A Nod To The Wedding Cake Stand

I'll say it again...the wedding cake is the centerpiece of the reception.  It's the first item excited wedding attendees flock once they are allowed into the reception space. The linens for the cake table are always sorted out with such detail, but what about the "stand" the cake will be sitting upon?  Most cake decorators will place the cake on a silver or gold board, but if you want a little extra WOW factor for your delicious confection, consider some of the ideas below:

I simply love a custom created cake stand for the wedding cake!
Fabrics and embellishments can truly make a dramatic affect for the cake display.

Never forget the infamous cupcake tower,
but jazz it up not only with cupcakes, but other desserts or slices of cake.

A crystal pedestal allows for a beautiful and delicate display of your wedding cake.
You can also find similar designs ceremic or acrylic based.

A unique idea incorporating glass vases and flowers to hold the wedding cake.
May I suggest speaking with your baker before showcasing this idea to make
sure the weight of the wedding cake will not cause this display to collapse.

One of the most popular cake stand ideas you will see to display the wedding cake. 
These stands not only come round, but also square or oval and can also be found in gold.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: www.weddingcupcakes.org; www.raisethecake.com; www.weddingsbycolor.com; http://www.handmade-cake-stand.com/images/squaresquarewhite.jpg; 
http://my-weddingdream.com)

You May Be Seated

I think a lot of banquet venues purchase ugly chairs just so the client will rent a chair cover and sash, which could easily start $4.50 per chair (I'll touch on that in another blog).  But for those with a more flexible budget, consider renting chairs with a corresponding cushion for your guest tables.  Although a bit more expensive, they can add an more elegant touch to the space.  Take a look at some of the "statement-making" chairs below:

Chiavari Chair

Opera Chair

Contempo Chair

Luxe Chair

Mirage Chair

Padded Folding Chair

And consider these cost-saving ideas should you want to rent chairs:

• Use and reuse.  Use them for your ceremony.  Then have them moved during cocktails and positioned as guest chairs for the reception tables.  It's cheaper to higher additional staff than double the chairs.
• If you cannot afford rented chairs for all tables, think about having them at the sweetheart table, head table or during cocktail hour.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(all photo credits - www.hallsrental.com)

Big Apple Reception

October is the highly anticipated month for apple picking and the making of apple treats.  Inspired by not only red, but green apples...how can you incorporate this delicious and filling fruit into your wedding reception decor and tablescapes?  Check out some of these "tasty" ideas:

Accent the wedding cake with "sugar" apples.
Real apples would be too heavy and could damage the cake.

Serve a refreshing drink, alcoholic or non-alcoholic, infused with apples.

Create a dessert station showcasing the wedding cake and some of your favorite apple treats.

Be creative and use delicious apples as the holder for your escort cards.
They could then double as a guest favor.

A mix of apples and candles makes a contemporary centerpiece.

Taffy/caramel apples on a dessert station or as a take-home treat for your guests
would certainly make them smile.

A pairing of apples and flowers would look lovely on a buffet or escort card table,
and consider the blend for the tablescape, too.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(Photo credits: www.cakeforthewedding.net; www.countryliving.com; www.weddingpartycenterpieces.com; www.weddingaces.com; www.theknot.com; www.marthastewartweddings.com; www.getmarried.com)

Branching Out With Your Wedding Decor

As we say bye-bye to the summer of 2011, the amount of weddings we are coordinating still has not diminished.  In fact, October is the 3rd most popular wedding month in the Midwest and having an outdoor ceremony is planned by many...but don't forget Plan B because the weather could change any minute.

Well for the bride who wants to bring the fall season into her wedding decor, I've always thought the mixture of branches, flowers and candles can truly create some statement pieces for your ceremony and tablescapes.

Using branches to bring the outdoors inside for the wedding ceremony. 
This easy DIY project joins branches together with ribbon and adds a few blooms at the knot.

Put branches in a tall wide vase and add flowers around the rim to create a dramatically tall centerpiece.

Make an escort card table tree by using branches, flowers and hanging crystals. 
Attaching the flower buds to the branches really softens to centerpieces.

Place branches in cylinder vases to add height to the space and surround them with
small bouquets creating a high and low effect.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: www.boards.weddingbee.com; www.weddingpaperdivas.com)

What's Holding Your Flowers?

Most centerpieces are going to consist of some type of glassware holding your flowers and/or candles.  When I speak of glassware, I'm talking about cylinder vases, Eiffel Tower and bullet vases, or cubed shape vases...the standards you'll see at a wedding reception.  But when creating your entire tablescape, consider the vessel that will be dominantly displayed on your guests table and how you might like it presented.  Check out the ideas below for the "flower holders".

Consider using vintage vases or mason jars for single blooms or small floral clusters and group them tightly on your guest tables.

Using colored glass or uniquely shaped glassware can really make colored florals pop and become a conversation piece on  your guest tables.

And for the DIY bride, wrap your glassware in patterned paper or fabric to blend nicely with your overall color scheme.

Until next time...WEDologize!

