Monday, July 19, 2010

Mini Cakes - Even Better Than Cupcakes

Cupcakes have been the latest trend in wedding cakes and really changed the landscape of desserts. Even more elegant now is the mini cake!

A miniature version of a grand wedding cake, mini cakes can be created to look and taste just like the real deal, or they can be created in different flavours with different fillings and in an assortment of complementing colours to follow your wedding theme. Mini cakes also come in a variety of sizes each of which are able to hold their own as an individual wedding accesory.

As Favours
If using your mini cakes as wedding favours, you can do so in numerous ways...display the mini cakes alongside a full matching version for individuals to sample after dinner....place them each individually on guests' places...wrap them in a box or cellophane for guests to take home at the end of the evening.

If you're still looking to have a larger main cake, along with decorative minis, then consider slicing the cake and boxing it up as favours for your guests for sampling later on.

Maintaining Traditions
Some couples choose to skip the full-sized cake entirely in lieu of an assortment of mini cakes displayed on a tier cake stand similar to the trend seen with cupcakes. You can still do the ceremonial cutting of the cake using one of the smaller cakes, and still have one to take home for your 1st anniversary.

Cake Toppers
Don't worry, these can still work! The cake topper can be balanced on top of a circle of mini cakes, or resting to the side of a cake on one of the tier levels or cake stands.

As Centerpieces
Instead of flowers and decor, consider doing mini cakes for each table, it serves as a gorgeous centerpiece throughout the evening, and a great late-night snack. They look fabulous amongst smaller flowers or with candles. Remember to have cake knives on hand for each table to cut into their cake after dinner.


When used as decor, a centerpiece, a favour and your wedding cake, the mini wedding cakes are more than worth the added expense they may run. Depending on the number of tables and guests, this may even end up saving you money.

However you choose to use them, mini cakes are a great elegant alternative to the common cupcake that have taken over the wedding cake world.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Adding a splash of colour

It's official...colour is in! One of the hottest trends on bridal gowns is to include some colour. Whether your style is a hint of pink or an all red extravagant gown, it's all fair game.

When wearing a coloured wedding dress, you're creativity is also very useful as you need to plan the accessories, flowers and bridesmaids dresses that will best suit the colour splash.

Radiant Red
For an all-red gown, select accents that are also vivid and striking, such as using black feathers in the bridal bouquet. Natural-toned jewelry is a great finishing touch to a bold red dress. Be careful with the flowers, pairing red flowers on the red dress may result in them getting lost and blending in.
Blissful Blue
Matching blue flowers to a blue wedding dress is a little over-the-top, and it is often hard to find complimentary shades. Try classic white or ivory blossoms which are gorgeous and really pop against blue silk. If you prefer something a little more subdued try light yellow flowers.

Pretty in Pink
With a ballet pink wedding dress, use jewelry that combines white pearls with rose coloured crystals. Use constrasting shades of pink in your flowers, such as a deeper shade, or even mixing pink with green or purple.

Blushing Bridesmaids
Keep in mind when selecting a colourful wedding gown that you need to have a plan for the bridesmaids dresses as well. The dresses should not match your accent colour, so think about putting them into another tone in the same family. If you have a pale pink wedding dress, try the bridesmaids in a neutral colour like pewter, or raspberry-coloured dresses. Pull in some flowers for the bridesmaids' bouquets which complement your gown colouring to bring the whole look together.

Choosing a wedding gown with colour can be a great way to inject a personal flair into your bridal style. Whether you opt for a barely-there blush or a dramatic red, adding colour to your wedding gown is a sure way to make it stand out. Here are a few gorgeous dresses to show you how it's done in solids and highlights of colour...

Solids:


Highlights:



Saturday, July 10, 2010

Having Kids at Your Wedding?

Having children at your wedding can be an uncertain idea for many brides and grooms, but ultimately the decision is up to you. If you are having children attend, here are some ideas for how to have it work best at the reception. Kids are unpredictable, which is delightful at times, but can also be a hesitation of having them involved at important events.

