wedding cake should be a fusion of personal style and good taste–literally! Gallery House can design a wedding cake for you that will taste as good as it looks! Plan to order your cake three to ten months in advance of your wedding. We limit the number of cakes per weekend, so that your cake gets our total attention. All of our cakes are baked from scratch. Fondant gives the cake a porcelain-like finish. A nice look for wedding cakes is to start with a buttercreme covered cake and add fondant embellishments. Before you book your wedding cake with us, we'll let you taste cake and different coverings. We'll help you from this point, and design a cake that fits your style and budget! One of the main reason brides choose Gallery House to create their wedding cake is because we don't require you to pick from standard cake designs. You shouldn't see your cake at another wedding, because we make every effort to design a unique cake that fits your desires, style and budget. Call for an appointment today for a private design consultation and wedding cake tasting Tasting cakes are small round cakes, custom baked for your tasting appointment. One of the best parts of any wedding is definitely the cake. Although you may think it is just a cake – your wedding cake will, in fact, be the centre piece of your wedding reception.
Wedding Cake tempts Taylor-Smith back into the swim
Andrew Webster November 25, 2007 IT'S a walk around the block by her usual standards, and she might be long retired, but ocean swimming legend Shelley Taylor-Smith knows her competitive instincts will take over when she competes in the Express Glass Island Challenge at Coogee today. The 2.4-kilometre swim around Wedding Cake Island is regarded as one of the premier events on the summer calendar and one of the few the 46-year-old has competed in since her retirement eight years ago. "I'll finish easily, but I'm not sure where I'll finish," she laughed. "But when I get in the water that eye of the tiger will kick in. Let's see what happens." Taylor-Smith has won marathon events all over the world, and broke the world record in 1995 for swimming the 48km distance in five hours, 45 minutes and 25 seconds. She is now pushing to enhance the profile of ocean swimming, especially with open-water swimming included in the program at the Beijing Olympics next year. "Events like this one at Coogee certainly help change attitudes about the sport," she said. "We are ranked No. 4 in the world, behind Russia, Germany and Italy. It deserves higher recognition." More than 1000 competitors are expected to enter the event, now in its seventh year, at Coogee Beach this morning. Among them will be former ironman champions Dean Mercer and his wife Reen Corbett, who will fly from Queensland's Sunshine Coast to join local girl Candice Falzon as the headline acts in what organisers say will be the strongest field ever assembled. Falzon, from nearby Maroubra, won the women's event last year. She finished a most creditable 14th in the gruelling Coolangatta Gold last month and is again expected to excel at Coogee. The main event begins at 10.30am, and is preceded by a 1km "Splash and Dash", which starts at 9.15.
Cookie secrets yield sweet success
By Laura Tonkyn, Journal staff Thursday, December 20, 2007 RAPID CITY - There is sure to be a yummy array of gingerbread, brownies, spritz, Mexican wedding cookies and more -- much more -- on holiday cookie trays this year. But for many bakers, the tray isn’t complete without some beautifully decorated cutouts – the stars, ornaments, bells and snowflakes created from a favorite sugar cookie recipe. It’s a time-consuming process – making and cutting out cookies -- and that’s not counting the patient hours of painting on the decorative frosting. Recently, Connie Suto, a Rapid City restaurateur and master baker, showed a roomful of baking students at Someone’s In the Kitchen how to make sure the long hours of baking result in stunning holiday cookies. Suto’s cake and cookie expertise, along with her delicious luncheon menus, have been bringing customers to her Mount Rushmore Road eatery, Piece of Cake, for 2-1/2 years. And 16 years ago, it was cake design that provided her a start in the business. “I used to sell insurance, and my mom brought in a cake,” she said. “A gentleman saw it and wanted us to do his wedding cake.” Soon Suto was baking cakes for the man’s friends, and her business grew from there. Suto grew up on a ranch west of Hermosa, and cooking was always part of the rural lifestyle. As a young woman, Suto discovered she enjoyed artistic activities such as watercolor painting. “For me to design cakes is just natural,” she said. “It all comes together. I always loved to cook and make people happy.” Today, Suto bakes and designs cakes for about 150 weddings a year, plus many other celebration cakes. It’s her sister, Karen Heinrichs, who bakes most of the cookies at Piece of Cake. But Suto has lots of cookie know-how herself. “A key to sweet stuff is using pure vanilla,” she said. “Once you are used to that, artificial makes things taste yucky.” Suto says she uses real butter, fresh ingredients and pure extracts in the roll-out sugar cookie dough used for the holiday cut-outs. The dough should be between 1/8- and ¼-inch thick, and when baked, should be slightly brown around the edges. “It has to be sturdy enough to hold the icing,” she said. “And it has to taste good and look good.” Suto’s cookies have a special ingredient that makes them taste particularly good – but that’s a trade secret, she said. When measuring the flour, spoon into a cup and level with a knife. Don’t compact it by tapping or packing. And don’t overmix the dough, Suto added. “Incorporate your flour, then stop mixing.” When rolling out the dough, take the scraps and add them to a new piece of dough. The unbaked cookies should be placed on an aluminum pan, never a dark pan. “Insulated pans are great,” Suto said, because they brown evenly. For cakes, and for cookies, too, an inserted toothpick should come out with crumbs on it. “If your toothpick comes out dry, your cake is dry,” Suto said. In her cookie class, Suto used Royal Icing for decorating. “We use it on these particular cookies because of the pulling technique,” she said. Buttercream icing is likely more flavorful, according to Suto, but does not have the decorating ease. A good number of people give up on decorating cookies because they start with store-bought frosting. “It has horrible results,” she said, adding that a poor outcome is likely caused by wrong tools and wrong products. Proving her point, the results were amazingly fine at the cookie class Suto taught. Each student used three decorator bags of Royal Icing, one white, one dyed green and one dyed red. Each also was provided with a fat tip, two thinner tips and a supply of toothpicks. The fat tips were used to fill in the background of each cookie with white frosting, while the thinner tips were used with the red and green bags to begin the design work. After a line of colored frosting was squeezed onto the filled-in cookie, the toothpicks were used to “pull” the line into beautiful patterns. There was a festive spirit as the class worked on their cookies, with some students showing amazed pride at the successful outcomes. “What’s great about it is that everybody’s cookie looks different,” Suto said after the class. “There are always some people who are very artistic. They try it my way, then they do something different.” Once students learn the basic techniques, Suto encourages them to experiment with different colors and patterns. She does advise a little caution. “Cookies can be complex. People start with too much and can get overwhelmed. Start with the very basic and get very beautiful cookies,” she said. But her class is really about giving people the tools to free up their Christmas creativity. “A lot of people come in skeptical and think they will be bad,” she said. “We prove them wrong.”
What's hot in weddings -- and what's not
December 22, 2007 By Anja Winikka Scripps Howard News Service What's in: Invites that wow Let your invites be the star of the show. Choose a design that will make a bold statement about the two of you and your wedding day -- think two-color fonts, envelopes lined in a bright color or a funky wedding motif. Keep the focus on the invite design and colors; skip all the individual inserts -- simple tri-fold invites are in. What's out: Overstuffed envelopes. Even the most glamorous brides are eco-conscious and are choosing to nix the wasteful paper inserts; now they're directing guests to their wedding Web sites for all the extra info. What's in: Eclectic decor Find ways to add elements that reflect you as a couple. Mix and match colorful vases from an antique store or fill bold-patterned tea cans with flowers for your cocktail tables. For added wow, tent your ceiling with punchy fabric or hang a few vintage chandeliers in your space. What's out: The same vase and flowers at every table. It's all about an unexpected pop of style. What's in: Signature bars Signature cocktails have gotten bigger and better -- now, the entire bar has a theme. Think margarita stations, drink menus with four signature cocktails (Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue), or wine-tasting tables. What's out: Vodka shot ice sculptures. Don't let your wedding turn into a frat party. If you want to serve shooters, make them wedding-worthy by dusting the shot glass rims with edible gold flakes and passing them around during the cocktail hour. What's in: Six-course meals You may have a gorgeous wedding cake, but the dessert course is your chance to serve some old-time favorites and really impress. Opt for butler-served apple pie a la mode, strawberry shortcake with whipped cream, or a rich chocolate mousse garnished with chocolate shavings. Then, to amp the wow factor, lay out an artisan cheese and Port wine buffet. What's out: Overlooking the dessert course. Cake is important, yes, but adding in something sweet at the end of the meal really packs a punch. What's in: Longer celebrations A wedding is no longer just a one-day celebration -- the event has turned into a weekend of gatherings for family and friends. Invite guests a day or two early and throw a welcome party (a clambake or cookout perhaps). After the reception, invite all your guests to an after-party with fireside s'mores. The next morning, plan a post-wedding brunch send-off. What's out: Having a "club-like" after-party. Wild and crazy after-parties don't suit today's couples, who are more likely to invite friends of all ages and backgrounds and want to keep the gathering more intimate and memorable. What's in: Honeymoon hopping Can't decide between a relaxing beach vacation or an active, adventurous one? You don't have to. Plan to do a little hopping while on your honeymoon. Use the interactive map on the honeymoon channel (TheKnot.com/honeymoon) and choose two or three destinations for your once-in-a-lifetime trip. What's out: One-sided honeymoons that benefit either the bride or groom. This should be the trip-of-a-lifetime for both of you. What's in: Going green Planning a wedding is the ideal opportunity to show off your socially and environmentally conscious side. For decor, use potted plants as your centerpieces instead of pesticide-treated flowers. Reduce paper by directing guests to your wedding Web site and avoiding paper-packed invites. And, in terms of the menu, serve up in-season courses and hire a caterer that uses locally grown ingredients. What's out: Bridezillas who are stuck on themselves. Planning a wedding is the perfect place to exercise socially responsible decision-making.
