#WeddingWednesday Cake Trends 2016

 

Choosing your cake design is probably one of the most enjoyable tasks on your to do list. Probably because of the many cake tasting visits. As a caker, I would be shamed if I didn't share with you this year's cake trends! The world of cake has gone into new directions in cake design but has also gone back to a few classic traditions...a little something old and little something new! Here's a few of my top picks from The Knot's 15 Hot Wedding Cake Trends.

Metallic Cakes

The best part about metallics? They can adapt to any style; delicate embroidery in gold feels opulent while geometric shapes give off a fresh, modern feel. If an entire tier is too much glitz for you, consider adding a little sparkle all over. Fine edible glitter (think: pixie dust) can add a decorative sheen to your cake without overpowering the whole design. Gold leaf can also be added to give a touch of glam here and there on the cake.

Buttercream Cakes

Move over fondant, brides are starting to ask for more traditional cakes with a buttercream finish. "We get lots of requests for rustic iced buttercream layers with flecks of vanilla bean in the icing or textured piping that looks and tastes delicious, but isn't perfect," says Mary Maher of Cakegirls in Chicago. If you're going for a homespun, relaxed vibe, ask your baker to smother your wedding cake in delicious buttercream frosting. For the more polished version, opt for buttercream with a pleated, smooth finish.

Naked Cakes

Yep, you read that right. With the deconstructed cake, you get to show off the inside. For a summertime wedding, berries work well; in winter and fall, ask your baker to fill the layers with seasonal fruits, like apples, pears, persimmons or even blood oranges. Not only are these cakes simple and effortless but also practical if you aren't a fan of a lot of icing. Naked cakes are perfect for rustic styled weddings.

Wedding Cake Trio and Quintet Tables

Inspired by dessert tables; cake trios, quartets and quintet tables come with a couple big benefits. Having more than one cake also makes it very easy to choose multiple cake flavors (so you don't have to decide between traditional vanilla, decadent chocolate or carrot cake with cream-cheese frosting). "Guests love to have a mini-bite of lots of different desserts," says Melody Brandon of Sweet and Saucy Shop in Newport, California. Give guests choices, but don't overwhelm them. "I recommend between two to four mini-desserts per person," says Brandon. "Try not to choose more than eight options of desserts—too many choices can overwhelm your guests."

Painted Cakes

Marbleized cakes, stained-glass painted cakes, watercolor cakes and even Monet-inspired wedding cake designs. Pair those hand-painted tiers with solid-colored layers or even simple flower accents; like the one featured here. Quick tip: For a cake design that's so intricate, keep the tiers simple and stick to all one shape (either all classic round tiers or all square).

Illustrated Cakes

Did you know you can actually have anything you want printed onto your cake? It's true. Pick anything you like -- from the design on your invites to the quote from your first-dance song or even your wedding motif, like a bicycle, oak tree, or anemone flowers – to have showcased onto your cake tiers. First, the cake gets covered in fondant, then the design is hand-painted on the cake or printed on top sugar paper with edible ink.

More styles featured:

• Ruffled Cake
• Monogrammed Cake
• White on White Cake
• Lace Cake
• Woodland Whimsical Cake
• Geometric Shapes Cake
• Rosette Cake
• Sugar Flower Bouquet  Cake
• Ombre Wedding Cake

Tip Tuesday: 20 TIPS FOR CHOOSING YOUR WEDDING FLOWERS

There are (literally!) thousands of types of flowers, and infinite combinations of colors and arrangements that you can create with them. So how do you narrow it down to the perfect blooms for your wedding? Start with these basic, must-know tips.

First, Know Your Budget

Have a good idea of what you're ready to spend on flowers before getting your heart set on specific blooms or arrangements. The cost of wedding flowers ranges widely (typically between $2,000 and $6,000) depending on the types of flowers you choose, how delicate those flowers are and, of course, how many arrangements you'll need and how elaborate they'll be. So set your budget, then look for inspiration -- not vice versa.

Then, Spend Wisely

Focus your flower budget on the areas of your wedding that will be in the spotlight. Your bouquet, a signature element at the ceremony (like the huppah or pedestal arrangements) and reception centerpieces should top your list of priorities. Use leftover cash on the extras like decor for the cake table, guest book table and cocktail hour.

Visit a Flower Shop...

