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Fake Wedding Cakes?

Best for Bride
Best for Bride

Next time you go to a wedding reception, take a good look at the cake. It may look real, but actually be made out of Styrofoam and covered with fondant. Even close up, the cake may look authentic since many fake cakes are covered with the same fondant icing that commonly is used on real wedding cakes. The trend of using faux wedding cakes is growing. Why are people making fake wedding cakes?

It’s not uncommon for wedding cake to cost more than the wedding dress. The wedding cake may end up being the biggest expense for a wedding. The alternative fake wedding cakes helps the couple save a considerable amount of money. The artificial wedding cake typically costs under $200.

The faux wedding cakes are used for display purposes only. The couple might ask the servers to remove the fake cake right before cake is served to the guest to keep the illusion that it’s a real cake. The guests are served from a sheet cake which is much cheaper than a true wedding cake.

What about the cutting of the cake by the couple? Some faux cake makers have gotten creative in solving this problem. Obviously, the couple does not want to cut into Styrofoam in front of their guests. Some people will get a fake cake made, but have the top tier be a real cake for the cake cutting tradition. Another option is for a section of the false cake to be replaced with real cake. For many couples, these fixes fall short of the romantic sentiment of cutting a real cake together. The use of an artificial wedding cake is something that not all couples will embrace.

The use of faux wedding cakes can be used in other ways. A couple who is having a small wedding might have a desire to have a large, extravagant cake. Even if the guest list doesn’t warrant such a large cake, they may really want the experience of having an incredible cake. If they bought the cake of their dreams, not only would their budget suffer a tremendous hit, but they would end up wasting half the cake. Instead, they can buy a partially faux cake from a baker. The cake can be partially real cake with the rest being artificial.

Couples may view the use of a fake cake as a form of deception. The bride and groom may feel that they are lying to their guests or being fake themselves if they use a fake cake. If you feel like using a fake cake isn’t as romantic or honest as using a traditional wedding cake, then a fake cake may not be the ideal way to save money. Some couples view the faux cakes as a type of prop and not really a deception. This is a personal choice that the couples need to decide together.

Would you use a fake cake to save money? For additional ways to save money on the wedding, visit the Best for Bride blog.

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Do you want a tiered wedding cake or something different?

The traditional tiered wedding cake has been a wedding icon for ages. But, many couples today are stepping away from this practice for various reasons. Brides agree that it looks great and all, but it is very expensive and is it always worth all that money? With more and more wedding guests taking the healthy route, isn’t it a better idea to spend money on desserts that are just as tasty and satisfying, but healthier? “No wedding cake—a trend,” on Serious eats suggests that this is apparently a growing trend.

So, do you want a traditional wedding cake at your wedding, or would you choose something different and follow the trend? Let us help you find out.

The tradition behind wedding cakes

The wedding cake brings together several traditions from different parts of the world. The tiered cake began as a stack of cakes that the couple had to kiss over for a successful marriage. This later became a dessert that the bride would cut and distribute, with the belief that it would ensure her fertility.

Wedding cakes that were white in color, became the fashion after Queen Victoria’s wedding. She introduced white wedding dresses to the bridal world and with it, white wedding cakes as well.

If these traditional beliefs and superstitions behind the wedding cake do not appeal to you, or you are not really a cake person, there are several other equally attractive options out there. Take a look.

Assorted dessert buffet for all taste buds

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The latest trend in wedding desserts, assorted dessert buffets bring together the choicest desserts of all types and tastes and allow guests to indulge in what appeals to them. Most couples choose bite-sized options. By going with four or five desserts,  everyone should find something they favor. The regulars at buffets are macaroons, candy treats, doughnuts, cupcakes, cake pops, cookies and tarts. These allow you to have a delicious spread and give you uncomplicated choices that can be arranged to create a spectacular display, which is perhaps more inviting than a towering wedding cake.

Wedding cupcakes

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Another trend is to replace the wedding cake with an assortment of tiered cupcakes in various flavors and designs. These allow the guests to savor reasonably sized desserts, while you are saved from the complications of arranging for the cutting and serving of a regular wedding cake. With customized cupcake toppers and various decorative elements, it isn’t too difficult to design a cupcake table that is aesthetically pleasing and delicious in variety.

Dessert shots

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Mini glasses dressed up with layers of delectable treats are both inviting and practical. Most layered desserts work well as dessert shots. A great thing about them is that they can be made into very pretty displays with a sophisticated beauty. Dessert shots will be loved by both adults and children alike, and it is just perfect for a casual event where your guests can indulge in it without having to sit down to eat.

Now that you know there is more to wedding sweets than just the traditional wedding cake, would you give any of these a try?

For more wedding tips and advice, and the latest trends in the world of weddings, continue visiting us at Best for Bride.

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Wedding planning: 5 Mistakes you can avoid

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You are bound to make mistakes when you attempt something for the first time. Your wedding is no exception. With so many details to look into, it is easy to make a few errors along the way. The sad part is, some mistakes can cost you dearly.