Dressing The Tables

Today's blog was inspired by the design I'm doing for one of our July couples who selected chocolate, ivory and coral as their wedding colors.  As I thumbed my way through table linen swatches, it dawned on me that some couples might not know the diminisions of linens needed for particular tables.

Below are some linen basics:

6' banquet table - seats 4-6 people - 90x132 banquet size to the floor on all sides

8' banquet table - seats 4-6 people - 90x156 banquet size to the floor on all sides

60" round - seats 8-10 people - 120" round will go to the floor

72" round - seats 10-12 people - 132" round will go to the floor

Lo-boy or Caberet
36" round - seats 2-4 people - 96" round will go to the floor
48" square - seats 4 people - 120" to 132" round will go to the floor and you will have to tuck edges

Hi-boy
36" round - seats 2-4 people - 132" round to create hour-glass shape tied with a chair sash

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: www.tusconweddingsite.com; www.etsy.com; www.weddingandpartynetwork.com)

From Bottom to Top

I visited the venue of one of my July 2012 brides yesterday and the space was "ceiling inspiring". The ceiling beams of this venue had my designing wheels turning! Plenty of locations will not allow you to touch the ceiling when planning the decor outline for your wedding ceremony and reception, but when allowed, take full advantage of looking at the space three-dimensionally - floor, walls and ceiling. Consider some of these ideas if your venues ceiling are screaming for some enhancements :)

Adding some fabric panels or draping to the ceiling softens the space and creates a more intimate feel.

Rope lighting or string lights can liven up any ceiling of a reception venue.

Balloons in your wedding colors are always playful and dance around the ceiling with ease.

Patterned lights on the ceiling can create a wide range of emotions and can interchange throughout the evening.

Consider adding unconventional elements like paper lanterns or umbrellas to enhance the ceiling decor and create a conversational piece for your guests.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: http://www.deco-mantone.com/; http://www.itsajamiething.com/; http://www.paperlanternswholesale.com/; http://www.projectwedding.com/; http://www.aperfectcelebration.com/)

Cocktail Details

When it comes to the details of your wedding day, don't forget about the cocktail hour as apart of your design. I'm not saying spend an enormous amount of money on this one hour, but don't forget about the small touches that lend to the fabulous-ness of your reception that will begin the following hour.

Some simple inexpensive ideas for consideration:

Finish the hiboys with linen and a sash to compliment your overall color scheme.

Use fruit, herbs or whimsical finishes to garnish your signature drink.

Add a drink stirrer to your beverages.

Complete the drink with a personalized cocktail napkin.

Add a fresh flower to the serving trays of your appetizers.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: www.amyatlas.com; www.abbyjiu.com; www.bellissmaphotography.com; www.desmoinesrental.com; www.weddingpaperdivas.com)

Candle Creative for Wedding Day

I love candles...in my home, at an event, and especially at a wedding ceremony and reception!!!But how about we get creative with the use of candles and not just settle for them surrounding centerpieces. Consider candles to flank the aisle of your ceremony or the walkway leading to the cocktails hour. How about candles being used as the sole decor element of your tablescape or the use of whimsical candles to create a conversation piece. Check out the options below:






Until next time...WEDologize!


(photo credits: http://www.beautyandthegroom.com/; http://www.marthastewart.com/; http://www.onewed.com/; http://www.theknot.com/; http://www.weddingsbycolor.com/)

Cake Table Decor

If you've been following my blog for awhile, you will notice my passion for all things cake and dessert. In wanting to stray away from posting some more fabulous wedding cakes (I'll save that for next week), I decided to put a spin on today's blog and showcase some ways to design the cake table.

Surrounding the cake table with thick bed of rose petals is not only an easy way to add decor to the cake table, but it also created a stunning photo opportunity.

Glamour can easily be added to the cake table with speciality linens and votive candles.

A little whimsy was added to this cake table with the use of candles and letter spelling out "LOVE". How sweet!

Purchasing or renting a cake stand to elevate the wedding cake can make the most simple cake stand tall and POP on the table.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - www.vcsphoto.com; www.thecakelist.com; www.flickr.com/photos/holistichenna/4056969368/; www.weddingbee.com)

Spring Brings Showers

Not every wedding day will be rain-free, but that doesn't have to stop the show or damper spirits. Adjust to the situation and incorporate rain "equipment" into your wedding day photography. Haven't you heard the wisetale that if it rains on your wedding day...you will have a life-long happy marriage. Check out some of our "rainy" wedding day ideas.

Using an umbrella or parasol in your wedding photography creates such a classic look.

Check out these adorable flower girl parasols created by Martha Stewart! What a great alternative to carrying a basket.

Using over-sized umbrellas at an outdoor ceremony not only will shield guests from rain, but the sun as well.

Using umbrellas or parasols to create ceiling visuals along with hanging lanterns will most certainly WOW your wedding guests.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: www.vintagebellaumbrella.com; www.wedevents.com.au; www.marthastewartweddings.com; http://www.flickr.com/)