Wedding Advice brought to you by BlackBride.com

Fall Designed Wedding Cake

2009-10-06T09:57:00.000-05:00

Here is the beautiful Fall Designed Wedding Cake completed with all of its magnificence!

Photography Styles

2009-10-05T20:25:00.001-05:00

From the moment you wake up in the morning to when the last guest leaves, you may find yourselves in a state of total and utter frenzy. From greeting guests, cutting the cake, throwing the bouquet and taking pictures, you won't know what hit you. And at the end of it all, you'll want to be able to look back and relive those memories. It is imperative that you find the right photographer who not only takes the routine formal shots but also captures those candid moments around you while you're too busy playing bride and groom.

Let’s discuss the four different approaches that photographer’s use: Traditional, Photojournalistic, Illustrative and Creative.

Traditional photography or Portraiture photography is any formal or informal portraits of your wedding party, relatives or wedding guest. A traditional photographer will usually photograph the moments that you agree to, depending on the package you've purchased and their list of standard shots. You may make special requests, and the photographer may take some impromptu candids here and there.

Portraiture is the most widely used format to photograph weddings. This style is used for your formal pictures where posing and precision must be implemented.

Photojournalistic photography approaches the event as a story-telling sequence for the couple to remember their day by. It requires the photographer to be versatile in their skills as they adapt for each moment. This allows them to record the day, yet remain as unobtrusive as possible. It is my favorite style of photography.

When reviewing your shots from this style of photography, you will be made aware of moments that were captured that you weren’t aware of happening. Your day goes by so quickly and a talented photojournalist will provide the details that you missed.

My favorite picture was of a bride on the dance floor with her new husband wiping away a tear from his eye. This particular photographer was very talented and very observant, watching the people involved in this wedding as if he were shooting actors in a film.

When comparing these styles of photography, the traditionalist CREATES the image. The photojournalist CAPTURES the image. In my opinion the photojournalistic style of photography has the potential to be awe inspiring!

Another style of photography is Illustrative photography. This photography looks like the photos that you see on billboards, and magazines. It is also known as “Fashion Photography”. It is set up like a commercial photography shoot; the photographer arranges every detail of the image. Lastly, we have Creative or Artistic photography. The pictures are taken from unique angles, lighting, etc. This type of photographer creates his or her artistic impression of your wedding day.

THE FINAL PRODUCT
Depending on their skill level, the traditionalists final product will contain very nicely done, well lit and seemingly perfect portraits of each event. A good portion on the images will be used within the final album. Depending on their skill level and creative eye, the photojournalists final product will contain a sequence of photos from moments throughout the day which give a story-like meaning to the album. Since the photojournalist exposes up to ten times more frames than the traditionalist, the final album will contain only the 'most-favored' shots.

The traditionalist CREATES AN ALBUM. The photojournalist TELLS A STORY. Because of the photographer's approach, coverage, and/or final product, couples may decide they like one style over the other. In ideal situations, both styles will produce beautiful results, but as with all photographers, couples should view the photographers work to see if it really fits in with their tastes before hiring them.

The majority of all photographers use a mixture of all these styles.
Most brides choose this mixed version of photography for their wedding day.

Article by Rene Davenport, professional wedding consultant . Photos courtesy of Paul Haring.

A Winter Wedding Theme

2009-10-05T19:30:00.000-05:00

What is your wedding style?

2009-10-04T17:50:00.000-05:00

Are you choosing to have a traditional wedding, formal wedding, afrocentric wedding, or other style wedding?

Are you not sure where to start? Do you need some professional advice from a wedding consulatant or bridal consultant?

Simple Money Saving Wedding Planning Tips

2009-10-04T14:48:00.001-05:00

BlackBride.com guest author Tiffany Graham is the owner of Elegant Events by Tiffany, LLC . Tiffany offers the following advice on money saving for your wedding plans!
Planning your wedding day can be fun and exciting while at the same time stressful especially when it comes to the financial aspect. Let’s face it, most engaged couples are working full time jobs and will pay for the majority of the wedding themselves. Unless money is truly no object you should establish a realistic budget and stick to it. Here are a few tips that’ll help you get started with planning your glamorous wedding day

Research:
Before you even begin to plan your special day, take time to research the average price of wedding services in your area.

Set a Realistic Budget:
By setting a budget early in the planning stages you have a realistic idea of the amount of money per guest you can afford to spend.

Trim that Guest List:
Limit your guest list to family and close friends. Don’t feel compelled to invite everyone you have ever known.

Plan Early:
Start planning as early as 18 months in advance. This allows you time to save up money and pay in full.

Ask vendors for discounts if you pay in full and with cash.

Off Peak Months: Avoid the peak wedding months and consider an off peak month such as February, March, or April. Friday or Sunday. Saturday is the most popular wedding day.

Most reception venues offer a significant discount for Friday or Sunday rentals. Buffets.

