Expert Wedding Cake Advice

The wedding cake is the highlight of the celebration and the right wedding cake advice can help you to personalize it, display it correctly, save money and help you to prevent potentially embarrassing moments that could ruin the reception. Here's a little advice in the hopes that you will find that gorgeous confection and have a flawless wedding reception:

Delivery: Make arrangements for the cake to be delivered and installed at a specific time in a specific place. Be sure to confirm this twice: the date, the exact time, and the location and get this information in writing. Arrange to have someone contact you and confirm that it was indeed delivered exactly where you want it.

Moving: This is a wedding cake advice that you must always remember: try never to move a wedding cake yourself and do NOT move the table on which it is installed. You do not want to find yourself frantically running around town buying supermarket cakes in the hopes that you'll be able to build your own and make a successful switch. In the past I've seen situations where the baker has delivered the cake to the house and the wedding was to be held in the garden, just twenty steps away - trying to move the cake actually resulted in it tumbling down into pieces!

Height: Whether you're having a small or a large wedding reception, the wedding cake needs to have presence. To add height and drama to the cake, you can use a cake stand, or the bottom tier can be faux for added height. There are those websites that recommend the use of a single sheet cake as a means of saving money, however, it just won't do it in terms of presence or appropriateness. For large wedding parties with mutitiered, towering cakes, be sure that you're working with a baker who's skilled with complex designs and that has the proper equipment. A solid wedding cake advice is for you, to ask your baker to use a dowel system for structural integrity. There's a first time for everything, but don't make your reception the baker's first time stacking ten tiers on top of one another.

Wedding Cake with Flowers

Refrigeration: Always keep the wedding cake chilled as long as possible and never allow it to sit under the sun. It is always best to keep it in a controlled environment, cooler than seventy degrees. If you plan on having the cake outdoors, make sure the cake can sit under an umbrella or is shaded under a tree, if not gravity will take over sooner than you think, so a word to wise is, take this wedding cake advice seriously.

Flowers: Flowers made from icing can be very expensive, a good alternative would be to incorporate real flowers into your cake, between tiers, or as a garland. This wedding cake advice alone will save you a decent amount of money and will add a lot of beauty to the confection, that regardless of how skilled the baker is, no-one can even come close to imitating the splendor and beauty of a real flower, just be sure that no toxic florals ever come near the cake!

Personalization: As lovely as it may be to top a wedding cake with a bride and groom figurine, this cake topper is a generic design that is so common these days. Instead, the cake topper should draw from other design elements of your ceremony and reception. For example, you could inscribe the cake with your initials, the date, maybe a favorite line poetry, a beautiful silver bell, a single gorgeous flower, or anything else to make it memorable and unique - in other words, make the design of the cake topper truly your own. This is how you can personalize the cake and it is a well known wedding cake advice among professional wedding planners.

Tasting: As obvious as this may be, it is worth mentioning that just like you're busy worrying about how the cake looks, remember that how it tastes counts every bit as much. Unless you can afford to serve caviar, your wedding cake it probably the single most expensive food item at your celebration, so make sure that it's unbelievably delicious by having your baker provide you with a few choices to sample and to decide from. Another idea is that you can even do something for everyone by creating different flavors for each tier of cake. You can choose a cake based on the season, angel food cake is perfect for Spring and Summer weddings, brandied fruit and nut chocolate for Fall and Winter Weddings. Or you can have a cake that is the groom's all-time favorite. No matter what flavor you choose, be sure that you are dealing with a knowledgeable and reputable baker that is willing to go the extra mile to please their client - still insist on having a taste sample to make sure that the cake will be delicious.


Serving: When the cake is cut, you can serve it not just as a solitary slice, but as a composed dessert plate. You can have it garnished with fruit coulis, a scoop of sorbet, a chocolate sauce, powdered sugar, or even with a few berries and a scoop of ice cream. The idea is to make it as inviting as possible and unique. When it's time to cut the cake, this is a wonderful opportunity for the two of you to say a few words of thanks to friends and family.

Keepsake: A favorite tradition among brides and grooms is to take the first tier of the cake and freeze it for the first wedding anniversary. Just make sure you very clearly communicate to both the baker and the caterer that you intend to save that part of the cake, and designate someone specific to take custody of it. Worst comes to worst, or best come to best, take a snapshot of your cake so your baker can create a replica of the top tier when you celebrate you first anniversary. It will definitely be tastier than a year-old piece that has been defrosted.

Cake topper from Precious Moments, click for details.

I've provided some tips and ideas for you to consider when selecting and designing your cake. I hope that you find this wedding cake advice useful and helpful. I wish you much success in finding and creating the wedding cake of your dreams. It is the crowning and culmination of this milestone event in your life, make it yours, own it by personalizing it every step of the way.

Source: http://www.beautifulweddingideas.com/wedding-cake-advice.html

Do's and Don'ts in searching for Wedding Supplier.

