A Black, White, and Silver New Year’s Eve Wedding

New Year’s Eve is definitely the most glamorous night of the whole year to have a wedding. Black, white, and silver is a chic color palette that will bring out the stylish flair of the holiday. Learn how to plan an unforgettable New Year’s Eve wedding using a black, white, and silver color scheme.

It almost goes without saying that a New Year’s Eve wedding should be black tie. Classic black tie always looks the most elegant; while rental shops may suggest colorful vests for the groom and groomsmen, a black cummberbund is more dashing and timeless. Silver dresses will be the clear choice for the bridesmaids. If they are comfortable in slender silhouettes, slinky silk sheaths would be ideal. Choose ones with a gathered bustline and wide straps, like something from the Golden Age of Hollywood in the 1930s. Big sparkly crystal jewelry will complete their look perfectly.  An incredible look for the bride is a fluid sheath gown covered from head to toe in tiny crystals or sequins. Because the silhouette of a sheath is so simple, you can get away with really bold crystal bridal jewelry.

Then there are the flowers! Accent white flowers with silvery elements to incorporate the color scheme into the bouquet. Silvery dusty miller or lamb’s ear leaves are wonderful natural accents to ruffly white parrot tulips or lovely white camellias. Another idea is to use silver metal leaves or tiny metallic silver balls to mix into the white blossoms. Being New Year’s Eve, you could even get away with glittery silver curly branches mixed into the bouquets or centerpieces. Tie the bouquets with black velvet ribbons to complete the effect. The centerpieces will be very striking arranged in black vases. Either use fluted footed black vases for a vintage flair, or tall sleek rectangular black vessels for a sleek modern look.

To bring your black, white, and silver color scheme to life at your New Year’s Eve wedding, special table linens are a must. I personally do not care for black table linens (they never feel clean to me), but silver would look amazing. Shimmery silver organza toppers can be used over standard white tablecloths, or if budget permits, rent silver silk dupioni linens with a chic quilted stitching (like a Chanel handbag). Since the centerpieces will be primarily black and white, the whole elegant color theme will come together beautifully.

Tips on Making Your Own Wedding Cake

If you are a great baker and love the idea of making things for your wedding, you might wonder if it would be a good idea to make your own wedding cake. It is not an undertaking for the novice, but certainly a good baker could pull it off. These are some tips on making your own wedding cake.

Tip number one: keep it simple. Forget about handmade sugar orchids, airbrushed scenes, or tiny marzipan figurines. Instead choose fool-proof decorations like non-toxic fresh flowers, ribbons, and fancy cake toppers. Unless you have a lot of experience working with fondant, you will find buttercream frosting to be a better choice, since it does not have to look “perfect”. A buttercream frosted cake decorated with ribbons around each tier and a crystal cake topper to complement your crystal bridal jewelry will look fantastic, and will be nearly impossible to mess up.

Limit your DIY cake to three tiers so that weight does not become an issue. Be aware that even a three layer cake can end up weighing as much as fifty pounds, so you will need to have a sound plan for transporting it to the reception. To make sure that your tiers do not slide over or look lopsided, use a cake leveler to give each layer a totally flat top and bottom. Avoid using anything tricky like columns between the tiers. Another cute idea is to make several smaller cakes to display on beautiful cake stands instead of one large tiered cake. It is easier to manage, and also looks quite charming. You can choose stands to fit in with the theme of your wedding. If your style is woodsy and natural, use tree stumps for the stands. If your wedding will be all about the glitz and glamor of Swarovski crystal bridal jewelry, use silver or cut crystal stands. It is easier to manage, and also looks quite charming.

Deciding to make your own cake requires a lot of planning and time – it should definitely not be a spur of the moment decision. You should definitely make a practice cake many months before your wedding. Keep notes on exactly which ingredients you used, how long you baked the tiers, cooled them before frosting, and so on. That way, if the cake turns out well, you will be able to replicate it for your wedding, and if it does not, you will have some idea on what to change for your next practice cake. And if you start well in advance, you will also have the option of bailing on the whole DIY cake thing and hiring a baker if your practice cake turns out to be a disaster!

