It seems an age since I last posted tips on choosing a wedding cake, so it was a great excuse to meet up with Cheryl from Celebration Cakes Marske for a quick update over a cuppa.
Colours
Cheryl suggests you match the cake colour to your dress, for example don’t choose a white cake if you are having an ivory dress, or vice versa. Match the accents on the cake (flowers, ribbons, beading) to your flowers or bridesmaid dresses.
Tiers
If you would like a tiered cake, you are no longer bound to have the traditional pillars. A current trend is to stack the cakes with glass tumblers or bowls filled with crystals or flowers to tie in with your colour scheme.
However the american style ‘stacked’ cakes are remaining very popular.
Flavours
You don’t have to have a traditional fruit cake for your wedding. There are many options now including plain sponge, chocolate, chocolate orange and lemon cakes. A good option may be to have different flavours for each tier, with the bottom tier as fruit if used, because it is the heaviest.
Lemon and chocolate orange have been the most popular flavours this year.
Inspiration
Browse wedding magazines, and also flickr and google images to see photos of wedding cakes and get ideas. These can be a valuable starting point in terms of finding out what you do and don’t like, before discussing further with your cake supplier. If you are drawn to a cake at a wedding fayre and it isn’t in the correct colours, remember that can be changed to suit you!
Many thanks to Cheryl at Celebration Cakes Marske for sharing these tips.
Facebook: Follow Celebration Cakes Marske on facebook
Website: Celebration Cakes Marske
Images © Celebration Cakes Marske/ Debbie Stogden Photography
Is there something you would like to see featured in future wedding blogs? If so, please Contact me with the details.
View wedding details and prices on the Weddings Page.
See more wedding images in the Wedding Gallery.
It was anybody’s guess what the weather would be like for this weekend’s pre-wedding shoot. In the end I was very glad Lee and Sam had on winter coats as it was pretty chilly. The plan was to have a wander and capture some relaxed photos for them to choose a framed print as part of the Storybook Wedding Album package and for us to get to know each other a little more ahead of their wedding (see my post Why Have a Pre Wedding Shoot). The seafront was pretty busy so we had to dodge tourists, locals, dogs and surfers – but it all added to the fun.
I promise we didn’t prevent any children from using the zipwire (well not for long anyway).
I’m looking forward to photographing Lee and Sams’ wedding next month. Not long now…
Pre-wedding shoots are built in to all of my standard packages. See the Weddings Page for details.
To view my wedding work see the Wedding Gallery.
Is there something you would like to see featured in future blogs? If so please Contact me.
Why would you choose to have a pre-wedding/ engagement shoot?
It is a great opportunity for you to get some natural photographs with “the one”. It is likely that the photographer will encourage you to choose the venue, so this could be somewhere of significance to you as a couple. Perhaps were you first met, or where he/she proposed. Or failing that a reccy of your wedding venue. (“Just think in 6 weeks we will be getting married here…”)
Use this as a chance to get to know your photographer, and ask any questions as they arise (although a sit down pre-wedding meeting might be helpful to discuss very detailed requirements). Better than that, you can see the resulting images of the two of you and relax knowing you can trust your photographer to capture your special day.
From my point of view, the pre-wedding shoot is a chance to interact with the couple ahead of the wedding and see how they are in front of a camera (and they get a chance to see how I work too so there are no surprises on the day). To all the Grooms who have told me they freeze in front of the camera, or take a terrible photograph – you don’t! The opportunity to demonstrate this through the pre-wedding shoot means everyone is much more relaxed on the day. In fact one such Groom was happily making photo suggestions on his wedding day, I was SO proud!
Pre-wedding shoots are built in to all of my standard packages. See the Weddings Page for details.
To view my wedding work see the Wedding Gallery.
Is there something you would like to see featured in future blogs? If so please Contact me.
For those of you who got engaged over the holidays, this is a very exciting time. The latest wedding fayre season is already underway and unusually this is an opportunity to view some fabulous venues in snow! (I know we cannot predict the weather but for those of you considering a winter wedding, you never know…)
So having decided to head for a Wedding Fayre, how do you make the best of your time there…
Have a good look around
At the larger fairs the number of stalls could be intimidating, but do have a good look around. The chances are there will be more than one of each supplier, so there is an opportunity to compare their work and see who would be right for you and your style of wedding. Also look out for promotions, some suppliers will offer a discount if you book within a specified period.