Choosing a buffet style dinner over plated service will save a significant amount of money especially if have over 100 guests to serve.

Prioritize: Decide which elements of your wedding day are most important. (i.e. venue, food, entertainment, décor, etc).

Commit more of your budget to the element that will please both of you.

About the author: Tiffany Graham is the owner of Elegant Events by Tiffany, LLC a wedding and event planning company located in the Washington DC metro area. Established in 2007, Elegant Events by Tiffany has grown to be one of the finest and sought after wedding and event planning companies in the Washington DC area.

The Search for the Perfect Wedding Gown

2009-10-03T23:34:00.001-05:00

When I was planning my wedding over 15 years ago, I walked into a bridal salon and saw a bridesmaid gown that I loved. It was pink satin with silver lame embroidered on the top and the skirt was a straight sheath. It was sexy and elegant, I thought anyway. I had 4 bridesmaids and only one could pull off wearing a straight gown like that one.

Only years later after I came out of my Bridezilla coma did I realize that I should have found a gown that complimented all of my bridesmaids. Two of the girls had to get panels sewn into their gowns one week before the wedding!

Let’s review the different wedding gown styles.

1. A Ball Gown has a fitted bodice with a full skirt.

2. An A-line Gown comes down towards the waist and out at the hips, like an “A”. It is the most versatile of the gowns. It can hide a lot of flaws.

3. The Empire style of Gown is slightly fitted and has a raised waist that falls just below the bustline. The skirt is usually rather slim.

4. The Sheath style Gown is very contemporary and form fitting. It has a flair at the bottom.

5. A Mermaid Gown is very slim, figure-hugging and has a little fishtail skirt.
Whatever style you choose for your wedding gown, it will come with several different choices of neckline.

Off-The-Shoulder is when the neckline of the gown sits below the shoulders.
Complimentary For: Full-chested and pear-shaped women
Unflattering For: Broad shoulders, fuller arms

The Portrait neckline is somewhat similar to the off-the-shoulder neckline with a wide, soft scoop from the tip of one shoulder to the other.
Complimentary For: Fuller arms and prominent collarbones
Unflattering For: Undefined collarbones

The Sweetheart neckline is shaped like the top of a heart.
Complimentary For: Fuller-chested women that want cleavage
Unflattering For: Very small breasted women

The Bateau/Boat neckline follows the curve of the collarbone almost to the tip of the shoulders. It cuts straight across so there is no cleavage.
Complimentary For: Small Breast
Unflattering For: The well-endowed

The Halter has straps that wrap around the back of the neck.
Complimentary For: Broad Shoulders
Unflattering For: Narrow shoulders

The Scoop is a U-shaped neckline. This neckline is flattering to everyone.

The Jewel neckline is round and sits at the base of the throat like a necklace.
Complimentary For: Small chested women, it makes you look bustier
Unflattering For: Large-chested women, it makes you look larger.

The V-Neck neckline dips into a V-shape at the chest. Good for women with B and C cups.

The Strapless neckline is the most popular choice today.
Complimentary For: Good shoulders and attractive collarbones
Unflattering For: Small breasted women

You will also have several choices of sleeve styles.
-T-Shirt sleeves cover the upper arms. They fit your arms like a T-Shirt.
-A Cap sleeve covers the upper arm but is more rounded.
-Off-The-Shoulder is slightly off the shoulder and covers the upper arm.
- ¾ Length sleeve ends between the elbow and the wrist.
- Spaghetti straps are thin straps with no sleeves attached.

What statement do you want to make by the style of train you choose?
Sweep – This type of train extends 8 to 12 inches beyond the bottom of the skirt.
Chapel – This train extends 31 to 41 inches from the waist.
Semi-Cathedral – this train extends 41 to 51 inches from the waist.
Cathedral – Extends 61 to 71 inches from the waist.
Extended Cathedral/Monarch –12 feet or more from the waist. Princess Di’s train was 25 feet.
Star Cathedral Length – A new term in the bridal industry thanks to “Star Jones”. Her train was 27 feet long!

When you begin your search for your wedding gown, try on many different styles and necklines to see what compliments your body type.

It is very important that you feel beautiful and confident on your special day!
Article by Rene Davenport
Image courtesy of Paul Haring Photography

Meet Rene Davenport, our Featured Professional Wedding Consultant

2009-10-03T08:53:00.004-05:00

Professional advice on your wedding by Wedding Expert, Rene Davenport
“I just got engaged, where do I begin”? “Why does it cost so much”?
“How do I know if he is any good at his job”?

These are some frequently asked questions of newly engaged women. When you first get engaged, you are thrilled beyond measure. And then the process of planning your wedding begins.

The many details involved in planning a wedding are truly overwhelming. If you are a detailed oriented person, that will certainly help, but you would love to know where to start.