Making-Over the Traditional Wedding Cake
by WeddingCakeCreations.com Most people accept that the traditional wedding cake is what they will serve at their marriage. However, a new generation of couples are choosing to go a different route and shaking up the status quo by radically redefining the look and style of the typical wedding cake. Instead of the tiered white cake topped by a representation of the bride and groom standing side by side, some of today’s more drastically overhauled cakes are imaginative and creative masterpieces of sugar and spice. From custom designed wedding cake toppers to custom designed cakes – everything goes. Customizing Your Wedding Cake Topper A great way to move out of the ordinary is to customize your wedding cake topper. It is relatively easy and inexpensive to do so and will give your cake an added flare that will make it even more special. Cake toppers can be made to resemble the bride and groom. Some fantastic craftspeople can fashion toppers of you and your fiancé out of non-toxic clay-like materials that can be made in any position including rock-climbing, bowling, playing in a band or relaxing on the beach – the choice is up to you. If you are not quite so adventurous you can get a cake artist to airbrush your pictures onto the cake or have a favorite picture placed in a custom cake topper. There are also great ideas that range from Native American two headed jugs to crystal birds that make wonderful cake toppers. As long as what you choose says something about you – then you have made the right choice. Choosing a Special Theme for your Wedding Cake If you really want to make a lasting impression then customizing your wedding cake by giving it a theme – maybe one that matches your reception hall or one that reflects an interest, hobby or passion that you share as a couple – is a great way to set your wedding apart from the rest. Below is a short list of different ways in which you can customize your wedding cake. Decorations and Accents It is not necessary to completely overhaul the traditional tiered wedding cake if you are not comfortable with the idea. However, through the use of decorations you can get the baker to really kick up the pizzazz and dazzle of your confection. By adding sugar paste flowers, seashells or beading or by using fondant to create extraordinary ribbons, bows, lace and other eye-catching designs, it is certainly possible to get a cake that will not soon be forgotten. Cake Sculpting – A Fine Art Cake sculpting is where a cake designer can truly show-off their skills and talent. These exceptional cakes require great attention to detailing and mastery as a pastry chef. Some of the fabulous cakes created by sculpting include baskets, beaches, sand castles and mountains. When it comes to cake sculpting the sky really is the limit. However, bear in mind that such cakes will, in general, cost more than your average wedding cake. Mini Cakes and Cup Cakes If the cake design you choose cannot be made large enough to feed all of your guests or if you just want to add a bit of whimsy to your party, then you can always opt for serving mini cakes or cup cakes. These tiny replicas of the big wedding cake are just as tasty and beautifully decorated as the real thing – except on a small scale. Despite their size – you can be sure your guests will love them! No matter what you decide just remember that you and your fiancé are the ones who should ultimately be happy with the cake you choose. So, whether you want to stick with tradition and the typical tiers or go completely out on a limb – there are people who can help you get exactly what you want.
The Winter Wonderland Wedding Cake
by WeddingCakeCreations.com Perhaps nothing is more beautiful than a winter wedding with gently falling snow highlighting the beauty of the festive season. Winter weddings are special for many reasons including the wonderful choice of wedding cakes that they offer up for your pleasure. Winter is great in that you can literally have your choice of any cake you want. As the season is cold it is highly conducive to a wide variety of scrumptious cakes including mousses and ice creams. The choice of winter cake is truly limited only by your imagination and your sense of adventure. Although you can certainly stick with the traditional tiered wedding cake for your winter wedding you can always shake things up by having that traditional cake be made from your favorite ice cream or a fine mousse. Such desserts would otherwise melt in warm weather which is why they are ideally suited to winter weddings. However, a cool mint icing along with spun sugar decorations could work just as well for a winter wonderland wedding. Deciding on a theme for your winter wedding can be done with the aid of an experienced cake designer who will be able to lead you in the right direction so that you end up choosing exactly the right flavors, frosting, design and decoration for your winter wedding cake. If you do not know any cake designers ask around – you will be surprised at how many people will be more than willing to point you in the right direction. If no one in your entourage has any hot tips then you should definitely check out any bridal salons or fairs that might be visiting your city. These fantastic places group everyone from wedding planers to vacation planners to cake designers together for your pleasure and convenience. A winter wedding can certainly be a wonderful thing – and with the right cake it will be as memorable for your guests as the honeymoon will be for you
The Ubiquitous Wedding Cake Topper
by WeddingCakeCreations.com Although the first thing that springs to mind for most people when they think about a wedding cake topper is the traditional representation of the bride and groom standing side-by-side, cake toppers are no longer relegated to a cheesy plastic bauble. The choice and variety available in cake toppers is simply fantastic and if you have a skilled cake designer – he or she can certainly come up with something far more interesting than the simple bride and groom. Today cake toppers are so beautifully worked that many of them can easily look at home as a showpiece for your living room. They can be made from a variety of fine materials including crystal, porcelain, glass and jade. They can be anything from entwined hearts to doves to flowers or even framed pictures of the bride and groom. The list of what constitutes a cake topper is endless. If your wedding is following a certain theme then you can choose a cake topper to match your theme. For instance a medieval wedding can have a knight and lady cake topper while a beach wedding can have seashells. If the wedding is in winter then crystals can be used to create snowflakes, icicles or other appropriate themes. Cake toppers give you a chance to have some fun. If you really want a traditional tiered wedding cake you can always throw in a bit of whimsy with your choice of cake topper. There is no reason why you should stick with the tried and true if that is not what you are about. Your wedding cake should be as special and unique to you as the rest of the wedding reception and a great way to do that is by getting yourself a great topper for your cake.
A Wedding Cake Primer
by WeddingCakeCreations.com Wedding planning can be a very exciting time and it is easy, in the myriad of things that need to get done, to lose track of choosing and ordering a wedding cake. Although it may seem like a, well, piece of cake the selection of a gateau should be given your utmost attention as it plays a very significant role at your wedding reception. Wedding cakes come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Although traditionally they were round, tiered confections made of fruit cake and iced with vanilla frosting, today their design, flavor and style can run the gamut from staid to stunning. There are a few elements to consider in the selection of your cake: design, style, flavor, filling and frosting. The design of the cake and the style of your cake generally go hand-in hand. The typical tiered cakes are more formal and elegant while the newer cakes offer a bit of fun and whimsy while retaining a graceful air. The design of your cake will also depend on the frosting you choose. Buttercream frosting is the choice for traditional cakes as it can be used to make a plethora of wonderful designs. However, the frosting of choice for the modern couple is the fondant – a shimmery, satiny covering that can be used to make intricate designs and spectacular accents. The flavor and the filling of the cake will depend entirely on your personal taste. Gone are the days of the sugar-heavy fruit cake. Today the cake flavor can be anything you choose including mango, amaretto and strawberry. So long as it tastes good, you are free to use it. The filling is the delicious layer of cream, custard, mouse or frosting used to keep the layers of cake together and they can also be anything you wish. Once you have chosen all of these elements then you are ready to order your cake. When doing so, make sure to choose a cake designer or baker whom you trust and who was able to provide you with proof of what they can deliver. Once your order is placed (at least six to four months before the wedding) then you can rest assured that you will have a wedding cake as memorable as the wedding itself.