Chat to suppliers
This is also your chance to talk one to one with a range of wedding suppliers, so make the most of it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, it is useful to us to know what our customers want, and it gives you a chance to get to know us and whether or not we are right for your wedding. It is particularly important that you get on well with suppliers who will be in attendance on the day, such as videographers and photographers. In the unlikely event that you don’t get on with someone, move on! If you wind each other up after 10 minutes, imagine what it would be like over 8 hours.
Collect information as you go
It would be awful to get home and find you are struggling for the name of a particular videographer/ photographer or other supplier that you would like to use. Much of this information will be in your goodie bag, but it is not all guaranteed to be so collect cards and leaflets as you go. At the bigger fairs the day can be a bit of blur and they can prompt your memory when you get home! You can also take advantage of the free-to-brides magazines that are given out. They are packed full of ideas and will have details of even more suppliers who perhaps couldn’t make it on the day.
And don’t forget to try the cake samples, after all you want your cake to taste as good as it looks.
If you have not yet chosen your dress…
A lot of wedding fayres include a fashion show and these are great for seeing wedding dresses on real people rather than on racks or tailors dummies. Sit back, enjoy the show, take note of any styles, hair dos or accessories that you particularly like and don’t forget to also note the suppliers.
If you have chosen your dress…
Think carefully about whether or not to go to the fashion show. This is not the time to find an alternative to THE dress, especially if you have paid for yours. There may still be some value in seeing the accessories and hair dos, but tread carefully.
Finally…
Treat it as a day out rather than a military operation and enjoy it. Take a friend or relative who will also enjoy it (dare I say Husband-to-Be may not like looking at dresses and flowers as much as you do).
Details of more Fayres in our area can be found on The Wedding Guide: Wedding Fair Diary.
Is there something you would like to see featured in future wedding blogs? If so, please Contact me with the details.
View wedding details on the Weddings Page.
See more wedding images in the Wedding Portfolio.
Links
The Wedding Guide: Wedding Fair Diary
The Wedding Guide – Yorkshire and the North East
Kiss the Bride Magazine on Facebook
I spoke to Eveline of Eveline Brentano Flowers, Saltburn to get some tips on choosing wedding flowers.
Seasonality
Seasonal availability will almost certainly come into your choice of flowers. Some items are available all year round, some can be sourced out of season (at greater cost), whilst others are not available at all out of season. Wedding magazines can be misleading, the Spring/Summer editions may include weddings from Autumn and Winter and vice versa, so it is best to check with a florist early on before you are absolutely set on a flower that you cannot get. If you have your heart set on a flower that is not available, a good florist will be able to offer suitable alternatives to suit you and your wedding. At any rate, once you are consulting on flowers, the chances are your colour schemes are decided. If you are able to provide colour swatches for the florist to work to this would be very helpful.
Your Bouquet
Considerations for the bridal bouquet should include looking at what shape and style will compliment your proportions and THE dress. For example, if you are very petite you may choose a smaller bouquet so that you are not swamped, but a very full statement dress may require more dramatic flowers to complement it. You could also consider personalising your bouquet, perhaps including a brooch on the ribbon from your mother or grandmother (this could also double up as your “something old”).
Bridesmaids/Flower Girls
For younger bridesmaids, a bouquet may not be the best thing. Some may not want to carry them, and others may systematically destroy them! You could look at flower baskets, flowers in their hair or a wrist corsage as alternatives.
(Another good alternative I saw was an artificial flower ball, virtually indestructible, it survived the photos and beyond, and was useful as a shot-put – Debbie).
The Venue
For table decorations, choose either very tall or very small arrangements, so that guests can talk easily without them getting in the way. The same applies for the top table where several small, low arrangements, or one long one may be appropriate. For those on a budget, don’t be afraid to get the most out of your flowers. If you have a pedestal arrangement in the church, you could nominate one of the wedding party to collect it and use it again at the reception venue. (I have also seen this done with pew-end decorations that were used to decorate the window latches in a period venue – Debbie.)
Don’t Forget – Flowers for Gifts
There is an unspoken tradition that during the speeches the Mums (and often others who have contributed to the wedding) are presented with bouquets of flowers. To save a last minute panic, get your order in with the florist when you are booking your wedding flowers.
Eveline Brentano Flowers can be found at 7 Station Buildings, Saltburn-by-the-Sea TS12 1AQ
Facebook: Eveline Brentano Flowers
Is there something you would like to see featured in future wedding blogs? If so, please Contact me with the details.
