Cariad Creations

Just thought I'd give an update of what Cariad Creations has been up to lately with a few treat and cake features...

Lollipop Cake

French Vanilla Cake with Buttercream Icing.

Buffalo Bills Cake

Deluxe Chocolate Cake with Buttercream Icing.

Garbage Truck Cake

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing for Taylor's 3rd Birthday.

Jungle Monkey Cake
Chocolate Cake with Custard Filling, Buttercream and Fondant Icing for Christopher's 1st Birthday.

Lillac Flower Cake

Vanilla Cake with Buttercream Icing for Georgie's Birthday.

Sprinkle Mini-Heart Cupcakes

French Vanilla Cupcakes with Purple Buttercream Icing and Crystal Sprinkles.

Electric Blue Cupcakes

Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes with Buttercream Icing for Marc's 25th Birthday.

Superbowl 2010 Cupcakes
Deluxe Chocolate Cupcakes with Buttercream Icing decorated for a Colts vs. Saints Superbowl Party.

Holiday Mix Cupcakes

Confetti Cupcakes with Buttercream Icing in Wreaths, Santa Hats and Evergreen Trees.

You can see more treat pictures, as well as Cards and Event Singing when you join me on Facebook!

Want to learn more? Email cariadproductions@gmail.com!

Putting the Fringe on Top with the Perfect Cake Topper

The wedding cake is obviously of great importance to the whole event, however, be sure not to overlook the cake topper as well. Brides not only want their cakes to taste great, but look amazing as well - this is not complete until you have chosen the perfect cake topper.

Figurines
The classic look is to use a bride and groom figurine. Often made of porcelain, these can give a great vintage style to your cake, especially if you seek out an antique topper from the 1940s or 50s. A more modern spin on this seems to be crystal figurines or finding customized figurines online to represent almost any pairing of couple.

Flowers
A lot of couples are opting away from the traditional cake topper towards other designs. One easy way to dress up your cake is with fresh flowers that tie in with the bridal bouquets and even centre pieces. They are always beautiful, and can be fresh flowers or even sugar flowers to make the cake all-edible.

Monograms
More elaborate cakes don't have the space for a big cake topper, and often cake make the cake look like the topper doesn't match. A great new trend with more design-complex cakes is to use monograms. You can have a custom monogram designed with the bride and groom's initials to stand atop your wedding cake, made of numerous types of materials. What bride doesn't like sparkles?! Many of these cake toppers feature crystals or rhinestones that you can tie in with the brides' jewelry.

Themed Toppers
Another trend is to choose a cake topper that coordinates with the theme of your wedding. For instance, if you are having an Asian inspired event, then you can use the "double happiness" symbol as your cake topper. In the hands of an expert cake designer, the possibilities are virtually limitless.

Fun Toppers
Want to show your silly side or one of your favourite things? If you love Disneyworld, then choose a Mickey and Minnie Mouse cake topper set, or Cinderella and Prince Charming. The cake topper is a fun way to inject your personality into the wedding, so let the good times (and ideas) roll!


Whatever you choose for your topper, be sure that it is appropriate for you and your new life partner.

Meanings of Wedding Flowers

Choosing the flowers will depend on the colour and theme of the wedding. Here are some meanings to the popular wedding blooms.

Gerberas - cheerfulness
Carnations - gratitude and fascination
Daisy - innocence, loyal love and purity
Aster - symbol of love and daintiness
Freesia - trust
White Lily - purity
Tigger Lily - wealth and pride
Rose - happy love
Sunflower - pride
Baby's Breath - everlasting love and purity in love
Tulips - perfect love
Orchids - love, beauty and refinement

Whatever flowers are chosen for the wedding keep in mind the scent of the various flowers. Some are fantastic and some are not!

Decorating with potted plants is a good idea as they can subsequently be used in the newlyweds home, and as a nice reminder of your special day.

