Cupcakes vs. Wedding Cakes: Which one is better?
Wedding cupcakes keep popping up again and again in the media as a way to save money on your wedding or add a bit of whimsy to the reception. But what's the truth? Are cupcakes really a good alternative to a wedding cake? Based on cost, style, and tradition, which one will win?
COST:
When wedding cupcakes first became a trend, they were advertised as a great way to save money: spend a buck or two for a cupcake rather than $4 or $5 per slice for cake. But bakers soon caught on that doing wedding cupcakes are just as much work, if not more, than a traditional cake. Every single one of these cupcakes has to be baked and iced. If you're doing specialty decorations, you'll need one for each cupcake. And, most bakeries will rent you a cake stand, but you might have to purchase a cupcake stand.
On the other hand, it is easier for a non-professional baker to put together 150 cupcakes than trying to make an elaborate tiered cake. It's also easier to dress up grocery store cupcakes than it is to try to make a cheap wedding cake look fancy. In the end, it all comes down to choices.
Here are some little extras that make your wedding cupcakes special, but also might blow your budget:
• Specialty cupcake liners
To match your wedding colors approximately $0.10 each
Fancy laser cut cupcake liners approximately $1 each
• Sugar flowers
They could run between $0.30 - $9 per flower
• Monogrammed fondant hearts
Approximately $1 each
• Mini bride and groom cupcake toppers
Approximately $7.50 each
• Cupcake Stands
Wire stands that holds 38 cupcakes cost approximately $39.99
Acrylic and Mirror-finish Stands (7 tier) stands that holds 120 cupcakes cost approximately $69.99
Cardboard stands that holds 36-40 cupcakes cost approximately $4.79
Which one works best: A tie! When it comes down to the bottom line, you can do cupcakes more inexpensively than you can buy a wedding cake, but in the end being memorable is a valuable commodity. And it's cheaper to have a memorable wedding cake than to decorate each individual cupcake.
STYLE:
There's something so whimsically childlike about unwrapping a cupcake. And that's what people both love and hate about wedding cupcakes because they are fun and familiar but can be too casual and unsophisticated.
If you're having a formal wedding, you may want to stick with a grand and formal wedding cake. If your wedding guests are traditional people, they might think cupcakes are too casual, or worse, cheap.
But if you're having a relaxed reception where fun is the primary goal, tell everyone to be a kid again and grab a cupcake. Once they're up and having fun on the dance floor, they won't have to sit again for dessert. They'll just grab a cupcake and keep on groovin'.
Which one works best: Cupcakes! There's just a bit more punch to a cupcake. You can dress them up or down, but they'll always be fun.
TRADITION:
Wedding cakes have been the standard for over 100 years, and you may be sad to give up the traditions associated with them. Cupcakes barely leaves room for a cake topper, and the customary cake cutting looks a little comical when your cake is only 3 inches wide. But brides and grooms have found a way to have their cake and eat it too: get a small 6" cake to sit on the top of your cupcake tower. You can use this for the ceremonial cake cutting, and then freeze the rest for your 1-year anniversary.
Which one works best: Wedding Cake! Come on, this winner was a given. Even with all the tips I've given you, cupcakes will never be as elegantly traditional as wedding cake.
Overall, it's a tie! With the pros and cons you’ve come up with, and the help of a few tips I've given you here, you can figure out which is best for your wedding.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Grooms Must Do Wedding Calendar
Grooms Must Do Wedding Calendar
Grooms come in two basic types. Type A has approached wedding planning with enthusiasm, readily checking out reception venues, offering an opinion on invitation designs, and compiling well-thought-out wine lists. Type B hasn't done anything wedding-related since the proposal. Guys, if you're an A, congrats and don't stop the momentum; there's still a lot to do. If you're a B and want to upgrade, check out the calendar below, with its list of must-do and optional groom's duties.
12 Months Before
Propose. OK, hopefully you have done that already, or you wouldn't be reading (or being forced to read) this blog.
Tell your parents. They like her already, so how tough could this be?
Talk numbers. Who's going to pay for the wedding? Her parents, yours, the two of you, or some combination of the above? Discuss it with all relevant parties. Be honest, be brave, and be real.
9 Months Before
Visit the officiant with your fiancée. The officiant is the man or woman who will marry you and possibly give you premarital counseling.