This is where the professional wedding consultant can help. The professional wedding consultant has had training and experience in the wedding industry. She or he is an authority on the wedding planning process.

What will a wedding consultant do for me? Professional wedding consultants can offer budgeting assistance; quality vendor referrals; wedding etiquette answers; rehearsal and ceremony direction; and many other services.

How can I tell if a wedding consultant is professional and reputable? You may ask the bridal consultant if they are affiliated with any professional organizations such as “The Association of Wedding Consultants”. Professional wedding consultants are often affiliated with professional wedding organizations that offer continuing education and assistance when needed to the bridal consultant.

Ask about the wedding consultant’s experience. Ask how many weddings they’ve done.
Check the wedding consultants’ references. Word of mouth is the best way, in my opinion, to find a quality bridal consultant. A bride’s referral is like gold. Won’t a wedding consultant want to take over my wedding plans?A professional wedding consultant will work with you, handling as much or as little of your wedding planning as you choose.

How can I tell if a wedding consultant is providing a quality vendor? The professional wedding consultant either has a current working relationship with the vendors referred or the vendor’s references have been thoroughly checked.

Why can’t I do the planning myself? You certainly can do the planning yourself, and that can be fun at times. But, it can also be very stressing checking out many sources for each vendor, making sure all the details are in place and worrying about whether you’re getting the best deal. A professional wedding consultant has the training and experience to make it all work, while you relax.

How much does a wedding consultant cost? A professional wedding consultant can charge 10% to 20% of the wedding budget, she could charge a flat fee for her services or she could charge an hourly rate.

How can I find a professional wedding consultant? The internet is a good source for finding a wedding consultant. Local wedding magazines and bridal shows are another source. And as I mentioned before, bridal referrals are always an excellent source.

Happy Hunting!

Formally Invited!

2009-10-02T20:01:00.000-05:00

Wedding Invitations

2009-10-02T19:43:00.000-05:00

The wedding invitation sets the tone for your wedding. It establishes the formality or informality of the event.

You may choose from a more traditional invitation in white or ecru to an invitation that matches your color scheme or theme.

An invitation is usually accompanied by enclosures such as a card listing the reception site if not listed on the invitation and a response card for mailing back. Depending upon what kind of dinner you are having some invitations will include a meal card for your guest to choose their meal. You may also include a direction card and map.

The good news is that technology has caught up with the bridal industry. Look into an RSVP company that will host your wedding website and serve as a host site for your guest to RSVP. They will go as far as calling your guest if they have not responded before the RSVP date. Try http://www.theguestregister.com/.

There are several grades of paper stock for invitations. Although it is more expensive, the heaviest weight paper usually has the appearance to make the cost worthwhile. A paper made of 100% cotton makes the highest quality invitation. The cost increases with the percentage of cotton in the paper.

Historically, engraving (which produces raised lettering) was the only proper form for printing invitations. Today, however, thermography (which also produces raised lettering) also is acceptable, and much less expensive than engraving. The key to spotting engraving is on the back of the paper. The impression of the type goes through from the back. With thermography, the back of the paper is smooth. It is good to use an excellent quality of paper even more so then engraving. Thermography on paper with a high cotton content is as beautiful as engraving and can be a cost-saving measure.

When addressing your invitations, both the inner and outer envelope should be addressed by hand. Calligraphy is a nice touch but will increase your cost. Computer generated laser-writer quality addressing is acceptable.

If an “inner” envelope is used, it bears only the names of the people to whom it is addressed, not the addresses.

For example:
A married couple – Mr. & Mrs. Smith

A young child – Master Donnie Brown

A military title should be spelled out.

The ”outer” envelope contains the mailing address.
For example:
A married couple –
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Smith
555 Old English Way
Denver, Colorado 34211

Unmarried couple –
Mr. Harry Boxwood
Ms. Anne Rice

They should be listed alphabetically not by gender.

No abbreviations are used in the address. You need to spell out Street, Road, Boulevard, etc. and states. If middle names are used, they need to be spelled out, not just an initial.

THE INVITATION IS EXTENDED ONLY TO THE PERSON TO WHOM IT IS ADDRESSED.

When preparing to order your invitations, it is good to have:

· Your choice of invitation
· The amount of invitations needed (Always order extras)
· Amount for extra envelopes
· The enclosures you need to include
· A choice of font (typestyle)
· Choice of outside envelope and inside envelope(s) being printed or hand-written (calligraphy)
· Proper wording for your invite

If you are able to determine the exact number of invitations you will need, it is always safe to order a bit extra. Since invitations are usually sold in quantities of 20 or 25, you should think about ordering 150 in cases where you needed 122 invitations.

You will need to order your wedding invitations 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding.

For out of town guest I would suggest mailing their invitations even earlier. Obviously, the earlier they are sent, the better it is for the guests, since they will have time to plan.

