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5 Things to Consider When Choosing Your Wedding Menu

You’d be surprised at just how important that wedding menu really is and how difficult it can be to choose the right foods! I can almost guarantee you’ll come across vegetarians, dieters and picky eaters while you’re trying to plan out the food of your wedding. I’m not saying you need to cater to every little request or complicated orders but it would be a good idea to have a varied menu so your guests can feel welcomed and all that expensive food won’t go to waste. However, there are many other things to consider besides just the actual food; the presentation, the theme and the budget are all very important as well. The next day or even a few weeks later, most people won’t be able to remember what type of flowers you had in your bouquet, but they’ll definitely remember the food.

Let’s take a look at a few things you should consider when deciding on your wedding menu:

What’s Your Wedding Theme?

Themed weddings are growing more and more popular which will make your wedding menu so much easier!  From a traditional New England clambake to a spicy Southern barbecue, theme-wedding menus create a fun, exciting, and memorable event. It might even be the way you eat the food that stays in your guests’ minds — cracking crabs at a Maryland riverside wedding, nibbling satay at a Thai-inspired city garden reception, or roasting marshmallows over the flaming bonfire at a wedding “campsite.”

How Do You Want to Present?

The eyes have it — when it comes to remembering things, that is. Your guests will very likely recall a fabulous-looking buffet table before they remember what foods it featured. Be creative — instead of serving soup in a bowl, have it ladled into a hollowed-out acorn squash. Or have asparagus tied up like a present with leek leaves. You could even serve coconut shrimp inside a coconut and garnish with a tropical flower. If you’re still searching for a caterer make sure you ask beforehand what types of presentations they could create and I’m sure they’ll enjoy using their creative talents.

Buffet, Sit-Down, Family Style?

Try thinking about the dining experience as a whole. Do you want the meal to be the focus of the night? Then opt for a sit-down dinner with multiple courses. Is music the main event? Pick a less formal dining style and menu, like passed appetizers and finger foods, so guests aren’t weighed down by a big meal and can easily grab a bite before hitting the dance floor. Want your guests to feel like family? Something in between a sit-down meal and a buffet, family style offers a natural way to get tables of guests talking while creating a very festive and homey atmosphere.The timing (and length) of key reception moments (speeches, spotlight dances, the cake cutting) should help guide the menu and style. Got lots of guests looking to say more than a few words? Go the sit-down route.

What’s in Season?

It’s not just about going green anymore (though that’s a definite plus!); it’s also about giving your guests the most flavorful food made from the highest-quality ingredients. Trust us — it makes a huge difference in how your food will taste. Staying local is also a great way to give a nod to your wedding’s location. Just think: fresh grapefruit salad for an early-spring wedding down South, or New England clams for a late-summer wedding in Nantucket. Ask your caterer about the types of food that will be available at the time of your wedding and for ideas to incorporate them into your menu.

What’s Your Favorite Meal?

The wedding day is all about the bride and the groom, so why not plan a menu that has special meaning to the two of you? Perhaps your first date was at a baseball game — why not serve hot dogs? Or maybe the two of you love to fly fish — highlight freshwater fish on the menu. Or he proposed over a romantic picnic lunch — recreate the magic by recreating the meal. When your guests think about what they ate, they will automatically think about the couple of honor.

As you can see the wedding menu can get a bit tricky, but as long as you plan ahead (no procrastinations!) you can find a great caterer that can guide you through the best wedding menu options for your special day. So begin your caterer search at the same time you’re looking at venues (about 12 months before your wedding
date). The two decisions really go together since many venues have their own catering team and may require you to use them. Review menu options with
the chef, especially if you have particular dishes in mind — some wedding menus can be difficult to execute, based on kitchen space or equipment. If you’re set on using a specific caterer, make sure they’re on the venue’s list or that you budget for any extra fees if they’re not. Just remember: There’s a reason venues like to work with certain vendors.

Comment below and let us know what was on YOUR wedding menu?

Nominate Your Favorite Wedding Sites for Our Comprehensive Wedding Resources Guide!

We are putting together a list of the top online wedding resources as determined and voted on by our readers and the wedding community.   Do you frequent any awesome wedding blogs for ideas on planning?   Do you have any amazing photographer, florist, venue, or other wedding related websites that are a “must check out” for any bride-to-be?

