If you want to follow tradition, you would probably go for the three tiered cake covered in icing. However, today, there are tons of choices to pick from. You can even let your creativity come into play and design your own cake! Here are some things to consider when thinking about your wedding cake.

Size. How big do you want your cake to be? How many guests are you going to invite? Aside from that, you should also consider if you are going to have friends who won’t be able to make it to the wedding – you may want to send them some cake afterwards.

Design. Once you have decided on the size, the design is vital to the “success” of your cake. As I mentioned earlier, you can follow the traditional design or you may opt for something else. Wedding magazines are a good venue to get some ideas. Visit different cake shops and look at their collection as well. If you have a specific idea of what you want your cake to look like, then it is easier for you. Just take your idea to the baker and see if he can make it.

Flavor. Of course, the wedding cake is meant for more than decoration. It is going to be eaten. As such, it has to taste good. There are really no restrictions anymore as to the flavor of wedding cakes. If you prefer a certain flavor then go for it. Though wedding cakes used to be white and thus vanilla flavored, there is no stopping you from having a chocolate cake. You can even have cheesecake, mousse, or any other flavor under the sun!

Just remember, decide on your wedding cake at least a month before the wedding. Many bakers require that orders be placed months in advance. Otherwise, you might have to settle for something ready made and not really to your taste.

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First and foremost, request for a tasting. This should not be a problem, especially if the baker specializes in wedding cakes. You should know what you will be buying and therefore should have a taste of what the baker has to offer. Many bakers will offer you a range of frostings and flavors to choose from – do not hesitate, taste all of them until you know which one you want for your own wedding cake.

If you have a specific design in mind, then inquire with the baker if they will accommodate your request. These days, one popular design for cakes is to put an image on the surface. Perhaps you want a picture of you and your partner imprinted on the cake – ask if that is possible. Better that you know if the baker is capable of carrying out your ideas on the outset than having to change your mind later on.

Also ask to see the portfolio of the baker. That is, see if he has pictures of the other wedding cakes that he has baked. This will give you a clear idea of his work and whether you like it or not.

Don’t forget practical matters such as cake preparation. When will he bake the cake? The best time frame is at the most 2 days before the wedding. Ask him if the offer delivery and set up services. This will lessen the load on you on your wedding day. Ask about extra charges, if any. These may apply for extra decorations on the cake such as cake tops and pillars. If so, make it clear whether they should be returned or not. If it is the former, inquire as to costs if the decorations somehow get damaged. Last, have your agreement in writing and signed.

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Contract
You should always ask for a written contract. This will ensure you that you have a hold on the DJ should something arise and he does not show up. It is also a preemptive move, ensuring you that he will stick to the arrangements that you have agreed upon. Do not merely take his word – you need written proof.

More so, you need to stipulate everything in the contract. Detail the DJs tasks during the event. Is he going to act as the Master of Ceremonies as well or does he just deal with the music? How long should the DJ and his crew stay? Detail the number of hours. Also do not forget the preparation time. What time are they arriving at the venue? Is there anything they would need for setting up? Usually, it should be included in the contract that they will bring with them everything that they need. Think about all the little details that you want to consider and talk about them and place them in the contract.

Experience
As with live musicians, you should know how much and what kind of experience the DJ has. Take note that the experience should be with weddings particularly and not some other party. Of course, you need to know that he can handle everything during the reception perfectly. This can only be assured if he has a lot of experience under his belt.

Music
No doubt one of the most important considerations you must have is the extent and nature of their music collection. You would have an idea of what kind of music you want played during your reception. You may even have specific songs in mind – even a playlist. Present and go over this with your DJ and see if he can deliver what you want. The last thing you would want to happen is to have sucky music playing during your reception.

These are only some key points to consider. Why not make a list of your own questions and add your own ideas? Happy hunting!

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Wedding cakes have been around for as long as anyone can remember. Yet if you look deeper into its origins, the modern wedding cake as we know it today is not really the same as the wedding cake in the olden times. In fact, the old wedding cakes – and I mean old – were more like sweet bread than the cakes we use for weddings today. The custom in those days was to break the “cake” over the head of the bride. It does sound nasty, doesn’t it? Yet the reason for this was to wish the bride all the blessings and happiness that she can have for the rest of her life. It is the thought that counts, after all!