Write half of the guest list. Your fiancée knows your closest friends and relatives, but what about Cousin Robert from Chicago. Write down a wish list of everyone you would like to invite; plan on whittling it down later when you compare notes.
Register for gifts. You'll be dining off the plates and drinking from the glasses for the rest of your life, too, so unless you don't mind staring at pink china for a few decades, offer an opinion if your fiancée gets too girly with her choices. Think of this as your opportunity to pick out things you both like.
Choose your best man and ushers. Pick people with whom you have a strong bond.
Go see photographers, caterers, bakers, and the rest. Do it because you love her—and because you might get some free food and cake.
6 Months Before
Arrange the honeymoon. Think about places that have always fascinated you. Consider your hobbies when look for a place.
3 Months Before
Figure out your clothes. The guys in your wedding party wear the same thing you do. If it's a tuxedo or morning coat, you all need to be fitted. E-mail everyone the details: store name and address, when to go, what to order.
Shop for wedding rings. Guys, you do get one of these.
Deal with the rehearsal dinner. If you're following tradition, this meal's on you or your parents. Ask your fiancée if she has a restaurant in mind.
Sign up for dance lessons. Get a few moves down and you'll feel okay when 200 pairs of eyes are staring at you.
1 Month Before
Write the vows. This is the ultimate way to personalize your ceremony.
2 Weeks Before
Get the marriage license. This is usually issued by your local county clerk. Call first to see what, if any, special paperwork you need, such as blood tests (log on to www.usmarriagelaws.com). Don't put this off—most states have a one- to five-day waiting period between the time the license is issued and the marriage ceremony.
Day before the Wedding
Grooming. Get your hair cut, trim your beard, or get a manicure. Do whatever you need to do to look your best that day.
Day of the Wedding
Greet your guest during the receiving line.
Perform the first dance.
Do a slow dance with each mom.
Make a toast. Grab the mike and say a brief and heartfelt thanks to your bride, her parents, your parents, and the guests.
Grooms come in two basic types. Type A has approached wedding planning with enthusiasm, readily checking out reception venues, offering an opinion on invitation designs, and compiling well-thought-out wine lists. Type B hasn't done anything wedding-related since the proposal. Guys, if you're an A, congrats and don't stop the momentum; there's still a lot to do. If you're a B and want to upgrade, check out the calendar below, with its list of must-do and optional groom's duties.
12 Months Before
Propose. OK, hopefully you have done that already, or you wouldn't be reading (or being forced to read) this blog.
Tell your parents. They like her already, so how tough could this be?
Talk numbers. Who's going to pay for the wedding? Her parents, yours, the two of you, or some combination of the above? Discuss it with all relevant parties. Be honest, be brave, and be real.
9 Months Before
Visit the officiant with your fiancée. The officiant is the man or woman who will marry you and possibly give you premarital counseling.
Write half of the guest list. Your fiancée knows your closest friends and relatives, but what about Cousin Robert from Chicago. Write down a wish list of everyone you would like to invite; plan on whittling it down later when you compare notes.
Register for gifts. You'll be dining off the plates and drinking from the glasses for the rest of your life, too, so unless you don't mind staring at pink china for a few decades, offer an opinion if your fiancée gets too girly with her choices. Think of this as your opportunity to pick out things you both like.
Choose your best man and ushers. Pick people with whom you have a strong bond.
Go see photographers, caterers, bakers, and the rest. Do it because you love her—and because you might get some free food and cake.
6 Months Before
Arrange the honeymoon. Think about places that have always fascinated you. Consider your hobbies when look for a place.
3 Months Before
Figure out your clothes. The guys in your wedding party wear the same thing you do. If it's a tuxedo or morning coat, you all need to be fitted. E-mail everyone the details: store name and address, when to go, what to order.
Shop for wedding rings. Guys, you do get one of these.
Deal with the rehearsal dinner. If you're following tradition, this meal's on you or your parents. Ask your fiancée if she has a restaurant in mind.
Sign up for dance lessons. Get a few moves down and you'll feel okay when 200 pairs of eyes are staring at you.
1 Month Before
Write the vows. This is the ultimate way to personalize your ceremony.
2 Weeks Before
Get the marriage license. This is usually issued by your local county clerk. Call first to see what, if any, special paperwork you need, such as blood tests (log on to www.usmarriagelaws.com). Don't put this off—most states have a one- to five-day waiting period between the time the license is issued and the marriage ceremony.