There's more to wedding flowers than roses and peonies, so don't miss out on the blooms you didn't even know existed. (Some lesser-known types not to miss: craspedia, proteas, scabiosa and gloriosa lilies.) Find out what's out there in person by taking a walk through the biggest nursery or flower depot near you. Ideally, you'll go exactly one year before your wedding date so you'll see what colors and flowers are in season and will be readily available to you.

...Then Home Depot (Seriously!)

For color inspiration, visit the paint aisle of the local hardware store. Pick up a few swatches that you love and bring them to your meeting with your florist to get each of your creative juices flowing. Other good sources of color: Visit a fabric store, which can drum up ideas for both color and texture, or simply take a look around your apartment to see what colors you loved enough to choose for your home.

Prioritize, Then Plan

Think about how important flowers are to you in the grand scheme of your wedding. If the answer is "very!" then consider planning elements of the day around your dream flowers. For example, if you know you want lots of peonies, pick a date in late spring (when they're in season) and a classic venue to complement them.

Complement What You Love

Speaking of prioritizing, your wedding flowers should enhance whatever element of the day you want to emphasize most. Are you big on food? Plan to have centerpieces that fit in with the dishes on the table, like low, long centerpieces in wooden containers. Want your wedding party to be the stars of the show? Spend extra effort planning individualized bouquets and boutonnieres for them.

Look to Your Dress

As one of the first major purchases you're bound to make, your dress can inspire the style of your entire wedding and your flowers -- especially your bouquet. Choose a floral design that will photograph well with your gown. If you buy a sleek, sheath dress, a simple bouquet of calla lilies and similar arrangements will accent it well, while a loose, just-picked bunch of wildflowers looks great with a romantic, lacy gown. Also something to take into consideration: your height! If you're petite, ask for a smaller bouquet that won't overwhelm your frame.

Complement Your Venue

Once you book your reception site, choose flowers that will look like they belong there (wild, rustic flowers might look odd in a formal ballroom, while glam arrangements decked out with crystals might not fit with a garden venue). Take into consideration the height of the ceilings (high rafters call for taller centerpieces, which might look cramped in a space with low ceilings). If your florist isn't familiar with the venue, plan a site visit so you both know what you're working with.

Think in Seasons

Don't make decisions about flowers or colors before knowing what blooms are available for your wedding date. Spring and summer have the biggest selection of flower types and colors, while you'll be more restricted in fall and winter. Peonies, cherry blossoms, ranunculus, lilacs and anemones are popular blooms that have limited peak seasons. Some top flowers that are available year-round: roses, calla lilies, hydrangeas and cymbidium orchids.

Pick a Personality

Still stumped about your flower style? Rummage through your closet. Who's your favorite fashion designer? If it's Kate Spade, maybe your flowers will be monochromatic, but bold and bright. If your drawers are filled with J. Crew, a preppy, streamlined look might be for you. Consider putting together an inspiration board of a few things you love -- a photo of your favorite dress, a vintage postcard and a swatch of fabric, for example -- to show your florist your style.

Don't Expect Exact Colors

You might be able to find table linens in that perfect shade of pink, but flowers are a different story. Color-matching with a natural living thing like a flower can be frustrating, if not impossible -- flower colors vary vastly, even if they came from the same plant! Instead, think in terms of color families (think: light greens or pale pinks) rather than precise shades picked out of a Pantone book (like cerulean blue or lavender).

Go Classic for Your Ceremony...

Your ceremony flowers -- the bouquets, boutonnieres and those at the actual site of your vows -- will probably be the most photographed flowers of the day. Keep your ceremony arrangements on the clean and classic side so your pictures will stand the test of time.

...But Creative for Your Reception

For the party, there's much more room for creativity (that's right -- your ceremony and reception flowers don't have to match). If you're itching to experiment with funky colors or unusual arrangements, the reception centerpieces and other decor are the place to do it.

Mind Mother Nature

For an outdoor wedding, your flowers will probably be delivered and installed several hours before the event starts, meaning they might be sitting in the sun. Not all flowers can withstand heat or wind, so work with your florist to choose flowers that'll stay fresh for your venue. The same goes for boutonnieres and fresh flowers for your hair.

