if they have a lot of positive reviews too.  If your concerned about a negative review, ask about it.  Professionals are more then happy to discuss any questions or concerns you might have.

Happy Wedding Planning!!!