When mailing out your invitations, here are some guidelines: Married couples and families only need one invitation. If there is a child over 18 living at home with their family, it is recommended to include their name on the outer envelope, or to send them their own invitation. If you have several friends living in the same house together, it is customary to send each of them an invitation.

The clergy who performs the ceremony (and spouse) should be invited. While many decline the invitation, it is polite to extend it.

Even though it is obvious that the groom’s parents will be attending, it should be sent as a memento.

Your attendants should also receive invitations as mementos, not response is necessary.

With fiancés and spouses, an attendant’s or guest’s fiancé should receive a separate invitation. If the attendant’s spouse is not in the wedding, they should receive an invitation.

It is not necessary to invite the attendant’s parents unless they are very close to you.

Reciprocal invitations are appropriate if the wedding is of comparable size, it is proper to invite people to whose wedding the bride and groom were invited, if the same level of friendship remains. It is necessary to invite some with whom the bride formerly was friendly, just because the bride had been invited to their wedding.

To get your wedding date information out as soon as possible, I would suggest sending out “Save-the-date” cards as far as six months before your wedding date. This is especially effective when you have many out of town guest.

author Rene Davenport, Wedding Consultant

Wedding Weather!

2009-10-02T09:21:00.000-05:00

The Weather Channel will help you and your grrom find the best time of year to get married! Also, if you are debating about the best locations, they can help you choose the perfect honeymoon with the ideal weather! Go here to set your date!

Having Wine at Your Wedding?

2009-10-01T21:03:00.000-05:00

What is "Merlot"?
The most widely planted grape in Bordeaux, merlot, a red grape, is also grown in most of the same places as cabernet sauvignon. And in fact, the two are often blended. Because merlot in general has somewhat less tannin than cabernet sauvignon, it often feels softer on the palate. Its flavors often run to mocha and boysenberry.

What is "Pinot Noir"?
One of the most renowned red grapes in the world for its supple silky texture and mesmerizingly earthy flavors. Pinot noir, like riesling, requires a cold climate and in fact, its ancestral home is the cool Burgundy region of France. The grape, which is very difficult to grow and make into wine, is also grown in Oregon and California, but rarely elsewhere.

What is "Cabernet Sauvignon"?
Often called the "king" of red grapes, cabernet sauvignon is, along with merlot, the famous grape of Bordeaux, and is also grown in other renowned wine regions throughout the world including California, Washington state, Italy, Australia, and Chile. Cabernet sauvignon possesses what can be an impressive structure along with deep, rich cassis flavors.

What is "Shiraz"?
The leading grape of Australia and the classic red grape of the northern Rhone Valley of France (where it is known as syrah}. It is also grown throughout southern France. In the late 1980s and 1990s, California vintners also became increasingly fascinated by the grape which is now grown in many parts of California. The wine often has an unmistakable whiff of white pepper along with wild gamey, boysenberry flavors.

What is "Chardonnay"?
Chardonnay is one of the most popular white grape varieties in America and throughout North America, as well as the white grape of the Burgundy region of France. Very easy to enjoy thanks to its full, round body and buttery, appley flavors laced with toastiness (the latter comes from the oak barrels used in making most Chardonnays).

What is "Zinfandel"?
The much loved red grape of California, zinfandel is grown almost no place else in the world. In fact, its history is still a mystery, though scientists think that the grape may be related to a Croatian grape. Zinfandel has a mouthfilling, thick berryness that is sometimes described as being jammy or chewy. White zinfandel (not a separate grape variety) is made when zinfandel grapes are fermented without their dark purple skins.

What is "Pinot Grigio"?
Like pinot blanc, one of the white grapes of the pinot family, and like riesling and gewürztraminer, pinot grigio loves cold climates. The most renowned pinot grigios come from the northernmost regions of Italy, especially those regions that border the Alps, as well as Alsace, where it is known as pinot gris or, confusingly, as "tokay." In the U.S., Oregon is emerging as the top state for delicious lively pinot gris' with light almond, lemon and vanilla flavors.

What is the difference between Zinfandel and White Zinfandel?
Both are made from the Zinfandel grape, a dark skinned grape. Zinfandel gets its red color from being fermented with the grape skins. White Zinfandel is not fermented with the grape skins, but has enough contact with the skins before fermentation to gain its pink color.

What is "Sauvignon Blanc"?
The famous white grape of the Sancerre region of France as well as New Zealand. Sauvignon blanc also grows in Bordeaux (where it is usually blended with semillon), South Africa, and in California and Washington state. Its wonderfully wild, untamed flavors are often reminiscent of grass, herbs, green tea and limes, often overlaid with a smokiness. In California, sauvignon blanc can also take on green fig and white melon flavors.

What is the difference between Champagne and sparkling wine?
Only a sparkling wine made in the Champagne region of France can be called Champagne, even if it is made from the same type of grape as Champagne using the same production techniques. Sparkling wine in Spain is referred to as cava, in Germany it is called sekt, and in Italy it is called spumante. Sparkling wines made in the U.S. by the same method of production used in the Champagne district in France are sometimes labeled as 'methode Champenoise' wines.

