I absolutely LOVE mini wedding cakes and was so happy to receive the following information about this new trend from Kelly at The Wedding Shoppe Directory. Anybody planning to have mini cakes at their wedding?

For over a century the centerpiece of wedding receptions has traditionally been a multi-tiered yellow cake covered in snow white frosting. As many of today's brides strive to make their weddings unique, there has been a revival of a custom that dates back to the Middle Ages, the mini-cake. Wheat has long been revered as a symbol of fertility, this belief lead wedding guests of that era to bring small baked pastries as a gesture of good luck to the bride and groom. The mini-cakes were stacked upon each other and the newlyweds were to kiss across the pile to ensure a happy family life.

While this may not hold true for the modern bride's choice of serving mini-cakes or oversized cupcakes, it does create a special experience for wedding guests. There are many ways mini-cakes can be a memorable part of a reception, for example they can be wrapped in individual boxes tied with a delicate ribbon, or stylishly displayed on elaborate wedding cupcake stands that are draped in fresh flowers, and they can even be stacked on various sized plates to form a look similar to formal wedding cake tiers. Although these cakes are smaller, they are often decorated with the exquisite detail which reflects the personality of the couple. Some designs include honeymoon destinations and shared interests such as sports, while others emphasize the wedding theme with jeweled candies and multi-colored hand crafted sugar flowers.

Cake Designer Deborah of Strongbow Inn Bakery finds that "many weddings are coordinating their colors with the cake design". While the mini-cake brings something different to the reception, it does leave out some time-honored traditions. If a bride wants to capture the moment when she cuts the first two slices of cake as her husbands hand rests atop of hers while using a keepsake silver cake knife or wants the miniature nuptial statues that gaze into each others eyes, then it is suggested that a smaller cake is made to keep these "old" traditions a part of this "new" trend. Deborah says that, "our bakery typically creates tiered displays from 200-500 mini-cakes with a six inch cake on the top tier".

The presentation and style of the mini-cake has come a long way since its creation, but if they do become a part of your wedding memories they promise to create a part of the reception that the couple and their guests will treasure forever.

Above Mini Wedding Cake Images courtesy of:
Top Left from Brides.com, Top Right from Pink Cake Box
Bottom Row (left to right): Peggy Porschen, Carrie's Cakes, and Miette Cakes

Today's post is from Nancy Jaeger, founder/publisher of USABrideWeddings.com. She has spent more than 12 years in the online bridal retail industry and today she shares with you her Bridal Accessory Trends for the new year.

According to Nancy, "2009 will be all about bold accessories and expressing your personal style and individuality. Flaunt your unique look by choosing a simpler, less expensive dress, and kicking it up with affordable and fabulous bridal accessories. Forget the cookie cutter, mass-produced jewelry sets and head pieces. Go for hand-crafted, artistic accessories - these types of luxury items are not only affordable, but will give you that one-of-a-kind look!"

Continue reading for the top 6 trends for 2009 - for any bride on any budget, according to USABrideWeddings.com
1. Vintage Inspired
The vintage inspired look includes rhodium or antique-silver hair accessories and jewelry, bird cage or visor veils as well as outrageous feather and flower combs - all of which are a throwback to the 1920s. The vintage look is also the perfect opportunity to incorporate family heirlooms, such as Grandma’s silver brooch – timeless pieces that can be used with the visor veils or as an embellishment on gown sashes.

2. Hollywood Glam
Big hair, big jewelry, sparkling head pieces, and tons of glitz! That is Hollywood glam at its best. Use dazzling bouquet jewelry and long dramatic beaded gloves for extra glam! Long, layered, draping necklaces, oversized earrings and bold colored stones in red and black are perfect to draw attention.

3. Don't Settle for Subtle… Chunky is in!
Brides are choosing to accent their gowns with big, bold jewelry sets--dramatic collars, clusters, or long strands of large pearls and beads, asymmetrical looks and multi-strand drops are all great ideas. Another new trend is a bare neckline with large chandelier earrings, paired with a wide, bold cuff bracelet to really make a statement – layering several smaller bracelets creates the same effect.

4. Go for the Gold!
The past year has been dubbed the return of gold bridal accessories! Brides are choosing darker-colored gowns in tones like champagne and dark ivory, in natural fabrics such as raw silk. Victorian style gowns accented with gold-tones are also popular this season. Nothing compliments these colors and textures like timeless gold jewelry. There is just something about the richness of the color gold that gives the feeling of luxury and elegance!

5. Organic or Natural Pearls and Stones
Continuing to be very hot this season is the trend to incorporate natural or "organic" elements and shapes into jewelry designs. The natural shape and beauty of Keshi and Fresh Water Pearls, mixed with glazed stones and dazzling Swarovski crystals, inspire exquisite bridal designs. A perfect match for a romantic destination wedding!

6. Greek Goddess Style
Want a look that’s sexy and modern, yet utterly classic? Go for the enchanting look of a Greek goddess-inspired style. The dress should be a long, lean and fluid silhouette or a romantic series of overlapping layers. With this look, the accessories are key to bringing it all together. Look for chunky leaf or vine patterns in a head piece or hair pins (depending on your hairstyle), as well as the jewelry. You could go with any color, but make sure it is artistic and fanciful.

Images shown include: Vintage Birdcage Veil, Felicity Bridal Comb, Whisper Feather Comb, Crystal Letter Bouquet Jewelry, Fingerless Bridal Gloves, Emerson Gold Crystal Earrings, and the Pearl Bliss Bracelet

Yesterday afternoon I wrote about the Million Dollar NY Wedding that was to air on Whose Wedding Is It Anyway? last night on The Style Network. After watching the pre-release DVD of the show, I wrote about the bride having a different dress on in one scene of the episode but wore a different dress for the ceremony and reception. I've looked into it and heard back from Monica, the bride. Here is what she said:

"Yes I did change. I had two wedding gowns - a long traditional one for the ceremony, grand entrance and first dance, and a short one for the remainder of the reception."