How to Get Your Wedding Dress to a Destination Wedding

For most brides, nothing is more important than their wedding gown (other than the groom, of course!). Imagine what a nightmare it would be to arrive at your dream destination location to tie the knot and realize that your wedding gown got lost somewhere en route. No bride wants to walk down the aisle wearing her crystal bridal jewelry and a t-shirt from the hotel gift shop! This is why the number one rule of traveling with your wedding dress is never put it in checked luggage. Never. Ever. Anyone who flies has a horror story about lost or delayed luggage. If it is the most important dress you will ever wear that is stuck in limbo somewhere, it would be an absolute disaster.

When flying with your wedding gown, you must hand carry it on the plane with you. Do not rely on the lightweight garment bag that the bridal salon provides. Those bags can tear or even crack in extreme heat or cold. The bridal salon bag should be placed inside a proper piece of luggage, such as a real garment bag made for travelers. Call ahead to your airline and let them know you will be bringing your wedding dress on board the airplane. Many airlines are actually pretty accommodating of brides and will allow you to stow your precious cargo in the first class cabin closet or even in the pilot’s closet. You might even get a glass of champagne on the house.

Some brides prefer to ship their gowns ahead to their wedding destinations rather than try to get it onto a plane. There is some risk in this choice, since there is always the chance that the dress will not show up. It might be insured, but what good will that do you if you have nothing to wear when you walk down the aisle? If you determine that shipping your wedding gown is really the best method, send it overnight with a very reliable carrier like FedEx so you can track your precious package every step of the way. Send it at least a week before your wedding, just in case of delays. You can make plans with your venue’s wedding coordinator to receive and store the gown until you arrive.

While you are making plans to transport your wedding attire, remember to think about your wedding accessories. Things like crystal bridal jewelry sets, headpieces, veils, and wedding shoes are small enough to easily pack into a carry on bag. Then when you arrive at your wedding destination, you will have everything you need to look incredible on your wedding day.

Creative Table Name Ideas for Autumn Weddings

Numbering the reception tables at a wedding with numerals is certainly effective, but it is not very interesting. The table names are an easy and fun way to add a splash of character to your wedding reception with a minimum of effort or expense. Check out these creative table name ideas for autumn weddings.

The stunning fall foliage is one of the most distinctive things about autumn. Many brides love it so much that they plan a fall leaf theme wedding, right down to Swarovski crystal bridal jewelry shaped like autumn leaves. A very pretty way to identify the tables at a fall reception would be with different varieties of colorful leaves from various trees. On each table, place a large image of a leaf that has turned to its fall hue, along with the names. The corresponding image can be printed on the escort cards for the guests. Sample names include sugar maple, yellow birch, red oak, aspen, beech, linden, and pin cherry. The autumn leaf table names would be wonderful whether you are having a leaf theme for your wedding or not, especially if your reception will take place in a region known for its beautiful foliage.

If you are getting married close to Halloween, it would be neat to name the reception tables after features of that holiday. Guests will have fun sitting at tables named things like jack o’lantern, trick or treat, apple bob, candy corn, and costumes. You could even tie the wedding favors in with the table names, and give the guests at each table different favors based on the theme of the table name. It would be a really fun touch that will set your wedding apart.

Of course fall is harvest time, and the bounty of autumn has inspired many a bride and groom. A wonderful idea for any fall reception is to name the tables after the special flavors of the season. You could even let your Thanksgiving favorites inspire you, especially for a November wedding. Who wouldn’t love to sit at a table named pumpkin pie or chestnut stuffing? Other ideas include apple crisp, mashed potatoes, roast turkey, root vegetables, hot apple cider, and butternut squash. For fun, you could include your favorite recipe that matches the food on the table name card. This would be even better if you have a lot of great cooks in your family and can attribute the recipe accordingly. Recipes named “Aunt Susie’s cranberry sauce” or “Nana’s sweet potato pie” are sure to be enjoyed by all.

