Classic White Wedding Cakes
While dessert tables and candy bars have been popular for the past few years, wedding cakes have made a comeback. But instead of the colorful two-tiered styles we saw in 2009, this year it's all about the classic white wedding cake. Order a simple, round, three-tiered cake frosted with white buttercream or covered in white fondant and finish it with an antique cake topper (from your parents' or grandparents' wedding), a few fresh flowers that match your bouquet, or leave it clear of add-ons for an even simpler look.

Wedding Cake Questions: Your wedding cake is the centerpiece of your reception. So take as much care in choosing one as you would in picking out the perfect wedding dress. Here are some key questions to ask your cake baker. Do you customize wedding cakes?Will the cake baker create a custom cake, or are there set styles to choose from? Look at photos and actual cakes, if possible. Be sure to bring pictures, fabric swatches, and other resources if you have a custom style in mind. What are my filling choices? Find out what filling choices are available and what ingredients are used. Whether you're looking for a fruit filling like strawberry or orange; or a heavier mocha or chocolate, the type of ingredients used will make all the difference in taste. Some common filling ingredients: fresh fruits or purees, Italian buttercream, and farm-fresh buttercream. How are your wedding cakes priced? It's common for wedding cakes to be priced by the slice. And the price will increase depending on the complexity of flavors and fillings you're after. This goes for custom-designed cakes as well. The more intricate the details, the higher the cost.

Textural Flower Arrangements
The typical tall centerpiece, overflowing with roses and calla lilies, has given way to low, textural arrangements that call to mind a springtime garden, crisp autumn foliage, or a snow-covered evergreen. To throw extra color and texture into the mix, have your bouquets wrapped with lace or patterned fabric, or line your flower-filled vases with birchbark sleeves. As for the centerpiece vases, ask your florist to use small planters, classic pedestals, vintage-inspired vases, or even rustic apple crates.

Mixing It Up: Though monochromatic looks are still popular, style-conscious couples have been switching things up a bit. Going with three hues is a big trend. One of the best ways to do it? Have half of the reception tables feature large centerpieces showcasing flowers in all three colors, while the other half can hold trios of mini arrangements -- one in each color. It looks luxe but is actually easy on your budget. The smaller arrangements will cost less than if you had the same large arrangement on every table. Even if you prefer one color, mixing the heights of centerpieces remains a major trend; it helps add to the wow factor of your reception. Drawing the eye to different levels creates a flow throughout the room, which gives your reception lots of visual interest.

Envision the Style: Your wedding style will be reflected first and foremost in the location, whether it's a luxe ballroom or an intimate backyard reception. Discuss with your fiance where your wedding will take place (in one of your hometowns or in the city where you currently live, for example), and then start scouting sites that can accommodate your wedding style. Use theknot.com/local to find reception venues in your area.

Set Your Budget: In the end, dollars, not dreams, are a main determining factor for the size and style of your wedding. So, what affects the price tag?
Formality: In general, the more formal the reception, the more expensive, considering you'll have to match the site, food, and decor to the overall up scale tone.
Date and time: Saturdays, summer months, and evenings tend to be the most costly times to have a reception.
Location: In many cases, a wedding in a major metropolitan area is simply more expensive than in a smaller town.

Emergency Wedding Day Kit:
On such a special day, you don't want anything to go wrong. So prepare a wedding emergency kit for that "just in case" moment. Inside the kit you should include:
Clear nail polish (for runs in your pantyhose), Safety pins,Tissues/handkerchiefsanitary, Aspirin, Hair essentials: brush/comb, pins, clips, elastics, hairspray, Toothbrush & toothpaste. Glue (for heels, jewelry), Mints/breath spray, Baby powder (for spills - it will absorb liquids.), White masking tape (for hem) and Crackers or pretzels (in case you feel queasy!)

Tanning: Every bride wants a natural glow on her special day! May we suggest getting a Airbrush glow from our friends at Liquid Sunshine Tanning. They use a Organic solution that is good for you and the environment. We suggest to try it out a couple of times before the big day so you can get the glow you desire. Check them out at www.liquidsunshinetanning.com The website is very informative!