1. Provide activities - whether a wedding theme colouring book and activity is created, or you provide crayons, paper, and maybe papermats for the children. This will help them during the dinner entertainment, and especially during the toasts, this will help capture their interest.

2. Hire babysitters - try to get an additional room at your venue, and have a few babysitters on hand to care for the little ones. This way parents can go check in on the kids whenever they wish, but didn't have to get their own babysitters or leave the children behind. The kids don't have to be hidden away in this room all night, however having the space available allows parents to enjoy the more serious parts of the event without trying to entertain their little one.

3. Have a tea party - designate a few tables for kids only and set up a tea party for them. They will most likely already be dressed for the part, so provide juice and cookies/snacks, and you'd be surprised how long they will keep eachother entertained!

4. Kid's dance - have all of the members of your family and bridal party go find a kid to dance with for at least 1 song. This makes for great photo opps, and keeps the kids involved and excited.

5. Teddy bear toss - along with your bouquet and garter throwing, have a teddy bear toss for the little ones to enjoy. This can be done by the couple, or by your ring bearer or flower girl. They will greatly enjoy the opportunity to jump around and be involved.

6. Goody bags - giving children a bag when they are at the reception will help to keep them entertained and happy. This can include some entertainment factors along as treats.


Involving children is always a chance but also an opportunity to build memories with the little ones and get some absolutely adorable pictures.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Setting your Photography Budget

Ensuring your special day gets captured as best it can, and at a reasonable rate is a tough dilemma for any couple. How much does professional photography cost? Here's a guide to setting a realistic budget...

The Going Rate
Keep in mind that you get what you pay for, and should expect to spend at least $1,000 on having a professional wedding photographer there to document your wedding (not including any prints or extras). Rates vary of course depending on the skill level and experience of the photographer. The size of your wedding may also affect the photography cost, as additional guests may increase the amount of time that the photographer must spend at your event. For 100 or less guests, the photographer will generally need 4 to 6 hours. For more than 300 guests, they will most likely need 8 to 10 hours on the job.

Comparing Rates
Most photographers will give a general price estimate over the phone or on their website to give you a general idea. In comparing photography costs, look at the different packages offered, the initial rates can be misleading. Some rates will only include the photographer's time, while others may include a set of proofs and limited number of prints. Determine what services and options you want first, then compare photographers' rates for providing those specific options to determine which will work in your budget.

Creative Ways to Save
If you are set on a certain photographer who has a higher rate than the budget will allow, consider these ways to save on your photography budget:

1. Buy a more basic wedding photography package with less prints and albums
2. Negotiate and switch out an engagement portrait for an additional small album (such as a parent's album)
3. Try to get the proofs and save on the printing costs for now. This way you can print at your own leisure any of your photos at a later date. Sure, get a few now to put around the house, but this way you can save up a little more money before getting too many.

Questions to Ask
When you're reviewing your photography contract, be sure to have all your bases covered, and consider these questions:

1. Do you need a deposit? If so, when?
2. What is the cancellation policy? Will you get anything back?
3. Is any travel time considered an extra or included in the bill?
4. Are you entitled to final prints only, or can you obtain all of the proofs?

Final Thoughts
Be critical - be sure you know what's the in package, and what's extra.

Be creative - maybe get 2 photographers to attend and shoot your wedding if the budget allows this. A more experienced photographer for a few hours, and a new photographer who is less expensive to be there for a longer period of time. This allows for different styles of photos, as well as ensures that if someone has car troubles, there are still pictures taken to commemorate your day.

Be classy - while the fun photos are great for memories, don't forget to get that special picture for grandma's wall either. Make a list of key people you want photos with and be sure to share this with the photographer and/or wedding planner beforehand to be sure you don't miss out on anyone in all the craziness.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

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.

Monday, June 28, 2010

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.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

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.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

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!

Friday, June 18, 2010

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!

Monday, June 14, 2010

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.