Helpful Tips for Army Brides

Marrying an Army man can be very exciting. For women who were raised in a military family, many of the military wedding customs will be familiar, while for those brides from other backgrounds, the whole thing may feel very new. From timing to formality to customs, these are some helpful tips for Army brides.

Every bride needs to determine what style she would like her wedding to be, but for many army brides, there is one answer: formal. Mess dress uniform is the appropriate attire for a formal or very formal military wedding, and it is so dashing that many brides cannot resist planning a formal wedding so that her groom can wear it. If you prefer a slightly less formal wedding, Class-A or Service uniforms are the equivalent to civilian suit worn for a semi-formal ceremony. Don’t let your groom upstage you! A military bride should wear an elegant gown with special details such as crystal beadwork. A long veil and complementary crystal bridal jewelry will complete the elegant effect. For a semi-formal wedding, a lace gown with pearl and crystal bridal jewelry would be a lovely choice.

There is a tremendous amount of official protocol surrounding military titles. It is important to address wedding invitations correctly, using the exact title of the addressee. When in doubt, check with the base protocol officer on this or any other question of propriety. Never abbreviate titles; Cpt. would not be an acceptable shorthand for Captain, nor would Lt. be a proper alternative for a Lieutenant. The groom will have his military rank in front of his name instead of Mr. on the wedding invitations. Speaking of invitations, it is customary for the groom’s commanding officer and his spouse to be invited to the wedding. Other staff officers and their spouses may also be invited. If your wedding will be formal, include the notation “Mess dress uniform invited” on the invitations, instead of the civilian “Black tie”.

For many, the most iconic part of any Army wedding is the Arch of Sabers. This wonderful custom involves a double row of commissioned officers who form an arch under which the newlyweds walk. This is most often done right outside the church or chapel, as a weapon should never be unsheathed within a house of worship. If your wedding party will not contain a sufficient number of commissioned officers (usually six or eight men) to form the arch, you may invite wedding guests with the appropriate rank to participate or use an honor guard from the base. Be sure to get plenty of photographs of this special moment.

Holding the Wedding Ceremony and Reception In One Venue

When you are deciding where to host your wedding, you may find that it is most convenient to have the entire event take place in one location. For some couples, having the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception all in one spot is the simplest and easiest option. This is a look at how you can combine the three distinct phases of a wedding in one venue, while ensuring that each part feels distinct and special.

A lot depends on the layout of your venue. The most challenging situation to sort out is when you have one big room to use for the ceremony, cocktails, and reception. The one thing you should try to avoid is having guests see the reception space before the ceremony. It will definitely take away from the big reveal of your gorgeous centerpieces and other reception decorations. The best scenario is one where the space is divided up so that the ceremony area is closest to the door through which guests will enter. From there, they should move to the cocktail hour area, with the reception section being the furthest back.

If the lay out of your wedding site will require guests to pass the reception area on the way to the ceremony, create a hallway out of draperies to hide the dinner area from view. It is also a nice way to delineate the spaces for the three phases of your wedding. Be sure to think about how you can preserve an entranceway so that the newlyweds will have their grand entrance to the reception. It is a special moment when the bride and groom march into the wedding dinner together, especially if she has changed into a party dress with fabulous crystal chandelier earrings.

Perhaps the most ideal set up is one where an outdoor space will be available. It can work to have the ceremony in one room, then invite the guests out to a beautiful veranda for cocktails. While they are on the veranda, the ceremony room can then be turned over for the dinner.  Last but not least, consider a wedding location that has enough outdoor space to host all three parts of the event outside. You could say your vows in an area with a beautiful view, move to a patio for cocktails, and then into a tent for the dinner part of the wedding. While having your entire wedding in one venue can take a bit of creative planning, it can also be a very convenient way to keep the fun of the day going without interruption.