Anyhow, today’s wedding cakes are far from what they used in those days – both in looks, taste, and purpose. Wedding cakes today are quite grand and are meant to be eaten by everyone. Still, the wedding cake stands to represent the commitment of the bride and groom to each other for the years to come. So in choosing your wedding cake, you have to take into consideration both the presentation and the taste as well.

It used to be that modern wedding cakes had to made as simple as possible, with vanilla as the flavor. With time, however, wedding cakes began to have a character of their own. It is not uncommon to see unique and distinctly flavored cakes in weddings today. What kind of wedding cake should you choose for your special day?

There are really no strict and fast rules for this. If you favor the traditional white wedding cake, then why not? However, if you want to follow your wedding theme, then all the better! For example, there are couples who follow a Hawaiian wedding theme. They normally incorporate the theme into the wedding cake design. Tropical fruits and flowers are incorporate into the cake. You can also choose to follow the color of your wedding. Icing is all that is needed to decorate the cake and it is easy to do.

As for the flavors, you can choose from a gamut of choices. From the plain vanilla to butter to chocolate to mocha – the choice is yours to make! You can even have the picture cakes that are in fashion these days. Have your favorite photo of the two of you “printed” on the surface of a cake. The idea is basic, really. Decide on what you want and have it done. The important thing is that you are happy with what you have decided on. Cheers!

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More than organizing a wedding that is meant to be memorable for both the groom and the bride, we also take into consideration the fact that we want the whole affair to be beautiful and memorable for the important people in our lives whom we have invited to bear witness to our union. One aspect of weddings that we cannot overlook is the giving away of wedding favors. I honestly cannot remember a single wedding that I have gone to wherein the couple did not give away wedding favors. Other people call these souvenirs, but however you may want to call them, the idea is the same.

Aside from the precious memories of our wedding, we want to give something to our guests that will remind them of that wonderful day. On top of this, we also want to show them our appreciation for taking part of this momentous occasion in our lives. So what are some good ideas for wedding favors?

One very important consideration would be your wedding theme. You probably have put a lot of effort and time into deciding what your wedding theme should be. As such, it would be silly not to keep with the theme when choosing your wedding favors. In fact, it would be outright illogical. Keeping to your theme with the wedding favors is something like icing on the cake – it just makes things better.

So what can you pick out for wedding favors? There are countless little trinkets that you can give away. My opinion, though, would be to choose something that your guests can use in the future. Though it would be easy to give away any little trinket, it would mean so much more if they are useful as well.

You can never go wrong with candleholders. Almost every household makes use of them. Why not pick out candleholders that go with your wedding theme? You can have your names engraved or printed on them. That way, you can rest assured that you are not giving away an item that will merely collect dust on the shelves. Another good idea would be picture frames. People will never run out of pictures to display. This option also gives you a lot of versatility regarding the design, shape, and color. It will make the task of keeping with your theme easier. How about symbolic suncatchers? These things are quite useful for decorations and are always in style. You also have a lot of options which you can choose from so as to match your theme.

Remember, when picking out wedding favors, bear two things in mind: practicality and your wedding theme. That way, you can never go wrong.

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Wedding themes would usually be picked out by the bride with the consent of the groom in the end. It is customary and only normal that women are more passionate and particular about their wedding themes since they are usually exposed and do the research on how to make such an event in their lives a treasured moment. The color schematics cover the flower arrangements, entourage designs and of course the wedding giveaways that are passed on during the reception proceedings.

It has been a common sight that color themes would usually create the proper ambiance and complement that weddings would usually project. The selection of colors would usually have meanings. These would stem from ancestral and superstitious beliefs that include good luck charms and happy marriages. It would all depend on the level of belief that sides, bride and groom, and their families would normally advice.

Ill-prepared weddings may not have time to go over the necessary preparations, making it something secondary since the main purpose is simply to tie the knot. While implementing colored themes in weddings is not really a requirement, it is a sign of unity and for some who believe in superstitions, a sign of well-preparedness in journeying towards a new life as husband and wife.

