Picture Of Wedding Cake

Baking and preparing your wedding cakes for decorating

2008-12-15T10:37:00.000-08:00

BEFORE YOU BAKE

Being prepared and organized is essential when creating a tier cake. Imagine having baked and decorated all the cakes for your design only to discover at the reception hall that the tiers and plates don't fit on the stand! Because a tier cake design can be adjusted to serve as few as 20 and as many as 400 people, you'll want to be sure your cake set-up will work without a hitch. This means doing a dry run of your cake construction.

To do your dry run, get all your construction pieces together-pans, plates, pillars, stand, even the fountain and stairs if your design calls for them. Now assemble the parts as they will appear on the finished cake. This way you can be sure you have the correct size plates and boards for your cakes and that your stairs or flower holder rings will fit properly in the set-up. This is especially helpful if you have to cut your cake boards for specialty shapes like petals or ovals. You can be certain that you've cut to the right size for the cake.

BAKING

Concentrate on three factors when baking and preparing your cakes for decorating:
• Perfect light golden brown color
• Precisely level top and bottom
• Smooth, crumb-free surface.

1. Prepare the pans. Thoroughly grease pans using Wilton Cake Release, applied with a pastry brush. Cake Release eliminates the need to grease and flour pans and releases cakes perfectly, without crumbs. You may also grease pans using solid vegetable shortening; sprinkle inside the pan with about 2 Tablespoons flour and shake so that flour covers all greased surfaces. Turn pan upside down to remove excess flour.

2. Fill the pans. Any cake mix or recipe will work, but for fondant-covered cakes you may want to use a firmer cake, such as pound cake. When baking in Wilton pans, use these recommended batter amounts. It helps to clip Wilton Bake-Even Strips on the outside of pan before baking to keep cakes level and reduce cracking or crowning. Pour in the batter, filling pan about 1/2 to 2/3 full. Tap filled pans lightly on a countertop to reduce air bubbles in the batter.

3. Bake cakes on middle rack of a preheated oven for time specified in recipe. To test whether a cake is done, insert a toothpick or cake tester near center and remove. If tip is clean, cake is done. Set cakes in pans on wire racks to cool for 10 minutes. To unmold cake, place a cooling rack against the cake and turn both rack and pan over. Flip back to place on cake board. Lift pan off carefully; let cool at least one hour. Brush off any loose crumbs before icing.

Selecting Your Wedding Cake

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Everyone looks forward to the moment when the bride and groom take center stage to cut the cake. The band strikes that familiar refrain, conversations come to a halt, and the room stills to witness a ritual that in itself has produced many a tradition and superstition.

Wedding cakes have become as varied as the ceremonies. No longer restricted to white vanilla cake with a plastic bride and groom smiling from the top tier, today's confections run the gamut of flavor and decoration. From chocolate and spice to Swarovski's crystal swans cake topper, there is something to suit every palate, and ever style.

The most important consideration to make when selecting your cake is personality -- this cake symbolizes you and your fiance's union, and should be a "marriage" of your favorite tastes and decorations.

Cake flavors that are gaining popularity include chocolate, spice, poppy seed, carrot, Grand Marnier, and even cheesecake. Still, the wonderful thing about wedding cakes in the 1990's is that any flavor is possible, as well as acceptable.

Frosting and filling flavors are also straying from the traditional. Fillings provide the most variety, since they can include the more ordinary chocolate fudge or lemon mousse, but also extend through the range of fruit flavors possible in various gelees and preserves. If you can't decide on one filling flavor, choose one for each layer!

Possibilities are widening in the shapes of wedding cakes, also. While tiers are still popular, many couples find the plastic pillars that separate them tacky. Many bakers will work with your florist to decorate the cake, and together they can devise some cascading fresh flower decorations that wind around the pillars and look very elegant.

Stacked cakes are gaining momentum because of the myriad of shapes they come in. Hearts, squares, and hexagons are prevalent, as well as the more traditional circles. Can't decide on one shape for your stacked cake? Combine various geometric shapes for an interesting solution!

Cake decorations are becoming more unique and individual as couples are taking more interest in designing the perfect cake. Details such as ribbons, lace, charms, beads, tulle, bows, and streamers add a festive touch. Many brides choose to decorate the cake in details of their own gown, complete with a mini-bouquet as a cake topper.

Other unique cake toppers include a commissioned sculpture of the newlyweds on skis, replicas of Mickey and Minnie, and statuettes of beloved pets. Keepsakes are replacing their cheap plastic counterparts, and some couples are even incorporating cake toppers used at their parents' or grandparents' weddings!

With all of these wonderful ideas, you probably aren't even sure where to start. The first step is to choose a baker, and although this seems to be a daunting task, finding the right baker can mean everything to creating that perfect cake.

Ask around to find friends who can recommend good bakeries. Shop around, and be sure that you choose a reputable shop. Be sure to ask plenty of questions. Will there be extra charges for fillings, delivery, or elaborate decorations? Since many bakers charge by the slice, instead of the decorations, find out how big they consider a "slice" to be. Many bakeries have different definitions of a slice, and this can be reflected in their "per-slice" charge.

Look through their album of cakes to see what styles are available. If you can't find one you like in the album, go through cake decoration books and magazines for ideas. A good bakery should be willing and able to copy a picture of a cake with a minimum amount of change from the original.

Once you decide on a bakery, reserve your date. You need not place your order just yet, but it is important to make reservations since some area cake bakeries are booked up to two years in advance.

Ordering the right size cake is another very important consideration. The cake should be large enough to serve every guest at your reception, and you may want to allow for extra so that you can keep the top layer for your first anniversary celebration, a popular tradition.

Candies and cookies frequently accompany the cake in wedding receptions. How you display the confections will dictate how many you should order. If you place them in a basket or on a tray next to the cake, you will need to order more than you would if you put a couple at each place setting.

As with all other wedding plans, the choice is up to you, and your choices are forever expanding with new cake flavors, frostings, fillings, decorations. Make your cake a memorable treat long after the wedding by bringing your personality to its design!

Choosing a Wedding Cake: Flavor, Icing & Decoration, Shape

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Flavor

Traditionally, wedding cakes came in two basic flavors: white and yellow. Occasionally, the adventuresome bride would go wild and ask for a chocolate cake.

Those days are long gone. Today, most bakeries offer a wide variety of delectable flavors. And brides are taking advantage of those choices, often requesting more than one flavor within their wedding cake.

"They're interested in letting their guests have a choice," explains one area baker that specializes in wedding cakes.

She explains that her customers want sophisticated flavors for their cakes. Liqueur-based cakes have been extremely popular, as have other very adult flavors such as cappuccino. A variety of citrus flavors, particularly orange, lemon and lime, are also in demand. A wonderful curd filling between layers often enhances these flavors.

In the past, adventurous flavors may have raised an eyebrow or two, but today's bride shouldn't worry too much, especially if she opts for several different flavors. More "usual" flavors-such as chocolate, spice or carrot-can be very welcome alongside trendier cakes. Some brides even choose cheesecake as part of the wedding supper dessert offering. Of course, if she prefers to play it safe, traditional white or yellow cakes are still delicious.

Icing & Decoration

Perhaps the biggest change in wedding cakes appears in their decorations and icings. "There's a lot of non-traditional wedding cake decoration," the baker reveals.

In this area, a fondant-style icing is very popular. Its smooth, unmarred surface makes a perfect base for beautiful, creative decorations. Fondant is like a "sugar dough" and allows the baker to create three-dimensional decorations similar to marzipan. A thin layer of butter cream icing below the fondant helps it stick to the cake. A word of warning that fondants can be hard and chewy if not done correctly, so it's vital to choose a baker familiar with fondant so the icing will taste moist and soft. Be sure to have a sample taste to be sure you like what you will be getting.

Although many brides still want traditional white cakes, color is an important part of cake decoration these days. Tinted icing in pastel shades makes for lovely, delicate-looking cakes. But pastels aren't the only colors to make the cut. Just one bright color, such as coral, on a cake makes a beautiful statement and allows the bride to incorporate her wedding's color theme throughout the event.

Brides still love cakes decorated with fresh or frosting flowers. But less traditional decorations bring a new creativity to wedding cakes. Icing bows and ribbons make fanciful decorations. Another creative touch sure to garner "oohs" and "ahs" are blown sugar bubbles or fondant bubbles tinted to look just like the real thing, iridescence and all. Other fresh looks include basket weave icing, fondant fruits and a lovely faux-brocade decoration.

Shape

Of course, such innovative decoration calls for equally innovative cake construction. The traditional stacked cake still maintains a prominent place in the wedding cake line-up. Today it has three to five layers and most often appears without columns supporting the individual layers. Present options include a series of fanciful constructions which would delight any bride.

"Brides are paying more attention to the overall construction," a local baker says, noting that today's wedding cakes can assume shapes from an ornate hat to a stack of gifts. Brides who opt for these shapes want something very personal and unusual to grace their reception. A combination of shapes, such as a square tier combined with several round ones, also give wedding cakes a unique presence. Some brides even opt for very tiny miniature wedding cakes, one for each guest. These diminutive cakes can assume any shape, and might even be topped with a second tier.

Size & Cost

How much cake to order can be a confusing gamble. Brides should consider several factors when consulting with their baker before coming to a final decision:

How many guests will attend? How large will each serving be? Is leftover cake desired, and if so, how much? Will the bride and groom retain a small tier or portion of the cake to freeze until their first anniversary?

The number of servings it yields determines the price of a wedding cake. Brides should be aware that serving sizes differ widely from bakery to bakery. They must make sure they understand just how big a serving size is and communicate that to whoever cuts the cake at the reception.

Cakes can cost anywhere from a low $1.50 per serving to upwards of $3.00 per serving. In general, the more avant-garde and specialized the cake, the more expensive it will be. If cost is a major consideration, a traditional tiered or simple rectangular white or yellow cake will probably be the least expensive.

Delivery

Wedding cakes are complex, delicate constructions, ones that definitely require professional handling. Most bakers include the cost of delivery and set-up in the price of the cake. If a particular baker does not, it is definitely worth the extra charge to relieve the bride of the stress and headache of coordinating this herself. It is a small price to pay for peace of mind and a flawless cake.

Bakeries have the correct vehicle in which to transport a wedding cake and bakers know how to assemble one on site. Bakers who deliver also bring along equipment to repair any minor dings a cake might acquire along the way. Many supply decorative cake knives, but some do not. In that case, the bride will have to supply her own. If the bride has chosen a tiered cake, she may be responsible for returning columns and other items to the baker after the wedding.

Choosing a Bakery

Finding a baker to fit your needs will take a little research and leg work, but it's definitely worth the time. Check ads, ask friends and family for referrals to good bakeries, and visit the WEDDING PLANNER & GUIDE Bridal Show to see a wide variety of bakers. Most have cakes on display, and even samples to taste. Set up appointments with several different bakers and then go in and view photos of other cakes they've created. Consider asking for references. Sample the wares. And above all, enjoy the process! After all, it's your wedding cake-and what could be sweeter than that?

Wedding Photography Checklist

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The bride and groom must go to this meeting ready to ask important questions they've prepared ahead of time. Consider asking the photographer about these points:

Cost - Does the photographer have package prices? What does each package include (size and number of prints)? Can services be ordered a la carte? Is the album extra? Can the couple choose from a selection of albums? How much do duplicate prints cost (for relatives and attendants)? How can out-of-town folks order and pay for photos? How will their photos be delivered? Will there be meal or transportation expenses?

Contract - Once all the details have been decided on, will the services and prices be confirmed in a contract, and with whom will the couple be dealing? Or, will final price be decided after viewing and deciding on the proofs? Will the contract specify delivery times of proofs and final copies? Who will own the negatives? What is the payment schedule? Who is responsible for lost proofs? Is the photographer's attendance guaranteed? What if he doesn't make it? What happens if the date of the wedding changes or some other circumstance intervenes?

"Must" Photos - Will all desired formal and candid shots of the wedding and reception be taken? Are they guaranteed? What type of format will be used and why? Will there be any special effect shots (double exposure, special filters, fadeouts, etc.)? Will the photographer use a list of wanted photos provided by the bride and groom? (A helpful photography checklist can be found in the "Worksheet Section" of this publication.)

Bridal Portrait - Is the bridal portrait included in the package price? Will it be taken the day of the ceremony, the day of the final fitting or at a less hectic time, like a month before the wedding? Where will it be taken -- at the bridal shop, the photographer's studio, the bride's home, the bride's mother's home, a special site or the church? Will full-length and head-and-shoulder shots be taken? Can a black-and-white shot be taken for newspaper announcements?

Scheduling - Will the formal wedding party shots be taken before or after the wedding? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each time? When will the photographer arrive? How long will he or she stay at the reception?

Wedding Site - Is the photographer familiar with the site and its policies? Is it necessary to supply the photographer with a copy of site policies and rules? Should the bride and groom arrange a pre-wedding visit to check lighting, filter and positioning requirements?

With so many questions to consider, the need for a professional, experienced photographer becomes clear. The ability to take good photos is certainly not the only point of consideration. The photographer must also be a good communicator, willing to listen to the couple's wishes and able to successfully explain his artistic style, assuring the couple that they will get what they want. And what they want, of course, are photographs to last a lifetime.

Choosing a Caterer

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1. Will you (the catering representative) be there the night of the wedding?

2. Can we see photographs of your previous work?

3. Can we visit one of your weddings during set-up?

4. Can we have a taste test of the foods on our menu?

5. Are you licensed?

6. Do you have a liquor license? If not, do you provide bar set-up and bartenders?

7. Are you familiar with our reception site?

8. Have you ever catered a wedding of this size (if your wedding is very large)?

9. Do you specialize in any particular type of cuisine or menu?

10. Where will you prepare the food?

11. How will your service personnel be dressed?

12. How often will the food be replenished?

13. How do you figure the charge for the labor?

14. How many servers will you need for my wedding?

15. How much do you charge for a cake table?

16. Do you have any minimum requirements?

17. Do you provide a written estimate and contract?

18. How much of a deposit do you require?

19. What is your cancellation policy?

20. What is your postponement policy?

How to get the sweet confection of your dreams

2008-12-10T08:26:00.000-08:00

Variety is not just the spice but the sweetness in life, according to master chefs across the country, who maintain that though the traditional all-white wedding cake is making a big comeback, today's choices run from contemporary cube to Edwardian extravaganzas, and what you finally pick is largely a matter of taste.

Infinite possibilities
You can have your choice of just about any shape-round, square, diamond, heart-shaped, etc.-some 15 basic cake flavors-white, yellow, carrot, hazelnut, orange, mocha, chocolate, among others-and 30 fillings-raspberry, orange Grand Marnier, lemon, chocolate mousse, you name it-or better yet, for those who like to mix and match, says Mike McCarey, of John & Mike's Amazing Cakes in Redmond, WA, any combination of the above: "It's hard to please 200 people with just one flavor."

Low wire act
Ideally, the cake should reflect the personal tastes and interests of both you and your fiancé. But if you can't seem to come to some sort of compromise, you could take another approach and order his 'n hers bride's and groom's cakes. Gail Watson, of Gail Watson Custom Cakes in New York City, says one of her most memorable weddings was between a gymnast and a ballet dancer. The bride had a cake that looked like a dancer's tutu, while the groom's cake had a circussy theme, and stretched between the two was a...tightrope wire!

Top billing
Wedding cakes are traditionally crowned with a special cake top. This can be the customary figure of a bride or groom, says master cake designer Ron Ben-Israel of New York City, or something rife with symbolism, such as swans for never-ending love, marzipan for a fruitful life, and gold for abundance.

Taking the cake
When should you order the wedding cake? At least six to eight weeks in advance, if you want to make sure you get exactly what you want, and, says McCarey, during popular seasons you should perhaps put down a deposit even earlier.

Costs range from $1 to $10 or more per slice in a large metropolitan area like New York City, says Watson, depending on exotic ingredients or detail. Some of the fancier cakes, however, come at a flat rate, with averages of $1,500 to $4,000 and up.

Slicing the price
How to narrow down the field when your eyes may be much bigger not only than your stomach-but than your budget? By having a smaller display cake and serving a sliced sheet cake, or what McCarey calls "side cake."
When you're shopping for your delectable confection, keep the following pointers in mind:

Comparison shop. You should meet with at least three bakers to get an idea of different styles and prices before making up your mind.
Ask to see photos of their cakes. Make sure pictures represent the work of their current decorators, not past staff. Insist on a tasting. Of course, you want your cake to be a dazzling showcase, but it should also be as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eye.
Discuss the size, site and season of your wedding. If you're having an outdoor wedding in June, for instance, you want to be sure the buttercream will hold up in the summer heat.
Be open to new ideas. You probably think you know exactly what you want, but the baker may have suggestions for combinations-and creations- you never dreamed possible.

Keeping the price of your food and drinks reasonable

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The mere thought of feeding a hundred guests makes some brides feel faint. Not only are there a multitude of decisions to be made, but also pennies to be spent. The truth is a few wise decisions can really cut the cost of your reception food and drinks without sacrificing the taste. Here's a list of tips to help make your reception affordable.

Serve simple foods
Beef and seafood entrees are usually the most expensive, so try chicken or pasta dishes. Watch the ingredient list as well. If you ask for dishes that require expensive or out-of-season ingredients (like asparagus during the fall), you'll jack up your bottom line.

Cut back on options
Choose one popular entree instead of two. This narrows your guests' options, but it is certainly less costly.

Scrap your dinner plans
A brunch or lunch reception can be just as festive at a fraction of the price. And people usually drink less at a morning or afternoon affair, so your bar tab will be significantly smaller.

Request a kid's menu
If you're inviting children to your reception, ask for smaller portions or more kid-friendly (and often less expensive) food. As your underage guests won't be toasting with champagne or downing a scotch on the rocks, ask that your bar bill reflect that as well.

Liquidate your assets
Put your cash into a tea or cocktail reception, elegant late afternoon or evening affairs without the hefty meal. For a tea reception, serve your guests tiny sandwiches, fruit and cheese, assorted desserts, a champagne punch and a variety of teas and coffees. At a cocktail reception, offer an assortment of hearty hors d'oeuvres, cake and fancy drinks.

Choose the right bar
If you're inviting a crowd of light drinkers, a consumption bar will save you money over an open bar (never, ever opt for a cash bar). If you're choosing a consumption bar, ask the waiters not to bus half-full glasses. Your guests won't have to keep going back up for fresh ones every time they rest their glass on a table, and you'll reap the windfall.

Just say no to champagne toasting
Don't serve champagne to everyone at toasting time. A lot of people don't like champagne and will be happy to toast with whatever is in their hand.

Lose the liquor
Cut back on alcohol costs by serving a delicious champagne punch or offering your guests a bar stocked with different types of wine and beer.

Try the short cake
Have your baker create a few simple tiers for the cake cutting, then stock the kitchen with additional sheet cakes.

Lose the sweet tooth
Eliminate the elaborate sweets table. Instead, choose a different flavor for each layer of cake. You can create a great selection of tortes, which you can complement with truffles, chocolate-dipped strawberries and a nice fruit display.

Cutting Your Drink Costs

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Booze can suck up a considerable chunk of your budget, but there are ways to keep the bill in check.

If you've ever thrown a cocktail party, you know how easy it is to break the bank on drinks. Fortunately, with a little strategic planning, you can keep the bar tab within reason. Here's how:

Give hard liquor the heave ho
Full bars are quick to rack up a big tab, because they offer your indulgent guests too many choices. You're generally charged for each open bottle, so you'll end up paying for a whole bottle of top-shelf gin just to serve three martinis. And paying by the drink can be just as expensive. So host a wine and beer bar with plenty of tasty—but limited—selections instead.

Know your crowd
If your parents' friends love Merlot, order magnum bottles by the case and get a volume discount. And if nothing but Guinness will keep your pals happy, skip the Bud Light and order the finer brew in bulk.

Throw a brunch bash
Have a light brunch reception on a summer morning and serve mimosas or Bloody Marys. After all, most of your guests won't drink whiskey sours at 10:00 a.m. or guzzle beer for four hours in the summer heat.

Bartenders and baristas
Save money and lives by switching to a coffee bar for the last hour. Have plenty of whipped cream and shaved chocolate on hand. And ask your bartender and valet to keep an eye out for tipsy drivers.

Get creative with your drink options

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It's cocktail hour at your wedding: Imagine frozen bottles of flavored vodkas (think: pepper, lemon, currant) displayed in molded ice and accompanied by chilled shot glasses or martini glasses. What a fun way to start off a party. Of course, there's nothing wrong with a traditional bar offering brand-name liquors and a selection of wine and beer. But as martinis, cosmopolitans, sidecars and other retro drinks have come into vogue, more couples are opting for a specialty bar or some other unique touch for their special day.

"Everybody was getting incredibly dull for about five years, and now they're getting over it," says Chef Rossi, catering director for The Metropolitan Building in New York, who explains that she's getting more requests for exotic themes ranging from sake bars to Cuban drinks. "Frozen bottles of vodka offered in shot glasses or as martinis and posed with caviar stations can be very sexy and fun."

With the price of liquor ranging from $10 to $60 a person, it pays to carefully plan your alcohol options. By getting creative with your drinks, you'll not only add a distinctive touch to your event, but you may end up savings some bucks as well.

Specialty Bars
With the plethora of funky martinis and other trendy drinks, it's no wonder some couples are choosing to offer a specialty drink or two at their reception. Some couples even nickname mixed drinks for themselves or some aspect of their relationship, such as where they met, and print up special drink cards or menus. Having a limited menu of drinks can save on liquor costs.
There are a number of ways to display specialty drinks. Frozen specialty vodkas look nice in ice sculptures garnished with fruit or flowers, or you may simply show the variety of bottles on the bar. Special tables or stations can also be set up, perhaps accompanied by hors d'oeuvres or appetizers. Creative caterers might add extra touches like providing retro shaker sets for bartenders and displaying festive cards at the bar describing novel cocktails. Microbrews at weddings are also popular. Some brands even offer the beer in kegs, which are less expensive.

Limit The Choices
Limiting the choices and keeping the bar as simple and basic as possible can also save money. You might opt for a beer, wine and soda bar, or a bar with only a few liquors available. Rossi of The Metropolitan Building remembers a summer wedding for which the alcoholic drink selection included just vodka, white wine and champagne. "I thought it was beautiful," she says. Some reception managers declare couples won't save much by skipping the hard liquor because a glass of wine costs about the same as a gin and tonic. If you're not offering the top-shelf brands, bottles can be displayed creatively so the labels can be hidden.

After-Dinner Drinks
Serving cordials after dinner continues to be a big tradition at weddings. This option can be as simple as having a waiter walk around with a bottle of cognac or as fancy as setting up cordial tables with a variety of finger desserts. And, as cigars continue to be popular, many couples opt to offer a selection of single malt scotches or different types of ports, both of which have become trendy accompaniments to cigars.

International coffee bars are another way to jazz up the end of a reception. "Cappuccino, espresso and other coffee drinks are very popular now," says Frances Dion, sales director of The Breakers in Spring Lake, NJ, who adds that prices can range from $3 to $5 extra.

A Taste Of Wine
This is the fun part - at least for the bride- and groom-to-be. Most reception sites offer a wine and/or champagne tasting in advance of the big day. Sometimes it's accompanied by a food tasting with a full menu, while in other circumstances, just hors d'oeuvres are served. Still other venues make a big party of it, inviting all prospective engaged couples to a tasting event. "About a month before the wedding, I'll do a formal tasting in a private room and have the butler and the maitre d' standing there," says Gary Merjian, director of catering at the St. Regis in New York.

Even if you're organizing the alcohol yourself, you can still throw your own wine tasting. "We had a fun time deciding which wines and champagnes we were going to choose - we made it an event," says Susan Copeland, who invited her wedding party over for a casual gathering and pre-wedding wine and champagne sampling.

And who says you can't offer a wine tasting at your reception? Have cards with a description of each wine printed up and displayed at a special tasting station. One couple whose chosen reception site did not allow hard liquor found a wine tasting to be a wonderful way to compensate for the limited choices offered to their guests. Couples who are offering just a wine, beer and soda bar might make the most of their liquor menu by having a wine or microbrew tasting.

Which reception noshing option to go with?

2008-11-12T08:53:00.000-08:00

Can't decide which reception noshing option to go with? Pick the one that matches your personality.

You can't hire any of your vendors, order your invitations, or even sort out your guest list until you know rudimentary details about what the reception will be like. The food, drinks and site costs make up 50 percent of most wedding budgets, so this is no small decision.

Don't think that the Saturday-night special so favored by people in the U.S. is the only way to go. In fact, having your wedding any time BUT Saturday night is often the biggest stress-saving step you can make. Mull over this assortment of the most popular party types so you can find the one that perfectly fits your vision, your budget and your crowd. But never be afraid of getting creative on your own!