Modern Square Wedding Cakes

A stacked tier wedding cake is fantastic for modern weddings. The general form still says “wedding cake”, while the geometric form sets it apart from more traditional confections. Square wedding cakes are often fairly minimalistic in design, allowing the shape of the cake to be clearly seen. Smooth fondant is a good match for these elegant and sleek cakes. The most simple square cake might be decorated with nothing more than a satin ribbon around the base of each tier. Top it with a single exquisite sugar flower such as a black and white anemone for the perfect finishing touch.

Modern square wedding cakes can be ideal for formal weddings with clean lines. For an evening wedding, a three tier cake covered in white fondant will look spectacular with a band of mirror backed crystals or rhinestones at the base of each tier. This is a fabulous cake for the bride who loves crystal bridal jewelry. Add a little more bridal jewelry to your wedding cake with a single initial crystal monogram cake topper. The result will be very sleek, but not at all plain.

Geometric patterns look fantastic on square wedding cakes. A grand brocade design is very elegant. Create it in a high contrast color combination, such as black and white or espresso and aqua for maximum impact. If brocade feels too stuffy for you, consider a fresh stripe, or a delicate lattice design. A cake with this much personality may not even need a topper at all.

Chocolate is another excellent option for a square confection. You can opt for a smooth brown fondant for a very clean look, or use a rich chocolate frosting for a lush effect. The fondant cake would be beautiful decorated with clusters of sugar flowers on each tier. Choose colors which will pop against the dark frosting, such as red, yellow, or fuchsia. The creamy chocolate frosting cake lends itself to fruit decorations. Fresh ripe strawberries would be perfect for a summer wedding. In the autumn, marzipan fruit in fall colors would be a great decoration for a chocolate cake. When the cake is chocolate, it is hard to go wrong!

Great Wedding Gifts for Every Season

For a spring wedding, get inspired by the blooming gardens. If the bride and groom own a home, a unique and thoughtful wedding gift is a flowering shrub for their yard. Even if you live far away, this gift can easily be arranged through a plant nursery or greenhouse in the bride and groom’s hometown. Some beautiful options include lilacs, rose bushes, hydrangeas, and azaleas, depending where the couple resides. A flowering shrub is a wonderful gift because it will be enjoyed year after year, and the couple will have fun watching it grow along with their marriage.

Summer is a popular time for outdoor activities, and this makes for some fantastic options for wedding gifts. A handsome wicker picnic hamper stocked with plates, cups, utensils, and napkins is an excellent wedding present. If you know that the bride and groom enjoy hosting summer barbeques or causal get-togethers, a great gift idea would be items for outdoor entertaining. It could be a nice set of grill tools, a set of festive casual dishes, or heavy trays and bowls in summery colors for serving food on the patio. If budget is not a concern, or you are going in on a large group gift, a deluxe new grill is a wedding present that is sure to please.

In the fall, people tend to “nest”, so good autumnal wedding gifts are those which are designed to enhance the comfort of the home. Cashmere or chenille throws for cozy evenings nestled by the fire are a great choice – just be sure to find out the color scheme of the bride and groom’s home before shopping. For the couple who likes to cook, appliances like bread makers and slow cookers are nice for making cozy fall dinners at home. If you prefer to give experience type of presents, a fun idea would be to treat the newlyweds to a weekend at a romantic country inn near their home. The bride will love the chance to put on a pretty dress and crystal earrings for those dinners for two with her groom in the dining room of the inn.

Winter weddings also have some great possibilities for presents for the bride and groom. Entertaining tends to be the most formal in the winter, so it would be a good time of the year to give a set of silver barware or a vintage set of cocktail glasses in rich jewel tones. For the couple who is having a Christmas wedding, a unique collection of handblown glass ornaments for their first tree as newlyweds would be a beautiful gift. It will be a special present that they will enjoy using every holiday season to come.

