DIY Catering 101: How to do it Yourself!

I am a fan of people doing everything for you on your wedding day. People who do your makeup, press your dress, plan your wedding, people who cook your food...man if I could I would have someone put the food in my mouth for me on that day!

But with the cost being so high for everything, alot of couples are forced to get involved more and more in their special day. This includes the preparation of food for the reception. While I am all for the idea of couples and families DIYing the food (I'm doing it) there are some tips that I feel are vital if everything should go successful. Of course as a big mouth I will share:

1. Keep it simple: This isn't the time to try a new recipe unless you are an experienced chef. Simple favorites are always a crowd pleaser.

Some simple foods are:

meatballs in marinara sauce, hamburgers and hot dogs, veggie pizza, lasagna, pasta salad, egg or potato salad etc.

2. Keep it clean: No one should turn blue at your wedding! Cleanliness is vital to successfully DIY wedding menu. Wash your hands before and after touching meat. Prepare meat away from everything else. Be aware of expiration dates on products. Hot foods should be hot and cold foods should be cold so buy equipment like chafting dishes etc. If in doubt, toss it! Also try buying prepackage foods which will help with freshness.

Omaha Steaks, The Vermount Country Store, Harry and Dave, LobsterGram, Burgers Smokehouse, Enstrom's, Rowenas, and other mail order sites are good places to get prepackaged foods of really good quality. Mail order food can be pricey so be savvy, call and ask questions and always look out for discounts!

3. Watch your numbers: When DIY catering your wedding, stick to 100 or less people. Any more and it will become to much of a hassle.

4. Be Prepared: Rent a big gas grill if you are hosting a barbecue wedding. Crock pots and chafting dishes should be available. Don't prepare more food than you can store and prepare food one to two days ahead of time.

5. Always Have Vegetarian Options : As a vegetarian, I get really pissed if I cant eat at a wedding like leaving early kind of pissed. At my wedding I'm having meat because my FI is a meat eater and our families are all meat eaters. I think its very selfish for veggie people or/and meat people to have only one kind of food at parties unless there is a strong belief involved. Some folks have a religious like views on meat and animals. I personally do not (I just believe its healthier not to eat meat and the cloning of animals is wrong) but I have high respect for those who do. Alot of foods are "safe foods" like pasta, pizza, salads, etc. Want an easier way out of the political food maze? Try these yummy brands They are my favorites:

• Amy's- I think having two boxes of vegan pizza is a great way to keep all veggie people happy. Also the Texas burger is awesome!!!
• Alternative Baking Concepts. The best VEGAN cookies EVER! Its good to have an alternate desert available too. http://www.alternativebaking.com/index4.cfm
• Morning Star- meat alternative.
• Sticky Fingers Bakery-I haven't tried it yet but I love the idea of this mail order shop.http://www.stickyfingersbakery.com/index.php

here's a link that has a list of vegan food and clothing products: http://www.vrg.org/links/products.htm#retailer

6. Put out Fancy Appetizers: Appetizers are your friends if you know what you are doing. A finger food platter is great affordable option and easy to find at any supermarket or make at home.

7. Shop in Season: Don't look for coconuts in December or pineapples in January. Shopping in season is a quick way to save money on foods.

8. Shop Organic: Trader Joes, Wholefoods and other organic markets are great places to find fresh foods.The fresher your foods are the better.

9. Go for the visuals: Add variety into the menu. Having a wide assortment makes sure there is something for everyone. Use bright color vegetables and fruits, like carrots, lettuce, blueberries, red peppers etc to garnish dishes. Add elevation to your display by taking sturdy boxes and placing the dish on top.

10. Keep the Bar simple: No one will notice if you don't have a full bar. Have a beer selection, a wine selection, water, and soft drinks or juice. If you really want to be cost effective than have a signature cocktail/drink, water, soft drink.