Envision Your Tables

When planning your centerpieces, visualize what else will be on the dinner tables. Don't let candles and favors upstage your tall, glam centerpieces. On the other hand, a minimalist arrangement might look too spare if there aren't other accents nearby.

Don't Forget About Your Guests

Don't let your flowers get in the way (literally) of your guests' having a good time. Be sure that centerpieces aren't so large that they'll block conversation across the table. If you opt for tall arrangements, display them in thin vases or clear glass containers so guests can see each other.

Think About Flower Alternatives

Nonbotanical decor can be gorgeous, especially for your reception. For a vintage wedding, a pile of old, meaningful books can make a great centerpiece (not to mention conversation piece) or arrangements of colorful veggies might be just the thing for a barn setting.

Personalize It

Making your wedding flowers extra meaningful can be as simple as adding your grandmother's brooch to your bouquet or carrying the same flowers down the aisle that your mom did -- or it can be as complex as using a photo of your family's home garden to inspire your entire floral vision.

Trust Your Florist

We've heard it over and over: The happiest brides are the ones who picked a florist they loved, then let them do their thing. Most likely, your expert has experience from hundreds of weddings and knows those little secrets about everything from choosing your flowers to last-minute adjustments. So trust her instincts as well as your own.

Show Them Off

After your flowers are set, make sure to show them in their best possible light. Plan for lighting that will enhance their beauty, like pink pin spots to highlight fuchsia centerpieces or amber room lighting to complement romantic all-white flowers. And choose simple, not-too-busy linens that will enhance your flowers, not detract attention from them.

Source:http://weddings.weddingchannel.com/wedding-planning-ideas/wedding-flowers/slideshows/tips-for-choosing-your-wedding-flowers.aspx

How to Pick the Perfect Wedding Headpiece!

So you've found the dress, you've found the shoes, found the jewelry, now your ready to decide on a headpiece. There are so many options to choose from! Is it time to feel like a fairy tail princess and go with a big shiny tiara?

Or, is it better to go for a few subtle hair clips? There are so many outside factors to consider as well, is there a theme to the wedding? Select the circlet or a feathered headband if your wedding is vintage themed or your just going for the Gatsby look. Take a look at the chart to help you decide what is right for you and your bridal party.

The Headpiece

1. Temperley Bridal Gown

2. Chaumet Joséphine Tiara

3. Lulu Frost Jewelled Hair Comb

4. Lanvin Silk Blend Tulle Veil

Here is a full chart to help you pick out the perfect head piece for your wedding from Simply Bridal!

Enjoy!

Wedding Wednesday: Check out #FavoredVendor @DaVincisFlorist

As an event planner I get to work with alot of great vendors in the field. Monday night I had a floral design meeting with my client at the Da Vinci Florist offices in Silver Spring. This Maryland based event company has a huge warehouse filled with an assortment of wedding/ event rentals, bridal bouquet/ floral and lighting needs for any type of special party, corporate event, wedding ceremony & reception. Needless to say I was in awe and posted many of our design options on my instagram.  Cant wait to see the finished product in October at our client's #FavoredWedding. For more information visit http://www.davinciflorist.com and tell them Favored by Yodit Events sent you!

Here is a snapshot of their inventory and work:

Wedding Themes: Bollywood Bridal

Incorporating culture and family traditions to your wedding theme is a great way to make it a truly memorable event. Bollywood themed weddings are hands down one of my favorites. From the vibrant, bold and fun colors to the gorgeous detailing in the overall theme, what's there not to love about it.

I love how the fruit and flowers create such a statement, and look so fun and elegant at the same time.

For more depth, add even more rich colors like dark purple or plum.

Here are some more Bollywood themed wedding inspirations!

Even celebrities love it! Back in 2010, Katy Perry and Russell Brand got married in India. They celebrated with a Bollywood-themed party at the Aman-i-Khas. Check out the two elephants sitting outside the luxury resort where they tied the knot.

Whatever your next special occasion may be, make it daring, different and fun...BOLLYWOOD STYLE!!

We Heart @JonathanAdler’s NEW! Bold @PaperlessPost Designs! You Will Too!