Customizing your Wedding Cake Topper
by WeddingCakeCreations.com Since your wedding cake is supposed to be a reflection of you and your fiancé then what better way to communicate who you are than by customizing your cake topper? We have all seen the traditional, staid bride-and-groom cake topper, but it is possible to find unique toppers that better reflect your couple. There are literally hundreds of sites on the internet from which you can order cake toppers that range in style from traditional to contemporary to custom designs. For the couple who loves a gag, it is even possible to find humorous cake toppers such as ones where the bride is seen dragging a kicking and screaming groom to the altar or a couple riding a Harley Davidson. Those who prefer something with a personal touch can always customize their own cake topper. Many companies specialize in creating personalized cake toppers that incorporate a couple’s picture, a memento from their courtship or some other personal item into the topper. Couples who decide to go this route should plan their topper design well in advance to give the company enough time to design, make and deliver the toppers before the wedding date. A cake topper can also be an instrument that either member of the couple enjoys playing, a crystal heart or any other finely wrought sculpture that expresses your love and your happiness at finally walking down that aisle. Regardless of what you choose, a wedding cake topper is a great way to personalize your wedding cake. Depending on what you choose as a topper it can also be a great conversation starter for family and friends who may have never met or who have not seen each other in many years. Wedding cake toppers have come a long way since the typical bride-and-groom, so be creative and take advantage of the choice for your wedding day!
Top up your Wedding Cake with a Fetching Topper
by WeddingCakeCreations.com Wedding cake toppers used to be a very dull and generic bride and groom standing side by side. Regardless of race or ethnicity the topper was always a Caucasian couple wearing western dress. Those days are thankfully long gone! Today wedding cake toppers come in so many different sizes, shapes and styles that choosing the right one can take as much time as choosing the right cake. Here are a few popular ideas to help in this fun decision: Monograms Using a custom made monogram cake topper is a very elegant choice. This classy topper serves a dual purpose in that it can also be used to monogram the napkins, table cloths and party favors – creating a simple and unifying theme for your wedding. Individualized Toppers Many cake designers offer their artistry for the creation of personalized cake toppers made to resemble the bride and groom. These custom figures can be realistic, impressions or fantasies of what the couple would like to be. Although pricy, these personal toppers can really make a big splash. Themed Toppers Wedding cake toppers can also match the overall theme of the wedding. For instance a western wedding can have two pairs of cowboy boots on them. A medieval wedding can have a knight and his lady on the cake or two doctors might choose to have a stethoscope and thermometer on the cake – the choice really is up to you. Wedding cake toppers are available in as many materials as shapes and themes. There are some very costly toppers that are made with such fine materials as crystal, porcelain and even ceramic while the more affordable ones are generally made out of acrylic. If you have an unlimited budget then you might want to commission a piece made out of jade, silver, gold or bronze. However, before making your final choice talk to your cake designer as some cakes may be unable to bear the heavier toppers.
Modern Magic with a Contemporary Wedding Cake
by WeddingCakeCreations.com It is hard to define what exactly constitutes a modern wedding cake – although most people agree that if you opt for a white tiered cake then you have gone the traditional route. Modern cakes are infused with fun and whimsy. They reflect the personalities and tastes of the couple instead of being just a sweet and pretty looking dessert. They are works of art that a cake designer has labored over – sometimes for days. The modern wedding cake is a magnificent marriage of creativity, taste explosions and unparalleled beauty. Here are some of the ways in which modern chefs have revolutionized the way we think about wedding cakes… Expanding Flavors Cake flavors are no longer the plain offerings they were in the past and have (thankfully!) moved away from the brandied fruit cake confections they once were. Today the choice of flavors ranges from straight vanilla to banana, carrot, mango and strawberry to your choice of liqueurs. Wedding cakes can be made ice cream or mousses or even cheese cakes. Selecting what you want really hinges on your personal taste. New Designs Instead of the typical round or square cakes – designers are opting to use more varied shapes in the creation of contemporary wedding cakes. Some cakes are stepped instead of tiered, some are hexagonal and some are molded. Modern cakes also bear fabulous decorations including intricately made flowers, shells, beading, lace or ribbons. Presentation The way in which wedding cakes are presented has also changed. The stands are no longer a regular base but sometimes several delicate bases, sometimes they rotate or incorporate fountains or flowers in them. The more you are willing to spend the more ostentatious the presentation of the cake can be, however, no matter what you select the modern cake is sure to make a lasting impression on all who see and taste it.
Getting a Wedding Cake that is Uniquely Yours
by WeddingCakeCreations.com When planning a wedding most people give plenty of thought to their dress, the hall, the music, the flowers and the catering and only then stop to think about their cake. Wedding cakes are just as integral to hosting a memorable wedding as the color of the table cloths and is, in fact, far more important since the cake is among the things that your guests will remember most from your big day. Getting a fabulous wedding cake is easier than it might seem as long as you do a little bit of research before hand. Look through magazines to get an idea of the kind of style you like. Once you have settled on one or two designs then start looking for a baker or cake designer. If you do not know any bakers ask around. You will be surprised at how many people will be able to point you in the right direction. In fact, your caterer, the reception hall manager and your band may also be able to provide you with several good cake designers with whom they have worked with in the past. Once you have a list of bakers, call them up and make an appointment to meet with them. This whole process should be started at least six to four months before the date of your wedding. When meeting with the baker or cake designer you should make sure to cover several key areas including: * Design - take pictures of cakes you like * Size or number of tiers – this is usually dictated by your guest list * Frosting – specify your favorites: butter cream, fondant, royal, etc… * Flavors and fillings – taste a sampling of their best sellers or their specialties * Accents and toppers - fresh flowers, beading, traditional topper, etc… * Cost and delivery You should also find out how the cake will be made. For example: * Will the cake be fresh or is it baked in advance and frozen? * Is everything made from scratch? What are the ingredients that are used? Can they make allergen-free cakes if necessary? * How many contracts do they sign per weekend? * Are they certified by the Department of Health and Agriculture? Never feel pressured to settle with a baker if you are not fully satisfied that they can produce the cake you want. After all, it is your big day and you should not have to worry that the cake will be anything short of outstanding.
Wedding Cake Designers are True Artists
by WeddingCakeCreations.com If you have ever seen a wedding cake then you know that those sumptuous creations of cake, filling and frosting are among the most difficult pastries that a chef will ever be called upon to create. The wedding cake is the centre piece of any wedding reception and must not only be pleasing to see and taste but it must also last for several hours in a warm reception hall. Naturally this criteria makes the cake designer’s job somewhat of a stressful métier. Cake designers generally begin planning the creation of a wedding cake weeks in advance. Typically they have a bevy of assistants who help them bring their vision to life. The assistants help with the creation of the hundreds of sugar paste flowers, birds, shells or ribbons that the cake will use or help whip up the icing and batter. However, the designer is the one who ultimately has to put everything together in that perfect way so that when your guests walk into the reception hall they are left speechless. The cake designer’s job begins the moment he or she meets with a client. Taking the wishes of the client the designer must then come up with a design that will please the couple without being repetitive. It is their job to ensure that each wedding cake is unique and personalized to match the desires and characters of the couple who order it. The actually cake making starts three to five days before the wedding and continues up until the cake is to be delivered. The stages involved include creating the decorations ahead of time and freezing them, baking the different layers of the cake, making the filling and frosting and then putting it all together. Once the cake designer’s job is done – you have only to step back and admire their handiwork.
Getting Your Very Own Designer Wedding Cake
by WeddingCakeCreations.com One of the best parts of any wedding is definitely the cake. The wedding cake is an important part of the reception and symbolizes so much more than just a tasty dessert. The significant role that cakes play in a wedding is why they should be chosen with care. Here are a few things to keep in mind when deciding on a wedding cake. The Time and Place of the Wedding In the past wedding cakes were generally fruit cakes because they were rich treats that lasted a long time regardless of the weather – not so today. With the sheer variety of different cakes available from mousses to ice cream, the date and place of your wedding will play a big role in the kind of cake you can have. If you are planning a summer wedding with an outdoor reception, then your cake will have to be hardy enough to withstand summer heat. However, if you will be in an air-conditioned hall then you will have more flexibility with your choice of cake. Just be sure to discuss the details of your day with your baker who will undoubtedly be able to steer you in the right direction. The Size of the Wedding Cake Traditionally wedding cakes were several tiers with a topper to cap it off. Today wedding cakes vary in style, shape and size as much as the scale and scope to the weddings themselves! The size of your wedding cake will be influenced by the number of guests you expect. The larger your guest list – the larger the cake. If your guest list is just too big to adequately be served by one cake then you always have the option of having a main cake for cutting and serving individual-sized mini cakes. The Flavor and the Icing Although choices were limited in the past, today the sky is the limit! You can literally serve any flavor of cake that suits your fancy, although most couples choose plain white cakes with vanilla frosting simply because they please the widest number of people. However, that does not mean that you cannot combine several flavors in one cake or have it smothered in caramel-mocha frosting – in the end, it is your cake and you should be happy with it. Decorations and Accents Once you have chosen the flavor and the frosting next comes the accents or decorations. What you decide to have on your cake will truly be a reflection of who you are and what you like, so have fun with it and make your cake as memorable, beautiful and unique as your relationship.
