Important Tips for before your Wedding

Here are some important tips for brides to remember before your big day:

Tip 1: Practice your hair and makeup before the big day.
It is important that if getting your hair and makeup done that you do a test run first. Never get anything done for the first time on your wedding day. Make sure that you talk to your makeup artist and hair stylist clearly about what you do and don’t want; be sure they understand you.

Tip 2: Tan at least a week ahead of time.
Never tan or get a spray tan days before your wedding. You don’t want to be streaky or have tan lines noticeable on your big day so be sure to try a spray tan at least a weak ahead of time if not a test run before that.

Tip 3: Make sure you have emergency kits.
Make sure that your wedding planner provides an emergency kit on your wedding day. If not using a planner, make sure your Maid of Honor puts one together for you. In the stress of preparing for a wedding things get forgotten, this is where an emergency kit comes in handy. Stock it with tape, hairspray, aspirin, a steamer, etc…We always make sure there is a full emergency kit for both the men and women.

Tip 4: Dancing Shoes!
You will be on your feet a lot so you need to make sure your shoes are comfortable or that you have another pair to change into. Wear your shoes before the wedding to make sure they are comfy for long periods of time. You want to look good but not be in pain.

Wedding Cakes: Fondant vs. Buttercream

When brides are looking at cakes many ask, "what is the difference between fondant and buttercream?" So today we are going to explain the difference and the benefits and draw backs of both of both.

Fondant:
Most times when you see a wedding cake in a magazine or on TV it is covered in fondant. Fondant is basically a sugar paste rolled into a sheet that is then laid on the cake. Fondant can be colored to order and it is pliable. According to the cakewalkcary.com it has a chewy texture and has a mellow taste.
The benefit of using fondant is that it holds up well at outdoor weddings, and it can have a more polished look depending on your baker. It is easy to smooth and decorate.
The downside of fondant is that it is more expensive than buttercream, and many people don’t like the texture or taste of fondant.

Buttercream:
Buttercream is a sweet creamy icing. The cakewalkcary.com says that, “Chances are the birthday cakes you had growing up were covered with buttercream. This icing is popular for American wedding cakes since many people prefer the taste of buttercream.”
The benefits of buttercream are taste and price. Buttercream is easier to make and use so it costs a bit less than fondant.
The downside of buttercream can be aesthetics. You need a good baker experienced in buttercream to make it look as smooth and polished as fondant, but it can be done. If your reception is outdoors or in the heat, special care must be taken with buttercream since it doesn’t hold up as well in those conditions.

Remember, a good baker makes all the difference! An experienced cake maker can educate you in your options and can work well with both icings. For example, we work with an amazing baker, probably the best in North Texas. Sandy works with both fondant and buttercream. She can easily make buttercream look polished and her cakes taste amazing.-

Picture on top is fondant, picture bottom is buttercream. Both pictures from the pinkcakebox.com

Tips on Saving Money for your Wedding

We all know the economy has taken a hit, and planning a wedding in this economic climate can be stressful. Here are 5 helpful tips from us at Sharp Weddings on how to stretch your dollar and still have a great wedding day.

Tip 1: Resources
Going it on your own in this economy may seem like a good idea, but in reality it can cost you money. Consider investing in a good Wedding Planner who has resources to get you the best deals on everything from your flowers, cake, invitations, and lighting. What we do is work with you to create a budget and help you stay on it. A good planner will help you find a venue within your budget and get you great deals with amazing vendors. You want your wedding look like it cost more than it actually did. Good resources can save you money and a good planner has access to vendors you might not.

Tip 2: Location, Location, Location
Where you have your wedding and reception can save you money. For example, many times having your wedding ceremony and reception in one location can be a better deal. It is important to know your budget before you look at venues so you don't look at something you can't afford.

Tip 3: Size Matters
If you are worried about cost, consider downsizing your guest list. This can save you money on everything from venue cost to catering cost. Downsizing the wedding party can also save you money on bouquets, and wedding party gifts.

Tip 4: Atmosphere
Most brides don't realize how important lighting can be to a reception. It sets the tone of the party and creates mood and enhances decor. Staging companies that do lighting cost more money than most can afford. We do our own lighting and we cost much less than a staging company. It's important to also make your decor look like it is more expensive than it really is. Looking around for deals and using helpful resources can save money on decor.

Tip 5: Food and Drinks
Worried about that open bar? Consider shortening the open bar time, and serve a less expensive drink for the rest of the party. Make sure you have a good caterer who offers a good deal and good quality. Talk to them about perhaps doing a buffet instead of a plated dinner to save money.

Remember, this is your day and you want to save money on your wedding but not have it show. We can work with you to make your day spectacular and affordable! Use good resources brides. Too many brides have told us that they tried to do it all on their own and they regretted it. You don't want to stress yourself out more than you already are, let someone else carry the burden while saving you money and making your day great-

Shelbi's Hollywood Sweet 16!

Last weekend was Shelbi's Sweet 16 Hollywood theme party! It was a great success and everyone had a blast. The birthday girl was so happy when she walked in; it makes it all worth it. The decor and lighting turned out really well, and we were really happy with it. The party broke up around midnight and we were exhausted by the time we got home, but this party was one for the books! We've got some more great pictures of the cake and lighting and decor on the website, check it out!

Success at UNVEILED!

It seems our Black White and Bling themed booth was a huge it. We had a lot of future brides stop by to view the booth and talk to us. I've attached some pictures for your viewing pleasure.

So what’s next for Sharp Wedding and Events? First we’ll be following up with all of the lovely brides from the show. Second we have a Sweet Sixteen party coming up on the 17th and we’ll be sure to include pictures of that event as well so that you get the opportunity to see more of our work.

Sharp Weddings and Events at UNVEILED!

Greetings all,

I am so proud to be posting our first blog. Tammy and I have been hard at work to make Sharp Weddings and Events the best full service event planning company in the Dallas - Fort Worth area.

And our next major step in that direction is that we will be at the UNVEILED wedding planning event at the Dallas Convention Center.

So come check out our booth Sunday, October 4, 2009 from 11am-5pm