Bride's Guide

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(BPT) - October is the new June. More and more, weddings are taking place in the height of fall foliage, heart of winter and prime holiday season, including the ever-popular New Year’s Eve ceremony to ring in the new year. But it’s not just the wedding season that has drastically evolved over the past decade, it’s everything from roles and responsibilities to gi� -giving.

As you gear up to celebrate the union of your beloved family or friends - or even your own - know what to expect from the changing tides of weddings. Lizzie Post, co-author of “Emily Post’s Etiquette, 18th edition” and great-great-granddaughter of Emily Post, helps couples navigate the new traditions of weddings. � e Post name has been synonymous with proper etiquette and manners for the past 80 years.

As decades pass, so will

traditions, but proper etiquette is timeless. Be prepared for the next wedding you attend and know what to expect from changes in the wedding landscape with these important pieces of advice:

PAY IT FORWARDFinding the right gi� for

the newlyweds can be di� cult. While registries help to point guests in the right direction, many couples are getting married later in life and already have all the household items that are common wedding gi� s. To provide the couple with a small nest egg to use however they wish, a check is always a great and safe gi� idea. Several � nancial institutions, like Bank of America, o� er mobile check deposit through their banking app, allowing the couple the � exibility to deposit checks on-the-go to help cover outstanding vendor payments or use on their

honeymoon. Another new-age trend is contributing to a couple’s honeymoon fund.

TEMPER TECH USE

Even weddings are going hi-tech. � ere are numerous websites available that can help the couple to organize the process, communicate with guests and share photos a� er the ceremony. But a few things - like a handwritten “thank you” note - should steer clear of the hi-tech lure. In a gadget-driven society, everyone is carrying a smartphone. Couples can post a tasteful notice at the entrance of the ceremony location or in the program to remind guests to turn o� their cell phone ringers and refrain from use during the ceremony. Some couples may actually encourage guests to take photos and share images via social media, but guests

should respect their wishes and use phones only as a camera and upload images a� er the ceremony.

RESPECT PERSONALIZATION

Couples want their special day to re� ect who they are and what is important to them. While previous generations traditionally wed in places of worship, many modern couples choose to tie the knot at a sentimental location, like where they had their � rst date. � e decor, music and even the food and drink served at a wedding may have a personal story behind it. No matter how nontraditional the element may be, guests should

eagerly partake in the festivities, acknowledging and respecting the couple’s individualization.

BE ALL-INCLUSIVEIn the past, bridal showers

were strictly for the bride and bachelor parties were a men-only a� air. Nowadays, these festivities are no longer gender-speci� c. Showers can be thrown for the couple in unison and include creative themes like “stock the bar” or “time of day.” Bachelor and bachelorette parties can also be conjoined to involve the entire bridal party in a destination event. And while these events are a celebration of joy, expenses can add up quickly. If you use a

rewards card, like the BankAmericard Travel Rewards credit card, you can earn points on purchases to pay for all or part of your trip. � is is great for both the bride and groom and guests traveling to the wedding.

As trends and expectations shi� , so will the way major life milestones are celebrated. It is important to celebrate these moments in life with grace and support for the happy couple - a� er all, it’s their day - and it should be as unique as they are.

For further etiquette advice on navigating 21st century weddings, visit www.emilypost.com.

honeymoon. Another new-

Even weddings are going hi-tech. � ere are numerous websites available that can help the couple to organize the

should respect their wishes and use phones only as a camera and upload images a� er the

eagerly partake in the festivities, acknowledging and respecting

rewards card, like the BankAmericard

NEW TIMES,NEW TRADITIONS:Modern wedding trends from stock-the-bar parties to social networking sites

Sunday, February 9, 2014 1Bride's GuideTh e Eagle • theeagle.com

As any holiday host can attest, timing is crucial to getting a meal out hot and ensuring each course is ready for the table. Timing is equally important when planning a wedding. Various elements must come together in the right order to create a seamless day for couples and guests alike.

In addition to organizing � oral deliveries, ensuring the wedding party arrives on time, and getting hair and makeup done promptly, couples who will be having their ceremony in a di� erent location from the reception will need to spend more time factoring timing into their wedding day equations. Factors like traveling to and from the site, as well as hunger pangs and potential weather-related complications, will need to be considered.

