Although the wedding cake is still pretty standard at most weddings, there are couples who choose not to serve a cake at their reception. What if you (or your fiance) doesn’t like cake? Or maybe you’d rather serve your favorite dessert, like creme brulee or chocolate mousse. Whether or not you decide to opt out of serving a wedding cake reception, here are some tasty ideas that you can use for your own reception!

Give Your Guests Sweet Choices: Please the crowd and offer a little something for everyone! You could arrange for a dessert bar and serve the guests a variety of dessert option like cheesecake, ice cream, and whatever else you’d like. You could also choose one item (like cookies) and impress your guests with a cookie bar! Try to serve 8 to 10 varieties ranging from classic chocolate chip to the more decadent dark chocolate fudge squares.  Think of your favorite dessert and take it from there!

Serve Your Guests One Elegant Dessert: Instead of selecting an ordinary wedding cake, why not show your guests your appreciation by sharing your most favorite dessert?  Find out if your favorite restaurant offer catering service and if so, would they be able to add your dessert to the catering menu.  If not, you might want to find a caterer who does serve the dessert or you could find another equally appetizing dessert that has similarities with your first choice.

Trade Cake With Ice Cream: Just like modern cakes, today’s ice cream desserts have come a long way. Try serving 2 or 3 flavors and give the guests a choice. Don’t forget to offer a few garnishments like nuts or fresh fruit, so your guests can fix up their own desserts as they like. Remember to steer clear (especially if you have kids at your wedding) from messy items like chocolate syrup or whipped  cream as they tend to go everywhere.

This is the conclusion of When To Splurge, When To Save Part 1. We all know that weddings are notoriously expensive events and that budgeting for your wedding is one of the most important things you can do.  Last week I discussed about whether you should splurge on bridal gowns and the reception. This week you’ll find out on how to save on the pre-wedding festivities and honeymoon.

Pre-Wedding Festivities

Although it’s generally the family and friends who pay for all the pre-wedding parties, it’s not uncommon for engaged couples to chip in if not fully pay for certain festivities like the rehearsal dinner and bachelor/bachelorette parties. If you’re spending more than you’d like on your wedding, then you might really want to cut back expenses when it comes to the pre-nuptial events.  The good news is that you will find lots of ways to cut corners without cutting the fun! First tip: keep all your parties on the small side. Invite your family, close friends, and, of course, bridal parties.  Another smart tip is to plan a more casual rehearsal dinner.  Instead of holding the event at your favorite Italian restaurant, stay home and serve pizza or lasagna.  If you’re planning on keeping the wedding on the smaller side, then you’ll probably want to splurge a little on at least one party, perhaps the bachelorette party?  Gather your bridesmaids and fly out to Las Vegas or Miami for the weekend where you can indulge in  a little shopping, spa time, and of course catch up with your friends.

Honeymoon

One reason many couples choose to save on their wedding expenses is so they can afford their dream honeymoon, and depending on what your vacation plans are,  it is a smart idea. That said, you don’t want to splurge a big chunk of your savings into one trip so make sure you keep these savvy tips in mind. Figure out what is most important (hotel, dining, nightlife, or shopping) and keep that in mind when planning your trip. If accommodations are the most important, then you’ll want to spend more on your hotel stay. If your budget dictating your honeymoon, try to book an all-inclusive trip which includes airfare, hotel, dining, and entertainment for one low price.

Almost everyone plans their wedding on a budget.  While most of us dream of a huge wedding inside a grand palace with a live orchestra playing the wedding march, we soon realize our modest incomes and have to plan something within reasonable finances. That is not to say that you have to cut back on everything! It is perfectly acceptable to splurge on one or two things, especially on things you deem mandatory. Find out below on what is worth splurging on and what is worth saving on.

The Bride

Many brides spend a big portion of wedding costs on the dress and/or shoes. Even though it may seem a little frivolous to some to spend so much on something you only plan on wearing once it your life, but if the wedding gown makes you feel like a million bucks then it is definitely worth it. What to save on? Add a little bit of sentiment by borrowing a few jewels from your mom or grandmother.

The Reception

When it comes to planning your wedding reception there are so many ways to splurge and save that it is really up to you (and your fiance) to figure out when to budget and when to save.  First off, you need to figure out what is the most important to you.  Do you want an exquisite meal served at your wedding? Is the answer is yes, then you might want to splurge on catering.  Do you want your professional wedding photos in a photojournalistic format? Then splurge on a top-notch wedding photographer. Whatever is most important to you will probably be the thing you want to splurge.

Stay tuned for part 2 of When To Splurge, When To Save.

Traditionally, the bridal shower was a small pre-wedding get together that the bridesmaids would throw for the bride-to-be. They would invite family and friends who would shower the bride with domestic gifts such as dishes, bedding, towels, and small kitchen appliances. Unlike most of the pre-wedding festivities, the bridal shower was basically a gift-giving extravaganza and that concept hasn’t change much.  What has changed? Everything else! Today’s bridal showers are themed events, chock-full of fun games, and oftentimes include the groom.  Before you(or your bridesmaids) start planning a bridal shower, take these tips into account!