How to Get the Wedding Cake of your Dreams!
by WeddingCakeCreations.com Cutting the cake at a wedding is as traditional as the groom removing the bride’s garter belt or the bride tossing her bouquet – it just has to be done! But the reality is that a wedding cake is so much more than just fun and games. It is a tradition weighted down by the significance of the day it commemorates. The wedding cake is the centerpiece of any marriage celebration. The cake is what all your guests will admire as they file into your reception hall and what they will use to sweeten their palates once the meal has ended. So, choose well and with care when you are picking out your delectable confection – it carries more importance than you might have realized. When it comes to choosing a cake there is a wide variety of styles, flavors, colors and motifs from which to choose. Start your selection process by rifling through as many wedding magazines as possible – they will all undoubtedly have plenty of fine examples to tempt you. Narrow down your selection to your top five favorites and then sit down with your partner and have some fun! Since nothing is created in stone, any cake you find can always be altered to better reflect your own tastes, personality and relationship. Make each layer a different flavor, change the colors, tweak the icing or flip the design – whatever will truly make the cake your own! Some people like the traditional topper on their cake while others prefer more modern styles. If you do choose to go the topper route, know that there are numerous fun, fanciful and creative ideas available today. Some people also choose to use an heirloom topper, which might have been handed down from one generation to the next. Whatever you decide just make sure that your wedding cake is a harmonious reflection of who you are as a couple since it is one of the most powerful symbols of your memorable day. Once you have settled on what you envision as your dream wedding cake, then it is time to hit the bakeries. Finding the right baker to entrust with the creation of this most precious confection should not be taken lightly. Meeting with several bakers is a very good idea. Go through their look-books to see examples of their previous work. Talk to them about your idea, or better yet, show them a picture of what you want and see how flexible they are to making changes. Before deciding on a baker, have them bake you a miniature model of your cake to taste. This will allow you to make absolutely sure that they can deliver what they promise – and it is a great excuse for eating cake! Although you are supposed to traditionally freeze the top layer of your cake to enjoy again on your first anniversary, many couples are opting to save it from freezer burn and savor it the moment they get back from their honeymoons. After all – it simply means that on their first wedding anniversary they will have a great excuse for buying another delicious cake!
The Right Icing can Make the Wedding Cake
by WeddingCakeCreations.com Once you have selected the style, flavor and filling for your wedding cake it is time to decide on the frosting. Although it may seem simple and straight forward – there are several different types of icing available and what you choose will definitely affect that kind of finish your cake will have and what kind of decorations can be put on it. The most common and by far the frosting most used on traditional wedding cakes is buttercream. This creamy, light frosting is made with sugar, butter and eggs and can easily be flavored or colored. Buttercream is so popular because is can be used to make a wide range of beautiful designs and decorations while also being a very tasting filling. One of the trendiest frostings currently being used by cake designers everywhere is the fondant or rolled fondant icing. Made from glucose or corn syrup and shortening, fondant not only holds up well under most conditions, but it can also be given a shimmery look that adds extra dazzle to a wedding cake. Fondant can be draped to look like yards of ribbon, twisted, folded and applied easily to the surface of a wedding cake – making it a tasty, versatile and beautiful frosting. An old favorite with cake designers every where is Marzipan. This rich and tasty treat is made with crushed almonds, eggs and sugar. It can be made to look like fondant, but it’s exorbitant cost makes it better suited to fashioning flowers, leaves, seashells and other decorative elements from its flavorful paste. However, if a cake has marzipan accents it must be sealed properly before being placed in a refrigerator as any moisture will affect the way the confections look. A frosting that is quickly gaining in favor is rolled chocolate – otherwise called chocolate fondant, chocolate plastic or plastique. Chocolate is melted with glycerine or corn syrup to create this lovely covering that is being used more and more often for wedding cakes as well as groom’s cakes. If your cake requires a lot of delicate lace work you can be sure that the cake designer will use royal icing. This pure white and very hard frosting is the ideal medium of creating intricate designs and decorations. Since it cannot be refrigerated, it is not advisable to frost the entire cake in it.
Choosing the Right Flavor for your Style of Wedding Cake
by WeddingCakeCreations.com Although you may think it is just a cake – your wedding cake will, in fact, be the centre piece of your wedding reception. The eyes of all your guests will automatically rivet to the layers of cream, frosting and sugar with which you will cap the evening by cutting for all to share. So, when you are choosing your wedding cake, you have to make sure that it not only matches the style and theme of your wedding and reception, but that it is a proper reflection of you as a couple. Choosing a wedding cake is probably one of the most enjoyable things about marriage planning, but it can take time to find just the right cake and just the right person to create it, so be sure to start looking for a baker at least six months ahead of time – after all you want your cake to be unforgettable, right? Taste Wedding cakes can come in a multitude of flavors. In the past, necessity dictated that the wedding cake be made with fruits and brandy – very similar to a Christmas cake. The fruit cake was an ideal wedding cake as it kept for a long time and the ingredients made it a rich and expensive offering that could not be indulged in every day. Today, all that has changed. As our tastes have evolved the traditional wedding fruit cake has taken a back seat to the more flavorsome and delicate tastes now available. From plain vanilla to chocolate to coconut, almond and even pineapple – the flavor you choose for your wedding cake can be as unique as your relationship. Many people end up choosing a white or Angel cake with vanilla icing as it is not as sweet as some other choices and will please most palates. No matter what your choice just make sure that it your cake is large enough to go around with some left over for you to freeze for your first anniversary. An important consideration when choosing your wedding cake is the icing. Since the cake will have to sit in the hall for several hours before it is cut, make sure that the icing will retain its flavor. There is nothing worse than going through all the trouble of ordering a fabulous cake only to have the icing lose its flavor or consistency before it is ready to be eaten. A good way to ensure that your cake will stand the test of time is to have a mini replica of your cake made and to let it sit for a while to see how it then looks and tastes. This will give you a good indication of several things including the competency of your baker, the hardiness or your cake and the way it will taste when it is finally served. Style The style of your wedding cake is a very personal thing. The style you choose will automatically reflect you as a couple. Traditionally wedding cakes were multi-tiered and topped by a miniature bride and groom. Nowadays wedding cakes can be elaborate confections of delicate lace icing or very simple forms covered my minimalist decorations and elegant icing. Looking through wedding planning magazines and even flipping through a baker’s look-book will give you hundreds of fabulous ideas for creating your dream cake.
Knowing which Baker to Trust with the Creation of your Wedding Cake
by WeddingCakeCreations.com Wedding planning is definitely not a piece of cake – no pun intended! There are so many crucial decisions to make that sometimes choosing the right baker to create your wedding cake can take a back seat to dress fittings, ring shopping, reception hall viewing and generally managing the stress that comes with planning such a big event. However, by following a few helpful suggestions you can be sure to get the cake of your dreams. 1. Try to narrow downyour choice of style, shape and flavor of wedding cake before looking for a baker. Knowing what you like and what you want will help you in selecting a baker who is familiar with your preferred style of cake. 2. Find out which bakers in your area specialize in wedding cakes and then instead of just dropping in, make an appointment. By letting the baker know ahead of time that you are coming and that you are “interviewing” bakers for your wedding cake they will be prepared for your arrival. Most bakers will have a complete look-book of their previous work and some will even have samples of the cakes for you to taste. 3. When you meet with the baker go through their look-books carefully and find out if they are the ones who create every cake or if they have assistants helping them out. Some bakeries claim that the head baker does all the work, when in fact they have apprentices helping out. Although this may not seem like a big deal, you certainly do not want a novice practicing their trade on your wedding cake. Ask the baker questions such as: what kind of cake he prefers to bake, what his specialty is and how willing he is to try something new. Ideally you want to choose someone who specializes in the kind of cake you desire but also someone who is flexible and creative. 4. Ask to taste some of their samples to find out exactly what you can expect on your wedding day. 5. Find out what kind of guarantees they offer and whether or not they deliver. Lastly remember that bakers are artists who express themselves through pastry. Calling them to let them know how pleased you are with the result will give them a big boost and show your class. By following these suggestions, finding the right baker for your wedding cake will no longer seem like a daunting task. With just a little bit of effort having the perfect cake for your wedding can be achieved because – after all - your wedding will be remembered for a lifetime and so will the cake that you serve.