Many couples choose to have their ceremonies and receptions at the same site, a decision that makes scheduling much easier. Once the ceremony is over, guests simply go inside or to another area of the grounds to begin the reception. Some traditionalists, though, prefer to have their ceremony in a place of worship and then travel to a separate reception location a� erward. Both

scenarios are acceptable, but the latter option requires a little more planning.

Couples will need to know when the church or temple is available for the ceremony and when the reception hall will be open to guests. Some weddings are held a� er daily masses or other religious ceremonies. An a� ernoon wedding may end a few hours before the cocktail hour begins at the reception site, leaving guests with time to kill before the reception.

Couples can try to remove as much time between the reception and ceremony as possible by coordinating with their catering managers. If � nances allow, couples can request the wedding reception begin early. � is way guests can arrive at the cocktail hour and comfortably mingle among themselves. � ese requests are common, and many catering managers will be happy to meet requests to keep a bride and groom’s business.

If this is not possible, couples have a few alternatives. If the reception site is a good distance away, the travel there may take up the idle time. Otherwise, the bride and groom may need to come up with another plan. In some instances, a family member opens his or her home up to some of the guests, who may

enjoy light refreshments. It may be possible to use a cafeteria or gathering space at the ceremony site for a little while as well. If the photographer plans to take outdoor photos between the ceremony and reception, the couple can invite some guests along to witness the shots or be a part of the photo shoot.

� oughtful couples also can provide other accommodations, such as letting guests know about local restaurants where they can spend a little time and grab a small bite to eat before the reception begins. Hotels a� liated with the wedding party may be able to host guests during these in-between hours as well. � e hotel bar or a conference room might be ideal spots for guests to kill some time.

Couples also can arrange something with the reception hall. While the party room or cocktail area may not be ready until the designated time, the site may have an attached restaurant, salon or gardens, where guests can relax as they wait for the start of the festivities.

Timing all of the elements of a wedding day properly can be challenging. Guests’ comfort and needs should always be a priority.

CAREFUL TIMING makes weddings go off without a hitch

Being chosen as a best man or a maid of honor is a signi� cant and meaningful honor. � ose roles have evolved over the years, but these special participants must still perform some of the traditional duties of the past, including serving as the o� cial witnesses to the ceremony. � e following is a rundown of the various duties maids of honor and best men are now expected to handle once they’re chosen for these distinguished honors.

PRIOR TO THE WEDDINGBefore the wedding takes place, the

maid of honor will closely assist the bride-to-be with many of the important decisions related to the look and the feel of the wedding. She typically accompanies the bride to dress shops to select gowns for the bride and bridesmaids. Much in the same manner, the best man will assist the groom-to-be with choosing tuxedoes or suits and also with coordinating with the ushers to ensure they know when to go for � ttings.

Although the best man will serve as a sounding board for the groom, traditionally the bride and her bridesmaids have taken on the majority of the wedding planning, so the maid of honor can expect to play a larger role than the best man. � e maid of honor may be asked to delegate certain assignments, such as helping to � nd wedding vendors or addressing invitations. She may go with the bride for makeup and hairstyle trials. Together with the bridesmaids, she will plan a bridal shower party and a bachelorette excursion. She may select a wedding gi� for the couple and present it on behalf of all the wedding attendants.

� e best man will coordinate the bachelor party and may be asked to assist the groom with selecting a honeymoon site or to come along to book the trip.

WEDDING DAYOn the day of the wedding, the maid of

honor and the best man will act as a support system for the bride and groom. � e maid of honor will help the bride get dressed and help iron out any mini-emergencies that should crop up. � e best man will help ensure all of the ushers are dressed and get the groom to the wedding on time.

During the ceremony, the maid of honor will hold the bride’s bouquet while she participates in the wedding. � e best man will keep the rings safe until they are needed. � e maid of honor also will help

adjust the bride’s train and veil as she sits and stands during the ceremony. Both will sign the marriage certi� cate as witnesses.

At the reception, the best man is expected to give a toast and the maid of honor may share some words as well. She also may accompany the bride to the restroom and assist her with managing the gown.

AFTER THE WEDDING� e best man will be in charge of

returning the tuxedoes to the rental shop, if necessary. He also may drive the newly married couple to the airport so they can depart on their honeymoon.