Day before the Wedding
Grooming. Get your hair cut, trim your beard, or get a manicure. Do whatever you need to do to look your best that day.
Day of the Wedding
Greet your guest during the receiving line.
Perform the first dance.
Do a slow dance with each mom.
Make a toast. Grab the mike and say a brief and heartfelt thanks to your bride, her parents, your parents, and the guests.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Planning a Child's Birthday Party
Planning a Child's Birthday Party
The excitement of a child's birthday party builds to a feverish pitch as
the big event approaches, but sometimes chaos and budget overruns
do as well. Keep things happy and peaceful by making your game plan
well ahead of time and sticking to it.
1.) Set a party budget to cover the entire affair from food, decor and party bags to room rental or hiring an entertainer. Estimate the number of guests by using a cost-per-guest figure to help determine your venue, entertainment and food options.
2.) Remember that your child doesn't need an over-the-top party to have fun. Depending on his or her age, a picnic in the park can be just as much fun as an expensive party at a climbing gym.
3.) Depending on his or her age, give your child several party options and themes to choose from. Describe what comes with each so he or she will know the benefits and drawbacks before choosing. Keep it simple.
4.) Set a party time to best suit your child. Work around nap times for the four-and-under set; weekend mornings or afternoons for school kids; Friday or Saturday night for preteens or teens.
5.) Confirm the time, date and place (with a deposit if necessary). Ask what you'll need to supply, what the venue will provide, how early you can arrive to set up and when you're required to leave.
6.) Come up with ways to incorporate games and activities with party favors. Small, wrapped gifts discovered in a treasure hunt or piñata, become real memories of the party instead of an expected payoff. Test-drive all activities with your child and plan extras in case something doesn't pan out.
7.) When creating invitations include an ending time and an RSVP date, and, for kids under three, specify whether you'd like parents to stay.
The excitement of a child's birthday party builds to a feverish pitch as
the big event approaches, but sometimes chaos and budget overruns
do as well. Keep things happy and peaceful by making your game plan
well ahead of time and sticking to it.
1.) Set a party budget to cover the entire affair from food, decor and party bags to room rental or hiring an entertainer. Estimate the number of guests by using a cost-per-guest figure to help determine your venue, entertainment and food options.
2.) Remember that your child doesn't need an over-the-top party to have fun. Depending on his or her age, a picnic in the park can be just as much fun as an expensive party at a climbing gym.
3.) Depending on his or her age, give your child several party options and themes to choose from. Describe what comes with each so he or she will know the benefits and drawbacks before choosing. Keep it simple.
4.) Set a party time to best suit your child. Work around nap times for the four-and-under set; weekend mornings or afternoons for school kids; Friday or Saturday night for preteens or teens.
5.) Confirm the time, date and place (with a deposit if necessary). Ask what you'll need to supply, what the venue will provide, how early you can arrive to set up and when you're required to leave.
6.) Come up with ways to incorporate games and activities with party favors. Small, wrapped gifts discovered in a treasure hunt or piñata, become real memories of the party instead of an expected payoff. Test-drive all activities with your child and plan extras in case something doesn't pan out.
7.) When creating invitations include an ending time and an RSVP date, and, for kids under three, specify whether you'd like parents to stay.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Planning an Anniversary Party
Planning an Anniversary Party
Anniversary parties are a wonderful way to celebrate two people who have been together for a number of years. The most common anniversary parties are for 25 years and 50 years. There are many things you can do to make this day special for not only the couple, but all of their family and friends as well. Planning an anniversary party is a huge undertaking, sometimes almost as big as a wedding.
1.) Theme
A party theme is fairly simple to determine. Plan a fairly traditional party unless the couple or their immediate family has requested a particular theme. A 25th wedding anniversary is traditionally silver, while a 50th anniversary is gold.
2.) Who to Invite
An anniversary party can be as big as a wedding. While many people opt for a small get together consisting of family and close friends only, others look forward to a huge celebration with everyone who has touched their lives in past years. If you’re planning a huge bash, it may take quite a bit of time to come up with a guest list. If the happy couple knows about the party the easiest thing to do is ask them who should be invited. Family members and close friends are fairly obvious, but in addition you may want to invite old coworkers, church members, old neighbors, and the list can go on. If you are planning a surprise party for the couple, this can be a little tricky. Rather than getting the input of just one family member, send a tentative guest list to several family members and ask each for additions and deletions. This will help make sure no one gets missed.
