My Understanding a Southern Wedding Tradition...

A southern tradition, the groom's cake allows for some variety on the traditional wedding cake. As such, many of these cakes are chocolate or of some other dessert variety (I have heard of people using cheesecakes, chocolate covered strawberries and such). However, my experience with the groom's cake is limited. Not every wedding I have attended has had one...and the ones that did, it was merely a typical "cake" with a sports theme (or other groom interest theme).

Since our wedding cake is non-traditional as it is (chocolate iced), I have had a difficult time coming up with the best creation for our groom's cake... However, considering Jacob's interests (and tastes), I am heavily leaning toward a cookie cake for our groom's cake.


As many know, Jacob and I are major sweets lovers...and the Great American Cookie Company is a regular haunt for us when we are trying to satisfy a sweet tooth. They make the most delicious cookies cakes...in a variety of sizes. The shape/style/design of the cake I am thinking of is still TBD. I will need to consider those options here soon!

If going this route, I need to find a creative way to display this cake...ideas are welcome!

I think what confuses me about the groom's cake: how many servings should you expect to get out of it? Do more people eat the groom's cake over the traditional wedding cake? Less? Since GACC is not a traditional bakery, they will more than likely not know the answers to these questions. So that means I will have to guess on this one...

DIY Project: Reception Site Program

Have you ever been to a wedding and had no idea what was going on?

Most weddings you attend, you just go with the flow of what is going on (aka you listen to the DJ or emcee for announcements). And that is ok if the entire reception is taking place in a single room (like at a hotel). However, if your wedding reception site is broken up, or your DJ does not announce events, it is very easy for guests to get lost in the flow.

For this reason, and not to mention the fact that Father of the Bride always made me nervous!, I am leaning toward a reception program. Now I know what you might be thinking...she is just too type A, yada, yada, yada... But this is something, I think, can be kind of fun (and enlightening).

When I say "program" I mean a large piece of sturdy cardstock on an easel, with a program printed on it. More of a timeline format I suppose. (Though I realize the times I print will not happen as planned...I have come to grips with this!)

This flow chart will be something guests can take a look at and have an idea for what is going on throughout the course of the evening. That way, people can know when to watch the first dance or grab a slice of cake once it's cut.

Also, with all of the fun touches I am working on for the wedding, it will be a nice way to highlight them so guests can take a look.

Of course, this program will be in a fun font to match the rest of the stationary items I am creating (invitation, RSVP card, program, other reception signage, etc.).

I found a cute table easel at IKEA that I am considering for this project. And I have already been playing with language for this...

A snippet of my program:

7 p.m.
While the wedding party wraps up a few photos, enjoy a drink at the bar or explore the beautiful property of the Keene Run Golf Club. Appetizers will be passed inside the clubhouse at this time.

A drink station is set up outside on the patio, complete with soda, sweet tea and water. Feel free to help yourself throughout the evening.

What do you think about this project?

MUSIC makes the people come together

The latest wedding conversations have revolved around the kind of music we are going to incorporate into the big day. Namely the songs used for reception entrance, father/daughter dance, first dance, cake cutting and so on...

I've always known that the traditional Wedding March and similar fanfare were not for me. When I was younger, I imagined the sounds of Frank Sinatra and Louie Armstrong. Most recently, I have adored the idea of fitting non-traditional wedding acts (such as my beloved Beatles and even Led Zeppelin or Van Morrison) into my wedding music.

Lucky for me, Jacob does not seem to mind too much. Which is great because we have very little in common when it comes to musical tastes (though he has been growing a keener ear toward my classic rock). But to infuse some of his musical taste into the event, we will be incorporating some rap/r&b music. Maybe even some Tupac. Haha! I told Jacob that if he can figure out a way to incorporate Tupac (or other rap act) into the wedding music, I will go with it. I am interested to see what he comes up with.

In fact, it has been kind of fun throwing out random song titles/musicians to each other and seeing how we could incorporate it. We do have a few songs picked out but I cannot share those so they will be surprises! But know, when you come to our wedding in September, you will hear a very eclectic mix...from the Beatles to Queen and everything in-between. Just you wait!

Ceremony
When it comes to ceremony music, we have a lot of those pieces picked out too, or at least in consideration. Again, non-traditional. They will be instrumental (so no popping a CD into the church's sound system and calling it a day).

In addition to a pianist, I am contemplating a mandolin player. Know anyone up for the job?