� e maid of honor will assist the bride in changing out of her gown and into her travel clothes. O� entimes the maid of honor takes the gown to the cleaners in the days following the ceremony so the dress can be preserved.

ROLES OF THEbest man and maid of honor

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Many couples find that tradition reigns supreme when planning a weddings. Certain traditions, such as fathers walking their daughters down the aisle and grooms sharing a dance with their mothers at the reception, are moments to cherish. Though such traditions have withstood the test of time, couples still have some opportunities to embrace relatively recent traditions.

One such recent tradition is the save-the-date card, a precursor to wedding invitations that simply lets guests know when the wedding is so they can clear their calendars and be there on a couple’s big day. While save-the-date cards are best kept simple, there are a few rules couples should follow before sending their cards out to loved ones.

Finalize the guest list before sending save-the-date cards. Couples must finalize their guest lists before sending their save-the-date cards. Doing so avoids the potentially messy situation that would no doubt arise if a person were to receive a save-the-date card but then not make the final guest list. Trimming the guest list often comes down to finances, so couples also want to agree on their budget before sending out their save-the-date cards. Once the guest list has been finalized, couples can send out their save-the-date cards as soon as possible.

Confi rm addresses.Couples should confirm

their loved ones’ addresses before mailing any save-the-date cards. This can be easily accomplished by sending mass emails to friends and family members or contacting individuals via private messages sent on

social media sites. Postage to send save-the-date cards can be costly, especially for couples with large guest lists. Confirming addresses can save couples money on potentially wasted postage should the cards be returned because they were sent to the wrong address. In addition, confirming addresses ensures everyone gets their cards and no one feels left out when relatives receive cards and they don’t because a couple did not have their correct address.

Keep thingsappropriate.Save-the-date cards need

not be as formal as wedding invitations, but they should still be appropriate. Guests often keep save-the-date cards on their refrigerators, where people of all ages can see the cards. So while cards can be light-hearted, they should still be family-friendly. For example, photos of the bride- and groom-to-be decked out in swimsuits should be avoided.

Don’t overdo it with information.

Save-the-date cards don’t need to include as much information as the more formal invitations, which tend to include information about the ceremony, reception, hotel, directions, and other relevant wedding details. A save-the-date card only needs to include the date of the wedding, including the month, day and year so guests are not confused if the cards are going out well in advance of the wedding day. Couples can include a link to their wedding Web site on the backs of their save-the-date cards, which makes it easier for guests to learn more details about the wedding without inundating them with information too early.

Save-the-date

CARD ETIQUETTE

Wedding invitations o� en provide guests with a � rst glimpse of a wedding’s style. Invitations also may serve as the means by which distant friends and relatives � nd out about a couple’s pending nuptials if a formal announcement was not made.

Amid the � ourishes of calligraphy and impressive paper stock is information that speaks to the importance of the day when two people will be joining their lives together. Guests will learn not only the time and the place of the wedding from the invitation, but also the formality of the event and the scope of the party that will follow.

Couples should keep certain things in mind as they begin to design their wedding invitations.

Have a good idea of your potential guest list.

Before shopping for wedding invitations, it is key to have a strong idea of just how big the wedding will be and how many guests will be invited. � is way you will know how many invitations you will need. Invitations vary in price, so cost may be a consideration if your guest list is extensive.

Decide on the formality of the wedding.

Will you be hosting a black tie a� air,

or will it be a casual gathering at the shore? Guests infer many things about the wedding from the invitations, which should match the formality of the event in style and the sentiments expressed. An ornate invitation written with classic wording suggests a more formal a� air, while a whimsical invitation with less formal wording could indicate a more laid-back event.

Dare to be different by playing with invitation sizes and shapes.

Rectangular cards are standard for wedding invitations, but you can explore your creativity by choosing more modern, artsy invitations. Circular invites or scalloped edges can add some whimsy to the wedding mood. Invitations that fold out or are embellished with ribbon or other decorations can be appealing. Just keep in mind that cards that are not the standard shape and size could be more costly to send. Always have the entire wedding invitation weighed and priced at the post o� ce so you will know what the postage will cost.

Choose a legible font and text color.