11. Wow with fancy sauces: Sometimes you can turn something simple like grilled chicken or tofu into something with dazzle just by adding a special sauce. Remember to heat sauces that go onto meat or meat alternatives. Also adding sauce/ preservatives on simple cake slices makes them awesome. Mint chocolate fudge on chocolate cake, anyone?

12. Have Help: No one can do it all by themselves. We all need help. Hire people who have experience with food ( an experienced waiter, a trusted volunteer) to man the buffet lines or help send the food out to the people. They shouldn't be family and they should have a list of guidelines. Food should be already made. Also pay them well.

love ya!

Fancy Shamacy: The Little White Reception Dress

Welcome back to my edition of Fancy Shamacy! To day I'm writing about reception dresses. A reception dress is a dress a bride wears after the wedding ceremony. It is more comfortable then the wedding dress and easier to dance in. Recently alot of brides are jumping on the trend. Celebrities like the beautiful Christina Aguilera who wore a beautiful long dress with a ribbon like train. Then changed into a sexy white dress for her reception dress! She looked amazing!!! Joe Buissink/WireImage It can be sexy, elegant, short or long! Its a trend that I think is cool and practical! Everyday Brides can get the look without the hefty price tag too! Here's some fun choices that I came up with: This awesome dress is from the nice folks of Group USA. It is a favorite of mine and it looks like a high fashion magazine creation! It would make a great reception dress! Its ONLY $199.99! The info: Chiffon gown On Sale Now $199.98 Style #41770/6115W "Chiffon halter gown with beaded cowl neck and ruched back detailing." This lace gown is super pretty! Also from Group USA. Here's the info: Beaded Gown$269.99 Style #41790/8173WBeaded lace slip dress with sweep train This cute white dress is available at edressme.com! Its a super cute short dress! the info:Sweetheart Bubble Dresses by Dave and Johnny$136.00 Style # 4317 This beautiful white dress is available at Newport News! Max & Cleo® metallic dress "Glittering metallic jacquard dress with flattering satin-banded empire waist, square neckline and welt pockets at the hip." the info : Style No. 1V 44241 $135.00 This sexy number is from dresses.com by Odette Christiane! Here's the info : Angels Touch "Angelic silk charmeuse dress features a figure flattering baby doll shape. A gorgeous neckline features beaded crystal flowers and dazzling rhinestone straps. Built in bra cups." Price $ 189! This dress is for the bride who wants to cover her arms. The Info: Light Romance "2-piece dress shapes an exquisite, re-embroidered lace tunic over a body-sleeking knit slip. Tunic is lavishly trimmed with Venise lace and has keyhole back with button close." The price: Only $87! I love this dress!!!!! Also by dresses.com, White On has a story, here's the info: "Inspired by old Hollywood glamour, this bias-cut satin faille dress follows the curves of the body without being too clingy. A high neckline flows into a stunning open back. Flowing train. It looks like a high fashion wedding gown". Only $177!

This is a simple dress is simply beautiful. Light and breezy its a lovely choice for the bride who wants a sweet yet sexy look at her reception. here's the info: EYE DO

"Innocence meets temptation. Take their breath away in a white v-front spaghetti strap, satin gown. Open back is complimented by flowing sheer mesh ties that hang delicately behind. Sweep train. Fully lined. $177! "

Here's some links that I like too:

db Online Collection of David's Bridal

Really great deals online!

http://www.davidsbridal.com/index.jsp

Coco Myles

An awesome site, simply awesome!

http://www.cocomyles.com/?p=home

Ways to save your money! Reasons too!

Like you really need one but seriously some people really think it isn't possible to have a wedding under $2000! I have seen people do it and yes you may not get a chariot of horses with a golden monogram but what you do get is the satisfaction that you have no surprise bills, no credit card debt and no secret fees that will suck you dry. Here are my tips which I will constantly go over in my blog. In fact you may see this exact article again like every three months cus its that important!!! so lets do it, shall we?!

• First Question is how much do people in your area spend on their weddings? Check out http://www.costofwedding.com/ to see whats going on your area. Its all ridiculous if you ask me.