Here is a roundup of the common mistakes many brides make, and what you can do to avoid them at your wedding.

Doing it all yourself

You certainly want your wedding to be perfect in every way, but is it worth burning yourself out by doing every task yourself? Many brides find themselves dreading their wedding day, as they are overwhelmed with the number of things they have to tackle.

Instead of worrying yourself to death, it is best that you realize some things can be done better if you delegate them. Save your energy for important tasks like choosing the wedding dress, vendors and planning the dates. The sub-tasks can be handled by capable friends or assistants. Curb the temptation to micromanage, and leave out details that aren’t extremely important. You will enjoy your planning your wedding this way.

Blowing your wedding dress budget

via Best for Bride

When brides budget for their wedding dress, they should set aside a particular amount for the dress itself and distribute the rest for accessories and alterations. Do not exceed the wedding dress amount, by looking only at those that fit your budget. If you go over-budget with your dress, you will have to compensate by cutting down on accessories like shoes or jewelry, as you cannot skimp on alterations if you want to look perfect.

Not figuring in additional costs

You have planned your wedding budget, and you intend to stick to it when ordering things and booking vendors. However, have you figured in the overhead costs as well? There are additional charges for cleaning up, taxes and tips. Make sure you incorporate these into the budget and that your bookings are all within the limit. This can prevent you from receiving a shocking bill in the end.

Being fixated on a specific idea

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This applies to your wedding dress, flower arrangements, wedding venue, décor, bridesmaids dress and all the other aspects of your wedding. If you are too particular about your choices, it is likely that you will be disappointed when things don’t work out exactly as intended. Keep yourself open to ideas and you may even be pleasantly surprised with what you find. When you go with your bridal consultant’s advice, you may discover a better wedding dress than you ever imagined; allow your florist to choose the flowers for your bouquet and you may receive a stunning but affordable one that complements your wedding theme.

Hiring family or friends who aren’t professionals

Unless your cousin is a professional photographer, or your aunt is used to baking wedding cakes, don’t hand the task over to them just because they asked for it. Whether you will be paying in full for their service or not, you will risk things going wrong on your wedding day by entrusting it to someone who isn’t capable of handling it on the required scale. Your wedding is not the occasion to take such risks, and you will be better off with a vendor who knows what they are doing, even if they charge more.

For more wedding related tips and advice, visit us at Best for Bride.

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Accessorize with Flair: Expert Styling Tips to Elevate Your Bridesmaids’ Look!

Your bridesmaids have an important role to play in your wedding. When they look good, the entire wedding feels good. So, you have to make sure that you pay close attention to how they will be dressed.

In most cases bridesmaids pay from their pockets for their dresses. The least the bride can do for these women who agree to happily shoulder their responsibilities is to buy them their accessories. Don’t you agree?

These simple styling tips will help you choose the right accessories for your bridesmaid’s dresses.

#Tip 1

Shop for accessories only after choosing the dresses

While there are accessories that go well with almost any dress, they aren’t necessarily the best choice. So, wait till you buy the bridesmaids dresses, to go shopping for their accessories. This way, you will avoid wasting time and can make a better selection.

#Tip 2

Simple dresses go with bold accessories and vice-versa

This is a very simple rule that many women fail to follow. Be it for a wedding or a cocktail party, the dress or accessories are not the main focus, but the woman wearing it. Balancing the dress with supporting accessories for an uncluttered and elegant look. Keep the accessories minimum for an embellished dress (like a sequined or patterned one or one in a bold colour). If the dress is relatively simple or in neutral shades with little to no accents, dress it up with attractive accessories.

#Tip 3

Let the neckline decide whether a necklace is necessary

Necklaces are accessories that can make or break a look. Not all dresses need necklaces to look great. For example, wearing a necklace with a halter dress would be too much. On the other hand, a sweetheart or bateau neckline would be emphasized with a pretty necklace.

#Tip 4

Don’t be scared to experiment with color

There is more than one way to add color to your bridesmaid’s outfits. While the obvious choice is a colourful dress, you should remember that not all colours look good on all women. You want your best friends to love their look, don’t you? If you prefer neutrals and toned-down colors for their dresses, add pops of color with bright and bold accessories. This may be with shoes, waistbands or jewelry. The effect is enhanced when colours are paired with the neutral background of their dresses.

#Tip 5

Mix and match accessories to suit each bridesmaid’s taste, but keep the look cohesive

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Your bridesmaids have different personalities. Respect their individuality and let their looks reflect who they are. The accessories you choose for each woman should suit her taste and match her style. This way, you can make them all happy. The only thing to remember when choosing the accessories is to keep one-factor uniform throughout. This could either be the color, the design or the impact it creates.

Now that you know what to look out for when choosing bridesmaids accessories, how about finding the perfect dresses for your pretty friends? Visit our online store at Best for Bride for designer collections of the best bridesmaids gowns in all styles and price ranges.