Your invitation may look beautiful, but it may prove ine� ective if it is di� cult to read. Do not risk guests misinterpreting

the date or the location because they cannot read the writing on the invitation. Steer clear of pastel or yellow text colors, and remember to have a high contrast between the color of the invitation and the text you are using for easy reading.

Keep the invitation simple.

It may be tempting to load the invitation with lots of information, but all you really need are the key pieces of information, such as the “who,” “what,” “where,” and “when.” Crowding the card will take away from its aesthetic appeal. Most stationers will suggest a separate, smaller insert in the wedding invitation for the reception information and response card. Never put information such as where you are registered or “no kids allowed.” � is is material better reserved for word of mouth or on a wedding Web site.

Do some math. It is important to know your dates so

you can receive the invitations on time, mail them out, and give guests enough time to respond. A good rule of thumb is to mail out the invitations at least two months before the wedding. Have an RSVP date of no more than three to four weeks before the wedding, giving ample time to the caterers and accommodating anyone who procrastinates in sending in a response. You will need the � nal headcount in order to con� rm seating arrangements and plan for centerpieces and favors.

Handwrite the envelopes.Your invitation will look more

impressive if you address them by hand, rather than printing them o� of a computer. If your handwriting is not very neat, consider hiring a professional calligrapher to write out your envelopes.

Make it easy for guests to respond.

Be sure to place a stamp on the response card envelope and have that envelope already addressed with your home address so that guests will have no excuses not to mail a response back promptly.

Always order extra.Mistakes happen, and you may need

to send out a few extra invitations that you hadn’t originally counted. Always order extra invitations just to be on the safe side. And don’t forget you will probably want to keep one as a keepsake for yourself.

WEDDING INVITATIONS tip sheet


Planning a wedding is o� en both fun and frustrating. While planning a party for friends and family can be fun, couples can easily be overwhelmed by the nuts and bolts of planning such a signi� cant event. Interviewing vendors, negotiating prices and arranging for accommodations are just a few of the many tasks couples must complete before they can � nally relax and tie the knot. � e sheer volume of decisions couples must make when planning a wedding is one reason many men and women seek the services of wedding planners. � e following are some additional reasons couples might want to ease their burdens and hire wedding planners as they get ready for their big day.

Planners are familiar with vendors.

Wedding planners work for couples, and while planners o� en recommend certain vendors, they typically work with whomever the couples ultimately choose. As a result, veteran wedding planners tend to have worked with every � orist, caterer, deejay, and venue in their areas. � at makes them an invaluable resource to couples who don’t know where to begin as they start planning their weddings. Wedding planners can save couples time by suggesting couples avoid certain vendors, whether it’s because those vendors

have poor service records or they simply don’t � t into a couple’s budget. Wedding planners also can make recommendations based on what couples want. For example, wedding planners may know which deejays are best for more raucous receptions and which ones are best suited for couples who want a more formal a� air.

Planners know pricing.Wedding vendors o� en leave

room for negotiation when making proposals to prospective customers. Seasoned wedding planners will know the going rates for various services, helping couples get the best rates possible and doing so with minimal e� ort. In addition, planners might be able to negotiate directly with vendors they have worked with in the past, removing one of the biggest stressors of planning a wedding, the negotiation process, from the list of responsibilities couples must handle before tying the knot.

Planners remember the small details you’re likely to forget.

Many couples who have large weddings are getting married for the � rst time, and there are bound to be details they overlook along the way. Seasoned wedding planners are far less likely to overlook even the tiniest of details, helping couples rest easy

knowing that no stone has gone unturned as their big days draw closer and closer.

Planners keep you on course.

� e longer a couple’s engagement, the easier it becomes to put certain decisions o� . But as the wedding day draws nearer, that procrastination o� en turns into panic, as couples realize their options dwindling and decisions need to be made as soon as possible. Wedding planners hired shortly a� er a couple gets engaged will be there to ensure couples stay on track, making decisions as needed and not putting important decisions o� until the last minute.

Planners make the wedding day less stressful.

Despite all the planning and preparation that goes into their weddings, couples o� en � nd their wedding days to be whirlwind days that seem to � y by. Small problems on a couple’s wedding day have a tendency to be magni� ed, but a seasoned wedding planner can address such issues before the couple is even aware they existed. � is makes the day much more enjoyable for the bride and groom and their investment in a wedding planner that much more worthwhile.

