Wedding Cake Toppers We Love

We love these unique cake toppers. The first 2 pictures above are vintage cake toppers. You can get these from almost any decade. Curious is a great seller of vintage toppers, also check Ebay. The starfish topper is great, especially for a destination wedding. Want something clean and simple? Try a clean monogram like the one above. I love these figure toppers above; they are so much fun and different. You can get custom designs like these from Red Light Studio.
You don't have to go with a topper. You can keep the top clean or add flowers, but if you want something unique consider great toppers like these.

1) GetCurious.com; 2) Fancy Flours; 3) InStyle Bride; 4) Wedding Favours; 5) RedLight Studios;       6) RedLight Studios

Retro Wedding Ideas

Above are some great pictures from TheKnot.com. These retro ideas add something special to your wedding. For the bride and groom looking for something different, pops of retro or a retro theme can definitely add that "something."

Ideas:

Pop of red. To add a retro feel; add a pop of color with red lipstick and shoes.

Lace. A lace wedding dress adds a great vintage feel.

Black and white photography. Make sure to get some black and white shots from your photographer.
Adding an old style photo booth is fun and retro.

Ride in style. Instead of a limo think of renting a vintage classic car like the Ford above.

Cake. The cake above is inspired by a 60's wallpaper print. Find a great print you like and take it to you baker.

Favors. The retro ring pop candy above is fun and a great favor for all guests.

Photos:
Marie Labbancz; Kevin Weinstein; Mark Baas; Sweet Memories Bakery, Kevin Millard;  Cook Images; Katie Lewis; Brian Dorsey Studio; Kevin Beasley 
Photos from The Knot Retro Photos

Engagement: Things To Concider When Buying An Engagement Ring

It's every girl's dream, when her love gets down on one knee and pops that big question. Of course its important to know what kind of engagement ring you are looking for. If it is really important to you then talk about it with your potential groom before hand. Here are some important things to remember when looking at engagement rings:

1) The 4 C's
     Cut- The cut has the most impact on the stone brilliance. There are several cuts or shapes. Below are the most popular. Take a look at the pictures.

Round
Emerald     
Radiant
Asscher
Princess
Cushion
Pear
Oval
Marquise

    Color- Range in color from D (colorless) to Z (slight yellow)
    Clarity- How clear or clean, how many imperfections are in the stone.
    Carat- The weight of the diamond. 100 points equals 1 carat.
  
2) Metal
    Gold- the classic yellow gold.
    Platinum- has been gaining popularity over the years, all the pictures above are platinum. Has a cleaner look.

3) Setting Styles include:
    Prong
    Pave
    Baguette
    3 Stone
    Tension
    Channel

4) Make sure to get a diamond grading report with your purchase, and check to make sure that shop at an accredited store. 

5) Budget. Make sure to shop around for a good deal. Consider buying a loose stone theat can be set later. Sometimes you can get a better deal on these.


For more information on engagement rings go to The Knot 
Pictures from MDC Diamonds. 
Ring Info from The Knot 

Color Trends We Love

Color trends we love: color combos

1)Garnet/Tangerine
These colors work especially well for fall/ winter. Deep, rich, and jewel toned, these colors are very hot for 2010.

2)Pink/ Navy
Fun! Want to depart from tradition and shake things up a bit? Well then you can't go wrong with pink and navy.

3) Black/ White
Classic. These colors have been in style for a while and aren't going anywhere. You can't go wrong with classic black and white.

4) Blue/ Yellow
Blue and yellow works great for spring. Whether you go with navy or aqua or mix both they work wonderful with yellow.

Want more color combos or more info on these great colors, go to The Knot 

The Groom's Cake

The groom’s cake is traditionally southern, and while the groom's cake evokes memories of the red velvet armadillo from Steel Magnolias, this cake can be anything you want. Generally intended to be a gift from the bride to the groom, it is usually dark (chocolate) and a bit playful. The tradition is gaining traction in other parts of the country and more and more brides are opting for a groom's cake.

Yous can go in several directions for the groom's cake, traditional, modern, or playful. Below are some of our favorite groom's cakes in varying styles.