3.) Invitations
If you’re throwing a huge anniversary party, sending out invitations can be quite the task. If the party budget allows for it, get them custom made. You can order the invitations online and get everything shipped to you and ready to go. This will save an enormous amount of time. If the party budget is tight and that money would better go to use elsewhere, making your own invitations can actually be quite simple. All you need is a computer and a printer. You can download some great invitations templates that are simple enough to put together. All you need to do is add all the party information and perhaps a beautiful quote on the front and your invitations are ready to go.
4.) Decor
Decorations for the party don’t have to be hugely excessive, but by adding some special touches you will help make the night even more special for the happy couple. Some ways to use either silver or gold are:
- Use gold or silver pen or ink for place cards, menu, and any other written items
- Gold or silver balloons make a beautiful yet inexpensive decoration
- Add gold or silver chargers at each place setting
- Gold or silver candles and or candle holders make a great centerpiece
- Dinnerware and bar-ware should have gold or silver accents
There are many other ways in which you can incorporate these colors into the party. Just be sure not to overdo it. Add plenty of white to balance it out.
5.) Party Favors
Many couples will want to send their guests away with a little something to remember the night by and as a thank you for attending. One of the best favors ideas is a small picture frame of the couple. You can use pictures from their wedding day or a more recent photo. If you can find picture frames that hold two photos a nice idea is to add both a picture of their wedding day and a recent one. Another great idea is a CD of songs form the era that the couple met and was married. This will bring back great memories for many of their family and friends and is probably one of the most useful favor possibilities.
6.) A Night of Reminiscence
A great idea for any anniversary party, big or small, is a slide show. Start the show of with pictures of the couple when they first met and progress through the years of children and grandchildren. Add some memorable quotes throughout the show, and play some touching music that reminds them of certain times in their lives. If you want the slide show to be a surprise, you can ask family and friends for their favorite pictures to add to the show.
Planning an anniversary party can take a lot of time, so starting a year in advance isn’t too soon. This will be a night for everyone to cherish and remember, and the happy anniversary couple will be on cloud nine after a night of celebrating with family and friends.
Anniversary parties are a wonderful way to celebrate two people who have been together for a number of years. The most common anniversary parties are for 25 years and 50 years. There are many things you can do to make this day special for not only the couple, but all of their family and friends as well. Planning an anniversary party is a huge undertaking, sometimes almost as big as a wedding.
1.) Theme
A party theme is fairly simple to determine. Plan a fairly traditional party unless the couple or their immediate family has requested a particular theme. A 25th wedding anniversary is traditionally silver, while a 50th anniversary is gold.
2.) Who to Invite
An anniversary party can be as big as a wedding. While many people opt for a small get together consisting of family and close friends only, others look forward to a huge celebration with everyone who has touched their lives in past years. If you’re planning a huge bash, it may take quite a bit of time to come up with a guest list. If the happy couple knows about the party the easiest thing to do is ask them who should be invited. Family members and close friends are fairly obvious, but in addition you may want to invite old coworkers, church members, old neighbors, and the list can go on. If you are planning a surprise party for the couple, this can be a little tricky. Rather than getting the input of just one family member, send a tentative guest list to several family members and ask each for additions and deletions. This will help make sure no one gets missed.
3.) Invitations
If you’re throwing a huge anniversary party, sending out invitations can be quite the task. If the party budget allows for it, get them custom made. You can order the invitations online and get everything shipped to you and ready to go. This will save an enormous amount of time. If the party budget is tight and that money would better go to use elsewhere, making your own invitations can actually be quite simple. All you need is a computer and a printer. You can download some great invitations templates that are simple enough to put together. All you need to do is add all the party information and perhaps a beautiful quote on the front and your invitations are ready to go.
4.) Decor
Decorations for the party don’t have to be hugely excessive, but by adding some special touches you will help make the night even more special for the happy couple. Some ways to use either silver or gold are:
- Use gold or silver pen or ink for place cards, menu, and any other written items
- Gold or silver balloons make a beautiful yet inexpensive decoration
- Add gold or silver chargers at each place setting
- Gold or silver candles and or candle holders make a great centerpiece
- Dinnerware and bar-ware should have gold or silver accents
There are many other ways in which you can incorporate these colors into the party. Just be sure not to overdo it. Add plenty of white to balance it out.
