Tag: wedding cake
Yes, that's a pic of bride, her groom & HER cake - CAN'T!
BREAKING NEWS: This just in, traditional wedding cakes are being invaded by their just as delicious counterparts… and the world, as we know it, will never be the same! (Cue the scary “dun! dun! dun! Music)
A wise man once said, “the times they are a-changin’,” and even though Bob Dylan originally wrote this particular lyric in 1964, no quote is more fitting for today’s modern bride. Pair the infinite amount of choices and opportunities a girl has with an unlimited quantity of search engines, hog wild imaginations and varying budgets, and there is no telling what color rabbit a bridal magician will pull out from under her hat. This is the same notion tapping in and taking over on the traditional wedding cake’s reign of supremacy. It is merely one more wedding tradition that has inevitably fallen victim to pomp, circumstance and apparently, bridal wizardry.
Ice Cream - Can!
Among the most well known cake alternatives are colorfully creative cupcakes and ultra yummy, candy bars. Arguably rivaling the notorious, traditional wedding cake, cupcake towers and candy bar buffets have really become household names in the wedding world. Working their way up the popularity ladder, these customized creations have proven time and time again, what they lack in tradition; they gain in delightful designs. Because both choices can be dipped, dolloped, shellacked, sprinkled and stacked any way a bride sees fit, they are easily taking over the market of goodies miniature in size but powerful in taste.
Doughnuts - Yum!
Not to be outdone by the more popular wedding cake alternatives, places like Baskin-Robbins and the Krispy Kreme Doughnut chain have also jumped on board the wedding dessert bandwagon. Each has started customizing delectable dishes for brides and grooms looking for something original and nontraditional. Krispy Kreme will refine, ruffle and raise up rows of doughnuts in the name of “holey” matrimony, while Baskin-Robbins likes to allow their newlyweds-to-be the option of choosing their favorite flavors to be merged and quaffed into a giant ice cream creation… giving ice sculptures and “cold feet” reassurance it’s super cool to be a part of wedded bliss. (What? Too much?)
Pork Pies - Huh?
And while chilled cream cakes and ice sculptures give couples a reason to freeze their assets, stacking their finger licking favorites in tiers is yet another alternative that will leave their guests with full bellies and warm hearts. Everything from fruit packed pastries to mousse filled toasting flutes and even pancakes and pork pies (yes, pancakes and pork pies!) have been displayed in reception halls across America. Not only can this cut down on service charges, but it also allows newlyweds the opportunity to have more than one choice. One of the most popular “tier”-ing choices is a combination of prepackaged confectioneries, such as Twinkies, Ding Dongs and Sno Balls, being assembled and stacked on cake plates and platters. These are obviously done by a bride looking to be the “Hostess with the Most-est!”
Pancakes - Yum!
But aiming to please isn’t the only reason people are leaning more toward wedding cake alternatives. More often than not, dessert options are decided by someone’s preferences, culture, heritage or beliefs; so, many couples will look to other parts of the world are looked to for inspiration. For instance, while many Americans humor in the fruitcake as a holiday gag gift, places like the British Isles, the Caribbean, Ireland and Scotland revere the fruit frenzy as a wedding day must have. Couples looking for something different might even look to Europe where France venerates its caramel covered, cream filled pastry towers (known as croquembouche) or Lithuania where sakotis – a cookie like dessert, shaped into a Christmas tree are nothing short of blue ribbons. Even newlyweds who (gasp!) don’t have a sweet tooth can look for inspiration in places like Korea who simply cover ground steamed rice in red bean powder or areas like Japan and India who use “dummy cakes” instead of the real thing. While the guests might not delight in eating cardboard, the wad left in a couple’s wallet from cutting cake costs will leave at least two people smiling.
Hostess Treats - Back to Yum!
Bottom line, wedding cakes and all their ensuing alternatives really don’t have any specific rules to follow. In fact, since everyone knows *calories don’t count when someone’s getting married, it may even be encouraged to go for the broke and try them all!
*not backed by scientific facts; only by the white lies people tell themselves to feel better.
October 23, 2009
I simply don’t know if I should to hug or hit my friend, Natalie, for sending me this too-tasty-for-words idea! With it’s uber delectable appeal, I find myself being drawn in; while my lurking, bathroom scale vigorously tries to draw me out. And even though I can hear it screaming, “run for the hills, Mary!”, my taste buds and non-existent will power won’t allow it… Alas, the candy bar buffet wins… again!
There is simply no denying the power of its appeal. Functioning as an alternative of OR in conjunction with the traditional wedding cake, these candy bar buffets have everyone from brides and grooms to guests and vendors going gaga! Originally designed with children in mind, candy tables have become equally – if not more – popular with adults.
Like their partners in crime – the infamous wedding cupcakes – what candy buffets lack in tradition, they gain in delightful designs. These extraordinary alternatives can be as elaborate or simple as you would like. You can stack them on shelves, three rows deep or line them up single file. You can theme them around your colors or make them into a standout, conversation piece. Because of the many potential opportunities candy bars offer, it’s no wonder their demand has all but doubled in today’s wedding market. Not to mention the fun you can have through all the seasons!
