Posts Tagged ‘romance’
Romantic Presents for Your Girlfriend
It is a fact that a lot of men become extremely stressed out when the time comes to go looking for a Valentine’s Day gift for their girlfriends. This is usually because they are concerned about choosing an inappropriate present. They are worried about giving a present that will be misinterpreted for the present phase of the relationship.
If they have just started dating their girlfriend, they may worry that an expensive present may be inappropriate, but at the same time, do not want to risk giving a present that will make their girlfriend think that they are stingy.
This predicament makes buying a present for your girlfriend for St. Valentine’s Day a challenging task. I will try to give a few essential suggestions below to help you get started choosing a suitable gift for your girlfriend for St. Valentine’s Day.
The first thing you need to do when attempting to settle on a Valentine?s Day present for your girlfriend is to mull over what stage of the relationship you are currently in. This is very important because it will dictate which type of gift you can give to your girlfriend. If you and your girlfriend have been going out with each other for a long time and you are quite certain that you are both committed to each other, you can contemplate an extravagant present.
However, if you have only been going out for a short time and you are not certain where the relationship is going, you might want to consider a less elaborate gift. There are no two ways about it, you have to weigh up your relationship, but you must also keep in mind that she might not reason the same way as you.
You may feel that everything is going well and that the two of you are strongly committed, but she may feel as though the relationship is going nowhere. If you are having difficulties working out where you both stand, talk to your girlfriend about it. She will like that anyway and it will help to assure the two of you that you feel the same way about each other.
Flowers are the old stand-by and are an ideal present for a man to give his girlfriend on St. Valentine’s Day, whether it is a new relationship or not. It is also such an uncomplicated present because it is so widely associated with Valentine’s Day that it is not likely to misunderstanding. A gift of a dozen red roses is considered a romantic present but it is also common enough that your girlfriend is not likely to read too much into it.
However, there is a common blunder associated with roses on Valentine’s Day. For example, your girlfriend may be hurt and saddened by a gift of yellow roses because yellow roses are usually meant to be a symbol of friendship and not romantic love, so speak to the florist.
Jewelry is an appropriate gift to give to your girlfriend on Valentine’s Day so long as the cost and type of the present is proportionate to the current stage of your relationship. This is not so complicated, it is black and white really. Ask yourself the question: ‘Is she worth $100?’.
However, a good middle of the road, romantic gift would be a box of expensive gourmet chocolates. It shows that you care enough to have sought out such a rare present, to have spent more than a few dollars and that you think she is sophisticated enough to appreciate them. She will love them, even if she is on a diet.
Owen Jones, the writer of this piece, writes on many subjects, but is currently involved with Gourmet Chocolate Gifts. If you have an interest in romantic gifts, please go over to our website now at Romantic Gifts Ideas
Taking A Romantic Cruise In Paris
If you are feeling romantic and you want to be alone with your loved one in a romantic place far from petty distractions, why not go to Paris and take a cruise? The cruise ships are beautiful and offer haute cuisine with fine wines and a wide selection of dishes. Service on board is excellent and if they know that it is a special trip for you, they will go out of their way to make it even more special.
Just by selecting the city of Paris as your venue, you will be conveying the impression of romance, because as everybody knows, Paris has the reputation of being the capital of the world of romance.
So, how do you go about booking one of these cruises? Well, obviously, first of all, you have to be in Paris. This is not a problem, if you live in Europe as there are flights and sleeper trains. If you are American, you will have to take the longer-term view and start saving for next year.
Once in your hotel in Paris, you can either ask reception for details or go to one of the many Tourist Information Centres, where everyone speaks English. The cruise line staff will pick you up from your hotel on the appointed day, so that you will not have the hassle of having to find your way through a strange, busy city on your own.
Once on board, the pampering begins with your welcoming on board and a free drink to light the fires of romance. You will enjoy four or more hours of this, depending on which cruise you decide on, but they are all wonderfully romantic voyages aboard beautiful cruise liners.
Generally speaking, the cruise will start on the left bank of the river Seine, usually in the vicinity of the Eiffel Tower. Some of these boats are made of a kind of plastic glass, so that your view of the streets and monuments is unimpeded. And of course, all the sights are lit up at night and in quite a spectacular fashion too. You will also be able to see downwards into the water itself.