5.) Party Favors
Many couples will want to send their guests away with a little something to remember the night by and as a thank you for attending. One of the best favors ideas is a small picture frame of the couple. You can use pictures from their wedding day or a more recent photo. If you can find picture frames that hold two photos a nice idea is to add both a picture of their wedding day and a recent one. Another great idea is a CD of songs form the era that the couple met and was married. This will bring back great memories for many of their family and friends and is probably one of the most useful favor possibilities.
6.) A Night of Reminiscence
A great idea for any anniversary party, big or small, is a slide show. Start the show of with pictures of the couple when they first met and progress through the years of children and grandchildren. Add some memorable quotes throughout the show, and play some touching music that reminds them of certain times in their lives. If you want the slide show to be a surprise, you can ask family and friends for their favorite pictures to add to the show.
Planning an anniversary party can take a lot of time, so starting a year in advance isn’t too soon. This will be a night for everyone to cherish and remember, and the happy anniversary couple will be on cloud nine after a night of celebrating with family and friends.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Chic (but Cheap) Wedding Tips
Chic (but Cheap) Wedding Tips
In lifestyle expert Colin Cowie's new book, "Wedding Chic," he shares 1001 ideas for a more memorable "I do." I chose five tips for the budget-conscious bride-to-be.
1. Your decor doesn't have to revolve around expensive flowers. Choose flowers that will be in season during your big day and grown locally or at least domestically, if possible. When it comes to your decor, try incorporating alternative materials like shells, moss, and vines. Also, for your centerpieces, use fruits and vegetables, beautiful greens, and other non-floral elements to add dimension.
2. Instead of renting out your neighborhood banquet hall, consider an elegant dinner with guests seated at one long table or a barbecue on the beach. For a destination wedding that doesn't cost a fortune, take over a country inn or bed-and-breakfast.
3. A big trend right now is to serve miniature wedding cakes. They're unique and extremely popular among guests. But they're also pricey. Create the same effect for less with elaborate cupcakes.
4. Flowers made from cake icing can cost a lot. A good alternative is to incorporate real, nontoxic flowers into your cake, between tiers or as garland. And instead of a cake topper, opt for personalizing your cake with your initials, the date, or a favorite line of poetry.
5. The cocktail reception, champagne is synonymous with weddings. If, however, champagne isn't in your budget, serve a sparkling wine. Add a splash of cranberry or pomegranate juice for a dose of elegance. You might also consider rimming the glass with caramel or sugar for an added touch.
Charity Designer Events
Events That Exceed Your Expectations, Every time!!
1-877-SOW-IN-2-U
1-877-769-4628
www.cdevents.biz
Email: info@cdevents.biz
In lifestyle expert Colin Cowie's new book, "Wedding Chic," he shares 1001 ideas for a more memorable "I do." I chose five tips for the budget-conscious bride-to-be.
1. Your decor doesn't have to revolve around expensive flowers. Choose flowers that will be in season during your big day and grown locally or at least domestically, if possible. When it comes to your decor, try incorporating alternative materials like shells, moss, and vines. Also, for your centerpieces, use fruits and vegetables, beautiful greens, and other non-floral elements to add dimension.
2. Instead of renting out your neighborhood banquet hall, consider an elegant dinner with guests seated at one long table or a barbecue on the beach. For a destination wedding that doesn't cost a fortune, take over a country inn or bed-and-breakfast.
3. A big trend right now is to serve miniature wedding cakes. They're unique and extremely popular among guests. But they're also pricey. Create the same effect for less with elaborate cupcakes.
4. Flowers made from cake icing can cost a lot. A good alternative is to incorporate real, nontoxic flowers into your cake, between tiers or as garland. And instead of a cake topper, opt for personalizing your cake with your initials, the date, or a favorite line of poetry.
5. The cocktail reception, champagne is synonymous with weddings. If, however, champagne isn't in your budget, serve a sparkling wine. Add a splash of cranberry or pomegranate juice for a dose of elegance. You might also consider rimming the glass with caramel or sugar for an added touch.
Charity Designer Events
Events That Exceed Your Expectations, Every time!!
1-877-SOW-IN-2-U
1-877-769-4628
www.cdevents.biz
Email: info@cdevents.biz
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