Wedding Cakes are so last year...

Wedding cakes are absolutely the traditional way to go. There's so much you can do with them...real flowers, different flavors each layer, fondant, colors, etc. But what if the cake just isn't your style and you're looking to add something a little different to the same old dessert you've seen at every wedding?

Cupcakes are the new trend in wedding cake substitute. I found a fabulous place in Ridgewood, New Jersey called "Cupcakes by Carousel" and invite you to check out their website here: http://www.cupcakesbycarousel.com/index.html. The picture posted is their wedding cupcake but you would be surprised how much more they have to offer. I spoke with Emily and she told me how brides have added this to their wedding by using tiers of cupcakes, mixing them up, changing the colors and even requesting specific ingredients.

If you go the cupcake route, you want to make sure you have enough for everyone to enjoy so plan carefully. Next you'll have to decide how you want to incorporate your theme. You can do anything from showcasing your colors, tiers of candied cupcakes or even shaping them like a wedding cake.

Another option is to substitute cupcakes in for the groom's cake. You could place the cupcakes next to your wedding cake and then make something special out of the cupcakes for your groom celebrating his passions in life. Maybe he likes to fish, so you could use the "worm in dirt" cupcake from Carousel.

I highly recommend Cupcakes by Carousel if you're close by. Not only are they extremely helpful, but their cupcakes are beautiful and they taste amazing. Think of all the cute pictures you will get of your guests enjoying something a little different at the end of your reception.

Enjoy!

Casual Bride on a Budget? J. Crew to the Rescue!

Everyone knows that next to picking the perfect husband, the most important item in a wedding, is the perfect dress.

But let's face it, dresses can be very expensive, even for the ones with minimal details. Not into all the bling and poof that we're seeing at wedding after wedding? Is your style more casual and laid back...and are you one of those brides that just doesn't want to spend thousands on a dress you'll only wear once?

J. Crew to the rescue. The picture I have posted is just one of their gorgeous gowns from their collection. Ladies, this dress is only $700, and they have dresses with even lower prices!

What's so refreshing about the J. Crew wedding line is the simplicity of even their most elaborate gowns. They work well for the casual garden wedding, a ceremony on the beach, or anywhere our casual bride wants to celebrate her special day.

With all of that money that brides can save on the gown, it will be easier to accessorize without guilt and keep with that simplistic feel. You can add embellishment to your hair using barrettes, or even just flowers. J. Crew has veils that are short and sweet and ones that drop down to your toes. If you're looking for that special piece of jewelry, they have that to offer as well.

Let's not forget those special girls helping to celebrate your day...J. Crew offers bridesmaids' dresses in a variety of both lengths and colors. Some dresses are as low as $59.00.

Of course, J. Crew is famous for its standard clothing line, so don't forget to do some honeymoon shopping with all of that money you just saved for your big day.

For all of their beautiful looks, visit: http://www.jcrew.com/wedding.jsp