• What should your wedding budget look like if you are to SAVE your money. (esp. if your wedding is going to be under $2000!) here's a look:

I generally think that a wedding of 50 or less people can be any where from $1,500 to $3,000 if done on a budget. From 50 or more people can be done from $5,000 to 10,000 if done on a budget. I plan on 50 or less. maybe 60.

Here's a basic chart: Your Wedding Budget Worksheet

My Total Budget ___________ Expenses % of total budget Ceremony Location fee, officiant fee, marriage license, musician's fees, ring pillows = 3% or less Reception Reception Site, Food, Drinks, Rentals, Cake, Favors should be= 48% or less Attire Dress, Headpiece/veil, undergarments and hosiery, shoes, accessories, jewelry, hair and makeup, Groom's Tuxedo or Suit, shoes, bow tie, cuff links, studs, suspenders =10% or less Flowers Ceremony, bride's bouquet, maid-of-honor and bridesmaid bouquets, corsages and boutonnieres, centerpieces, flower-girl basket =8% or less Music Ceremony Musicians, Band and/or DJ, cocktail hour musicians, sound system rental =8% or less Photography Photographer and Videographer's fees, albums, additional prints, disposable cameras for candids =12% or less Transportation Transportation for wedding party, guest shuttle and/or parking attendants =2% or less Stationery Invitations, response cards, thank you notes, postage, calligraphy, guest book =3% or less

Gifts Bridesmaid and groomsmen, parents, welcome baskets for out-of-town guests. 3% or less

I didnt include rings either. Now after seeing this you may be tempted to pull out your credit card. Dont you even dare. Credit card debt is a serious issue. If you do use credit cards make sure you can pay it back with in two weeks! Forget about a loan. A $5000 loan at only 14% interest will take 49 months to payoff with $500 a month payments. If you miss a payment you will get a higher interest rate (normally 27% which will take 55 months!)

• The next question is "how do you save money?"

So how do you do it? By living within or below your means. And adding to your income. Instead of buying lunch, bring it in a brown paper bag. Try taking the train instead of driving, pay less gas. There are many ways to save money, just look at your bank statement and ask yourself: "where is my money going?" I found out I eat too much. Also, do you bake? Bake cakes for the holidays and sell them! Can you knit? Well then, get the knitting girl! Can you get another job like a parttime job? During the holidays alot of retail stores need the extra help. Whatever you can do to add more to your savings pot, do it.

• Dealing with the C word: Cheap! (Which really means cost effective)

And dont feel bad about saving money when you see others doing whatever. You dont know what their financial commitments are. Also you are not alone, Check this out:

Watch more ClipSyndicate videos on AOL Video

Here's a link: http://wcbstv.com/video/?id=99982@wcbs.dayport.com

The crunch will be worth it when you are walking down the aisle to your beloved. You can have an elegant wedding with out the price tag if you can be realistic with your expectations. love ya thanks!

Till Undeath Do Us Part 4!

First I want to thank everyone who made this site what it is! Fun and Elegant! I want to tell you I read every suggestion, email, note, whatever! If you guys say you want music, You guys get music! If you guys want wedding pics, you guys get wedding pics! If you want tips to save money, I'm doing that! I feel blessed to have all the love and support and I keep it with me always- thanx

Ok enuff with the mushy stuff! Back to Till Undeath Do Us Part!

Today I found another great love story behold the grave: Jim and Claudean's super cute (and scary) Halloween wedding! Take a look:

Jim (Frankenstein) and Claudean ( The beautiful Bride of Frankenstein) were married by Albert Einstein, of course! He is the perfect officiant! A Brilliant Choice!

The monster mash party! Wait is that Elvis?! Claudean looks divine in her costume!

Treats or Tricks? Who knows....?

Very awesome display of cupcakes!

Finally the loving couple lives on forever. Congrats Jim & Claudean!

Till Undeath Do Us part 3!

