Wedding Cake Toppers: Then and Now

What is it about a wedding cake that makes brides giddy with excitement?  Is it the towering size, the tasty dessert itself, or the ability to make something downright gorgeous out of just sugar and flour?  While the tradition of the wedding cake dates back centuries, those cute little figurines and monumental sculptures we see decorating the top of our masterpieces really didn't start picking up steam until the 1950's.  So why the extra need to have matching doll-like figures of the bride and groom, you ask?  Well, it's all about the bride and groom of course!

Wedding cake toppers were originally seen in the form of miniature figurines of the bride and groom.  While the statues could be found in many different poses, most all were seen as mini likenesses of the newlyweds to represent the togetherness of the couple.  The cake toppers were then removed and taken home as cherished keepsakes.  Many were accented with lace, bells, and elaborate trimmings as the years went on.  Cake toppers that were commonly seen were very similar or variations of these:

The wedding cake topper tradition still thrives today and has been carried over into most modern wedding receptions.  Now, however, the modern couple has taken it a step further, opting for cake toppers in different shapes and forms.

While it's common to still see figurines used, more and more weddings have embraced the hobbies of the bride and groom.  Representing their interests through funny and humorous cake figurines (see image below).  More modern weddings will even display abstract pieces found in the shapes of hearts and doves or sculpted monogram initials.  Some couples have aspired to showcase the vintage look by displaying their grandparent's cake topper or other heirloom pieces that have a close sentimental value.

Whatever your style or theme, as we continue into the 21st century, wedding cake toppers keep evolving along with the  bride and groom they represent.  Keep the tradition alive and go modern with a monogram initial or dust off your grandmother's 'ole vintage topper to give your cake an heirloom quality feel.

Happy Planning!

Allie

How To Wedding Shop Safely Online

Online shopping is one of the hottest trends for brides today. Online shopping saves brides both money and time. It’s so much easier to go online and order all of your wedding favors or accessories without standing in line at the store or running all over town on your lunch break or day off. Here are a few tips on how to make sure you are shopping online safely:

• Look for third-party seals of approval. Companies can put these seals on their sites only if they abide by a set of rigorous standards, such as how personal information can be used. Two seals to look for are from Better Business Bureau Online and McAfee Secure, which means the site is tested for safety daily. If you see the seals, always click them to make sure they link to the organization that created them. Unscrupulous merchants have been know to put these logos on their Web sites without permission.

• Look for signs that the Web site protects your data. On the Web page where you enter your credit card or other personal information, look for an s after http (https://) in the Web address of that page. Encryption is a security measure that scrambles data on its journey through the Internet.

• Make sure there is a small, closed padlock. Usually it’s in the address bar or on the lower right corner of the window, though sometimes the padlock may be somewhere else on the page.

So get your fingers to work and shop, shop till you drop. Online shopping is the fun, fast and now the safe way to shop because you know what to look for. Good luck and happy shopping!

Carrie

Elegant Crystal Gifts and Wedding Reception Favors

Crystal goes with just about anything and can be found in many shapes and sizes that will compliment any wedding reception theme or special event in which you want to add an elegant touch.

Crystal diamond candle holders when lit on your event tables will create a mesmerizing and romantic setting for your special day and will match any color decor imaginable.

If you are planning a beach wedding the shell designed keychains are sure to be a welcome surprise and long lasting treasure for each guest to take home.

For a Vegas theme event the crystal die wine bottle stoppers will look amazing when displayed at the top of any bottle of wine and sure to be a great conversation starter.

Choosing elegant and practical crystal keepsake favors is a great way for your family and friends to display the memento in their home or use over and over again and sure to bring happy memories of your special day each time they are used. 

Renee'

Black Tie Elegance: Inspiration to Reality

A black and white wedding color scheme is one of the most versatile color themes to put together.  You can go glam with damask patterns, sparkle, and pops of pink or create a modern look by choosing elements that are classic and mixing them with clean lines and less ornate pieces.  To make a more modern and classic look come to life, here's a table setting to inspire you and all the little details you'll need to pull it off.

The Inspiration - Modern and Elegant Black and White Wedding Reception Table Setting

After creating a base of table linens/runners, choose a centerpiece that's clean and crisp.  Different varieties of white flowers will keep your look fresh while still adding visual interest.

1/2. Help guests find their seats with ease with round table numbers that can be seen from a distance.  The circular shape will tie in the classic lines of a modern look.  Carry this theme from start to finish, by placing the numbers in round table number holders.

3/4/5.  Tall pillar candles are a great way to add ambience and warmth to your table settings.  Keep your black and white color scheme by setting candles in glass cylinders filled with expanding water beads.

6. Add a subtle ornate decorative element to your each guest place setting by presenting escort cards on filigree favor cards, shown here in black to offset the white cup and saucer sets that sit next to them.

7.  The contemporary swirl pattern of these cup and saucer favors pulls in a modern element while still keeping a classy feel.  Set the cup and saucers at each plate for guests to enjoy.

8.  To create an eye-catching effect, the sparkle of these diamond ring napkin holders adds a Tiffany's feel to your classic palette and will catch the light from every angle  (giving guests another accent to ooh and ahh over....).  Add the napkin holders to black linen napkins to really make each guest place setting pop.

9/10. Add a hint of whimsy to your tables with adorable black and white bride and groom candy bags.  A great way to say thank you to guests, fill the bags with black and white colored candies to carry your color palette one step further.  Add matching bride and groom favor tags to complete the look.

11. To match those adorable engagement ring inspired napkin holders, diamond shaped candle holders will add more sparkle....and you can never have enough sparkle.

12.  Don't forget the finishing touches.  Adorable heart shaped interlocking salt and pepper shakers are a must come dinner time and match your palette.

Too add the final elements to your look, add plates/chargers, glassware to each guest place setting, silverware, and your look will truly be complete.  You can even hang a Victorian style chandelier over each table to give your look a Breakfast at Tiffany's feel.

Happy Planning!

Allie

Dressing Up a Black Tie Affair

 

Put a fresh spin on your black and white color scheme with an adorable Tux and Gown themed wedding, engagement party, or shower. This look is a little bit retro and a little bit cute with a clean and simple color palette that adds a little class. For a formal wedding it is probably most suitable to pick and choose just a few of these elements to accent your event here and there. For casual weddings or bridal showers, you could extend the theme to every aspect of the decor to create a really fun look. This would be best for a couple who doesn't take themselves too seriously. 

Play up this theme with black and white accents in other areas. The Tux and Gown items can be paired with white guest towels or napkins printed in black with the words "Mr. and Mrs."  Miniature bow ties could be made easily out of fabric or paper for napkin rings. Use tulle or lace as accents as well. This will give the impression of a wedding dress or veil around candles, centerpeices, and chair covers. This is a look that is meant to be fun! Creative use of the tux or gown in unexpected places, such as salt and pepper shakers or on sugar cookies, is sure to bring a smile to your guests faces. Click here for more inspiration!

~Jenna