Wine Facts brought to you by Rene Davenport, wedding consultant

Information referenced from www.wineanswers.com. Images Courtesy of Wine Market Council

Wedding Themes - Winter, Valentine's, Tropical...

2009-09-28T19:20:00.000-05:00

Weddings are anything but boring today. Brides want to make that special day as individualized and special as they possibly can. Many times this is done by following a certain theme in the design of your ceremony and reception.

Here are several ideas for wedding themes:

Valentine’s Day Theme – Love & Red
My favorite color is red, so a Valentine’s Day Theme is one of my favorite themes to plan. With this theme your color scheme would be red. You could possibly have brown, white, or even orange as an accent color.
Choose an invitation that is red or has red in it. Have symbols of love like hearts or cupids. Have a line from a love sonnet printed on the invitation.
For the wedding attire wear a luxurious white wedding gown with a wide red sash at the waist or hip. Have your bridesmaids in red. The gentlemen could wear black tuxedos or black suits with white shirts. They could be accented with a red paisley vest or cummerbund, or simply with a very large red rosebud boutonniere.
Bridal accessories can be found in red. You can get a red ringbearer pillow, and a red guest book. You could also find jewelry with red rubies and diamonds or red cubic zirconium.
The flower that means love, red roses would be the perfect choice for flowers for ceremony and reception. You could mix the bridal bouquet with black beauty and garden red roses to add color contrast.
Have the bridesmaids hold a single long stem red rose.
Decorate any rentals such as an arch, candelabras, or pew markers with vines of roses.
Fill urns with roses and greenery.
At your reception have low and high floral arrangements with roses and many, many red votive and taper candles.
Have chocolates in miniature personalized heart shaped boxes for favors.
Decorate your guest tables with red linens.
Red chair covers if you desire.
There are many ways to bring in the color red as a dominant color or accent color.
You could name each table after authors that are known for writing love sonnets.
Love is in the air, enjoy!

Winter Theme
Since I am from New York, when I think winter, I think winter white with lots of snow.
If asked to do a “Winter” theme, I would do everything in white! I would accent in silver or gold.
Design a white invitation with tiny silver snowflakes.
For the wedding attire wear a luxurious snow white wedding gown with a white fur muff. The bridesmaids could wear silver gowns. The groom and groomsmen could wear pure white or silver gray tuxedos with tails.
Purchase a white guest book and ringbearer pillow embellished with crystals. For your toasting glasses, purchase two champagne flutes with swarovski crystals in the stems. http://www.swarovski.com/.
White flowers of different hues with white feathers and clear swarovski crystals would be very beautiful. Also, try the floral combination of white roses, white hydrangeas, white sweet peas, white ribbon and tulle. Add various white pillar candles of varying heights.
Drape the walls and ceiling with white chiffon. Have lighting the color of blue ice, accent sections of the wall. Have an ice sculpture. Have individualized ice sculptures with a blue lights in the base to hold white lemon sherbet in between food courses.
Have an icy specialty drink. What about a white chocolate snowflake for a favor?
It’s gettin cold in here!

Tropical Theme
I am presently working on a “Tropical Theme” wedding.
This particular bride is getting married on a tropical island. She is then coming home and wants me to bring the tropics into her reception.
The process began with the invitation that has palm trees on it.
We then went on to find a wedding gown that would be appropriate on a tropical island. I recommended the designer Amy Michelson. Amy’s gowns are popular for “Destination Weddings”. The fabrics flow and the look of her gowns are both classic and sexy in their look. They move with you. See http://www.amymichelson.com/ .
For her reception, I will have palm trees brought in to go on each side of a custom built tiki bar. We will have two frozen specialty drinks and Jamaican appetizers. The cocktail tables will be covered in satin orange tablecloths with glass globe centerpieces with sand and seashells.
The tables will wear satin lime green linens. There will be orange and lime orchids on the tables with votive candles. Lime green napkins holding menus with a beautiful seashell on each napkin. The white chaircovers will have lime green ties.
The bride will have a wedding cake adorned with white chocolate seashells and candy pearls. Her guest book, toasting glasses, and ringbearer pillow will have seashells on them.
The guest will be dancing a limbo to steel drum music and munching on crabcakes and jerk chicken.
It’s all Irie, baby, Irie!

Article & Photos by Wedding Consultant, Rene Davenport

Wedding Cake, Anyone?

2009-09-28T09:45:00.000-05:00

Wedding Consulting- with great talents for design in all areas of decorating and cake creations - and all from one professional!
Here is Rene Davenport, wedding expert/author- designing a masterpiece Wedding Cake for a celebration!