Back to...HALLOWEEN WEDDINGS!

I found a great one, Tony and Danielle Brown's wedding. It was beautiful and super affordable. Here's what tony said :

"The picture of us saying our vows was actually the front page photo and story in our city's newspaper.and as far as $2000 wedding,well we definitly fell way below that budget.Everything was made by hand,and gotten for spare change because I work part time at goodwill!(Danielles dress cost $10.) The only real money we spent was on food,(drinks were bought by my brother)film,and gas taking friends to the airport.I think we maybe spent $200."-Tony Brown.

Here's some pictures:

"With his younger brother, Dusty Brown, 25, center, acting as the Justice of the Peace, groom Tony Brown, 32, smiles at his bride, Danielle Weems, 25, near the end of their Halloween wedding in a makeshift cemetery next to their home on Kentucky 56 in Sorgho."

The beautiful Danielle and her hubby Tony.

Tony awakening from his sleep of hundred years

Thank you for your pics Tony and Danielle, congrats!

Wedding Beauty from all over the world! Africa & African Americans

I'm Nigerian American and as a black lady its hard to find sites that have info on trends that are going on in the African and African American community. Mostly there are a few articles and that's it. I have alot of friends who are from different places on the globe too and they have the same issues so I wanted to honor them and myself by providing info on wedding trends, beauty tips and traditions from around the globe. Forgive me if I cant mention everything but I will try to do my best.Lets go! Pic from globe-image.net Africa/African American: Since I'm African I kind of take stuff written about Africa personally. Its very negative most of the time and its sickening. However since this is wedding site I want to talk about weddings, Here are some sites that are great for Africans /African Americans:

• Makas Fashion- Nigerian clothing page. http://www.makasfashion.com/index.htm
• Good naija girl, a blog about being Nigerian. http://goodnaijagirl.com/
• Brides Noir Magazine, a bridal magazine for women of color. Hands down one of my top favorite magazines! http://www.bridesnoir.com/
• African American Brides, the blog on issues in the African American Bridal Community. http://blog.african-americanbrides.com/
• African American Hair styles. Cus I drama with my hair. http://africanamericanweddinghairstyles.blogspot.com/
• Iman Cosmetics, for women of color. Iman is super beautiful and she's from Africa too! http://www.imancosmetics.com/homenews/
• Covergirl's Queen Collection.http://www.covergirl.com/products/collections/queen/
• Black Opal Cosmetics http://www.blackopalbeauty.com/index.html
• Ambi Skincare. I dont use it but I think I want to start.http://www.ambiskincare.com/
• Carol's Daughter. I use this brand and LOVE IT. I have super dry skin and hair and it not only helps it heals. http://www.carolsdaughter.com/
• Amsale Bridal Gowns- The designer Amsale is from Ethiopa! http://www.amsale.com/
• Visit South Africa!http://www.southafrica.net/
• There are tons of cool African/African American sites for the brides and grooms out there, check them out!

Tips for making your own wedding brooms. Jumping the broom is a tradition in the African American community. Its done in order to honor past ancestors. In the past, African American slaves were not allowed to marry so they created a ceremony to join themselves together. Its easy to create your own broom all you need is a glue gun, silk flowers, ribbon and of course a broom.

1.Cover the broom handle with ribbon, glue the part top of the handle where the ribbon begins and then glue the base where it ends.

2. Repeat the first step.Make sure the handle is completely cover in ribbon.

3. Use left over ribbon to make a bow. glue the bow at the base and then add the flowers and glue in place.

4. Let dry over night.tada!

NEXT : ASIAN WEDDING TIPS AND PRODUCTS! Love ya!

Till Undeath Do Us Part, 2!

Here are some clips of great Halloween weddings from You Tube! Enjoy! Congrats Melissa and Brian! BBC Clip on a goth wedding. Everyone looks great! Congrats Alex& Faerie! This is what a Halloween Wedding should look like! Last but not least, the Thriller by Micheal Jackson performed by some really cool white dudes!

