Let Them Eat Cake!

Ah the wedding cake.  So many flavors, colors, and designs to choose from.  Truthfully, I’ve never been a big fan of cake, but I felt I had to have one at my own wedding.  Among many reasons, my mom is a cake designer.  Not having a cake at the wedding would break her little cake maker heart.  While she didn’t make my cake, she did make my flowers.  Check it out.

Had it been up to me, I would have had a Carvel wedding cake, as both my husband and I are big fans, particularly of those little chocolate crunchies.  But Carvel wedding cakes are highly impractical- especially if you’re having a wedding in Miami.  Not to mention, they’re not very cute.

These days, many people are branching out from the traditional wedding cake and setting up dessert tables (sometimes even entire rooms!) full of their favorite treats. More on that another time.  But, if you’re sticking with cake as your primary wedding dessert, here are a few designs that I think are pretty awesome.

Chalkboard Wedding Cake

Chalkboards are a huge hit at weddings with brides using them for welcome signs, place mats, and cups.  And now, the chalkboard wedding cake!  How cool is that?

 Naked Wedding Cake

If you’re having a more rustic wedding, a naked wedding cake is perfect.  They’re a bit more casual, but still make a big statement.  This particular cake was made by my very talented momma at Fun Fiesta Cakes.  You can check out more of her cakes here. Not to be biased, but she’s pretty awesome.

Cupcake Wedding Cake

Yes, cupcake wedding cakes have been around for a minute, and I’ve seen only a handful that I truly like.  But I love a combination of a tiered cake with cupcakes.  The best of both worlds!

Ruffle Wedding Cake

Ruffles have really broken into the wedding cake scene.  I love them because they’re airy and light, always elegant, and can fit into pretty much any wedding style.

Multiple Wedding Cakes

I’m not talking several 4 tiered cakes.  That might be a bit much.  But if you’re having a large wedding (or if you just like cake) grouping together a few 2 or 3 tiered cakes makes for a pretty wedding dessert table.  I like these because they incorporate the words used in traditional wedding vows.  Adorable!

What cake designs are you loving?

Xo,

Mrs. M

Summer Wedding Favorites

It’s finally summer!  For this displaced Miami girl, it couldn’t come soon enough, as this winter was BRUTAL.  For my friends in the 305, I know it’s gone from hot to hotter, but summer is still a fun time filled with parties, beach days, and – you guessed it – weddings!  Here are some of my favorite ideas for a summer wedding in Miami.

Beach Ceremonies

Since summer days are so hot in Miami, I’m loving the idea of an early evening, candle lit ceremony on the beach.

Wedding Favors

If you opt for a day beach wedding, personalized sunscreen makes for a great wedding favor for your guests.

Summer Wedding Flowers

Summer is all about bright flowers.  Here are some summer flowers you can incorporate into your bouquet and centerpieces.

From top left: chrysanthemums, amaranthus, hydrangeas, lisianthus, sunflower, aster, freesia, cockscomb, carnations

Printed Bridesmaid Dresses

Colorful bridesmaids dresses are perfect for summer, but who says they have to be a solid color?  A pretty summer print can add a lot of fun and whimsy to your bridal party, while keeping it classy and elegant.

Signature Cocktails

Signature wedding cocktails are always a good idea, but they’re especially refreshing on a hot summer day.  For a different take on this, try signature wedding shots.

 Tents

Warm summer nights are ideal for outdoor weddings.  Consider adding a tent to your outdoor reception for some added glamour.  Here are 15 beautiful tent weddings.  I particularly love the look of a light, ethereal tent like this one.  Coupled with those chandeliers- perfection.

 

What are some of your favorite summer wedding ideas?

Xo,

Mrs. M

Bridal Party Picture Time

You will likely spend a year or more planning for a single day.  And this day will probably be the fastest day of your life.  I’m talking, blink and you missed it.  And when all is said and done, the only thing you’ll have left are your memories… and your pictures.  We’ve talked about the importance of selecting the right wedding photographer.  But making this choice is only step 1.  Your work isn’t quite done.  You will work closely with your photographer to get those perfect shots you can look at for the rest of your lives.  Of course you need the obligatory formal shots with your family and new husband; but I’m also a big believer in getting silly, fun shots with your nearest and dearest.  Here are some of the more creative, funny bridal party pictures I’ve come across.

Did you do any funny bridal party pictures on your big day?

XoXo,

Mrs. M

Wedding Colors: Mint

Before we begin with our wedding madness, let’s take a moment to thank our military, veterans, and their families for their sacrifices.  It’s because of them that we are able to enjoy this and every Monday in freedom.

Now on to the topic of this post- I am loving mint green as a wedding color.  Pair it with corals, pinks, golds, and creams and you have all the makings of an elegant, vintage inspired wedding reception.

Add yellows or bright pinks for a more springy feel.

Or throw in some red, for a more retro wedding feel.

Get clever with your favors.

Use mint tea.

Incorporate your colors and mint flavor into a signature drink.

You could even include mint in your bridal bouquet.

As you can see, mint is a versatile wedding color you can use during any season and with a variety of styles.  There are also a whole range of ways to creatively incorporate mint into your decor.  How do you feel about these mint inspired wedding looks?

Happy Memorial Day, everyone!