1- Decide Who Plans It

There is nothing wrong with letting your maid of honor or bridesmaids take the entire task of planning your bridal shower, but these days almost anyone can take part in planning.

2- Dream Up and Finalize The Plan

Start by selecting a theme. A few great ideas include an afternoon tea party, complete with several varieties of hot tea and plates full of European-style pastries and cookies.  Or, make it a movie night and indulge in your favorite chick flicks while munching on popcorn, candy, and soda. If you’d rather have a couples shower, then plan a theme that appeals to everyone like a bowling night at a local bowling alley or maybe a potluck picnic party.  The possibilities are endless as long as you can budget the party. Buy a party planner or notebook in which you can store all your lists, budget plans, and more.

3- Complete Your Bridal Registry Beforehand

The bridal shower usually is eight to six months before the wedding, so that should give you plenty of time to finish adding things to your registry list. Make sure to mention where you’ve registered on the bridal shower invitations and not the wedding invitations.

May to September is a prolific time for weddings, and planning your wedding can be an all-consuming venture, so in this time of creating what you hope will become picture-perfect memories from the ceremony, don’t forget the reception. Choosing the venue, food, catering and decor for your reception are important, but do not overlook these essential components that can make your wedding reception the most memorable event of your guests’ lives.

Finding a fabulous first dance song should be easy, right? You just choose the song that was playing when the two of you met. Or the one you heard when you kissed for the first time. Perhaps the one associated with the proposal, or maybe a song that just perfectly expresses how you feel about each other. For a unique approach to the first dance song dilemma, try writing – or commissioning – an original song specifically for that event. Or check out some local artists who might be available to perform live at your reception. Music, and especially your first dance song, will set the mood for the festivities that follow.

At some point during the reception, you will be called upon to make a toast. Some couples dread this moment because they may not be comfortable speaking in front of crowds, or may just have no idea what to say. The toasts, however, are a crucial part of your reception. It is your opportunity to publicly display your appreciation for everyone in attendance. The best way to get around nerves is to be prepared. Plan well in advance what you will say. Write it down and take the time to commit it to memory. Let your best man and maid of honor speak first. This gives you time to get composed for speaking, and gives them the task of settling the crowd. Don’t worry whether your words are poignant or elegant; as long as they are concise and sincere, you’ll do well.

One additional item to consider is that, at your reception, you may not be able to give appropriate one-on-one time to each other and those closest to you, so planning an after-reception celebration may be just the ticket. Whether a meet-up at a local bar or restaurant, or a small gathering at home, your nearest and dearest will appreciate the added face-time, and you will appreciate the opportunity to unwind from the excitement and anxiety of your big day.

This is part two and the conclusion of Wedding Etiquette Myths Debunked. Last week  I discussed issues like who pays for the wedding, whether should you invite everyone you know, and if you should cover the guests hotel accommodation expenses.  Read below for more wedding myths debunked.

6- In The Age Of Modern Technology, Thank-You Notes Are Not Necessary.

The time and energy spent on selecting the perfect gift hasn’t changed, and neither should the time and energy spent on crafting a thank-you note.  But that doesn’t mean you should send out pre-made thank-you notes either. Instead, buy a box of  fine stationary or blank thank-you cards, and write up a heart-felt letter to show your appreciation for the gift.

7- Couples of Different Faiths Should Choose One Faith To Base The Ceremony On.

Since a wedding is all about unity, it would only make since to combine both your religious beliefs and traditions into the ceremony.  Make sure that you discuss your plans and traditions with your fiance beforehand and find out if your church/synagogue/other house of worship can acommodate.

8- All Bridesmaids Must Be Female

This rule is as outdated as the rule that states that the bride must be given away by her father.  If you’re a bride and your best friend (other than your fiance) happens to be male, there is nothing wrong making him a bridesman or even a man of honor.

9- If You Can’t Afford Serving Drinks At The Wedding, Offer A Cash Bar

There is nothing more tacky than asking the guests at your wedding to pay for their own cocktails and wine.  If you can’t afford a bar at your wedding, then serve the basics: beer, alcohol, and non-alcoholic drinks. Another option is to offer a cocktail hour before the meal is served, and then serve wine with the meal.

The typical bridesmaid dress has come a long way from the pink poofy gown. Today’s styles are often shorter and much more chic. Today’s bridesmaid dresses come in a rainbow in hues including muted and classic shades, and thanks to the current trends in bridesmaid dresses, selecting the right style of bridesmaid dresses has never been more fun! Lets take a closer look at some of the most current trends and how to make them work for you.