Breakfast or Brunch
A glorious greet-the-day event

YOUR STYLE: A get-up-and-go-getter, you can think of nothing better than starting a new day and your new life at the same time. To you, a morning ceremony seems somehow more spiritual, more reverential. Plus you get to spend the bulk of your wedding day cuddling with your new hubby and heading to the honeymoon.

WHAT TO SERVE: Delectable breakfast/brunch fare: croissants and fresh jams; star-anise-scented fruit salad; smoked salmon, asparagus quiche or scrambled eggs in brioche. Try an omelette station and order up butlered service for an array of coffees, teas and juices. For a festive touch, serve mimosas or bloody marys. A light white cake with fruit filling is the perfect finish.

Tea
A lighthearted, elegant afternoon affair

YOUR STYLE: You're a diehard romantic. Or maybe you're fiancé is an Anglophile who loves doing things with a royal flair. (You've both insisted that hats are required wedding-guest attire.) Or maybe you'd just love a garden party-and watching your honey say "I do" in the sunshine.

WHAT TO SERVE: Think English-finger sandwiches, savory and sweet tarts, fruit and cheese, scones and cream. Then pull out all the stops with an assortment of fine, butlered teas, champagne punch and a little coffee.

Cocktails
A bubbly, warm party of mingling

YOUR STYLE: You're a social butterfly who loves to flutter through a party. A cosmopolitan couple (who likes to drink Cosmopolitans), the two of you are fierce individuals who prefer the relaxed sophistication of a cocktail party to the formality of a sit-down event.

WHAT TO SERVE: Hors d'oeuvres are subject to endless variations: choose a few that reflect you and your groom's heritage or hometown, like Caribbean seviche, wild-boar enchiladas and more.

Since you're not serving a whole meal, you can indulge: caviar stations and iced raw bars; precious single-serving soups (butlered in Japanese miso spoons) and traditional favorites. Develop your theme at the bar-serve martinis, tropical drinks or a sampling of wines from every region.

Sit-Down Dinner
A traditional evening event with room for endless variation

YOUR STYLE: You're a conservative sort with a creative streak. You like the idea of being surrounded by friends and family-and being toasted (and roasted) by them. A carefully planned menu will be testament to you and your fiancé's fine taste, and dancing all night is definitely a must.

WHAT TO SERVE: The style of a sit-down dinner depends greatly on the location you choose, and so will the menu. You can go for tried-and-true, such as roasted chicken or pasta; to be more daring, try sea bass, Cornish hens, or even quail. For a more serious event, serve dinner and save the dancing for later. Otherwise, you can mix it up by having your first dance as the guests find their way to their tables.

Buffet Dinner
A relaxed (but not necessarily informal) affair

YOUR STYLE: You want your wedding to be perfect, but can't imagine telling people where to sit. Pleasing everyone, especially yourself, is your raison d'tre, and buffets are a great way to do both.

WHAT TO SERVE: Whatever you please-but with a bit of attention paid to the guests. If your family is Middle Eastern, serve a rich, Persian feast, and then have grilled chicken and salad greens on hand for the less-experimental types. This kind of meal service is also the best way to handle a huge wedding (which is why buffets are de rigueur in Texas!).

Dinner Stations
A foodie fantasy, where an unforgettable dinner is the main entertainment

YOUR STYLE: You just can't decide what you want, so you want it all. Or maybe you're a gourmet who would love to share that passion with your guests.

WHAT TO SERVE: Go wild! Serve all of your favorites and then some. Offer an array of pastas and sauces at one table, a carving station with prime rib at another, a seafood bar, a grill-you name it!

The guests will mix and mingle, exclaiming at each station.

Dessert Reception
An intimate, seductive late-night or afternoon event

YOUR STYLE: You have a big sweet tooth, a decadent streak and the imagination to go with it. You're also a little bit retro-50 years ago punch and cake was the treasured reception standard. If you don't like being the center of attention, or aren't planning on a lot of guests, this is a option that's often short...and always sweet.

WHAT TO SERVE: The cake, naturally. Add some chocolate-dipped fruits, tarts and tortes, candy and other confections. Top it off with champagne, dessert wines and a specialty coffee bar. The perfect masculine counterpoint is to serve single-malt scotches and cigars.

Reception Menu Roundtable

2008-11-12T08:47:00.000-08:00

To get to the heart of the things you fret about most, I invited four brides-to-be to join me in a lively roundtable discussion about how and what to serve guests at the reception.

Reception options
Marcy: So, what sort of receptions are you planning?

Casey: We plan to seriously look at sites this summer. I want a fun cocktail reception. My fiancé thinks he may want something more elaborate, like a sit-down dinner.

Marcy: Cocktail parties are my favorite. They're shorter than the typical four hours a sit-down takes. And they're more festive. When a couple plans a sit-down, they think about what grouping of people would make a fun, conversational table. But the truth is you end up just talking to whomever is on your left and right.

Casey: I want people to mingle and talk all night. And I want to avoid how everyone gets up to dance between courses at a sit-down.

Cocktail choices
Marcy: So what's the cocktail hour all about?

Gena: We're going to have seven stations and 10 passed hors d'oeuvres. I'm excited about the baked brie station, instead of regular cheese and fruit. I'm also psyched about the caviar. We're serving it with chopped egg and onion, crackers, and iced vodka. My fiancé is psyched about the carving station and the baby lamb chops that will be passed around.

Casey: Maybe we'll have a raw bar or seafood station, and an Asian station with sushi and skewered items. I want the party to be upscale, so I'm thinking of a caviar bar. And a tapas station would be fun. Maybe we'll have an international buffet!

Nicole: My fiancé's looking forward to having a mashed potato bar-he's told all his friends about it! We're serving the potatoes in a martini glass and then you put toppings on it. It's a little detail that people will remember and it makes our wedding seem different.

Suzanne: My fiancé's really excited about having a Parisian table for dessert. It's basically wall-to-wall sweets-crepes, pies, candies, liquors.

Entree decisions
Gena: For entrees, we're definitely serving filet mignon. We're having a tasting in a few weeks to choose between cornish hen and chicken, and grouper or mahi-mahi.

Suzanne: We want to serve salmon, which is light for the summer. I'm pushing for a simple chicken option, but we're both into doing a fancy beef like chateaubriand. The caterer is offering so many options to our guests that we feel like we're getting a good deal.

Marcy: You may be getting such a deal because you're getting married outside of a major metropolitan area. There's another factor behind all the variety that you've been offered. In the past few years, many people in this country have become more sophisticated in relation to food, so items such as specialty bars, sushi, Peking duck, etc., are now offered by banquet halls. The change is wonderful.

Considering special dietary needs
Gena: It was important to both of us that we also include vegetarian choices.

Nicole: I feel like vegetarians often get left out in the cold. It's really important to consider what your guests eat. We're going to make sure we have vegetarian and kosher entree options.

Smart tip for the sit-down dinner
Gena: Another smart decision we made is combining the salad and appetizer courses by serving seared tuna over arugula. The caterer said this will give our guests 20 more minutes of dancing.

Attending pre-wedding tastings
Marcy: Tastings are one of the most fun parts of wedding planning. They bring you and your groom together in a relaxed setting to decide on things in tandem. Take notes, make doodles, ask questions. Chefs will get a kick out of your interest and it will show in the final product.

Gena: At our tasting, I'm planning on bringing the chef a cookbook from my favorite bakery. They make these cupcakes that I love, and he's promised to make our cake taste exactly the same.

Suzanne: We had a tasting of food and wine before we agreed to book our site. We'd heard mixed reviews about the place, and we wanted to make sure it was going to be good. And it was.

Marcy: It's unusual that a place will give you a tasting before you book.

Compromising
Nicole: We haven't done our tasting yet. Both sets of parents will join us. It will be harder for us to make decisions with them there, but we know this day isn't just about us. We want to make sure there's something there for everyone. They don't like sushi, for example, but we do and so do our friends. And they'll want traditional Jewish food there that you'd find at a temple.

Marcy: Bringing your parents into the loop on something they care about is a good idea, but it's not easy to strike a balance between what you want and what your parents want.

Drinks
Marcy: What about the bar?

Nicole: We're not big drinkers, but we'll have top-shelf liquor (best-quality items like name-brand vodka) all night. And we thought it'd be fun to serve frozen drinks since we're getting married Labor Day weekend.

Marcy: Great idea! Guests will love that.

Pricing
Marcy: So let's get to how your menu is being priced.

Nicole: On a per-person basis. As it gets closer to our date the extras will be priced for us.

Marcy: There are so many ways to price things, depending on where you live and the banquet facility. Some places charge per person for upgraded stations, such as sushi, seafood or carved meats, and others charge a round number.

Nicole: Not everything we want is fancy or costs extra. We're having a really simple wedding cake. But we're also having a make-your-own-sundae bar.

Marcy: Another great idea. The more things you serve to delight your guests, the more fun the wedding is for everyone. Isn't that what a wedding is all about?

Ideas for hosting an hors d'oeuvres-only reception

2008-11-12T08:45:00.000-08:00

Somewhere between the sit-down party and dessert soiree comes the hors d'oeuvres and cocktails reception. Sophisticated and somewhat simpler to arrange, this event style is often held in the early or late evening.

What's on the menu?
A good caterer will be able to offer a tantalizing variety of tidbits. “Send out waiters bearing trays with scrumptious little bites, and set out luxurious cheese and fruit displays,” says Lisa Milbrand, associate editor of Modern Bride magazine. “Aim for a variety of hors d'oeuvres: from upscale caviar bars and shrimp and oysters on ice, to more quotidian fare like mini-quiches and stuffed mushrooms.”

A little advice

While we love this party idea, there are two points of caution. First, any guests expecting a five-course meal may feel shortchanged. Consider stating on your reception card enclosure that a “cocktail reception” follows your ceremony—this way they can choose to have an early dinner before the festivities. Also, don't be deceived by the words “hors d'oeuvres.” If you're not careful, the bill could rival that of the finest sit-down affair. Watch the budget as you make up your menu.

Now for the drinks
Now for the cocktail end of things. Again, dollars come into play in a big way, so clearly price out your ideas. The good news? Today's bar options are on the rise. “Offer your favorite specialty drinks,” says Milbrand. “Look into a martini bar: cosmopolitans and gimlets; a tropical drink station for pia coladas and fruit daiquiris; or a wine-tasting bar with everything from Syrahs to Rieslings.”

Let's mingle
Like the hors d'oeuvres idea? Great—just know your crowd. Guests probably stand and mingle at this type of reception more than any other. The upside of that is you get to skip the whole seating-chart saga. And since you provide tables for only 30 percent of attendees, you save on centerpieces. Now that's food for thought.

The Wedding Brunch Reception

2008-11-12T08:38:00.000-08:00

Hey, early birds! A greet-the-morning event may be a perfect reception option for you.

Welcome to the ins and outs of a variety of reception styles—right down to the menu. Here, wedding planner assembles all the elements for a delightful brunch reception.

Why have a brunch reception?
There are many reasons to consider celebrating your nuptials with a brunch. First, it can be a more economical alternative to a later meal—yet one that doesn’t trumpet your frugality. Hotels, restaurants and catering halls charge less for a daytime meal than an evening one, including space-rental fees. Also, it’s not necessary to serve alcohol at brunch—most people are not quite up to imbibing when they’ve barely gotten out of bed—and this can save you a bundle. Meanwhile, the food you’ll be serving is yummy and comforting—a leisurely breakfast is such a decadent luxury in this day and age. Décor needn’t be elaborate at this late-morning event.

The very idea of a brunch connotes informality. Lovers-of-all-things-relaxed will appreciate the fact that this party doesn’t require layers of chiffon tablecloths, tubfuls of Casablanca lilies or hours of conga lines. Guests not only don’t expect to dance this early in the day—they are probably too sleepy to even think about it. Background music provided by a pianist, bluegrass trio, or even a well-chosen selection of jazz CDs is enough to put everyone in the mood.
Of course, the best reason of all for a brunch reception is that your guests will love it!

What is a brunch reception?
Convivial and informal, a wedding brunch is celebrated by a late breakfast or early lunch. A brunch is best suited for a wedding of not more than 100 guests—otherwise it’s hard to keep it feeling relaxed. While there are no definitive rules, a brunch usually starts between 11 a.m. and noon. (Keep in mind, your ceremony would need to be held about an hour before.) Announce that it’s a brunch on your invitation. Guests will realize they are being invited to a cool and casual wedding—no formal dress required and no etiquette police in attendance.

The place
You could host a brunch anywhere, of course, but there are certain venues that seem most harmonious with the hour: a hotel or banquet space with plenty of windows and light. A fireplace is heavenly in the winter; garden views are great in warmer months. Find a space that looks cheerful in the daytime. The site itself should feel informal, cozy and welcoming—couches and overstuffed armchairs are big plusses. Go with a light color palette, and less formal materials like burlaps and cottons. The best brunches have the feel of being in someone’s home.

The big picture

INVITATIONS
Starting with your invitations, keep the feeling light, unfussy and simple, but not boring! I chose a group of handmade cards from Studio Daedre (888/454-5317). The design of a vibrant bouquet of flowers worked well for the menu, invitation and place cards; the center of the flowers are embedded with silver glitter, adding a bit of glitz without too much glam for a daytime wedding.

Glorie Austern of the Calligraphy Company, Secaucus, NJ, hand-lettered the pieces in matching violet ink. Keep your stationery choices for this party simple, otherwise your invitation might be incongruous with the mood you are creating. Work with your printer to find bright colors and less formal typefaces that convey the spirit of the day.

TABLE SETTINGS
For the table setting, hammock-stripe place mats and a table runner from TAG (800/621- 8350) placed over a wooden table proclaim this a sunny, informal party. The lush-yet- understated centerpiece was created by Jen Stone of Stonekelly Events and Florals, New York City. It’s a wonderful combination of full blossoms emerging from a glass- encased still life of floating limes.

The table is set with crisp white china and wooden-handle cutlery from Tri Serve Party Rental, New York City. I completed the look with playful crayon-color ball candles from TAG. Everything works in concert for a table that’s pretty, festive and not at all imposing.

FAVORS
Charming scented favors—miniature apple and pear candles—can be presented in beribboned boxes as take-home tokens of thanks.

The Menu
Brunch means hearty breakfast foods:: waffles, pancakes, hash browns, smoked salmon, and eggs Benedict. I’ve hosted brunches where the whole meal centered around caviar and crème fraîche omelettes. You can also use fruits and veggies in abundance, for a healthy, light repast. Mmmm—but there are lots of other possibilities, too.

I called superstar chef David Burke (the quintessentially American chef for the quintessentially American meal) to help me create an out-of-the-ordinary food fantasy. Chef Burke, the VP of culinary development for the Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group, created a meal that has a lot more spunk and elegance than breakfast, but is still light enough to keep your guests awake for the cake-cutting.

Before the meal I suggest a half hour for cocktails. It gives everyone time to shift moods after the emotions of the ceremony and before they sit down to eat. If you do decide to serve drinks, there are many that seem made for this hour of the day: the classic mimosa (champagne and orange juice) embellished with raspberry syrup; Ramos Gin Fizz; Bloody Marys and the like. For this reception, I created a cocktail (the Blushing Bride) as much for the visual appeal as for the flavor.

For the passed hors d’oeuvres I selected Gourmet Pops (available at GourmetPops.com and Les Chateaux de France, 516/239-6795), a new creation of David Burke’s: swanky, sophisticated ”lollipops” made of foie gras, goat cheese or smoked salmon. Each is only one bite, and they are the perfect palate teasers for the meal to follow.

As for the wedding cake, you certainly could go all out if you desire to, but brunch doesn’t call for an elaborate, flower-and-frosting-laden extravaganza. You might opt for homespun strawberry shortcake, a layered pound cake or a simple banana cake. I stayed the course here and asked the great retro-style Buttercup Bake Shop (212/350- 4144) to conjure a wedding cake in keeping with the day. The result was a buttery, rich, lemon Bundt cake garnished with sugared fruits—beautiful in its simplicity, and one that works well with fruit kebobs for dessert.

COCKTAIL
Blushing Bride

2 ounces pineapple juice
2 ounces orange juice
1 ounce vodka
grenadine

Put 2 cubes of pineapple and 1/2 strawberry in the bottom of a highball glass. Fill with juices, add vodka and stir. Finish with a drizzle of grenadine. Garnish with a lime wedge, strawberry and sprig of fresh mint.

PASSED HORS D'OEUVRES
Smoked Salmon Pops
Hudson Valley Foie Gras Pops
Goat Cheese Pops

FIRST COURSE
Chilled Shrimp and Asparagus with Gazpacho Vinaigrette

16 to 20 asparagus spears
8 to 12 shrimp

Peel and blanch asparagus in salted boiling water—cool in ice water and dry. Boil shrimp in same liquid for about 3 minutes, then peel and de-vein. Chill.

Gazpacho Vinaigrette

2 large tomatoes
1/4 cucumber (peeled, seeded and chopped)
1/2 clove garlic
3 tablespoons red-wine
vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste

Puree all ingredients together. Let sit for a few hours and chill. Place 4 to 5 asparagus spears facing down on the plate, top with 2 to 3 shrimps and drizzle with vinaigrette. Garnish with lemon wedge and cilantro.

MAIN COURSE
Veal Steak and Eggs with Zucchini/Crab Fritters and
Red Pepper Marmalade
Green Bean Salad, Shoe-String Potatoes

DESSERT
Strawberry and Mango Kebobs with Orange Mint Syrup

WEDDING CAKE
Buttercup Bake Shop Lemon Bundt

Know Your Catering Lingo

2008-11-12T08:33:00.000-08:00

Want to talk food like a pro with your wedding caterer? Then put on your learning cap and get to know these terms.

Are French and Russian service completely foreign to you? What does your caterer mean by a gratuity? Here's a handy translation of the terms your caterer uses so you can speak her language fluently.

Buffet. Guests help themselves from large displays of food. Buffets are great for offering a variety of dishes and allowing guests to pick and choose.

Cocktail Reception. This elegant type of reception usually runs from around 4 to 7 p.m. and features substantial hors d'oeuvres or a light buffet.

Consumption Bar. The bartenders keep a running tab, and you pay the final bill at the end of the evening, based on how much your guests drank. A good idea if your guests are light drinkers.

Entree. The main course of your reception meal.

Family Style. Platters of food are placed at each table and guests pass the platters around and serve themselves.

Food Stations. The hottest trend in reception dining. Similar to buffet service in that guests serve themselves, but instead of one long table, food is divided into several themed locations, such as a pasta or seafood table .

French Service. No, your waiters will not be wearing berets when they serve your meal. Instead, expect waiters to serve each guest individually from a tray held by another waiter.

Gratuity. In simpler terms, the tip. Caterers usually include this 20 percent fee in their final tally.

Groom's Cake. A Southern tradition that's spread nationwide, this cake, served at the rehearsal dinner or reception, can be any color, shape or flavor (fruitcake is traditional) and is usually decorated to reflect a hobby or interest of the groom's. Your superstitious unmarried friends may want to save a little cake to put under their pillows that night in the hopes they'll dream of their future spouses.

Mixed Drinks. Drinks that require more than one ingredient or special mixing equipment. Providing them at your reception could raise the bar tab.

Off-Site Locations. Reception sites that have few or none of the services and supplies you need. You will need to contract for everything from food to silverware.

On-Site Location. Reception sites that offer nearly everything you need, from catering and bar service to tables and linens.

Open Bar. You pay a flat fee for your guests to drink all night.

Plated Service. The plates are already full of food when they're brought from the kitchen and placed in front of your seated guests.

Poured Drinks. Easy-to-make drinks—the ones require only one ingredient and aren't shaken or stirred.

Premium Brands. Top-of-the-line liquors. You'll pay more if you stock the bar with these “name” brands instead of cheaper, generic house brands.

Russian Service. Similar to French service, except the extremely coordinated waiters hold the trays of food in one hand and serve the guests with the other.

Tray/Butlered Service. Waiters walk among your guests with trays of hors d'oeuvres or drinks.

Types of Wedding Ceremonies: Native Indian: Southwest American

2008-10-17T11:06:00.002-07:00

As a result of the influence of the Spanish missionaries, many Native Southwest American weddings these days are held in missions with
chapels or in Catholic churches.

For traditional weddings, along with the extended families of the bride and groom, the community gathers together with an officiating elder at the center. Decorative baskets holding corn (a fertility symbol as well as a traditional food) are presented to the couple. Both Navajo and Paiute weavers create willow wedding baskets to hold cornmeal for blessings or prayers; the opening of the ceremonial basket is always directed toward the east, a sacred direction from which no harm is supposed to pass. The Navajo family system is traditionally matrilinear, so, in the past, when a man married, he went to live with his wife and her parents.

The use of the double-spouted pottery wedding vessel may be a relatively recent addition to the traditional ceremony. In Pueblo wedding ceremonies, one spout of the vase represents the husband while the other represents the wife, with the looped handle symbolizing the unity that is achieved with marriage. In a traditional ceremony, to help consummate the marriage, the Pueblos would drink a nectar from either spout.

The Native American Church, a continuation of the ancient Peyote religion which used peyote, a cactus with psychedelic properties, combines Christian beliefs with the peyote sacrament. Peyote, with mescaline as its main active ingredient, is viewed by the church as the manner through which members can commune with the divinity. During a wedding, drums containing peyote tea are banged on, and then the tea is drunk. Some worshippers shake rattles that are shaped like peyote buttons. Congregation members ingest crushed grains of peyote.

Types of Wedding Ceremonies: Nigerian

2008-10-17T11:06:00.001-07:00

Western-style church weddings with white dresses for the brides are the norm in Nigeria, according to Okey Chigbo, associate editor of the magazine Equinox in Toronto, Ontario. Born and raised in Nigeria but now living in Canada, Chigbo was married in Canada to his Trinidadian bride in a short civil ceremony held in a hotel suite, with vows written by the couple. "Chances are that if you were invited to a wedding in southern Nigeria today," he says, "it would likely be a Western-style wedding, usually with a church ceremony and a reception afterward."

The influence of the church in Nigeria, Chigbo explains, occurred because "by about 1910, virtually all of the Igbo land (Eastern Nigeria) was conquered by the British and there were missionaries before that. The Igbo people, united by more or less a common language as far back as the turn of the century, was made up of a number of different tribes." Among the Igbo, there is "no real corresponding wedding ceremony per se." A wedding, traditionally, was a long, drawn-out process that could take up to a year, not just a day or even two weeks. It was like a courtship between families rather than between the male and female.

According to Chigbo, the following process would take place, although it could differ slightly from tribe to tribe. The groom's family would thoroughly investigate the bride's family and vice versa. For instance, questions would be asked regarding the girl's behavior and whether she would make a good wife. The most significant part of the year-long process was the visits. "The family of the groom would visit the family of the bride to notify them of the intention." The groom's family would visit with lots of mmanya, a type of wine. During this procedure, called "the carrying of the wine," there would be libations, and the ancestors would be called on to bless the union. On the occasion of the groom's family's second visit, "the bride would be called into the room to see whether she wanted to marry him," says Chigbo. "In theory, she's allowed to turn him down. After a number of visits back and forth, during one of the visits, the groom's family gives gifts to the bride's family. It could be cows, yams, bags of money. After the gift is received, the bride goes to the groom's family to spend time one to three months with them to see if they're compatible. If everyone feels she's compatible, the wedding feast is held for family and friends, and could consist of pounded yams, soups, and wonderful meats; there is no word for "dessert" in the Igbo vocabulary. After the feast, the bride goes to her husband's home. In the Igbo community, when a woman goes to the husband's house, she's considered married to the family and she's referred to as nwuye anyi, which means 'our wife.'"

Types of Wedding Ceremonies: Native Indian: Northeast North American

2008-10-17T11:05:00.000-07:00

Types of Wedding Ceremonies: Muslim

2008-10-17T11:03:00.000-07:00

"Followers of Islam adhere to a religion that is worldwide, so that although the basic format of the wedding ceremony is the same, there will be differences among the different cultures," says Haroon Salamat, chairman of Toronto and Region Islamic Congregation (TARIC).

Here are some important points to help in understanding the service. The offer of marriage comes from the female, usually through her father or another male relative. There must be no collusion; the couple must agree to marry of their own free will. Muslim women must marry Muslim men; however, Muslim men may marry non-Muslim women, but their children must be raised Muslim. After accepting an offer of marriage, a groom will give his bride a mahr, a gift. It can be property, a home, jewelry, or even something such as education. (In cases where the groom's family is not very well off financially, the groom, who may be better educated than the bride, may give the gift of literacy, offering to teach his bride how to read and write to help improve her lot.) Unless the marriage breaks up before the wedding is consummated or only lasts a very short time, the gift remains the bride's and she can use it as she pleases.

