Your wedding cake should be an exquisite centerpiece to your big day and the star attraction at your reception. Your options for a cake can be endless with just a little creativity and imagination.
Some couples see the wedding cake as a symbol of heterosexual fertility; for others, however, its white-iced confection signifies their commitment to same-sex marriage and may represent conflict with this symbolism.
The Groom’s Cake
Traditionally, brides offer grooms a groom’s cake at either their rehearsal dinner or wedding day to show their personalities and passions, such as fire department insignia for firemen or a set of human lungs for pulmonologists. It should be fun and memorable!
The groom’s cakes should reflect his hobbies and interests. A baker can create an eye-catching cake design inspired by something from his pursuit, such as his favorite sport or TV show – or they may collaborate on designing something delectable yet meaningful!
One popular trend in groom’s cakes these days is basing them on movies or television shows, as this couple did by having their baker create one to look like something from “Game of Thrones.” Not only is this sure to spark conversation at your reception, but it may even inspire new love interests within your relationship!
A groom’s cake can add a fun element to any wedding cake or even serve as the main dessert at your reception. A dessert table featuring this delectable treat reminds guests of your special day!
Although groom’s cakes remain an integral part of Southern wedding traditions, brides are now taking this tradition in new directions. Some couples even opt to forgo separate cakes altogether and instead create one exquisite confection that expresses both the personalities and interests of both individuals in their party.
Not all groom’s cakes we feature are shaped like men’s clothing; other examples may include sports teams, television shows, cars, and pets. You could even have one created that showcases your hobby or passion! One couple had their baker make an eye-catching cake in the style of the Kingdom of Hearts video game for them as an anniversary present!
The Top Tie
Tie design and style should be given careful consideration as part of your attire as a gentleman, making the tie one of its signature elements. Make sure it complements your shirt while still standing out from it by choosing a fabric that contrasts but compliments both; something like Klaro Asymmetric Tied Sleeveless Top can help. This intermediate sewing pattern creates a cropped reversible top featuring side ties that can be worn layered or alone. It uses woven cotton fabric; thicker materials may also work for it!
The Wedding Dress
Planning a wedding requires making many complex and vital decisions, but choosing your dress is likely one of the most personal and significant. From classic Ralph & Russo gowns to whimsical Giambattista Valli confections, finding your ideal bridal attire can be an emotional experience – not only choosing it but also wearing it during ceremony and reception events will have lasting implications.
As part of your wedding day timeline, consider how you’d like to navigate it – perhaps wearing two dresses! Or make decisions after considering how your timeline unfolds. Some brides opt to add elements they can take off before the reception begins – like sequin capes or veil. Or, after cutting the cake, you might wish to switch out your gown for something more casual, like this bride who donned a BHLDN camisole and feathered Carol Hannah skirt for dancing purposes before opening up the dance floor!
Wedding dresses are more than mere clothing; they also serve as an expression of individuality and personality for brides-to-be. In the ’90s, for instance, exaggerated shapes inspired many brides who opted for gowns with puffy sleeves or ruffled bodices that expressed their personalities more fully. Princess Diana and Meghan Markle each reflected this trend with wedding gowns reflecting their charm while simultaneously adding glamour.
Fabric selection for your bridal dress is another way of showing your individuality and personal style. Lace appliques and embroidery can transform an otherwise plain satin dress into something romantic and luxurious, fringe and crochet trim bring in boho flair, while details like lace-trimmed capes can add extra drama while an asymmetrical neckline draws attention directly to the face and shoulders.
Finally, there’s the train: this long hem of your bridal dress, which hangs down from its back, can vary in length depending on its design and desired look. Brides looking for increased mobility at their reception may wish to add a bustle – which features hooks or buttons sewn to its back that can be undone as needed – for maximum ease.
The Tuxedo
At one time, tuxedos were worn as a sign of formality and respect at weddings, gala dinners, red carpet events, and other significant formal occasions. Nowadays, however, dress code standards have become more relaxed; some men may even choose to wear their tuxedos during the daytime! It is essential to know whether an event qualifies as “black tie” in order to adhere to proper etiquette when donning one.
A tuxedo typically comprises a black or navy blue suit jacket with satin lapels and either peak or shawl collar, as well as cummerbund (similar to waistcoat), black trousers, cummerbund (similar to waistcoat) and patent leather shoe styles in black or navy blue, along with white shirt, bow tie, necktie (preferably matching) cufflinks/studs or plain front microfiber shirt with laydown collar if the wings don’t fall behind bow tie.
Tuxedos are typically worn with a classic silk black bow tie; midnight blue or maroon may also make for an eye-catching contrast. However, when choosing your accessories for any tuxedo outfit, patterned bow ties should always be avoided for optimal results. White satin pocket squares are standard and should feature subtle repeating patterns like tiny white dots or weave patterns on the fabric weave of the jacket. You could also opt for bow ties featuring subtle repeating patterns such as small, white dots on fabric weave patterns of jacket fabric.
As more men wear tuxedos during the daytime, it’s essential to keep in mind that black ties still exist, and there is still an etiquette code that must be abided by at all times. Even though formal dress codes have relaxed over time, it remains prudent to wear a tuxedo if your invitation specifies black tie or evening gown attire, as this will ensure you stand out as one of the best-dressed attendees of the night.