For the next week we will be taking nominations for the top 50 vendors in each category.   Please comment below or email us to recommend your favorite wedding sites.   Each site will be categorized and then our team of experts will scour and rank each site based upon usability, quality, uniqueness, fresh ideas and overall appeal.   We will be publishing our 2013 list of best wedding sites as a resource for our readers, and as a way to honor these sites for promoting awesomeness in the wedding industry!!

So please nominate your favorites so they don’t get left out!

Choosing the First Dance Song: 45 Song Inspirations

The Groom’s Before Wedding Checklist

Guys, this one’s for you so make sure to pay attention and not to forget anything before the wedding!

Before the Wedding..

Suit final fitting?

Groomsmen suit fitting?

Rings sized?

Vows written?

Honeymoon booked?

Thank-you gifts organized?

The Morning Of..

Wedding rings?

Shave?

Speech notes?

Handkerchief? (For the happy tears)

First night luggage?

Going away outfit?

Car keys?

And most importantly enjoy yourself… you’re getting married!!

Wedding Cake 101: Expert Tips on Choosing Your Perfect Cake

Sometimes choosing your wedding cake isn’t always a ‘piece of cake’… or at least until now. I’ve searched through the web to find what expert bakers would tell future brides so read through the following tips and you’ll be on your way to choosing the perfect cake for your special night.

Set the Budget

Set a budget straight from the beginning and be open with your cake decorator. It will make the process much easier and smoother for both parties.

Get Creative!

“The days of traditional white flower covered cakes are gone,” say’s Anmar Robinson of CRUMB – Bespoke Suffolk Cakes. “These days a wedding cake can be a true symbol of a couple’s personality. Wedding cakes come in all shapes and sizes – they can match the theme or colour of the day or the couple’s favourite hobby. Even the flavours can be customised to suit the couples personal tastes.”

Taste, Taste, TASTE!

As you start setting up appointments, find out when each baker’s next tasting is scheduled. At tastings, clients are invited into the bakery to sample exemplary cakes, ask questions, and review portfolios. This is an excellent opportunity to meet bakers and fully understand the range of their abilities.

Helping Hand vs. Additional Stress

Before accepting an offer from a friend or family member to make your wedding cake, ask to see their work and taste the cakes. Be honest with them, without offending them, instead of feeling sorry on your big day.

Visit the Bakery More Than Once

Sharon Castro always likes to meet couples face-to-face. “I find that way you can get a feeling as to whether they are on your wavelength. You’ve got to feel comfortable with each other”. Jean agrees: “Visiting the premises enables you to be sure you’re dealing with a professional. After you’ve booked your cake you may not meet the maker again until your wedding day. You need to have absolute faith in them.”

Think BIG

“Want a big cake on a little budget? It’s possible with a few creative cheats,” says Anmar. “Big cakes are very popular at the moment and often form the center piece of the whole reception with the flowers and decor chosen to match the cake. I can create up to three or four dummy layers, topped with another three or four layers of real cake on top of that.”

Be Cautious of Fresh Flowers

Jean advises: “Be careful if you plan to top your cake with fresh flowers, some are poisonous and many will have been sprayed with chemicals. Ensure that your florist can guarantee safety. Always liaise between the florist and your cake maker regarding delivery and decoration on the day and ensure that you tell your florist the size of the cake so that she knows exactly what to expect.”

Cake Trend Inspiration

“Matching the bride’s dress to the cake is a big trend this season. We’ve matched the ruffle on a bride’s dress to the cake. We’ve also matched specific pieces of heirloom jewelry on the bride to the wedding cake.”

“We’re also seeing a return to classic butter cream frosting — the original style of frosting that looks more realistic and has a richer flavor than the modern fondant  frosting. As for shapes, ovals are really this season’s hottest shift. Round is traditional, square can be a lot of fun, but an oval-shaped cake draws a lot of attention and allows us more room upon which to create.”

Confirm Everything in Writing

Always get the admin sorted. Ensure that the design of your cake and any quote is confirmed in writing, specifying in precise detail what you are expecting. Check that the cost of knife and/or stand hire, delivery and set up are included if you need it and that there is no risk of hidden extras. Confirm how your cake will be delivered and that your cake maker will set it up for you on the day.