As you cruise on this glass boat you will be entertained by some of the finest musicians that Paris can offer you. Solo instrumentalists; quartets; classical music; solo artiste singers or a duet. There are also cruises with more modern music as well, but I don’t find them as romantic as the more traditional stuff. However, you can take all these details into account when you book your romantic cruise in Paris.
You will not only pass by famous landmarks, you will also pass very close by them and even underneath them. Famous bridges; Notre Dame; the Louvre, and many more. Not only that, but you will see all these fantastic historical monuments while being pampered by the best hosts that Paris has to offer and drinking fine wines and champagne, seated at the bow of the cruiser in luxury.
Once your romantic cruise and your meal are over, you will be taken to a lavish show on the Champs Elysees, where you will be given a half bottle of champagne on entry. There is no need to worry about driving, so let your hair down and enjoy yourselves.
When you have had a sufficient amount of the high life, you will be transported back to your hotel, in the same manner that you were picked up. However, there are other choices too. You may want to go back to the hotel on a romantic horse and carriage, it will maintain that romantic mood.
Once you get back to your hotel, why not both get in the bath together? Light a few fragrant candles, open another bottle of wine and play some soft music. It will be an evening you will both remember for the rest of your lives, I assure you.
Owen Jones writes on many subjects, but is currently involved with Valentine’s Day Gift Baskets. If you have an interest in romantic gifts, please go over to our website now at Romantic Gifts Ideas You are welcome to reprint this article – but get your own unique content version here.
Chocolate Candy For The Aficionado
Chocolate candy must be the most popular sort of candy in the world. It certainly is in Europe and America. We eat tons and tons of Mars, Cadburys, Lindt and Nestle chocolate candy every year. The depressing thing is that most of the people who profess to liking chocolate have never tried a decent bar of chocolate in their lives.
To a connoisseur, chocolate candy can come from anywhere in the world although Belgium, Switzerland and France are the countries, whose names come to mind first. Regardless of that, good chocolate candy is also made in Great Britain, Spain, the USA and some parts of Latin America.
This is not unanticipated as chocolate first made its debut among the Mayans of Central America in at least 300 BC and maybe even as far back as 3000 BC. In 300 AD it was a special drink reserved for royalty and was very bitter. It was so special that it had to be drunk from a golden chalice and that chalice could be used for that intention only once.
In those days, many more herbs and spices were added to the royal drink called xocoatl. It was also a lot purer in terms of cacao content than practically anything you can buy on the shelves in the supermarket today as well. The closest we have to that purity is gourmet chocolate.
Gourmet chocolate will normally have been manufactured by a chocolatier, which is similar to what a chef is to cuisine. These manufacturers of chocolate candy are the best in the world, highly trained and head-hunted by the best chocolate makers. They can command large salaries and become world famous among the aficionados of fine chocolate candy.
Fine chocolate candy must have a high chocolate content. That sounds as if it should go without saying, doesn’t it? However, to be called chocolate in the US, candy only has to contain 15% actual chocolate and ‘bakers’ chocolate’ often does not have any at all. In Europe that figure is 35%, which is why most Americans think that European chocolate candy is luxurious.
Good chocolate candy should break cleanly with an audible ‘snap’ and should have a shiny surface. The chocolate candy most liable to have a high cacao content is dark chocolate, which is also often slightly bitter, evocative of the actual taste of cacao before most manufacturers put sugar into the mixture. Purer chocolate candy also melts on the tongue and produces a mild feeling of well-being.
Purer forms of chocolate candy have had a variety of reputations over the centuries. It has the reputation of being a pick-me-up and had the reputation of being an aphrodisiac, probably for the same reason. This is due to a chemical naturally present in the bean called Theobromine. Theobromine has effects on other animals too. For example, it is a proscribed substance for racing horse because it has an huge effect on horses and chocolate should never be given to cats or dogs because it is poisonous to them.
Theobromine and another chemical present, phenethylamine, have been linked with the production of seratonin, which is stimulated by prescribed drugs to ward off depression.
