DIY Friday: Preserving Your Top Wedding Cake Tier

The age old tradition of preserving the top tier of your wedding cake for the first anniversary is one many couples still follow. What many don't know, is that there are variables when it comes to preserving different kinds of cake as well as alternatives.

It is important to know what the shelf life of your wedding cake is. Cakes which consist of heavier items like chocolate, carrot cake, and almond often times have a longer shelf life and will fair well in the freezer. Cakes with fresh fruit, whipped cream filling or fluffy white cakes will not last a year in the freezer. When choosing your cake flavors, consult with your baker on "freezer worthy" options if you are considering saving the top tier for your anniversary.

Some bakeries even suggest ordering a cop-cat cake for a couple's one-year anniversary. This alternative is perfect for a bride and groom whose cake will just not hold up in the freezer. This fresh copy-cat cake will be the exact same flavor as the wedding cake, allowing you to once again enjoy your cake as you remembered it, not freezer burned and stale.

                  "Sylvia Weinstock, of Sylvia Weinstock Cakes in New York, recommends storing cakes for no  longer than two months, and forgoing the first-anniversary tradition."      

-The Knot

If you do decide to be a bit nostalgic and save the original top tier of your wedding cake, here are some guidelines to follow to properly preserve your cake:

1. Remove the sugar flowers and set them aside.
2. Chill the cake well before wrapping it up so that the icing hardens. This way it won't stick to the plastic wrap and make a mess.
3. Wrap the (unadorned) cake in several layers of plastic wrap -- not aluminum foil, which can cause freezer burn.
4. Seal the wrapped cake in an air-tight bag and place it in the freezer.
5. Snag a ribbon (from your bouquet, the centerpieces, your hair, a gift) and tie it around the cake package to mark it so that you don't mistake it for anything else.

 

**Important Tip: Try not to expose your cake too much by opening it up in the freezer. The more often you do, the less fresh it will be on your anniverary.**

{Courtesy of the Knot}

**What do you think about the tradition of saving the top tier? Are you planning on saving your top tier?

Love,

The Emily Weddings Team

Photo Credits:

1. Third Eye Photo

2. Moments of Elegance

3. Wedding Wire

Something Borrowed & Something Extraordinary!

You've heard the timeless phrase.."Something borrowed, something blue" and for decades brides have followed this age old tradition. Sometimes, however, finding the items to fulfill this tradition are harder to come by than you originally thought. You're in luck! Today, we'd like to introduce you to a site that actually lets brides borrow or rent designer bridal accessories for a fraction of the retail price! Featured designers include Justine M. Couture, Enchanted Atelier, and Stephanie Browne.

For the classy and sophisticated bride who just wants to wear exquisite pieces on her wedding day, but would never dream of actually purchasing these pieces or wearing them ever again, Something Borrowed NY is your saving grace. While their collection isn't extremely extensive, the items featured are gorgeous!! Accessories from veils, jewelry, and headpieces/adornments  are all available for your borrowing pleasure. Not only will you look fabulous on your special day, but you can fulfill the "something borrowed'" tradition and keep your wallet happy.

**Are you planning on borrowing an item for your wedding day? What items do you think are most sentimental for a bride to borrow?

Love,

The Emily Weddings Team

Photo Credits:
Something Borrowed NY

Ultimate Showdown!: Cupcakes vs. Wedding Cakes

Cupcakes! We've all seen the specialty "cupcakeries" and the endless shows on TV, but just what is the new obsession with cupcakes all about? Cupcakes have been around for a long time, and most of us remember eating them as kids or making a mess in the kitchen as we decorated them. Cupcakes have wiggled their way into the limelight of the wedding industry, and we couldn't be more fond of this sweet treat!

Cupcakes have recently become the new alternative to traditional wedding cakes for many brides and grooms. And with the seemingly endless options for decorations and flavors, there is plenty of room for customization. Much like wedding cakes, whose canvas for design is always being taken to new heights, these decadent desserts are making their statement at a front table.

So which is the better option? We're breaking down both based on style and affordability in this week's showdown!

STYLE

      There truly is something so whimsical and fun about cupcakes. You can't escape it! It's a staple from many of our childhood memories. If your wedding reception's sole theme is fun and carefree, then cupcakes are the perfect addition. On the other hand, if your wedding is a bit more formal and traditional, cupcakes might look a bit cheap and understated next to the traditional grand wedding cake. Both can be decorated to suit your wedding's theme and feel. So who wins in the style category?

Cupcakes: If fun and a carefree attitude is important to have at your wedding, cupcakes are the way to go!
Wedding cake: If your wedding is to be a grand affair, a wedding cake might be more appropriate. Let's not forget the symbolic importance of the wedding cake. The last thing you want to do is lose sight of your beautiful cake at the reception because it's either non-existent or just doesn't stand out.

COST

When cupcakes were first introduced to the wedding industry, they were the cheaper more cost efficient alternative to the traditional grand wedding cake. It was soon apparent that bakers would have to put just as much work into cupcakes, if not more work, as a regular cake! Each one has to be iced and decorated and sometimes cupcake stands need to be purchased, as most bakers will only have cake stands.
   On the other hand, it is easier for a non-professional baker to make cupcakes than an elaborate 8-tiered masterpiece. The simplicity alone will save you money. There are other variables that add to the cost of cupcakes however:

www.cakepicturegallery.com

• Specialty cupcake liners
  To match your wedding colors approx. $0.10 each
  Fancy laser cut cupcake liners approx. $1 each
  
• Sugar flowers
  these can either be royal icing or gumpaste
  Wendy Kromer $0.40 - $9 per flower
  Whole Sale Sugar Flowers $0.12 - $1 per flower
  Sugar Craft $0.30 - $3 per flower
  
• Monogrammed fondant hearts
  Wendy Kromer Approx $1 each.
  
