Next time you take your fiance cake tasting, consider all of the options from sweet cakes to meat cakes.  Let me clarify, I am not suggesting serving your guests a 4 course dinner and then surprising them with a slice of meat for dessert instead of buttercream sweetness.

Personally I think this meat cake is semi disgusting… but I am sure my husband thinks otherwise!  As much as I might not crave a meat cake, I do think it is a fun idea for a grooms cake.  Present it at the wedding as a late night option for the guys who are getting hungry again around midnight, or have it at the rehearsal dinner for a manly touch in honor of the groom.  Instead of creamy icing spread on typical cakes… get creative and spread creamy mashed potatoes around your meat cake to add a sweet touch.  If anything this cake will add some humor and I guarantee that a few of the gentlemen in your group will appreciate it!

What other creative cakes have you seen at events?

DJs and Bands are the life of the party, when everyone is getting tired they can keep you dancing on the dance floor.  You want to definitely put time into choosing which DJ or Band’s style fits your wedding, and always let them know your expectations for them during the reception.

While you want a DJ who will be able to help direct your reception, at the wedding ceremony you might also want live music, but the costs will start climbing when you are hiring more than one band/DJ.  Harps, Violins, Cellos and Pianos will all create beautiful music for the day of your wedding, but how do you hire within your budget?

You don’t need to think past your hometown high school.  Yes, where you spent 4 years of your life – can finally give back to you.  Schedule a meeting with the orchestra director and explain to him what type of music you desire for your ceremony and ask to hire some of the senior students for an hour on the weekend.  The kids will love the experience, and you will be surprised how professional they will treat the situation.

If you are a more ‘hands on’ bride and get nervous about kids playing at your wedding, give them enough time to practice and then schedule with them to hear it for yourself about a week out.

I think this is a great idea to help you save money and incorporate your old high school into your wedding.  Your guests will enjoy the youth participation and be impressed at how beautifully they play!

Not only do I love the color red but there is something captivating about balloons.  Their weightless selves float by without a care in the world—held to this world by a single string.  Their colors immediately draw your eye to them along with a variety of shapes and sizes filling the area.  Photographers are just as entranced by these balloons as I am. Recently a lot of creative engagement and wedding pictures have been enhanced with the addition of balloons.

Whether it is just one single balloon…

Or a whole heap of them…I hope you are swept off of your feet daily with all of the beauty that surrounds us!

Sources: aesthetics of joy, Blog Goggles, Green Wedding Shoes

There is no right or wrong when it comes to speaking from your heart during your vows.  Writing your own vows allows you and your groom to truly speak the words and feelings towards each other that are YOURS!  I encourage you to think outside the box and create a ceremony that reflects uniquely you!

Here is an example of vows that are uniquely theirs:

Groom:

In your arms, I have found my home
In your heart, I have found my love
In your soul, I have found my match

Bride:

You are my inspiration and my best friend
You make me laugh, You teach me to love
You let me sing my own song

Groom:

I promise to encourage your compassion and individuality
I promise you  my life as a loving and faithful husband
I promise to lead our lives in faith and hope in Christ

Bride:

We will share laughter, tears, hopes and dreams
Whatever comes our way, we will see it through
Today I give you my hand to hold, and life to keep always

Alternate:

For Better, For Worse (Groom)
For Richer or Poorer (Bride)
In Sickness and In Health (Groom)
To Love and Cherish (Bride)
Today, Tomorrow and Forever (Both)

Whether you use this word search as a game at a bridal shower, or you are using it as a way to help keep your guests entertained at the wedding, it is one more way to personalize your wedding.  The best part about this is it is free!!  (You don’t hear that word too often when you are planning your wedding!)

At the bridal shower, introduce this simple game as your guests are finishing up dinner.  It will give everyone the opportunity to eat at their own pace and something to do when they finish.  If you have a more competitive bunch, wait until the group is ready and time everyone, first one to find all of the words wins a prize!

Another idea is to have them available at your wedding, you don’t need to make them the center of attention by any means, but if kids are getting bored or your uncle’s legs are tired from dancing…this would be a fun way to pass the time!

Source: Armored Penguin