Owen Jones, the author of this article, writes on many subjects, but is currently involved with Gourmet Chocolate Candy. If you have an interest in romantic gifts, please go over to our website now at Romantic Gifts Ideas
What You Should Know About Los Angeles Flowers & Online Flower Delivery
If you live in the Southern California region and you have been wanting to give someone a token of your appreciation, why not consider taking some interest in Los Angeles Flowers & Online Flower Delivery? Flowers can be a sweet gift and there are plenty of florists in the area. The prices are decent and online delivery options let you make sure that your flowers arrive just at the right moment.
Here’s some of what you can expect when you are purchasing flowers online, and some basic things to take into consideration. These points will help you pick fresh flowers and get an appropriate delivery time. It can also help you save some money on the costs of your flowers.
As you can imagine, there are at least hundreds of florists that are available with services in the Los Angeles region. They are capable of doing floral arrangements for every holiday and occasion imaginable. When you are not sure what type of flowers you should send, it is a good idea to check out the florist website and see what they have available pre-arranged.If you have an idea of what you want, then discuss it with the florist themselves. They will usually be welcome to make an arrangement custom for you.
The use of online flower delivery gives you a fairly good prediction of when your flowers should arrive. Some sites will also allow you to track where your flowers currently are up until their delivery, but this varies by which florist you use. You also usually receive an email letting you know that your flowers have been delivered. Online flower delivery lets you make very precise arrangements for when you want your flowers delivered and allows you to add on any other gift packages via the floral website.
Generally prices for Los Angeles Flowers & Online Flower Delivery is pretty reasonable. Beautiful arrangements are available for a decent amount of money. Be aware, however, that if you make your order from an upper class area of of Los Angeles, the costs for your flowers may be addition. The price may also rise if your florist has to drive for a long distance to make the delivery.
In addition to this, other options can affect the price of your flowers. Seasonal flowers tend to cost more than flowers that are available constantly during the year. People that want to send flowers on holidays or directly before them also tend to be charged more. But keep in mind that the reaction is priceless when someone receives flowers on a holiday.
If you are considering purchasing some flowers, do some browsing online to find out which florists are the best in your area. Also consider asking your friends or neighbors what florist they would recommend from their own experiences. It is important to pick a florist that always has the freshest flowers so that your purchase remains fresh even after delivery.
Consider all of the above next time you want to send flowers. It can be a great symbol of care to another person. The right choice can make those flowers memorable for long after the delivery has arrived.
Take advantage of the convenience and savings you will get today when you use an online flower delivery source. Through Los Angeles Flowers you can send beautiful flower arrangements in just a few minutes whenever you want!
Trusted Historic Wedding Venues In Cheshire
Looking for historic wedding venues in Cheshire? Then do we have some dazzlers for you to check out. All of these are hard to book, but if you give them enough time, you can tour through and say book me for this day. Hopefully you only get married once. They want to celebrate with you as you make history for yourself. Take a gander and see which one strikes your fancy.
The first one that would be like a fairy tale place just with one look at one picture is Arley Hall and Gardens. It is a place that is so beautiful anyone would be amazed no matter how hard they are to please. THe chandeliers and glamour give you a sense of true elegance.
This building that has been in the family since at least the 1300s but built in 1040 is no other than Adlington Hall. It was built in a hunting lodge which is historical itself. You might think ewe to the hunting lodge idea, but they have really spiced it up to be one breathtaking venue in the Cheshire area.
Another place on our list of great historic wedding venues in Cheshire isHaslington Hall. This place is known for its two private lakes. Now that is something you normally do not see. The 1500s were good to ths building and you can see for yourself what we mean.
Combermere Abbey might be an abbey, but an exquisite one for those wanting something a bit different. You get married in the glass house which is just to die for. Then you go to the garden patio for your reception that will blow any guest out of the water with how great it looks. This is something that you cannot say no to.
The last one is Thronton Manor. This family knew how to do it well also. Again, step into a fairy tale building. In Cheshire they are full of them but Thornton Manor is just one you cannot pass up with the huge acres ready to help you walk down the aisle.
These wedding venues are sure to blow you and the guests away. They are the wonders in the Cheshire area. Deep with history and full of beauty people will think you are crazy for passing up an opportunity like this. Do not miss this chance. History can be made inside history when you check out one of these venues today.
Combining over 500 years of history with your wedding day Adlington Hall will make your Wedding Breakfast a very special day.
