Planning: 4 Sweet Ideas for Nearlyweds

The Cake Boss Dishes Up His Secret Recipes For Confection Perfection.

By Patricia Canole

For the Bride recently sat down with Buddy Valastro, aka The Cake Boss, at his new Times Square Cake Boss Café, to learn more about choosing the right cake for your special wedding.

FIND YOUR STYLE 

“Ask yourself these questions: How many guests are attending? Where is the reception? What is the décor? What time of year is my wedding? What is my budget? All those answers help refine the cake’s design in the baker’s mind. A summer luncheon for 30 people requires a very different cake than a winter dinner for 300.”

BE REALISTIC ABOUT YOUR BUDGET

 “Give your baker an idea of how much you’re looking to spend. Wedding cakes can cost $3,000 on up. We encourage couples not to put themselves in debt over wedding cakes and advise them to budget only what they can afford. Ask your baker to show you what you can get for different prices—a bride who wants a very grand design might not have thought about how much ‘grand’ costs.”

MAKE SURE IT’S TASTY

“The quality needs to be first class. It’s important to me to have wedding cakes look beautiful and also taste so delicious that it surprises you. Ask when it will be baked and completed. If the decoration is prepared in advance, the cake can be baked 24 hours before you need it. The flowers and décor should be close to the time of transporting.”

DESIGNING WAYS

 “The design of the wedding cake should be a collaboration between the couple and the baker. Photographs of cakes I’ve designed can be a starting point. But I usually draw a sketch at the initial meeting to give clients an idea of what my team can accomplish. I ask the couple what they want—more color, more design. Texture is also important. Will it be pleats, ruffles, quilting to enhance the look of the wedding cake? Most important, of course, is shape. Although couples still opt for round, square and octagonal are just as popular. Flavor is another factor. Fruit fillings are favorites with lemon or white cakes. But, undoubtedly, if the groom is along for a tasting—it will always be chocolate!”

All images via Carlo's Bakery.


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Celebrity News: Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie Tied The Knot!

ANGELINA & BRAD MARRY, FINALLY!!

 

SOURCE: PEOPLE.COM

Hollywood power couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt married on August 23 in the South of France.

The couple, who met on the set of "Mr. & Mrs. Smith," have been together for nine years. Associated Press reported Angelina walked down the aisle with their two eldest sons at her side; younger children were also part of the wedding party. The wedding was attended by close friends and family.

For more celebrity news and wedding trends, visit ForTheBrideMag.com
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Fashion: Wedding Belles

At Jordan Fashions, Quality Come First

By Patricia Canole

    Continuing a tradition of excellence, Jordan Fashions remains dedicated to the bride to make her unique wedding dreams come true.

    Led by award-winning designer Bill Pesce, the Jordan Fashions team sets new standards for excellence. With over 70 color choices, they offer an incredible selection of Bridal, Bridesmaids, Mother of the Bride, and Flower Girl options.

ALL TOGETHER NOW

Some savvy tips for the bride and her wedding party:

BRIDE Keep an open mind. Bridal gowns are fashioned differently. A style that you may not have originally chosen can turn out to be the perfect one. JordanFashions prides itself on the many bridal dresses available from their Reflections, Aariana, Jordan Moments and Jordan Separates Collections.

Jordan Moments Collection

BRIDESMAIDS Choose a color palette and general length then let your bridesmaids select their own style. Or, if you want a unified look, select several dresses and vote. Either way, the Jordan and Jordan Couture Collections are noted for many fashionable options. 

Jordan Collection

MOTHER OF THE BRIDE Some brides love that “matched” look and coordinate the MOB dress with the bridal party. There are also countless alternatives. One option is to stay within the color spectrum. If the bridesmaid dresses are turquoise, the mother of the bride might choose navy blue. Always remember mixing and matching can be very chic as well. Jordan's Caterina Collection offers plenty of style and color choices. 

Jordan's Caterina Collection

FLOWER GIRL Perhaps the easiest to shop for, they look adorable in just about anything. First, decide on how many girls will be in the wedding party. Flower girl dresses may be the same shade as your bridesmaids. However, white with a color sash or other trim in the wedding colors is a very common practice. Sweet Beginnings offers a wide range of flower girl styles and coordinating sash accessories to customize the look. 

Jordan's Sweet Beginnings Collection

As one of the nation’s premier bridal manufacturers for close to 50 years, Jordan Fashions’ priority will continue to be top in design and fashion for the bride and her bridal party.

For more designer fashion and wedding trends, visit ForTheBrideMag.com
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Planning: Picture Perfect

For Wedding Day Shots That Shine, George Street Photo & Video is Key. 