Till Undeath Do Us Part!

pic courtesy of www.gii.in

Halloween Weddings are fun, cute, affordable and unique! No two are alike. But how and where do you start? Of course there are the usual bridal stuff like setting a budget, picking a venue etc.but there is still other things that go into a great Halloween wedding. Here are my tips to having a great Halloween wedding without raising the dead's wallets!

This gal had an awesome wedding and she looks great. pics from zonks55 on Flickr

• Pick a theme: A theme is a great way to personalize your day. It could be a favorite horror movie ( The Bride of Frankenstein, Lord of the Rings), or a general party theme (spooky wedding, vampires, ) or an era (renaissance wedding, 1920's flapper party, wild west) . A theme gives you direction.
• Pick a great date. I personally think that its better to have your Halloween wedding before or after Halloween. Why? Cus most people who have kids are taking their kids trick or treating And all of the Halloween stuff goes on sale after/before Halloween.
• Look for decor on sale and don't be afraid to over do it! Here are some great sites to find spooky details :

Micheals, The arts and crafts store. A great place to get crafts for a Halloween party.http://www.michaels.com/art/online/home

Steve Spangler Science. A super cool site to add that extra scary touch. Get dry ice, broken bones x-rays pics, clear slime, human brains, glowing body parts, you get the idea. http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/category/halloween?gclid=CLy1nY-cuZYCFQgRFQodI0xDMA

Grandin Road. A posh site for affordable Halloween decor. Get wild black cats here for only $29.00! Wooden coffins for only $39.00! Life sized skeletons for $39.00! Halloween crows for $14.00! http://www.grandinroad.com/jump.jsp?itemType=CATEGORY&itemID=2759&path=1%2C2%2C2759

Halloween Effects.us This site has really cool and fun decor stuff.My favorites? The Fiber Optic Hanging Skull Bride for only $9.99! http://www.halloweeneffects.us/default.asp

Target, CVS, Walmart, Riteaid, kmart are also great places as well as your local arts and crafts store.

• DIY and Borrow whatever you can! Know someone who loves Halloween and has great Halloween decorations every time? Ask that person for help, they can use their expert eye to see what you can't. Also DIY whatever you can and get tips along the way. Here are some sites that have great projects for your Halloween wedding:

Martha Stewart. Its all about Martha, Martha, Martha! Yup this blond diva has the inside scoop on arts and crafts from yummy treats to jack o lanterns. http://www.marthastewart.com/

Wanda's Halloween Cookbook. Cool treats that you can eat. http://www.halloweenkitchen.com/

• Get a pro wedding cake. Normally I say have a simple cake but when you are having a Halloween theme wedding, art is everything. A simple cake wont do here it needs to be gruesome!

These cupcakes are the awesome artwork of Le Cupcake and Kylie Lambert.http://www.lecupcake.com/upcake.com/

This Halloween Wedding Pumpkin cake from Pink Cake Box is great for a Halloween wedding. http://www.pinkcakebox.com/

• Buy two dresses. Personally I think its important to have a normal ceremony and an awesome Halloween theme reception. why? Cus you will have pictures that are normal forever and fun pics too. This is why you should have a ceremony dress and a dress/ or costume that can be trashed. The second dress should be super affordable. Put fake blood on it or sew cob webs and spiders on it put on some scary contacts and some fangs and you are a vampire bride! Simple right?!
• Or try couples costumes! Marc Anthony and Cleopatra, Frankenstein and his Bride, Count Dracula and his Bride, Hugh Hefner and his Bunny, whatever you fancy!

• Get your guest involved by being clear on the invites. The more details you give the better!
• Have fun and don't over think it!

love ya!

Colorful Wedding Dresses: super cool choice!

A blue dress? On a bride at a wedding? Yes! Red is super tacky on a bride, right? No! Attention Everyone: The rules are changing! Brides are now wearing what they want at their wedding!