A Tropical Wedding Theme

2009-09-10T19:28:00.000-05:00

Photography Styles

2009-09-04T20:39:00.000-05:00

“The Wedding Cake”

2009-08-11T20:46:00.000-05:00

by Rene Davenport, Wedding Consultant

"One of the best parts of the wedding planning process for me is choosing the wedding cake"!

Your wedding cake is the centerpiece of your reception. Just like weddings have become less traditional and more personalized, so has the wedding cake.

It is truly a process to find the perfect wedding cake.

Wedding cakes come in different sizes and shapes. The shapes usually chosen are round and square. The cake itself can be sponge, pound cake, or even cheesecake. They come in an array of different flavors. Traditional flavors such as vanilla, yellow cake, almond, and chocolate. Less traditional flavors such as coconut, and Kahlua fudge. Or even Caribbean flavors such as Tres Leche, Dominican, and Pineapple Rum. I know I’m making you hungry!

With the cake comes a variety of frostings. The traditional frosting for wedding cakes is buttercream frosting. But you could have whipped cream, rolled sugar frosting called Fondant.

Fondant is a sugar paste that is rolled flat and applied to the cake. It is also used for decorations on the cake like bows and flowers.

What style of wedding cake suites your wedding vision?

Do you want elaborate flowers throughout the cake. Sylvia Weinstock, known as “The Leonardo Da Vinci” of the wedding cake world, can make your dreams come true. http://www.sylviaweinstockcakes.com/ .

Do you want a cake with an afrocentric theme, try this cake maker extraordinaire, Charmaine "cakediva" Jones. http://www.cakediva.com/ .

How about something different, perhaps four delectable tiers of cheesecakes. Check out my #1 cake baker, Gail Ciriello of Cheesecake etc. http://www.cheesecakeetc.biz/ . Gail’s traditional wedding cakes are amazing as well!

Let’s explore some cake terms:

Almond Paste – A paste made from ground almonds and sugar. This paste is used to make cake decorations. Almond Paste is also called Marzipan.

Candy Dough - This is a mixture of cream of tartar, tragacanth gum, sugar and water. This dough is used to make decorations. It is also known as gum paste.

Ganache – This is a mixture of chocolate and cream. It can either be used as a filling in the cake or for icing the wedding cake.

Royal Icing – An icing made from sugar and egg white. The icing is soft when fresh and is piped using a piping bag onto the cake. It then hardens. This frosting is used to make flowers for decoration as well.

Happy Tasting!

What questions should you ask the baker?

When you find a baker or bakers that you are interested in, you should ask some of the following questions:

-Ask for an appointment for a cake tasting. This should be a tasting of cake flavors, frostings and fillings.
-Ask if they can design a cake for you from a picture.
- Ask if they have a portfolio of their work.
-Ask when your cake and frosting will be made. I wouldn’t be satisfied with an answer more than 48 hours before the date of the wedding.
-Ask if they use all fresh ingredients, like real butter.
-Ask if they freeze their cakes. You do not want to purchase a cake that has been frozen.
- Ask for references if you don’t know of their reputation.
- Ask how much the delivery and set-up cost will be.
-Find out how much of a deposit is required.
- Ask when the balance will be due.
-Ask if there is any additional cost for decorations, fillings, columns, etc.

“Preserving the Top Layer”

It is traditional to save the top layer of your wedding cake. But please do not do what I did. Not knowing any better, 15 years ago, I simply left the top of the cake in the freezer in the cake box. It tasted so badly at our 1 year anniversary, I wished I would have eaten it on my wedding night!

Here are some suggestions on how to wrap and store the top layer of your wedding cake.

1. Freeze the cake in the freezer for an hour. This will make the icing hard so that it will not stick to the paper when wrapped.
2. After an hour, remove the cake. Wrap the cake in plastic wrap and make sure it is wrapped from top to bottom and on the sides. The wrapping should be airtight.
3. After wrapping completely with plastic wrap, double wrap the cake with aluminum foil as well. Wrapping it this way will make sure it does not have the freezer burn taste.
4. Put the entire cake in a container, with a cover that can hold it. Store it this way until your 1st year anniversary.

Read the article below to learn about Tablescapes for your wedding!

2009-07-16T17:42:00.000-05:00

wedding decorations / wedding tablescapes

Decorating 101 - Tablescapes

2009-07-12T23:02:00.000-05:00

Tablescapes are arrangements of items gathered in a grouping on top of a table.

They're sometimes called tabletop arrangements. A tablescape can include a centerpiece, or it can simply contain an arrangement of your favorite items. Tablescapes refer to the way things are laid out, like in a landscape painting.

Traditionally, more than three items as a tablescape can be difficult to arrange.

Some popular wedding reception tablescapes can include floral centerpieces, candelabras, pillar candles, votive candles, glass cylinders with floating candles, balloons, picture frames, lamps, seashells, decorative plates, and chargers.