By Patricia Canole 

George Street Photo & Video

   Diamonds are forever, but they’re not the only wedding investment that stands the test of time. After the wedding the gown will be put away, the limousines will go back to the garage, the food will have been consumed, and the photographs are the only tangible reminders of that special day. Certainly one of the most important elements of planning a wedding is selecting a photographer. And because of the increasing demand for quality professionals, George Street Photo & Video has become the top choice with couples nationwide.


   It was just a decade ago, George Street’s founders—best friends who loved photography—decided to create a company that would provide services like no other in the country: Hire professional photographers who were just as devoted. Today, the Chicago-based company has evolved into a team of experts—photographers, videographers, graphic designers, wedding coordinators and consultants—who have made it their passion for capturing the natural beauty of once-in-a-lifetime moments.


FOCUS ON THIS

   A couple’s search is—first and foremost—for someone who shares their vision of how the wedding should be documented. George Street Photo & Video goes far beyond and makes this entire process easy and  worry-free. After you have found the perfect wedding photographer who fits your criteria…relax! Let George Street Photo & Video complete the picture. Here, some personalized elements GSPV offers couples. 

George Street Photo & Video

•  CONSULTANT This person will become your eyes and ears. After your initial interview with GSPV to explore what you’re looking for in a photographer, the search for the right professional begins. In fact, all photographers and videographers go through an extensive interview process before they are considered to be part of the team. The coordinator will then select a group of professionals who share your vision and present them to you for a final decision.


•  COORDINATOR An essential person to your GSPV experience, the coordinator is with you for the entire process. Candid shots, portrait images, timelines, & stunning locations will all be addressed efficiently by the coordinator. Need help laying out your wedding album? George Street Photo & Video is there with a friendly helping hand.
           
   Now it’s time to enjoy the celebration with friends and family. Your professional GSPV photographer will capture those great moments to treasure now and for generations to come.



Enter to Win an All-Inclusive Wedding Photo & Video Suite (Worth $4,500) from GSPV!



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Wedding Etiquette: Here Come The Bridesmaids

Here's Our Painless Guide to Casting Your Special Crew. 

By: Patricia Canole

Picking your bridesmaids can be tricky. Follow our advice to make the choice easier! 

·      DO carefully consider the people you’d most like to have by your side at the ceremony. Remember, once you’ve asked, there’s no backtracking or dis-inviting someone. Now is the time to determine your wedding’s style, budget, and size first; a small, informal affair with a bloated wedding party looks out of place.

·      DON’T think you have to have an equal number of bridesmaids and groomsmen. If you must have your four best buds but there are only three groomsmen, have one usher escort a bridesmaid on each arm. 

·      DO be considerate of friends who can’t afford the financial burden of being a bridesmaid. You can include them in your ceremony by asking them to read a poem or piece of Scripture during the ceremony. At the reception have close friends welcome guests as they arrive and direct everyone to the guest book and place card table.

·      DON’T feel you have to ask someone to be your bridesmaid simply because you were in her wedding party. (Maybe she had a bigger wedding than the one you’re planning.) And if you two aren’t close anymore—her wedding was a few years ago and you’ve lost touch—there’s even less reason to ask her. Also remember that there’s no obligation to keep childhood pacts.

·      DO what feels right. Relax, this is your wedding! 


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August Must-Have: Flash Tattoos

A Modern Bridal Accessory 

By Eleni Elias

One of the biggest trends of the summer, jewelry-inspired temporary tattoos are not only fabulous, but they are such a fun idea to include at your bridal shower or bachelorette party. 

And if you are the ultimate fashionista, Flash Tattoos are a unique way to add a signature touch to your bridal look!

VIA INSTAGRAM

VIA INSTAGRAM

VIA INSTAGRAM

We love Flash Tats because they have given us a completely new way to accessorize!

 And just how perfect are they to bring along on your beach honeymoon?

VIA INSTAGRAM

VIA INSTAGRAM

VIA INSTAGRAM

There is a lot of great inspiration from real women on the Flash Tattoo Instagram. Check it out!

For more wedding ideas and fashion tips, visit ForTheBrideMag.com 

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Fashion: Veil Call

When It Comes To Headpieces, Bel Aire Bridal Has It All!

By: Patricia Canole 

The history of the wedding veil may date back to ancient Rome, but judging by the current wealth of designs on the runway, this sweeping accent is very much of the moment.

For 30 years, Bel Aire Bridal — one of the foremost headpiece and wedding veil manufacturers — has been creating a full-range of designs from short and sweet to fully formal. The award-winning team strives to fulfill every bride’s dream by offering quality, service and innovative concepts. Capturing the imagination are bridal veils that are ribbon edged, delicately beaded or embroidered masterpieces. Completing the picture are glittering headbands, romantic combs, and sparkling hair sticks. The California-based manufacturer also offers a diverse selection of bridal belts and jewelry.

