Warm winter menus!

The chill is in the air! Take advantage of the season by creating a mouthwatering menu that will keep your guests toasty on the inside and fuel them up to dance into the wee hours.  Get creative, and consider these fresh-from-the-hearth menu ideas.

In winter, you need to be thinking about comfort food rather than salad (We mean, who wants to eat salad in January?). Comfort food sounds very self-indulgent but actually, it’s very sensible to serve substantial soups, stews and hearty puddings during the cold weather as it helps to keep the chill out. You’ll also be keeping your costs down by keeping the food more seasonal – and try to source local produce as well.
At dinner itself, you could move onto that old classic favorite, meat pies, or a delicious casserole served with mac n' cheese and mashed potatoes. For dessert think elegant school dinners, you’ll hear appreciative murmurs if you offer delights like sticky toffee pudding with custard or apple crumble. And always remember - your caterer knows best!

 

As far as dessert, your winter wedding cake should reflect the season and the flavor can be rich and decadent. Caramel, coffee flavored, spice cake, moist carrot cake, orange or mint accented chocolate cake, white chocolate cranberry cake are all perfect choices to celebrate in the cold and ice.

An alternative winter dessert could be having a hot chocolate bar for your guests, with all the marshmallows and whip cream they desire - but don't forget about the coffee too!

 

 

The Anatomy of a Whirlwind Wedding!

Oh boy, has the year gone by so quickly, it’s mid-November already?! Time flies, this week our infographic address the topic of planning a wedding in just ONE MONTH! I would like to introduce: The Anatomy of a Whirlwind Wedding. 

 

www.simplybridal.com

 

Decking the halls with love!

It's the most wonderful time of the year. Why not add a wedding to it? Here are 5 things to keep in mind when planning a Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's Eve wedding.

1. Decide if you really want a wedding during the holiday. As busy and hectic as the season is with gifts, parties and travel itineraries, understand that you're adding another layer with wedding planning. For those who are not related to you, you're pulling them away from their own families during the holiday season. And as any December birthday baby knows, every wedding anniversary is at risk of being overshadowed by the holidays. But the festive nature of the season may be enough to win you over.

2. Plan a year in advance. While churches and chapels are much less booked in the winter time, you'll want to book a reception hall at least a year in advance due to the many holiday parties. The same goes for caterers, bands and florists, since so many people will be having office or house parties at that time.

3. Let someone else deck the halls for you. Take advantage of venues already decorated for the holidays. If you're going for a Christmas décor, you'll save big on flowers and decorations. Some couples were able to get by with just bouquets for the wedding party.

4. Save the date. Be sure you let your guests know the date of your holiday wedding as soon as you know. In addition, send invitations three months in advance instead of the usual two to give guests plenty of time to make arrangements. Out-of-towners may have to pay more for holiday flights and hotel rooms, and make reservations very early to ensure everything is not booked. Ask guests to allow a day or two cushion for the inevitable bad weather delays. Even if snow is not a factor in your region, flight may be delayed from other airports.

5. Special requests. Take advantage of foods, desserts, decorations and music that come around only at this time of year. Serve festive cocktails like spiced cider, spiked eggnog and hot chocolate with Bailey's. Ask your musicians to add some romantic holiday songs, such as "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and "Let It Snow," to their repertoire. For a New Year's Eve wedding, give guests top hats and tiaras, and pass out flutes of champagne for the big countdown.

Source: American Bridal

Top 5 Fall Honeymoon Destinations

Deciding on a honeymoon destination can be challenging and adds to the stress of planning a wedding. Since honeymoons are supposed to be relaxing, we've taken the work out of finding the perfect postnuptial destination for fall. Here's the top 5 places to start your happily-ever-after perfectly!

1. Paris
How romantic! Paris in the fall is especially nice since there are fewer crowds than in summer and more affordable prices, too. Paris offers an endless array of cultural pursuits like world-class museums, swoon-worthy sights, and some of the finest restaurants and bakeries in the world (bonjour, pastries!). But what makes the city of light so magical is its indescribable je ne sais quoi, which can only be truly discovered by getting lost among its many quaint side streets, charming boulevards, cozy cafés, and specialty shops.

