Scattered Pearls Wedding Cake Design

Mother of the Bride, are you and your bride-to-be daughter gathering ideas for a wedding cake yet? It’s so much fun looking at all the possibilities out there—and if you think that’s fun, just wait until it’s time to taste a few. My husband even wanted to get in on that aspect of wedding planning!

The scattered pearls cake pictured above is a great one to share with your daughter. The cake top with fresh flowers and adorned with edible pearls looks both elegant and lovely as well as interesting yet delicate. And, of course, since pearls fit in well with almost any wedding décor, this cake idea is very versatile.

The cake above features ivory and gold pearls and would look amazing with almost any color scheme, but other color combinations could work as well. If silver would fit in better with the bride’s chosen colors and décor, silver pearls and a silver cake stand could easily be substituted for the gold. Since other colors of edible pearls are also available, your daughter might even choose one of her actual colors to be one shade of pearls adorning the cake.

So MOB, why not see what your little-girl-turned-bride thinks of the scattered pearl cake. The search for the perfect cake might just be over. If so, let the tasting begin!

*You might also like to read Wedding Cake Idea: The Drape EffectWedding Cake Idea: Coconut CloudWedding Cake Trend: Ruffles!Wedding Cake Idea: Beautiful Brooch Accents!

*For info about my book Mother of the Bride and also my Wedding Inspiration cards, check out my Books/My Work page.

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter with a giveaway in every regularly scheduled issue, will come out in early May. Sign-up is FREE! *Temporary problem with Life Notes sign-up. To sign up, just contact me.

*Flickr photo by Whipped Bakeshop, Creative Commons License

A Classic Bridal Veil: The Corded Veil

Mother of the Bride, if your daughter has already found the gown of her Big Day dreams, now is the time to start considering veils. Some brides prefer not wearing a veil at all, but if your bride-to-be is not in that group, you’ll want to help her carefully consider what would look best with her particular gown.

An elegant and classic choice that looks good with numerous bridal gowns is the corded veil. The simple cord adorning the edge of the veil, whether single or double-tiered, works especially well with gowns featuring a lot of detail. Something simple in a veil perfectly complements the gown then rather than competing with its already gorgeous detail.

Do you think a corded style might be the answer to your sweet girl’s bridal veil needs, MOB? If so, be sure to put it at the top of your list of suggestions. She just might agree!

*You might also like to read Bridal Veils: The Birdcage VeilIn Lieu of a Veil: Floral Bridal Combs or Hairpins, and Bridal Headpiece Idea: The Flower Crown.

*For info about my book Mother of the Bride and my Wedding Inspiration cards, check out my Books/My Work page.

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter with a giveaway in every regularly scheduled issue, will come out in early May. Sign-up is FREE! *Temporary problem with Life Notes sign-up. To sign up, just contact me.

*Top photo – Flickr photo by outreachr.comCreative Commons License; bottom photo by Chris Humphrey of my daughter Kristin

Cake Table Decor: Bride’s and Bridesmaids Bouquets

Mother of the Bride, have you and your darling daughter discussed décor for the cake tables yet? Remember, you will have two tables or areas to decorate—the main cake table and the table for the groom’s cake as well. Yes, the cakes will be decorative in themselves, but something more is really needed to add color and beauty to the white tablecloths you’ll more than likely use.

One smart and gorgeous solution is to use the bride’s and the bridesmaids’ bouquets to add beautiful accents to the cake tables. Since you already have money invested in the bouquets, why not use them beyond the ceremony?

Not only will the bouquets already be stunning, they will provide coordinating color, already be paid for, and will require no extra work. Just tell the bridesmaids ahead of time where they are to place their bouquets as soon as they arrive at the reception. Or have someone else assigned to gather the bouquets as soon as the post ceremony photos are taken so she can get them to the reception site asap.

MOB, this is one of those times you can kill two birds with one stone. Take advantage of it and move on to the next item on your to-do list. After all, you’ll probably be adding to that list as fast as you check things off, right?!

*You might also like to read Cake Table Tip for Weddings: Display Engagement PhotoTable Décor Finishing Touch: Fresh Rose Petals, and Wedding Table Décor: Add Pizzazz with Confetti.

0307*Top photo by Flowers Photography; bottom photo by Chris Humphrey

*For info about my book Mother of the Bride and also my Wedding Inspiration cards, check out my Books/My Work page.

*The new issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter with a giveaway in every regularly scheduled issue, came out earlier this month. It’s not too late to receive it. Sign-up is free! Temporary problem with Life Notes sign-up. To sign up, just contact me.

Wedding Planning: Two Cake-Knife and Server Sets

Mother of the Bride, add this to your “to-do” list: Find two cake-knife and server sets. That’s right, you’ll need nice sets for both the main cake table and the groom’s cake table. It’s easy to forget about needing a set for the groom’s cake so put it on your list now and save yourself from a last minute cake-serving crisis. Heaven knows you want to avoid as many last minute glitches as possible, right?

I would suggest borrowing both sets or perhaps buying one beautiful set as a shower gift and then borrowing the other set. The one you buy as a gift could be used for the main cake table, and the other set for the groom’s cake.

Asking the groom’s mother if she has a set that could be used for the groom’s cake is an excellent way to help her feel included. If she doesn’t have a set herself, she might be able to borrow a set. If you’re trying to borrow both sets, you can ask other family members and friends or even check with your caterer to see if she has a set available for your use. You could also check with your church.

So MOB, line up your cake-cutting utensils now—and then prepare to enjoy the yumminess of both cakes on wedding day!

*You might also like to read Cake-Cutting Wedding Day TipWedding Savings Tip: Borrow!Make the Mother of the Groom Part of the Team, and Mothers of the Bride Pay It Forward.

*For info about my book Mother of the Bride and also my Wedding Inspiration cards, check out my Books/My Work page.

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, comes out in early February. One lucky subscriber (new or current) will receive a $15 gift card to Starbucks and a signed copy of my book to use personally, give as a gift, or donate to a library. Sign-up is free! Temporary problem with Life Notes sign-up. To sign up, just contact me.

*Photo by Chris Humphrey

Custom Sneakers for the Bride or Groom

Mother of the Bride, everything the bride wears on wedding day will be noticed—and photographed—and that includes her shoes. What style is she interested in for the ceremony and formal shots? How about the reception and party? Almost without exception, a more comfortable pair of shoes than her dressy heels will be needed before the dancing is over and she dashes off to her honeymoon.

A great choice for the reception (or at least after you get past the important photos) is custom sneakers. Not only will they be comfortable and fun, but both the bride and groom can sport them together. And what a cute photo that will make, right?

How do you get sneakers customized? Check the shoe manufacturer’s website to see if they offer a custom shoe service. For example, check this Custom Wedding Sneakers page on the Converse website. Also this Etsy page shows all kinds of wedding Converse shoes. You could also try a Google search for custom sneakers to find other possibilities out there.

Run this (pun intended!) past the bride and groom, MOB, and see if custom sneakers strike their wedding-shoe fancy. Go ahead an encourage them to get comfortable and thoroughly enjoy their party—and don’t forget comfy shoes for yourself, too!

*You might also like to read Rustic Wedding Bridal Shoes: Boots—What Else?Bridal Shoes: The Lacy Look, and Bridal Shoes: The Cute Factor.

*For info about my book Mother of the Bride and also my Wedding Inspiration cards, check out my Books/My Work page.

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter with a giveaway in every regularly scheduled issue, comes out in early February. Sign-up is free! Temporary problem with Life Notes sign-up. To sign up, just contact me.

*Flickr photo by Villa de Amore, Creative Commons License