Romantic Songs For A Romantic Date
A song can tell you a lot about life, the person who wrote it, the person who sings it and the person who likes to listen to it.. Songs belong to different genres. Have you ever come across a genre which is immortal? If you did would it be about love or hatred? Of course, everybody would declare that ‘love’ is the most discussed, written and sung about by people of all races and nationalities. So, it is no surprise then to find out what makes a date worth cherishing?
Music invariably has something to do with it and music could actually fashion the mood of your date. Dating is such a great way of selecting your future lifetime partner. When you are out on a date, see to it that the music is well-chosen and that it generates a mood of romance.
People have written all types of songs, but the ones they write the best are love songs. Since the day the first love song was created, people’s hearts have been melting. Songs of finding a new love, losing love, songs of inspiration, songs of moving on, songs about romance, first loves and the gush of emotions.
With all due respect to all the artists concerned and their fans too, here are some of the most popular songs of Romance. They demonstrate the feelings of two people in love during a very romantic date:
Truly, Madly, Deeply: (Savage Garden) – this duo’s song speaks about a deep love and promises made to the other person.
I’d be your dream I’d be your wish I’d be your fantasy I’d be your hope, be your love Be everything that you need
This I Promise You: (N-Sync) – this group filled the airwaves with love. This song is really a pledge of a lifetime’s dedication. It is often used as a wedding song.
And I will take you in my arms And hold you right where you belong Until the day my life is through This I promise you
Iris: (Goo Goo Dolls) – it gained popularity not just because of the film in which it featured, but because the song touches the heart.
And I don’t want the world to see me ‘Cause I don?t think that they’d understand, When everything’s made to be broken- I just want you to know who I am.
Dreaming of You: (Selina) – the singer died tragically, but the song lives on. It is a light song, but it goes straight to the heart.
I’m dreaming of you tonight ‘Til tomorrow And for all of my life And there’s nowhere in the world I’d rather be.
Songs will always be a big part of courtship and that usually starts with a date. Music is the food of love and music is one of the greatest inventions of mankind. Generations always have, and generations always will, continue to keep the tradition going. Music not only induces love and romance, but it also keeps love and romance alive.
Owen Jones, the author of this piece, writes on many subjects, but is currently involved with Romantic Gifts: Ideas. If you have an interest in romantic gifts, please go over to our website now at Romantic Gifts: Ideas
What Is A Rose Saying To You?
More roses are bought in the few days before St. Valentine’s Day than in any other similar period in the year. Until not so long ago, people were mindful of the significance of the colours of roses (I am pretty sure that it did not apply to other flowers as well).
For instance, it would have been a serious faux pas to give a young teenage girl a red rose, but not a pink or a yellow one. All the colours had a significance. However, it is a bit like reading Tarot cards, not everyone agrees on those significances.
Anyhow, out of interest and to keep the tradition going, I will give you the generally accepted significance of the colours of roses below.
‘My love is like a red, red rose’, so goes the poem and when most people think of a rose, the first colour that probably comes to mind is red and, in fact, the word ?rose? comes from the Latin word ?rosa?, which means red.
It is also true that red roses are the most widespread and the most bought colour, but there are so many other colours that there is an entire lexicon of meanings that can be expressed with them.
Here are some colours and their meaning:
Red – Love, romance, attraction, obsession, yearning and respect
Burgundy – Unconscious beauty
Red but withered – Our love is over
White – Wholesomeness, youth, pure love and virginal virtuousness
Pink – Happiness, admiration, gratitude and grace
Dark Pink – Gratitude or thank you
Yellow – Joy, gladness, companionship, delight or platonic love
Yellow with Red Tip – Falling in Love
Orange – Fascination, yearning, or enthusiasm
Red and White – (a bouquet of roses of two colours) – Ardent purity or unity
Peach – Sincerity, gratitude, appreciation, modesty, admiration, or sympathy
Lavender – Love at first sight or enchantment
Black – Death or our love is over
Blue – Unfeasible, unattainable or mystery
Red Rosebud – Sign of purity and beauty
White Rosebud – Girlhood or youth
Thornless Rose – “Love at First Sight”
Single Rose – Straightforwardness
Two Roses – An engagement or impending marriage
Rose Leaves – Symbol of hope
Roses – Sent every month – loveliness ever renewed
Unfortunately, there no true black or blue roses in nature, as the pigment structures in the rose do not allow these colours to be developed, although it has not stopped gardeners attempting it for hundreds of years. However, there are some very dark purple roses, which are used in stead of black roses. There are also some very pale lavender roses that seem to be blue, but have a shade of pink in them. Traditionally, blue roses are generally white roses dyed.