The Dos and Don’t of Buffet Wedding Dinners

Some people love buffet style wedding receptions. There can be plenty of variety, they can have seconds on their favorite foods, and if the buffet is arranged well, there can be less waiting than for a seated dinner. On the other hand, some people really dislike buffet dinners, citing long lines, cold meals, too little food, and a lack of elegance. What it really boils down to is that some buffet dinners are planned very well and others are not. Make your reception a success by learning the dos and don’ts of buffet wedding dinners.

Do: Set up the buffet to keep the line moving quickly. Guests detest standing forever in their high heels and fancy crystal earrings waiting to get to the buffet table. A buffet table which is two sided is a great way to keep guests moving through the line quickly. If a double sided table does not fit in your space, another option is to set up two smaller buffet tables instead of one large one. It might require more staff to man, but it is well worth it to avoid a traffic jam at the table.

Don’t: Leave buffet tables unstaffed. Even if you do not plan on having a carving station, guests will appreciate having a few servers available to answer their questions about the dishes. This will also ensure that trays are being replaced quickly when they get low on food.

Do: Keep the hot food piping hot and the cold food icy cold. There is nothing less appealing than a plate of warm temperature chicken in a concealed sauce, unless it is shrimp displayed without enough ice. Warmed plates are a nice touch, as they will keep food warm as guests move through the line and back to their tables.

Don’t: Underestimate how much food you need. This is a cardinal buffet reception sin. What could be worse than standing in a long line, only to get to the table and find that half the dishes are empty? Many brides and grooms opt for a buffet dinner because they think it will be less expensive, but if the buffet is stocked adequately, this is not always the case. People eat more food at a buffet and they take more than they can eat, so there is a lot of waste. Have enough food so the last person in line gets as many choices as the first person in line.

Prepare Your Wedding Jewelry for the Big Day

On your wedding day, everyone will want to admire your diamond ring. Every bride should have her engagement ring professionally cleaned a day or two before her ceremony so that it shines brilliantly.  Nothing will cut the shine of a diamond worse than hand lotion, so if you get a manicure after the cleaning, remove your ring. And when you go to put it back on, avoid touching the gem with your fingers, which will make it smudgy.

If you are wearing fabulous crystal and silver bridal jewelry, you will want to make sure that shines to its best advantage as well. Gently wipe your crystal wedding jewelry with a soft damp cloth to remove any dust or fingerprints. Then run a special polishing cloth over the sterling silver parts to give them a beautiful gleam. Wedding jewelry which is made of sterling silver without any gems can be dipped in a special silver cleaner if it has tarnished. Silver dip can ruin many gems, especially pearls, so use it only for jewelry which is all silver.

Pearls are the ultimate symbol of bridal elegance; they are also fairly fragile, so be sure to baby them. They can be wiped with a soft dry cloth if need be, but that is about it. The best way to make sure that your pearls are in tip-top shape for your wedding is to keep them from getting dirty in the first place. Always put on pearl wedding jewelry after your hair and makeup are done. Hairspray is the sworn enemy of pearls, as it will dull their luster. Spritz on perfume before donning your wedding pearls for the same reason. Never get the silk thread of a pearl strand wet, as it may be prone to stretching and breaking.

If your groom is planning to wear any wedding jewelry, take care to make sure that his accessories look as good as yours. Silver cufflinks can be polished with a silver polishing cloth to restore them to a brand new luster. If they are pure sterling silver and in need of major shining up, cufflinks can also be dipped in a silver cleaner. The chances are that his wedding band is in perfect condition, but inspect it to see if it might benefit from a fresh polish by the jeweler. If your groom has expressed interest in a matte finish ring instead of the traditional high polish, ask the jeweler to brush it on the wheel to make it matte. It takes just a minute to do and will give the band a modern look.