At the wedding, the bride and groom are separated, either in different parts of the hall or in different rooms. They may or may not be able to see each other. Guests are also separated by gender, although in some Western cultures, the groups may be mixed. The wali, the bride's representative, comes forward for the ceremony. He will answer for the bride when questioned by the officiator. The groom, representing himself, also joins the wali and the officiator. At the ceremony, "once the proposal has been accepted and the gift has been agreed upon and the person overseeing the ceremony believes the couple are marrying of their own will, he pronounces them man and wife," says Salamat. "It takes about five minutes. The basic ceremony is very simple." Any Muslim who understands the traditions of Islam may perform the ceremony, although many mosques have marriage officers who can oversee marriages on behalf of the province/state. "The most important thing for a Muslim is to be married in the eyes of God."

Congratulating the bride or groom with a kiss on the cheek after the service may be frowned upon, although that, too, may be changing in some Western cultures. Take cues from the guests who are more familiar with the culture.

Types of Wedding Ceremonies: Mormon

2008-10-17T11:02:00.001-07:00

There are basically two kinds of Mormon wedding ceremonies: the temple ceremony and the chapel ceremony. The former, performed by an official of the temple, is reserved for "active members of the Church who adhere to certain standards," says Bishop Glenn Pruden of the Hamilton First Ward, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hamilton, Ontario. He says that in Canada, there are only two temples: one, built around 1920, in Cardston, Alberta, and another, built in 1990, in Toronto, Ontario. "When the Mormon pioneers settled into the Salt Lake Valley area in 1847, following that (1847 to 1880s), groups of pioneers were sent out to colonize in the intermountain west area (Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, and Utah) and the southern tip of Alberta and the northern tip of Mexico."

The temple ceremony is fairly simple. "At the temple, we believe that the couple is sealed together 'for time and all eternity.'" Bishop Pruden explains that according to the Mormon Church, the members are not allowed to discuss the actual ceremony from a temple service because it is considered sacred.

The restrictions, however, do not apply to a chapel ceremony. "In a chapel service, it would be very similar to one that would be conducted in a Protestant church," he says. While the ceremony may be formal in the sense that the bride may wear a white dress, the groom a suit, and the guests their Sunday best, the service "is usually organized on a less ceremonious basis than that of the High Anglican, Roman Catholic, or Greek Orthodox service." For instance, there would be a wedding march, but a simplified one. The organist would play a prelude to the ceremony. The officiator, usually the bishop (similar to a "minister" in the Protestant service) of the ward (or "congregation" in the Protestant service), or the president of the stake (similar to a "diocese"; usually 10 to 12 wards in a stake) would conduct the service. The entrance of the wedding party would be similar to that in the Protestant ceremony. The service may include an opening prayer from the bishop, a musical number, a short speech from the bishop about marriage, then the vows, the exchange of rings (not mandatory, but it usually takes place), and the signing of the register. This entire process may last just 15 to 20 minutes.

Types of Wedding Ceremonies: Mexican

2008-10-17T11:01:00.002-07:00

Mexican weddings are generally church ceremonies with the white gown for the bride and a tuxedo for the groom. Here are some common traditions observed at Mexican Catholic (see Roman Catholic) weddings. Love is united through religion with the use of a lazo, a huge rosary that is wrapped around the bride and groom as they are kneeling at the altar while the priest says a prayer for the couple. There are also gifts presented during the ceremony: coins (silver or gold), a Bible, and a rosary. These are handed to the couple by padrinos, usually two special people the couple has chosen. The coins symbolize prosperity.

Types of Wedding Ceremonies: Mennonite

2008-10-17T11:01:00.001-07:00

"When most people think of Mennonite, they think of the more conservative ones, the more visible people, when really these represent only about 10 percent of Mennonites," says Joe Snyder, manager of the Mennonite Meeting Place in St. Jacobs, Ontario. The "conservative" Mennonites broke away in 1889. The Mennonite way of life varies from very conservative to very modern, with many degrees in between. The group represents 850,000 across the world in 60 different countries, speaking 100 different languages.

A modern Mennonite service would differ little from the more mainstream Protestant wedding ceremonies. The service would be held in a church where guests would be encouraged to participate in hymns. The ceremony may not last much longer than half an hour.

Guests attending a conservative ceremony would be mostly close family and friends. The ceremony would be held at home and may take a few hours, including a number of sermons.

Types of Wedding Ceremonies: Jewish

2008-10-17T11:00:00.000-07:00

Jewish weddings can vary greatly, with differences among the Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform branches. Each rabbi and synagogue could also have different interpretations of the ceremony. A Jewish wedding does not need to be performed in a synagogue or temple; the ceremony could take place almost anywhere, including a hotel, hall, or club.

A bride will often wear a face veil, especially if she is Orthodox. If the veiling ritual takes place, it occurs just before the ceremony, when the groom will veil the bride after he verifies that she is actually the woman he plans on marrying.

For Orthodox and Conservative ceremonies, all the men present will cover their heads with a yarmulke (a skull cap) or silk top hat. The head covering, a mark of respect in the presence of God, is a requirement for all men, including non-Jewish males, at the ceremony. Normally, Jewish men take along their own yarmulke. Extra yarmulkes, sometimes specially printed as a souvenir of the occasion, are provided for non-Jewish guests. The skull cap is meant to sit on top of the head. Sometimes, people secure it with bobby pins. However, if it happens to fall off, there's no harm done; simply put it back on.

Opposite to the Christian wedding, the seating arrangements at Orthodox and Conservative Jewish ceremonies have the bride's family and friends on the right side and the groom's family and friends on the left. Local custom will determine the order of the processsion and positions during the ceremony. The Orthodox and Conservative procession generally includes the groom and both sets of parents, sometimes even the grandparents.

The ceremony is performed under a huppah, a canopy often of embroidered cloth or flowers. Sometimes it's a prayer shawl spread across four poles. Special friends or relatives may have the honor of holding the poles. Depending on the couple's cultural background, personal preference, and local custom, the language of the service will vary, possibly with a combination of Hebrew and English. After vows are exchanged, the groom places a plain gold band on the bride's right index finger (in Orthodox and Conservative ceremonies) or on her left ring finger (for Reform ceremonies). Then the rabbi may read the ketubah, the traditional marriage contract. At some point during the service, the bride and groom will sip the ritual wine. Near the end of the ceremony, the traditional seven blessings will be recited or sung, after which the tradition of crushing the wine glass beneath the groom's heel takes place. The glass is often wrapped in a napkin or handkerchief before the groom stamps on it. The breaking of the glass represents the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and acts as a reminder that in life and in marriage, there are times of sorrow and joy. Sometimes, after the closing benediction, guests will call out "Mazel tov!" (Congratulations or Good Luck).

For the Reform wedding, the procession, recession, and other parts of the ceremony are very similar to the Protestant service. There may be a double-ring ceremony. And there may or may not be a huppah.

Types of Wedding Ceremonies: Japanese

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In North America, most Japanese are quite Westernized, so they tend to favor church weddings that follow the customary Western traditions. In Japan, however, while Western-style weddings are popular, there are more traditional Japanese elements involved, and the marriage rituals vary from place to place, family to family, and class to class.

In Japan, there are four basic types of wedding ceremonies: Shinto (the native Japanese religion), Buddhist, Christian, and non-religious. The wedding ceremonies are not, however, called Shinto weddings or Christian weddings; in Japan, they are referred to as Shinto-style weddings and Christian-style weddings. This is because the religion of a wedding ceremony is often just a "style" and may not reflect the beliefs of the people involved.

The most traditional wedding ceremony is the Shinto-style ceremony that includes only the immediate families, the nakoudo (the go-betweens who arranged for the couple to meet, like matchmakers), and the priest. The bride wears a white kimono with a fancy headpiece while the groom wears a black kimono with a striped hakama (almost skirt-like pants) and a black jacket. The ceremony includes some readings and the drinking of nine sips of sake, three each from each of three cups. There is a belief in Shinto that three is a lucky number; the nine sips (3 x 3) is a ritual for good luck.

Historically, there has been a strong tendency for the Shinto and Buddhist religions to mix. That is why you would see a lot of similar things when you visit a Shinto shrine or a Buddhist temple. At the Buddhist-style wedding ceremony, a monk officiates. The ceremony involves juzu prayer beads (like a rosary, but shorter) and some placing of incense.

At a Christian-style wedding, the dress is the same as in the West, with brides in white gowns and grooms in tuxedos. These ceremonies, most likely based on Protestant services, are often held in dedicated wedding facilities that look like churches but are not real, active parishes. In such locations, the particular denomination of the officiator probably makes little difference. The church wedding, for most Japanese, is chosen just because they like the image of it.

The official reception, the hiroen, is held in a hotel or other banquet facility. This event may be attended by: friends of the couple and of the family; the couple's colleagues and bosses; former teachers; and generally anybody with some social standing relative to the couple. There may be a hundred or so guests. Walking into the lobby outside the banquet hall, guests will find a reception table where they check in. Here, guests hand in an envelope containing a gift of money; people don't give gifts of merchandise at the wedding. The money should be in a particular kind of envelope decorated with gold cord tied in a particular kind of knot. Be careful. The writing and the type of knot on the envelope is different for weddings and funerals. The envelopes are purchased ready-made. The amount of cash depends on the guest's relationship to the couple. Friends may give 30,000 yen (approx. US$300), while older, richer relatives or bosses may give 50,000 yen. Apparently, odd numbers (e.g., 3 for 30,000 or 5 for 50,000) are considered luckier or somehow better, perhaps because an even number can be divided into two, something considered inappropriate for a marriage. Guests also receive a gift, usually pretty expensive, as they leave.

After the official reception, an informal party, the nijikai, is held at a restaurant. This is more for the friends of the couple and will include a wider circle of people. Generally, the bride and groom wear an evening dress and suit for this low-key affair.

Types of Wedding Ceremonies: Hindu

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Hindu wedding ceremonies vary greatly, depending on geographical location, family customs, and personal taste. Even within India, there are differences in the clothes, ornaments, rituals, food, and the length of the wedding celebrations, which in some cases can last for several days. Sometimes, the festivities are shortened if the couple, for instance, has only a limited amount of time available in India because the groom might live and work in another country. Or, as in the case of a couple I know in Canada, the Hindu rituals were shortened because the bride was Roman Catholic and the couple wished to incorporate both religions, with two different ceremonies, into a one-day celebration. There are many variations in Hindu weddings as the bride and groom select the traditional elements that hold the most meaning for them. The multi-day celebration could be reduced to one day or even a few hours. There are many rituals that take place before and after the actual wedding ceremony.

Traditionally, an auspicious date and time for the marriage ceremony would be chosen based on astrological charts. A typical Hindu wedding is more of a community party than a solemn, quiet church gathering. Guests would walk around in the temple and socialize during the ceremony. They would talk and partake of the food and beverages. Guests often would sit on the floor; however, chairs are becoming more common now.

Some of the following rituals may be incorporated into a Hindu wedding:

At a wedding ceremony, there could be a sacrificial pit where a holy fire is lit. A priest will officiate.
At some point during the ceremony, the couple may circle (seven times in most parts of India) the holy fire, chanting and throwing in offerings such as rice.
The bride and groom may exchange garlands of fresh flowers, placing them around each other's neck.
The father of the bride offers her hand in marriage first of all to the deities (in Hinduism, there is one supreme being, with all the other gods being aspects of the one God) and then to the groom, with the groom assuring him that he will take care of her.
An important part of the ceremony is "tying the knot," where a gold necklace is tied around the bride's neck by the groom.
The saptapadi portion of the ceremony is the part where the bride and groom take seven steps together toward a long and happy marriage; with each step, the couple prays for different blessings, including wealth, happiness, strength, and devotion.
At some point during the ceremony, the bride may stand on a stone (representing firmness and stability) to signify loyalty and faithfulness in the marriage.

Types of Wedding Ceremonies: Greek Orthodox

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When my Chinese friend Jacqueline Wong got married to a Greek man in an Orthodox ceremony, many guests were surprised that the priest kept calling her "Elizabeth." It was not a mistake. "Since 'Jacqueline' is not recognized as a Christian name," explains my friend, she had to pick an appropriate name, so she chose "Elizabeth."

The essential text and faith of the Greek Orthodox Church and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church are the same, with slight variations in the wedding ceremony. In the Greek service, the best man assists with the crowning of the couple. Many rituals are repeated three times to honor the Holy Trinity.

The sacrament of matrimony begins with a betrothal ceremony that includes the blessing and placing of the rings on the fingers (on the right hand, not the left) of the bride and groom by the priest. This signifies the bond in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit rather than in the name of a human agent. During the marriage ceremony proper, the crowning of the couple takes place. The bride and groom are given a cup of wine called "the common cup of joys and sorrows," which is not Holy Communion; the couple must have received Communion prior to the wedding day. In another ritual, the bride and groom, with the assistance of the best man, walk around the ceremonial table three times.

Types of Wedding Ceremonies: German

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"In Germany today, we have two basic religions, Protestant or Catholic (see Roman Catholic), so the services in the churches are basically the same as in North America," says Ingrid Scherer-Mohr, director for Canada of the German National Tourist Office. "We also have the lovely, old-fashioned, old city halls where emperors were crowned most of these buildings are about 400 years old, including the one in Frankfurt for civil weddings." According to Scherer-Mohr, there are about 10,000 castles and palaces in Germany, and many couples get married in old castles that have been transformed into hotels with wedding chapels. "Couples will have their service in a castle chapel and then the reception in the same castle. Germany has some 60 castle-hotels, many of them still run by some noble families."

As for the wedding ceremony, "It is still very popular to have the flowergirl and little boy throw real flower petals on the path down the aisle. On the way out, as they leave the church, these children precede the bride and groom. We never throw rice."

Types of Wedding Ceremonies: Chinese

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These days, the majority of Chinese weddings in Hong Kong, North America, and Europe are Western in style, with the brides in white gowns. If the ceremony is a church wedding, it would likely be Protestant or Catholic (see Roman Catholic). Traditional Chinese elements that might be incorporated into the celebrations could include a multi-course (e.g., 12 courses) Chinese banquet, and the bride wearing a traditional silk outfit, whether a long skirt and jacket or the form-fitting chiansam with high slits up the sides of the skirt.

The traditional tea ceremony is often also observed after the church ceremony. As with most traditions and cultures, interpretations will vary depending on local custom, family history, and personal taste. Generally, the tea ceremony is regarded as the traditional Chinese marriage ceremony where the bride and groom show their respect to their elders, especially acknowledging the importance of and thanks toward their parents. Sometimes tea is served to just the groom's parents and sometimes to both sets of parents. In Hong Kong, for instance, this tradition could take place in the main sitting room of the home of the groom's parents, with the bride dressed in a scarlet red, embroidered silk outfit and often wearing a veil, too. Usually, just the more immediate family gather for this. The bride and groom would kneel together and thank heaven and earth. The bride kowtows to the groom's parents (and sometimes to her own parents, too). The groom greets the bride's parents (often without kowtowing). The bride then serves tea to the groom's father and mother. In return, the groom's parents give her a valuable gift, such as a piece of jewelry (sometimes a family heirloom or a new piece) as a symbol of acceptance into the family. The bride then bows to the groom's siblings, starting with the eldest brother and his spouse. (The hierarchy is eldest to youngest, with males preceding females.) The bride then pours tea for them, and they, in return, present her with gifts such as jewelry or lucky money in a red envelope.

For a traditional wedding in China, there were many rituals that preceded the wedding day. But on the actual date of the ceremony, the bride generally would get dressed in a red silk outfit with a red veil and be transported to the groom's home in a boxy, covered, wheel-less rickshaw-like carriage carried by one person in front and one in back. The bride's special female assistant (well familiar with wedding etiquette) would walk alongside the carriage. The procession would include gifts to take to the new home: jewelry, the bride's trousseau, a wooden trousseau chest, bedroom furniture (except for the bed, which is provided by the groom), lots of meats and dumplings. Upon arrival at the groom's home, the groom and his male relatives and friends would come out to greet the bride. The curtained opening at the front of the bridal carriage would be lifted and the female matchmaker (not the bride's special assistant) would carry the bride, piggyback, into the home. Once inside, the bride and groom would worship the groom's ancestors, after which the tea ceremony would begin. The bride's special assistant would direct her as to the proper proceedings and tasks required of her. The bride would pour tea for the eldest first, which could be the groom's grandparents who would then give her a red envelope of lucky money. After pouring tea for the groom's parents, she would likely receive jewelry from them. When the tea ceremony was complete, the feasting would begin for the whole village or community. Throughout the tea ceremony, there would be no officiator or exchange of vows.

Types of Wedding Ceremonies: Baha'i

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Baha'is believe in a love match, not an arranged marriage. With this in mind, individuals must be free to choose their own mates. Prior to the wedding, a couple should get to know each other's character and learn to trust and care for each other. In North America, there is now a movement to have a maximum of a 96-day engagement period prior to marriage.

For a Baha'i wedding ceremony to proceed, the couple needs the consent of all living parents and, if adopted, the permission of birth parents if at all possible, as well as adoptive parents. Parental permission is deemed important in the sense that it is considered helpful in preserving unity within the extended family and therefore providing support and strength for the marriage. The marriage must also be approved by the spiritual assembly of the local Baha'i community.

A marriage certificate from the local municipal office or city hall must be obtained. The wedding ceremony itself is simple, lasting for about 20 to 40 minutes, depending on what Baha'i writings the couple would like to have read or any music that the couple wishes to have incorporated into the ceremony. Instead of attendants such as bridesmaids and ushers, the couple will choose two witnesses to stand with them. During the ceremony, the couple will each say the words, "We will all, verily, abide by the will of God," and Baha'i marriage prayers are available and selections are often read by the witnesses or family members at that time. Afterwards, there is usually a festive celebration to which the community as a whole is invited.

The Baha'is do not have ministers as such, but each community can select one or two persons from the local spiritual assembly to act as marriage officers handling the administration of weddings. Baha'i law states that couples can exchange something of "value" as a token of their love for each other; in North America, this is often interpreted to mean the exchange of rings. There is no particular dress code, although most people wear their best clothes at the wedding and the woman being married may choose to wear a bridal gown.

Types of Wedding Ceremonies: African-American

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Most African-American weddings have Western-style church ceremonies these days, although there seems to be renewed interest in incorporating more traditional elements from the various cultures involved. Angela Lawrence, a Toronto-based magazine editor with a Jamaican background, had a Protestant ceremony. She says that a prominent feature would be the music, usually a gospel singer or gospel choir. Lawrence explains that the concept of an "Afro-centric flavor to a wedding" is mainly a North American idea that attempts to gain some connection with the cultural heritage by borrowing ideas from Africa or the Caribbean. This could be done through music drumming or through wardrobe. For instance, the wedding party might wear African garb such as tunic type gowns and headwraps. While the colorful fabrics and patterns may not necessarily come from the same region of Africa as the bride's and groom's own ancestry, what is important is the symbolism of remembering the Black roots in general.

One tradition that is making a comeback among today's African-Americans is known as "jumping the broom." Back in the days of slavery, African slaves were not allowed by law to marry because they were viewed merely as property, not people, and therefore had no rights. There was also the fear that if the slaves were allowed to marry and live together, their strength in numbers would grow and could lead to revolt. With some ingenuity, the slaves came up with "jumping the broom" to signify the couple's union. With their master's permission, a couple could gather with witnesses, declare their devotion to one another, and then jump over a broom to indicate their step into married life. Among many African peoples, the broom held significance because it represented the beginning of homemaking. While "jumping the broom" is fairly well-known in the United States, the practice is not as common in Canada not surprising, given the histories of the two countries.

At the turn of the century, another way for Black couples to show their commitment to one another was to cross sticks. The long, sturdy sticks, symbolizing the strength of trees, were crossed to signify the new union. Many traditions have links to African or Caribbean rituals. Sticks were used, too, for marriage ceremonies among the Samburu of Kenya; the groom would use them to brand the cattle that he gave to his bride. Cattle was also used as dowry for traditional Nigerian weddings.

Types of Wedding Ceremonies: Protestant

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Certain Christian churches Anglican, Baptist, Presbyterian, United, and many others are denominations of the Protestant Church. "The Protestant Church has really only been in existence since the early 1500s," says Rev. Glenn Baker of Emmanuel United Church in Hamilton, Ontario. "That's when the Protestant Reformation occurred, so we've got that relatively short history there. The Protestant Church came out of the Roman Catholic Church, so all the traditions of the Catholic Church before that are part of our traditions, too."

At a Protestant wedding, before the ceremony begins, guests are likely to be greeted by ushers who will escort them to their seats in the church. The seating on the left side of the church facing the altar is reserved for the bride's family and friends, while the right side is reserved for the groom's. If one side is expected to outnumber the other by a great deal, the seating may be mixed. The front rows are reserved for immediate family members and special guests. Just before the ceremony is to begin, the bride's mother is the last person to be escorted to her seat. The minister gets into position at the head of the aisle, and the groom, best man, and ushers stand to the right of the altar. When the processional music begins, all the guests stand, and then the bridesmaids, maid/matron of honor, flowergirl, and ringbearer walk up the aisle, followed by the bride on her father's arm. The procession may vary from one church to another.

Throughout the service, the pastor generally will inform the guests about when they should stand or sit. There will be prayers and readings. If hymns are to be sung, guests may sing along with the music from the hymn books in the backs of the pews. Although singing is optional, people who feel uncomfortable singing should still stand if standing is required during the hymn. If the instructions of the officiator and the cues of other guests are followed, there shouldn't be a problem.

While it is not that common to see Communion served to all guests at a Protestant wedding, the practice is becoming more popular. "Of course, the Catholic Church has always celebrated Communion during wedding ceremonies," says Rev. Baker. "I don't know when the Protestant Church started getting away from serving Communion at weddings, but 12 or 15 years ago, it started coming back. It's still pretty rare in the United Church. I suppose, with a liturgical renewal across the Church, there has been an examination of how we worship and how we can make it more meaningful. I think that is how this started to come back in."

Communion, the commemoration of Christ's Last Supper, is the ceremony where bread and wine are consecrated and taken as the body and blood of Christ. Sometimes, only the bride and groom are served Communion. If Communion is offered to all guests, "passing the peace" (a.k.a. "the kiss of peace" or "the handshake of peace") may take place just beforehand, in which case everyone is encouraged to turn to their neighbors, shake their hands, and offer a friendly greeting. As for participation in Communion (eating the bread and drinking the wine), the officiator will indicate who is allowed to partake of the elements bread (pieces of bread or wafer) and wine (usually grape juice). Communion may be served to guests in their pews, or people may have to walk up the aisle to get the elements. Just observe and follow the example of other guests who are familiar with the proceedings. Guests can certainly choose to decline from participating in this.

Types of Wedding Ceremonies: Quaker (Religious Society of Friends)

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Quakers, also called "Friends," do not participate in what would be considered typical Protestant services. In fact, Quakers do not use the words "ceremony" or "memorial." Instead, a service is called a "meeting." At the meeting house, Quakers worship in silent contemplation with punctuations of ministry from the participants as the spirit moves them to speak out loud. There is little formal structure to the meetings, and their length can vary, depending on the amount of ministry, from less than an hour to many hours.

When a couple decides to marry, the meeting is called "a meeting for worship for the celebration of marriage," the emphasis being placed on the idea of worship. Many Quaker meeting houses will provide non-Quakers with pamphlets describing the mode of service and history of the group. The meeting resembles a regular Quaker meeting until the point at which the man and woman wishing to marry feel that the moment is appropriate and they stand and declare their intention to marry. They make their vows to each other and are married by God. They then sign an often elaborately decorated copy of their declaration, which is then read aloud to family, friends, and members of the meeting house. A period of silence follows, during which participants pray for God's blessing for the couple. Anyone may rise during this time and speak in ministry. The meeting closes with the shaking of hands. "Afterwards, everyone signs the certificate," says Elmay Kirkpatrick of the Toronto Monthly Meeting. "There is a space left blank for people to sign because they all in fact were witnesses to the marriage." The couple must, however, follow up by signing a civil marriage certificate.

Most couples do not dress up for the service, nor are wedding rings a formal part of the ceremony. However, some couples today do introduce these elements.

For a look at the past, the Friends Meeting House, built in 1699, at Farewell and Marlborough streets in Newport, Rhode Island, is possibly the oldest Friends meeting house in America. (One or two others might compete for that distinction, but their dates are less clear.) According to Ron Potvin, curator of manuscripts at the Newport Historical Society, when a Quaker couple decided to marry, the man and woman "joined hands before the congregation and stated their intention to be married. It was more of a civil ceremony than a religious one. That's because Quakers did not believe in sacraments as other faiths do. It was contrary to the beliefs of Catholicism, where everything had to be sanctified by God through an elaborate ceremony. One of the basic beliefs of Protestantism was that people had an individual relationship with God that didn't require priests and sacraments. Newport, in its religious toleration (there were about 20 different Christian denominations here as well as Jews), was an extension of the Protestant Reformation in Europe."

The Quakers' custom of plainness also can be observed at the Friends' Meeting House located in Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. The building, which dates back to 1796, is typical in its deliberate lack of ornamentation. There are plain wooden pews, wood floors and windows, but the room is devoid of ornaments, drapery, or even symbols on the walls.