No matter what you want to express with your flowers, a bouquet of roses can articulate your emotions. So next time you give a bunch of roses, why not try to convey what you want to say by choosing the colours carefully. The recipient probably will not comprehend these day, but you could send them a copy of this article or have fun explaining the meaning to them over a bottle of wine.
Owen Jones, the writer of this article, writes on many topics, but is currently involved with valentines Day Gift Baskets. If you have an interest in romantic gifts, please go over to our website now at Romantic Gifts Ideas
How To Select The Ideal Romantic Gift
There are not many things in the world more nerve-racking than attempting to finish all of your Christmas shopping on Christmas Eve. After fighting through the crowds to pick through the sparse leftovers in dozens of shops for the perfect gift, eventually settling for a present that is “good enough”, and then standing in line for an hour in an attempt to pay for that present even a lobotomy may seem preferable; after all, at least they anesthetize for that!
However, because of the busy agenda of individuals these days, it is becoming more and more difficult for people to get things finished ahead of the Christmas rush. After all, shops have established hours which in general inconveniently coincide with the time that most of the world’s populace has to be at work. (More than one individual has suggested that this is not, in fact, a coincidence).
Intentional or not, it is difficult for a lot of people to do their shopping in a bricks-and-mortar store. For this reason, virtual shops are on the increase as individuals enjoy the ability to do their shopping at any hour of the day or night from the relative comfort of their own homes.
Shopping on the Worldwide web does not, however, get rid of one of the most pressing problems facing Christmas shoppers, that is, deciding what the should buy. For years the jewellery industry has been doing its level best to provide shoppers with an opportunity to select a romantic present for that special individuals in their life, say, a ring, a necklace, a bracelet, a brooch or a tie pin. It seems as if there is always something for everybody in the world of jewellery, regardless of the individual or their personality.
However, giving the same gifts year after year can grow very monotonous and jewelry stores have to constantly fight to stay on top of the market. They are constantly coming up with trendy new products to draw in customers and they have done it again with the advent of silver card pendants.
Silver card pendants are pendants that attach to a card and can be worn as a necklace by the person who received them as a gift. That sounds effortless enough, right? The best thing is that regardless of who you are shopping for, there is a silver card pendant that suits the occasion! Is your wife’s birthday coming up? Buy her a pendant with a romantic heart on it . Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and you have not even begun to think about what you are going to buy your beloved?
Buy her a pendant inscribed with “With All My Love Always” and send it with a card. Is your partner a new mum? Why not get her a pendant that allows her to slip in a picture of your new bundle of joy and carry him or her with her wherever she goes?
As you can see, no matter what the occasion, a silver card pendant makes the perfect gift. They can be bought from almost any online specialty retailer; you only have to do a search.
Owen Jones, the writer of this article, writes on many topics, but is currently involved with Romantic Gifts: Ideas. If you have an interest in romantic gifts, please go over to our website now at Romantic Gifts: Ideas
Ideas For St Valentine’s Day Gifts
Without any shadow of a doubt at all, St Valentine’s Day is the most important day of the year for couples. Although many people argue that St Valentine’s Day is only a commercialized holiday created for the reason of encouraging people to buy cards, flowers and presents. However, there are others who do not care how St Valentine’s Day started and are just happy to have a day when they can plan a romantic day with the one they love.
For many people, this day involves giving a present of some type, whether this is a small gift or an expensive gift, working out what to give your loved one for St Valentine’s Day can be a tricky decision. This piece will offer a couple of suggestions for gifts on St Valentine’s Day.
1] One of the simplest, and most prevalent St Valentine’s Day presents is a card. It may not seem like much, but many people, women in particular, say that a card is one of the best gifts they can receive on St Valentine’s Day. However, you cannot give just any old card, the best cards express your sentiments about your loved one and your relationship.
You can find cards with a pre-printed rhyme, but can also get cards which are blank inside, so that you can write your own sentiments and if you cannot find a card that looks like you want it to, you can even try creating your own card.