Do sit down and talk about the budget first.
Sure, you and your husband-to-be will have the last say in most matters but it's the budget that will dictate the set of options (high-end versus economical) available for your perusal. It may indicate the number of guests you can invite, the type of food to be served, add-ons, and it may even indicate the proper time in certain cases (there are venues which charge lower for a morning function).

Do have a wedding date ready before looking for wedding suppliers.
Wedding suppliers will not surely entertain your inquiries as much because the rates varies with the season.

Do ask past brides for their recommendations.
They may not be in the wedding industry, but they've been there and done that, and that gives them an edge! You may be surprised by the many useful tips and advice they can share with you.

Do consult each other.
You may have differences in opinion so it's good to check on your partner for the crucial details of your wedding, let this serve as your practicing ground for the future decisions you will be making together as husband and wife.

Do consider a wedding theme.
It makes choosing easier since you will be following a specific concept. It also holds together the ceremony-makes it look well-coordinated and not chaotic.

Do ask questions.
Lots of questions. And take note of the answers. Know all the details before signing any contract.

DON'T rely heavily on superstitious beliefs or fortune forecasts.
While there are superstitions that you may opt to follow, and fortune tellers who whipped up some fairytale story years ago that you would like to force into reality, this may just impede your decision making. Instead, be practical and logical in your selection.

DON'T settle with the first supplier, learn to canvass.
Just because you want to get done fast, does not mean you have to settle with the first one you asked. having options gives you the opportunity to compare which one offers the best deal in terms of quality and price tag.

DON'T cram.
Even if the big day is months away, it's never too early to start planning. This way you won't feel the need to rush or be overwhelmed with too many details all at one time.

DON'T be shy to inquire about freebies and special discounts.
Haggle. Ask about wedding packages, special offers or discounts you can avail of.

DON'T be too strict.
Sometimes the things you want are not available, and that's okay. Be flexible. It's not worth stressing about. Ask for alternatives from your wedding supplier.

How to Choose a wedding photographer

You've got the dress, booked your dream location and the flowers are on order. Now you need to find a wedding photographer. Given some of the high costs some professionals charge for capturing the precious memories of the biggest day of your life, you want to be sure that you've found the right style, price and package. After all, your wedding is one day, but the photos will last a lifetime.
With this in mind, specialist photographers Sarah and Simon (opens in a new window) share their top tips on how to choose a wedding photographer.

1. Do Your Research

There are loads of amazing wedding photographers out there, it's just a matter of finding the right one for you. Find a Wedding Photographer (opens in a new window) is a good place to start. Wedding fairs will give you the opportunity to meet different photographers and get a feel for their style of photography, as well as a sense of their prices.

2. Stay Traditional

Try and find a photographer with a timeless style - you will want to feel happy with the pictures for many years to come. Don't be bamboozled by gimmicky effects in some modern photography, they can date very quickly. The photographer shouldn't rely on Photoshop or other retouching software; it should just be used to enhance the natural light in the photographs.

3. Meet the Photographer

It's important to meet your photographer in advance; not only to give you the opportunity to talk through your requirements but also to give you time to feel comfortable with the photographer. If possible, we recommend your first meeting to be up to six months before the wedding.

4. Images

Images should be sharp and well-exposed. If your photographer is using a digital camera, make sure they can provide high-resolution images in case you want to print copies of your photographs.

5. Budget

After finding your photographer for the day, it's time to talk cold, hard cash. The last thing you want is for extra costs to show up on the bill. Most wedding photographers offer a variety of wedding packages, depending on how many images you would like and how long they will be at the wedding.

6. Shot List

It's a good idea to provide the photographer with a list of shots you require so you both know what's expected from the day. A good photographer will suggest some options but they should also be able to create a bespoke package for your needs. A list will help the photographer but will also speed up the time it takes for the formal photographs, leaving you to enjoy the rest of your day.

7. How Should the Images Be Supplied?

Many couples prefer their photographs to be supplied on disk rather than in wedding albums. Perhaps you could host the images on your own website so friends and family can access them easily? Maybe you'd like a combination of both prints and digital images? Ask the photographer which online options they offer. Remember to ask whether you will retain copyright of the images, and make sure the images won't have a watermark so you can print off your own images. If you do want a traditional photo album, ask to see some examples so you can approve the print finish. Check the delivery times too - you don't want them sitting in the post office while you are on your honeymoon!

8. Picture Perfect

Some photographers offer a pre-wedding shoot, normally a few weeks before ceremony. If you feel camera-shy, a pre-wedding shoot may help you feel more comfortable and will give you an opportunity to practice your poses.

Source:http://www.channel4.com/4beauty/weddings/wedding-tips/how-to-choose-a-wedding-photographer

Best Tips on cutting your wedding cost

7 Tips to Save Money with a Low Cost Wedding

When it comes time to get married, people are looking forward to having a highly memorable time – one that will last a lifetime. Money is sometimes tight, however, and this means that elegance may have to be limited in your wedding plans. Here are some 7 tips on how to have a low cost wedding.