It's important to note that the Quakers should not be confused with the Shakers, who believed in celibacy. In the late-1700s, a small group of dissident English Quakers, noted for their trembling and shaking movements when they were moved by the spirit, became known as the Shaking Quakers, hence the name the Shakers.

Types of Wedding Ceremonies: Roman Catholic

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There are basically two types of service: a wedding ceremony without a Mass; or a wedding ceremony incorporated into the Mass. The first option, about 20 minutes in length, is quite straightforward, with readings and hymns, similar to the Protestant service. The second option may take just over an hour.

As Catholics enter the church, they bless themselves by dipping the fingertips of their right hand into a font containing holy water, then they make the sign of the cross, touching their forehead, heart, left shoulder, and right shoulder. Other guests, who are not required to do this, may simply proceed into the church or be guided to their seats by the ushers. Some Catholics, on arrival at the pew, may make the sign of the cross while genuflecting (bending the knee as a sign of reverence). Some may go directly to their seats and sit down while others may kneel and pray before sitting; either is acceptable. While non-Catholics are welcome to genuflect, they are not required to observe all these signs of respect and awareness of the body of Christ present in the church.

Throughout the Mass, take your cues from those around you. The priest will also give instructions. There will be readings and prayers. At times, you will be required to stand. Sometimes, there may be kneeling, but non-Catholic guests can just sit quietly while others kneel. When the congregation is invited to participate in the recitation out loud of the Lord's Prayer, Protestants should be aware that Roman Catholics omit the final few lines: "For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever." During the wedding ceremony, vows and rings are exchanged. Just before Communion is served, there will be the "sign of peace": the priest might say, "Let us offer each other a sign of peace," and that is an indication for everyone to turn to their neighbors, shake their hands, and say, "Peace be with you" or some other friendly greeting. Sometimes, relatives or very close friends will hug and a mother may kiss her child at this point.

Communion in the Roman Catholic Church is technically reserved for baptized Catholics only. The priest will indicate what the local custom is. Communion, the commemoration of Christ's Last Supper, is the ceremony in which bread and wine are consecrated and taken as the body and blood of Christ. To take Communion, people walk down the center aisle to take the bread (often a wafer) and come back up the sides to their seats.

After Communion, the signing of the register takes place. When that is done, the priest introduces the newly married couple. At this point, sometimes people will applaud, depending on local custom.

Types of Wedding Ceremonies: Same Gender (Gay)

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While same-sex marriages are not legally recognized in the United States or Canada, many churches will perform same-gender commitment ceremonies. However, the willingness to provide such services can vary within the denomination, so couples need to check with the individual congregation. Some of the denominations that have held ceremonies for same-gender couples include: American Baptist, Buddhist, Dignity USA, Quaker (Society of Friends), Reconstructionist Jewish, Reformed Catholic Church (USA), Unitarian, United Church of Canada, United Church of Christ and Metropolitan Community Church.

The Metropolitan Community Church, in particular, was founded in 1968 to administer to the spiritual needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. There are approximately 300 Metropolitan Community churches in 18 countries.

The unions are usually called commitment ceremonies rather than weddings because these ceremonies currently do not grant any of the legal privileges of marriage, but they do serve as a way for gay couples to publicly acknowledge their love. In some States in the US and provinces in Canada, the couple can register as "domestic partners," which is helpful if you are employed by an organization that offers domestic-partner benefits.

When referring to the event, the term "same-gender marriage" is most appropriate (based on the wording in the rights decision by the Hawaii Supreme Court); avoid using the terms "gay marriage" and "homosexual marriage."

Invitations can be phrased in many ways. Some examples would be: "The A and B Families welcome you in celebrating the love between..." or "A and B request the pleasure of your presence to celebrate their commitment..."

The most visible difference between a same-gender wedding and a heterosexual wedding is the absence of traditional roles. There are neither "brides" nor "grooms," but "partners," "spouses" or "newlyweds," so the couple is referred to as such and the terms "bridal shower" and "stag party" are inappropriate. Instead, a party for one of the prospective partners is called a "premarital celebration." Guests still bring wedding gifts for the newlyweds, and often close friends or family will know if the couple has jointly registered for gifts at a department-store registry.

To begin the ceremony, the couple may walk up the aisle together, may approach the altar from opposite sides or can even be escorted up the aisle by their respective parents or friends. Personal preference will dictate the dress code--a lesbian couple may choose, for instance, for both women to wear bridal gowns. At the end of a partnership ceremony, the officiator may proclaim the couple "life partners, with the blessing of God's love."

Types of Wedding Ceremonies: Sikh

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Sikhism, a religious sect founded in Northern India in the early 1500s as an offshoot of Hinduism, teaches the belief in only one deity
and rejects the caste system.

When attending a Sikh wedding, there are certain points of etiquette to keep in mind, according to Neetu Thakar, a Sikh acquaintance of mine who now lives in Toronto, Ontario, but was born and married in India. In terms of dress code for the guests, she says the preference is traditional costume. If that is not possible, then women should wear long skirts ("no short skirts or jeans"), preferably in dark, vibrant colors such as red or purple. Avoid wearing plain white cloth because white is considered unlucky; any flashes of white should be from embroidery or beading. Jewelry adornment is strongly encouraged. To enter the place of worship, both men and women should be wearing a head covering. Also, they must remove their shoes at the door because no leather, explains Thakar, must be brought inside, although purses are acceptable. When deciding on wardrobe, guests should keep in mind that during the ceremony, which can last about 1 1/2 hours, they will be sitting on the floor in the temple; there will be no cushions.

On the morning of the wedding, the bride will arrive at the temple after having been elaborately dressed and adorned with makeup and jewels by her female relatives. The day before, she would have had her hands and
legs painted with henna designs.

At the ceremony, the husband will be seated and then the bride's mother and the bride's best friend will escort her to her seat, with the bride and groom sitting facing both the pathi (the man who reads the holy book) and the holy book. After the couple is seated, the bride's mother will place one end of a special pink cloth in the bride's hand and the other on the groom's shoulder. The ritual involves the bride's mother taking the pink cloth, which is part of the groom's outfit, and tying it to part of the bride's headpiece literally, tying the knot and symbolizing the strength of joining two things together. There are readings about marriage and the duties of the couple. Promises are exchanged. The couple walks around the holy book four times, with the husband leading, and both of them holding on to the pink cloth to signify walking together. After each circle, the bride and groom kneel and bow toward the holy book. After the fourth time around, the wedding is completed. Then the couple sits down together.

At this point, the parents and grandparents stand up. The pathi addresses them regarding their roles in supporting the couple.

When the ceremony is over, all the guests go up to the front to congratulate the couple. Some guests may place a hand on the head of the bride and groom, like a blessing. Another tradition at this point, although technically optional for the guests, is to place a token amount of money (e.g., $2, $5, $10, whatever the guest can afford) into the pink cloth held by the bride and groom.

Types of Wedding Ceremonies: Wiccan

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Wiccan High Priestess Leanne Haze of Toronto, Ontario, says, "Wicca is an association of autonymous covens, so even though the ceremony will be 8,000 years old, each coven will have its own flavor in the presentation." Wiccans refer to weddings as handfastings, because in a part of the ceremony the bride's and groom's hands are tied together as a symbol that their love will bind them together and to the gods. The handfasting is performed usually by a high priestess and sometimes by a high priest.

Haze provides these guidelines for guests who attend handfastings. "Do not bring your ego in. Dress comfortably, because there's a lot of standing and dancing in a circle. We usually do it outdoors in a field, in someone's backyard, or in the woods, so stiletto heels are out." She also warns guests "not to be too shocked if the bride and groom show up naked. But a lot of times, when outsiders or non-initiates are invited, the couple wears clothes not always, but sometimes." Although the bride and groom are naked, Haze reassures guests that the couple does not engage in sexual activity during the ceremony. The naked groom represents consciousness and all masculine powers while the naked bride represents subconsciousness and all feminine powers. The nakedness symbolizes both sides not hiding anything from each other. When consciousness and subconsciousness are working together, harmony results. "That creates a wholesome human being."

Guests should also be aware of circle etiquette when doing the circle dance, which involves everyone holding hands. "You don't let go of someone's hand (e.g., to scratch your nose) because you don't want to break the circuit," explains Haze. "It's more powerful if the circle is kept intact. If you do need to break the circle because you're dizzy, for example you step into the circle (still holding hands), get the two people whose hands you're holding to connect behind you, and then you can sit down inside the circle." Haze has been involved in circle dances ranging from 12 to 200 people.

She explains that publishing the words of any Wiccan ceremony breaks Wiccan laws. "All Wiccan liturgies are written on two levels, so they can't be taken literally on just the surface. Without the inner meaning, which you can only get through initiation, you don't understand the full impact and know the inner process. The words are an analogy to what's really going on inside a person. That's only revealed within the initiates' circle."

According to Lois Devine, a high priestess from Salem, Massachusetts, who has been practicing the religion for 28 years, a good rule of thumb when attending a Wiccan handfasting is to ask what to wear. "The couple may have different themes. Some may want you to dress in earth tones, others may want period costumes from the Renaissance, or they may prefer you wear black," says Devine. The handfasting begins when the circle is cast. Because it is a nature-based religion, the elements of earth, fire, water, and air are called upon by the high priest or priestess. Symbols used in the handfasting include a consecrated cup filled with water, juice, or wine, which represents the female, and a ritual dagger, or athame, which represents the male. "At some point, the dagger is usually dipped into the cup to represent fertility, not just of the couple, but for everything in their life. It's the same as throwing rice," explains Devine. Like many modern couples, the bride and groom may write their own vows or compile a ceremony from many different sources. The handfasting may last from 30 minutes to more than an hour and ends when the circle is broken as the high priest or priestess walks around the circle with the dagger pointed outward.

A handfasting, says Haze, is "a great celebration of love and life, so the more lighthearted you are, the more you'll get out of it and the bigger the blessing you'll receive. Wicca is a great mystery, but the key to that mystery is love love for all living beings. If the ceremony is performed properly, everyone should experience a balancing of their own inner and outer nature."

Types of Wedding Ceremonies: Unitarian

2008-10-17T10:40:00.000-07:00

Important events in every human being's life--whether that be the birth of a child, a marriage or a death--often call for special services that traditional religions can readily provide. However, some people do not have a church affiliation, while other individuals who have connections to more than one background try to juggle the dilemma of accommodating the needs of all the traditions. Instead of foregoing a ceremony altogether or blindly accepting all the customs and formal rituals, there is an alternative provided by the Unitarian Church.

Today's Unitarian Church is a combination of the 1961 merger of the Unitarian and Universalist churches. In the United States, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and John Adams were all Unitarians. Members reject the trinity concept in favor of monotheism, where God is considered one entity, hence "Unitarian."

Unitarian Universalists believe in an individual ethical value system rather than ritualistic formalities and dogma. Personal choice in spiritual matters and ceremonies being key, Unitarian ministers are free to adapt the form and content of ceremonies to incorporate words and music important to the couple getting married. Unitarian ministers regularly conduct marriage ceremonies where one or both of the parties are divorced or from mixed-faith backgrounds; commitment ceremonies are also performed for couples who are lesbian or gay. (See Same Gender.) These ministers may conduct a re-dedication of a marriage, a blessing of a same-gender union and even a ceremony to mark a separation when two people have decided to part amicably.

The minister and the couple work together to design an individualized wedding ceremony that also incorporates any legal requirement to register the heterosexual marriage. Marriage and partnership ceremonies can incorporate unique features to meet the wishes of participants, with the inclusion, for instance, of a significant quotation, poem or personal pledge. The wedding can be tailored to reflect the philosophical views of the couple. Where the law allows, the wedding service or the religious blessing of a civil marriage ceremony can take place anywhere.

Types of Wedding Ceremonies: Ukrainian Orthodox

2008-10-17T10:39:00.000-07:00

Among Ukrainians, the Orthodox Church is fairly common. At the entrance, before walking down the aisle, members may cross themselves three times, each time touching the tips of their fingers to their forehead, heart, right shoulder, and left shoulder (slightly different from the Roman Catholic blessing, where the order is the forehead, heart, left shoulder, and right shoulder). Often, people will pick up a candle and take it to the candle stand at the front to be lit. After guests go into the pews, some may kneel on the bench, cross themselves again, and say a silent prayer before sitting down. Guests who are not members of the Orthodox Church do not need to follow any of these procedures, instead going directly to their pews and sitting down.

While there may be a choir to provide music, there are no musical instruments at all. "The main theological reason," explains Father Bohdan Hladio of St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Hamilton, Ontario, "is that of all the musical instruments, only the voice was created by God." The concept is to maintain "God-centeredness as opposed to man-centeredness."

There is no Communion served at an Orthodox Church wedding ceremony. Communion would have been served the day or week before the wedding. No marriage vows are exchanged either.

The Ukrainian Orthodox Church is very similar to the Greek Orthodox Church. "The essential text and the faith are the same," says Father Bohdan. In the Ukrainian ceremony, the best man participates in the exchange of the rings. "The rings are the sign of betrothal. The crowns are the sign of the marriage." A major part of the ceremony is the wearing of the crowns by the bride and groom. "This is the central moment of the service," says Father Bohdan. "The crowns signify the formation of a new royalty – a new family unit. They also represent the crowns of the martyrs. The martyrs give their lives for God; likewise, the married couple is called upon to give their lives for each other." While the bride and groom are wearing the crowns, the circumambulation takes place: the couple walks around the table (where items for the service, such as the gospel book and the crowns, have been placed) three times. "This action signifies the centrality of God in the life of the new couple as their first steps are taken literally around the gospel, which is on the table. The circumambulation also signifies the passage of time. In the old days, crowns were left on for eight days."

What Should You Look for in a Wedding Cake

2008-10-07T14:28:00.000-07:00

The cake is an important part of the wedding. Like the gown, many brides have an image of what the cake should look like. Then again, many brides do not even think of the cake till the last minute. There are several things to consider when deciding on a cake.

Taste

Though it often takes a back seat to appearance, the taste of the cake is important. If it is pleasing and delicious, it will be more special to you. Something to consider also is how popular is the flavor. Carrot cake, though delicious (and one of my favorites) is too unusual for everyone to enjoy.

Freshness

If the cake is made well in advance, you will be sure that it will be ready for your ceremony. You can also be sure that not many people will enjoy it. Cakes will show their age if made too far in advance, so be careful!

Appearance

Perhaps the most important aspect, the cake should look like it belongs at your wedding. Take pictures of the reception hall prior to ordering the cake. The pictures will help you and the baker decide on an appearance that matches or plays off the surroundings. A white cake will be very striking in a colorful environment.

Be original. It is the bride's right to create choose a cake that reflects her personality and lifestyle. Most bakers will show you pictures of their work. Though this can give you ideas, you don't have to choose a cake that looks like any of those pictures.

Balance

Make sure the cake is "in balance" with the rest of the reception. Are you ordering a chocolate cake, even though you have other chocolate desserts? Are you ordering an exquisite ten-layer masterpiece for a cozy reception of close friends?

Presence

Remember this is the centerpiece of the reception. It should make an impression. It can be anything you like, German chocolate, quadruple-tiered with the figures of the whole bridal party sculpted in sugar on top. However, you like it, the cake should not be a forgotten part of the ceremony, glanced at once and never mentioned again. We just recommend that you do not use real flowers to decorate the cake as they may contain pesticides which, though memorable, would not make the impression that you would like.

Wedding Cake Basics and A Basic Wedding Cake (Part II)

2008-10-07T14:17:00.000-07:00

In the first part we covered a brief history, and the planning and creation of a basic wedding cake. This time, it's on to more practical considerations -- business (contracts, pricing, etc.), transportation, and set-up concerns.

This article is designed to get a beginner started. Of course, things can get much more involved as you gain fame and fortune!

CONTRACTING

I always have a written contract with the bride. First, it assures her that you will make and have a wedding cake delivered for her. It also protects you. You now have a written contract that has every detail you would want to know about the cake.

I usually contract for cakes about 4-6 months ahead of time, however, if my calendar permits, I have contracted as little as two weeks before the wedding. Be careful of the latter, as the bride may not have completely thought out what she wants if it is this late.

There are many ways to prepare a contract, and you may wish to seek professional guidance, but my contract includes the following: A statement that the contract is between me and the bride (or whoever is paying), married name, address and phone of the customer. A description of what the cake is, what it will look like (with references to pictures), the number to be served, date, time and address for delivery, contact person's name at the reception, flavors, cake sizes, colors, number of tiers and layers, and any other information which might help accurately describe exactly what the agreement is for. Of course, you must also include the price, amounts of deposits, delivery charge, accessory costs (lace, pearls, plastics, etc.), and sales tax amount. The completed contract must be signed and dated by you and the customer, and I leave a place for the contact person to accept and sign for the delivered cake.

Be sure you discuss what goes in between pillars and write that into the contract. If the bride is to provide items, such as flowers, goblets or netting, note that as well. That way there is no question as to who is going to supply which items. It is also a good way to be sure that you don't forget months down the road.

I require 1/3 of the money down as a deposit. Some people require l/2 down. Mine is non-refundable unless there is a death in the immediate family. If the wedding is canceled, you do not want to be out all of the money, especially if you have turned down other weddings in its place. This is a way of compensating you for that. I suggest that you require at least as much down as the cost of your ingredients.

I also get a separate deposit on the separators and accessories that are to be returned to me. (Some people just include those items in the cost of their cakes, but I don't feel most brides need those items. I am there for her convenience and service.) I price the items at my cost plus 20%. The extra percentage covers my gas and wear and tear on my car. If the items are not returned within two weeks of the wedding, I keep the deposit.

If the final check has not arrived a week before the wedding, I think that it is a good idea to call the bride to let her know you are going to need cash on the day of the wedding. A simple phone call can relieve a lot of embarrassment and confusion on the day of delivery. The bride can leave the cash with the person who is to sign for the cake.

PRICING THE CAKE

Obviously, pricing varies depending on the area in which you live. Call around the area to find out what others are charging. Be sure to check your local bakeries, independent bakers and grocery stores, just so you know what you're up against.

In some areas, people are getting as little as $.75 per slice, in other areas pricing starts at about $1.85 per slice and goes up from there. Don't underprice yourself. You are spending a lot of time on this cake and you need to be paid for your time and talent. In my area I would say most people charge by the slice. Also, I figure that every time I have to go around the cake with a tip, the price goes up a few cents per slice.

If a bride wants a cake for 150 people, and your pans either make 143 or 161 slices, don't just charge her for 150 and make the 161 size. Offer her a choice, then let her pay for the cake she chooses.

Allow a minimum of two inches between cake sizes. I think that four inches looks the best, but two will suffice. Also, be careful to consider symmetry. You probably don't want a stacked cake with a bottom layer of 14", a middle layer of 8", and a top 6". Just consider how it will look stacked. I usually set up the look of the cakes with empty cake pans turned upside down for the brides. If you need more cake than what the bride needs to get the look you want, then tell her. You are the professional and know what will look good and what won't.

Sometimes, part or all of a given cake will be a "dummy" -- for appearances only. I have found that most people charge about the same price for a dummy as for cake. You are still using the same icing and the same time decorating. Also, you have the expense of the dummy itself.

I've asked all around the country, and it seems that carrot cake is a minimum of $.50 per slice more than regular cake. Some people have a basic (white) price, then go up as the flavor requires.

Flower prices depend on the type, royal or gumpaste. Some people charge per spray, others figure it into the cost of the cake per slice. You have to decide what you want to do. Get a system, write it down, then stick to it. Generally, fillings run from $.05 per slice to $1.50 per slice for liqueur flavors, or more, depending on the ingredients and time required.

Rolled buttercream or fondant cakes are much more expensive than regular butter cream cakes. In asking around the country at shows, the least expensive cake of this type I have found is $2.50 per slice. There are places in Maryland and New York where they are getting $8.50 plus per slice for fondant cakes

You ask, "How do I break into the more expensive cakes?" Make dummies of both, then offer the brides a choice. If your more expensive cake looks more elegant and that is her wish, more often than not, she will be willing to pay for it.

ON YOUR WAY TO THE RECEPTION

I use carpet foam under the cake tiers to transport the cake It helps absorb any bumps in the car or van. It will prevent a lot of repairs at the reception site. (But if it's too thick, you may chance the cake tipping on the way.) I also cover the foam with a clean white sheet. In case of an accident, heaven forbid, at least the cake would be clean for repairs. If you can't get foam, use the grid-like grip mats for carpets to prevent the cakes from shifting. Some people use boxes to transport wedding cakes. I don't because I feel they can enhance accidents rather than prevent them (for example, putting fingers or flaps into the cake when removing the cake).

A sign for the car, "WEDDING CAKE IN TRANSPORT" is nice. It can keep motorists from tailgating. The sign should be big enough that they don't have to get close to see it, but not obstructing your view. Also, place is so that it cannot drop onto the cake in transport.

When rounding corners, my advice is to creep. You may also want to turn on your flashers to warn other motorists that you are going slowly. Also, leave yourself enough time that you don't have to rush. Sudden starts and stops can find a wedding cake inches off of its plate by the time you get where you are going.

On warm days, ensure that your air conditioning is working and turn it up so that the car is cool. Avoid having the cake sitting in a hot car for any length of time. If the delivery is to be made to an unairconditioned hall, don't get there too early. Also, don't cover the cake with plastic wrap for any length of time as it will make the cake too moist and soggy.

Be sure to take your camera and flash to take pictures after you've set up the cake. Pictures are nice for portfolios later. I also like to get double prints so I can send the bride a picture of her cake. (Many times the photographer's cake pictures include the entire cake table, including skirt and all you can see is the outline of the cake. Mine are a lot more detailed.)

Take icing, bags, any tips you used on the cake, and a spatula for any repairs. Check your supplies and put them in a bag or box. Do you need an extension cord for the fountain? If so, pack it ahead of time.

I always make a one page list for the hotel or reception caterers of what I need returned. This helps them to make sure I get back what I am expecting and the bride does not get charged. (Netting/tulle is washable and reusable.) I may also leave a cake cutting guide if there is a family member cutting the cake. Provide the bride with a box for her top tier. This is usually left under the cake cutting table.

Do you have the topper? Don't forget it if the bride has provided you one ahead of time. Also, are there ribbons or extras you need to take for in between the tiers, on pillars, etc.? A shopping bag is a nice carrier for these items.

SET UP AT THE RECEPTION SITE

My first suggestion is INSIST ON IT!!! Once you accept money for a wedding cake you are a professional. If the cake does not make it to the reception in good condition, it reflects on you, even if you may have not transported it. My experience in the past has been that even if I did not transport it, I ended up repairing it at the site anyway, so go ahead and charge for delivery and set up. I use a flat fee for certain areas, others have a fee per mile. (Don't forget you have to get home, too, so charge for that as well. It's your time and gas).

Before you go into the site with the big cake, check out the table, its position, readiness for the cake, etc. Insist that the cake NOT BE MOVED once you set it up. My favorite thing to do under a cake is to "cloud" the table with an extra table cloth as shown in the photo. Most hotels will provide this to you at no extra charge. Bunch the cloth to look like a cloud, leaving it flat in the center where the cake will be. This is an inexpensive way to fancy the cake without a whole lot of fuss.

When transporting the cake from the car to the reception room, use common sense. If you use a cart for this purpose, it should be sturdy enough not to collapse when it hits a bump. Obviously, your cake will go with it. Also, when taking a cart over the bumps between rooms, lift- DO NOT ROLL- both the front and the back wheels. This will prevent the cake from flying off the cart.

Give yourself enough time to set up the cake, but not too much time that something could happen to the cake. (I remember seeing a wedding cake that was delivered in the morning for an afternoon wedding...still in a box. During the day, someone put their fingers into the cake.

It may be a good idea to contact the florist ahead of time. I prefer small flowers over large so as not to overpower a cake. If you ask for rosebuds, make sure that you get sweetheart rosebuds, otherwise you may be in for a big surprise. Usually the florist will leave the flowers in a box for you to place on the cake.

Once the cake is delivered and set up properly, get your designated contact person to sign the acceptance line at the bottom of the contract. At this point that person takes responsibility for the cake. If there is a question as to its proper delivery you have a name and signature which could prevent problems for you later.

I have found that wedding cakes are much more profitable than birthday or anniversary cakes. If you have never done a tiered cake before, it might be wise to take a class. Many programs offer classes in tiered/wedding cake construction, so you can practice before you have to do the real thing. I was more nervous for my first wedding cake than I was for my own wedding, but now they are not a big deal.

Know what you are doing and both you and the bride will be happy.

Lace Embossing: Delicate lace patterns for wedding cake

2008-10-07T14:11:00.000-07:00

Delicate lace patterns make a beautiful addition to wedding or special occasion cakes. In this feature, Diane Gibbs, a well-known member of the Maryland cake decorating community shows us how to create an embossed lace effect on a buttercream-iced cake.