2] Jewelry is another terrific present for St Valentine’s Day. Simple earrings might be appropriate for a new relationship, while a more expensive gift would be fitting for a relationship, which is more deeply rooted. No matter what the price of the present, the jewelry you give to your companion on St Valentine’s Day will be something she will really value.
3] A weekend break is another excellent present for St Valentine’s Day. This kind of gift is more fitting for couples who have been dating for a while or who are married. If you and your partner have never traveled together before, you might want to discuss the gift with your partner beforehand as opposed to surprising him or her with the present.
4] What would St Valentine’s Day be without candy? The most traditional presents on St Valentine’s Day are flowers and candy. While these presents are greatly prized, most women would agree that candy is their favourite part of the duo. Flowers are beautiful and are always appreciated, but chocolates, and especially gourmet chocolates are the number one.
5] Finally, there is no reason why Valentine’s Day gifts have to be any different than gifts you would give for other occasions such as a birthday or Christmas. You can give things such as clothing, DVDs, CDs, electronic gadgets or anything else that you know your partner will appreciate. As long as you are giving your companion a gift you know he or she will like, it will make a good gift for St Valentine’s Day.
Owen Jones writes on many subjects, but is currently involved with romantic men’s perfume. If you have an interest in romantic gifts, please go over to our website now at Romantic Gifts Ideas Grab a totally unique version of this article from the Uber Article Directory
Welcome To The Happy World of the Wedding Cake
Today’s world provides us with so many choices and options. We can contact people by traditional phone, cell phone, email, or regular mail. We can drive a car, take a bus, ride a bike, or stroll along. Given the options available to us today, it’s only natural that variety should work its way into one of our most cherished traditions…the wedding cake. Selecting the flavor of the cake and the color of the icing is just the starter. Don’t forget to take some time to choose the best wedding cake topper for your special cake. In this article we will be exploring the world of the wedding cake, providing some background details on the tradition, and working our way up to the selection process of the perfect topper for that very special cake.
The wedding cake is usually strategically displayed during the wedding reception. Often towering into the heavens, it competes with the bride as the “center of attention” on her big day. This special work of art establishes a focal point that the other aspects of the reception will revolve around. For those who prefer a bit of the dramatic, the wedding cake can be wheeled in at the end of the wedding reception for a “grand entrance” for everyone to see. To many people this grand entrance will trigger the memories of the bride who walked down the aisle earlier in the day.
In The Beginning
The wedding cake has evolved over the years. Starting off as a simple symbol of fertility, it has transformed itself into an artistic tradition that can have many different artistic interpretations. For many ancient peoples wheat was a symbol of fertility and a bountiful harvest. The Ancient Romans used to throw grains of wheat at the bride and groom to “wish fertility” to the new couple during their wedding. This custom eventually evolved into bringing little cakes made from wheat to the wedding banquet itself. People would then crumble this cake over the head of the bride to wish the happy couple “many children”. The guests would then eat the fallen crumbs as a symbol of sharing in the couple’s good fortune.
Many think that this “crumbling of the cake” over the bride’s head may have evolved into another wedding day tradition? Do you know what it is? In order to protect the hapless bride from the wheat shower that is to come, bridesmaids draped a cloth over her head before the “crumbling tradition” took place. Many believe that this simple cloth evolved into the wedding veil of today.
The Middle Ages
By the time the Middle Ages rolled around, sweet rolls or buns had replaced the wheat cakes, but it was still customary for guests to bring these tasty treats to the wedding. They were placed in a huge mound between the bride and groom, and if the happy couple was able to kiss over this stack, it was believed that they would be blessed with many children.
It is commonly believed that the next step in the evolution of the traditional cake was performed by a French pastry chef during the 17th century. During a trip to London he happened to observe this “cake piling” ceremony. Upon his return to France he dusted the stack of buns with sugar, and thereby “cemented” them together into one tasty art form. This was to become the first rendition of the tiered and frosted wedding cake, and a forerunner as to what was to come in the years ahead.
A Touch Of Class
The classic style of the modern day wedding cake, are you familiar with it? It’s the one that has the distinctive design of smaller tiers as the cake builds vertically upward? Did you know that many believe this model was inspired by the spire of the 14th century Saint Bride’s church in London? How’s that for trivia.