 

Chocolate Buttercream Cake, Merritts Bakery, Chris Humphrey Photography 

Geometric Print Cake, Texas Star Bakery

2 Tier Swirl Skewed Cake, Cake Studio, Ira Kippke Studios

UT Cake, Christine Tremoulet Photography

Cubs Cap Cake, Take The Cake, Pen Carlson Photography

A&M Cake, Driskill Hotel, Eclectic Images

Oranges Cake, Cuisine Justine, Blue Rose Studio

Favors We Love

Looking for fun unique wedding favors? These are some of our favorites:

1) Bucket of Love: these flower seed papers are great and a fun new idea to give to your guests. These are $78.00 for a bucket of 50 and you can get them personalized.  Plant the paper and they will bloom, great for the "green" bride.

2) Soy based candles: These clean burning candles are $68.00 for 24. Personalized for free. Choose your scent.

3) Personalized Hershey's chocolate bars:  these large chocolate bars are $27.99 for 12 and can be personalized for you. Great for a guest with a sweet tooth.

4) Filigree Favor Boxes: These card stock boxes are great to put candy in and are $17.00 for a pack of 10. A romantic touch.

5) Favor Pail: only .99 cents each, these are great to put favors in.

6) Personalized Votives: Personalize these glass votives and they are only $65.00 for 12.

7) Wedding Cookies: $3.95 each, personalized for free.  Choose your color. Great fun, and edible.

8) Love Savors, Love Birds: these super cute "love savors" come personalized free and are $29.95 for a pack of 18.

For ordering info go to www.theknot.com

Wedding Dress Silhouettes

Wondering what wedding dress styles are out there? Remember when choosing a dress to try on several styles, you might be surprised. Talk to your planner, they might have experience in dresses and might find you a deal. We love looking at dresses with our brides. Here are a few silhouettes to keep in mGood for a simple look and for curvier or thin figures.

A-Line 
Good for both thin and cury figures. A clean simple look.
Dress Pictured Alita Graham for Kleinfeld

Ball Gown
Has the classic princess look. Works well for full figures. Can overwhelm a petite frame.
Dress pictured Justine Alexander Signature

Mermaid
A more modern style that look well on curvy and thin frames. Works best with height.
Dress pictured Enzoani 

Empire Waist
Makes a thicker waist less noticeable.
Dress pictured KittyChen Couture 






Check out theknot.com for more dress ideas.

Wedding Cake Trends We Love

Here are some wedding cake trends we love. Take a look and tell us what you think.

1) Bold Colors. Trends for 2010 include bright and bold colors, this translates into cake too. Bright pops of color attract the eye regardless of whether the cake is a bold color or just colorful accents.

2) Butter Cream! According to Associated Content, "brides and grooms preparing for the 2010 wedding are choosing all-buttercream cakes instead of the traditional fondant to save on costs and enjoy a more simple, elegant look for the cake. Buttercream can be smoothed out to create the satin-like finish on the classic wedding cake, but is much softer in texture."

3) Interesting Patterns and textures. A cake with a bold print or pattern attract the eye and can definitely set you apart.

4) Monograms. Personalize your cake with a monogram incorporated into or onto your cake. This makes your cake uniquely, "you." 

Photography by Antonis Achilleos from TheKnot.com
Trend ideas from  TheKnot.com

How to Avoid Wedding Day Stress

Your Wedding day is soon approaching, and the stress is mounting. Here are some helpful tips on how to avoid stressing out on your big day.

1) Rely on a good planner. Finding a good wedding planner can keep the stress  limited on your big day. A seasoned planner will shoulder all the responsibiity for your impending day. While your planner is not your personal slave, he/she will do whatever it takes to take stress off you and pull off a great wedding. Be sure to keep in contact with your planner and keep a friendly demeanor.

2) Make to do and or check lists. Keeping a list of what you need to get done and check on will keep you organized and prepared. You can find check lists for brides online. This will give you a good idea of what your list should look like, and it will give you a head start.

3) Keep your bridal party informed of their duties and obligations. Rely on your friends, that's what they're there for. Delegating jobs to your bridesmaids will help you get things done. Make sure your maid of honor knows how involved she will need to be when you ask her to be your MOH.

