Wedding Cake’s Traditions

Traditions have been associated with wedding cakes for centuries. Some of these traditions have passed the test of time, and are still being honoured today, but some are no longer practiced. Here’s a look at some wedding cake traditions and their significance.

The wedding cake was originally made of many little wheat cakes, which were broken over the head of the new bride. This tradition was meant to bestow fertility and good luck to the new bride in her married life. This is one wedding cake tradition, which – fortunately for the bride – is no longer practiced.

The cutting of the wedding cake signifies more than just the end of the wedding formalities. In the past, the wedding cake was cut only by the bride, and was symbolic of her upcoming loss of virginity. But today, this tradition includes the groom as well, and cutting the cake and sharing the first bite with each other symbolizes the promise the wedded couple has made to share a whole new life together.

According to another tradition, if an unmarried person sleeps with a piece of a wedding cake under their pillow, they will dream of their future spouse that night.

The top tier of the wedding cake was traditionally kept and used at the christening of the couple’s first child. But today, this custom has been modified slightly, and the top tier is saved to be used at the couple’s first anniversary.

Another tradition was to place charms, which were attached to ribbons, in the wedding cake. A bridesmaid would pull at a ribbon, and depending on the charm that she uncovered, her fortune would be indicated. Here are the charms that were used, and their respective meanings:

• A heart: Will bring love.
• A clover: Meant good luck
• An engagement ring: You’re the next to wed
• An anchor: Adventure will come
• A flower: Love is going to bloom
• A horseshoe: You are lucky in life

Choosing Your Wedding Colors. Colour psychology.

Colours form a good basis on which to build a stylish-looking wedding.

When choosing your colour scheme, you will find inspiration all around you; in shops, restaurants, parks, and card shops. Why not base your colour scheme on a favourite item of clothing or your favourite holiday location? Ideas on adding hints of colour:

· Bows, ribbons and feathers can be added to plain shop-bought or homemade dresses.

· Accessories provide an endless number of opportunities to contrast, accent or co-ordinate. To personalize them, try a few tasteful additions – beads, embroidery, silk flowers, diamante or feathers – but remember that less is more.

· Even the most subtle use of colour in your makeup can transform the overall effect of your outfit, the bridesmaids and your flowers.

· The reception table can be coordinated with napkins or napkin holders, flowers, favours and the wedding cake.

Those who are interested in colour psychology say that the colours a person loves are reflective of that individual’s personality. Is there really significance to an individual colour choice at your wedding? According to colour psychology – yes!

1. Red is the colour of power. It will give the wearer a boost and make the most of her energy and confidence. But other people may find it a little intimidating.

2. Blue encourages concentration; it is the colour of reason and calm. A pale blue denotes gentleness and a mood of reflection, while a navy blue indicates strength and authority. The wrong kind of blue can make a person appear unfriendly, but blue with a hint of red or yellow in the undertone is more positive.

3. Green stands for a sense of balance and tranquility; it is nature’s own colour. As it has become thought of as unlucky, it is seldom used at weddings.

5. Yellow is the colour of sunlight. It lifts our spirits and boosts our self-esteem. It is an extrovert colour.

5. Violet relates to the higher mind and the spirit; a slightly introvert colour that indicates the wearer enjoys his or her own company.

6. Pink is a soothing and feminine colour. It is also a sexy colour.

7. Orange is another sexy colour but less maternal and more passionate and sensual than pink. It is also the colour of comfort and security.

Who pays for what?

Today’s father and mother of the bride are luckier than those in times past; the modern trend is for the families of both the bride and groom to share in the wedding expenses. Here is a typical way of dividing the payment arrangements.

The bride’s family pays for:

• invitations and all wedding stationery for church and reception
• bride’s and bridesmaids’ dresses and accessories
• flowers for the church and reception
• photographer/videographer
• all reception costs, music, etc. (excluding drinks, barmen and related expenses)
• the wedding cake.

The groom and his family pay for:

• legal expenses
• ceremony expenses (marriage officer’s fee, organist, choir, soloist, tips, etc.)
• the bride’s and bridesmaids’ bouquets, as well as boutonnieres and corsages for the wedding party
• clothes for himself and best man, if necessary
• gifts for the bridesmaids and best man
• drinks at the reception and related expenses, such as the bartender
• rental of glasses, cutlery, etc.
• transport of the bride to the church and reception
• accommodation for the wedding night and for the honeymoon.
  

Wedding Dress Terminology

Finding it hard to understand all the terminology that’s thrown around when you’re talking bridal gowns? Here’s a primer to help you understand the basics.

FABRICS
Brocade: An intricately woven, heavier fabric with raised designs.

Charmeuse: Lightweight, semi-lustrous soft fabric.

