Memorable Wedding Cakes: Style and Taste

Wedding cakes play a major role in the wedding party. In fact, some brides actually plan their entire weddings around the style of their cake. While traditional white, tiered cakes topped with the bride-and-groom figures are still predominant, colorful cakes depicting kooky themes and personally-significant tableaux have taken a strong hold on our pop cultural psyche. They are the subjects of reality shows like TLC's Cake Boss and Food Network's Ace of Cakes. Which style of cake should you choose? What should it taste like? After all, you want that special day to last in the sensory memories of both sight and taste. With this guide you can make your wedding cake both a visual wonder and a culinary delight!

Tips for Trying on Wedding Dresses

One of the biggest moments of your wedding is selecting your wedding dress. All brides can't wait to go dress shopping and find that perfect dress just suited for them. Here are a few shopping tips that can help you along the way.

Don't do it alone. Always take someone from the bridal party, close friend or your mom with you. Receiving opinions on the style and type of dresses you try on from your trusted family and friends is not only important but helps relieve a bit of the stress. Don't take an entourage with you though as so many different opinions will make it even more confusing for you to choose.

Never wear makeup or lipstick. The dresses are mainly white and some may be difficult to get into. The last thing you want is to have red lipstick, mascara or foundation on them. What if you find the "one" but it had a makeup spot. Sure things can be cleaned but you want that dress to be perfect. It's also just being considerate for the next bride who tries on that gown.

Don't forget your undergarments. Always wear or bring with you a strapless bra or corset in your correct size. If you happen to have the shoes or jewelery picked out bring that along as well so you can see how everything flows. If you are wearing your hair up for the wedding then put it up when trying on the dresses.

Buying the dress. This is a bit tricky. Some brides will put a dress on and know this is the one and will purchase it immediately while others will shop from store to store, and go on-line to make sure they have scouted out many different designs and styles. I do hear that many brides always go back to the first dress they tried on. Don't put too much pressure on yourself by trying dresses on for months. I promise you will know when you find the "perfect one". Once you put it on it will just feel right.

Size of the Dress: You should buy a dress that it a little big for you and can be altered. If the dress is purchased a year before the wedding remember that your weight may fluctuate during this time frame especially with a little added stress that comes with planning a wedding.

These suggestions are designed to help you along the way. Hopefully this will be the only time you will purchase and wear a wedding dress so have fun. You are going to look and feel like a princess on your wedding day and as you make that walk down the aisle your prince charming will be waiting!

Five Great Outdoor Wedding Locations

If you are planning a wedding during either spring or summer you may want to consider having your wedding outdoors. If you are not set on having a church wedding then the outdoors can be a wonderful alternative, and you can choose to hold your ceremony and reception where you intend on spending your honeymoon. For example Barossa Valley accommodation offers many honeymooners throughout the year luxurious and romantic wedding packages.

Barossa Valley

The Barossa Valley is located only a short drive from Adelaide and is the home to some of Australia's most well known wineries. There are accommodation to suit all budgets, but on your honeymoon you will be looking for something a little more special and romantic. Choose from either a luxury hotel or a cosy bed and breakfast. There are many beautiful locations to get married and if you are a wine lover then you are in the right place. There is also plenty to do in the Barossa Valley, as well as wine tasting, including enjoying the gourmet food trail, bush walking, visiting shops and antique stores and the surrounding National Parks.

Dandenong Ranges

The Dandenong Ranges are a short distance from the centre of Melbourne and many weddings take place in this picturesque mountain range. There are quite a few reception centres located in the Dandenongs, many of which have beautiful gardens for you to hold your ceremony in. Enjoy the beautiful lush forest and tall tree ferns as a stunning backdrop for your wedding photographs.

Beach Wedding

Many people like a more casual wedding ceremony, and a beach wedding offers exactly that. Perfect on a lovely summers day, a beach wedding allows you to literally kick off your shoes and keep the day totally relaxed. Keep a few added things in mind when planning your beach wedding, such as make sure your guests have access to shade, sunscreen and plenty of bottled water, in case the day is really hot. There are plenty of beautiful beaches around Australia, and offshore there are gorgeous islands which are perfectly suited to beach weddings.

Botanical Gardens

The capital cities of Australia are all home to beautiful botanical gardens, and these are lovely locations for an outdoor wedding. Make sure you contact the council or the Garden beforehand as you will most likely have to book your wedding in. Check to see what you can do in regards to decorations too, as you may not be able to do certain*things within the garden, for example you probably won't be able to throw confetti.

The Zoo

The zoo can make a lovely outdoor wedding location, particularly if you are an animal lover. Many of the bigger zoos have conference centres and facilities to have a reception, and some cater for weddings specifically. The zoo would make a great location for photos, and you can choose to include some of your favourite animals in the shots. You will need to remember that a zoo has lots of other visitors too, so if being ogled at by strangers is a problem then choose a different location.