Even though I am obsessed with fine paper and invitations, I occasionally use and recommend Paperless Post! Its classy, easy and very affordable. So what better way to set the tone for your summer soiree or even wedding (Still frowned upon to send wedding email invites, but I sympathize with my budget brides so if you're gonna do it, do it fab!) than with a Jonathan Adler invitation? Paperless Post's latest collection with one of my favorite designers is going to be a sure hit! Jonathan Adler collaborates with online stationary company, Paperless Post, to create 50 new invitations and cards. Here are some of my personal favorites....

(Perfect for a Girl's Night Out!)

(How Cute! Love the Coral and Mustard Yellow Combo for a New Baby Girl. Tre Chic!)

(What better way to say your Crazy in Love!)

Wedding Wednesday: The Amazing Proposal

This Proposal was very sweet. The future bride's favorite show is The Amazing Race, so her boyfriend spent two months preparing a proposal inspired by the show. He sent her on several challenges that involved a few of her friends all around New York City and ended of course with him. It is a little long, but I enjoyed the entire mini episode : ). Check out the video after the break!

Press: Favored by Yodit Founder Featured on Black Enterprise!

Congratulations are in order for Favored by Yodit Founder, Yodit Gebreyes who has been featured on Black Enterprise! The interview focuses on Yodit following her dream of entrepreneurship and finding success. She is among 4 young professionals that are determined to leave their mark in thier respective fields all over the country.

In the article appropriately titled, Ignoring Status Quo: 4 Young Professionals Dish On Finding Success, Yodit says, "I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and see if I could really do it. I always had a passion for event planning, but I never thought of actually making a full-time career into designing weddings and special events. When I realized there was a huge demand for the services … I had the tools, the knowledge, and the connections so all there was left to do was evaluate my situation, plan next steps and just do it."

Click on the link for the full interview: http://www.blackenterprise.com/career/tips-young-professionals-entrepreneurs-success-advancement/4/

Congratulations Yodit!! We are so proud to be a part of your team!!!

Holiday Fun: Easter Egg Hunt

As we all know, Easter is a Christian festival and holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion at Calvary. Celebrated worldwide, Easter is a time for self-reflection, renewal, rebirth, spreading love and forgiveness. It's also a time to eat good, spend quality time with family/loved ones and even take the kids on a Easter Egg Hunt.

In an Egg Hunt, whether indoors or outdoors, decorated eggs (real hard-boiled ones or artificial) are filled with or made of chocolate candies of various sizes and are hidden in various places for children to find. When the hunt is over, prizes may be given out for various achievements, such as the largest number of eggs collected, the largest or smallest egg, or for the most eggs of a specific color.

Here is a list of Egg Hunts right here in the DC Metropolitan area you can attend. Make this Easter an adventurous and fun-filled day for you and the kids. HAPPY EASTER!!

Washington, DC :

1. Easter Egg Hunt at Madame Tussauds

March 30, 2013, 7:30am - 9:45 a.m. 1025 F Street, NW Washington DC. The wax museum is hosting a fun and educational "eggs-ploration" through American history and pop culture, with more than one thousand eggs hidden throughout the Presidents Gallery. Various trinkets and prizes will be contained in every egg. Live bunnies will be on-hand for special Easter photo-ops in the attraction’s replica Oval Office. The event is free for ages 12 and under, $10 ages 13 and up.

2. Eggstravaganza at Tudor Place

March 29-30, 2013, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 1644 31st Street NW Washington, DC. Children of all ages enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt and a thrilling Egg Roll Contest. After the exciting games, spend the morning decorating festive eggs and building a spring basket. Visitors also enjoy a self-guided tour of Tudor Place’s gardens. Bring your own basket, spoon, and one hard-boiled egg per child. Admission: Member Children: $7, Nonmember Children: $10, Adult Chaperones: $3.

3. Easter Monday

April 1, 2013, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. National Zoo 3001 Connecticut Ave NW  Washington, DC. Since 1891, Easter Monday at the National Zoo has been a tradition in the African American community. Enjoy family activities, including an egg hunt, animal demonstrations and live entertainment. This event is free.

Maryland:

1. Bunnyland at Butler's Orchard

March 23, 24, 28, 29, 30 and April 1,6, and 7, 2013. (Closed Easter Sunday), 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. 22200 Davis Mill Road, Germantown, Maryland (301) 428- 0444. Welcome spring with a hayride down the Bunny Trail, hunt for colorful eggs, Visit with the farm’s very own Country Bunny, ride a pedal tractor, play in Kiddie Hayromp and Castle, see live bunnies, lambs and chicks. Admission: $8.50 per child and $6.50 per adult.