Wondering about your favourite flower's meaning?! Email cariadproductions@gmail.com to find out more about its meaning.

Wedding Flowers - tips for choosing

When you and your significant other are wedding planning, the florist will be an important consulttant to guide you with your selection of what flowers, for whom and what the various flowers mean.

Wedding flowers will be a personal choice but good advice will be beneficial. Will the bride carry a wedding bouquet, a posy or wear a garland of flowers? What do different flowers represent, what wedding traditions dictate floral arrangements, who should wear what and in what colour?

Flowers will be everywhere on your special day, be sure that they express a message close to your heart.

The Florist
Whether choosing a large bouquet or a very simple posy, a professional florist is a must. Along with magazines, the florist can assist when choosing the right flowers and arrangements. Don't be shy to ask for references from past brides and photo proof of their workk. Make sure your florist can work within your budget. Decide how much you can afford, then ask your florist for suggestions within this amount. Flowers have to be fresh, undamaged and delivered on time to the right location - be sure you trust your florist.

Seasonal Flowers
Most flowers are seasonal depending on location. Ordering flowers that are out of season in the local area will be expensive. The florist can source just about anything the bride desires but if you're watching the budget, seasonal flowers are best. There are some blooms that are easily sourced all year round such as roses, various lilies, carnations, gerberas, orchids and baby's breath.

The Bridal Bouquet
The bride's flowers will be chosen to compliment the wedding gown and will be a personal choice based on individual personality and possibly, the season. Keep in mind the wedding gown style when deciding on flowers. The florist and dress designer can provide invaluable recommendations regarding the flowers and if a large trailing bouquet would be ideal or if a small posy of colour would look best. On the wedding day the bride will be holding the flowers for much of the day so an arrangement that is not too heavy is always a good idea.

Buttonhole Flowers
Today, buttonhole arrangements usually consist of a flower that compliments the bride's bouquethowever, the wedding tradition is for white buttonhole flowers. Buttonholes are worn by the groom, and all male members of the wedding party including the best man, groomsmen, and ring bearer.

Traditionally, buttonholes are also provided for both the father of the bride and the groom's father, grandfathers, brothers, brother-in-laws, spouses of bridesmaids and any person involved in the ceremony. This may mean ushers, someone doing a reading at the wedding, the master of ceremonies or toastmaster.

Remember, buttonholes are worn no the left.

Floral Corsages
Corsages are traditionally provided for important female participants in the wedding ceremony and will also compliment the bride's bouquet. Corsages are worn on the right by the mother of the bride, mother of the groom, grandmothers, sisters, sister-in-laws, spouses of the groomsmen, and any other involved females.

Floral Arrangements at the Wedding
Flowers can also be situated at the ceremony. Floral arrangements should complement the bride's bouquet. Place flowers at the entrance to the ceremony, on the pew ends (or on the back of seats), on the alter (or the table to be used for signing) an in the arches or doorways. At the reception, place flowers at the entrance, on staircases and balconies, the gift table and if desired, as centerpieces on the tables. The bridal bouquet and wedding party flowers can be placed on the bridal table in a floral display.

Some reception venues such as hotels and restaurants often include wedding floral arrangments as part of their overall wedding services. Others may make a separate charge - be sure to ask. A lot of venues will allow you to provide your own wedding flowers and floral decorations. The venue management should be consulted to arrange a convenient time to set up the displays which will not inconvenience the catering arrangements.

Theme Ideas

Old Movie:
Renting an old-fashioned popcorn machine or creating a soda and coffee bar help add that extra touch for a red-carpet theme.

Garden:
Wedding favours with a garden theme are seed packets for herbs, flowers, or vegetables.

Country Western:
Plan a shotgun wedding with a country western theme. Decorations are very easy to make or buy. Thrift stores can be perfect places find boot-shaped vases, country hats and shirts, or other western items for decorations. For music you can play country-western CDs or hire a country trio or band.