There seems to be a growing trend towards 2 wedding dresses for the big day. Even if you plan to only have one wedding dress, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this trend.

Today's post is from Christina Demarco and she unveils the bridal fashion trends for 2009. It's time to say good-bye to A-line wedding gowns. 2009 brings new looks in bridal wear and Cristina DeMarco (Vice President and General Manager of Bridal Reflections in New York) shares with us what's hot in bridal styles that will suite even the most fashion forward and traditional brides.
1. Cap Sleeves: Keeping your shoulders covered may be favorable in some churches but it is also stylish, sophisticated, and sexy. "Cap sleeves show off a lot of skin while simultaneously keeping a sense of mystery by covering your shoulders," states DeMarco. Look for St. Pucchi for the best in this trend.

2. Soft-Ware: You'll see less and less bold hardware and beading on the gowns because the latest looks keep treatments subdued. "You'll see lots of delicate beading this year," she says. Gowns will still have intricate treatments but with a rich, fine look. Look for Ines Di Santo for the best in this trend.

3. Rich Fabric: It's all about the fabric this season from rich taffeta and delicate lace, to heavy silk. Choosing your fabric is just as important as the style and cut because it really brings your whole look together.

4. Cut: Sexy, low-cut backs are making their way down the aisle as are V-neck cuts in the front. "More and more brides are moving away from the strapless, A-line gown. Styles are evolving to help brides show off their best assets, whether that it their arms, neck, or back." Look for Ramona Keveza for the best in this trend.

Thank you Christina for sharing these trends with us.

Dress Designers: (all images courtesy of Bridal Reflections)
Top Left {St. Pucchi} Top Right {Ines Di Santo} Bottom Left {Avine Perucci} Bottom Right {Ramona Keveza}

The other day I received a press release from comedienne and CEO of Bride's Night Out®, Pamela Yager. Pamela is considered the "Lucille Ball of bachelorette party planning". According to Pamela, "one of the foremost trends for this season is 8/8/08 weddings". I thought you would enjoy reading this, so below is an excerpt from the press release:

Bachelorette Party Planning Maven Reveals Why 8/8/08 is so Hot
"The number eight is highly favored in many spiritual and cultural traditions," says Yager. "For example, the Chinese pronunciation of 'eight' sounds similar to the word for 'prosperity' In the Chinese culture, the more eights involved in a couple's life, the better chance for luck and wealth. In Russia, 8/8/08 date is so highly prized that it is called the 'Millionaire Mark' day and one bride told me that people would pay a bribe to secure it for their wedding."

Some other reasons why eight (8) is such an auspicious number include:
• Eight (8) is a multiple of four (4). Four (4) equal sides create a square. A square represents the ultimate shape of balance and stability.
• Eight (8) is the symbol for "infinity". This is connected to the spiritual concept of "forever," which of course is the great hope for every new marriage.
• Just like the circular shape of a wedding ring (which has no beginning and no end), the two loops of the figure eight (8) when joined together represent the connection between a higher power and a human being.

"My bachelorette party clients carefully choose the date of their nuptials," says the saucy auburn coiffed Yager. "I personally chose 7/7/07 for my own wedding and threw seven (7) pre-wedding events. For 8/8/08 couples, Yager suggests the following party planning ideas to accentuate the fortuitousness of the date:

• Produce a bachelorette party with eight (8) distinct elements (i.e. games, toasts)
• Throw eight (8) co-ed pre-wedding parties for the bride and/or groom
• Schedule the bachelorette party for 8:08 p.m.
• The hottest (and best socializing) table shape happens to be an octagon for eight (8)
• Appoint eight (8) wedding attendants
• Set eight (8) diamonds in the wedding rings
• Set eight (8) crystals in your bachelorette party and bridal veils
• Arrange eight (8) featured flowers in each bouquet
• Ask eight (8) special wedding guest to make toasts
• Dance to an eight (8) piece band
• Give favors including eight pieces of chocolate and an 8/8/08 lottery ticket

Beverly Hills bride-to-be and classical pianist, Elena Ganjoula, chose the 8/8/08 wedding date based on the strong cultural significance of the date in her native Russia, "The number eight represents stability, prosperity, wealth and success in love and finances. As a musician, the symbology extends to the fact that the 4:4 tempo is the march, which is a happy, uplifting melody." Ironically enough, Ganjoula and her husband-to-be live at an '808' address. Coincidentally, Pamela Yager lives at a '717' address.

Priscilla Flores, another Los Angeles bride-to-be, serendipitously chose the date when the venue she wished for had the 8/8/08 date suddenly become available. "It was only later we discovered that the 8/8/08 date is fabled to bring my marriage eternal happiness because of the luck surrounding the number eight!"

The "Sex in the City of Hen Parties," Bride's Night Out® (www.bridesnightout.com) is the nation's first and only bachelorette party planning service of its kind and was founded by stand-up comedienne, Pamela Yager. The national network of pre-nuptial festivities is uniquely led by improvisational comedy-trained "Party Guides" at venues, homes, and destinations throughout the U.S. Bride's Night Out® features a lucrative consultant career program for anyone wishing to become a bachelorette party planner, and wedding industry professionals can add BNO to their list of products and services for added income. Most of all, a rockin' good time is offered for the 2.4 million brides that are headed to the altar every year.

Image Credits (left to right): always13 flickr gallery, Documents and Designs, AmmarQ8.com's flickr gallery, songchilde's flickr gallery