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Newlyweds o� en have a lot on their plates upon returning from their honeymoons. One of the more critical issues newly married couples must address is their � nances and how those � nances will be combined going forward.

Combining � nances can be a touchy subject for many couples, especially those who had not given much thought to their � nances prior to tying the knot. But there are steps couples can take to make the process of merging � nances go more smoothly.

Discuss fi nances early and often.

Allowing � nances to be the elephant in the room is a mistake, as couples do not want to begin their lives together treading lightly around an issue as signi� cant as � nances. Couples should discuss their expenditures and spending habits as early as possible, as one of the biggest

hurdles newly married couples must clear is coming to grips with one another’s � nancial habits. If such habits have already been discussed, then developing a � nancial plan will be much easier once that time comes. When discussing � nances, de� ne both short-term and long-term goals and how each of you can adjust your spending habits to make those goals come true.

Pay off any debts. � e cost of weddings has

skyrocketed over the last several decades, and many newlyweds � nd themselves in a considerable amount of debt upon returning from their honeymoons. When merging � nances, couples should prioritize paying down such debt, as debt is a signi� cant source of stress for newlyweds and long-married couples alike. Newly married couples with little or no debt should avoid spending above their

means in the months a� er they get married. Such spending is commonplace, as newly married couples o� en want to fully furnish their new homes or reward themselves for pulling o� their weddings. But new debt can be just as stressful on a marriage as debt from the wedding, so avoid this potentially problematic pitfall by paying down existing debts with your newly merged � nances.

Make note of mutual expenses and open a joint account to pay for those expenses.

Mutual expenses like mortgage payments, food and utilities should be the responsibility of each partner, and a joint account should be established to handle such expenses. When opening a joint account, discuss how much and how o� en each partner will contribute money. One partner might

earn considerably more money than another, so work out a reasonable agreement that details how much each partner will contribute each month, and whether such contributions will be made on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis.

Make concessions for one another.

When merging � nances, couples o� en discover

that they don’t see eye-to-eye on how each person spends money. Couples who successfully merge their � nances o� en note the importance of making concessions with regard to their partners’ spending on certain hobbies or luxuries. As long as those hobbies are not putting couples in debt or jeopardizing their � nancial goals, couples can make

concessions so their partners continue to be happy and enjoy their favorite activities.

Merging � nances is an issue that looms for many newlyweds or couples about to tie the knot. � ough it’s not always easy, merging � nances early and discussing goals can ensure newlyweds get o� on the right � nancial foot.

A couple’s wedding day is the culmination of months and months of planning. For most, it is one of the most memorable, magical days of their lives, � lled with fond moments of time spent with close friends and family.

As enjoyable as a wedding can be, most brides and grooms who have already tied the knot can attest that a wedding is a long, o� en tiring day. It is very easy for energy levels to wane. To ensure you have enough energy to last through to the � nal good-bye of the evening, follow these suggestions to remain energized.

Recognize your wedding day is a very long day.

It’s possible to rise quite early in the morning to begin prepping with makeup, hair styles, wardrobe and more. If the party is an evening reception, it could last until the wee hours of the night. You may � nd yourself up for nearly 24 hours, when the cameras will be � ashing and the video rolling throughout. Naturally, you’ll want to look your best throughout.

Get a good night’s sleep the night before.

Get to bed early the night before so you will get ample sleep and look rested. It is understandable that nerves and excitement may get the best of you and make it di� cult to fall asleep. If you o� en grow anxious and struggle to fall asleep before big events, talk to your doctor prior to the wedding to ask if you can be

prescribed a one-time-only sleeping pill that will ensure you get to sleep promptly. Do not take this medication with alcohol, and be sure to take it only if you can get a full 7 to 8 hours of sleep. Otherwise you may experience medicine hangover.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast.

At breakfast on the morning of your wedding, consume a combination of carbohydrates and protein. � e carbs will provide the initial burst of energy you need to get going, and the protein will keep you feeling full. A combination of whole wheat toast, fresh fruit and Greek yogurt makes for a � lling start to the day.

Stay hydrated.