What to Find out from your Wedding Cake Baker or Designer
by WeddingCakeCreations.com Create a wedding cake that will be as talked about as your reception! Not many of us interview bakers for a living, so it is only natural that we might feel stumped as to what to ask potential bakers and cake designers when we are interviewing them for our wedding cake. Here are a few questions that will help you find out what you need to know before you make your decision. * Can we see your portfolio of your previous work? * Is it possible to have a tasting of various wedding cake flavors and fillings? * Do you have at least three references whom we can contact? * Are you comfortable creating a custom wedding cake or are there a set number of designs and styles from which we can choose? * What is your pricing like and how flexible is it? Is there a price list that I can consult? * Do your prices include such items as cake toppers, stands, tiers, fountains, and cutters or are they charged as extras? If I change flavors or fillings will it change the price? * If my cake requires fresh flowers, will you contact my florist, do you have one or your own or must I provide you with the flowers myself? * What ingredients do you typically use? What kind of icing do you use? (Better ingredients will cost more, but will make the cake taste better) * Can you make peanut-free or other allergen-free (eggs, milk, gluten, etc…) cakes? * Will the cake be prepared the day of the wedding or before hand? If so, how long before the wedding will it be prepared and how will it affect the taste? Ideally the cake should be prepared as close to the wedding day as possible as it will taste freshest, but be wary of anyone who says that they bake the wedding cake on the wedding day. Wedding cakes are so intricate that they require several days of preparation and anyone who tells you otherwise is either lying or inexperienced. Most cakes take anywhere between three to five days to prepare. * Can you give me a written proposal to take home? * How much for delivery? Will the delivery person be able to make emergency frosting or decoration repairs and arrange the cake table? Remember that it is always best to have the baker deliver the cake as then they are responsible for any accidents that might happen along the way. By asking the right questions and knowing all the answers it is possible to have the perfect cake and eat it too!
Do your Research Before Visiting the Wedding Cake Designer
by WeddingCakeCreations.com Guidelines to guarantee that your get the wedding cake you want Chances are you have been imagining your wedding day since you were a little girl and dreaming about your dress, the hall and – yes, even the cake. You have probably even seen those fabulous and tantalizing cakes in the wedding magazines that not only accent the marriage party and hall but add a chic glamour to the setting as well. If that is the kind of gorgeous cake you want for your wedding then all you have to do is a little bit of homework before meeting with the cake designer or baker. 1. Research: If you have not already started looking through wedding magazines for wedding cake examples then now is a good time to do so! Narrow down your selection as much as possible before meeting with any baker or designer so that you know ahead of time what you want. 2. Consult with your fiancé: Since the cake should be a reflection of your couple, find out if you both want the same thing. If not, then find a style, flavor and design with which you are both happy. Also determine what you are willing to spend on your cake. 3. Have a theme: Most people want their cake to coordinate with elements of the wedding so you should have a good idea of: * The overall color scheme for the wedding from bridesmaid dresses to the table cloths * The flowers you will likely be using * What the budget is for your wedding cake * Approximately how many guests you expect * The overall style, theme and formality of your wedding Knowing these things before you meet with your baker or cake designer will help you select a cake that will not only coordinate beautifully with your wedding but will give the festivities an added layer of style and sophistication.
Getting the Right Wedding Cake at the Right Price
by WeddingCakeCreations.com Weddings can be expensive affairs. Getting exactly what you want usually means paying prices that quickly add up to more than most people can afford. A great way of cutting costs is by doing your homework and shopping wisely. However, one place you certainly do not want to compromise is with your wedding cake. As this sugary treat will be the centre piece of your wedding reception and also serve as the dessert, it is definitely worth your while to invest a little bit more to get the right cake for you wedding. However, that said, there are some great ways of getting that cake of your dreams while also saving the cents. Limit your guests By keeping your guest list down you will not only save money on the cake, but you will also save big in catering and alcohol costs. Going Square Choose a square design for your cake as it will feed far more people than a round cake of the same size. Forego the Fake Finery Have your cake topped by fresh fruits and real flowers. Not only will it look amazing but it will save all of the time and money it costs to have real-looking flowers and fruits made from sugar-paste. Understated Elegance Instead of an intricately detailed cake, go the modern, minimalist route and have your cake covered in a simple Swiss dot pattern or with a wide ribbon around the base. Also since each additional flavor will increase the price, sticking to one flavor is a tasty and economical option. All-in-one Catering Many reception halls offer their own catering and baking services. Find out if yours does as well. If they do, then have them design your cake as it will save on delivery and service fees. What they Don’t Know… If you have your heart set on several tiers of frosting covered beauty but cannot afford the price tag, then ask your baker to substitute some layers for frosted Styrofoam. It will look just as good without the cost – and no one will be the wiser. Something Completely Different If cakes are not your thing and you really want to make waves, serve what modern young couples are opting for and serve deserts other than cake. Desserts such as pies, tarts, flans and, yes, even donuts are turning up at some of the poshest weddings. Getting what you want for your wedding feast should not have to be a compromise. By following the few tips listed above you are sure to find the perfect cake at the perfect price.
One of a Kind Wedding Cakes
by WeddingCakeCreations.com Wedding cakes have come a long way from the days of three tiers and white frosting. Today a talented cake designer using the new cake making tools and secrets along with the right frosting and filling can virtually create anything you have in mind. Themes are big for wedding cakes. They can be a springboard from which your ideas can take flight. Couples who are active types might want to have a sports-themed cake while adventure lovers might get a kick out of a motorcycle cake topper. More traditional couples might choose to have a Victorian themed lace covered cake while a couple who met on an overseas trip to Asia might enjoy a vase shaped cake topped by edible orchids. Another great way of personalizing your wedding cake is to have it covered in sugar paste flowers. A skilled cake designer can make these sugary creations look so real that your guests will be thoroughly delighted when they learn that the beautiful flowers covering the cake can be eaten! Some couples like to match their cake to the season in which they marry. Summer cakes typically abound with daisies and summer flowers while spring cakes sport butterflies and pastel buds. Winter cakes can be covered in frosty lace and ribbons while fall cakes can reflect autumn’s blaze with nuts, leaves and chrysanthemums. Other unique ideas for wedding cakes include cakes made to look like richly wrapped presents, cakes that look like fine jewelry and cakes that bear airbrushed likeness of the bride and groom. It is possible to get exactly what you want when it comes to your wedding cake. By planning well ahead of time and by consulting with as many experts as you can you will be able to find just the right design to display on your big day.
The Shape For Your Wedding Cake Says a Lot
by WeddingCakeCreations.com It is no secret that your wedding cake will take a very prominent place at your wedding reception. Your guests will all take pictures of the sweet treat and cutting the cake will symbolize your nascent union as husband and wife. Naturally you will want the cake that truly reflects your relationship and personalities. Along with the flavor and style of the cake, the shape of your cake will also play a big role in creating just the right magic for your big day. There are a wide variety of shapes from which to choose such as round, square, mini, oval and less common – hexagon and octagon. The shape of your cake will in large part be influenced by the style that you choose. Those who wish to have a more traditional cake will probably go with a round, tiered cake while more modern couples would be better off with a square, hexagonal or octagonal cake. The current rage in wedding cakes is something simple and elegant as those timeless elements will always look good – whether it is for today or for looking back in pictures twenty years from now. Another very appealing trend is for the bride and groom to serve mini-cakes. These delectable desserts are small, intricately detailed, individual-sized cakes that are served to each guest. The beauty of mini-cakes is that each cake can be a different flavor thereby pleasing every palate. You can also use your courtship and relationship for inspiration when it comes to choosing a shape for your cake. For instance if you had a long-distance relationship then maybe your cake can be a big telephone; or if you both love to dance, then your cake can be a beautiful ballroom. Your imagination is the limit of what your wedding cake can be – after all it is your special day, you might as well have a cake that shows everyone just how special it is!
Choosing a Filling for your Wedding Cake
by WeddingCakeCreations.com There are so many decisions to be made when it comes to weddings that sometimes we can feel overwhelmed by the choices in front of us. Selecting a wedding cake used to be a relatively easy affair as there was generally only a few choices of design, flavor and filling – all that has changed as wedding cakes have become a refined business. Today the choices in flavor and filling are enormous and require lots of tasty testing to finally come up with what suits you best. Here are descriptions of some of the most common wedding fillings: Buttercream is a creamy, light and tasty frosting made with eggs, sugar and butter. The classic buttercream is made with egg yolks while a meringue version is made with the egg whites. Both versions are very tasty and a perennial wedding cake favorite. Custard and pastry cream is a filling made with milk and eggs. This delicious filling is a good choice for winter weddings or marriages held in a temperature controlled reception hall as warm temperatures will cause the filling to melt. Ganache is a truly sumptuous filling made from heavy cream and rich, dark chocolate. It can be used either as a filling or an icing. Mousses or Mousselines generally used as an alternative to buttercream. Easily flavored with fruits or liqueurs, this dreamy filling must be served chilled for the best effect. Fresh Fruit is an easy and delicious way to complement any flavor or wedding cake. Not only can fruit be used in between the layers but it can also be used to decorate the cake. The best filling choice will depend on several things including location, flavor of the cake, style and the kind of decoration you want on it. If you want a simple cake then almost any filling or frosting will do. However, if you want an elaborately decorated cake then you might not have a choice but to choose a buttercream or fondant icing.