View wedding details on the Weddings Page.
See more wedding images in the Wedding Gallery.
Images on this page © Debbie Stogden Photography/ © Eveline Brentano
Will you welcome children to your wedding, or would your rather it be an adult affair? One thing is for sure, if you do invite children, their presence will be felt.
Top tips
- Keep them occupied…on a warm sunny day this may not be a challenge, running seemed to be quite enough at this wedding. Books or a new toy may be useful as a fall back.
- If you do provide bribes in the form of sweets, make sure they are not of the messy type (think of your dress!) and keep all the little ones the same to prevent squabbles.
- Don’t expect too much – be reasonable, don’t have critical points in your ceremony dependent on the actions of a 3 year old. If you have very young bridesmaids/ page boys then it may be a bonus if they manage to accompany you down the aisle, but be prepared to accept that they may join their parents instead. Or you could make a point of including a parent in the precession in the first place.
- Supply a goodie bag for the speeches – one thing is for sure, sitting still is not easy for little ones. However witty and amusing your speakers are, it is likely to be lost on them. At our wedding I provided a small goodie bag with a colouring book, crayons, soft toy and a few sweets. The same was also provided as a joke for one of the more troublesome male guests (sadly he was still able to heckle)!
- They WILL steal the show! Children will speak up at the wrong time (usually on “does anyone here object”). They will also crash through photographs (see below) but also generate some charming images. You can almost guarantee they will start the dancing for you to!
Is there something you would like to see featured in future wedding blogs? If so, please Contact me with the details.
View wedding details on the Weddings Page.
See more wedding images in the Wedding Gallery.
Victoria and Andy were married at St Francis of Assisi, Acklam with a reception at Gisborough Hall Hotel.
“Hi Debbie, I’ve just met up with mum and collected my album. Thank you so much it is amazing it has brought back so many memories. I couldn’t recommend you enough! xxx”
Victoria & Andy
“Thanks Debbie for the lovely parents Wedding Album. You captured the day so well.”
Sheilagh (Victoria’s Mum)
I think some wedding traditions are worth continuing and that is definitely true of “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue“. It can be an opportunity to participate in family traditions and build a link with older generations of the family. What did your mother or grandmother do? I recently photographed a beautiful wedding where the colour scheme was the same as the Bride’s mother’s and her mother before her. How lovely!
Something old
Something old is meant to signify continuity and a link with past generations of the Bride’s family.
There may already be a tradition in your family for a particular piece of jewellery to be passed through the female line on their wedding day. If so, lucky you! If this is not the case, anything that is gifted to you, or you already own, that is not new, will suffice. If you are getting married in vintage clothing, or your mother’s wedding dress then the criteria is definitely met!
In my case, I wore antique earrings that were the first piece of jewellery my husband bought for me.
Something new
Something new is to symbolise good luck, good fortune and the future success of the marriage.
Since most of the outfit is liable to have been bought for the occasion, this is probably the simplest part of the tradition to follow.
You can nominate any part of your outfit that is new!
Something borrowed
Something borrowed is to show that the Bride’s friends and family are available to call on when she needs help. One key thing to keep within the tradition is that the borrowed item must be returned to its rightful owner.
This is the part of the tradition where you can be the most creative. I was very honoured when a close friend chose to borrow my veil for her wedding. It saved her the expense of sourcing her own and I felt as though I had contributed to the day. I should also add she looked fabulous in it! Other traditional items to borrow could be jewellery, a garter, the headdress, or you could go further and borrow the dress itself!
Something blue
The colour blue is intended to symbolise faithfulness, loyalty and purity.
If you buy a garter, it is likely to have a blue ribbon on it. Similarly, many dressmakers will sew blue ribbon into the hem of the garment. It is not difficult to build in this tradition, with blue toe nail varnish also proving to be a popular option. Or why not ask your florist to incorporate a small blue flower or ribbon in your bouquet?
The tradition goes on to say ‘…and a silver sixpence in her shoe’. I think it may be best to just gloss over that bit, but if you are dedicated I should note that the silver sixpences are available to buy online! Let’s face it though, truly beautiful shoes are uncomfortable enough!
Do you have any family wedding traditions you would like to share? Please feel free to add comments below.
Is there something you would like to see featured in future wedding blogs? If so, please Contact me with the details.