Although drinking a lot of water can result in more frequent trips to the bathroom — which can be cumbersome for brides wearing their gowns — it is essential to stay hydrated. Dehydration can result in headaches, weakness and dizziness and may make you feel cranky. Be sure to consume water throughout the day.

Pack some snacks.� e time between breakfast

and the cocktail hour of a wedding may be signi� cant. In your wedding “survival” kit, be sure to pack some easy snacks to eat. Trail mix can be nibbled for a boost of energy, and a banana

can take the edge o� of hunger pangs. Avoid anything messy that can drip onto clothing or get stuck in your teeth. Arrange to have snacks stowed in the limousine or another mode of transportation so that you can refuel on the way to the ceremony or in transit to the reception.

Don’t overdo it with caffeine.

It may be tempting to lean on an energy drink or a super-size cup of co� ee to give you the boost you need. But ca� eine is only a temporary � x. A� er the e� ects of the ca� eine wear o� , you could � nd yourself more

tired than before and crash at an inopportune time during the day. Instead, a brisk walk outdoors may recharge your batteries. A� erward, time spent on the dance � oor enjoying the reception will likely stimulate some adrenaline to keep you going.

Eat dinner.When family is beckoning

and the photographer needs to get yet another pose, it is easy to skip dinner. Be � rm with your decision to enjoy your meal. A� er all, you paid for it and it should not go to waste. Besides, sitting down to dinner enables you to rest and

absorb the atmosphere of the wedding.

Continue to drink plenty of waterthroughout the night.

Alcoholic beverages may be � owing, but too many spirits can compromise your energy levels. Be sure to balance the booze with hydrating � uids, such as water or juice.

Weddings take up the entire day, and it can be easy to succumb to a lack of energy as the day progresses. But by heeding a few tips, it’s possible to remain in top form throughout the entire wedding.

HOW TO STAY ENERGIZED throughout your wedding day


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� ough many couples still tie the knot in traditional religious ceremonies o� ciated by a minister, priest, rabbi or other religious leader, more couples are embracing less traditional ceremonies that can be o� ciated by secular o� ciants. Humanist weddings, for example, may be o� ciated by someone who shares the same philosophy of life as the bride and/or groom, and such o� cials typically have no religious a� liation. Civil ceremonies are another type of wedding ceremony for couples who do not want a traditional religious wedding. Civil ceremonies are o� en presided over by a justice of the peace, political o� cial or even a certi� ed notary public. � e rules regarding civil ceremonies vary from state to state, so couples considering a civil ceremony should do their homework before moving forward with any wedding plans. Couples with di� erent religious backgrounds who still want a religious ceremony may want to consider an interfaith ceremony that includes traditions from each faith and may even include religious leaders from each faith.

DID YOU KNOW?

Planning a perfect wedding is no small undertaking. From scheduling venues and hiring vendors to tasting menus, lots of decisions must be made when planning a wedding. But when the pieces fall into place, the entire day can be magical.

One of the � nal components of weddings are the favors guests will take home with them as mementos of the festivities. � ough favors don’t require immediate attention, that does not mean couples should wait until the

last minute to made decisions regarding their wedding favors.

Brides- and grooms-to-be should not underestimate the importance of handing out wedding favors, a tradition with a rich history. A wedding favor is considered a symbol of good will to guests, and there are many di� erent wedding favors on the market. Finding the right one can take a little work. It is usually a good idea to � nd something that suits the theme of the wedding

and is both long-lasting and practical. Try to avoid anything that is too kitschy.

A couple’s budget should be considered when choosing wedding favors. A couple may want to give their guests lavish gi� s but should only do so if their budget allows. It may be challenging for couples to � nd favors that � t the theme of their wedding, as well as their own personalities and budgets. But it can be done. � e following are some favor-� nding guidelines.

Be creativeWedding favors can be

just about anything, so there’s no need to stick to Jordan almonds or wine bottle stoppers. � e more creative couples are, the more receptive their guests will likely be. For example, for an autumn-theme wedding, � ll mason jars with the ingredients for a spiced cake and give the recipe directions on a tag. For a summer wedding, gi� guests with a sun and surf survival bag, full of sunblock, a beach towel and sunglasses.

Complete the themeSome weddings follow a

particular theme from start to � nish, and wedding favors should stick with that theme.