Unusual Registry Ideas for Brides
by WeddingCakeCreations.com Let’s face it – the world of relationships and marriage has changed dramatically over the last few decades. Fewer couples are marrying straight out of high school or college and settling down. Most people wait until they have established their careers before even contemplating walking down that aisle. With these changes has come the fact that when people do get married, chances are they already have everything they would need to comfortably start their new lives together. That is why there are some unusual registry ideas for brides who already have the toaster oven and the frying pans. Some of the more unusual ideas for a bridal registry include registering for your honeymoon, registering for proceeds to be given towards a charitable organization, registering at a Home Hardware store, registering at your local opera house for season tickets or at your local sports arena for either hockey, baseball, football or basketball season tickets and registering for themed rooms in your home such as a multimedia room or a home theatre. A bridal and gift registry has moved beyond the ordinary and into a world of imagination where couples who already have what they need – register for what they really want. Such registries are by far much less common than the traditional bridal gift registry and they tend to be frowned upon by the older generation. However, the younger crowd is embracing such flights of fancy more readily and are actively adding to the scope and scale of what a bridal registry can be. When it comes time for you to register for your wedding, sit down and really think about what you want – maybe, just maybe, what you really want is more than just a set of crystal coasters.
A Bridal Registry Suited to Everyone’s Needs
by WeddingCakeCreations.com Bridal registries are a real blessing in disguise. These useful and convenient lists of what a new couple want in their new home make shopping and life so much easier for millions of wedding guests each year. In the past bridal registries were pretty straight forward and standard. They consisted of all the things that any couple would need to set up their new home. The items listed ranged from bed linens to toasters to dinnerware and cutlery. However, with our changing times and the changing face of marriage in general, it is not uncommon for a couple to already have everything they need. In such case – a bridal registry can be tailored to suit your needs. If you already have everything you need for a home, then you can go out on a limb and think of all the areas in your home that need stocking such as the garage, the entertainment room or the library – yes, library! Maybe you need a new leaf blower or snow blower? Maybe you could use a few power tools? Maybe speakers are what you need? - All these things can be added to your bridal registry. You can literally customize your registry to include all of the gifts you would appreciate receiving. If your new home has a big library and you do not own any books, you can register at a bookstore and list all the titles you would like to get. What you can do with a bridal and gift registry is really limited only by your imagination. If your bridal shower registry is not too extravagant and includes items in every price range then most guests will not object to picking up Jane Austen’s complete works as opposed to Lagostina’s complete works. Remember – it’s your wedding, make sure that you are happy with every aspect of that special day.
The Couple’s Registry
by WeddingCakeCreations.com Since the bride has the bridal registry and the groom has the groom’s registry – it is but natural that the couple have a couple’s registry. The couple’s registry is a growing trend among young professionals who see their marriage more as a partnership where each person has their say in the household decision making processes – so it makes sense that the couple would work together to create a registry that is reflective of both their wants, tastes and needs. In the past the bridal gift registry was typically left up to the bride to compile with little or no consultation from her groom-to-be. As men rarely concerned themselves with the running of the home or household beyond providing for their families, such decisions were left almost entirely up to the woman. With today’s more liberal views and the changing attitudes of men towards their roles in their marriage and relationship, it is understandable that they now want an active part in the creation of the bridal registry – which is why, more and more often, it is being referred to as the couple’s registry. The couple’s registry is put together in much the same way as the bridal registry except that both partners have a say in what items are chosen for inclusion in their list. All of the big stores offer couple’s registries as they are, in effect, a bridal registry. When the retailer creates a couple’s registry, instead of only being registered under the bride’s name, the registry is also listed under the groom’s name. This dual identification of the couple’s registry makes it easy for the groom’s family and friends to locate the couple’s registry. If you are planning on getting married and like the idea of registering together then you can easily create a couple’s registry at your favorite store – after all you will both be using the gifts you get, you might as well make sure that you are both happy with them.
The Groom’s Registry
by WeddingCakeCreations.com In this democratic and gender equal society of ours why should brides have all the fun when it comes to compiling a bridal registry? That’s what the savvy minds behind the groom’s registry were thinking when they introduced the concept of the groom creating a registry for himself! Based on the same principal as the bridal and gift registry, the groom’s registry is basically a list of all the things the groom would like for his new home. Most men choose items such as power tools, audio visual equipment and electronic toys that most women do not even think about putting on their bridal registries. The groom’s registry is a great way for friends of the groom, such as sporting buddies, college roommates and work friends to buy the groom something personal that he will enjoy. Although most people shop for the couple this does not always have to be the case. When couples have already been living together or had their own places to begin with, then chances are they do not need the typical household items that wedding guests would buy for a young couple who are just starting out. A groom’s list allows guests to have their pick of what they want to offer the couple. Some people even buy one gift from the bridal registry and one from the groom’s registry. The groom’s registry is also very handy for the bachelor party. Traditionally during the bachelor party the groom’s friends, along with taking him out and getting him drunk, will give the groom gifts – or one really big gift if they have all pitched in for it. These gifts can be difficult to buy, but with a groom’s registry his friends will know exactly what to shop for – especially helpful given the general ambivalence with which men approach shopping of any kind. No matter what you decide to do, creating a groom’s registry is a clever way of giving your guests a greater selection of gift ideas from which they can choose.
A Practical Bridal Registry
by WeddingCakeCreations.com A bridal registry is created by the bride and groom to give their guests an opportunity to get the couple exactly what they need when they set up their new home. When someone registers their wedding list with retailers what then happens is that each guest who wants to buy a gift will consult the couple’s bridal shower registry and select an item that falls within their budget and that they will feel proud to give the happy couple. The guest will then tell the cashier at the point of purchase that it is for so-and-so’s bridal registry and the cashier will then mark that item as bought on the registry so that other guests will not go and duplicate the gift. If you are a young couple then you will likely want to build yourself a practical bridal registry. A practical bridal and gift registry includes everything that you will need to feel comfortable in a new home. Before heading to the store to register you should break down the different section of your home and list the things you are likely to need. For example: Kitchen – pots and pans, serving dishes, cutlery, plates, glasses, utensils, knives, cutting board, toaster, kettle, microwave, coffee maker, etc… You should also list the quantity of each item that you need. Once you have gone through each room of your house in such a manner, then it is time to choose the store at which you will register. There are several great places from which to choose – Wal-Mart’s bridal registry, Macy’s bridal registry, Crate & Barrel’s bridal registry, Dillard’s bridal registry and Target’s bridal registry are just a few of the many retailers who offer this excellent service. At the store the person in charge of the bridal registry will give you a form and have you walk around the store filling out the exact name, brand and bar code of the items you want on your registry. After that he or she will create your bridal shower registry and hand you cards to place in the wedding invitations so that your guests know where to shop. It really is that simple. The best part is – you get exactly what you want and your guests are saved the hassle of trying to figure out what they should buy.
Common Items Found on a Bridal Registry
by WeddingCakeCreations.com A bridal registry is one of the cleverest wedding-related creations. It takes all of the guess work and stress out of finding the happy couple the perfect gift. Some of the common items found a bridal registry are the most frequently used objects in a home. Of course, some of the more modern bridal gift registries are much more adventurous and innovative than the traditional bridal registries but all bridal registries have one thing in common – they are exactly what the bride and groom want. What you find on a bridal gift registry really depends on the kind of registry that the couple has put together. If it is a more typical bridal registry then the couple will have registered for household goods such as a set of pots and pans, a toaster, a dinner plate service, cutlery, a blender, a microwave, a toaster oven, a telephone, water glasses, crystals, fine china, linens etc… These kind of registries are commonly found with the Wal-Mart bridal registry, the Crate&Barrel gift registry, the Macy’s bridal registry and the Target bridal registry. Since most young couples have nothing when they first get married and move in together, they really need the essentials, which is why the most common items found on a bridal registry are so basic. In fact, even if a couple has managed to think of everything they need and put it on their bridal gift registry, there is no guaranteed that they will get all the items listed - but they can at least rest assured that they will have a decent start on which to build.