• Mini bride and groom cupcake toppers
  Plum Party 12 for $7.50
  
• Cupcake Stands
  Wilton wire stand Holds 38 cupcakes $39.99
  
  Acrylic Cupcake Stands - tiered cupcake tree comes in six styles and sizes to display 8 to 200 cupcakes

 WINNER: In the end, choosing to do memorable and extravagant cupcakes might cost you just as much as an unforgettable wedding cake. You'll just need to decide which is the better fit for your reception theme.

** Are you thinking about using cupcakes for your reception instead of a traditional wedding cake? We want to hear the details!! = )

                             Love,
                                 The Emily Weddings Team

History in the Making: The Royal Wedding

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The day has come! Prince William and, now, Princess Kate are man and wife and their wedding day could not have been more perfect! From the start of the ceremony affairs and processional of honorable guests, the anticipation for the arrival of the bride grew with intensity. All were anxious to see the mysterious gown and catch a glimpse of history truly in the making.

There were many aspects of today's royal wedding that stood out for many of us, whether it be Princess Kate's unforgettable ride to Westminster Abbey with her father, or her 4 minute walk down the Abbey's aisle. The whole day just seemed magical and truly was the epitome of elegance. Her dress, designed by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen was tasteful yet flattering. Her poise and subtleness is that of a future Queen. Her small bouquet, although understated but manageable, was meaningful containing Lily of the Valley, Stephanotis blossoms and a sprig of Myrtle for good luck (a royal tradition). And her tiara, an 18th birthday present of Queen Elizabeth's, was classic and regal.

www.msnbc.com

 Details from the Day:
    1. Rumor has it that Princess Kate wore flats for her 4 minute walk down the aisle. While most brides do this for the reception, Princess Kate made a wise decision for a very long and memorable walk.
    2. "You may not kiss the Bride"? Yes, Prince William and Princess Kate did not share a first kiss as man and wife within the walls of Westminster Abbey as the church is hallowed ground and a kiss is serious business for royalty. A kiss must be done tastefully and at the most appropriate times.
    3. William did not watch his Bride come down the aisle like most grooms do. This tradition fits rather appropriately for the couple as they represent an even and fair marriage. We know Princess Kate did not vow to "obey" William, like Diana, and a good majority of their relationship ideologies were apparent throughout the ceremony. William would not see his Bride until she was at his side, very representative of their outlook on marriage.
     4. Diana was remembered and very much apart of the day's events whether it was through the engagement ring, special hymns performed during the ceremony, it was even noted that just before Princess Kate entered Westminster Abbey a burst of sunlight broke through the overcast skies, as if to signify Diana's presence.

There is no doubt that today's event will forever be remembered in history. And many that watched this wedding, young and old, will reminisce for years to come.

Of all of today's memorable events, we want to hear your favorite! Likes, dislike, tell us about it! Be detailed as your comments will help create an inspiration board reflecting the royal wedding that future brides might use to create their dream day! = )

           Love,
              The Emily Weddings Team

Bad Luck to See the Bride?

www.jaredwilsonphotography.com

We've all heard the wedding day superstition that it's bad luck to see the bride before she walks down the aisle. Did you ever wonder where the superstition came from? Years ago, marriages were often arranged and the bride and groom had never met. The bride was still considered to be her father's "property", hence the "giving away" aspect of the wedding. Many grooms would leave at the first sight of the bride! Because of this, both bride and groom were separated until the ceremony.  The sheer and delicate veil that modern brides wear today was a heavier, yellow material that neither the groom or even the bride could see through. The bride's face wouldn't be revealed until she was already at the altar and the nuptials were complete. 

Today, couples have adopted a spin on the age old tradition. The "First Look" as photographers call it, is a private moment for the Bride and Groom before the ceremony. This time together helps relieve pre-wedding jitters but remains an exciting and anticipated moment for the couple. Despite traditional beliefs about it's bad luck, opting to see each other before the ceremony is ultimately a magical and very emotional moment. One that should be captured on film or in photographs. Photographers favor the idea of the "First Look" because it allows them to capture the essence of the day and the majority of the couples' portraits. 

www.linandjirsablog.com

Some might ask if the dramatic entrance of the bride at the ceremony will be compromised, considering the groom has already seen the bride. Absolutely not! If anything it is enhanced and swells with emotion. Nothing can take away from a bride's climatic entrance into a chapel, father on one arm, proceeding down the aisle to the man she will spend the rest of her life with. The processional is always a special time for the groom especially. I find that every wedding I attend I catch myself doing the same thing repeatedly. The doors open and everyone stands to gaze at the beautiful bride coming down the aisle. I, however, turn to glance at the groom. It's his face that will show the most expression and I give credit to any photographer who remembers to snap that photograph at a wedding. 

 

**Are you considering a "First Look" for your wedding day? Tell us about it!

           Love,

               The Emily Weddings Team