Chiffon: Delicate, sheer, and transparent — made from silk or rayon, with a soft finish — often layered because of its transparency.

Damask: Similar to brocade with raised designs, but lighter weight.

Illusion: Fine net fabric; used on sleeves or necklines.

Linen: Very light, easily wrinkles.

Organza: Crisp and sheer like chiffon, but with a stiff texture.

Satin: Smooth, tightly woven fabric with a high sheen on one side. Very common in bridal gowns.

Silk: A traditionally more expensive fabric. Strong, elegant, now available in less expensive blends.

Shantung: Similar to raw silk, it has a rough texture with irregular “nubbies” throughout the fabric.

Taffeta: Crisp and smooth, with a small crosswise rib; often made from man–made fabrics.

Tulle: Open-weave net made of silk, nylon, or rayon, this is used primarily for underskirts and veils (think ballerina tutus).

LACES
They’re often used on the dress itself, as well as on the veil or headpiece. There are tons to choose from, but here are some of the most popular:

Alencon: Needlepoint lace with designs in deep relief on sheer net.

Chantilly: Scrolls and floral designs on fine mesh, often with scalloped edges.

Duchesse: Floral designs with a lot of raised work; has an all-over effect, with irregularly shaped spaces between designs.

Honiton: An English lace similar to Duchesse.

Schiffli: Delicate floral embroidery; machine-made.

Venise: Heavy needlepoint lace with floral sprays, foliage, or geometric designs.

Spanish: A flat design of roses on a net background; used to make mantilla veils.

Venetian point: Heavy needlepoint lace with floral sprays or foliage.

LENGTHS
Ankle length: Barely reveals the ankles, slightly shorter than floor length.

Floor length: Hemline falls 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches from the floor.

Tea length : Hemline falls several inches above the ankles.

SILHOUETTES
Silhouette refers to the outline of the dress, or the overall style.

A-Line: Fits many body types as the waist isn’t as severe as a ball gown silhouette. Two vertical seams follow the A shape, starting from the shoulders and falling to the skirt which then flares out.

Ball gown: A tight, fitted bodice and definite waistline with a very full skirt. When you think bridal gown, this is probably what you think of.

Empire: Characterized by a very high waist (right under the bust); the skirt is fairly slim.

Mermaid: A very slim-fitting dress that ends in a little fishtail skirt.

Sheath: Not unlike the mermaid, this very modern style is form-fitting, often ending with a flare at the bottom

TRAINS
An extension of the wedding dress that starts at the waist. Some dresses come with trains that are detachable.

Sweep: The shortest train, it extends back 8 to 12 inches after touching the floor.

Chapel: Extends 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 feet from the waist.

Semi-cathedral: Extends 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 feet from the waist.

Cathedral: Extends 6 1/2 to 7 1/2 feet from the waist.

Extended cathedral/monarch: Extends 12 feet (or more) from the waist. (Think Princess Di, whose train was 25 feet!)

Note: If your dress does not have a detachable train, you will need to bustle it so you can move around freely at the reception. This entails pulling the train up and attaching it to your dress by tiny hooks sewn into the back of the gown and the train.

VEILS
Usually made from such fabrics as tulle or lace, veils may or may not have a section to cover the face.

Blusher: A short veil worn over the face. After the ceremony, it is turned back over the headpiece. The blusher can often be attached to a longer veil or a hat.

Fly-away: Multiple layers of veiling that brush the shoulders; usually worn with informal, ankle-length dresses, but this style is becoming more and more popular with all kinds of gowns.

Fingertip: Several layers of veiling that extend to the fingertips.

Ballet/Waltz: Falls to the ankles; this is also becoming popular, in simple, multiple layers.

SLEEVES
Cap: The shortest of sleeves, it traditionally covers the shoulder only. However, off-the-shoulder dresses will often incorporate a small cap sleeve.

Fitted: Very close to the arm, no excess material.

Juliet fitted: A tightly fitted sleeve with a small pouf at the shoulder.

Leg o’ Mutton: Very full at the shoulder, the sleeve remains full until it narrows to become very fitted at the forearm.

Poet: A very, very full, pleated sleeve.

NECKLINES
There are many variations of these necklines; these are the basics.

Boat (bateau): Straight across shoulders with a slight dip in front

Band: Like a mock turtleneck, this high neckline circles the neck.

Décolletage: A revealing, deep, plunging neckline.

Halter: À la Marilyn Monroe, the neckline scoops in front and ties behind the neck, leaving your arms bare.

Jewel: A high neckline which follows the natural shape of your shoulders and neck.

Square: Forms a half-square around the neck.

Sweetheart: Heart shaped, often seen on strapless gowns; there are many variations of this look.