You Will Need:

yard or more or lace toothpicks
Piping bag and #1 or #01 tip
Buttercream icing
Coloring as desired

For transfer method, add:

Royal icing
Glass or other sturdy surface
Wax paper
Tape

When choosing your design, use a heavier type of embroidered or crocheted lace rather than thin nylon lace for best results. Laces that are used for bridal gowns work the best, but can be very expensive. You can economize however, by buying a quarter of a yard and then repositioning the lace around your cake to complete the design instead of purchasing a larger, more expensive piece.

If you choose this route, cut the piece in a place that will make it easy to align, i.e. at the beginning of a pattern that is repeated.

For this cake, the lace was used to create a design, which encircled the cake on its side. You may also select from lace appliques and repeat the design or use it as a design for the top of the cake. The only limits are in your imagination.

Note, however, that whatever lace you choose, although it will be reusable on other cakes, will absorb oils and turn color in this process.

1. Begin by icing a cake with buttercream icing. Smooth the texture of your cake by using a knife, which has been warmed in hot water, or gently pressing a paper towel into the surface of the icing. If you use the hot knife method, be careful not to get water drops on the icing as it may cause the lace to stick.

2. Lace embossing must be done on a freshly iced cake before the icing has had a chance to crust over. Position the lace on the cake, and insert toothpicks to hold it in place. Gently rub the lace with a paper towel or plain piece of paper, pressing the surface of the icing to create the embossing. Take it easy-if you apply too much pressure the embossing will be too deep. And you could have trouble removing the lace or create extra work for yourself in the next step.

3. Remove the toothpicks and gently pull the lace off the cake. If you are using a small piece of lace that does not go completely around the cake, you must remove the entire piece and reposition it to complete the embossing. It will take some effort to make sure the pattern lines up each time you reposition. Move quickly from one section to the next so that the icing will not crust over. If a seam results, be sure to place that point at the back of the cake.

4. Smooth over any holes that may have been left by the toothpicks.

5. Using buttercream icing with a small tip such as a #1 or #01, pipe over the embossing lace design, filling in the depressions. It helps to have the piece of lace next to your work area so that you can refer to it as you go. The piping can be done in the same color as the cake icing, or you can use a contrasting color.

6. After you have filled the entire design, you can overpipe to create a raised look, outline the design, or add colored highlights to achieve your desired effect.

Alternative Transfer Method

If you are using a cake with straight sides (rectangular, square, hexagonal, etc.), you may transfer your lace pattern in royal icing. This is a good alternative of you want to use a particular design, but don't want to ruin a piece of antique lace, for example. Or you might just like the effect! Here's how:

A. Trace the lace design on tracing paper with a pencil, or place the lace on a photocopier and adjust the darkness or lightness to have it reproduce on the paper.

B. Measure each side of your cake and transfer those measurements to the paper design.

C. Place the pattern on a very sturdy, flat surface such as glass or hard plastic, and tape a piece or wax paper on top of it. Using a very small (#1 or #01) tip, pipe the lace design onto the waxed paper with royal icing in appropriate lengths for each side of your cake. Let dry completely.

D. Carefully peel the waxed paper away from the royal icing lace.

E. Attach the icing lace to your cake with small dots of royal icing. Seal any edges with icing and add borders as desired. You can see that this technique will only work with small lace pieces or on a cake with straight sides so the lace can lie flat.

Basic Skill: Icing A Cake

2008-10-07T14:03:00.000-07:00

This month's basic skill is fundamental to a beautiful decorated cake - a properly iced foundation! If you are a true beginner, this will get you off to a great start without any bad habits. More advanced people might enjoy a refresher, or want to refine their technique for a truly polished look.

Francie Snodgrass of Virginia has been decorating cakes for 25 years, beginning with her second child's second birthday cake. As a youngster, Francie never had a birthday cake so as an adult she decided to make sure her kids had those special cakes. These days she owns two shops where she sells cake decorating supplies, teaches classes, and creates many custom cakes.

Prepare Your Cake:

Be sure your board is sturdy enough to support your cake. If not, your cake could crack. Cover your board neatly with wax or other greaseproof paper suitable for contact with food. Level your cake layers using a knife or leveling tool and place the first layer cut side down on the board.

Prepare Your Icing-The Basic Rules:

1. Any icing will work, but it must be SMOOTH (not full of air pockets), LIGHT (fluffy without having large air pockets), and have a THIN CONSISTENCY for icing the cake. Use medium or still consistency icing for decorating.

2. Beat the icing using the mixer's 'paddle' rather than the wire whisk, at the lowest speed your mixer can handle, for at least ten minutes. Be careful not to overheat your mixer's motor

3. Always make and use more icing than you think you'll need. In a K-5 Kitchen Aid mixer, a four pound recipe mixes best. Smaller batches will mix in more air.

4. When possible, weigh rather than measure ingredients. This will assure that each batch of icing is the same.

5. Use water instead of milk for the main liquid. That way you can reuse your icing.

You can frost almost ANYTHING with almost ANYTHING as long as you keep the above rules in mind. If it looks, feels and acts like frosting, it will frost something.

The following recipes are the ones I use most often for working on cakes. By all means, work with what you like, just try to make it SMOOTH, LIGHT, and THIN!

White "Butter" Cream Icing

1lb. (2 cups) solid shortening (or 1-3/4 cups shortening + 1/2 cup butter)

2 lb. confectionery (powdered) sugar

2 tsp. clear vanilla

2 tsp. butter flavoring

2 tsp. almond extract or other flavor

1/3 cup water (less 2-3 Tbs. for stiff)

Place ingredients in mixing bowl in the order indicated. Mix for two minutes, then scrape the bowl to remove shortening or butter from the sides and bottom of the bowl. Continue mixing at low speed for approximately ten minutes. When the icing is ready, it will take on a satiny shine.

Buttercream Icing

1/2 lb. (1 cup) solid shortening

1/2 lb. (1 cup) butter or margarine (not spreads or soft margarine)

2 lb. Confectionery (powdered) sugar

2 tsp. clear vanilla

2 tsp. almond flavoring (optional, or use another flavor)

1/3 cup less 2 Tbs. water

Mix as for White 'Butter' Cream above. Note that butter will yield a whiter icing than margarine.

NOTE: In hot and/or humid weather, it helps to add 2 tablespoons or meringue powder to both of the above recipes. Each recipe yields enough to frost a two layer 9x13" cake.

Icing The Rectangular Cake

Mark points midway up the sides of a 9x13' rectangular cake. Slice in half using a long knife as shown. Remove top of cake and set aside.

Using a decorating bag with or without a large round tip, pipe a thick icing 'dam' around the top edge of the bottom layer. The dam will prevent filling from squeezing out and will help level the cake. Spread the filling of you choice (packaged chocolate mousse, chocolate pudding, fruit, etc.) inside of the dam with a spoon, knife, or spatula.

Gently place the top layer, cut side down, onto the filled bottom layer. Place a small amount of icing in a separate container for the crumb layer. The crumb layer will prevent the bulk of the icing from being contaminated with crumbs.

Using the separated crumb layer icing, rock the spatula back and forth to cover the cake with a thin, even coat of icing. Turn the spatula perpendicular to the iced surface of the cake before putting it away. Avoid touching the cake with the spatula. This method will seal the cake and any loose crumbs, while minimizing the amount of crumbs picked up by the spatula. Start with the sides, and then move on to the top. Allow the crumb coat to dry for at least 20 minutes (but up to three days if you wish) before proceeding.

Moving back to the main bowl, and using a clean spatula, place a generous amount of icing on the side of the cake, near, but not on a corner. Always move the spatula from icing to icing, never allowing the spatula to actually touch the cake.

Keeping the spatula flat, pull the large 'glob' of icing along the side of the cake, away from the first corner. As the icing layer thins, get some more. The important thing is to keep the icing ahead of the spatula. Don't worry about making it perfectly smooth yet; just get the icing on the cake.

When you reach a corner, place a large amount of icing on each side of the corner, the two 'globes' butting up directly on the corner itself. Next, pull the icing away in each direction to create a sharp edge. Remember, always use more icing than you think you'll need. If you use too little icing, you can get crumbs or the cake can show through. The icing should come up above the top of the cake on the sides.

Spread icing on the top of the cake using the flat portion of the spatula. Work the icing to the edges of the cake. Use the spatula to create a sharp edge with the icing that was sticking up from the cake's sides.

NOTE: Be careful not to scrape into the well of your mixing bowl where unmixed ingredients may lie.

Smoothing The Icing

There are many ways to smooth icing, but nothing beats learning to handle a spatula. Hold the spatula at an angle to the cake, using the edge to even out the cake's surfaces. Dragging the edge of a ruler across the whole top surface also works well, as shown. If necessary, finish the look using any of the following methods:

Hot Water Method: Dip a spatula of knife frequently in hot water. The heat and moisture will melt the buttercream into a smooth surface.

Paper Towel Method: Gently apply a paper towel (check the texture first) to slightly crusted icing.

Smooth Paper Method: Gently rub any smooth paper onto slightly crusted icing.

Non-Woven Interfacing Method: Gently apply interfacing to surface of crusted icing.

NOTE: 'Crusting' will usually occur in 15-20 minutes depending on the temperature and humidity. To judge if the icing has crusted, remember that if it sticks to your finger, it will stick to your smoothing paper, so it has not crusted yet.

Round Cakes

Round cakes are easier to frost because you don't have to worry about corners. The technique is similar to that for rectangular cakes, but because of the shape and size of the cake, the icing 'dam' works more as a leveling tool than as a sealant.

If you are filling with your icing, you can use a slightly different technique from that shown above. Generously fill the layer. Don't worry about going over the sides. Pipe a 'dam' around the circumference of the cake. Place the top layer on the bottom layer.

Move two rulers around the cake, positioning them at perpendicular angles, to measure and adjust the cake so that it is the same height everywhere. One ruler rests across the top of the cake, the other will measure the height.

Simply press the top layer into the bottom in any spots that are too tall, allowing the icing from the 'dam' to squeeze out the sides.

Once the cake is even, place a large amount of icing on the side of the cake, and push the 'blob' around the side of the cake without letting your spatula touch the cake. Always apply icing to icing.

Finish as described above for rectangular cakes.

The Lambeth: old cake decorating technique

2008-10-07T13:53:00.000-07:00

Joseph A. Lambeth began winning awards for cake decorating as early as 1911 in England. He went on to win competitions as an American citizen in the 1920s. As a recognized master, teacher, and author in the field, his work became well known throughout the world.

Linda Dobson, as established Maryland cake artist, demonstrates her 'quick' version of this incredible art for us. She has described the technique as 'elegant, intricate, Victorian, Baroque, three-dimensional, and time consuming but rewarding.'

Note: You will see that this technique requires many layers of overpiping, and each application should be left to dry before proceeding. Use this time as an opportunity to move on to another step.

You Will Need:

A cake circle or board at least four inches larger than the cake and lots of extremely smooth icing. You should prepare gumpaste roses and daffodils ahead of time.

It is very important to ice the cake with a crumb coating. It will be of particular value, not only for its sealing function, but because it will provide a surface for etching guidelines.

The top edges of Lambeth cakes are beveled at 45 degrees. To create that bevel, measure 1/2 inch in from the sides across the top of the cake to mark an inner circle. This can easily be accomplished by first cutting a wax paper circle one inch smaller in diameter than your cake - an 11 ' circle for a 12 ' cake, for example. Trace the circumference of inner circle into the crumb layer with a toothpick.

You must also measure 1/2 inch from the top of the cake down its side, and mark that line all the way around the cake. You can do this, and other side markings by placing the cake on a turntable. Mark a single spot at the correct height, then securely rest a skewer at the spot while slowly turning the cake.

Step 1-2:

Use a sharp knife to create the bevel by cutting off the top edge of the cake along a straight line between the two marked circles. With the knife at a 45 degree angle, use the upper part of the blade to cut along the top circle, and the lower part of the blade to follow the side circle. Crumb coat the exposed area created by the bevel. Allow the crumb coat to dry. Apply the final coating of icing.

Step 3:

From the base of the cake, measure and mark a spot 1/2 ' up the side. Use the turntable technique discussed above to create an even line around the perimeter of the cake.

Step 4-5:

Create a 'ramp' of icing from the marked line to the edge of your cake board with an angles spatula. This can best be accomplished by tilting the cake slightly upward. You are now ready to begin decorating.

Step 6:

Begin with a #199 decorating tube and medium to stiff consistency icing. Pipe a large shell border in the bevel around the top of the cake. Allow this, like every other application, to crust over before proceeding.

Step 7:

With a #16 tube, pipe a 'C' on each shell, keeping the inward curl of the 'C' in the top center of the shell, and the tail ending at the point where each shell meets the next. Allow to dry. Overpipe each 'C' with each of: #14, 13, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 tips, in that order. Allow each to dry before proceeding. Return later to finish with the tube #1 overpipe.

Step 8:

Using tube #14 pipe a scallop immediately below each shell. Overpipe each scallop with tubes #13, 4, 3, 2, and 1. Then, with tube #13, pipe a second row of scallops just below the first. Overpipe with tubes #3 and #2. Allow to dry thoroughly, and return later to finish with a #1 overpipe.

Step 9:

Pipe a scallop directly above each shell with a #14 tip. Then, with a #13 tube, pipe a second row immediately above the first.

Step 10-11:

On the 'ramp', create a basket weave using tubes #5 and #48. Mark the ramp in fourths around the cake, and pipe the basket weave in every other section. Use tube #5 for the straight lines extending outward from the cake. 'Weave' with the #48 tube. As you lay each set of #48 weaves across the #5 lines, note that to avoid gaps, the distance between the weaves should be no more than the width of the tip.

Finish the side edges of the basket weave and the inner edge of the 'ramp' with a simple #14 shell.

Above and below each shell at the base of the cake, pipe a #357 leaf extending up the side of the cake, and one going down the 'ramp'.

For the side trim, mark a line around the cake using the 'skewer' method described above. Then with a #103 rose tip, place the tip at a 45 degree angle to the cake and pipe out one petal. Turn tube opposite direction and beginning slightly behind the first petal, pipe another at a 45 degree angle. Using a criss-cross motion, work this fashion around the cake.

Fill a pastry bag with both green and pink icing. In the smooth ramp sections, pipe stems with a #3 tip and leaves with a #357 tip. This will create a beautiful two-color effect.

Step 12:

Arrange soft yellow and blush pink gum paste roses and buds and yellow daffodils with the stems and leaves. Add additional leaves as necessary. Finish the outer edge of the cake board with a #14 shell.

Step 13:

Create stems and leaves, and place gumpaste buds on the top of the cake.

Step 14:

Now is a good time to go back and add a #1 tip roping in an accent color to each top scallop. You can also add beadwork behind each scallop in piping gel using the same accent color.

Step 15:

Place gumpaste flowers to the top of the cake. Finish each side scallop with #1 strings in your accent color.

Step 16:

Add your #1 tip accents to the 'C's as described in step #7.

Wedding Cake Basics and A Basic Wedding Cake (Part I)

2008-10-07T13:33:00.000-07:00

In this post we will present a comprehensive look at the basics of wedding cakes: from the history, to contracting, to basic construction, and decorating.

Obviously, there are many more "tricks of the trade", more difficult designs, and more complicated cake styles. The aim here is to get you started. After that, you, as the cake decorator must use the tools of the trade and your own expertise to create your desired look.

This first installment will cover a brief history, and then the planning and creation of a basic wedding cake. Next time, we'll look at some of the more practical considerations -- business (contracts, pricing, etc.), transportation, and set-up concerns.

HISTORY

The Ancient Romans crumbled barley cake over brides' heads to invoke the fertility powers of Jupiter. In the Middle Ages, small sweet rolls were piled between the bride and groom. If they were able to kiss over the mound they would have many children and prosperity.

Icing came later. Originally, cakes were covered in lard to keep them moist. It was scraped off just before the wedding. In later years, sugar was added to improve the taste. Voila! decorator's icing.

And just where do groom's cakes fit in? Traditionally they were cut in wedding cake sized pieces and boxed. Single girls placed them under their pillows to dream on.

In yesteryear, groom's cakes were usually fruit cake (which did not have to be refrigerated) or chocolate, and many times the same size as the wedding cake. In modern times, primarily spurred by the movie, Steel Magnolias (which had an armadillo for a grooms cake), they now often relate to the groom's hobbies. You'll find groom's cakes in the shape of a sailboat, dog, boots, fish, etc.

MEETING WITH THE BRIDE

Prior to scheduling a meeting with the bride, ensure that you have the date of the bride's wedding open on your calendar. There is no use wasting precious time only to find out that you have some other commitment.

When you meet with the bride, ask the following questions:

How many guests will be fed?

What colors will be used, if any, on the cake?

Does she want a stacked cake or a pillared cake?

Does she want 5", 3", or 2" between tiers?

Does she want "traditional" pillars, or a special cake stand?

What kind of flowers will be put on the cake, if any? (Silk, frosting, fresh, gumpaste)

Especially for a smaller wedding cake, does she want a fountain or stairs? Fountains and stairs raise the cake higher, so it can be seen more easily.

What flavor cake does she want?

Does she want a filling?

Does she want the cake stacked or tiered with pillars?

What does she plan on putting between layers if it is pillared?

Does she want anything, such as ribbon, decorating between the pillars?

Who is the point of contact who will sign for the cake when it is delivered?

Where is the reception?

Does she want some type of material such as toule or lace under the cake to add "fantasy" to the occasion? Candelabra or other decorations may also be placed next to the cake for a styled look.

Be prepared to answer some of the brides questions as well:

Are the cakes fresh or frozen? Is there a delivery charge? Are there any "hidden charges", such as the cost of the pillars? Must the bride buy the pillars and plates, or is there a deposit on them?

If the wedding reception is in a hotel, the bride also needs to find out if the hotel will charge her for cutting the cake. (In my area just cake cutting ranges from $1.25-$2.50 per slice. That charge does not include the cake!

PLANNING THE CAKE

Once the contract is signed (tune in next issue for contracting tips), put the date and time on your calendar. This is very important unless you have another type of tickler you can use. You do not want to miss a wedding date.

Ensure you have all of your ingredients before you start baking. If you are using a cream cheese icing, make sure you include the cream cheese in your ingredient list at the store, or you may find yourself making a separate trip.

Icing flowers can be done well ahead of time, whether they are from royal icing or gumpaste. Be careful if you plan to use purple flowers. If the cake is in the sun for any length of time (even through a window), the purple flowers might turn blue. You might want to test out your color in advance at home.

Check your plate sizes and pillars to be sure that you will have everything necessary for that particular cake. Just because you have a certain size doesn't mean you won't use them the week prior on another wedding cake. They might not be returned in time for you to use them again. Also check your supply of fabric trims (ruffles, netting, etc.) for the bottom of the cake; doweling; and extras such as pearls, plastics, and 6" cardboard circles for saving the top tier of the cake.

Make sure that you have the correct size pans in which to bake the cake. Consider what you will use for the bottom base of the cake, a separator plate, plywood, or other material, and be sure to have it on hand.

Most fresh cakes can be baked two to three days in advance. Some people freeze their wedding tiers, but I prefer to use unfrozen layers.

CONSTRUCTING AND DECORATING THE CAKE

I often smooth my wedding cakes with a pillow case. It works just like paper toweling, but gives a smooth appearance. That way, if I need to do any repairs at the wedding reception site, I don't have to match the paper toweling design. If repairs need to be done, I use the knife in hot water technique- it works just fine.

After you ice all of the tiers, place each (except the bottom) on an appropriate sized separator plate.

Dowels or other support MUST be used for wedding cakes (or any tiered cake). I cut mine with a very sharp, sturdy serrated knife. People have told me to use wire cutters and the like, but I find they pinch the dowel; I want the surface to stay round, rather than flattening.
As you cut each dowel, always use the one you stick into the highest part of the cake to measure the others you will cut. This way the dowels won't get longer and longer as you go. Make sure that the dowels are all exactly the same size. Also, rocking can be prevented by using an odd number of dowels. Use at least five. On any cake bigger than 12 inches, use seven. Each tier's dowels must be cut separately, as most cakes are not exactly the same height all around. Push the dowels into the cake all the way to the bottom plate. Do not use cardboard plates in between cake tiers except for the top 6" layer, as the dowels may puncture the cardboard under the heavier tiers causing the cake to become unstable.)

When you place the dowels, put them far enough toward the outer edges of the cake that they will lend support, but ensure they are under the cake plate that will be sitting on them. I've heard of at least one disaster because the decorator put the dowels in too close to the center of the cake.

When you begin stacking the tiers, work from the bottom up. Many people use the coconut method (putting coconut between the tiers), but I have found that not everyone likes coconut. I prefer to use parchment paper. Cut the paper approximately the size of the cake going on top. Make sure to cut spaces for "legs" of separator plates. Then put the parchment on top of the lower cake. I have found this method to be better at not picking up frosting from the bottom tier than the coconut method.

Next, line up the cakes evenly from above and quickly pull out your fingers, letting the cake above "fall" (just a finger's space worth) onto the cake below. Now pipe on a border at the bottom of the top cake to help prevent shifting.

If the cake is a stacked one, I usually insert a dowel from the top all the way to the bottom. You can make holes in the middle of plastic plates with a large drill bit to accommodate the dowels. This will prevent major shifts during transportation.

At this point, separator plates should be placed on any tiers which will support pillars. Now you're ready to begin decorating!

On the cake shown, I decorated the sides of the cake with a striped garland. I began by marking the location with a garland marker, but you could also tear strips from plastic wrap (fold them and mold them to the size you need) or a paper cup cut in half. Whenever possible, put the cake at eye level when marking to assure evenness.

Stack the cake before you decorate. You will achieve much more uniform decorations this way. Even 1/2 inch misalignment will often be noticeable. If you are using pillars, mark the cake then take off the pillars before you decorate. The final assembly of the tiers with the pillars will take place at the reception site.

Once I was ready to begin decorating this cake, I "striped" my decorating bag placing colored icing on one side of the bag, and a larger amount of white icing on the opposite side. Squeeze some of the icing out until the stripes are consistent. It may take some practice to create an even distribution all the way through the bag.

Next, using an open tip such as a #45, pipe the garland using an overlapping back and forth motion as you work around the marked scalloped shape. Finish the top edges with a scroll or other decorative border of your choice.

I also piped a border around the edge of the plastic pillar support plates.

To finish the look, insert a ruffle at the bottom edge of the cake using a knife.

Add your flowers under the pillars, but if you use fresh flowers as decorations, do not put the stems directly into or onto the cake. You can obtain individual flower holders from a floral supply shop. Some flowers are poisonous when eaten, so be careful which ones you use!

HINT: For special effects such as embroidery or cornelli work, you may wish to thin your buttercream icing by adding a small amount of corn syrup. It makes a smoother icing that will pipe easily.

Wedding Cake: How Sweet It Is

2008-10-07T13:32:00.001-07:00

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue ... Wedding celebrations are full of traditions.

According to tradition, something old represents the past, while something new suggests hope for the future. Something borrowed stands for friendships, and something blue represents the bride's faithfulness. Of course we all know the white gown has traditionally symbolized purity, and the single woman who catches the bridal bouquet is said to be the next to marry. Then there is the garter ritual, the throwing of the rice, and so on. These are some of the more familiar wedding traditions.

Although not as well-known, the wedding cake itself also has a background full of tradition. Ancient Romans would break small cakes made of barley or wheat over the bride's head as a symbol of her fertility. Guests would then eagerly pick up the crumbs, which they considered to be good luck charms. During the Middle Ages it became traditional for the couple to kiss over a small cluster of cakes, which were then stacked in a haphazard fashion. This developed into the custom of assembling the little cakes into the one multi-tiered creation we know today.

The wedding cake is one of the highlights of the reception. It is often the first thing people see as they enter the reception hall. The tradition of sharing the first piece of cake demonstrates the bride and groom's willingness to share a household and all the responsibilities and joys that go with it.

The meal is not complete without a taste of the wedding cake and no well-mannered guest will leave before the cake is served. Gone are the days of stiff royal icing and rolled fondant. The cake is meant to be eaten, not just displayed. Therefore, in addition to being beautiful to look at, it must also taste terrific!! Though traditional vanilla cake and "white on white" frosting are still good choices, different flavors such as marble, amaretto, Grand Marnier or even cheesecake offer some delicious options. Fillings can be simple frosting or fruit preserves, or just about anything the bride and groom desire.

The cake can truly reflect the couple's individuality. While hors d'oeuvres and dinner are somewhat standard in their presentation, the wedding cake can be uniquely YOU! It can be elegant in its simplicity, or a fanciful, architectural masterpiece with stairs, fountains, and gazebos. Most of all the cake should reflect you -- the bride and groom.

It is important to find a baker who will work with you and let your own personalities shine through. Some couples choose to have the cake decorated with the colors of the wedding party. Flowers are often used to adorn the cake and can be fresh, silk, or made of frosting. Though a figurine of a bride and groom usually adorns the top of the cake, choosing other ornaments which represent your lifestyle or interests is a great way to express yourselves.