4) Get an early start. Don't wait until the last minute to get anything done. Organizing and hiring vendors early will insure that things on on the right track before your big day, and it will help keep stress down. Make sure to hire a planner early so they can get started and you can form a good relationship. If you bring a planner on board in the beginning they will get things done for you. Waiting to hire a planner to take over later will only create more work for you and make it harder for them to jump in last minute. We always like to come on board early so we can form a good familiar relationship with the bride and know exactly what expectations are.

5) Remember this is supposed to be a fun process. This day is about the bride and groom, not the guests. The day should be happy and fun not stressful and stiff, so relax. Try to take time for you, to relax.

Happy Wedding-

Honeymoon Cost Saving Tips

Planning your honeymoon but worried about your budget? Here are some tips on how to save some cash when planning your trip.

1) Consider cost friendly locations: Staying closer to home is going to cost less than that trip to Paris. If you are on a tight budget consider going to Napa Valley or even Mexico. You can find great deals on less exotic locals.

2) If you want to save money, plan a trip during the "off season" and not in the peak travel months. Many resorts and hotels offer deals to travelers who come during the down months like November. Plus, there will be less crowds.

3) Do your research. Check around for deals; try the travel sites or even call a travel agent to get pricing. Even consider talking to your planner about your honeymoon, they might be able to help you.

4) Get the most from your money. Heading to Mexico or other "Latin" countries will save you cash because the dollar is worth more there than in Europe.

5) Use your frequent flier miles.

6) Don't splurge on souvenirs. Take pictures to keep your memories and forgo the little trinkets, it adds up.

You can have a budget friendly honeymoon if you are willing to make some concessions. Do your research and ask for help if you need to. We are always happy to help our clients with their honeymoon, so ask your planner.

Wedding Invitations: Custom or Pre-Made?

When deciding on invitations it is important to know your options. The two main choices you have are pre-made invitations and custom invitations.

Pre- made invitations you choose from a book or online; your names and information will be added into the invitation but the design and colors stay exactly the same as the example. The upside of pre-made is cost. No extra design time or labor goes in to the invitation, so they cost less. The downside is the lack of originality; other people will have this exact invitation for their wedding.

Custom made invitations are designed specifically for you and are generally hand made or outsourced for printing. A good custom maker will meet with you in person, if possible, to get to know you. They will design the invitation based on your personality, design sense, and incorporate it into you wedding. The cost is more depending on detail and extravagance of design, but you can still get a good price. The major upside to custom invitations is the originality. No one else will have your design, and it is made just for you.

According to theweddingreport.com, "94% of couples send invitations for their wedding."

Deciding which to go with depends on your budget and taste. You can get beautiful pre-made invitations that may be exactly what you want; there are a lot to choose from. Many brides who choose custom invitations really want that extra something that makes them unique and different. Still having trouble deciding? Here are some tips of what to think about:

• Budget
• Wedding theme
• Originality 
• Number of guests
• Lead time, try to order customs early so that you can work with the designer. 

Remember, this is your wedding so what do you want? Talk to your planner about both styles, pre-made and custom. They will help you find and order both. If you decide on custom made, ask your planner if they know a good invitation creator. We do our own custom invitations and love getting to create designs for our couples. 
Interested on more information about ordering custom or pre-made invitations, check our website and send us an email!
art from clker.com

Customized Lighting

When planning your wedding one thing to keep in mind is lighting. Lighting plays a more important role in atmosphere than most brides realize. "Once reserved for upscale events like the Emmys, the Black and White Ball and celebrity weddings, lighting is now much more accessible for today’s bride and should therefore be an important consideration in the planning of her most important day."
"It acts as “makeup” for your venue, highlighting its strengths and downplaying any flaws, and is the single most important element for mood, atmosphere, and room transformation. Lights make the difference between a nice event and a spectacular one, but many people have yet to learn what the options are and how affordable lighting can be. The use of custom lighting at weddings and parties is on the rise, due in part to its ability to change the look and décor of any kind of room, from a drab recreation hall to the finest, most architecturally pleasing venues." Lighting can add so much to your wedding; there are so many options today.