Groom’s Wedding Checklist

Four to six months before the wedding

* Select invitations and think about who you want to send them to. Yes, you have to send them to your future in-laws.
* Select the wedding rings with your bride, and have them engraved with both of your initials and the wedding date.
* Purchase wedding rings and mentally prepare for the receipt figures.
* Pick out entertainment.
* Choose a caterer.
* Reserve rental equipment like chairs and tables.
* Confirm locations for your triple-threat: the wedding, the party and the rehearsal dinner.
* Plan where the honeymoon will be.

Three months before

* Send invitations to those on the final guest list. Friendly reminder: exes do not make the cut.
* Go to your first tuxedo fitting
* Plan and order wedding day transportation.
* Write your vows or go over the traditional ones. Avoid using the nick names you have for each other.

Four to eight weeks before

* Get your marriage license.
* Get your lady a wedding gift to calm her nerves and remind her why you’re so lovable.
* Buy some gifts for your parents and the groomsmen.
* Pick up your wedding rings and put them in a safe place.

Two to three weeks before

* Bachelor party!
* Recover from bachelor party.
* Make a song list for the DJ or band. Be considerate of your multi-generational guests because grandma only has so many hip-hop dance moves.
* Write a speech that includes thanking the special people in your life- your bride, best man, parents, in-laws…

One week before

* Pre-arrange for someone you trust to return any rentals.
* Get a hair trim from your usual barber and let him know it’s for the big day.

Two to three days before

* Go for your second tuxedo fitting and bring your new duds home. To keep them in good condition, refrain from playing James Bond around your apartment.
* Tell your best man to make sure all your guys go for their second fittings too, because we know at least one of your friends would end up going to the ceremony in cargo shorts and flip-flops if his tuxedo didn’t fit right.

The night before

* Give your best man the ring and make the appropriate threats to ensure he won’t lose it.
* Remember to give two very important things to give your officiant – the marriage license and payment.
* Attend the rehearsal dinner with your family and friends. This is a good time to give them the gifts you bought because while it shows you are grateful, it also acts as a bribe for them to behave well the next day.
* Last but not least, go to bed at a decent hour. After all, the rest of your life starts tomorrow.

Wedding Reception Schedule Sample for Your Big Day

Hereby we have listed the most popular order of major events for a wedding reception. You can rearrange these events any way that you like. Use this as a sample and make a schedule that works best for you and your guests.

NB! Do not forget that the schedule should be shared with the caterer, venue and photographer and videographer about a week prior to your event so that changes can be discussed and worked out to make sure all runs smoothly.