Weddings on or around holidays such as Halloween, Christmas or Valentine’s Day, are easily decorated with coordinating candies that are both seasonal and sensational. At Christmas, picture peppermint sticks, candy canes and gingerbread men overflowing out of sprinkled wreaths and twinkling vases. Imagine Halloween (or Autumn themed) candy bars brilliantly bedecked with caramel apples, sugared pumpkins and candy corn towers. Then, visualize Valentine’s Day treat tables adorned with a doting combination of messaging sweethearts, chocolate boxes and pink and red colored, candy parts! (Goodness me! Is anyone else’s mouth watering?)
Bottom line, candy bars can add a fun and trendy element to your big day celebration, no matter how big or small your budget may be. For more candy coated ideas - or simply snack worthy munchies – feel free to check out CandyFavorites.com, where candy is broken down by type, occasion, brand and services. And for all you nostalgic, candy lovers, try Candy Crate for a retro rewind to your childhood favorites!
August 5, 2009
Still Young + In Love after 60 Years!
Love is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake and then subsides. And when it subsides, you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because THIS is what LOVE IS. Love is not breathlessness; it is not excitement; it is not the promulgation of eternal passion. That is just being “in love” which any of us can convince ourselves we are.
Love itself is what is left over when being “in love” has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. Your mother and I had it. We had roots that grew towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossoms had fallen from our branches… we found that we were ONE tree, not two. – Captain Corelli’s Mandolin
When people ask what excites me the most about my upcoming nuptials, my answer is simply this… “Sunday morning.” After hearing my response, it’s always fun to watch all their different reactions. The most frequent and obvious one is confusion. Some people simply don’t get it. Some will inevitably make inappropriate jokes or references; while others require immediate clarification.
Cutting their "Wedding Cake"
And yet, there are still a select few who get it right away. They know that what I’m looking forward to isn’t necessarily all the glam and magic that surrounds a wedding day. While it will also be incredibly fabulous, they know I’m most excited about all the days that will follow. They understand the excitement of being married, not just getting married. They share in the joy or being a wife (or husband) and signing “Mrs.” on birthday cards and grocery store receipts. They know that toasting to the “happiest day of your life” is silly… because every day after has potential to be even better.
Two of these people – who get it more than most – are my beautiful grandparents, Tom and Dottie Kennedy. This month, they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. That’s right, people, SIXTY years of loving, laughing, living and crying. Sixty years of sweet victories, bitter defeats and beautiful moments. They’ve shared more together than some people will ever get the chance to see on their own, and even when things got hard, they recognized how much harder it’d be if they weren’t holding hands through it.
Many years ago, I asked my grandpa how he and my grandma have been able to set such an example. To which he so easily replied, “Keep your love young, no matter how old you get. She (my grandma) will always be my sweetheart.” That has always stayed with me.
So, we decided to help keep their love young, and threw a party modeled after their wedding reception. It had it all: a buffet styled feast, cake cutting ceremony – fit with their very own monogram cake topper, flowers, boutonnieres and presents galore! It was amazing, and even though the celebration was for them, I couldn’t help but cheer a little for myself, rooting that my Mister and I could be so lucky! Thanks, Gramma and Pop for setting such an amazing example and cheers to the next 60 years!
And to all my readers out there, please share any anniversary stories, advice or funny memories below. I would love love love nothing more than learning from you! Also, feel free to check out our full line of Wedding Anniversary Accessories and make every year together an even more startling celebration!
July 31, 2009
WARNING: The following post may contain images not suitable for brides looking to trim down and tone up. If your will power level is low today, I suggest you turn back now.
In all seriousness though, I’d be lying if I said my mouth didn’t go into operation water overload while viewing picture after picture of these delectable wedding day treats. I blame Martha Stewart Weddings mostly. In their most recent summer issue, there is an article appropriately titled, “Let them eat Cupcakes,” which reveals how these extra ooey gooey delights can make a divine substitute for a wedding day favorite.
While cake is the traditional standby most newlyweds (and all their guests) look forward to devouring, cupcakes are proving to be just as tasty and beautiful as their more popular counterparts. They can be dipped, dolloped, shellacked, sprinkled and stacked any way a bride sees fit. Whether you’re going for over the top or under the radar, cupcakes can give an ahhh to the mazing presentation at any wedding reception celebration. The proof is in the pudding, people!
Since each cupcake is its own individual part, a bride isn’t limited by flavor or design. You can easily provide a smorgasbord of vanilla, chocolate, caramel swirl, strawberry surprise and every taste in between without worry. It’s really up to you. I’ve seen everything from cupcake towers that could humble even the most ornate cakes to customized creations that are as simple as they are sweet.
Already cut and all ready to serve, wedding cupcakes also make a great do-it-yourself project for the more hands on bride. Not to mention, a their “awwwww” factor is off the charts! I mean, who doesn’t love a mini version of anything? And although they may be miniature in size, they are still powerful in taste, making these one-of-kind mini cakes a catchy trend in 2009.
For more tips and tricks on wedding cake alternatives, feel free to check out Martha Stewart Weddings or logon to Cupcake Recipes and start baking today!
July 10, 2009
So, I just read that a slice of 138-year-old cake is to be sold at an Antique’s Fair this week. Honestly, I’m all about “savoring the moment,” but at some point, I think it’s just time to let it go. Heck, I’m even struggling with the thought of eating the top of the wedding cake on my one year anniversary.
This particular sliver of cake is said to be the last and only remaining article from the historical wedding between a British Royale and a “commoner.” (Oooooooh, the scandal) So, for all you potential buyers, the fair is in Birmingham, England. Feel free to pack up and get your hands on some tasty century old cake. And, please, if you do, let me know how it goes!
April 16, 2009
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