Whatever you choose, if you are working with someone who will accommodate your requests, you should be very happy with the final result. And your guests should be happy too, whether they eat a piece at the reception or (as another tradition suggests), take it home to sleep on so that they will dream of the person they will marry!

Great Wedding Cake Hunt

2008-05-14T10:40:00.000-07:00

You should begin researching wedding cakes at least five to six months ahead of your wedding date if you have your heart set on a spectacular one. If you have a simpler cake in mind, you can begin your search three to four month ahead of time.

Get recommendations from friends, wedding consultants, caterers, reception site coordinators, bridal fairs, and regional bridal magazines. Review the baker's portfolio so you can see pictures of the cakes they've created. Most bakeries have opportunities for you to come in and have a tasting, so take full advantage of this service. When you're ready to order your cake, make sure you cover the specific terms such as size, tiers, flavors, fillings, colors, decorations, presentation, delivery, date, time, and location.

Your baker will need to know:

Number of guests
Seasons or room temperature
Overall room size
Final decorations
Address of reception site to which cake is to be delivered, along with clear, concise directions and any specific instructions regarding delivery
Any other dessert being served
Room decor, decorations, and colors
Kitchen logistics (refrigeration)
Name of reception site coordinator, florist, and caterer

Wedding cakes have a wide cost range, beginning at around $200 and going up to $1,000 plus. Many of the absolutely stunning ones that you see in nation magazines can be upward of $1,200. Cakes are also priced by per serving, with the range being from $2.00 per serving on up to $20.00 per serving.

Mousse, cheescake, fresh fruit lead cake trends

2008-05-12T11:58:00.000-07:00

Every few months, baker Tom Nieto heads to the magazine racks for an item he'll see dozens of times: the quarterly issue of Martha Stewart's wedding magazine. "I can't tell you how often brides come to our shop with her books and magaines and ask: 'Can you do this?' '' he says.

''This'' could be a multi-tiered glamour cake decorated with large pearls or a triple-layer gateau covered with basket-weave frosting and studded with sugared kumquats.

Nieto has seen the trends come and go during the 13 years he's been making wedding cakes at his store, Masterpiece Bakery. The traditional fruitcake is a thing of the past, unless it's a Jamaican dark rum cake which Nieto is sometimes called upon to decorate.

Dummy cake tiers are also long gone so guests are seeing the real thing. Souvenir pieces of cake can be done separately from fruitcake for those who want to stick to tradition, he says. Popular choices for cakes today are mousse, fresh fruit or cheesecakes.

Nieto says it's not unusual to have a different type for each tier - wedding cakes have anywhere from one to 10 - to please every palate on the guest list. To make the choice easier, Nieto says he gives samples so the bride and groom can decide what they like.

Decorations are often fresh flowers - chosen to co-ordinate with the wedding flowers - or fruit, either artificial or real depending on the type. Prices vary with a two-tier starting at about $190 and a three-tier $295 and up. Nietopoints out his prices include delivery and set-up.

Eager couples should take note - wedding cakes take time. Nieto says he's already taken a number of orders for summer weddings.

Step by step guide to throwing a bridal shower

2007-12-22T14:57:00.000-08:00

Your best friend is getting married. You want to help make this a special time in her life, and one of the things you'd like to help with is planning a bridal shower. But you're a little nervous Put away your misgivings, experts say. Planning a wedding shower that will be remembered
with pleasure does not have to be difficult if you keep a few tips in mind.

When: A wedding shower can take place two months to two weeks before the wedding.

Where: Private homes, restaurants, condo or apartment clubhouses all are popular choices.

Who: Usually the maid of honor or close friends do the honors of hosting the bridal shower. Family members, such as sisters or mother-in-laws, traditionally do not host the showers since it can be viewed as self-serving.

Must haves: Designate a person to record all gifts and who gave them. This is so the bride and groom can properly thank givers by promptly sending a thank you card. It is also appropriate to give each attendee a bridal shower favor or a unique momentos such as a heart-shaped soap favor scented with rosemary or scented votive candles.

Who to invite: Close friends, family, coworkers of the bride and groom and church or congregation members can shower good wishes on the couple. Don't invite everyone on the wedding guest list to the shower -- it should be personal. A good rule of thumb is creating a list of people you'd invite to a close birthday party.

How the event unfolds: Set aside about two hours for the event. Greet guests and serve light appetizers. After most guests have arrived, go around the room and have guests introduce themselves and say how they know the bride and groom. Play three or four shower games, if desired. Break for refreshments and other incidentals. Open gifts. Host should thank departing
guests individually.

Tips for picking out a florist

2007-10-22T15:13:00.000-07:00

It's hard to imagine a wedding without flowers. They add a special touch of beauty and fragrance to the event that complements the overall style and color scheme. But before you begin making up bouquets of roses and lillies, you must invest time in choosing a quality florist. Here are some tips from the experts.

Family and friends are excellent sources for recommending florists. If
you've admired the flowers at a friend's wedding, request the name of her
florist.
The role of the florist is to demystify the whole experience. But there
must be a level of trust.
The bride should allow them to use their discretion when it comes to
choosing the right flowers.
The florist you choose should help you work within your price range as
well.

Once you've come to a decision, go over the details with him or her. Your florist should also visit your church and reception, site with you to discuss the most visually effective floral arrangements. It also helps to have a swatch of the fabric you're planning to use, so that you can choose flowers to accent the look.

Preserving your bouquet

2007-10-22T15:11:00.000-07:00

Bridal bouquets represent the loveliest expression a bride will make on her wedding day. It may be one of the few memories that is important enough to preserve and display prominently in your home throughout your marriage.

Experts say that a bride's bouquet can be a source of supply for many different interesting home accents. If choosing to keep it intact, some form of preservation is essential to keep it from crumbling; freeze-drying being the best solution. Silica preservation can also work reasonably well, although flowers will take on more of a dried floral appearance with this method.

Once preserved, these complete bouquets can be encased in glass to be further enjoyed, possibly hanging on the wall or even placed in a dust-free spot like a china cabinet. Broken apart, it can become part of a floral arrangement, suitable for a dining table, hall or anywhere else in a home.

Or, the flowers can be made into a garland or swag wall hanging, or even a wreath.

68% of couples still prefer white wedding

2007-10-22T11:39:00.000-07:00

A white wedding in church is still the most popular way of tying the knot although costs have shot up significantly in just one year, according to a new survey.

Despite the growth in unusual venues from ballrooms to rollercoasters the majority of couples still prefer to keep their big day traditional. The poll in Wedding & Home magazine found A majority of couples, 68 percent, still prefer walking up a church aisle compared with 90 percent 10 years ago.

More and more are opting to complete the traditional look with a white wedding. Trendy outfits are rejected by 88 percent of brides, a 20 percent leap on last year. But while brides splash out up to $860 on a new dress their husbands-to-be are most likely to spend a tenth of that on hiring morning dress.

Flowers should be simple but elegant

2007-08-22T11:54:00.000-07:00

Just as wedding gown fashions have become increasingly elegant and simple, the bridal bouquets seem to be matching the trend.

A small, tighly knit bouquet compliments a simple a-line dresses, while a large cascade of roses is more fitting to a bride wearing tule.

For Karin Kissler, who's been designing bridal bouquets for more than 20 years, it helps to understand the tone of the wedding when selecting flowers. However, if the bride doesn't have a clear idea of what she wants, she tries to draw her out. "I can show her flowers that might go best with what she's wearing. The best flowers are available in March and April. Those are spring flowers, and not as expensive,'' she says.

This year, Kissler has been designing more round nosegays, with simple looks such as all roses instead of cascading flowers. She will tie them together with a satin ribbon, sometimes with exposed stems. "Often brides bring me sashes off the bridesmaids' dresses,'' she said.

In addition to the bridal bouquet, flowers need to be designed for the wedding party. "You need bride and attendants' (bouquets), boutineers for all the men who are doing anything, from ringbearers to grandfathers to ministers. You need corsages for the women, altar arrangements, pew bows and aisle runners,'' says Kissler.

Whatever flowers you plan for your wedding, plan ahead. This means at least one month in advance, and often brides will begin looking at books and gathering ideas three to four months ahead.

Flowers have to be ordered, special ribbons have to coordinate with dresses, and, according to Kissler, some weddings take her a full week to prepare for. "I'll order my flowers more than one week in advance. I'll start making my bows ahead,'' she said.

When choosing flowers for the altar arrangement, which can also be used at the reception, kissler suggests picking flowers that will show up in a photograph. "Any memory you have is in the photograph,'' she said. Another memory that can be preserved is the bride's bouquet. Kissler often makes a smaller bouquet for the bride to toss at the end of the reception, so that she can keep the main one.

Personalizing your wedding is sew simple

2007-06-22T11:41:00.000-07:00

Every bride wants her wedding to be unique -- why else would some couples agree to profess their love on the crest of a roller coaster. Fortunately, you don't have to go to this extreme to personalize your nuptials. With a bit of ingenuity, a can-do attitude and the proper tools, even ceremonies steeped in tradition can be tailor--made.

For instance, many brides select a motif and stick with it from shower decorations to the icing on the wedding cake, says Nina Kay Mileneus, a sewing expert and recent bride. Perhaps a lovely monogram is selected -- something very elegant and practical for beyond the special day. With one of today's computerized sewing and professional embroidery machines and a simple touch of a button, the bride-to-be can stitch this monogram on everything from table linens to her garter. Mileneus did just that. She picked-up on a floral design from her mother-in-law's very delicate, antique veil.

"So much of the entire wedding process is focused on the bride and her family. I wanted my mother-in-law to feel equally as special. Besides, I loved the idea of integrating a part of her past into the day that marks the beginning of our future," says Mileneus.

She coupled her sewing machine with her PC and special sewing software, the Husqvarna Embroidery Pro Customizing system, to scan the design and then embroider the floral motif on her modern-day gown, napkins, table toppers, ring bearer's pillow and even the dresses she made for the flower girls' dolls.

If flowers and monograms are not your thing, don't worry. Most all of these dream sewing machines offer libraries of designs featuring every imaginable category from fly fishing -- for the bride who wants to let her husband know "Nothing will change once we're married" -- to religious symbols and traditional doves.

Consider these possibilities to make your wedding planning hassle-free and your wedding day truly special all while sticking to your budget.

Purchase linen guest towels from a discount department store then embroider your selected motif in one corner. Give these delicate treasures as gifts to friends and relatives who host pre-wedding parties and showers.
Need a guest book? Use scrap fabric from your wedding gown or perhaps one of grandmother's heirloom table runners to cover an inexpensive journal. Trim it with matching lace and of course add your theme design.
Make a wine bottle wrap from a fabric triangle trimmed with your embroidered motif. Add the happy couple's monogram. Then stitch a buttonhole in one corner to slip the opposite corner through to secure the wrap around the bottle.
Present bridesmaids with a gift they can use the day of the wedding and treasure for years to come. Create an elegant envelope or Victorian-look drawstring bag embellished with your theme.
An easy to assemble project, and a really unique accent, is a fabric sconce inviting any number of decorative options including the wedding's theme motif. Fill with long stemmed wild flowers for the bridesmaids to carry or as pew decorations.

Creative wrapping tips for shower gifts

2007-05-22T14:44:00.000-07:00

You're pressed for time, yet you still want to show you care creatively and fashionably. It's easy. Use these pointers from American Greetings to ensure your gift is received with a smile.

Be different and wrap one half of a present in one design and the other half in a complementing solid paper. Attach a solid bow that brings everything all together.
Inexpensive items and things you can find around the house can become creative package decorations. For example, ball up a piece of ice cream-colored tissue paper and nestle your scoop into an ice cream cone -- the perfect topping for a package wrapped in ice cream-patterned paper or a gift for an ice cream lover.
Attach something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. A lovely piece of old lace, tied with a blue ribbon and topped with a shiny new penny, is certain to catch the eye of the bride-to-be.
Mix two different complementing colors of tissue to top off gift bags. Attach a bow or a package decoration to make this very easy wrap extra special.
Wrapping gifts in unexpected ways adds to the fun of the occasion. Roll golf balls in a cylinder of golf-themed wrapping paper, tied at each end and between each ball with curling ribbon. Curl the ribbon with a pair of scissors.
When giving a gift for the kitchen, such as a blender or mixer, attach color-coordinating measuring cups or spoons to tie in with your gift.
Fresh flowers make great present-toppers on any occasion. Stick with solid color wraps that complement, rather than compete with, your ensemble.
Add a fan fold for special occasions. Cut a section of wrap and fold in half diagonally. Fold into a fan and tie or tape the fan to your gift.
Draw out the anticipation of a gift-giving occasion by delivering the gift scavenger-hunt-style, having the recipient follow clues on a series of notes to lead him or her to the present.

Butterfly kisses for the new mister and missus

2007-05-22T13:33:00.000-07:00

Miranda and Jim Merril wanted something spectacular for their wedding -- a special touch their guests would never forget. The couple, who hail from Evergreen, Colorado, decided to release butterflies as they walked down the isle of their outdoor wedding.

"It was the most uplifting moment of the ceremony," Miranda recalls. "I'd recommend it in an instant."

Why butterflies? Throwing rice is out because it's bad for birds. Balloons are not good for the environment. And everybody's doing those little bottles of soap bubbles or disposable cameras at the reception.

Miranda, like many brides today, opted to purchase the butterflies at her wedding from a butterfly farm she found on the Internet. The company sent the butterflies individually in small triangular boxes with air holes. The insects arrived in chrysalid form and were timed to hatch inside the boxes two to three days before the wedding. At the ceremony, ushers handed each guest a box with instructions to open it at a specific time.

"It was expensive," she says, "but the pictures were amazing."

Wedding programs for interfaith couples

2007-05-22T13:28:00.000-07:00

Wedding programs are fast becoming a tradition as common as Jordan almonds and blowing bubbles at the end of a ceremony. Plain or fancy, short or long, they are as welcomed by wedding guests as the playbill at the theater.

The programs, which can be made by a printer or a home publishing program, announce the order of the service and explain the meaning of the ceremony's religious rituals has become a popular courtesy. Artistically designed, the program also becomes a lovely keepsake of this special event.

Wedding consultant Hope Fromson says the use of programs has been common at church weddings for a long time. As more Jews encountered them at their non-Jewish friends' weddings, they started requesting Fromson's help in designing programs for their own nuptials.

"The program is a nice touch - to welcome guests and help them understand the service they will be witnessing," says Fromson. "It is especially helpful at an interfaith ceremony when the couple has incorporated rituals drawn from different religious traditions."

Two years ago, Shaker Heights native Audrey Lewis, a Jew, married Dan Ernst, who was raised Catholic. Although their ceremony was not religious, it took place under a chuppah and concluded with the Jewish custom of breaking a glass. The couple wanted their guests to have a program that would explain these traditions to those who were unfamiliar with them.

"All the weddings Audrey and Dan had been attending had programs, so they wanted one, too," says Audrey's mother, Cheryl. "Also, they had a very large bridal party - seven bridesmaids, seven ushers, four flower girls and a ring bearer - and they wanted to identify these people."

The program the couple wrote named each member of their wedding party and noted his or her relationship to the couple. It described the Jewish wedding traditions and identified the musical selections played during the ceremony. Audrey designed the one-page program on a computer, adding a decorative border that matched the wedding invitation.

Another interfaith couple, Laurie Heiser and Neal Robinson, who were married in July, had a Reform Jewish ceremony. For the benefit of Neal's Christian family and their non-Jewish guests, the couple's program included an explanation of the significance of the chuppah, the ketubah, the kiddush, and the breaking of the glass. They dedicated the program to Neal's father who had passed away two years earlier.

On the last page of the program, Laurie and Neal wrote a note welcoming their guests and thanking their parents. The four-page program, printed on white stationery, was embellished with a tiny silk daisy on the cover, echoing the colors of the wedding.

Photography tips and traps

2007-05-22T13:26:00.000-07:00

Following are some tips to heed and traps to avoid when working with a wedding photographer:

Hire a full-time working professional photographer.
Meet the photographer and see his work. Never agree to a contract over the telephone.
Don't assume anything. Somp people say, 'I assumed all professional photographers were the same.' But they are not, and you can't do it again if the photographer doesn't get it right.
Not many brides ask the photographer's advice. "I've been in this business 20 years and could offer some suggestions, but few people say, 'What do you think? What is your opinion?" one seasoned veteran says.
Stay away from photographers who want total control and who will only shoot pictures a certain way. I knew a photographer who would only shoot horizontally. Some will only take the shots on their list and no others, or only shoot a certain number of rolls of film. Rules like that are ridiculous in the creative process.

Create a lasting sentiment with rosemary favors

2007-05-22T12:01:00.000-07:00

For centuries, rosemary has been a fragrant and lasting symbol of remembrance. Now, The Rosemary Company, is bringing the tradition back to the United States. The company sells Rosemary favors, candles, and botanicals on their website.

Judy Cheney, owner of The Rosemary Company, says that when she was researching the herb she found that the tradition dated back to the Greeks and Romans who used rosemary in their weddings. "In traditions dating back centuries, she says, sprigs of rosemary were dipped in gold, tied with a ribbon, and presented to wedding guests. It symbolized that, although the bride and groom were leaving their friends and family to start a new life, they would never forget their loved ones."

Legend has it, Cheney continues, that "a bride who gave her husband a sprig to hold on their wedding night would ensure that he remained faithful."

"It just has a really nice sentiment behind it," she continues. "That is one of the reasons that it is so popular. People who are getting married are in an especially sentimental, emotional, and meaningful time in their life. And this is one way to convey that feeling to their guests."

Rosemary sachets are a practical wedding favor, too. "It's easy for guests to take with them. It's not going to melt if it’s 90 degrees. Guys like to put under the seat of car to make it smell good, and women can use them in their lingerie drawer."

Cheney also says that the favors are affordable, costing about 95 cents apiece.

The company is also selling a unique favor for bridal showers: Bridal shower soap, scented in Rosemary, of course. "We thought this was a perfect idea," says Cheney. "It's an inexpensive item that brings meaning to these special occasions."

Couples tie the knot and jump the broom

2007-05-22T11:57:00.000-07:00

African-American brides and grooms might want to incorporate an ancient "broom jumping" tradition into their wedding. The ceremony affirms the new couple's union and their future together.

"Everything on the broom is symbolic," says Nancy Winslow, curator of an African heritage museum. The broom handle represents God or the creator; the straws, countless numbers of ancestors; and the binding, newlyweds' ties to family, church and community.

Jumping the broom, she continued, is "not an African tradition. It is an African-American tradition rooted in the South. In some parts of Senegal, what they'd do is take small pieces of cloth and tie it around the broom handle."

Once guests have shared their affirmations, the couple holds onto the broom together and starts to sweep into a circle. "To do this, you have to be in one accord," she notes.

"They're making the jump. But we have to have our hearts in the right place," Winslow explains. "We want them to jump over the broom together. Jumping over the broom is a leap of faith."

The concept behind the broom is also to build an heirloom that can be passed down from one generation to another.

Brides are looking for distinctive touches

2007-05-22T11:30:00.000-07:00

Everyone in your circle of friends likely goes to the same weddings, so it makes sense you want to strive to make yours different. And within certain religious or ethnic groups, there may be many similarities with the same traditions followed from wedding to wedding.

But there are many small ways to add that special something that makes a big impression, and it doesn't necessarily mean money. Experts say its more a matter of creativity and the relationship between the elements of a wedding.

The event as a whole makes more of an impact, as opposed to all the small components examined one by one. The co-relation between the striking bridal bouquet and the table centre, or a recurring image from an invitation being repeated on the guest book is what makes the lasting impressions.

Here are ideas for adding unique touches to your wedding:

Create a wedding time capsule to preserve memories, filling it with memorabilia from the day and year of the marriage, to be open on a special anniversary in the future
As an alternative to a guest book, have guests sign a large heavy duty square of paper, which can later be framed and hung on a wall to admire.
Rather than use a guest book that will sit in the closet and collect dust, get them to sign heavy picture matting that will later be used around a wedding photos. Or, guests could sign a designated tablecloth, which the couple can use for years when entertaining.
Wedding favours given to guests to take home are an excellent way to create a lasting impression. Candles are a romantic and inexpensive gift that can be tied with ribbon or decorated with tulle; potpourri to scent drawers and wardrobes can be given away in decorative cones, pretty boxes or sachets; fans are a dainty gift and can be decorated with fresh or silk flowers or ribbons; and chocolate coffee spoons have also emerged as a recent favourite.
Bells are a great giveaway for guests to ring at the reception as a cue for the couple to share a kiss. They can be adorned with some ribbon and a card attached, with a poem explaining their purpose and commemorating the day.
For a touching thank you, write a poem expressing your feelings about your wedding day and thanking your guests for making it so special.
Another new trend is to have a photo tree, which doubles as a decoration for your reception and later serves as party favours. Appoint someone to take an instant photo of guests as they arrive at the reception. Hang them with ribbon on decorative tree branches in a large urn or pot. Have your host later announce that each guest can find their photo on the "photo tree" and take it home at the end of the celebration to remember the day by.
A small picture frame can make a perfect place card holder, as well as a charming favour that guests can use after the event to display a small photo in.
Candy wedding favours, like lollipops with personalized wrappers or favourite Valentine conversations hearts, are also becoming increasingly popular.
Designer heart-shaped rice that is environmentally friendly and safe for birds and animals can be thrown. Or, instead of throwing birdseed, have guests blow colourful bubbles. Individual sized plastic bottles can be decorated with beads, flowers and lace, or can come capped with plastic novelty shapes like flowers and churches.
To include children of new blended families in the ceremony, give each member a new family medallion.
Gifts for attendants can be non-traditional, too. Sought-after tickets to concerts or sporting events are thoughtful and useful presents. Monogrammed robes are also unique and handy for wedding preparation. Gift certificates for massage can make all of the wedding party members a bit more relaxed.
Frame a poem for your parents as a thank-you gift, or make a movie of your and your fiance's lives.
Use the line of a poem or song that means something to you as a couple to personalize your invitations.

Flowers tell the story of your wedding

2007-05-22T10:57:00.000-07:00

Florists say that planning a wedding is like telling a story. Flowers are the artistic touches that set the tone for the way the story unfolds. Brides who have a long cascade of flowers, like Princess Diana, create an opulent drama for the day. Likewise, brides who choose a simple rosebud bouquet set a tone of elegance by their simplicity.

For today's bride, that story seems to be set in the past as many seek a simple, more classic look not just for their gowns, but for the flowers that will accent them. Experts say most brides today want a nosegay bouquet,often with a mixture of colors.

Some brides have firmly planted ideas about which flowers to use. But for those willing to experiment, florists can create a colorful mix using flowers like calla lilies, gerbera daisies, spray roses, cymbidium orchids, stargazer lilies and cattleya orchids. Still others prefer the rose. Nearly 75% of brides will feature this lovely flower in their bouquets.

Financial good sense

2007-05-22T10:51:00.000-07:00

With the wedding season well underway, many couples are turning their attention from catering plans and invitation lists to life after the honeymoon. Unfortunately, for most couples heading down the aisle this year, planning the wedding may end up being easier than planning their financial future.

Financial planners at Harris Bank are urging couples to take time during their engagement to discuss how finances will affect their future plans. More than 1,163,000 couples filed for divorce in 1997, the most recent year statistics are available, and disagreements over finances played a key role. Surveys indicate that more than 70 percent of couples do not discuss finances before marriage.

Financial planners agree that money is one of the most difficult topics for couples to discuss because the way personal finances are managed can reveal a great deal about an individual's values and goals. Having discussions about spending habits, debt and budgets even before the
engagement stage can save couples a lot of difficulty when the honeymoon's over.

"Money causes problems in marriage because it indicates where our real values lie," said Skip Gianopulos, vice president of financial planning services and head of one of the country's most comprehensive financial planning groups. "Successful financial planning comes down to one of the hallmarks of a stable marriage -- honesty. Couples have problems when one person is trying to hide something from the other, so full financial disclosure between partners is always the right way to begin."

The money management habits of most people are strongly influenced by the way their parents saved and spent money. Most people fall into two categories: those who spend and those who save.

"Couples planning to marry should write down their individual financial goals and prioritize them," said Gianopulos. "Then they should discuss what financial goals they have in common and build on them. After that, everything becomes a matter of negotiation and compromise, much like the marriage itself."

After comparing priorities, short- and long-term goals should be determined. Short-term goals could include anything from saving for vacations and a new car, to buying a computer or buying a piece of furniture. Long-term goals may include purchasing a home or allocating money
for college tuition. Income can be set aside for each set of goals by establishing a plan.

Gianopulos suggests that newlyweds establish a "spending plan" rather than a budget. The spending plan should take into consideration established monthly expenses to be paid for from a joint account to which both partners contribute.

After deducting money allocated for retirement, designate money for rent/mortgage, utilities, car payments and other expenses that must be paid every month; set money aside for short- and long-term financial goals, and money that will be discretionary.

