Wedding-Worthy One-Tier Cakes

A wedding cake doesn't have to be sky-high! A single-tier confection is ideal for couples having a small celebration or those who want a designer cake for a fraction of the cost. Which is a wonderful alternative if you are planning a dessert bar!

A Pink Flower-Adorned Wedding Cake with Wooden Figurines

The gorgeous pink rose on this sweet one-tier cake is festive, but it's the adorable wooden figurines on top that really make this a cake worth saying "I do" to.

A One-Tier Wedding Cake with A Tall Flower Topper

The tall flower topper on this Maggie Austin Cake cake adds height and drama to the one-tier design. It's ideal for a small-scale, yet formal wedding.

A Square Wedding Cake With Sugar Pearls

The white sugar pearls on this Maggie Austin Cake creation add a certain ladylike glamour to its unique square shape. A delicate flower topper makes it a true confectionery standout worthy of a formal wedding.

A Ruffled Wedding Cake with Flowers

Structured white ruffles take a simple one-tier design and elevate it to something befitting a luxurious event. This Maggie Austin Cake concoction is delightfully ethereal and ready to display at a glamorous wedding.

 A Quilted White Wedding Cake with Flowers

A petite wedding cake decorated with ivory ribbon and tiny pearls and topped by delicate sugar flowers is a gorgeous, fool-proof option for any size wedding.

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5 Easy Cost-Cutting Moves for Your Wedding

A beautiful celebration can be yours for less than you think. Here are some smart budget saving strategies.




The Guest List
Keeping your guest list trim is one of the most important things you can do for your wedding budget. If you are worried that you will offend people by not inviting them, stop now. Of course you wouldn't leave out your nearest and dearest, but think of all those people who would be pleased to be invited but not bothered if they aren't. The best thing to do is to make some rules. That is, first cousins but not second. Spouses and live-in or serious partners (usually 6 months is the rule of thumb) but not dates. Your boss but not the whole office. That being said, don't split up groups - if you invite the whole office, fine - but don't just invite one.




 


The Dessert Table
Unless you are having a dessert reception, don't go overboard on sweets. Wedding cakes are so spectacular that offering a dessert buffet, a crepes stations, and mini ice cream sundaes is just excessive.

 

The Flowers
It is no surprise that over the top florals can add up your wedding costs quickly. You don't need to fill every corner of your venue with flowers for a lovely look. Work with your florists to use the freshest, in-season blooms to their advantage, then fill in the rest with budget-friendly candles or greenery. The look will still be beautiful. If you really adore flowers, consider a botanical garden as your venue - a beautiful backdrop is guaranteed.

 

Cocktail Hour
Don't overload guests with everything from sushi bars to hors d'oeuvres to pasta and carving stations. By keeping it short and sweet, you'll ensure you will need less food. Go for hand passed hors d'oeuvres instead of having stations. Only offer enough food to keep your guests from getting tipsy during your cocktail hour.

 

The Drinks
Feel free to skip the champagne toast and use the wine you have on the table. Create a bar that you can afford, whether that means only beer, wine and soft drinks; a signature cocktail and wine with dinner; or less-expensive liquors for mixed drinks. Keep it simple. The more variety the more expensive it will be.

Top 10 Wedding Food Trends

Brunch

Brunch has really become popular lately - think mimosas, bloody marys, omelets, or pancake bars. Daytime weddings are increasingly popular especially since they tend to be less expensive.

Organic

While you are planning your omelet or pancake bar - remember to try and source local organic items - or ask your caterer to look into this. Not only is this healthier for everyone but it adds a beautiful pop of color.

Truck It In

Food trucks are really huge right now - whether you are in an urban area and have your favorites or you are having an outdoor wedding and love the convenience.

Cater to the Chefs

With all of the reality cooking shows - we all think we are the next super chef. Cater to that with your own themed tables. Serve some yummy fries but kick up the cool factor with specialty salts. You could also have a "Bacon Station" - with everything bacon flavored.

Comfort Foods

Celebrate your favorite comfort foods - but don't skimp on the style. If you have a theme - maintain that here. Add your monogram or a touch of your color to bump up the presentation of your favorite foods.

Rustic Chic

A huge trend in weddings right now is rustic chic. Think buffet tables or family style dining. You can serve more organic or locally sourced items and decorate with burlap and other natural elements.

The Great Gatsby

Even before the movie buzz, art deco and vintage styles were really popular. Now, the 1920s are having an even bigger influence. This can work indoors or you can go for a garden party theme with tea sandwiches, champagne, and champagne towers.

A Touch of Home

With so many people moving for jobs and such - a lot of people want to incorporate a touch of home. From the south? Try adding sweet tea and cornbread to your menu. If you are from New England you could serve clam chowder and lobster rolls.

Have a snack

After all that dancing and drinking, why not offer your guests some of your favorite late night snacks. Think pizza, tacos, or a sundae bar.

Cheers!

Beverage stations are huge! You could create your own signature cocktail, a coffee or tea station, flavored lemonades, or infused water. If you are having a rustic wedding - don't forget the mason jars!