Different types of lighting can include: up-lights, spot lights, led lights, candles, gobos, and more. What is a gobo you ask? Well have you ever seen the logo or wording projected on a ceiling or wall of a venue, that's a gobo. A good tip is to add candles and led lights to add lighting in unexpected places, especially on your tables.

You may be wondering the cost of lighting. It can be expensive depending on who you hire to do it. Professional lighting and staging companies can vary in price. It is important to work with your planner to find a good deal. We now do lighting ourselves; this saves our clients money and hassle.

Lighting creates mood and atmosphere. It is an important factor when planning your day. A good planner will help you find lighting you can afford and think of creative ways to incorporate it into your design. To see some more examples of customized lighting check out our pictures on our website.

Quotes from John Woods, Enhanced Lighting and Sound. YourWeddingDay.com

All Pictures are of work Sharp Weddings has done. 

Hot Trends: Color

Today, color trends for 2010.

The Wedding Report at theweddingreport.com says, "Couples primarily looking for warm, bright, bold, and vibrate tones in 2010." This echoes a lot of what we have been seeing; bold brighter colors are going to be hot trends for upcoming weddings.

According to The Knot, "Say good-bye to pale pastels and bright poppies. Rich gem colors like navy, plum, and amber are going to be hot. And instead of chocolate brown, look to a soft creme brulee hue, bronzes, coppers, and black. Yes, that's right -- black is back too."

These trends can be incorporated into your whole wedding from invitations to flowers and lighting. Creating a rich atmosphere is in. Think color ladies, whether it be bold color all over or just pops of color. If going bright and bold isn't you, think about adding those pops of color in bridesmaid dresses or flowers or even in your lighting.

Talk to your planner about how you might like to bring trends into your wedding. Make sure that your planner understands how to incorporate this into your style. We like to work closely with brides on design. Bring magazine pictures to your meetings, this always helps give us an idea of what your looking for.

Remember color is fun so make sure you enjoy how it fits into your wedding. Just remember, just because something is "in" doesn't mean it is fit for you. Always speak your mind and be clear on what you want for your wedding.

 Picture from theknot.com

Maid of Honor: Duties and Jobs

Many Maids of Honor (MOH) don't know what their "job" really is. Below is some information on what your MOH's duties are. So if you are a bride, forward this to your MOH, and MOH's get out your pens and paper:

1) Support your Bride.
The most important job a MOH has is to be there for the bride. You need to listen to her blow off steam and complain if she needs to; you need to listen to her worries and fears. It is important to keep her excited and keep her as stress free as possible. You are a huge part of her support system, it is your job to be there for her. Don't ever complain to the bride. If you need to blow off steam, do it with someone else.

2) Going to Appointments.
The MOH needs to try and go with the bride to as many appointments as possible. This gives the bride moral support and lets her share her big moments with her best friend. I know we all have jobs or places to be, but try and work times that you can go with your bride. What kind of appointments are there? Well, there is the cake, flowers, D.J/ band, dresses, venue, etc... Try and make as many as you can.

3) Get to know the Planner.
It is important if your bride is working with a planner, that you get acquainted with them. The planner will be at all the appointments with the bride also, so it is important you introduce yourself. We always like to get to know the bridal party as much as we can. The MOH can be a great resource for the planner as she is a huge support system for the bride.

4) Party!
Yes, it is typically the MOH's job to plan the shower and bachelorette party. The bride might have more than one shower, so it is important that you coordinate that with the brides family and friends. Typically the cost of the shower is on the MOH; talk to the bride about her expectations and work from there. The bachelorette party can be held by all the bridesmaids so costs can be split, but it is the job of the MOH to keep it all on track. Make sure when gifts are given, you keep a list for the bride.

5) Be a Resource.
If the bride asks your opinion, give it but don't overstep. Ask the planner how you can help. Make sure the bride feels comfortable coming to you when she needs something or when she just needs to talk. Basically just "be there."

6) Wedding Day.
You will need to be there early to help the bride and keep her calm. The planner and or officiant will explain your duties during the ceremony so be prepared. At the reception you will need to give a toast; make sure you have something planned. Finally, the wedding party needs to STAY for the whole reception until the bride and groom leave, no cutting out early!