Wine:
For those of you into wine, a wine-themed wedding can be a great ideas. You can hire a sommelier to put together a flight of wine for a reception tasting, or choose wines that mean something to the both of you. Perhaps the first bottle you ordered at a restaurant. Or a champagne dated the year you met. Decorations can include grapevines, wine bottles, or posters of wine regions. For wedding favours you can give your guests a bottle of wine with a personalized label of the brie an groom.

Sports:
No matter what type of sports you are into, you can turn it into a wedding theme. You could have a theme of a certain sport, such as golf or baseball, and decorate with items from these sports, with weding favours reflecting the sport given to guests. Or, you could celebrate a certain team. If you wanted to go totally casual, the bride and groom can dress in attire from the sport, such as basketball jerseys, with all the guest dressing in costume as well. As for the bouquet that the bride throws? Maybe instead of a bouquet she'll throw a football or toss a baseball.

Las Vegas:
Hire a few poker, roulette an craps tables and a few Vegas-style dealers and you have yourself a Las Vegas-themed wedding. Throw in an Elvis impersonator and you have yourself a wild Vegas-theme wedding. In most large cities there are companies which rent out tables and dealers, as well as any number of Elvis impersonators to choose from. For wedding favours consider a pack of cards with the bride and groom's picture.

Beach:
Whatever time of year, beach-themed weddings are always fun and exciting. They can a a feeling of tropical heat, a winters day, or the charm of a sea of summer wedding path. Decorate your wedding reception with a beach theme is easy and inexpensive, and only some elements can go a long way.

Creating the oceans in miniature masterpiece! Put a little sand and shells, small fish in a bowl and add water. Then, place a floating candle in the bowl for a romantic heart. You can use white or coloured candles, or you can try floating candles shaped shells. If you do not want candles, place flowers or tropical small boats floating on the water instead.

The good thing about a Hawaiian or beach-theme wedding is the amount of decorations you can find. You can make your own paper leis or paper palm trees, or fin Hawaiian-themed items anywhere. Be sure to check the local thrift stores for anything tropical - dishware, shirts, dresses, etc. Just make sure all the decorations, as well as the attire, scream "BEACH". And, you can cut own on the cost of champagne and serve Mai Tai's or other tropical drinks.

Just remember if you're having a beach-theme wedding during the winter to hold it inoors. Those slinky Hawaiian dresses and breezy Hawaiian shirts can get a little cold in the wind and snow!

Who says what in the speeches at your wedding? Ensure you have your bases covered!

You and your fiance will decide on the toastmaster or master of ceremonies. This should be a close friend to you, most often very close with the bride, and someoen who is good at speaking in front of people. The groom's father, the bride and the maid of honour may also present speeches. If so, then the general order of the speeches is as follows:

• the toastmaster or master of ceremonies
• father of the bride
• father of the groom
• the groom
• the bride
• the best man
• the maid of honour

Speeches are traditionally commenced following the meal at the reception, before dessert.

The Toastmaster or Master of Ceremonies

The toastmaster will announce the commencement of the speeches, and introduce and invite each speaker to come to the microphone.

Father of the Bride/Groom

The fathers traditionally have the first opportunity for speeches. You and your finance may also choose a close family friend to say a few words.

The father of the bride will express his pride in his daughter, and often adds a personal touch with a story from her childhood.

The father of the groom welcomes the bride into her new family, and adds an anecdote from the groom's past.

The fathers wish the newlyweds happiness in the future and toasts the newly married couple.

The Groom

The groom will reply to the father of the brides' toast on behalf of himself andhis new wife. He will thank the father for his toast and also thank the guests for being there and sharing in this special day.

To comply with wedding etiquette, the speeches will include a thank you to both sets of parents and the bridal party. This is the time to present any gifts or flowers to the parents and wedding party. The groomwill finish the speech with a compliment and toast to the bridesmaids.