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How to Take Amazing Wedding Pictures

It’s your wedding day; you want to look perfect, you want memories to capture a lifetime. So here’s when taking amazing wedding pictures come into play. You’ve seen those gorgeous Pinterest shots and want to duplicate them right? I don’t blame you, I’m a pretty big ‘pinner’ myself hehe. BUT how do they all make them look oh-so-perfect? Let me give you a few tips to remember for your own wedding day so when your photographer starts snapping away you’ll feel confident that these memories will portray your wedding just as gorgeous as those Pinterest shots are!

Relax your face.

Wedding pictures can take eons, and grinning through every one can be torture but there’s no issue in taking a second to do a little face relaxing. Close your eyes, let your lips fall back into place and relax your face.Just make sure you tell the photographer what you’re doing so they won’t take a picture in the middle of it.

Stand up straight.

Good posture goes a LONG way in photos. When you’re feeling self-conscious, you may be inclined to shrink into yourself. But slouching won’t do you any favors, so try to rock the good posture instead. Put your shoulders back, chest forward and pull your belly button in toward your spine. The better posture you have, the thinner you will usually look, which is an added bonus! Remember: You can still be relaxed while maintaining good posture, so don’t forget to take a few deep breaths and let the tension out of your neck, shoulders and jaw.

Don’t underestimate the beauty of a real laugh.

Fake smiles are not flattering, and the same can be said for fake laughs. We all know it’s not real so let’s come up with a way for your picture to show some real emotion! Next time you need to loosen up for a photo, let out a forced “Ha! Ha!” And then do it again. And again. The ridiculousness of it will make you and everybody else laugh for real. And that photo will be a keeper.

Stop trying so hard not to blink.

It happens to everyone at one point or another, don’t freak out if you happen to blink when the shutter snaps—with digital cameras, it costs nothing to shoot another frame or three. If you’re known for blinking in pictures, go ahead and try to perfect your timing, but don’t rely on opening your eyes wider or they’ll get drier and be more apt to close. Plus, I doubt you want those types of pictures where you look surprised because you’re trying so hard not to blink. And for those who wear glasses, consider taking them off if you’re around bright lights or a flash is being use, it’ll prevent glare.

Watch how much you drink.

This should go without saying, but just in case, here goes: If you know that you’ll be in a lot of photos over the course of the wedding day (we’re talking to you, wedding party), go easy on the drinking. I know it’s a big temptation as it is an open bar and whatnot but the last thing you want is to look as boozy as you feel. Once you know there won’t be any professional pictures being taken then take advantage of the booze and I’m sure those will make some great candid shots but until then, stay somewhat sober.

Unique Wedding Favors For A Winter Wedding

“Snowy Notes” Notebook Favor

Glistening winter landscapes set the mood for joy, love and merriment. Make “Snowy Notes” – handy little notebooks – the chosen favor for your winter time celebration. Guests can easily slip them into a purse or keep them in a car. Personalized with your choice of color, a sleek snowflake design, your message, names, and date. Each white notebook opens up to reveal a blank white notepad inside, and the white retractable pen conveniently holds everything together in one place. A perfect practical reminder of your wedding day.

Snow Flurry Glass Ornament

Drifting down like delicate bursts of white, winter’s unique gift provides a lovely motif for gifts of the season. The “Snow Flurry” Holiday Ornament Place Card and Photo Holder is a snow-lover’s delight inside and out, making it the perfect favor for your winter wedding or holiday party.

Winter Wonderland Snowflake Design Favor Box

Snowflakes are truly one of nature’s most amazing creations, just a single snowflake is an intricate – but fleeting – thing of beauty. In honor of this winter wonder, Fashioncraft designed this frosty favor favorite that captures the beauty and allure of the snowflake in a lasting and useful way.

“A Winter Holiday” Snowflake Acrylic Favor Boxes

Just as no two snowflakes are exactly alike, no other couple shares the special love between you and your husband to be. Make your favors as special and rare as your love with these one-of-a-kind snowflake acrylic boxes. These personalized favors are perfect for filling with delicious treats like jelly beans and candy that no one can resist. Our personalized labels make these truly custom favors for your winter wedding that become permanent keepsakes for your guests. Once they have gobbled up your treats, they can refill them with their own favorites and remember your special day with every bite!

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Satin Bag Favors For Any Occassion

Imagine not just giving your guests the best favor ever but handing it to them in one of our many personalized satin bag favors! With plenty of event-themed designs to choose from you will surely find your perfect satin bag that your guests will treasure forever. Check out just some of these amazing designs:

Those are just a few of from our amazing selection of satin bag favors. For more great designs check out our selection on our website.