Wanna wear a long silky Green dress? Go for it gal! Think Pink? Do it lady!

Want blood dead Red? Rock on with your bad self!

No longer is white or even ivory that only choice for brides. Its totally ok to wear colors on your special day. Kelis wore this beautiful Micheal Williamson dress on her wedding to Rapper Nas and she looked awesome! The beautiful Gwen Stefani wore a white and pink combo dress when she wanted to tie the knot to cool rocker Gavin Rossdale. She looked stunning in her dress by John Galliano.

Non celeb brides are doing it with ease too! Here are some cool dresses that are not only colorful and beautiful but affordable: This dress is from Cinderella's Closet. Its really cool if you like silver. "Simple and Elegant charmeuse gown. V-neck with detailed ruching at bustline. Criss -cross spaghetti straps are adorned with sequins. Lace inset at the base of the back is surrounded by light ruching" Price only $258! http://www.cinderellasgowns.com/ The next one is from Group USA. Group Usa is a great place to get a wedding gown. However, I found this one in the Quinceanera department for only $ 299.99! $299.99 Style #42420 / 1031QAsyemetrical beaded and tulle gown. Colors Available pink/yellow http://www.groupusa.com/

This red stunner is from Alexia Designs courtesy of House of Brides.com! Its only $163! You can pick your colors and the trim of your dress. Style 2410 is in Satin. This strapless dress features a beaded band at the neckline, lace-up back and an A-line skirt with contrasting hemline. Includes shawl.

This Betsy &Adam dress is also available at House of Brides. I love the polka dot vintage pin up gal feel to this dress. The bow is really cute too! $140! Style 018284 is a strapless dress with accent at natural waist, long back bow and floor-length skirt. Any color in this dress is awesome!http://www.houseofbrides.com/home.php

Summon your inner Mother Nature goddess wit this beautiful dress from A.B.S. on Bluefly! Its only $279.00! Color: Sage / Brown / Tan / Ivory Ombré printed sheer silk chiffon Strapless with interior boning Draped inset extends from front to back empire waist Pleating at bust Full sateen underlayer Contemporary fit Side invisible zip closure Size 4 measures 47'' long from natural waist and 28'' at bust Approximate measurements vary by size style#213702900

Want chocolate? Take a bite out of this A.B.S. dress at Blue fly. Its only $240! Color: Dark Brown Midweight, lustrous sateen Asymmetrical neckline One shoulder, faux leather strap with d-ring and draped detail style#213702600

http://www.bluefly.com/

Have everyone green with envy! This beautiful creation is from Jessica McClintock! Its Poly Satin Buster Dress W/Sweetheart Neck, Princess Seams and Long Lifted Bubble Skirt. Style no 24896. Its only $233.00!

Something old, something new, something borrowed and something...Blue? Stick with tradition but keep your sense of style with this blue dress from Jessica McClintock! Its only $181! Style no 24885!

Think Pink! Hot pink that is with this dress also from Jessica McClintock! Its only $186! and its style no 24884.http://www.jessicamcclintock.com/

Love Black? Wear it cus its your day! This lace dress is from Newport News its only $79! yup $79! Strapless dress with a shirred surplice bust, high empire waist. Seamed and fitted to the hip, and flared to the hem. Full nude lining highlights the lace. Hidden side zip. Ankle length, 38½" from waist. Dry clean. http://www.newport-news.com/

love ya!

I love Martha Stewart!

Yes I dont know the woman but who cares? I am so into her site right now. Martha and her staff are super crafty and I like artistic people as long as they aren't mean or weird. As you guys know my wedding theme colors are pink and gold. I kind of have a theme but my FI keeps changing things. Anywho, I was so happy to see this on the website and I will so be picking up an issue when I have the time:

I love the way she incorporates the theme into everything. I dont think my wedding will look exactly like this but its very close. I picked this theme because its really elegant, feminine, it works with every kind of pink and I just got tired of seeing silver and icy tones which do nothing for me. What I really love is the candy bar:

Check Martha Stewart Weddings out : www.marthastewart.com/

Holy Crazy Cute Couture Classy Cakes, Batman!