The Bride

The bride may wish to present a speech as well. If so, she will thank the guests again for coming and the parents. The bride will also thank the bridal party, compliment the groom and propose a toast.

If you wish, the bride and groom can do their speeches together, to be sure you cover your bases and that the speeches aren't too repetitive.

The Best Man

The best man's speech will compliment both the bride and groom. The best man is then responsible for reading the telegrams, if there are any. Today, telegrams tend to incorporatejokes and funny messages from absent family and friends. The best man must consider the guests, and be tactful and considerate before reading all parts outloud.

The best man will finish the speech with a toast to the bride and groom.

The Maid of Honour

If the maid of honour presents a speech, she will thank the bride and ushers and also present a toast of her choice.

The toastmaster will then thank everyone for their attention and traditionally announce the cutting of the cake, or next event.

Black & White Invitations - what does this say about you?

Dramatic. Elegant. Just plain cool. Few color combinations say as much as the classic black and white pairing. That's why it's become a go-to theme for brides who want to make a statement. If this two-tone combo is part of your big day, then black and white wedding invitations are a timeless way to announce your upcoming ceremony.

Cool - Sure black and white wedding invitations are elegant, but they're also cool--think Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack. With this color choice, you're going to appear way too cool for loud colors or busy color palettes.

Fun - Don't get roped into using these bi-color invites only for formal affairs. Black and white can be fun, too. This two-color theme also works well for whimsical marriage stationery, such as adorable penguins, or for bold graphic images, such as modern black dots on a crisp white paper.

Surprising -Make black and white wedding invitations pop by splashing color onto the invite. If you're having a formal summer ceremony, wrap the invitation in a sunflower yellow tie. Or you might use one of the rising trends in marriage stationery: black and white invitations with a colorful solid or printed wrap. Another surprising addition to conventional black and white wedding invitations is graphic patterns.

Fashion-forward brides are increasingly incorporating bold patterns on the wraps that surround some invitation designs. Many of the trendiest patterns have been inspired by Japanese kimono prints.

Dazzling - Bring on the "wow" factor by sending black and white invitations with jewels attached. If diamonds are your best friend, attach a diamond-look jewel to the invite. For fall or winter nuptials, add a brilliant red jewel to the invite. The contrast between the paper and a gem can make the stationery seem that much more fabulous.

One of the best aspects of black and white invitations is that they often look like you spent a fortune even if you didn't. They're also one of the easiest DIY wedding projects because you don't need to stress out about whether your printer will produce that perfect shade of yellow you're looking for. Instead, print in black ink and you're on your way to an inexpensive invite that only looks like a million dollars.

For a more contemporary look, find an invitation with a thick black border or paper in an unusual size or shape. You'll get the classic two-color look with a modern sensibility.

Dramatic - There's no rule saying brides must print black ink on white paper. Be bold by printing white text on black paper stock. This look isn't for everyone, but if you have a quirky sense of style and want to surprise your guests, these black and white wedding invitations are the way to go.

More Wedding Trends for 2010

From gowns to favours, here's a sneak peak into more trends for this years' brides.

Gowns
When it comes to wedding dresses this season, it's all about, the bride. And while that may seem like a tired old thought, it has never been more true than now.

A gaggle of gown trends are sweeping the bridal world this season, allowing every bride to express herself in her own way.

From slinky, mermaid ensembles to sleek, '50s-inspired frocks, this year's gowns are as glamorous or traditional as the bride herself.

Lace is also back, with Ivanka Trump lace-layered style dresses.

Also popular are dresses with illusion necklines or bits of black or coloured trim and detailing.
In addition, the '50s fashion craze has also brought back tea-length gowns, tulle skirts and high necklines.

Colours
Choosing a colour scheme for a wedding is as personal a decision as picking out the perfect dress. It all depends on a bride's taste and the statement she wants to make.
With so many options, it can be a bit daunting. Looking at the latest trends can spark some inspiration and help narrow down the colour choices for your bridesmaid dresses, flowers, invitations, table settings and more.

