Let Your Personality Shine Through Your Wedding Cake Flavor!

Wedding cakes are composed of the base cake, filling, and frosting – but there are many wedding cake flavor profiles available to add a dash of personality to your big day! Request a cake lining, a thin layer of citrus curd or fruit preserve spread on the cake base, or an addition of fresh fruits, nuts, or candies for a bite of texture!

Looking for something special, but aren’t in love with either of those ideas? Request a different taste for each separate cake tier; while chocolate, vanilla, lemon, and red velvet still hold the top spots, the latest trend is for mouth-watering cake flavors like passionfruit and mango! Separate your tiers with pillars or by placing them at cascading heights on your dessert table.

Can’t decide what flavor – or flavors – to offer your wedding guests? The New York Magazine prepared a list of the Top Ten Most Requested Cake Combos, to include:

1. Chocolate devil’s food cake and vanilla buttercream
2. Chocolate devil’s food cake, vanilla buttercream, and raspberries
3. Yellow butter cake and chocolate buttercream and/or chocolate ganache
4. Lemon cake, lemon curd, and vanilla buttercream
5. Chocolate devil’s food cake, chocolate ganache, and praline buttercream
6. White cake, lemon buttercream, and raspberries
7. Hazelnut-almond cake, chocolate ganache, and raspberries
8. Coconut cake and lime buttercream
9. Banana cake and chocolate buttercream
10.Chocolate-almond cake, chocolate ganache, and mocha buttercream

Looking for more creative flavor ideas? Sweet Art Wedding Cakes and Weddings by Lilly both offer lists of interesting wedding cake flavors! Then, after you have your dream cake in mind, look into WedAlert’s list of wedding bakeries in your area…many WedAlert bakers offer specials just for WA readers!

Find further wedding inspiration by following my Pinterest and WedAlert’s Pinterest! You’ll find boards with wedding ideas ranging from seating arrangements to knowing the questions to ask each vendor!

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Wedding Invitations Addressing Etiquette, Part 2

As promised last week in Part 1 of wedding invitation addressing etiquette, read on as we discuss further formatting issues; from noting to your guests that you would prefer they donate to a charity instead of buying gifts to how to properly notate that one of your parent is a doctor!

If you or one of your parents is a doctor, it is perfectly acceptable for medical doctors to use their titles on wedding invitations – but academic doctors should not use theirs. If your mother is a doctor but your father is not, place her name, preceded by “Doctor,” on the invitation above your father’s. If your father is a doctor, it should read “Doctor and Mrs. John Smith” on the same line. Note that using the word “and” in between the names indicates that they are still married.

If your parents are still married, but your mom uses her maiden name, list your parents on separate lines – mom first, separated by the word “and” (to indicate that they are still married).

If the groom’s parents are issuing the invitation, list your fiancé’s parents on the invitation as you would your parents (see Part 1), and include your last name:

Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Lee Johnson
request the honor of your presence at the marriage of
Miss Elizabeth Marie Smith and Mr. Gerald Joseph Johnson

It was noted briefly in Part 1, but it’s a common issue, so – if you, as the bride, are paying for your own wedding, and have a good relationship with your parents, honor them by mentioning them in your invitation, especially if this is your first marriage and you are holding a traditional ceremony. If you prefer, or if the wedding is informal, list your name alone – as shown in Part 1.

Together with their parents
Miss Elizabeth Marie Smith and Mr. Gerald Joseph Johnson…

If you don’t want your guests to bring their children, you first need to realize that not everyone knows that the only people invited to an event are the ones to whom the invitation is addressed. While you can print “No children, please” on your wedding invitation or response card, I suggest making a personal phone call to let them know that your reception isn’t set up for children.

If you are looking for guests to contribute to a charity rather than give gifts, remember that it isn’t considered appropriate to place a reference to gifts on a wedding invitation – even if it’s just asking for charity contributions. Instead, let your wedding party help get the word out.

Looking for further wedding inspiration, soon-to-be Mrs.? Follow my Pinterest and WedAlert’s Pinterest for wedding ideas ranging from seasonal wedding flowers to what dress designer can help you refurbish an old wedding gown!

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Wedding Invitations Addressing Etiquette, Part 1

As promised earlier in the week while discussing wedding invitation wording, read on as we discuss how to list names and address your wedding invitations! From inviting a Colonel in the military to noting that a set of divorced parents are hosting the ceremony together, some seemingly sticky predicaments have easy solutions by simply finding the format that best fits your situation.

To begin, start with the names of those issuing the invitation – traditionally the bride’s parents. Evolving family structures and financial dynamics often make this the trickiest part of the process.

Most married couples follow the standard format of:

Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Michael Johnson

If the couple issuing the invitation has different surnames, however, an “and” is to join them:

Ms. Jessica Leann Smith and Mr. Anthony Michael Johnson

If the bride and groom are hosting on their own, omit the first line, and jump to:

Together with their families
Miss Elizabeth Marie Smith and Mr. Gerald Joseph Johnson…

If the bride’s parents are divorced but hosting the wedding together, list the names of the bride’s parents at the top of the invitation. The bride’s mother’s name should be on the first line and her father’s on the line beneath it – do not separate the lines with “and.” If the bride’s mother has not remarried, use “Mrs.” followed by her first name, maiden name, and married name.