Specialty linens are very popular to add color and texture to the tablescape.

Here are some patterns and fabrics to consider: Imperial Stripe, Sheers, Themed Prints, Damask, Velvet, Stars, Sequins, Organza, Lame, Laces, Satins and Solids. These fabrics and patterns are available in tablecloths, overlays, chair covers and/or chair ties.

Color is the best tool of design. Color can affect your emotions, and mood. When designing tablescapes and table settings, be consistent with color; then you can mix patterns and shapes.

When having floral arrangements, they should be of different heights, sizes and textures. For balance, the tablescape should be arranged in staggering heights and cover only one third of the table.

The result of a tablescape should be a harmonious one. This means that the eyes of your guests should flow easily from left to right. The selection and placement of objects in a tablescape should present a feeling of harmony and unity. Harmony (scale, proportion, and balance) can be achieved using color, depth, layering and textures.

In order to create a harmonious tablescape, you need to have:

Scale – If you have a large table, your arrangement should be large. If you have a small table, your arrangement should be small. The objects should relate to the space that they are in.

Balance- All parts of the design need to have a balanced look.

Layering or Stacking – Layering or stacking is achieved with color, texture, height, and placement, such as using items of three different heights on one surface or grouping a cluster of items. The different forms, shapes, colors, and textures should have a harmonious feel and be unified in their presentation.

Tablescape your guest tables and your headtable. If you are not comfortable doing it yourseld, hire a professional to do it for you. There is nothing like walking into your reception and seeing the beautifully decorated tables with a unified look throughout the entire space.

author Rene Davenport, Wedding Consultant

Creative Ways to Save Money

2009-06-20T05:08:00.000-05:00

I am asked by many brides, “How do I save money in planning my wedding?”
Here are some popular suggestions:

1. Rent your wedding gown. Bridal gown rental companies are becoming more popular with the ever increasing cost of wedding gowns.
2. Shop sample sales. Bridal stores sell sample gowns at a substantial discount.
3. Have your reception on a Thursday, Friday or Sunday. Many reception venues may give you a discount on those days.
4. Have a winter wedding. Many vendors may give you a special cost discount for January through March.
5. Have a morning or afternoon reception. Evening receptions often cost more.
6. Have a punch & cake reception or serve champagne and desserts instead of dinner.
7. Have a cocktail reception with light hor’duerves.
8. Use linens provided by caterer or reception venue. Specialty linens can add up in cost.
9. Choose basic cake flavors such as vanilla, yellow, and almond with no filling for your wedding cake. Order buttercream instead of fondant frosting. Simple designs instead of fondant bows and flowers with ornate patterns. You will find that when you go to order your wedding cake, all of the fancy additions will drastically increase the price of your cake.
10. Order a smaller wedding cake for show and order sheet cakes to be cut-up and served to guest.
11. Hire a skilled silk florist instead of using fresh flowers. This could save you a considerable amount of money.
12. Keep your ceremony flowers and use them at the reception instead of buying additional flowers for the reception.
13. Use the fresh flower hand-tied bouquets as arrangements by putting them in a round glass globe or tall vase with water and arrange on the table.
14. Have a signature drink instead of an open bar.
15. Have premium liquor for cocktail hour and have beer and wine for the rest of the reception.
16. Make your own favors.
17. Make your own invitations.
18. Use one site for the ceremony and reception. You’ll cut down on fees and won’t need to spend money on transportation costs between the two locations.

Advice / Photo of wedding designed is by http://www.blackbride.com/ featured professional wedding consultant, Rene Davenport

Winter Spring Summer or Fall.... Flowers are a big part of your Wedding!

2009-05-26T10:31:00.000-05:00

Flowers for the bride......

flowers for attendants.....
flowers for the mothers
of the bride and groom......
flowers for the church /wedding site.....
flowers for the reception decoration,
tables and the wedding cakes!

Flowers are at the center of all decorating for most weddings! Want to know more about all the wonderful ways you can use flowers for your wedding?

Article by Wedding Constultant / floral designer, Rene Davenport.

Everything you Want to Know on Choosing Your Reception Venues and Caterers

2009-05-23T07:31:00.000-05:00

What kinds of reception venues are available for you? The search for the perfect reception venue can be quite a task. Know what to ask your caterer, too!

What kinds of reception venues are available to me? The search for the perfect reception venue can be quite a task.

Here are some popular types of reception venues:
Hotels
Country Clubs
Upscale Restaurants
Banquet Halls
Large Churches

Some un-traditional reception venues are:
Museums
Parks
Historic Homes
Art Galleries
Botanical Gardens
Yachts
Cruise Ships
Office Building Lobbies,
Roofs, Terraces

The choice is truly yours. Are you looking for an outside affair? Are you looking for a formal affair? Do you want the feel of your reception to be intimate with an at home feel? Would you like your guest to gaze upon fine paintings while drinking champagne? Or do you want to marry with the scent of thousands of roses in the air?
When answering these questions, consider these facts: Hotels, banquet facilities, and country clubs. These establishments offer with their onsite services; tables, chairs, linens, flatware, stemware, etc. With most non-traditional reception venues, these items will have to be rented and brought in and set-up. Usually the cost is drastically elevated.