1. Set Up A Wedding Budget Beforehand

When making your plans for a wedding, it is easy to get carried away and put features into it that will just leave you in debt. If you are planning on buying a house, or have some other costly plans in the near future, you should keep the wedding costs low so you have more to invest. By making a wedding budget, and you may want to use a wedding calculator for this purpose, it will help you keep your costs down – if you stick to the budget.

2. Plan Your Discount Wedding on an Evening or Weekend

Caterers and other service people are less busy in the evenings or on weekends. This enables them to give you a discount. Another way to save on your wedding planning, if you are going to have it in a church, is to have your wedding right after a holiday.

This way, the church will have beautiful decorations all around the auditorium and it will also help you save money on flowers.

3. Restrict the Number of Guests to Save Money on Wedding

When you want to save even more money on your wedding, then you need to reduce the number of guests that you plan on having to the event. When you have a lot of guests, it means that you will need to pay for a larger rental space, more food, more favors, a larger cake, etc. Not everyone you know has to be invited.

4. Further Reduce Cost of A Wedding by Marrying in the Off-Season

Most people get married in the summer months – and prices are higher due to the demand. Most likely, you can get lower prices on services, hotels, and just about anything else when you have your wedding in the off-season, which is April through October.

5. Choose a Free Location for A Cheap Wedding

You do not have to choose to have your wedding at a costly location. You can save a lot of money by having it in a national park, a local park, or at the house of a friend or relative. Rain may be a problem, however, so be sure to have alternate plans.

6. Rent A Wedding Dress

Wedding dresses can be very costly. They are usually worn only once, too, and then there is little use for one after that. There are now many places around where you can rent a wedding dress and save a lot of money. You may also want to consider either borrowing one from a friend or relative, or buying low cost wedding gowns on either eBay or Trademe.

7. Use Low Cost Wedding Invitations

You do not need to send out real fancy – and costly – wedding invitations. You can save money on wedding invitations by using a postcard to RSVP, printing the invitations yourself on a laser printer (or have a friend, relative, or college student do this for you at low cost who needs a reference to get into the graphic arts business).

There are many ways to save money with a low cost wedding. Finding hotels with wedding packages is another good way to save – which will let you have your wedding, your reception, and a honeymoon suite – all for a good price.

 

Save on Your Wedding Cost by Choosing the Right Suppliers

By now, you should know that choosing the right wedding suppliers and vendors could help you control overall costs for the occasion. The wedding could be stressful and arduous overall. You could opt to hire a professional wedding coordinator for the job to spare yourself from those troubles. But be reminded that doing so would lead to higher expenses because you have to shoulder professional fees, which could be very expensive.

If you decide to be on your own when managing and executing wedding plans and preparations, it is very crucial that you find and hire only the best and most reliable suppliers and vendors.

For sure, you know that the best need not be those that charge more expensively than others. Do not be surprised to learn that some suppliers and vendors may not charge costly, but they could possibly be the best and most helpful to you.

You need more patience and determination when finding and hiring suppliers and vendors. Always prioritise costs whatever happens. By doing so, you could surely find, hire, and work with cost-effective but reliable suppliers. Here are some tips that could serve as your guide.

Ask recommendations from colleagues, friends, and relatives

As always, you could find others’ experiences with suppliers as most helpful. Some of your colleagues, friends, or relatives may have many experiences when it comes to wedding suppliers and vendors from their own wedding ceremonies.

out which among the suppliers they recommend are most reliable and most cost effective. Of course, do not miss the bad services they have experienced because you would surely learn so much from those.

To solicit more opinion, you may use social networking as a strategy to find ideal suppliers. Through such Websites, you could get more information about wedding suppliers and vendors from more people, not just your friends and relatives. Just observe how many advices and information you could get from simply posting shout-outs or updating status in your social network account.

Personal meetings

Be sure you and your would-be-spouse personally meet several suppliers and vendors before making a joint decision over who to hire for your wedding. During such meetings, you may ask the suppliers and vendors to bring portfolios, comprehensive quotes, and samples.

You do not need to get into a rushed decision. You may compare each supplier’s strengths and weaknesses. Of course, you may opt to focus primarily on their fees and professional charges.

Sampling products from suppliers and vendors would be vital if you intend to prevent disappointment. As a couple, taste menu items, feel texture of table napkins, or listen to quality of sound system. Together, you should make a unified decision. The activity could be an effective way to practice making decisions as a couple.

When comparing suppliers and vendors, you may set prices or costs as the major decision factor. Make a shortlist of those that offer and charge lower fees. From that list, you could make it simpler to choose the best and most reliable suppliers to handle your wedding requirements.

Source: http://money.yahoo.co.nz/life-stages/7-tips-to-save-money-with-a-low-cost-wedding/