Couples who will showcase their love of travel on their wedding days may want to give guests keychains or purse holders that feature popular landmarks around the world. � ose who are admitted beach bums may want to present a small � shbowl with sand and a gold� sh inside, reminiscent of days at the seashore.

Go traditionalCouples who opt for

universally appealing favors can lean toward some popular options, such as silver cake servers, candlestick holders, decorative photo frames, or engraved keepsake boxes. Aim for favors that have utility. Otherwise, favors may end up collecting dust on

someone’s shelf.Food and beverage

gifts are funFood favors mean guests

can enjoy their gi� s and not have to worry about � nding space inside their homes to display trinkets. Food favors can be lavishly decorated cookies, � ne chocolates, petit fours, small bottles of champagne or cupcakes decorated like the wedding cake.

Favors are o� en integral to wedding celebrations. Selecting a favor that will be appreciated and � t with the wedding is o� en a fun and stress-free part of planning a wedding.

CHOOSING THE RIGHTwedding reception favors

A wedding cake is the pièce de résistance of the wedding ceremony. Guests anxiously await the unveiling of the cake near the end of the festivities. Modern cakes are showpieces grander in scale than in years past. As bakers and confectioners hone their skills with fondant, buttercream and gum paste even further, the results are o� en impressive, awe-inspiring cake designs.

While the look of a wedding cake is certainly important, cakes should not only look good, but taste good as well. Vanilla cake with vanilla buttercream frosting was once the gold standard. But today’s couples are being more adventurous with their wedding cakes and winning rave reviews from guests along the way.

� e vast scope of wedding cake � avor choices available to brides and grooms is astonishing. Options may range from the traditional to something adventurous and daring. Keeping in mind that couples will need to please the masses, � nding a compromise between plain vanilla and a mocha-chile-coconut surprise is essential. Otherwise, they risk an unpopular � avor and a lot of wasted, expensive cake.

Some couples shy away from more adventurous cakes because they fear something chocolately or not white in color will not be well suited to a wedding reception. Such couples should keep in mind that any � avor of cake can be hidden beneath layers of pearly white fondant or royal

icing. � erefore, the sky is the limit with regard to � avor combinations.

� ose who might want to veer from tradition can consider these clever cake combinations.

Lemon cake with vanilla buttercream: Lemons are tart, juicy and refreshing, helping to cleanse the palate a� er a rich meal. Lemon cake, with its summery feel, is tailor-made for summer weddings. � e � avor is popular enough to appeal to many, but just a little di� erent to add an unexpected zip of � avor.

Chocolate cake with chocolate gânache and mocha fi lling:True chocoholics will be hard-pressed to resist such a decadent � avor pro� le. Chocolate can be sweet and satisfying and a welcome change from the vanilla cakes commonly served. For traditionalists, the cake can be covered with a white chocolate gânache. Or couples can ask that the cake be adorned with white sugar roses for an eye-appealing contrast. Chocolate cakes covered with autumn hued � owers go over well at fall weddings.

Red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting: Red velvet cake was once a regionally speci� c staple, but now has grown steadily in popularity across the country. Red velvet has quickly become the new classic, as its vibrant red coloring o� ers a shock of something di� erent, while the � avor is mild for those who are not comfortable taking risks. � e richness and creaminess of cream cheese is irresistible.

White cake with chocolate mousse:Couples who want a bit of chocolate but do not want to be overwhelmed can select a white cake that is � lled with light and rich chocolate mousse. It’s the perfect blend of vanilla and chocolate for guests who enjoy both.

Variety tiers: � ose who cannot settle on just one � avor can have di� erent � avors on each tier of their cakes. � is gives guest some � avorful variety and enables them to pick their favorite � avor combination.

Brides- and grooms-to-be who have speci� c � avors in mind can ask their bakers to include two cupcakes with the wedding cake. � en the couple can enjoy their own mini cakes

while the rest of the guests enjoy a more classic cake. In addition, an assortment of cupcakes in lieu of one cake can give guests the opportunity to sample several di� erent � avors.

Cakes are a part of many

special events, but few cakes are fawned over as much as wedding cakes. Couples can spice things up by choosing a nontraditional � avor combination.




EXPLORE UNIQUE CAKEfl avor combinations

4 Sunday, February 9, 2014Bride's GuideTh e Eagle • theeagle.com

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