Victorian England has brought us many of today’s valued wedding traditions. For example, Queen Victoria herself is said to have had a cake that weighed in at 300 lbs. As confectioners and bakers became more daring and skillful, their creations became even more daring and elaborate. When England’s Princess Elizabeth and Prince Phillip were married back in 1947, their wedding cake weighed in at a whopping 500 lbs, and was 9 feet tall.
Our Version Today
Long gone are the days when the elaborate wedding cake was reserved for only the rich and famous. Today every couple can share in the tradition by having a fantastic wedding cake added to their big day. The wedding cake designers of today have taken their art form to towering heights…pardon the pun. Long gone are those boring and bland days when you were limited to a regular white cake with regular white frosting. Although a white cake will likely always be the most popular (due to its traditional meaning), today’s couple is limited only by the limits of their mind and budget when it comes to their wedding cake.
And The Color White Comes From?
Why is white is the customary color of a wedding cake? Do you know? As the story goes, back in Victorian times the finer ingredients of a wedding cake were expensive and scarce and very hard to come by. If the cake had a white icing on the other hand, this revealed the fact that only the best (and most expensive) white sugar was being used in the baking process. Brown sugar was much more common at the time, and therefore much less expensive. So, logically speaking, the more white the cake, the richer the people who created the cake were.
Be Prepared…Plan Ahead
One of the most important things that you can remember is to not leave your special cake till the last minute. Whether you choose the local baker, a talented family member, or a pastry chef who specializes in these tasty masterpieces, if you plan well in advance you will be able to navigate the hard waters of whatever obstacles might come your way. Some bakers require only a minimum notice, while many are booked far in advance. It’s a shame to have that perfect cake of your imagination be “cancelled” due to the fact you cannot allocate a baker’s time.
What’s that you say? You have no idea who will be baking your wedding cake? If you don’t have a particular baker in mind, you have a bit of homework ahead of you. Shop around and get some good recommendations from family and friends. Browse the yellow pages and the internet as they are both valuable informational resources. If you happen to be surfing the web you will see that many bakers today are posting photos of some of their masterpieces. As a sort of masterpiece cake gallery, they showcase what they are capable of producing. This will jog your imagination as to what you would like your own wedding cake to look like.
Don’t Forget Your Budget
Be sure to be mindful of your budget before you let your imagination get the best of you. You want your wedding day to be one of celebration, not the day that you started your journey into debt. Many people are surprised at the cost of a wedding cake these days. Keep in mind that you are asking an artisan to create a colorful masterpiece for you, and this can often be reflected in the price that he/she will be asking. The cost of labor is often the largest expense in the creation of a wedding cake, but also keep in mind the simple fact that fondant is more expensive than buttercream.
The next step in the process is to determine the staging of your tasty masterpiece. Be sure to take the wedding cake stand into consideration during your planning. While some cakes are simply placed on flat boards that will not be seen by the general public, others are elaborately displayed on beautiful stands for all to see. Keep in mind the simple fact that actual size of the cake table must be in proportion to the size of your cake. A table that is too small will make the cake look too big, while a table that is too large will make it look like a cupcake. Your cake table will need a beautiful covering to compliment its strategic location at the wedding reception. Oh, don’t forget the cake knife and cake server. There needs to be a place on the table for these two items as well.
The Topper For The Wedding Cake
Topping off that special cake is the wedding cake topper. The wedding cake topper is the simple name for the decoration that sits atop a wedding cake. While it is true that some couples prefer to have simple elegance of an unadorned cake, many prefer to have that final “crowning touch”, the wedding cake topper, added to the upper layer. The simple plastic “bride and groom” of yesteryear has more likely been replaced by the classic porcelain figurine of today.
Do you know all the various types of toppers that are available? Many and varied is the correct answer. Toppers can range from the classic poses to figurines depicting some of the potentially “humorous” aspects of the wedding ceremony. How about a bride dragging the hapless groom back to the wedding altar. Personalized wedding cake toppers are popular these days, while niche toppers such as a “marine marriage” have their followers as well.
In Conclusion
There is only so much detail that one can go into in a simple article, and we have much more to say and relay. If you would like to learn more about wedding cakes, and wedding cake toppers to be more specific, please come and visit us on our blog.
Here are two web sites that will help to compliment your wedding cake (or the wedding in general): (1) special wedding cake toppers and (2) dinner set review.