But the standard practice in weddings, whether it is big or a small gathering, really follow a certain them to make the occasion unique and different from the standard wedding events that people would get to experience through friends and colleagues. Couples would normally resort to trying to improve or outdo the weddings that they see, mixing ideas and trying to conceptualize something unique for their own wedding to be different and extravagant.

Besides, weddings are usually held once in a lifetime for couples who want to be officially married. Preparations and the like are tedious but after some years, they will always go back to memory lane and look at how exotic and memorable their exchange of vows truly was.

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On this special day, set aside your other concerns. Let the day be filled with only happy thoughts. This is not the time for petty quarreling over trivial matters. Rather it is s time to celebrate unity, family and a whole lot of love.

What should you do? For one thing, make sure that you choose carefully and wisely. This is one day where you want to hear nothing but praise. It is impossible to please everyone but if you choose the best of everything, it is possible to please most.

Once in a lifetime is a phrase often used to describe weddings. With that thought in mind, why not go ahead and spend a little more than you normally would to have something that isn’t just good, but great for your wedding. You don’t need to go in debt but just uncurl those tight fists a little bit.

For example, you may have to work with a tight budget but that is no reason not to serve the best possible food at your reception within that budget. No one will expect you to put on a lavish unlimited buffet. You can amaze them with great tasting food that doesn’t break your bank.

Yes you can get married in a t-shirt and jeans. No one will gainsay you if you insist. Just think for a moment though; this is a rare occasion. It is one of those moments were you get to dress up. Your future mate may want to get all dressed up - well at least in designer jeans and a great top at least. You may not want to spend a ton on an outfit that you will only wear once but at least pick out something that really brings out your best features and really makes you look great.

One of the nicest things about weddings is the fact that it gives you a chance to say thank you to everyone. Getting to this moment in time took the help of a lot of people. Your wedding is a chance to let them know how much you value their friendship, love and support. Don’t think gratitude ever goes out of fashion. It is one of the most uplifting things you can do on this day for your guests.

The simple truth is, the divorce rate is higher than ever. Yet with every marriage that takes place, hope is born anew in us that there is a chance to indeed attain happiness and a lifetime relationship. Sometimes you find it in the least expected places and it can come when you aren’t looking for it. That is what makes it even more special. All the more reason that you should celebrate and let others share in your joy. Everyone can stand to have more good news and happiness in their lives; and if it isn’t their turn to walk down the aisle, at least they can share in your good fortune and celebrate with you.

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What were very memorable about this wedding were the toasts. First the father of the bride stood and thanked everyone for attending the wedding. He said that he was very glad to see his daughter happily married. He talked of the anxiety of being a father of girls, how a dad always prays that his child finds someone who will truly love her and make her happy; and how he feels that indeed she has found it in the groom. He then proceeded to welcome his new son-in-law to the family. He then offered a toast to the happy couple.

Next the father of the groom stood to give his speech. He said that from the first moment that the bride was introduced to them, he hoped that she would become part of their family. They, the groom’s parents, saw in her qualities that they truly hoped for in a daughter and that they felt would make their son truly happy. They were blessed to have their wish fulfilled this day. He proceeded to offer a toast to the bride and groom’s happiness.

Now it was the best man’s turn. A little less serious, he talked of how much his friend changed since meeting the bride. He talked of how they knew that this girl was the one for his friend because his favorite pastimes now took second place to being with her and how responsible he became. He talked of how they complemented each other and how much their love and friendship showed - truly best friends. He offered a toast to love and friendship.

Then it was the groom’s turn. He stood up and said, “Thank you to my bride without whom this wedding would not have taken place”. That cracked most of us up since yes, there would have been no wedding if she had not said yes. Then he went on to explain that he was very lazy and laid back about the whole wedding. She was the one who made most of the decisions. She made sure that he got involved and it was thanks to her wise choices that the wedding went off so smoothly and was so absolutely beautiful, truly one he would cherish.

