Looking for something permanent?

Wedding tattoos are no new idea, couples have been tattooing rings on their ring finger for a while now. Here are a few new ideas if you like the tattoo idea, but aren't keen on getting a ring...

Song Lyrics or Quote Tattoos
What about getting a phrase from a song on you? If there's a certain song which applies to the relationship, both of you may want to use one of the lyrics or phrases as a tattoo. The lyrics could be from your first dance song at your wedding, or another song that represents your feelings for one another.

Another option is for you to get a tattoo of a quote which is significant to you both. It may be about how you feel about eachother, or a phrase used at your wedding in the ceremony...it's truly up to you.

Sentimental Wedding Tattoos
There are a number of sentimental tattoo ideas which can be great choice. If you share children, you might choose to get an identical tattoo of you son or daughter's name. You may also choose to get a matching tattoo which has a meaning, such as a star if you consider each other to be their shining star. The wedding tattoo may also be representative of how you first met.

Love Symbol Tattoos
Marriage is based on love. It would make sense to consider a wedding tattoo symbolic of love, such as a Chinese symbol for love or marraige. You may find other symbols that remind you of love, such as a heart surrounded by a rose vine. Be creative, even create your own rendition of a symbol to customize it for you and your new partner.

2011 Wedding Stationary Trends

Planning your wedding for 2011 and starting to prepare your invites, here are some trends for the coming year...

Natural Pallets - using natural tones, such as the blues and turquoises of the ocean, tan of the beach, purple and gold of the sunsets.

Soy Joy - traditional printing inks are being replaced by eco-friendly soy inks, as well as "green" papers.

Custom Illustrations - everything from the save the date, invite, and even the table numbers and maps can illustrate the personality of the couple. Be sure this is all consistent, and really reflects the feel of your wedding day.

Hot colours of the year include: coral, sage green, butter yellow, bright purple, silver/slate gray and metallic.

Fabric-designed Wedding Cakes

The latest Martha Stewart Weddings magazine displayed a neat new trend - fabric inspired wedding cakes. It's all about looking at the design of the fabric and relaying it onto a cake. Check out a few examples here:

This could bring that "something old" hint into your wedding. Try modeling it after your grandmothers' wedding dress, or event curtains from your childhood home. While the look may be antique on some cakes, it's a fun way to dress up a cake in a totally new style.

Bridal Shows - How to Make the Most of Them

With bridal shows occuring all year-round it can be very overwhelming. Walking the aisles of the show with all different types of vendors around you, it's super easy to get lost and confused. Here are 10 tips for how to attend and make the most at bridal shows.

1. Arrive early - usually those who arrive first receive some sort of prize, with discounts or incentives or a free gift. Not a bad deal just for showing up early if you ask me.

2. Pre-register - registering helps you save time and money. Most shows have online registration that only takes a few minutes to complete, and saves you have to fill out forms manually at the show.

3. Bring friends - not only is it fun to have your friends with you, but it's great to have people to bounce ideas off of while you walk the show floor. Many brides bring their maid of honour and bridesmaids to help with decisions, even bringing your mom or mother-in-law helps them to feel more involved in the planning. It's great to make a day of it, there are often fashion shows, live music, gust speakers, and food being passed around for sampling - sounds like a fun day to me! Believe it or not, some guys are even interested in attending wedding shows - free food, need I say more?

4. Contact info labels - there tend to be lots of ballots to fill out at bridal show booths, so preparing some electronic labels, printed onto sticker paper at home, helps ensure you have time to see everything. Be sure to include: your name, address, phone number, wedding date and email address.

5. Bring a notebook and pen - there will be lots of people you meet, and tons of ideas throughout the show; taking notes will allow you to remember all of this later. Write down things that really jump out and impress you to look over later.

6. Bring a digital camera - bringing a simple digital camera will allow you to quickly remember some of the great things you saw at the show. Did you see a great centerpiece idea? Take a photo to share with your florist in your discussions.

7. Know your budget - setting your wedding budget and knowing who is responsible for each thing will help you make decisions and know what you are looking for while attending the show. Shows tend to feature vendors of all kinds that fit into many different wedding budgets. While one vendor could be more expensive than your budget allows, the next one you meet with could fit your budget and meet your needs just fine.

8. Bring your checkbook - many vendors offer special day-of-the-bridal-show-only discounts. We all love saving money, so be sure to not loose out on this opportunity. Some vendors may also be selling items, so this could be your chance to find the jewelry for your special day.

9. Do your research - know which wedding services you need before you go to the show. Also try to find out which vendors will be exhibiting - this is often listed on the show site. This will help you to know what questions you want to ask and allow you to visit those vendors you are particularly interested in.

10. Take aprt in the prizes offered during the show - different vendors will often have draws throughout the show, and the show itself will often have a grand prize as well for brides in attendance. Imagine having your wedding in a location of your dreams, or your honeymoon taken care of for you!

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.