Everyone loves cakes. Its not only a free desert that pleases everyone especially kids its a showstopper that gets center prize at a majority of weddings.

Personally I wanted to have vegan cupcakes at my wedding instead of a traditional cake but my FI wants a traditional cake. I was super bummed but then we made a compromise and we decided we want a cake and cupcakes at the wedding. It was a super combo, a great idea! The cake for the cake cutting ceremony and cupcakes for the budget! I REALLY Like this one I saw on Flicker. Its Beautiful!:

But it got me thinking. "hey stupid some people don't want cupcakes!" Traditional wedding cakes are still in vogue despite the rage for cupcakes. In fact traditional wedding cakes have more versatility then cupcakes and are becoming an artistic way to incorporate memories, color themes, general themes,nostalgia and just cool stuff.

Check out some celebrity cool cakes:

Toni Braxton's Tiffany box cake! Kelis's Golden cake! Catherine Zeta Jones Douglas' white masterpiece! Finally Katherine McPhee's pink floral cake!

So here is my tips to cost saving cakes:

1. DIY your wedding cake: Ask a relative who has a great cooking to make a cake. Or if someone has offered try a sample of their cakes and give them a try. Give them a list of what you don't like or what you are allergic to and let them go. Have two back up sheet cakes just in case of the worst (which rarely) happens.

2. Get your cake from a grocery or/and a local bakery : Buy some sheet cakes and order smaller gourmet cakes (two tiers) for the display. Try to order the same flavor in different sizes. Dont worry if they are not stacked, sites like Wilton ( http://www.wilton.com/), Cake Decco Co ( http://cakedecoco.com/index.html),Wedding Cake Stand.net ( http://www.weddingcakestand.net/index.html) have great cake stands that are practical and presentable.

3. If you go into a pricey bakery or cafe avoid the word wedding. Alot of vendors charge more for "wedding" stuff than regular stuff. Also avoid the fancy stuff. the more work they have to do, the more you will pay. Exotic flavors + Tiny edible flowers = Hefty Bills!

4. Stick a simple shape (round). Also stick with simple colors, a plain cake in white or pastel or a favorite color can be decorated with flowers.

5. Shop around if the first quote you get is too high, ask about any discounts. If still a no than leave and look for some else in your budget.

so here are my tips! good luck!

Hey Mr. Dj, Play the funky Music!

Aah, music. A big time love of mine here is a song I'm lovin right now! John Legend feat Andre 3000 in "Greenlight". Its so cool and its fun sexy. I love dancing! I want to dance all night long at my wedding. I guess most people do. But today some of the DJs and musicians are charging crazy amounts to host a four to six hour event. So what can a bride do to make sure she doesn't get robbed of her hard earned cash? Ladies here are you options: 1. Have an ipod wedding. 2. Hire a DJ 3. Hire a musician 4. Hire a band Ipod weddings are an affordable trend. With a vast variety of songs and the ability to have more control over your special event makes this a great option. Jeff Fortin the super cool owner and creator of Youdjit (http://www.youdjit.com/) says "The ipod wedding is brilliant for the budget minded bride as well as the bride who wants to be in control of the music at their reception and their playlists." Youdjit lets you keep your equipment for 24 hours for only $199! You can also rent an Ipod. Use it for your rehearsal dinner, your reception and your ceremony. Whatever you need music for! They will also do set up for you at your site. Jeff has made a promise to future couples and party lovers everywhere: " Youdjit is in the process of franchising across the country. Expect to see a Youdjit soon in a town near you!" Jeff has some tips : 1. Host a playlist party. Where you and your bridal party can pick your jams. 2. Invite your guest to be part of the entertainment and re leash their inner DJ. Give your guest an opportunity to make toast, bring their own ipods. 3. Play your favorite music and don't worry about music selection. 4. Look for a family member or friend who loves being on the mic. Select an outgoing personality or the "life of the party". 5. You do not NEED a dj to have a wedding. Some Dj are threatened by the ipod and companies like Youdjit are paving the way to budget friendly weddings. Nevertheless, some brides want a DJ to host their weddings. Here are some tips: 1. Book directly with the DJ, in order to avoid outstanding agency fees. 2. Look on sites like Craigslist for DJs who are affordable or for dj discounts. 3. Look for talent underground: night clubs, hot spots, local college events etc. For brides who want musicians like a violinists or harpists. 1. book direct with the musicians 2. Ask around and listen to referrals 3. Check out local universities and music schools: there are alot of undiscovered musical talent there. 4. Also there may be a family member who is musically talented. Bands are great and can be an elegant touch to your wedding. Here's how to save money: 1. Once again avoid agencies with outstanding fees 2. Look for referrals from restaurants. ( if you are in a Jamaican restaurant then look for a steel drum band). 3. Check out hot spots like night clubs or elegant party spots. 4. Sites like Myspace have tons of undiscovered talent. 5. local university music students can easily become a string trio or quartet. Good hunting. love ya