These are by no means perfect toasts. For sure there have been better made ones. The beauty of them is that they come from the heart and they celebrate the happy couple’s togetherness and goodness. They may not be flowery or poetic but everyone gets exactly what the speakers mean and yes, they do get to know the bride and groom a little better; and yes, they do get to wish them well.

So, what’s the trick to making the best toast? Speak from your heart and speak of the joy and love you see in the happy couple. Raise your glass and smile.

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If you are a very private, reserved person you may not want a grand wedding. An intimate wedding with family and maybe a few close friends may be more your thing. On the other hand, if you were home coming queen and your spouse captain of the football team, you are more used to crowds and a small wedding is more likely to make you feel like you cut too many people out of the guest list.

At many weddings you know that the couple is happy to be married but if you look at their smiles whenever they have to pose for pictures, you can see that they look a bit frozen or glassy eyed. When you barely have an album full of pictures, having someone following you around and capturing every moment for posterity can be unnerving. If you are not used to being in front of the camera, take the time to find a good photographer, one who can work without being obtrusive. Don’t worry they are out there - though admittedly they can be a bit more expensive.

If you aren’t fond of parties a wedding that lasts three hours can feel like a lifetime. People will tell you it is the normal thing and they are right. Just keep in mind though that the control is in your hands. You and your groom can exit when you feel like it. Just don’t expect to be able to sneak out. The best man and maid of honor are known for being pretty sneaky. They’ll find a way to give you a good send off.

If you are marrying someone of a different nationality or religion you may have little choice about doing something that makes you uncomfortable - simply because it isn’t something you grew up with. In this case, you are unlikely to be able to do away with these rituals because they are a tradition your spouse and his family expect you to take part in. The best thing you can do is immerse yourself in their culture and familiarize yourself with it so that you will become more comfortable with it.

If you are marrying someone of a different nationality, learning their language can be a big help. Can you imagine going through a ceremony without understanding a single word? Keep in mind that you will be signing a marriage contract so it is best if you can understand what the officiant is saying. It is also a great way to build closer ties to your new in-laws.

If you are marrying someone of a different religion, inquire about lessons into that religion. It is a good idea to be familiar with your spouse-to-be’s faith since it can help put you and your fiance on the same page with regards to faith. You may even decide to raise your children with these beliefs. Before you get married is definitely a good time to start learning.

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While most brides don’t make their previous wedding the basis of comparison for this second nuptials, it does play a part in their decision making. Consciously or unconsciously, many brides opt to have a wedding that is almost the complete opposite of their first. Brides who had a small, intimate wedding will usually opt for a grander affair this time around. If they had a lot of fluff or add ons during their first wedding, they usually have a more streamlined and simpler look for these nuptials.

Often this is the result of hind sight, learning from the first experience. It could also simply be that they’ve realized that their dream wedding wasn’t the way the first wedding went and this is their chance to make their ideal nuptials and reception take place.

There is also the fact that the bride is a little older than at her first marriage. her tastes have changed. She is probably more sophisticated now. That often means no more frilly pink and more bronze. Forget the wedding dress that makes you look like a debutant and put on a gown to truly accent your beauty in a shade that isn’t white.

Don’t forget the possibility that the bride may be a mom now. Most brides who are also mothers choose to include the children in the planning and decision making. After all, the groom isn’t just getting a wife. He’s actually getting an instant family. In fact many say that it isn’t just the bride who says I do; that the children must accept him as well for the marriage to truly succeed. The children are usually included in the entourage. The clothes of the entourage are chosen with the ages of the kids in mind as well since they will usually be dressed in a style as similar to that of the happy couple as possible. No low necklines, bare back and the like for your nine year old daughter even if she is a junior bridesmaid.

The best part about getting married again is in the fact that you are literally getting a chance to do it over - create the dream wedding that you may not have had the first time around because you couldn’t afford it then or because there were so many other people and factors to consider. There are fewer barricades and you are more sure of yourself which usually translates to a more defined personal style to stamp onto this very special event. As we all know, no matter if it’s your first, your fifth or your tenth, you will always want your wedding to be uniquely you.

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