Mrs. Jessica Johnson Smith
Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Allen Smith
request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter
Elizabeth Marie Smith

If a set of divorced parents have remarried, you must first note that, traditionally, only the parents’ names appear on the invitation. That said, if you would like to include your step-parents, it’s perfectly acceptable to list them. Place your mother’s (and her husband, if she’s remarried) first name and include your last name.

Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Allen Smith Mr. and Mrs. Nolan Andrew Peters
request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter
Elizabeth Marie Smith

While it is not traditional to include a deceased parent, many brides and grooms feel strongly about doing so. This wording should make it clear that the deceased parent is not issuing the invitation, and it should be noted that courtesy titles may be awkward and are to be omitted. If one parent is still living, that parent should issue the invitation. If your mother has not remarried, place “Mrs.” before her name.

The pleasure of your company is requested at the marriage of  Elizabeth Marie Smith
daughter of Anthony Johnson and the late Jessica Smith to
Gerald Joseph Johnson…

If neither of parents are alive, the invitation may be issued by the bride and groom or other relatives, such as grandparents – in which case, you should handle it as you would divorced parents who have remarried:

Miss Elizabeth Marie Smith and Mr. Gerald Joseph Johnson request the honor
of your presence at their marriage…

If the bride has been married before, and her parents are issuing the invitation, they should include your married name:

Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Allen Smith request the honor of your presence at
the marriage of their daughter Elizabeth Marie Robertson

Or, in the same situation, if the bride and groom are issuing the the invitation themselves, it is to read as:

Elizabeth Marie Robertson and Gerald Joseph Johnson request the honor of
your presence at their marriage

What’s a bride to do if her parents are hosting – but your groom wants to include his parents on the invitation? Or, what if you would like guests to contribute to a charity rather than give gifts? There are too many scenarios for one post alone, bride-to-be! Read on next week as we answer the above questions…and more!

Looking for further wedding inspiration, soon-to-be Mrs.? Follow my Pinterest and WedAlert’s Pinterest for wedding ideas ranging from DIY tutorials to seasonal wedding flowers!

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Planning An Alaska Destination Wedding

From holding your ceremony at the quaint Chapel by the Lake overlooking a range of mountains and a glacier, to booking a tour ship and allowing wedding guests to have a wildlife-viewing experience during your vows, Alaska destination weddings can be simple and rustic or breathtakingly elegant!

Where else in the world can you capture your wedding excitement in full daylight…at midnight? Craving a bigger entrance than the traditional walk down the aisle? Have your Alaska destination wedding in Sitka or Juneau and surround yourself by sea otters, bald eagles, and whales as you arrive by seaplane or kayak!

The Seward Windsong Lodge, located at the head of the Resurrection River Valley, captures the splendor and serenity of south-central Alaska, or enjoy Denali and the Alaska Range as your backdrop, both of which are the beautiful architecture of the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge!

Not sure what to do with your guests pre- or post- wedding? Take a full-day fishing charter,  or hike to Kachemak Bay State Park, adventuring through secluded wilderness on a moderate (and enjoyable!) hike with a gradual elevation up to Grewingk Glacier Lake. Feeling a little more adventurous? Hop in for a wild ride of whitewater rafting or ziplining through the mountains!

Are you in the middle of planning an Alaska destination wedding, bride-to-be? Share your wedding venue thoughts in the comments below! Looking for further wedding inspiration?Follow my Pinterest and WedAlert’s Pinterest for wedding ideas ranging from wedding timelines and to rustic chic photos!

Photo credit / as seen on, from top to bottom: Destination Weddings Alaska, Don Pitcher, Heather Lynn Photographie, Jolie Connor Photography, Alaska Weddings, Studio 1250, Studio LB, Bluebend Photography, Blogs.TopWedding, TBDress-Blog, Mountainside Bride, feature photo as seen on Viral Spell

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Fall Wedding Cakes

The natural beauty of the fall season draws brides all over the U.S to host their wedding in this breathtaking three-month period! The leaves are turning color, the days are cooler, and there’s a sense of renewal in the air that makes it feel like the perfect time to share your wedding vows!

The main issue fall brides have noted to me in the past is that they love the season – but don’t love the fall-themed options that come with getting married at that time.

Maybe you love the rich colors of the season, but don’t want to see actual leaf shapes on everything from your reception decor to wedding favors, but what’s a bride to do? Ignore the beauty of the season?

It seems the only answer is to create a new variation on an old theme, so read on for fall wedding cake inspiration!

Hand-Painted Elements & Appliques

Tasteful appliques are an excellent way to add the season’s theme to your fall wedding cake! Appliques can be abstract shapes or in leaf motifs, but this non-traditional use of fondant will make your cake stand out from the crowd. Re-imagine the fall theme and put this gorgeous decorating technique with your own painted fall wedding cake.