Wedding planner Marlene Walton, owner of KMK Weddings & Special Events in Hope Mills, says a bride should consider the season of her wedding date before picking a colour. Popular wedding shades for fall brides are deep reds, browns and rusty oranges. Navy and lavender are trendy hues for winter brides. Spring and summer brides gravitate toward brighter colours such as yellow, pink and orange.

Colour combos such as black and white or brown and navy have also become popular selections for brides, Walton says. In addition to colours, prints are becoming a staple of wedding decor, Walton says. Prints such as a black-and-white damask pattern are being paired with bright colours such as a pale blue, she says. Monograms are also being used in wedding decor, from the cake topper to the reception menus.

"We're seeing this carried throughout the whole wedding as the theme," Walton says. "It's used to tie everything together."

Flowers
Flowers can be as important to the atmosphere of a wedding as the bride and groom themselves. But finding the right blooms isn't as simple as it looks.

From the bride's bouquet to the centerpieces at the reception, wedding flower trends change through the years.

This year, popular bridal bouquets will likely be traditional nosegays with a medium-length cascade, or tail, in colours that complement the bridal party.

In the '80s, the cascades were long. Think Princess Diana's 42-inch-long triangular bouquet that probably required tiny muscular men to hold it up.

In recent years, Martha Stewart and her popular floral arrangements have changed all that, but choices have evolved some this year, and a little cascade is being added to the rounded settings.
And the type of flowers? That depends on the bride. But one thing's for sure, roses have never gone out of style, and lilies and orchids are always a popular choice.

Other trends in wedding flowers include centerpieces of grouped bud vases in varying sizes – very popular and pretty, and guests can take them as a remembrance.

Photography
Photography is an essential component of a wedding, but it has often a decision that comes long after the dress, the invitations and just about everything else has been fussed over. This isn’t quite the case anymore – couples have started planning their budgets more, and placing a more significant focus on photography.

Trends come and go, but when it comes to wedding photography, brides all want the same thing - gorgeous pictures that will last a lifetime. Most brides opt for a combination of traditional posed pictures, with candid photojournalism-style shots. Having a second photographer can help to ensure the entire wedding is covered, from dress and makeup preparations to well into the night of dancing.

Once it's time to see the pictures of the big day, the trend is now to proof the photographs online. Brides log in to Web sites where they can pick and choose which photos they want.
Photo albums also are being replaced by leather-bound coffee-table books. Each page of the coffee-table book is designed with pictures of a couple's choice and a collage of shots. The books are easier to thumb through than traditional albums and often are more durable and attractive.

Favours
When it comes to leaving wedding guests with a little something to remember the event, brides are scaling back on the more elaborate favours.

Instead, they are being more socially conscious and opting for charitable favours, such as giving a donation to their favourite cause or a scholarship fund. In those instances, couples have left printed charitable donation favour cards at each place setting for guests. Charity registries such as the I Do Foundation helps engaged couples give back by encouraging guests to make donations to charities in lieu of lavish wedding gifts.

As far as favours go, couples also are leaving more personalized gifts, such as tiny jars of jelly with a printed copy of the bride's grandmother's recipe. Another popular idea is setting up a photo booth where guests can have their photos taken. The guests can keep a copy of their pictures, while the couple gets a copy, as well. This photo booth also doubles as great entertainment between the ceremony and reception while the bridal party is off smiling away for their own photos.

Sick of Plain Wedding Cake? Try a new idea...

It seems wedding cakes are taking a bit of a breather for 2010. Brides are breaking tradition, and branching out by serving alternative, yummy desserts - desserts you do not want to pass on!



Some great alternative ideas include...

• Candy buffets


• Cupcakes


• Donut stations


• Pies and tarts


• Cheesecake lollipops

Dessert stands have become very popular as well, with mini donuts, cookies, brownies, even biscotti.