A-Line Dresses The most universally flattering trend is the a-line dress. This silhouette works on all body types so it should be relatively easy to find a dress that everyone can agree on.

Strapless Dresses Another hot trend for bridesmaid dresses is the strapless look.  Whether the dress is short and sweet or long and elegant, this style is sure to be a favorite that they might wear again! A few things to keep in mind when selecting a strapless style — try to find  dress with a little bit of embellishment or detail like a sash in a contrasting tied at the waist and steer clear from dresses that are too short or bright. You want the eyes on you, not your bridesmaids!

Knee Length Skirts Long skirts are beautiful but can sometimes overwhelm the short bridemaids, and short skirts are too casual for most weddings- thats why knee length skirts are so popular! They are long enough without overpowering the bridesmaid wearing the gown.  Dress with knee length skirts are also appropriate and chic for women of all ages from 12 to 60.

The “Wedding March” is a wonderful song to walk down the aisle to, but if tradition isn’t your cup of tea, you probably want something different.  Maybe you’re looking for something a little more personal, like the first song you danced to as a couple, or perhaps you’d want to choose a song that describes your feelings as a couple.  If you decide to go this route, here are a few smart rules  to go by:

1- Agree On A Song

If you have different tastes in music genres, this may be a little tough, but you need to select one song that you can agree on, otherwise you both may have to settle for “Wedding March”.

2- Find A Talented Singer/Band or Piano Player To Perform The Song

There is nothing better than having someone sing or play the piano to your song. You could also hire a local professional orchestra to play.

3- Check With Your Officiant And Church

Its always a good idea to check with your officiant and church to see if they will allow you to bring your own music, and if so what are the rules and regulations?  You should also ask if there are any extra fees. If you’re getting married in another venue, the same rules apply.

4- Don’t Forget The Prelude And Recessional

Most weddings feature a prelude (the music played when guests are situated at the ceremony), a processional (the song played when the bridal party and bride walks down the aisle), and a recessional (the final music played when the ceremony ends).  The prelude and recessional choices can also be customized.

Choosing the perfect hairstyle for the big day really depends on a few things, including your personal taste, the vision or theme of the wedding, and your entire look. Traditional brides often choose a classic chignon, bohemian brides often opt for long romantic waves, and uptown brides prefer elegant up-dos. Once you settle on a hair style that complements the dress and veil, you’ll probably want to try re-creating the hairstyle a few times before the actual big day. This can be done with the help of a professional hairstylist or your friend. Still haven’t found your ideal look? Here are some top tips for inspiration!

1- Find A Style That Works With Your Hair
If you’ve got long curly locks, then maybe a super straight and sleek up-do isn’t such a good idea, at least for your wedding day. The ideal hairstyle should not only make you feel beautiful, but it also should complement the style and texture of your hair. The last thing you need to worry about on your wedding day is your hair frizzing out.

2- Consider A Half-Updo
Can’t decide between an up-do or leaving your hair down? Try a half-updo! This look is relatively easy to create and maintain. It’s also a romantic style that works with virtually all hair types and textures.

3- Trade The Veil For Accessories
Instead of covering up your glamorous hairstyle, why not play it up with a tiara, pretty comb or barrette? Don’t just use any hair accessory, you want something with timeless elegance. Choose just one accessory and make sure it complements the rest of your jewelry. And if you do opt for a hair accessory, remember to keep the rest of jewelry minimal.

While a camera can capture intimate moments in the form of still photography, it cannot capture those special moments you just want to rewind and watch. That is why many brides and grooms choose to hire a videographer to record the most important parts of the wedding and to format them into a “movie” that you (and your mother) can treasure forever. Since selecting the right videographer for your big day is a rather tough decision, here is a small list of questions you must ask and why they are key. Remember to add any important questions you or your fiance might have to the list.

1- How much experience do you have in videography for weddings?
She may have 10 years of experience in making Bar Mitzvah and Sweet 16 videos, but a wedding video is a whole other ballgame. Making the perfect wedding video sometimes takes more creativity, time, and flexibility. You need a videographer who not only delivers what the couple wants but who also has proof of successful events.  Don’t be afraid to ask for samples and/or references.

2- Are they familiar with wedding videography trends?
You’ve researched the latest trends in videography, and you have your heart your heart set on making an indie style wedding film. Can the videographer in question create it? Find out what they offer, how they do it, and how much time (and money) it’s going to take. A good videographer will want to work with you and not against you. If your personalities or style clash, it’s time to move on.

3-What types of videography packages do you offer?
Every company or individual should give you a choice of packages along with what they include and how much they cost. To ensure that you’ll get the best package for your money, you’ll probably want to interview two or three videographers before selecting one and signing a contract.

4- Will there be a backup if something should happen?
What it the videographer can’t make it or what if the camera stops working before or during a session? Any good videographing  company will have a just-in-case backup plan. If they don’t or they sound unsure, once again it’s time to move on.