Topic of the Week: Reception venues

There are lots of things to consider when choosing your reception venue- the look and feel, the cost, what have you. But the latest trend is not to have your reception in the typical hotel ballroom or the Eagles Lodge, but to go off the beaten path!

Museums offer lots of space, and additional things for your guests to do! There are so many beautiful and historic things in museums to look at, you may not even need much decor! You can also check out your local zoo for event space, which usually has lush landscaping, flowery foilage, and ponds/lakes. Your guests can take tours of the museum or see the animals at the zoo. (Just stay away from the monkey house!) It's a unique way for you and your guests to enjoy your day with you, and it will truly be a memorable experience for everyone!

Topic of the Week: Lighting makes the difference!

Lighting is one of the most important aspects in any event- especially weddings. It sets the tone for your event, red lighting for a sultry event, pastels for a romantic feel, etc. Lighting can change the look and feel of a room in an instant!

If you think you have to spend several thousands of dollars on lighting for your event, you're so wrong! The room appearance can change drastically by just placing lots of tea lights around the room, and you can buy those by the hundreds! Think you have to spend thousands on hiring a professional lighting company come in and design your event? Try doing it yourself! You can create a look similar to the picture by purchasing spot lights from a hardware/garden store and positioning them around the room. To change the colors of the lights, place pieces of colored cellophane on top of the lens and secure with a rubber band. That's it! And, if you're having an outdoor wedding, you can even get solar spotlights and then you can reuse them in the your yard after the wedding!

So you don't have to be technologically inclined to do your own lighting- it's as simple as that!

Topic of the Week: Wedding Cakes

I know every girl dreams of the traditonal white cake for her wedding, but the latest trend is not a big white cake, but a big purple, green, fuschia cake. It's out with the white, in with the bright. Instead of just using your wedding colors as an accent on your cake, how about painting the town (or the whole cake) red? Or blue, or purple or whatever colors your wedding are. Use fun, whimsical patterns and colors that reflect your style and personality!

Got big cake dreams on a sheet cake budget? I have the answer for you! Most bakers can make only a few layers actual cake, and then have "filler" tiers- pieces of styrofoam decorated to look like the rest of your cake! This will save you money and you can still have the big cake that only LOOKS expensive! This tip also works if you're having a small wedding with few guests, but still want the big cake. Just don't serve the wrong tier up to your guests!

So, now you can have your cake... AND eat it too!