The Reasons for Having a Bridal Registry
by WeddingCakeCreations.com There are many reasons for having a bridal registry which include their popularity and practicality. However, despite their useful side, many people of an older generation still disapprove of these handy lists compiled by the bride and groom for guests to consult. Probably the biggest reason for an engaged couple to have a bridal registry is convenience. Having a bridal gift registry means that the couple can expect to get gifts that they need, want and do not already own. The trouble with not having a registry is that often times guests double-up on what is bought for the couple leaving them with extras of things they may already have or simply do not need. The next big reason for having a bridal registry is peace of mind – for the guests! Many people panic when they have to buy a gift for a wedding. With the number of people who either have already had their own home or have been living together before getting married it is hard for guests to figure out what people have or need. A bridal and gift registry takes the guesswork out of the equation which means less stress and happy guests who know that their gift will be liked and appreciated. Another reason that the bridal registry is such a good idea is because most retailers have linked registries across the country. This means that if someone is invited to a wedding but cannot attend and still wishes to send a gift – all they have to do is consult the couple’s bridal registry at their local branch of the store at which they are registered, choose an item and the store will automatically ship the gift to the registered couple’s home. The bridal registry is one fantastic idea. It makes life easier for the couple getting married and for the guests who wish to give them gifts.
Etiquette Surrounding the Bridal Registry
by WeddingCakeCreations.com Along with the actual planning of your wedding one of the most exciting things about getting engaged is that you get to make a bridal registry of all the things you want in your new home at your favorite retailer. A bridal and gift registry is the smartest way for clever brides to avoid getting multiple blenders and gifts better left in the store. The most common kind of bridal registries are the Macy’s bridal registry, the Wal-Mart bridal registry and the Target Bridal registry. There are even some places, such as Target, which now also offer an online bridal registry. This convenient list of everything you need in a new home makes it easy for guests to buy you the perfect gift. There are a few things however that you should keep in mind to ensure that you follow proper bridal registry etiquette. Remember that this “wish list” of things that you are putting together should take into account your circle of family and friends. It would be a big faux pas to go out and fill your list up with five hundred dollar Swarovski crystal glasses and plates if you know that no one amongst your family or friends will be able to afford to give you any. Make sure your list has something in every price range so that even Aunt Suzie who lives on a fixed income but still wants to give you a gift can feel happy that she is buying you something that you want. Keep in mind that the bridal registry is a suggestion only and those who want to buy you something that is not on your list should not be made to feel bad if they do so. Sometimes some people simply cannot afford the gifts that are placed on the bridal registry or strongly feel opposed to the whole concept of a bridal gift registry and choose to buy you what they feel is right – so be it if they do. Also remember that a bridal registry is for gifts and not a cash-grab. A recent and highly unpopular trend is to simply state that the couple wants money. This should never be done. It is impolite and puts people who cannot afford a large sum of cash on the spot. A bridal and gift registry should always be fair to the guests with only a few fantasy items thrown in for any family or friends who are feeling extra generous.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Making a Bridal Registry
by WeddingCakeCreations.com When you sit down to compile your bridal registry, there are a few things that you should keep in mind – first, this list should be made with the convenience of all of your guests in mind; second, you do not want to come across as greedy so be reasonable in your requests; third, choose a bridal registry store with which you know most of your guests are familiar. Here are a few Do’s and Don’ts of making your bridal and gift registry – whether you walk into a store or you use an online bridal registry. Do’s: * Do put items in all price ranges on your list * Do register at a store at which you shop * Do be specific about the colour, quantity and even the brand of the items you would like to receive * Do make your list as extensive as possible so that all of your guests can find something to give you Don’ts: * Don’t only put big ticket items on your list * Don’t put generic descriptions of what you want on your list such as “water glasses” – you might end up with water glasses that you positively detest * Don’t make such a small list that once the first five people have bought you a gift there is nothing left from which the other guests can choose * Don’t register at a store that you wish you could shop at, but never would because it is too expensive – if it is too expensive for you, then it is probably too expensive for your guests A bridal registry is a common sense list that simply helps your guests make the right choices when purchasing your wedding gift. You can either help them out by making a large, clear and specific bridal and gift registry at your favorite store, or you can end up receiving a seashell clock from Aunty Kay that you would never even consider hanging in your basement!
The Traditional Bridal Registry
by WeddingCakeCreations.com The traditional bridal registry was typically compiled by the bride and her mother and consisted almost entirely of household items that a newlywed couple would need when first setting up their home. Bridal gift registries were strictly in the woman’s domain and the husband might have been consulted for his opinion on what colours he preferred, but everything else was decided by the bride. Although the strict sense of the traditional bridal registry has gone by the wayside, many women still see this as their chance to get all of the household items that they want or need for their new homes. However, along with the traditional bridal registry items such as pots and pans, crystal wine glasses and fine China, brides today might also include such things as a beautiful painting for her new living room or a new television set. Another way that new couples and brides are turning the traditional bridal registry on its head is by having a very specific registry such as a bathroom registry where the couple is registered at a place that specializes in high-end bathroom products and accessories. Another example of a specific bridal and gift registry would be the appliances registry whereby the couple registers the appliances that they want for their new home and guests are encouraged to make a payment in the amount of what they wanted to spend on a gift – thereby helping the couple purchase the appliances for their new home. Although some people frown on such new versions of the traditional bridal registry, most people agree that a bridal and gift registry is a practical way for couples to get the gifts they need and want while taking the guess work out of the bridal gift buying process for the guests.
The Benefits of Having a Bridal Registry
by WeddingCakeCreations.com As any bride who has ever received seven sets of dinnerware will tell you there are some very big benefits to having a bridal registry. A bridal and gift registry is a list of articles that you would like to receive. Generally this list is compiled at one, or sometimes more, store(s). These convenient bridal gift registries help guests know exactly what to get for the happy couple as a detailed account of what has been bought and what has been not, is kept by the store at which the registry is made. The idea of a bridal registry dates back to the mid nineteen twenties when the retail giant Marshall Fields instituted the practice. Although bridal registries were not very well viewed in the past their acceptance and practicality have grown to the point where people expect a couple to be registered somewhere. A bridal gift registry helps guests choose the perfect wedding gift every time because it is what the couple themselves have put on their list – so there are never any unwanted gifts and everyone is happy. Some of the better organized places for registries include the Macy’s bridal registry, the Dillards bridal registry, the Crate & Barrel bridal registry, the Fortunoff bridal registry and the Wal-Mart bridal registry. Target also has a very well run bridal registry. In fact, the Target bridal registry was the first one to offer electronic registry services. It was such a success that other places that offer bridal gifts registries are looking into setting up the same service. So, if you are a bride and you are worried about getting two blenders, ten sets of wine glasses and the wrong colour bed sheets, then you must do what millions of others have done before your – register yourself at your favorite store and put everything you desire to get on your list.
How to Compile a Proper Bridal Registry
by WeddingCakeCreations.com If you are soon to be a bride then chances are you have started thinking about how to compile your bridal registry. A bridal gift registry is a very convenient way of letting your guests know what you need and where they can buy it. It saves your guests the trouble of trying to figure out what gifts to get you and it ensures that you do not end up with six toasters. The Wal-Mart gift registry is one of the most commonly used registries along with the Macy’s gift registry, Bed, Bath and Beyond and the Fortunoff bridal registry. Some registries such as the Target bridal registry offer an online bridal registry process that can save a busy bride lots of time by being able to compile her list from the comfort and convenience of her own home. Compiling a bridal registry is quite simple. The first thing you must do is decide what your registry will be used for – if you will be setting up a home for the first time then the best thing for your to do is stick to a traditional bridal registry whereby you ask for things that will be used in your home. Sit down and make out a list of what you will need in a kitchen, a bathroom and a bedroom – three places that can be really difficult to live in if you are missing the essentials. When you are making a list for your bridal and gift registry make sure that your kitchen section includes items such as a set of pots and pans that include a variety of different sizes. It should also have two frying pans – one small and one large; a toaster, a casual dinner service for a minimum of four people, cutlery for at least eight, a set of every day glasses, a hand mixer, a blender, serving platters and a kettle. For fancy parties you should include wine glasses, fine china for at least eight people and the accompanying service dishes, fine cutlery for at least twelve people. The bathroom part of your bridal registry should include the colour, size and quantity of the towels you would like to receive such as four hand towels in ivory beige. You can also include bathroom accessory sets such as a garbage can, soap tray and toothbrush holder to match your colour scheme. Remember – your guests will appreciate seeing a variety of choices on your bridal and gift registry. The bedroom registry should have the size, colour and quantity of the sheets you want along with any comforters, duvets, etc… This section of your bridal registry can also include any throw rugs or other accessories you may fancy. The more detailed and complete you make your bridal registry – the easier it will be for your guests to choose the ideal gift for your big day
A Dream Bridal Registry
by WeddingCakeCreations.com So you are finally getting hitched. You have probably planned every last detail down to perfection. You have probably also thought about where you want to register for your bridal and gift registry and what items you want to have on it. However, if you are stuck at the bridal gift registry because you already own most of what you want or need, then there are options that go way beyond your expectations. In fact, some of the newest trends in bridal registry are the stuff of which dreams are made. If you want to really have a dream bridal registry, then why not focus on something extraordinary? Some couples have opted to register for their weddings at a travel agency. They book the trip they would love to take for their honeymoon and then have guests make a payment towards that trip. Instead of such a dream trip costing a small fortune it may cost half of what it is truly worth or – if your guests truly like you – it may even cost nothing. Trips are not everyone’s cup of tea. Sports fans might want to check out the possibility of registering for season tickets for their favorite sports team and have each guest contribute to the cost of those tickets. Music and theatre lovers can opt for season tickets for concerts, plays, operas and more. There are virtually hundreds of ways to customize a bridal registry to make it suit your needs and even fulfill your dreams. With a little research and a big imagination you can register for almost anything under the sun and as long as your guests do not feel obliged to contribute there should be no complaints. If all of these suggestions are too much then why not just create your bridal registry to thoroughly equip one room in your home? You can choose to register for things such as tools, building materials or even plants if you would like. A bridal registry is a way to help your guests get you the prefect gift – you might as well take advantage of that fact!