Know Thy Caterer!

Your caterer is equally important as your reception venue choice. This is where the majority of your reception money will go. You should put a lot of time into this search. Here are some questions to ask a potential caterer:

1.Does the caterer specialize in a certain types of food? Can you taste his food?
2.What are the caterer’s prices? Do they charge per head?
3 .Does this include the food, linens, alcohol, etc.?
4.What other services does the caterer offer? Does he work like a wedding coordinator/banquet manager by cueing the band, telling the couple when to cut the cake, etc?
5.Will they supply references? If not, you should find another caterer?
6.If you choose an off-site reception venue, will the caterer arrange for rentals such as tables, chairs, plates, linens, silverware, etc.?
7.Will the caterer provide wait staff?
8.Does the caterer accept outside recipes?
9 .How will the caterer arrange the food on the buffet table?
10.Does the caterer supply wedding cakes as well?

You should be aware of the following terms when speaking with your caterer:

1.A La Carte: You create a customized menu by selecting items from different categories (appetizers, entrees, etc.)
2.Complete Menu: You choose one of the caterer’s menus.
3.Tray/Butlered Service: Servers walk among guests with trays of hors d’oeuvres or beverages.
4.French Service: Food is prepared or finished on tableside carts and served to seated guests.
5.Russian Service: Waiters serve guest from platters.
6.Seated Service: Food is preplated and served to guest.
7.Family Service: Waiters put platters on the tables and guest serve themselves.
8.Buffet: Guests help themselves to food displayed on buffet tables.
9.Food Stations: Food is divided by themes, such as sushi, pasta, baked potato, ice cream, etc.

Your contract with your caterer should include: the date, time, location, hours of service, on-site person in charge, timetable for reception and meal service, overtime, date for final head count, type of meal and service style, alcohol policy, beverages, rentals, clean-up, bar-set-up, final menu, number of servers and their attire. Also, a payment schedule, gratuities, taxes, extra costs, liability insurance, cancellation and refund policies.

Bon appetite!

Article and images by Rene Davenport, Wedding Consultant

Lets Talk Flowers! Silk or Fresh....

2009-03-14T19:13:00.000-05:00

Nothing can compare to nature’s perfume.
Fresh flowers are beautiful! So why would I consider silk flowers? Silk flowers are often chosen because they are less expensive. Sometimes by purchasing silk flowers, a bride may feel like she is not getting exactly what she wants. Well, those days are over. Today’s silk flowers not only look real some of them even feel real!

Let’s compare them, should I choose fresh or silk flowers?

FRESH FLOWERS.......
Highly fragrantExtensive variety of colors
More traditional than silk
More fresh flower florist then silk florist
Create a more opulent feeling then silk
Can be freeze dried

SILK FLOWERS........
Will not wilt or turn brown
Variety of colors, can possibly match to fabric of garment
Are everlasting and non-seasonalLighter to carry than fresh
Less expensive than freshEasily transported, no refrigeration required
Non-AllergenicPetals don’t drop off
Receive silks weeks in advance
Silks don’t draw insects

Things that make you go MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM????????

Article and floral arrangements/images by author, Rene Davenport

Let’s Talk Flowers! “Bouquet Styles”

2009-02-09T15:20:00.000-06:00

Your bridal bouquet is an accessory just like any other part of your bridal attire. It should complement the style of your wedding dress and color scheme. The type of bouquet you get can also be determined by the type of wedding you are having, for example, a formal affair versus a beach wedding.

Let’s explore the types of bridal bouquets.

Hand-tied bouquet - A bouquet of flowers that are not wired but fastened together with ribbon. Hand-tied bouquets are usually less expensive. The look is usually less formal.
Wired Bouquet – A bouquet where the stems are individually wired into shape.
Teardrop – A tight cascade bouquet in the shape of a teardrop.
Nosegay – An upright bouquet.
Cascade - A bouquet that falls forward in a cascade.
Arm Bouquet – A bouquet that is loosely held on one arm.
Pomander – A tightly constructed bouquet in a three-dimensional shape, such as a round globe or heart that is completely covered in blossoms. Pomanders are usually carried on a rope or ribbon.

The correct way to hold a bouquet is below your navel. Holding the bouquet low makes you look taller and slimmer. A short-waisted bride can elongate her look by carrying a trailing, pear-shaped bouquet.

Article, Bouquet Designs by author, Rene Davenport. Images of couple courtesy of Paul Haring Photography, based in Alexandria, Virginia with wedding photojournalism services available in Washington, DC and throughout the United States