"It's also very important that both partners have their own bank accounts and money to retain some of their personal spending freedom," he said.

According to Gianopulos, "rainy day" and "sunshine" funds also should be established for emergencies and adventures. "It's always nice to take a spur- of-the-moment trip and not have to worry about it having a detrimental effect on your finances for months to come."

Gianopulos also suggested three ways that couples can protect themselves in case of tragedy:

Consult with the employer's human resources representative to make
sure that the beneficiary designations are correct on your employee benefits
such as life insurance, pension plans and 401(k) plan.
Change beneficiary designations on your IRA accounts and other life
insurance policies.
See a lawyer to have wills drafted. These can be very simple at
first, but they are very important, especially if there are children from
previous marriages, inheritances or trust powers to be handled.

Do-it-yourself weddings save a bundle

2007-05-22T10:45:00.000-07:00

It's no secret that weddings are big business. Gowns and bridesmaid's dresses alone account for more than $1.3 billion changing hands yearly, according to Individual Investor magazine. But while a gown becomes top priority approximately five seconds after a woman says "yes," there are countless other details to consider. Unless a couple is independently wealthy or pays strict attention to the mounting costs, impending nuptials can lead to impending debt.

Fortunately, the do-it-yourself concept that raised an entire industry, from hardware conglomerates like Home Depot to lifestyle guru's like Martha Stewart, is a viable solution for controlling wedding costs. Adding personal touches to the affair is an affordable way to design an elegant wedding.

"It (the do-it-yourself approach) is important, which is why we have more than gown patterns in our bridal line," says Emily Cohen, manager of education and promotion for McCall's Pattern Company. McCall's offers a veil package (#2057) with eight designs plus a pattern for accessories (#2058) includes a ring bearer's pillow, shoe clips, floral arrangements and gift ideas. Cohen suggests the bride use leftover lace from her gown to make various accessories; it saves on expenses and ties the whole theme together.

A truly memorable ceremony is one that reflects you and your future spouses' individual taste and is not a cookie cutter event struggling to include all the trappings. Taking control of the details and relying on your own talent will allow you, as a couple, to set a realistic budget and actually meet it. In many cases, you can also enlist skilled friends and family members.

Sue Hausmann, senior vice president of consumer motivation and education for Viking Sewing Machines Inc., and her husband Herb worked together on their future daughter-in-law's wedding gown. After the bride-to-be presented them with a magazine clipping of a dress she liked, Herb set to work using PC software from Husqvarna Viking and created a-one-of-a-kind embroidery for the waistband of the dress and her veil. Sue then constructed the gown, adapting the sleeves to give the bride exactly what she had envisioned.

"The gown will become a family heirloom and the fact I was able to embroider the accents allows me to contribute to its heritage as well," says Herb Hausmann.

Whether you and your husband-to-be passions are sewing, flower arranging or calligraphy, there are a myriad of ways to incorporate the do-it-yourself (or do-it-with-loved ones) concept into creating a cost-effective wedding to remember.

Consider the following:

First things first. Pick a date other than the second Saturday in June. In all likelihood, the more popular dates will run into higher costs for halls, musicians, photographers and caterers. A weekday in the winter or even a Friday evening in the summer could translate into significant discounts.
It's inviting. Take a course in calligraphy and design your own announcements, shower invitations and thank you notes.
An intimate affair. Is it really necessary that you include the new girl in accounting or the guy that details your fiancee's car? Pare down your invitation list and share the day with those closest to the two of you.
Timing is everything. Lunch menus at hotels and banquet halls are generally less expensive than dinner menus. Why not have a mid-morning wedding with an afternoon luncheon? Your honeymoon could start that much sooner.
Take advantage of that green thumb. You won't be able to spend the evening before your wedding making bouquets, but nowhere is it written that you can't supply your own flowers. There is endless potential in a spring bulb garden, a lilac bush or even ferns and ivy. And while you may want a full bouquet, a single iris or lily works beautifully for attendants. For a fall wedding, consider pumpkins and colorful leaves as table decorations. Be creative.
Something borrowed. Don't take this tradition lightly. Family treasures including cake toppers, champagne flutes, jewelry or even a veil depending on its condition not only saves money, they add a touch of sentiment to the affair.
Consider a local college. Universities can be a virtual gold mine of talent. Many aspiring photographers, musicians and singers will jump at the chance for real-life experience and charge less than professionals.
Constructive thinking. Today's wedding gowns are predominately clean-line silhouettes with touches of embellishment. A sprinkling of pearls or embroidered sash is trim enough for a sophisticated look. Translation: there's very little keeping you from constructing your own gown or having one made. Computerized sewing machines with embroidery capabilities, like the mid-priced Husqvarna Viking Rose, enable you to design or select specific embroideries to grace not only your gown, but also every element of your wedding. On her web site, www.bridal.com, Alicyn Wright, bridal designer for McCall's Pattern Company shares information on selecting fabrics, construction and appropriate styles for individual figure types, as well as tips for making each one of the McCall's patterns she designed.
Sew much more. Once the machine is set up, consider personalizing gifts such as linen guest towels for the wedding party. Cover an inexpensive journal with scraps from your gown to serve as a guest book. Create an envelope purse or Victorian-look drawstring bag to elegantly carry a few bridal essentials. The ring bearer's pillow, the garter, even the flower's girl dress can be made, again carrying the same embellishments accenting your
dress, instead of purchased for a significant savings.

Heading to the altar for a second wedding?

2007-05-22T10:44:00.000-07:00

When Beth Reed Ramirez, a sales and marketing professional who lives in Anaheim, Calif., was planning her second wedding, she had a difficult time finding information for women like her.

While there are hundreds of publication dedicated to brides and grooms, she says in here opening essay: "I discovered, much to my dismay, that they offered very little for the soon-to-be-40, not-a-size-6 encore bride like me," she writes in her magazine's opening essay.

Bride Again has photos of ladies in white and stories on fashion and beauty (such as "The Fountain of Youth" and "Ageless Beauty Tips"). But it also delves into etiquette, finance and legal issues. Can an encore bride-to-be have a shower if she had one for her first wedding? (Yes, says BA, but don't expect gifts from guests who were there the first time around.) Other deep dish: combining two households, writing your own pre-nups and considering the kids.

Bridal budgets: average wedding costs $19,000

2007-05-22T10:43:00.000-07:00

Last year, newlyweds spent an average of $19,000 on everything from their engagement ring to the honeymoon, according to Brides magazine. Such averages can be misleading, however, since every wedding carries the signature of its bride and groom. Where one couple might skimp on flowers and food and put most of the $19,000 into music and favors for 300, another could serve 50 first-class and save the rest for a trip to Jamaica.

"Some brides don't care about anything but the (disc jockey)," said one wedding consultant. "What I've found is that what couples decide to invest in says a lot about who they are as a couple."

Here's how some couples set priorities for a wedding day that would set the tone for a happy lifetime together:

Alecia Parker and John Jewitt

Big day: Jan. 2, 1999
Budget: $ 5,500
Guiding philosophy: Simple elegance

With six members of the grooms family traveling to the wedding from his home country of England, the couple wanted to showcase cultural traditions of both nations. Keeping the wedding small helped to keep the British-American representation in check. Holding the wedding and reception at the James Brice House fit the bill, not only for its Colonial American significance, but also be cause Ms. Parker - an employee of the Historic Annapolis Foundation - was able to rent it at a discount.

Bridal bargains: The No. 1 moneysaver was the fact that Ms. Parker's brother volunteered to cater the event, followed closely by the fact that the couple kept their guest list to 50. A friend designed the floral arrangements using seasonal flora from her front yard. The couple opted for a $ 650 photography package with fewer photographs and smaller prints.

Splurge: The cake. The couple wanted three tiers and they wanted it to taste good. They spent $ 200 - a major chunk of their budget - on an almond pound cake with buttercream frosting from the Main Ingredient. "For me, the cake was more important than the dinner," Ms. Parker said. "It's the last thing you eat."

Deborah and Rick Van den Berg

Big Day: Nov. 20, 1998
Budget: $ 23,000
Guiding philosophy: Quality over quantity.

It would have been easy to let the guest list grow to more than 250 people, but the longtime Annapolis residents decided early on to tighten it to 155. Holding the wedding at the Kent Manor Inn - the sight of the couple's first dinner date - was a way to draw friends and family into a weekend-long celebration and meet their ultimate goal: "We wanted everybody to have a good time," Mrs. van den Berg said.

Bridal bargains: By getting married on a Friday evening rather than a Saturday, the couple saved $700. They choose in-season wildflowers, rather than $15 a hit lilies. They skipped both the limousine and wedding favors and received their honeymoon - a threeweek scuba diving trip to Roatan off Honduras - as a gift from a family member.

Splurge: The reception. At $60 per plate, it kept the guest list under control. "When I sat down and tallied it all up, I was shocked," Mrs. van den Berg said. "If someone had told me I'd spend that much I'd have said that's crazy. But it was so worth it."

Mature couples guard financial independence

2007-05-22T10:42:00.000-07:00

While many couples getting married in their early twenties fret over details of the wedding reception, mature couples in their 40s and 50s have other worries. April's Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine devotes a lengthy article to financial considerations of mature couples.

Couples who marry in their twenties, it says, may be just starting a Roth IRA. But at age 40 and beyond, individuals are "heading into [the] peak earning years," says Violet Woodhouse, a lawyer in Newport Beach, Cal., who specializes in family law. "We're more serious about saving, and more concerned about retirement and about what will happen to any children from previous marriages."

Other things to consider include protecting assets such as a business, an inheritance, property received in a divorce, or an investment portfolio. "And while spouses almost always have differing styles of money management," the magazine warns, "the longer individuals have been on their own and the more money they have, the more likely their habits have become ingrained and harder to merge."

Prenups are a good reality test for couples

2007-05-22T10:41:00.000-07:00

It's easy for brides and grooms to get caught up in the romance of planning a wedding. Choosing a bridal gown and sampling wedding cake are just the type of activities that conjure up images of wedded bliss from here to eternity.

However, today's legal experts recommend that if if wedding bells are in your near future, you should prepare a prenuptial agreement -- even if you're not a celeb or a trust fund baby.

"Given today's divorce rate," one lawyer advises, "It's a good reality test. It can serve as a warning for more serious issues in the marriage."

However, they warn, even bringing up such a legal agreement is likely to create some relational strife. Some people, for example, interpret prenups as one person is thinking the marriage won't last and, in effect, is planning for its demise. They argue that it implies you don't trust each other.

But it's not true, says Vicki Fitzsimmons, associate professor of family and consumer economics at the University of Illinois. "It doesn't presume there'll be a divorce, because you're deciding these things ahead of time.''

Attorneys recommend a prenuptial contract especially if this is a second or subsequent marriage where either or both parties have assets they want to protect, particularly for their children. Even with a first marriage, if assets are unequal, the person with more may want to protect what he or she has.

With young people, if some of those assets have come from a trust fund or inheritance, some parents will encourage their adult child to get a marriage contract.

If your marriage does end in divorce, prenuptial contracts usually will be upheld in court if they have been properly witnessed and are considered fair to both parties.

The cost to draw up a marriage contract varies greatly, from $500 to five figures. While people can do their own, experts don't recommend it.

''You can do it yourself, but lack of knowledge often leaves room for dispute later,'' David says.

Tax tips for newlyweds

2007-05-22T10:39:00.000-07:00

As April 15 draws near, it's time for many newlywed couples to file taxes together for the first time.

"It is important for married couples to know the advantages and disadvantages of filing jointly or filing separately," said Mike Trainor, president and CEO of Jackson Hewitt. "As a married couple, you have the choice to file married filing jointly or married filing separately. Before this decision is made, determine which status offers you the greatest tax advantage."

Married Filing Joint Return

Couples find it most beneficial to file as "Married Filing Jointly."
"Married Filing Jointly" will usually result in a lower tax liability.
You may file a "Married Filing Jointly" return even if only one spouse has income.
Couples report their combined income and deduct their combined allowable deductions.

Married Filing Separate Return

If you and your spouse each have about the same income, as well as certain itemized deductions, "Married Filing Separately" may result in a lower tax liability.
This status may be better if either spouse wants to be responsible only for his or her own tax liability.
If the couple has been living apart during the last six months of the tax year, one spouse may qualify as head of household when certain conditions are met.

Divorced Persons

State laws govern whether you are married, divorced, or legally separated under a decree of separate maintenance.
If divorced under a final decree by the last day of the year, you are considered unmarried for the whole year.

Annulled Marriages

You are considered unmarried for this and any previous tax years. You must amend your tax returns for all the tax years not affected by the statute of limitations to show this change in marital status.

New York tops list for expensive weddings locales

2007-05-22T10:37:00.000-07:00

The New York metropolitan area is the nation's most expensive place to have a wedding, topping the national average by more than $ 10,000. The average cost of a wedding in the region (NY, NJ, CT) is a whopping $ 29,454 versus the U.S. average of $ 19,104.

The results are part of a national study conducted by BRIDE'S magazine on "American Marriage Today."

With wedding costs rising, it's no surprise that the father of the bride is no longer the sole financier of the wedding (19%). Most weddings (53%) are funded by both set of parents and the couple, with a significant number of nuptials (27%) paid for by the bride and groom themselves.

The study also found that contrary to popular belief, the month of May (10.3%) is equally as popular as June (10.3%) when it comes to getting married. Right behind are August (10.2%), July (10%), October (9.9%) and September (9.6%). The least popular month for nuptials is January (4.3%).

Here are additional results from BRIDE'S "American Marriage Today" study:

Marriage and Engagement

There are 2.34 million marriages in the U.S. each year.
The average length of engagement today is 13 months, an increase of two months since 1990.
Men and women are marrying later. The average age of first-marriage brides in 1997 is 25.7; grooms is 27.7. In 1960, the average age of a bride was 20; groom was 22.
More men are registering with their fiancees these days. Today, 78% of men get involved, compared to less than half (43%) in 1993.

Average Wedding Costs*

- The Midwest (IL, MI, WI, IN) is the least expensive place to get married, costing couples an average of $ 16,195.
A wedding in the Southeast (NC, SC, GA, FL TN, AL, MS, VA) costs an average of $ 16,293.
A West Coast (CA, AZ, TX, NV) wedding is close to the national average at $ 18,918.
Nationwide, the average cost of a wedding is $ 19,104, an increase of nearly $ 4,000 since 1990.

Couples are spending the largest portion of their wedding budget on the reception, which has gone up $ 1,735 to $ 7,635 for an average number of 200 guests. - Women spend an average of $ 823 on their wedding dress. The engagement rings grabs $ 3,044 of the wedding budget.

Dual-earner couples

Today's newlyweds are more likely to be dual-earner couples. In 1984, only 53% of brides and 79% of grooms were employed. Today, 83% of brides and 89% of grooms are working.
A whopping 97% of brides will return to work after walking down the aisle, though with a different name; 90% plan to take their husband's.

The Honeymoon

The average amount spent on a honeymoon is $ 3,657 for an eight day trip.
Most honeymoons are paid for by the couple themselves (70%).
The most popular honeymoon travel destinations are: the Caribbean (27%); Hawaii (18%); Florida (17%); Mexico (10%); Bahamas/Nassau (9%); and Europe (8%).

A questionnaire was mailed to a random sample of 3,500 engaged/newlywed readers across the country. A total of 1,001 completed surveys were returned garnering a response rate of 29%. Karli Enterprises performed all tabulations.

(*) The categories used in compiling the average cost of a wedding include: invitations, announcements, thank-you's; flowers; photography and videography; music; clergy, church, chapel, synagogue fee; limousine; attendants' gifts; wedding rings; engagement ring; rehearsal dinner; wedding dress; headpiece/veil; brides attendant' apparel, mother of the bride apparel; groom's formalwear; men's formal wear; and wedding reception.

Wedding insurance dos and don'ts

2007-05-22T10:33:00.000-07:00

First comes love, then comes marriage ... what's next?

With the average cost of a wedding rising almost 25 percent since 2000, couples will spend an average of $ 19,000 on their wedding. More newlyweds are now thinking of ways to "insure" their new life together, even if they can't ensure it.

There is a way to evaluate and plan for your financial future together before and after you walk down the aisle, according to the Western Insurance Information Service, a nonprofit consumer education organization.

Wedding insurance is offered in pre-set packages, or couples can tailor a policy to fit their specific needs. A standard package costs approximately $ 200 and covers the reception, photographs/video, special attire, medical, liability and other additional expenses.

Cancellation or postponement is covered up to $ 3,000, however, a change of heart is not covered. Many wedding insurance policies also cover jewelry in case the engagement or wedding rings are lost or stolen. After the wedding ceremony, as couples merge their lives together, they should also merge their insurance. Many insurers offer multipolicy discounts that can save couples money by combining auto insurance policies.

Since married couples are generally considered better driving risks than singles, they may also potentially save hundreds of dollars on their auto insurance policies. If a couple purchases homeowners insurance before the wedding, they get coverage not only for their new home, but also for their personal belongings and any wedding gifts they take on their honeymoon.

No matter what type of insurance policy a couple has, they need to update it to reflect a change in marital status to ensure they are not over- or underinsured.

June wedding showers? Give the gift of romance

2007-04-22T13:39:00.000-07:00

Ah, the month of June. Four weeks. Four Saturdays ... which, for many, means four weddings. June is the most popular month for getting married, and it brings with it an endless round of parties, showers and receptions. In addition to powdered mints, the one thing all of these events have in common is the need for a gift. Traditionally this gift is something along the impersonal lines of a pan, a pillow case, or pair of serving tongs. This year, however, Romance Writers of America recommends adding a little fun and pizzazz to your right-off-the-registry gift: a romance novel.

Romance novels can be as insightful as any how-to book on love and passion, and a lot more fun than towels or juice glasses. Besides being great honeymoon reading, romance novels put and keep readers in the mood for a wedding celebration -- because so many of their plots, settings and characters feature that joyous wedding time. Weddings and brides are great inspiration for romance authors, and they inspire the reader in return.

"As a romance author, I've always found writing about brides, and those first few months of marriage, particularly appealing," says Day Leclaire, RWA member and author of 12 romance novels featuring brides. "There's an innate source of tension and conflict that comes from exploring the early days of married life. The give and take. The scary newness of the relationship. The gradual blending of strengths and weaknesses that comes when the love is real and the desire to commit runs deep."

But you don't have to be a bride yourself to enjoy a romance novel featuring a wedding. Anyone can celebrate the great wedding month of June simply by enjoying a fabulous bride or wedding romance novel. "Brides remind us of first love, of the intense passion we've all experienced when the intensity of our emotions were young and fresh," says Leclaire. "Brides, in particular, offer the image of innocence and new beginnings, of a burgeoning love we've all known and still hold dear, or which we long to recapture. A bride is at the start of her journey and even the most cynical among us can't help but hope that she succeeds where others have failed, that her life will be filled with happiness and a soul-deep, forever-after love. We know that this one story will end well, that this particular man and woman will triumph over adversity. Such a story rejuvenates us. It brightens the darkness that all too often can seep into our days," she says.

Romance Writers of America recommends these bride or wedding romances to brighten your June, or the wedding day of the bride on your gift list: "Scottish Brides" (Avon Books-June '99), "Holiday Honeymoons (Harlequin-June 99), "The Wedding Gamble by Julia Justiss (Harlequin-June '99) or the classic "Brides" trilogy from Catherine Coulter.

Paintball offers tame bachelor party alternative

2007-04-22T13:37:00.000-07:00

It's 2007 and along with all the other changes our society is seeing, the age old bachelor party is moving away from strippers and poker games and into the realm of good old fashioned camaraderie. Paintball is offering the latest trend for pre-wedding jitters.

Over four million people play this outdoor version of "Capture the Flag" every year worldwide. Started back in 1981 in the woods of New Hampshire, the game has truly come into its own this past decade.

"It sure beats the saga of too much booze, too much 'skin', and too many cigars that bachelor parties have over-indulged in for the past few decades," commented Chris Soltesz, a recent groom himself.

More and more men are now booking the ultimate bachelor party for their best friends. Twenty-five or more participants come out for an afternoon of playing hide and seek and shoot'em up, then complete the event with a cookout and lots of war stories.

It's the 21st century and time for even the rituals of bachelor parties to take on a new look. "Both men and women have had it with the bachelor parties of the past and are thrilled to have a viable option that appeals to everyone," says Debra Dion Krischke owner of Three Rivers Paintball in Pittsburgh.

"I'm on a one woman crusade to change bachelor parties forever and believe me it's an easy sell!" quotes Krischke.

Look for paintball magazines on the newsstands to find a location nearest you. Paintball games -- the newest approach to bachelor parties where "Survival" is the name of the game. "Isn't that what marriage is really all about?" asks Krischke.

Bridal showers everyone will love

2007-03-22T15:02:00.000-07:00

Bridal showers have traditionally been dainty affairs celebrated by the bride-to-be and her closest female friends and relatives. And for some brides, this type of demure celebration is perfect. What bride doesn't enjoy an afternoon luncheon of salad and sweets, and gifts wrapped in silvery paper?

However, many of today's brides are also interested in something a bit more innovative and interactive. They (or their grooms) may yearn for power tools and garden hoses. They may want to include the groom in the festivities. Whatever type of shower you are craving, remember that there's not limit to the creativity.

TOOL Showers

Inform your guest that in order to show up at this fabulous party, they need to bring a tool Instead of serving a light luncheon featuring salad and petit fours, consider a menu featuring crab and beer at a tool shower. Gift ideas include screwdrivers, socket sets, wrenches, levels, a drill set, and hammers. Also popular is a Home Improvement 1-2-3, a fix-it book by Home
Depot experts.

STOCK THE BAR Showers

Invite guests to this evening celebration, and let the party begin. You may serve a variety of wines and cheeses, followed by an elegant fondue. Gift ideas include cork screws, bottles of wine, wine rack, party supplies, and chip and dish platters.

HONEYMOON Showers

Every bride and groom could benefit from a shower focused on their fabulous vacation after the wedding. The party could be in the afternoon or evening and feature food from the honeymoon destination -- Greek, Italian, Hawaiian, Caribbean, or All-American. Gift ideas include Waterproof cameras, maps and travel diaries.

KITCHEN Shower

Create a decorated recipe box. Each guest brings four favorite recipes on index cards, along with his or her gift, to the shower. The gift might be a utensil, pot or baking dish used to prepare the recipe. The recipe box will then become a joint shower gift.

TEA PARTY

Martha Stewart has some terrific ideas how to make an afternoon tea party into a memorable affair. Serve an assortment of tea sandwiches and sweets on elegant china. For place cards, she suggests removing the tags from tea bags and replacing them with small handwritten name tags, and put a tea bag into an empty cup at each guest's place. For a bride who already has everything, ask each guest to bring an interesting or antique teacup instead of a more traditional gift.

CAMPING Shower

Have an outdoor barbecue or social gathering for friends and relatives. At these events, the future bride and groom mingle to meet and introduce everyone. Gifts at this casual affair might include flash lights, camping chairs, first aid kit.

WORKPLACE Shower

Save time and convenience. These can come in the form of an extended lunch at an area restaurant. Usually the boss is invited, and co-workers treat the future bride to lunch. A collection can be taken up at the office for a cake and gift.

MULTICULTURAL Shower

The hostess assigns everyone a country and ask them to find a gift that represented that country.

AROUND THE HOUSE Shower

Assign a room of the house to each guest asking her to buy a gift for that room.

SEASONAL Shower

Guests are assigned a season and bring gifts that correspond.

CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT Shower

Display a Christmas tree. Each guest brings an ornament or other tree decoration as a shower gift; hang the ornaments on the tree as they are opened.

HEIRLOOM Shower

Display old wedding gowns. Have your guests dig out their old wedding gowns to put on display at the center of your party decor.

AROUND-THE-CLOCK Shower

Each gift should match the aligned time of day. "Morning gifts" can include a coffee maker or alarm clock, for example.

Just ask Martha Stewart

2007-02-22T15:14:00.000-08:00

When it comes to what's appropriate and what's not in wedding flowers, you should definitely take a look Martha Stewart's web site (www.marthastewart.com) . The so-called high priestess of high priestess of "all that's tasteful, chic and "good," is largely responsible for many of today's bridal trends.

"Brides come in with pictures of the flowers they want," says Brad Higginson, a florist speaking on behalf of ASF, a North American florist's association. "Often, it's the blown rose in muted colors. That's the trend."

Stewart's website is full of exquisite pictures of bouquet arrangements with ideas ranging from an old-fashioned red-rose bouquet to a heart wreath. It's definitely worth the click.

For brides who are interested in knowing what flowers are appropriate for each season, you should check out her Seasonal Flower Chart. Martha's staff has divided the list by regions in the United State. For example, summer brides in the Eastern part of the US might choose an Asiatic lily or black-eyed Susan to feature in their bouquet.