Another great idea are mini desserts as wedding favours for your guests. Try bagging some homemade cookies, or an assortment of candies or mints - who didn't love getting a goodie-bag at the end of a birthday party when we were growing up!?

Top 2010 Wedding Trends

1. Screw the Trends - Be Yourself
The top wedding trend for 2010 is personalization. Instead of a cookie-cutter ceremony and reception the new focus is on customizing the big day to suit you. Try including you and your future hubby's shared passions as part of the celebration. Also, the emphasis on individual style includes your bridesmaids. Instead of clones wearing the same dress, shoes and identical hairdos, try picking a colour scheme and giving each bridesmaid the opportunity to choose a dress that shows her personality and style.

2. Bright Colour, Black Backdrop
For the latest wedding look, the only thing white is the bride's wedding dress. Black accents and bright, bold colours are in. This includes your bridesmaid dresses, flowers, favors, even table settings and linens.

3. Earth-friendly "I Do's"
You can have a sustainable love and a sustainable wedding. Eco-conscious nuptials are all the rage, featuring pre-owned and vintage wedding dresses, LED lighting, recycled paper invitations and locally-grown food and flower choices.

4. Groomed for Success
Today's groom not only rocks a tux, he dives into the planning process...and a little man-scaping along the way. As a loving and dedicated hubby-to-be, with a vision for his wedding (or at least a few worthy ideas), he's jumping online and searching blogs just like you. Some great ones to tell your man about include: The Man Registry, The Plunge, Temple of the Groom, The Groom Says and Ben the Groom.

5. Everything Old is New Again
Maybe it started with Mad Men, or with the desire to wear a pillowbox hat, or a fixation with a fabulous birdcage veil. Brides are catching vintage fever and falling head over heels for retro looks like Depression-era glass and tea-length dresses. Brides can channel old-school glamour with a modern twist.

6. You Can Go Home Again
Backyard rustic chic is the best way to describe the newest wedding venue - your own backyard. Whether the wedding actually IS in your own backyard, a local park, beach, barn or even the "backyard" of a fabulous resort, the idea is to invite just your nearest and dearest to a wedding that's long on comfort, charm and love. Low heels, casual dresses, and a tent in case of rain (this is Vancouver afterall) are all you need!

7. Mix and Mingle
Instead of a traditional sit down dinner, experiment with a new twist on wining and dining. To get your guests mingling, try an extended cocktail hour, lounge-style seating or a family-style meal. Anything you can do to shake up the format will give your guests a chance to socialize more freely...and avoid the awkward introductions at the table with assigned seating.

8. Return to Romance
Forget the "perfect day". Now couples are letting go of the pressure and creating a "perfect for us" wedding. Romance is in the air with special engagement photo sessions, videotaped proposal stories to capture the memory (and possibly share at the reception) and a renewed focus on marriage. A few other romantic touches include the abundance of lace and tulle on the bridal runway for 2010 dress trends [check back for a blog posting on dress trends soon] and the continuing popularity of deeply emotional vows and toasts.

9. Food You Can Eat
We all cheered when wedding menus expanded beyond chicken, beef and fish, but let's face it, infusions, foams, mousses and "bites" left a lot of us speed-dialing for delivery after a wedding reception. Fortunately, today's wedding receptions are serving upscale comfort food at sit down meals, buffets and as late night snacks. Desserts are getting a make-over too, as hard-to-eat fondant is upgraded to butter cream icing on wedding cakes and the cakes are paired with palate-friendly sweets like pies, brownies and cookies. Note: Full blog posting on new dessert trends coming soon!

10. iDo
Tech-savvy couples are embracing online wedding planning to save time and money...and tweeting about it along the way. Aside from status updates, brides-to-be are experimenting with LED lighting, iPod DJ's and digital camears to complement their professional wedding vendors. WeddingPreParty.com is also a top destination for Facebook-friendly couples who want to bring their friends and guests into the planning process.

Content Source: OneWed