Being a MOH is a big responsibility. Keep a checklist with duties to help you stay organized. Be aware of the costs associated with the job (dress & parties.) It seems like a lot, and it is, but it can be fun and memorable. Try to have fun with it and remember your bride chose you, that means a lot.

Flowers: Buds on a Budget

There are several beautiful flowers out there that are inexpensive to use for a wedding. Below are a few budget friendly flowers that can help keep costs down. Some of these you may know, some not, but keep an open mind when working on a tight budget.

1) Daisy
Daisies come in a variety of colors and styles:  Gerbera come in white, yellow, orange, pinks and red. These are hearty flowers that tend to hold up well and are very reasonably priced.

2) Chrysanthemum
 These tend to come in bold colors such as white, yellow, green, orange, pinks, red, burgundy, and russet. They are accessible year round.

3)  Dahlia
Dahlia's come in pretty shades of pinks, purples, red, white, and yellow. "They have a spicy scent"(The Knot). These are very pretty a have an interesting shape.

4) Carnation
We all know the carnation! These flowers come in a wide array of colors and many times you can find them dyed to match. They are versatile and inexpensive.

5) Cosmos
Cosmos come in pops of color: pinks, purples, yellow, orange, and white. They are bright, beautiful, and budget friendly.

Of course there are other flowers priced moderately that can be peppered into the arrangements or bouquets such as iris, lisianthus, tulips and more. Talk to your planner to find the best florist. We have many great ones we work with. Once you have settled on a florist, talk to them about keeping your budget down and using more expensive flowers sparingly. You can still add the roses and lilies in your wedding but at a minimum.
Always remember, a good planner will keep you on budget and work with you to find ways to be creative.  We work with great florists who can work within your budget.

Floral facts from The Knot, Spring/Summer 09, pg111
Dahlia- Gaye Johnson
Cosmos- mooseyscountrygarden.com 
Chrysanthemum- thevisualrecord.com

Wedding Flowers: Budding Ideas

So everyone knows roses are the classic flowers for a wedding, but I'm going to talk a little about some other great classics that can add something fresh to your bouquet. All of these flowers will work well mixed in or alone.

1) Peony
Peonies are beautiful and fragrant. They are most easily gotten in the Spring. They come in a variety of colors: white, pink, cream, peach and burgundy. These are expensive, so it's great to add a few into your bridal bouquet.

2) Anemone

 These are gorgeous. They come in white, pink, purple, magenta, and burgundy. They are in season November to May, and they are moderately priced. Personally, these are one of my favorites. I love the contrasting black button center.

3) Orchid
Orchids as we all know are expensive, but they lend a modern feel to any wedding. They come in many colors: white, purples, green, yellow, pinks, and red. There are a variety of varieties of orchids, so it is important to find the ones you like and talk to your planner and florist about it. Orchids are in season year round and not too hard to get access to, and they go with many other flowers.

4) Ranunculus
These come in bright beautiful colors and classic colors: white, yellow, apricot, orange, and pinks. They look especially good paired with Anemones. They are in season November through April, and they are moderatly priced. Their scent is "mild" and they mean "charm." The Knot

5) Calla Lily
These elegant flowers can fit in so many arrangements. They come in white, yellow, orange, pinks, reds and a black. They are easy to get as they are available year round, but they are expensive. They give a clean, sleek, modern look.

Remember, you don't have to go with the standard bouquet. Explore your options. Talk to your planner about florists and varieties available. If you see a picture in a magazine rip it out. We encourage our clients to bring cliping and pictures that inspire them. A great florist can inspire you. We work with great florists; one of them did our UnVeiled Bridal show florals. Take a look she's great.
Tomorrow.... Flowers on a tighter budget. Great ideas for saving money on flowers.
Floral Facts from The Knot Magazine. Spring/ Summer 09,' pg111
Pictures
Peony- lilysolovely
Anemone- greenweddingshoes
Orchid- myweddingflowerideas

Ranunculus- myweddingflowerideas
Calla Lily- mygoodfairy