Outdoor wedding? Reserve a tent

2006-10-22T11:56:00.000-07:00

An outdoor wedding can crete a relaxed yet exuberant atmosphere, as well as many luxurious offbeat touches. Picture this: Dancing under the stars. Dining to the music of the sea. Strolling down a garden path.

It's a perfect scene. But brides who plan such an event have to prepare for reality as well. What if it snows or rains? What if a relentless sun beats down and scorches everything in sight?

Keeping one's fingers crossed or holding one's breath won't work - not when it comes to Mother Nature. The key element to a successful outdoor wedding is the big party umbrella - the tent.

There are very sophisticated tents available for rental today. They can be heated or air-conditioned and equipped with (full or partial) hardwood floors for dancing.

There are many factors that go in to choosing a tent, experts say, but the most important is determining how many guests will be at the wedding. This determines the size of the tent. Tent providers have formulas - for example, with a guest list of 150 people, a 40-by-80-foot tent is suitable. The base fee will range from $1,500 to more than $2,500.

Next, there's the type of tent: pole, tension, or frame tent. Pole tents are the most common and traditional. These tents have tall center poles that slope down to another set of poles and then out to perimeter poles. In the '80s and early '90s, these tents, in pink and white stripes, were the mainstay of most weddings. Today, all white is "in" for all types of parties.

Frame tents, by contrast, are free-standing - they have no interior poles. These tents are often used to cover a patio and are ideal for long, narrow spaces or spots where there is no room for ropes to anchor a push-pole tent. The third type is the tension tent. These tents have fewer interior poles than the push-pole tent, yielding more useable space. They are sturdy and very stable in wind.

Flooring is expensive, about $2 a foot, so most people order flooring only for a dance floor. If customized flooring is needed and the price is of little concern, Willis can build it over a sloping back yard or terraces. Flooring is so expensive because it takes the longest to install. But it sure helps to steady partygoers - especially women in high heels.

One warning: Book early. May and June are the peak months, so as soon as you have a date, book it.

Dreamy locations for outdoor weddings

2006-09-22T13:45:00.000-07:00

A tropical paradise

There are literally hundreds of beautiful locations for an outdoor wedding in Hawaii, but perhaps the most popular is the stunning Haiku Gardens on Oahu. The Gardens sit on a hillside at the foot of the Koolau Mountains where cool breezes blow, island birds abound and brightly colored
fish laze in a lily pond below. The Chart House restaurant is nearby for receptions. Many brides and grooms, however, opt for a traditional luau. . Another option is to have your ceremony onboard one of the many pleasure boats based in Waikiki. A wedding at sea with the Hawaiian sunset as a backdrop can make wedding photos appear as if out of a fairy tale.

The Wild West

Getting married in the shadows of the majestic Grand Tetons of Jackson Hole Wyoming may appeal to adventurous brides who are inspired by the outdoors and Wild West. Imagine standing beside a pristine lake, surrounded by a field of wildflowers, or taking a romantic trek back to the days of the Old West, with a horseback adventure into the backcountry. The beautiful scenic vistas will make your wedding photographs unlike any others. The Jackson Lake Lodge is available for receptions year round, but the owners advise making reservations far in advance.

A Country Affair

The 200 year old Miles River Country Inn Bed and Breakfast is famous for lush meadows, woodlands and marshes. The Inn, with its sweeping lawns, terraces and woodland walkways, is graced by 10 gardens and two ponds. The Miles River flows past the property. Wedding guests can stroll the lawn that sweeps from the front door down to open marshes, on across meadows, on along paths under 70- to 100-foot-high beech trees. The property includes a stretch of river, two ponds, and no fewer than 10 distinct gardens.

Ancient Spanish Monastery

While it's a bit of a drive, brides and grooms who choose to tie the knot in Miami's Ancient Spanish Monastery, say it's worth the wait. In addition to wedding in the oldest (reconstructed) building in North America, the gardens are magnificent and the view is splendid. The Ancient Spanish Monastery, originally built in Segovia, Spain, in the 12th century, was bought by William Randolph Hearst in 1925 and eventually reconstructed in Florida as a tourist attraction. Grounds include a formal garden and an exterior walkway with arched columns. There are up to five outdoor locations to choose from for both wedding ceremonies and receptions.

Couple take steps toward earth-friendly wedding

2006-08-22T13:30:00.000-07:00

Melanie was raised to respect the Earth. She remembers recycling before people did that sort of thing.

As an undergrad at Brigham Young University, she started an environmental awareness group to focus on recycling, using knowledge and experience gained in high school.

So it came as no surprise that when Melanie, 31, and her fiance started planning their June 26 wedding, they wanted to make it as Earth-friendly as possible.

That was easy when it came to designing their wedding invitations -- using recycled paper --and picking out her wedding dress -- made of all-natural fibers. But when it came to planning the reception for as many as 300 at her parents' home, the couple ran into environmentally unfriendly obstacles.

"We were sitting on the couch at Christmas, trying to figure out how we were going to afford all this wedding stuff, and how to do it with as little waste as possible," she explained. "I refused to use paper plates for the reception -- that'd be too much waste. But we found that renting table settings would cost between $ 5 and $ 11 per person."

That's when the epiphany struck.

If the couple could collect 300 donated dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, coffee cups, glasses, knives, forks and spoons to use at their reception, they could later make the collection available to others with similar needs.

When deciding which group could make the best use of the collection, Melanie said she thought back to the place where she learned "that it's wrong to use paper plates.".

"It was back in high school with the SAVE (Students Against Violating the Earth) group at her former high school. So I typed a letter to them in January with the proposal, and they agreed, and we just kind of hashed it out from there."

What SAVE and the couple came up with is a plan that has the group working to collect as many place settings as it can before the June nuptials, in exchange for the group's use of the collection for future fund-raising.

The SAVE members have volunteered to wash the eclectic collection of dishes following the couple's reception and return them to the SAVE House, where they will be stored and available to anyone in the community for a nominal fee.

"My fiance and I both work with students, so it wasn't unusual to think how we could get kids involved and make it a charitable event that would help us now and other people later," Brewer said.

And this way, we can give back as much as they're giving us. We'll make a donation to their organization, and they can use the plates again for future fund-raisers."

In the midst of the hundreds of details and decisions brought on by a wedding, Melanie seems unfazed by the daunting task of overseeing the collection of 300 sets of table settings, glasses and silverware.

But, she said,, it's no harder and no less important than the other tasks that remain: making tablecloths that can be reused, choosing plants and small trees as centerpieces so wedding guests can plant the decor when they leave, and living happily -- and greenly -- ever after.

Wedding chapel at sea

2006-06-22T11:52:00.000-07:00

Princess Cruises celebrates a milestone marriage this month when Stephanie Kelly and Blair Byrne of Michigan become the 100th couple to say "I do" onboard Grand Princess. The line's wedding program allows couples to be legally married by the ship's captain, the first and only wedding chapel at sea.

It was introduced just 10 months ago when Grand Princess, the world's largest (109,000 tons) and most expensive ($ 450 million) cruise ship, debuted in May 1998. Stephanie and Blair are among a growing number of couples who choose to marry at sea because of the convenience of having the arrangements for their special day handled by the ship's onboard wedding coordinator, in addition to combining their wedding and honeymoon into one unique and romantic setting.

The who, what and wear of Grand Princess' first 100 weddings:

The youngest couple to be married were ages 19 (bride) and 24 (groom); the oldest couple were 76 (bride) and 77 (groom).
The majority of couples married onboard were from Canada. Within the United States, most couples hail from Florida and California. Many couples came from far and wide, including Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
Approximately 60 percent of couples saying "I do" were marrying for the first time. Forty percent had been married before.
Beachwear tops the list as the most unusual attire for a wedding. Most couples wore traditional wedding attire (suits/tuxedos and gowns).
Mendelssohn's "Wedding March" from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" was the most requested wedding song. "Twelfth Night" by Olivia Newton-John was one of the more unique choices.
The romance of "The Love Boat" lives on! One couple got engaged on Sun Princess and married exactly one year later during Grand Princess' Valentine's sailing.
One couple had known each other as kids but had drifted apart, each marrying someone else and later divorcing. They met again after 15 years, rekindled their friendship and tied the knot.
Following the ceremony, couples honeymooned in romantic cruise destinations -- such as the Western Mediterranean during the summer and the Eastern Caribbean in the fall, winter and spring.

Wedding and Reception Packages

Princess offers couples a choice of three wedding and three reception packages, which make planning the ceremony and honeymoon a convenient, one-stop affair. Each includes music, champagne, bridal bouquet and groom's matching boutonniere; a photo package; a video recording of the ceremony; a wedding cake; a souvenir parchment wedding certificate; and a special lithograph painting of Grand Princess signed by the captain. The couple can add music performed by an organist or string quartet, candlelight and floral arrangements, while the bride can pamper herself with preceremony salon treatments.

Packages begin at $ 1,400 and include fees for the ceremony, registration and an official marriage certificate. All reception packages include music, hors d'oeuvres, beverages and a three-tiered wedding cake. The ship's photographer is also available during the reception, with photos available for purchase. The one-hour parties for up to 80 guests begin at $ 70 per person. Princess Cruises is one of the three largest cruise lines in the industry and operates a fleet of 10 ships deployed on approximately 70 different itineraries calling at more than 220 ports worldwide. For more information about Princess' wedding program, call 800/421-1700

Tips for picking out a florist

2006-05-22T14:40:00.000-07:00

Family and friends are excellent sources for recommending florists. If you've admired the flowers at a friend's wedding, request the name of her florist. The role of the florist is to demystify the whole experience. But there must be a level of trust.
The bride should allow them to use their discretion when it comes to choosing the right flowers.
The florist you choose should help you work within your price range as well.

Planning ahead is key to marrying outdoors

2006-05-22T14:29:00.000-07:00

For Julia, the dream of having an outdoor wedding began long ago. In August, she plans to marry her fiancée at The Lyons Manor, at the base of the Rocky Mountains.

"My biggest hope," says Julia, "Is that it doesn't rain. We decided to go for it, but if Mother Nature doesn't cooperate, we'll of course wed indoors."

Experts say rain is everybody's biggest concern, yet outdoor weddings are beautiful when everything works out. "The key is to envision and plan for both scenarios," says Mary Jane Forrester, adding that she has attended outdoor weddings for as many as 250 to 300 people.

If you're planning your ceremony at a public park, have an alternate indoor site and indicate it on the invitation, she suggests. A private home makes the best alternate site, as a function hall is likely to require that you reserve and pay for space, even if it is never used.

"There are very sophisticated tents available for rental today" too, she says, adding that tents should be set up the night before the event so the ground beneath will be dry. "They can be heated or air-conditioned and equipped with (full or partial) hardwood floors for dancing."

Tents are a good idea even if the weather turns out to be perfect. "Have one anyway so your guests may seek shade. The food and the cake should also be sheltered from the sun so nothing melts or goes awry."

When marrying outdoors, whether it be at home or in a public location, Forrester says you should enclose maps with clear directions to guests with your wedding invitation. She strongly suggests checking with local officials to see if special permits are required for cooking fires or increased parking and traffic. If you'll be too busy to do it yourself, designate a friend or family member to be responsible for obtaining permit fee and payment schedule information.

One of the things that will make the event less of a personal headache is hiring a wedding consultant who agrees to be on hand for the event. "They'll come to your home and take care of things like keeping votives lit in the bathrooms and ensuring there are plenty of guest towels."

Once you've done all the necessary planning, there's nothing left to do but pray for good weather. But even with rain, an outdoor wedding can be beautiful. "Rain on the wedding day is considered good luck for the couple," says Forrester. "Rain ensures that crops will grow and bountiful crops
insure that the couple will eat and prosper."

Beach/Outdoor wedding checklist

2006-05-22T13:41:00.000-07:00

-- For some brides, the impetus for having an outdoor or home wedding is to cut the cost. Experts suggest tallying up the cost of everything you need to rent (tent, floor, tables, chairs, linens, restrooms, etc) before making a final decision. You may find it more costly than renting a reception hall.

-- Once you commit to an outdoor local, start praying for a clear day. But in case of rain, be sure to reserve an alternate venue and indicate it on the invitation. Many professional wedding facilities have indoor contingency options. If you are planning your wedding at a public park,
experts advise that your home will often work in case of inclement weather.

-- Many outdoor facilities have rules and regulations that govern their use. Check with local officials to see if special permits are required for cooking fires, public parking, etc. Also, be sure to find out in advance if you will be able to serve food and alcohol there.

-- Make sure you have enough restrooms. This applies to home affairs as well as remote sites. In many cases, this means that you'll have to rent portable latrines. If you're having a tent wedding, designate at least two easily accessible bathrooms. But remember, if scores of people are walking across grass before entering the house, the route you arrange should circumvent your mother's prized geraniums.

-- Have adequate outdoor lighting. If people can't see the face of the person they're talking to, they tend to leave once it gets dark. Also have your photographer and videographer visit the site in advance to test lighting before and after dark.

-- Have the disc jockey or band leader visit the site beforehand to check out acoustics and make adequate adjustments.

-- Have a plan in place for handling uninvited guests -- mosquitoes and bugs! Some experts suggest having the site sprayed in advance when possible and having citronella torches posted and ready to light as the sun goes down. You can also provide cans of insect repellent in decorative baskets accessible to guests. On hot, sunny days, a basket filled with bottles of
sunscreen would also be a good idea.

-- Be sure to wear high heels to your dress rehearsal. This will give you a chance to determine if the ground is too soft for you to walk down the isle without tripping because your heels sink into the ground.

-- If you don't want your wedding cake to melt or topple, stay away from mousse fillings, custard, or whipped cream.

-- Enclose maps with clear directions to guests. Be sure to specify an alternative location for inclement weather if necessary.

Make special arrangements for kids at weddings

2006-05-22T13:34:00.000-07:00

When George and Jill planned their September wedding, they decided not to include children on the guest list.

"It was cost and also because we have so many children in our families," said Jill, adding, "I thought parents would enjoy themselves more if they didn't have to worry about their kids. "

Thus, the only children at their wedding were the two flower girls - Melissa's half-sisters - and the ring bearer.

The issue of whether to invite entire families or just adults to a wedding can be a touchy one. While some parents relish the notion of a few hours of dining and dancing without the little ones clutching their knees, others may be highly offended that their four offspring were not invited to the festivities as well.

Likewise some couples wouldn't dream of planning a major gathering of the clan like a wedding without including the youngest relatives.

Wedding etiquette dictates that it is strictly up to the bride and groom whether to invite some, all or no children to their nuptials. But this prerogative is not always recognized or happily accepted by other family members and guests.

Addressing an invitation simply to Mr. and Mrs., or whatever names the parents go by, should be enough to indicate exactly who is invited. If children are to be included, their names should be written on the inside envelope of the invitation. Example: Mr. and Mrs. Smith/Jennifer and Kyle.

Not all people are aware of this rule of etiquette, however. To avoid any misunderstandings, invitations could read "Adult reception to follow at . " This is an acceptable way of clearly conveying the "no children" rule, say wedding experts.

If you are going to invite children, experts advise that you have things for them to do. Some couples have set up special tables covered with cloths that can be colored or stocked with coloring books, crayons and puzzles. If there is no room for separate tables, you could make up little gift bags for the children with things like a little coloring book, crayons, a miniature puzzle...These can be used at their place at any table.

Another option for overseeing children during a reception is to arrange for a babysitter to take children off to a guest room where they can watch movies, play board games, have snacks or nap.

How -to: Rosebud topiaries are a perfect wedding craft

2006-05-22T11:34:00.000-07:00

Today's stylishly frugal brides are turning to the friends for help in making their own wedding decorations and reception favors. Such projects are as beautiful as they are cost-conscious, and add a touch of handmade charm to even the most elegant of weddings.

Heidi Tyline King and Nancy Worrell have createdr a beautiful book of wedding crafts for Lark Books, a publishing company in Asheville. From an elegant, yet simple doorknob sachet - perhaps a gift for the maid of honor - to a dainty flower girl's basket, the book features dozens of traditional wedding projects for the big day. Also included are directions for items which can be made as tokens of appreciation by the bride to the wedding party or by family and friends to the couple.

Here's a look at two of the projects from their book, "Beautiful Wedding Crafts" (ISBN: 1-57990-084-4, $ 24.95):

Tabletop topiaries

Cut flowers last only days, but tabletop topiaries - whether dried or planted - can be enjoyed long after the wedding and reception. Use them as centerpieces at your reception, then give them as bridesmaids' gifts. If you choose a live topiary, start growing it well ahead of time, so that you can trim the topiary into the desired shape by the wedding.

Dried Herb Topiary

Here's what you will need:

4-inch diameter polystyrene ball
Loose rosebuds, lavender, rose petals or potpourri
Floral foam
6-inch diameter terra-cotta pot
1/2-inch diameter twig, 15 inches long
Spanish moss
Ribbon (optional)
Hot glue gun and glue sticks

Here's how to make it:

1. Cover a small portion of the polystyrene ball with hot glue, the stick rosebuds onto the ball one at a time until the entire ball is covered.

2. Cut a piece of floral foam to fit snugly inside the terra-cotta pot and wedge in place

3. Stick the end of the twig into the bottom of the ball and the other end into the floral foam.

4. Cover the top of the floral foam with Spanish moss.

5. If desired, tie a bow around the center of the twig or around the top of the pot.

Easy Etched Stemware

Though it may seem as if etching would require advanced crafting skills, this technique is really quite easy to master. All you do is apply etching paste to glass using a precut pattern. For the pattern, use stencil designs or patterns from gift wrap or magazines that have distinct outer edges and no small, intricate lines running through the pattern.

Here's what you will need:

Paper with adhesive backing
Purchased champagne glasses
Etching creme
Pencil
Craft knife
Spatula
Plastic container large enough to cover champagne glass (for etched glass with clear design only)

Here's how to make it:

1. First, trace the chosen design on adhesive-backed paper. Use a craft knife to cut around the design about 1 inch from the outside edge of the design.

2. Remove paper backing and position design on glass. Smooth adhesive paper flat against glass with a spatula. Make sure all bubbles and wrinkles are smoothed out.

3. To create an etched design on clear glass, cut around the outside edge of the design, then cut a slit down the center of the design with a craft knife. Using the tip of the craft knife, carefully lift the inside of the design from the glass. Smooth the edges of the adhesive paper against the glass with a spatula. Carefully apply etching creme over the clear cutout in the adhesive paper. Do not drip or spill etching creme on any other part of the glass, as it will cloud the glass.

4. To create an etched glass with a clear design, cut around the outside edge of the design. Using the craft knife, carefully lift the adhesive paper around the design from the glass, leaving the adhesive design intact. Smooth the edges of the adhesive design against the glass with a spatula. Pour the etching creme into a plastic container, then dip the glass into the creme.

5. Leave creme on glass for 15 minutes, the dab off excess with a clean rag. Rinse with cold water. Do not allow creme tat is rinsing off to run onto the bare glass. Remove the paper design from the glass.

Where to find it: Materials mentioned in this article are readily available from local craft and floral suppliers. You may even have some of the materials on hand.

The book "Beautiful Wedding Crafts" may be available at your local bookstore.

Preserving memories from your wedding

2006-05-22T11:00:00.000-07:00

Wedding photographs are among the most important family photographs ever taken, and these mementos are often handed down from generation to generation. In order to preserve these memories properly, you have to take action.

Most brides and grooms assume that their color snapshots and portraits will survive in their wedding albums and picture frames as well as old black-and-white photos did. Unfortunately, that's not true, say preservation experts. If you live another 30 or 40 years, you're likely to outlive your color photos.

Shortly after your ceremony, you should take the time to identify what the pictures show, because only photos that are identified and labeled are worth saving. Buy a 6B drawing pencil or, second choice, a Stabilo "All" pencil. They're available at photo and art shops. Use it to write names and dates on the backs of photos. (Never the fronts.) Do not use ballpoint pens -- they
leave indentations.

When identifying the participants, write down their full names. You may know what you mean by "Grandma Henken," but your descendants may not. Don't be satisfied with "Father" or "Cousin Louise."

Avoid heat, humidity

The greatest evil to prints, slides and videos is variation in heat and humidity. They rapidly age images. The worst places to store them are in the basement (too damp) or attic (too hot). Fireplace mantels and walls with heat sources nearby also are poor. Wooden file cabinets are dangerous to photos. What's optimal is a cool, dry, dark place, with a steady temperature
under 68 degrees. A safe level of relative humidity is 30 to 40 percent. A closet in an air-conditioned, first-floor room may be your best bet. Keep the negatives there, too.

So what do we do?

Look for albums that have plastic enclosures of archival quality. Plastic pages should be made of polyethylene, polypropylene or polyester. Paper pages should be acid-free. Another very good method is the one our ancestors used: Corner mounts in a scrapbook. The glue touches only the page, not the print.

Displaying photos

Of course, some of your photos from your wedding should be displayed prominently throughout your home. Choose an elegant collage print as a beautiful way to remember your special day.

Brides-to-be should consider pre-wedding getaways

2006-04-22T11:32:00.000-07:00

While many bachelorette parties involve drinking, dancing and carousing from dusk to dawn, more and more brides are opting for low-key activities to celebrate their last weekend of singlehood.

Today's bride is older and has different interests and priorities," says Millie Martini Bratten, editor in chief of Bride's magazine. "Bachelorette parties are reflecting that change. Brides are more interested in getting together with their girlfriends and doing something they all enjoy - going out to dinner or getting away for a spa weekend - rather than staying up all night partying."

The main purpose of a bachelorette party is for the bride, her bridesmaids and other close friends to get together, relax and have some fun. It can be as simple as a potluck dinner at someone's house or as extravagant as a weekend cruise in the Caribbean.

Bachelorette parties are usually held the weekend before the wedding, often the same night as the bachelor party. The party is typically hosted by a close friend (often the maid of honor), although sometimes the bridesmaids will plan the event. In most cases, everyone chips in and pays her own way, whether it's dinner out or a weekend getaway. Depending on the activity, it's often nice to include the mother of the bride and groom.

With most brides and attendants holding down full-time jobs, a day of pampering at a local spa has become a very popular venue for bachelorette parties. It's the perfect way to unwind and escape from all the pre-wedding hassles and responsibilities.

Many day spas offer special group packages for bridal parties. You can choose from a wide range of services, including Swedish massage, hydrotherapy, European facial, body loofah, scalp treatment, French manicure, reflexology foot treatment, spa pedicure, aromatherapy and other rejuvenating treatments.

Many of the upscale spas offer extra services, such as transportation to and from the spa in a chauffeured limousine, a spa lunch and take-home gift bag packed with exfoliating soap, body lotion, eye gel and other beauty boosters.

Most day spas offer a wide range of services that can take anywhere from a half-hour to a full day. If you're short on time or money, you can still get revitalized with a 30-minute massage, salt glow, herbal bath, mud masque or reflexology treatment.

Spas understand that time is of the essence - particularly for the working bride - and can often schedule two or three spa treatments at the same time. For example, you may be able to get a pedicure while you're having a scalp treatment or body wrap.

When planning a spa vacation for a bachelorette party, look for a spa that offers something for everyone - and is affordably priced.

Survey says roses remains favorite wedding flower

2006-01-22T14:42:00.000-08:00

A recent public opinion poll conducted by FTD, Inc., the world's largest floral company, indicated that roses are the most popular flowers for the ideal wedding. Seventy-two percent of Americans polled associated roses with the ideal wedding, with carnations as the second choice (40%). Another thirty-four percent voted for lilies, twenty-three percent prefer daisies, and 19% favor tulips for the ideal wedding.

Flower petals have paved the way for many brides, but now a shower of flower petals is the most popular ceremony send-off. The poll indicates that when honoring the bride and groom as they depart the wedding ceremony, tossing flower petals is the best way to see the couple off. Twenty-one percent believe birdseed is the way to go when honoring the bride and groom,
while 20% feel the traditional rice tossing is still suitable. Fifteen percent of those polled would like to see bubbles blown, and 13% would release butterflies or doves to respect the newlywed couple.

While many celebrity weddings are created by wedding planners, the majority of Americans polled (84%) would rather plan their wedding themselves or with family and friends. Only 12% of those surveyed would prefer to hire a wedding planner.

Another wedding tradition that seems to be changing is the ideal location of a wedding. While 35% of Americans still believe the wedding should be held in the traditional spot, the bride's hometown, 39% feel the wedding should take place in the town or city where the engaged couple currently lives.

The time of day that a wedding is held and the number of guests at the ceremony can set the theme for the occasion. The majority of those polled believe afternoons are the most desirable time of day (56%). One quarter prefer evening weddings, and only 16% of those polled favor morning weddings. While the number of guests at a wedding can range from the bride,
groom and wedding officiator to a cast of thousands, the majority of those polled (53%) prefer to have fewer than 100 guests. Only 7% responded that the ideal wedding would include more than 250 guests. Younger people (ages 18-24) were the most likely of anyone to want a large wedding of more than 250 guests (14%).