or gold leaves, cake toppers, confection flowers or fresh flowers.
Orchids, roses or any other kind of decor made with edible
fondant make the most elegant cakes. The design of your cake
is all about the presentation, but the flavors and fillings are the
heart of the cake. The selection varies and includes such options
as angel food, chocolate, lemon, mousse, orange, raspberry, spice,
truffle, white chocolate or whipped cream and berries—
to name a few. With so much emphasis on the cake,
remember to taste test at this point, but don’t forget to
order your cake at least 3 months in advance.
The perfect bouquet makes any event special,
especially your wedding. Choosing your favorite
flowers for your bridal bouquet can depend
on the time of year. The season will influence
what kind of flowers you’ll have unless you have special flowers
imported. Keep in mind that the cost of imported flowers can
be 20-30 percent more. When you visit your florist, bring along
a fabric swatch of the bridesmaids’ dresses and a photo of your
dress (should you have it already) to share the style and color
scheme of your wedding. If cost is a concern, have your florist
fill in your bouquet and the other floral arrangements with less
expensive flowers, including ivy, baby’s breath or daisies. Keep in
mind that if you’re planning to wed around popular dates such as
Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day, the cost of flowers can double.
Your wedding day photos and video need to be taken by
a reputable photographer or videographer. The best way
to guarantee that you’ve selected a good photographer and
videographer is through word of mouth from family and friends.
Ask to review their wedding portfolio and demo reel so you
know exactly how they shoot and what style. Some shoot candid
shots; others go for more formal portraits, while some can do a
combination of both. Knowing your personal style and the
theme of your wedding will distinguish which type of
photography and videography you’ll choose. Most importantly
share with your photographer a list of shots and specific people
that you definitely want to be photographed.
6 Months to the Day:
Select & Order Your Invitations
Your invitations are a reflection of your wedding and should
express the tone of the day. A traditional invitation should
have the following components within an outer envelope:
the invitation, a reception card (if so desired), a response card
accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope, and printed
directions to the ceremony and reception sites all inside an
unsealed inner envelope. If you want to go the formal route with
engraving, keep in mind the process can take 1-3 months, so
allow time to proof what you’ve paid for. In terms of postage,
an important step is to know how much it will cost, so have one
complete invitation weighed at the post office. Other things
that can be a hidden cost include irregular-shaped envelopes, or
special enclosures such as buttons, strings, clasps, or seals.
With the engagement ring, there’s a promise to love each other
forever and the wedding band signifies your commitment. One
of the most popular styles in wedding bands is platinum. Its
durability and strength will stand the test of time. White gold
is a great alternative to buying platinum because it looks like
platinum; only it’s not as expensive. For more traditional brides
and grooms, choosing a warm yellow gold wedding
band is still a stylish option. When you order
your rings, have the jeweler engrave a message or
personal inscription on the inside or perimeter.
Start the process as soon as possible to make
sure you receive the rings in plenty of time for
your ceremony. ■
The Final Countdown Begins —
check these last few items of bridal
business off your to-do list:
3 Months to the Day: Mail your wedding
invitations. Apply for a marriage license.
2 Months to the Day: Pick up wedding
gown. Collect passport and all necessary ID for
honeymoon travel.
3 Weeks to the Day: Have bachelor and
bachelorette parties.
2 Weeks to the Day: Call in confirmed
number of gu