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Vellum Shades Sure To Add That Special Touch

Check out our new selection of vellum shades that add that special touch to any occasion. Whether you want to use them as an elegant centerpiece or even give them away as favors to your guests, they are lovely for whatever you may have in mind. Even if you are having a day event the designs are sure to still be a hit. At the moment we have available snowflakes, fall leaves and peacock plume designs that can even be personalized!! Go ahead and take a look at the beauty, then the affordable price and you will realize these are a must-have at your next event!

Snowflake Vellum Shade

Winter turns our thoughts to snow, basking in a fire’s glow and spending time with family and friends. Bring them all together with our “Snowflakes” vellum shade–Kate Aspen’s incomparable contribution to table decor specially designed for the coolest season of all. Features and facts:

* Delicate, white snowflakes falling on a frosted-vellum shade

* Shade fits on standard wine glasses to create a softly glowing lamp

* Assembled shade measures approximately 4 3/4″ hx 4 1/2″ in diameter

* Wine glass and candle not included

Peacock Plume Vellum Shade

Strut your stuff and celebrate your special event with feathers–the hottest thing in haute decor! Our “Peacock Plume” vellum shade brings the ultimate in fabulous feathers to every corner of the room. They’re colorful, cool and make a smoldering statement about who you are! Features and facts:

* Brilliantly colored peacock plumes add beauty to a white vellum shade

* Shade fits on standard wine glasses to create a softly glowing lamp

* Assembled shade measures approximately 4 3/4″ hx 4 1/2″ in diameter

* Wine glass and candle not included

Fall Leaves Vellum Shade

Autumn, with its clear, shimmering skies, cool, crisp air and vibrant colors, is prime time for any event. Kate Aspen’s leaf-inspired vellum shade embraces the season and saturates your special occasion with the mellow style and glow perfect for your fall celebration. Features and facts:

* Autumn-gold leaf design breezes across a white vellum shade

* Shade fits on standard wine glasses to create a softly glowing lamp

* Assembled shade measures approximately 4 3/4″ hx 4 1/2″ in diameter

* Wine glass and candle not included

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5 Gorgeous Photo Frames For Any Occasion

Photo frames express who you are and what better way to showcase those pearly white smiles than in one of these gorgeous photo frames?! I’ve put together 5 of my favorite but we have plenty more frames for everyone’s taste. Whether you want to capture a first dance recital or that first home run or your wedding day, these photo frames bring an elegant touch to your already special memory.

Silver Pearls Photo Frame

Like a strand of elegant pearls dipped in silver and crafted with a contemporary flair, this pearl-inspired mini photo frame  is playfully and uniquely designed to showcase lasting memories of your happiest celebrations!

Scenic View Photo Frame

At last–a frame so captivating, it starts making memories the moment you place your photo inside! Nature also had a hand in designing this outdoorsy, autumn- themed favor, because the exquisite detail perfectly captures a forest’s incomparable beauty. Finely detailed tree branches form a sylvan-inspired, resin frame with a tiny bird sweetly perched on an inner twig Frame measures 3 1/4″ h x 4 1/4″ w

“Black or White Baroque” Elegant Photo Frame

Rarely has there been a favor designed with such classic elegance. The artists have created this fashionable photo frame in 17th-Century Italian baroque style, where architecture, painting, sculpture, and the decorative arts combine to capture finely detailed movement. Whatever it holds—a place card or your favorite photo, our captivating baroque frame graces your tables with grandeur.  Baroque frame measures 4 ¾ ” h x 3 ½ ” w     Frame has 2 ½ ” h x 1 ¾ ” space for photo or place card

Antique Jewelled Photo Frame

Attractively cut acrylic jewels are carefully set on these beautiful Antique Place Card Frames. Glamorous weddings deserve to be “framed” with elegance. These beautiful frames are made with metal and large acrylic beads to give a glitzy antique look. Personalization not included.

Beach Theme Photo Frame

Great for any beach themed occasion or seaside event, these 2.75″ x 3.5″ natural colored poly resin frames feature an authentic sand-like textured border adorned with a variety of realistic looking molded seashells. Also useful as decorative place card holders for your event tables, each comes individually packaged in a white box with place cards included.

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