VIEW FROM THE TOP
Keep these fashion tips in mind….

Common Lengths: Bel Aire Bridal offers wedding veils in every length and style. A face veil is a short single layer, usually of netting, while elbow-length veils are about 2 feet long. A fingertip length, one of the more popular styles, particularly with ball gowns, extends (as the name implies) to your fingers. Longer and more formal options include the chapel veil, approximately 2 ½ yards in length and the 3 ½ yard-long cathedral; both are frequently paired with wedding gowns that have trains. 

Accessorize: Hair accessories can work with long or short hair whether worn up or down. Bel Aire's bridal headbands and bejeweled hairpins are constants along with floral designs that have become just as popular.

Trending: There are no limits to the creativity that goes into designing a bridal veil. Bel Aire Bridal creates veils textured with Swiss dots, crystal embellishments, and even monogrammed. Look for rhinestone floral accents for the hair.


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Fashion: Best In Shoes

What's the Latest In Bridal Shoes? Design Your Own! 

By: Patricia Canole
   
     Whether you prefer comfy ballet slippers or sexy stilettos, it’s now possible to get your big day started on the right foot with the pair of wedding shoes that are perfectly you. Australian-based Shoes of Prey provides brides-to-be to shop online for that perfect pair.

The process is fairly simple: This online store provides an application to create your wedding shoes. You start by selecting an initial template and style, then customize the details—materials, colors, embellishments, etc. You can even design unique shoes for your entire bridal party!

     The shoes are handmade of high quality materials and arrive beautifully boxed complete with a handy shoe bag. Amazingly, if you don’t like your bridal shoes—for any reason—they will gladly remake the shoes for you or give you a full refund. 

  

WALK THIS WAY
Some savvy tips on selecting your own fancy footwear.

•    Above all, your perfect wedding shoes will need to be comfortable. Think about it: From walking down the aisle to dancing the night away adds up to hours on your feet to be sure.

•    Can’t wear stilettos, but still want height? Consider platform heels (they’re more comfortable).

•    A word of advice: Break your bridal shoes in by wearing them before the big day. If you wear your shoes around the house, they will feel far more comfortable to wear on your wedding day.

All Images Via ShoesOfPrey.com

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Planning: In Bloom

Secrets to a Chic Celebration

By: Patricia Canole

A favorite among the Hollywood set (Britney Spears and Christian Slater are regulars), Iris Lee of Anthony’s Flowers for BloomNation.com, has transformed many galas into memorable events. For The Bride recently met with her for a few of her tried-and-true secrets for wedding flowers.

WHAT’S A BIG WEDDING TREND YOU’RE SEEING?

Weddings are becoming ever more enchanting. This year is notably one of true romance—celebrations are softer, sweeter, lusher and more heartfelt. Lately, I’ve been choosing wedding flowers that are larger and more sculptured, such as calla lilies, cymbidium and Phalaenopsis orchids, so the look is unfussy and clean. Another trend I’m seeing is more themed receptions. One bride and groom wanted a beachy feel at a city hotel. We used coral-colored mansanita branches and shells and panels of water with floating flowers.

WHAT ARE THE HOT PARTY COLORS RIGHT NOW?

Orchid is big coupled with accents of white, cream, Champagne. I’m also seeing many shades of pale pinks to lavenders and purple.

ANY DRAMATIC DETAILS YOU SUGGEST FOR WEDDING RECEPTIONS?

I love a reception entrance that shouts “Something fabulous will happen here.”  For one wedding, this meant tall gates covered with manzanita. Or, sometimes it’s a simple drapery tied back with floral blooms. Metallics are also a popular accent. Linens with a subtle gold thread or the luxury of pale gold lampshades will brighten a gathering. A candlelit exit is a wonderful way to end the night for your guests.

WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE FOR CREATING A LUXE LOOK FOR LESS?

You can do this by using tall centerpieces such as candelabras with long ivory tapers. It’s not only better for your wedding budget but also for sight-lines of your guests. You might want to hang a simple garland from the tapers or add wedding flowers to a small vessels on the tables. Not only does this very elegant and dramatic, but it’s easy to pull off with a limited budget.

DO YOU HAVE ANY LAST MINUTE ADVICE FOR BRIDES AND GROOMS?Keep it simple. Many brides I’ve seen combine too many colors. My advice: Use no more than three shades. It’s also very important to enjoy the process of planning. Don’t forget this is a huge milestone in your life. It can be fun to develop the ideas and see them all unfold. Remember to get the best people, then let go of it. 

Time to relax and enjoy!

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