XoXo,

Mrs. M

Double Duty Wedding Favors

With all of the details you have to keep in your head when planning a wedding, sometimes it can be very easy to forget that you’re not only providing a night of dinner and dancing for your guests.  You’re also providing them with a small gift to thank them for sharing in your big day.  This is known as the wedding favor.  I haven’t always been a big fan.  Why?  Because I usually find these favors useless.  Do I really need a silver frame with your wedding date on it?  No. I don’t.  An Asian sandalwood fan?  I’m fairly certain I’ll never use that.  That said, I do believe in showing a small token of gratitude to your guests.  I also believe in things that can serve 2 purposes at once.  They’re time AND money savers.  Here are some of my favorite double duty wedding favors:

Escort cards that are also small gifts for your guests.

Mini champagne bottles with name cards.

Mini wedding cakes to go.

These boxes with slices of the groom’s cake can also serve as a centerpiece.

Give guests glasses they can write their names on and use that night and every night after that.

Photo booths can work as a favor, entertainment AND for your guest book!

So Pretty It Will Make You Blush

I’ve posted a bit about fall wedding colors, but maybe you’re not into that.  Maybe you’re having a fall wedding, but you want a spring feel.  And since Miami is spring to summer weather all year long, you can pull this off without raising an eyebrow.  Here are some ideas if you’re having a pink/blush toned wedding.

 

For an elegant look.

Lovely for a beach wedding.

Pretty printables.

Add some white for an even softer look.

Go non traditional in this ethereal Watters gown with just a hint of blush.

Fall Wedding Colors

I am so loving this fall wedding color palette.  Since Miami has virtually no change of season, these colors will bring a much needed breath of “fall air” to your wedding.

I’m also loving this color scheme of dark purple, corals and pinks.  The raspberry and amethyst touches keep it from looking too springy and are great way to bring that fall feel to your wedding.

If you always envisioned a white wedding, you can still create a rustic, fall feel.  How about using actual tree barks in your centerpieces or using a wooden table runner?

My Save the Dates are Finally Done!

I just got my Save the Dates printed!  I purchased the design from Etsy and then had them printed at Staples.  What do you think?

It’s a scratch off!

Now who wants to make me these envelopes?  I’m obsessed!

Click to learn how to make these for me!

Flower-less wedding?

I know what you’re thinking.  Flower-less wedding?  Blasphemy!  Flowers are generally a must for most brides.  But flowers can also be pricey.  Sometimes very pricey, depending on what you want.  I suspect this is why individuals far more creative than me came up with flower-less flowers.  If you like DIY projects or are going for a more organic or whimsical feel to your wedding or you’re on a tight budget, here are some very cool options.

Paper flowers

Pearls, fabric, and lace for a vintage bouquet.

Add some bling with a brooch bouquet

Paper flower table runner.

Fabric flower centerpieces.

Paper Flowers

 

Fun with Numbers!

Numbers.  My number one sworn enemy.  I concede their usefulness, but they trick me all the time, and I don’t like that.  Nonetheless, they’re a part of everyday life.  And they’re especially important to your wedding planning process.  You may not realize it initially, but it turns out, numbers are hiding in every corner of your wedding.  From guest numbers, to table numbers, to 5 piece band or 10 piece band, to the number of invites and programs you’ll need – numbers are everywhere!

But the very first number you need to think about?  BUDGET!  I cannot stress enough how important a budget is to your wedding planning process.  Without it, you’ll easily end up spending way over what you ever thought possible.  Weddings are great, but you don’t want to go bankrupt (or cause your parents to) just to celebrate your big day.  So how should you go about setting this oh so important wedding budget?  Glad you asked.

Step 1:  The very first thing you need to do is decide who is going to pay for this shin dig. Personally, I don’t subscribe to “the bride’s parents always pay for the wedding” school of thought.  It’s the 21st century, people.  The tab can be paid in endless combinations: bride’s parents, groom’s parents, bride’s AND groom’s parents, you and your fiance, etc.  Whoever is contributing, make sure you know exactly how much you will have to spend.  This will keep you in check when someone tells you that you must have imported trees from Bali at your cocktail hour.

You don’t need this lovely tree from Bali.

Step 2:  Once you know the absolute maximum you have to spend on this wedding (and not a penny more!), it’s helpful to break down all the categories of payments you’ll need to make and what percentage of your budget should be allotted for each category.  For example, you should allot about 50% of your budget for the reception.  This includes  venue, food, drinks, tables, chairs, bartenders, waiters, cake etc. Real Simple Wedding Budget Worksheet is a good site that can help you put together your budget.  The Knot also has a really great budget calculator that automatically does the math for you!  Make sure to leave a little extra wiggle room in your budget for gratuities, taxes, and any little extras you may pick up along the way.

Step 3: This might be the most important rule.  STICK TO YOUR BUDGET!  As you plan, you will come across vendors whose work you will fall in love with, but ultimately can’t afford.  This happens.  It’s heartbreaking, but you will survive.  To avoid such heartbreak, try not to research (and especially don’t contact!) vendors you know are out budget.  There’s always room to negotiate, but don’t expect a photographer with packages starting at $5,000 to lower his price to $2,000 just for you.  It ain’t gonna happen.

Treat your budget like your bible.  It will be the guiding force behind all your wedding planning choices.  And don’t be disappointed if the cherry blossom centerpieces you want (sigh) won’t happen.

There will always be a way to make your vision a reality within your means.  And even if there isn’t, don’t fret.  Remember what this day is all about – you’re marrying your dream guy! And that’s worth more than all the cherry blossom centerpieces in the world.