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 fiancĂ©: 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.