The Best Places for having a Bridal Registry
by WeddingCakeCreations.com Every newly engaged bride knows that along with all the other myriad preparations that need to be done for the wedding, one of the most important is the creation of a bridal registry at her favorite store. There are a number of retailers that offer bridal and gift registry services. Here is a list of some of the best places for creating your own bridal and gift registry. Bed, Bath and Beyond: This mid-range store of everything beautiful for your home offers a comprehensive bridal and gift registry along with a whole slew of attractive incentives and offers to couples who sign up. The Macy’s bridal registry: Better known for their Thanksgiving Day parades, Macy’s is actually one of the world’s largest departmental stores and carries everything you could possibly want from housewares to linens to clothes and accessories. Their bridal and gift registry is understandable one of the best. The Target bridal registry: Target is new to the bridal registry game but they are making great strides and were the first ones to offer an online bridal registry – with competitors naturally following suit. The Dillard’s bridal registry: For those looking for a bridal and gift registry made up of brand name products, Dillards is the place for you. This high-end department store carries all of your favorite brand names and then some! The Crate & Barrel bridal registry: With a huge selection of fine furnishings for the home and hearth Crate & Barrel remains a perennial favorite when it comes to bridal registries. The Fortunoff bridal registry: Couples looking for a more formal place at which to register for their wedding can always do so at Fortunoff. Seller of all things beautiful and expensive this high-end merchant always carries only the finest products around. The Wal-Mart bridal registry: Perhaps the most common place for couples wishing to register is at Wal-Mart. This one stop shopping Mecca will allow guest to purchase everything for the new couple from camping gear to bed sheets – no wonder so many brides choose to register with them! There are also a whole slew of other retailers who offer bridal registry services. In fact, nearly every store offers a registry of some kind. So, if you have a registry in mind chances are you favorite store can accommodate you.
Modern Ideas for a Bridal Registry
by WeddingCakeCreations.com When bridal shower registries were first introduced in 1924 by Marshal Fields many people thought them vulgar and inappropriate. However, the acceptance and praise for the bridal and gift registry has grown into the widely used and convenient timesavers that they are today. Most of today’s best stores offer registries to their customers. Bed, Bath and Beyond is a popular bridal registry store while the Macy’s bridal registry, the Dillards Bridal registry and the Wal-Mart bridal registry are all among the more common places for new couples to register for their weddings. One way in which the bridal registry has changed through the years, is that it no longer is the exclusive domain of the bride. Today the bride and groom get in on the act and the registry is more often referred to as the couple’s registry. Regardless of who puts the registry together it is clear that what couples want for the start of their new lives together has changed drastically. In the past the bride would fill the bridal and gift registry with household items that would serve her in her role as homemaker and hostess. However, with more and more people marrying later in life, living together before marriage and or tying the knot multiple times, many people no longer need the basics when they start off. In fact, most people have already acquired all of the basic necessities needed to run a house so the modern bridal registry has taken on a new dimension. Couples have found innovative ways of getting themselves registered. For example a couple who has bought their first home and needs to renovate can register at a home hardware store like Home Depot so that guests can buy them the tools and materials they will need in their renovations. Other couples choose to register for their honeymoon with guests contributing to the cost of a fancy vacation. Some older couples who already have everything they need actually register to have the guests donate to their favorite charity. Modern bridal registries no longer have to follow a set rule. As long as you are creating a way for guests to get you what you want, then it should generally be acceptable.
A Great Groom's Cake
by WeddingCakeCreations.com A groom’s cake is traditionally a smaller cake served during the wedding that is given out to all of the single women at the reception. So the saying goes, if the lady takes the piece of cake home and places it under her pillow when she goes to bed that night she will dream of her future husband. Naturally this is an old wives’ tale that is simply meant for fun. In the past the groom’s mother would bake the cake, but today that is no longer the case. While still smaller than the wedding cake the groom’s cake has become just as elaborate and spectacular as the wedding cake itself. Generally made to please the groom’s taste in flavor and filling the groom’s cake is usually a molded cake which represents something dear to the groom. There have been several great designs including footballs, cowboy boots, a six-pack of beer and even a tackle box. The design and style of the groom’s cake can also be very conservative and classy with chocolate dipped strawberries made to resemble mini-tuxedos, layers of chocolate fondant or intricate decorations. The choice to serve a groom’s cake depends entirely on the couple. It is not compulsory and if the cost of the wedding is already spiraling then opting to forego this extra dessert will certainly be overlooked. One option that can save cost while including the groom’s cake is to have it packed up and given out at wedding favors at the end of the evening. No matter what you decide, remember that with the groom’s cake you can really have some fun and make it whatever you want it to be!
Traditions Surrounding the Wedding Cake
by WeddingCakeCreations.com Wedding cakes were not always the beautifully created pastry that we know and love to eat today. Through the centuries our current custom has evolved out of some truly strange traditions. Not only are we much luckier than the wedding guests of yesteryear but we today’s brides have it a whole lot easier! The wedding cake dates all the way back to ancient times. The Romans were the first to bake the pastries out of wheat. However, unfortunately for Roman brides the cakes were not for their eating pleasure but for breaking over their heads! That’s right – the groom broke the cake over the bride’s head and the guests gathered up all the crumbs as tokens of good luck. In the middle ages the size of the wedding cake symbolized the bride’s popularity as the guests were supposed to bring the different tiers of the cake. These were then piled one of top of each other using apple sauce. In the middle ages the cake were actually sticky buns that the guests brought and piled up. The bride and groom were expected to kiss over the stack – which often resulted in dirty, trampled and unappetizing buns for the guests to eat afterwards. In the 1800’s fruit cakes were used and this custom was brought to North America by the Pilgrims. Fruit cakes remained in favor until recently. The custom of cutting the cake originated in Greece where the couple cut the cake to ensure a happy and fertile marriage. No matter what other customs surrounded the wedding cake – the world over it represented the same thing – the couple’s fertility.
The Wedding Cake Symbol
by WeddingCakeCreations.com For as long as there have been weddings there have been wedding cakes. These tasty treats have long been a symbol of the couple’s fertility and a good luck charm for a happy marriage. Although the size, shape and contents of the wedding cake has changed quite drastically through the centuries, the tradition of the cake itself remains constant. Wedding cakes used to be made by the guests and brought to the reception where they were stacked using apple sauce – the bigger the cake the more popular the bride. The ancient Greeks cut sesame cakes at their weddings while the ancient Roman grooms broke wheat cakes above their brides’ heads for increased fertility – the crumbs of which the guests would gather up as good luck charms. The cake was alternately made from fruits, wheat and sesame seeds to finally end up as the extraordinary pieces of art which we have today. The modern wedding cake comes in a multitude of colors from white to chocolate to pastel shades of spring and summer. Some brides match the cake to the colors of the reception hall or their bridesmaids’ dresses. Generally wedding cakes remain the traditional white, however, many contemporary couples are opting for something more personalized. The makers of wedding cakes are no longer simply referred to as bakers but are now known as cake designers. These pastry artists can create incredible tableaus using sugar paste, butter cream or fondant. Their creations are beyond anything the Greeks or Romans could have envisioned so many centuries ago. Although its appearance and style may continue to change and adapt in years to come, the wedding cake will always retain its ancient symbolism and honored place at all wedding receptions.