View wedding package details on the Weddings Page.
See more wedding images in the Wedding Gallery.
Okay, so this post probably isn’t for the Bride, feel free to pass to your chief bridesmaid with suitable un-subtle hints on what you would like.
From talking to recent Brides, we are no longer limiting ourselves to one hen night, with wild nights with the girls AND spa days for the Mums.
What will you do? One thing is for sure, there is no shortage of choice out there.
Traditional Pub Crawl
For the party girls out there…co-ordinated T-shirts and headwear optional. The best I have been on was where the Bride’s sister set up a list of challenges, most of which cannot be repeated on here, but one of which was to write on a guys chest in red lipstick. Fortunately the Bride had a great sense of humour and ticked off everything on the list (and then some). I don’t remember much else…Great for the party girls, but maybe not so much for the Mums and Mum-in-Laws.
Holiday in the Sun
Pre the recession this was a very popular option, with the Bride’s best friends taking time out to have a week or weekend in the sun and let their hair down. Some friends of mine enjoyed a hen weekend so much that a girly city break in the sun still happens every year, in the absence of any hens as they are all married! The upside is you will have a great time, with better weather, but getting time off work and finding money for flights and hotels may mean that not everyone you would like to come along can be there.
Spa Experience
An indulgent spa weekend could be good choice if you are not up for clubbing and could easily include Mum and Mum-in-law to be without you showing yourself up. If your budget doesn’t stretch to paying for a hotel, some beauty therapists and nail technicians can come to you if you want to have treatments over a few bottles of wine with friends in your own home.
Vintage Tea Party
With all things vintage being in vogue, how about a tea party, think afternoon tea with pretty china cups, bunting and traditional cakes and scones. If the weather picks up it could be in a garden or outside space. Very civilised…and again, very suitable for Mums. Sweet Pea Events offer beautiful styling for Vintage Style Hen Parties.
Learning a New Skill
One Bride I know INSISTED that she really wanted to learn how to Pole Dance over her Hen weekend. Absolutely hilarious I have to say, but one word of warning, it is very physical and the related bruises are in very unfortunate places. Not one to do immediately before the wedding. On the same weekend there was a brilliant cocktail making workshop, behind a working bar with the full on cocktail shakers, mexican elbows (lemon squeezers) and everything. Brilliant! I would highly, highly recommend it, and of course it would be rude to let the cocktails go to waste…
You could also go carting, paintballing, surfing, the only real limit is your imagination and the willingness of the group as a whole to join in.
What would be your ideal Hen Night? Have you been to one really good Hen night that you want to share?
For details of packages and prices, see the Weddings Page.
See more wedding images in the Wedding Gallery.
Is there something you would like to see featured on future blogs? If so please Contact me with the details.
This week digital music service Spotify revealed that Britain’s favourite wedding song is The Black Eyed Peas hit I Gotta Feeling. What would be your choice?
The top 20
Based on 78,000 spotify wedding playlists
1. The Black Eyed Peas – I Gotta Feeling
2. Kings of Leon – Sex On Fire
3. The Killers – Mr Brightside
4. Stevie Wonder – Superstition
5. Abba – Dancing Queen
6. Journey – Don’t Stop Believin’
7. Beyoncé – Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)
8. Billy Idol – White Wedding
9. OutKast – Hey Ya! – Radio Mix/Club Mix
10. Adele – Make You Feel My Love
11. Jason Mraz – I’m Yours
12. Stevie Wonder – Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)
13. Jackson 5 – Blame It On The Boogie
14. Beyoncé – Crazy In Love feat. Jay-Z
15. Al Green – Let’s Stay Together
16. Take That – Greatest Day
17. The Proclaimers – I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)
18. Barry White – You’re The First, The Last, My Everything
19. Dolly Parton – 9 To 5
20. Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes – (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life
It is an interesting list, with plenty of danceable tunes, and I love the fact that The Proclaimers got in there!
One question it poses for me is where is the traditional wedding DJ in all this? Are we really doing our own playlists now?
I am assuming not many of these were used as a first dance. Although I think a wedding where the first dance is Kings of Leon, Your Sex is on Fire would be an absolute hoot!
What would be your favourites? Are you having a DJ, or will you be putting together a playlist for your wedding?
For details of packages and prices, see the Weddings Page.
See more wedding images in the Wedding Gallery.
Is there something you would like to see featured on future blogs? If so please Contact me with the details.