How do you know if your partner is the 1?

I was chilling with my hubby and I turned on my local radio station. It was just awful. Cheating, lying, lusting,etc and some more junk. Now don't get me wrong folks: I'm not perfect. I have the mouth of a hardcore jail bird and I'm a ticking time bomb outside of my job. But it seems like alot of these gals need some kind of advice. sisterly advice like the kind that one of my close friends gave me when I told her I wanted to settle down with my three year boyfriend.

Maggie told me "Get married if you want to get married, forget what people think, listen to what they say and then make the best judgement that works for you cus in the end you are the only one who really cares about you." At that point I really had to take a good look in the mirror and ask myself what do I want? In life, in my relationships, at work, at home, where ever. Since this is a wedding blog, I'm writing about love. I think before you can let anyone else into your space, you have to make sure you are your best mentally and emotionally.

What does that mean? It means taking care of you. Just got out of a relationship? Then stay your butt home for a while until you can at least be cool with the idea of your ex seeing other people. Burn your exes pics, eat your ice cream, wear sweatpants. Don't go on the rebound spree cus your single. Your heart will thank you. You will be refreshed when you finally get out into the dating scene with a lot less baggage.

My friends always ask me "how do you know when you have met the 1?" or they say "I have met the 1 but I'm not sure." My advice and I'm no head doctor but my advice is to take it slow. There will be days when you don't like your partner. Other days you will think of your partner as a Godsend. This is normal. In this day and age we have microwaves, instant coffee markers, rockets, HDtv and we think that we can just say hi to some one and they will fall instantly in love with us. Sorry folks I had to learn the hard way in college that a smile and hi do not equal undying love.

When you take it slow you get to see the true colors of a person. You find out who really likes you and who has blue balls (or blue skirts). A foxy person can only pretend to be devoted for so long unless you are dating a FBI agent, which is highly unlikely. Plus it gives you a chance to see if you really like them. people are so fickle (including myself) so time is good. Yes high school teenagers are not the only ones who have changes of heart. You can do the right things and still end up in divorce court.

I think that general idea is to find someone who shares some of the same interest as you ( however it is ok if you don't, opposites sometimes attract), is responsible, understanding, passionate, clean, intelligent, trustworthy (super important), Ambitious, integrity and outgoing nature. I do think that people can get that feeling when they find someone they click with in that way. I felt that when I met my partner. The time was just to be sure.

Some people say that there isn't a one per say. Some people have many ones or whatever. While its not my way of thinking nor will it ever be I can understand their argument. I don't agree with it but I can understand it. I feel like folks need to do whats right for themselves. This is just my advice. Time to me is the best way of knowing. How much time? It depends on you but one thing is for certain Rome wasn't built in a day.