Flowers

Real or sugar-crafted, flowers are a wonderful way to add fall coloring to your wedding without having to use leaves or other traditional fall motifs! Adding them artfully to your cake can be the perfect way to incorporate this theme.

Sculpted Elements

One of the most wonderful things about wedding cakes is the versatility of icing and fondant! Bakers are artists of the highest degree and between this incredible skill and a host of three dimensional decorating options, adding fall colors, themes, and elements to your cake can create a gorgeous result!

Looking for further wedding inspiration, soon-to-be Mrs.? Follow my Pinterest and WedAlert’s Pinterest for wedding ideas ranging from DIY tutorials to seasonal wedding flowers!

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Short Wedding Dresses

Popular in the 1950's and 1960's the shorter mid-calf wedding dress was stylish and charming, and would lend itself well to a beach wedding ceremony where a full length formal gown may not be appropriate.

This Satin Tea Length Dress shown on the left, has a charming retro look and would be adorable for a Bride at an informal garden wedding, or for the Maid of Honor dress.

Short Wedding Dresses are available in a variety of fabrics ranging from Satin, Lace, Chiffon, Organza, Tulle and Taffeta.

The Tea Length gown can also be strapless, halter neckline, off the shoulder or have sleeves or shoulder straps – there are many styles from which to choose

In general even a short wedding dress can be formal or informal – knee length dresses are often more casual, and the three tea length dresses shown here are a little more formal

The pretty strapless Sweetheart Neckline dress shown on the right, would be lovely for a casual summer wedding.

This style of dress would also be suitable for a Retro-themed ceremony as there is a romantic, elegant look to many tea length gowns.

The glamorous strapless Tulle over Satin Dress shown on the left, has a wide waist sash and a pretty decorative strapless bodice, and has a deliciously vintage look!

Paired with either a short veil, or a pretty headpiece and blusher veil, this dress would be adorable for a summer wedding.

Whether you choose a traditional tiara for your wedding, or a more casual Ribbon Headpiece, you can get the Romantic look you want with a shorter Wedding Dress.

Often, the cost of a Tea Length Wedding Dress is much lower than a full length traditional Wedding Gown, so brides on a budget may also want to take the cost into consideration.

So, if you are a trail blazer and would like your wedding dress to be less traditional than a long white gown, then perhaps a Tea Length Wedding Dress is just what you want!

Happy Wedding!

This entry was posted on Friday, March 8th, 2013 at 6:40 pm and is filed under Wedding Gowns. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

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Wedding Wednesday! Brides to be… are YOU using social media to plan your wedding?!

Good Morning and Happy Wedding Wednesday DB Readers!  Since spring is a great time to plan your wedding, brides around the country are utilizing magazines, wedding planning books, the internet and friends to plan the wedding of their dreams!  If you’re a tech savvy bride to be and utilize the internet for everything, we have an app that is PERFECT for you! Introducing… MyEvent! Here are some of the great features of our new wedding planning app:

Wedding Party – Invite friends and family to your private online space where you can all have fun communicating about the big day.Newsfeed – Get real-time updates and host personalized discussions on wedding planning details.Shopping Lists – Create lists of wedding must-haves for yourself, your bridesmaids, or anybody you choose, and keep track of everyone’s purchases.Mood Boards – Design boards that represent your unique vision of your event and get inspiration from your party and the Public Gallery.Task Lists – Prioritize, assign and organize wedding to-do’s.Budget Planner – Get a breakdown of recommendations, make adjustments, and monitor spending.

Definitely check out the latest and greatest app amongst brides and give it a whirl!

Tags: apps, David's Bridal, In the News, MyEvent, technology, wedding wednesday

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Wedding Wednesday! What are the hottest 2013 Bridal Trends You Ask?! Find out HERE!

Good Morning DB Readers and Happy Wedding Wednesday! For those who are engaged and brides to be, I’m sure you’re wondering what the top 2013 bridal trends are!? Well, as you know the red carpet is heavily influenced by the bridal trends this awards season, and we have come up with the top 5 trends we are seeing!  We picked a dress from one of our collections to coordinate with each trend, and hope you love our top choices!

Alternative Necklines

Melissa Sweet Style MS251005

Sophisticated

Oleg Cassini Style CMB518

Peplum

David’s Bridal Style T3518

BLUSH

White by Vera Wang Style VW351157

Touch Of Gold

Oleg Cassini Style CWG480

You May Also Like: In the News

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Floral Friday! 5 Perfect Spring Wedding Bouquets!

Good Morning DB Readers and TGIF! Today we are blogging about gorgeous spring wedding bouquets that we hope will give you inspiration for your wedding!  We adore bouquets filled with springtime blooms and peonies, garden roses and tulips are officially in season! A floral bunch of pastel pretties, (one of the most popular trends) is equally as appropriate as a bouquet filled with brighter blooms.

It was tough to decide, but we’ve gathered together our top 5 favorite spring bouquets filled with flowers native to the season (a major plus for your floral budget). Check out our favorite picks below!

Tags: bouquets, David's Bridal, floral friday, flowers, friday, In the News, wedding inspiration

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