Northern Virginia:

1. Easter Egg Hunt at Reston Zoo

March 23, 24, 30, and 31, 2013, 9 a.m - 4 p.m. 1228 Hunter Mill Rd., Vienna, Virginia (703)757-6222 . Visit this small family friendly zoo and enjoy an Easter egg hunt with pony rides, raffle tickets, candy, face painting, Easter pictures, and more!

*Visit http://dc.about.com/od/hoildaysseasonalevents/a/EasterEggHunts.htm for more Easter ideas and events*

Would You Post Your Wedding Online?

A new survey shows that brides are thinking about setting social media rules at their weddings—something event planners may want to consider, as well. Mashable: "While celebrating a new marriage online can be fun, it can easily get out of hand. Fifty-six percent of newlywed brides feel that social media guidelines should be spelled out for the ceremony. For example, 52% of participants feel that the newlyweds should have first dibs on posting wedding pics on social media sites.

Source: BizBash

RECAP: 2013 Potomac Flower Show

This past Sunday, March 17th 2013, I had the pleasure of attending the 2013 Potomac Flower Show held at the Potomac Flower Wholesale HQ in Silver Spring, MD. From the vendors, design competition, and amazing seminar by the great Rene' van Rems, to the super talented individuals in attendance socializing and enjoying the music, food and drinks, I truly enjoyed every bit of that experience.

As we walked around, the fabulous vendors had their beautiful blooms on display.  Vendors and Suppliers traveled from Ecuador, Colombia, South Africa, and Holland to name a few. A lovely sight to see indeed!!

Not to mention, Potomac Flower Wholesale celebrated their 15th Anniversary!

First place went to Anahit Hakobyan for a second year in a row and she was also the People's Choice Winner! This year's special theme was to create a 15th Year Anniversary Arrangement, suitable for a buffet table, using Potomac Floral Wholesale Logo and Colors. Congrats to her!!

Rene' van Rems gave us a very useful seminar on wedding trends and ideas.  From the beautiful bouquets being passed around to the funny jokes he told along the way, it was an excellent presentation!

Here are a few designs from the competition. Which design do you like the most??

1.

2.

3.

*Some pictures courtesy of Potomac Flower Wholesale www.flowerwholesale.com*

WELL, HELLO SPRING!!

It's the first day of spring and I'm sure I'm not the only one welcoming spring with arms wide open (thank you sweet baby Jesus). Time to put those coats, sweaters and boots away and pull out those...wait a minute...haven't gone spring shopping yet? Not sure what's in style either? No worries! I'm no fashion guru but i do know for sure there's one thing you can expect to see again this season.

FLORAL PRINTS!! I mean what else would I be obsessing over?? According to Elle.com, the floral print has found "a romantic revival on the spring runways". Designers like Chanel, Christian Dior, Prada, Oscar de la Renta, Erdem, and Moschino have all offered up thier take on the iconic pattern. From dresses to even sunglasses, this season's florals come in soft pastel colors and vibrant hues. So ladies...and gents...have fun with fashion and enjoy the sweet romance of spring by adding florals prints to your collection this year. Check out some looks straight off the runway! Which designer's floral print do you like the best?

1. Moschino

2. Ralph Lauren

3. Prada

4. Naeem Khan

5. Paul & Joe

5 Reasons to Attend The Great Bridal Expo in Baltimore!

Its that time again when local Brides to Be's start planning for their Fairytale Weddings!

The Great Bridal Expo provides you with the Top Wedding Professionals that have everything for your wedding, honeymoon and home on display. You are able to meet face-to-face with these wedding professionals and ask questions to help put your mind at ease as you plan for your Special Wedding Day.

5 Reasons Why You Should Think About Attending The Great Bridal Expo:

1. Stunning, New York Style Bridal Fashion Show
2. Live Orchestra and DJ presentations
3. Colorful Honeymoon Show
4. Amazing and Valuable Prizes
5. Aisle-after-aisle of Exciting and Informative Exhibits
6. Its Free! See Details Below.

Special Offer: Purchase Tickets online at www.greatbridalexpo.com Enter Promo Code: RPEM & Receive 2 Free Ticket