2. Napa and Sonoma
For the perfect Stateside honeymoon this fall, you won't find anywhere more romantic than California's Wine Country. Autumn is an excellent time to visit, when the summer crowds have thinned out and "crush" time offers visitors the chance to see the wineries in action as they harvest the grapes. Picturesque views, relaxing spas - oh, and did we mention the wine?

3.  Riviera Nayarit
Revel in post-wedding bliss in Riviera Nayarit, a low-key region on Mexico's Pacific coast. Nestled in the Sierra Madre, Riviera Nayarit is famous for its fine, white-sand beaches; blue waters; eco-friendliness; diverse wildlife (whale-watching is very popular); and authentic Mexican charm.

4. ABC Islands
Start your happily-ever-after basking in the sun on Aruba, Bonaire, or Curaçao. Set in the Caribbean's sweet spot for weather, these three islands offer a near-perfect climate year-round, with a location blissfully removed from the so-called hurricane belt. Although Aruba may be the trio's best-known isle, don't discount laid-back Bonaire and Curaçao, where azure waters and fantastic coral reef diving attract visitors from around the world.

5. Chile and Argentina
Adventurous couples should celebrate their nuptials with a spirited escape to South America. Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia, and tour romantic wineries set high in the Andes in Mendoza and just outside of Santiago. Once you've had your fill of the great outdoors, experience the cosmopolitan oasis of Buenos Aires. Whether you're enjoying a sizzling Argentinean steak at a local parrilla (steakhouse) or dancing the night away at a milonga (tango club), urban-minded couples will find plenty of ways to fuel their passions in this stylish city.

Source: Fodor's Travel

Cheers, to the Bride and Groom!

Can't make it to Germany for your wedding? We've got the next best thing. Bottoms up, ladies and gents!

www.simplybridal.com

 

Through the years...

We've all seen the past wedding pictures and wondered how that was ever a "good look" way when so in honor of Throwback Thursday, we thought we'd take you on a little ride through memory lane...

1980s Weddings –

 

Although weddings of the 80s were a simpler affair than the blowout bashes people throw nowadays, couples did go over the top when it came to the hair, the amount of fabric, and the prevalence of lace. The popularity of the puffy sleeve, and flowing lacy sleeves complimenting the detailed cathedral train made quite the statement alongside some groom’s white suit, or traditional morning suit. And of course…the bigger the hair, the better!

1990s Weddings  -

 

As far as dress styles go, puffy sleeves off the shoulder are IN! It’s hard to find a bride from the 90s that did not succumb to this trend as they held their colorful cascading bouquet. From accessorizing their dos with the headband veil, to the super short bangs, 90s weddings are chock-full of cringe-worthy hairstyles and the popularity of ladies perming their hair within an inch of their life has them looking back and saying “what was I thinking?!”

2000s Weddings –

 

Personality began to really play a role in bridal fashions in the early 2000s. Long sleeves and ball gowns became popular and sculpting your fashion and wedding design around your interests made the event more personal.  Fancy prom like updos became popular and the simplicity was unlike any other decade before.

Today -

 

Weddings nowadays have made so many changes from the past it’s unreal! Themed weddings, personalized everything for the bride and groom, thousands of bridal fashions from form fitting, to a modern princess flare, today’s weddings are an out of this world celebratory statement. Flowing curls, half up and down, messy and side buns, updos, flowers, diamonds, retro, classy, chic, long and short veils, or maybe no veil at all – the possibilities are endless and no bride is every the same anymore. Each bride and each wedding is different and fully customized. However, one thing that is unanimous…the puffy sleeves are out!

Falling onto the Runway!

Ladies! We have the hottest fall bridal fashions for you, that will be sure to leave a lasting impression!

1. Who needs a florist? These petal, floral, and lace embellished gowns are in full bloom this season.

 

 

2. Designers have added a hint of sparkle to their latest designs by pre-accessorizing their gowns with jeweled belts flattering to any silhouette.

 

3. Short and sweet? Long and lovely? How about both! The high, low skirt allows brides to show off some sexy leg, while keeping the traditional train. All that's left is finding some fabulous shoes.

 

4. Searching everywhere for the perfect modern peplum style dress to fit your fun and flirty personality? Look no further. Make a statement in this sweet and feminine gown.