Description of Event	Time of Event	Notes (if applicable)
Arrival of DJ / Set-Up	04:30 PM	We arrive 90 minutes prior to start of event on a normal wedding.  Your DJ should always arrive at least 60 minutes prior.  A sound check should be done with your officiate at least 30 minutes prior to wedding.
Arrival of Guests – Background Music	05:40 PM	Guest normally start arriving 10-15 minutes prior, so you will want music playing 20 minutes prior.  As a DJ we normally play a mix of classical and new age style music, but you can choose any style you wish.  If you are using a quartet, harpist, piano player, they should go over music selections with you ahead of time.
Wedding / BP Processional / Bridal March	06:00 PM	Normally the bride and groom will choose a song for the wedding party entrance and a song for the bridal march.  You can go with the standard classical bridal march or you can choose something special for you!  Sometimes the bride and groom will choose to do a unity candle or sand ceremony song. Non-denominational ceremonies are normally 15-20 minutes long, but usually end up starting a few minutes late.
Recessional – Start Reception / Cocktail Hour	06:30 PM	As you leave your musician or DJ should play the recessional song of your choice!  While you are taking pictures your DJ or wedding coordinator should verify all schedules are still coordinated.  While your guests are having cocktails and appetizers.  Our normal music mix for this time is a mix of crooners (Martin / Sinatra/ Como/ Mathis) with mellow classics  and smooth jazz.  Once again your DJ or band should work with you in planning to choose music to fit your desires.
Arrival of Wedding Party	07:15 PM	We give 45 minutes for photos and then another 10 minutes to get guests seated and the wedding party briefed on how the intro is being done and what order they are being introduced in.
Grand Introduction	07:25 PM	This should be done in accordance with how you desire it.  If you want elegant intros or high energy sports type intros or something in between your master of ceremonies (DJ, band leader, etc) should coordinate it to fulfill your desires.  We normally play a background song for the wedding party and a different song for the bride and groom.  If you do not desire a high energy intro we will do a love story which is a history of the bride and groom with music clips interspersed to add some fun!  Make sure the DJ knows exactly how you want to be addressed when being introduced to your guests!
First Dance	07:30 PM	You are already on the dance floor and have everyone’s attention.  This is a perfect time to do your first dance.  Since you have already danced, your guests will not feel awkward if they want to dance to a song during dinner since the first dance has already been completed.  This also cuts down on the number of dance your guest must play spectator to after dinner is complete.
Blessing / Meal Served	07:35 PM	If you want to say grace prior to your meal, let your master of ceremonies or DJ know who will give it so they can introduce them.  Your DJ should coordinate with one another as to who will release tables and how it should be done.  Ask your DJ if they have any special things they do to interact with the crowd and release tables.
Best Man’s Toast	08:05 PM	Traditionally the toast are prior to the meal.  We have found they work better if you pour the champagne / cider / wine as soon as the last guest has their main course served.  Normally the wedding party is finished eating and can now do toasts.  Everyone else can eat their meal while listening and easily raise glasses at the appropriate time.  This has a couple of effects. Your guests start eating a few minutes earlier while you do not waste any time while everyone waits for toasts to be finished, thus completing dinner a few minutes earlier.  Also, your toast beverage will be nice and cold.  If you do your toast immediately most caterers will pour the drinks before the guests are seated and you end up having it sit 15-20 minutes until you get to toasts.  Once again it is your event and you dictate when it happens, theses are just some ideas to think about.
Other Toast	08:10 PM	Normally the maid of honor and one or more parents will want to give a toast as well.  You want to let people make toasts, but be aware that if you open it to all guests you could spend a long time listening to a multitude of people stumbling through saying the exact same thing.  I have seen toasts stretch to past an hour when the bride and groom insisted that everyone be allowed to speak that wanted to.
Father – Bride Dance	08:15 PM	Pick a song that says what you want to convey to your father, or let him pick a song with a message to you.  Your guests could still be eating while you are doing this.
Mother – Groom Dance	08:20 PM	Pick a song that says what you want to convey to your mother, or let her pick a song with a message to you.  Your guests could still be eating while you are doing this.  As the song is winding down this is a good time to invite all your guests to join in for a few slow songs.  They have been though a cocktail hour and dinner and you want them to get moving so everyone is awake and ready to move on with the party.
Open Dance 3 slow 3-4 fast	08:25 PM	Play a few slow songs and then mix into some classic oldies like The Twist or Twist & Shout or In the Mood.  Get people moving,  if they are partying let it go for just a little while.  If they are not reacting then go back into events
Wedding Party Dedication (as part of open dance)	08:40 PM	Rather than doing a wedding party dance with a floor filled with people who are there with other dates you may want to dedicate a song to the wedding party and just let everyone dance with their actual date for the night.
Cake Cutting	08:50 PM	Some DJ’s will run this event.  But you might prefer to announce it and let your photographer run it as they see fit so they get the pictures exactly as they desire.
Honeymoon or Money Dance Songs	09:00 PM	Many names – Apron Dance, Dollar Dance, Honeymoon Dance, Money Dance, etc…  About half of our brides and grooms want one if these.  The idea is to give each person the ability to spend 15-20 seconds alone with the bride or groom to share their thoughts and give them their private best wishes.  This is an opportunity to tactfully and maybe while having some fun, raise some money for the bride and groom for their honeymoon by accepting donations in return for the dances.  Many couples choose to substitute for this and have an elimination or reverse elimination dance where we recognize couples that have been married a long time.  many times the bride and groom present the couple married the longest with flowers or a gift.  Speak to your DJ about your personal tastes and desires.
Bouquet Toss / Teddy Bear Toss	09:10 PM	Some couples are doing the elimination dance mentioned above instead of the entire bouquet garter sequence.  Most still do the traditional bouquet toss.  Choose a song for background music to get the ladies going. Ask your DJ about it and he will discuss details with you.
Remove Garter/ Garter Toss / Garter On	09:20 PM	This should be one of your most fun times of your reception.  Have a good time and enjoy yourself.  If you don’t laugh your DJ did not handle this well.  Choose a separate song for removing garter and for throwing it to the guys.  Work with your DJ to make sure that having the gentleman who caught the garter put it back on the leg of the girl who caught the bouquet is what you want to do.  Most DJ’s will have some twists you can do on this.  The key is to handle it appropriately for your event and have a good time.
Open Dancing – Party Time	09:30 PM	Discuss with your DJ if you have any other ethnic, religious or traditional events you need to do before it is party time, otherwise turn up the volume a little, hit the dance lights, and party it up on the dance floor.  A good DJ or band will normally work through several sets of music of various tastes so that all your guests hear something they will like and get a chance to hit the dance floor.
Reception Ends	12:00 AM	Pack up your gifts, make sure you are square with all your vendors and head off to the honeymoon!

If you are using a wedding coordinator they will coordinate your vendors to make sure all goes smoothly.  If you are not, most professional DJ services will take care of that for you.