L, M, N, O, P. . .Queue

The letter Q. We like it. It's the 17th letter of the alphabet. It looks good capitalized and written in cursive. It's quirky, quaint and quixotic all at the same same. The letter Q. . .

The word Queue. . .not so much. And we definitely don't like queues at your wedding celebration. Neither will your guests. You can keep both of us happy by minimizing the chance of queues forming at your party. Try some of the following:

Don't put the guest book right in front of the main entrance. This will definitely cause a human traffic jam. Place the guest book somewhere IN the room and place food and drinks (butler-passed hors d'oeuvres and cocktails) in between the guest book and the entrance. If your guests have something in their hands and mouths, they won't line up all at once to write your well wishes.

Hire more than one bartender. Who wants to wait forever in line just to get a whiskey sour? The general rule of thumb is that you should have one bar with two bartenders for every 100 guests. If you can swing it, have two bars. Position one of the bars far away from the entrance and be sure not to have any bars in the passage-ways of the guests and waitstaff.

Ditch the receiving line. No explanation needed.

If you are having a buffet style dinner, guests should be able to pass on both sides of the buffet if they are serving themselves. Have the waitstaff call a few tables up at a time. Another thing you can do to avoid a queue is to have a server at each dish. The dinner service will certainly go faster and an added bonus is to your budget because the portion sizes are controlled.

Can you think of some other ways to avoid long lines at your wedding?
Photo Credit: PicasaWeb

Raise Your Glass

Serving champagne usually signals a celebration. And that's exactly what every wedding should be--a celebration (maybe later I can clue you in on what types of weddings are not celebrations. . .hehehe)! Champagne toasts have long been a part of wedding receptions, but you must know that all champagnes are not created equal. In fact, there is really only one true champagne. It is but one variety of sparkling wines. And it has to be made in the Champagne region of France to be considered a true champagne. Keep reading to find out more about the sparkling wines that you can incorporate into your wedding feast.

Champagne: sparkling wine made of chardonnay, pinot meunier and pinot noir grapes in France's Champagne region; can be very dry (extra brut) to very sweet (doux)

Vintage Champagne: made from grapes harvested in a single year; vintage champagne is of the highest quality and price

Nonvintage Champagne: this is a blend of grapes from different years; also known as "classic" champagne

Blanc de Blancs: best used as an aperitif, this wine is made with all chardonnay grapes

Blanc de Noirs: made with pinot noir and pinot meunier grapes; this sparkling wine is very rare and tres expensive

Rose: a dry (brut), pink champagne

Cava: made from native Spanish grapes in northeastern Spain, this wine is meant to drunk young (meaning that it should be less than five years old)

Sparkling Reds: these are made primarily in Shiraz (Australia), but some may come from the Burgundy region of France

Italian Sparkling Wines: Asti and Moscato d'Asti is sweet and fruity, with the Moscato being a bit drier; both are made from muscat grapes; Spumanti and Prosecco is made from champagne and other grapes and prosecco grapes, respectively; both make great aperitifs

I prefer a sweet sparkling wine like a Moscato or an Asti, but I am never too good to pass up a fine champagne like a Clicquot or Perignon. I mean, that's just the type of girl I am. What's more, sparkling wines go great with almost any type of food, so you don't have to worry as much about wine and food pairing.

Champagne toasts definitely add an air of luxury to any wedding, but don't feel you have to break the bank to give every guest a round of Moet & Chandon. Toast with whatever is in your hand at the moment and reserve a few bottles at the bar for any guest who wants a taste of the bubbly. Trust me, no one will even notice. . .

except me. . .

but I'm supposed to.

I want to hear from you! What different ways can you think of to serve the bubbly at your wedding? Leave your answer in the comments section.
Photo Credit: About.com, Map-of-France

New York Fall 2008

New York Fall Fashion 2008 is here. And look at this gorgeous eye-candy! I can see you lounging at an ultra-chic, late summer wedding reception with one of the fabulous frocks on!






All of these pretty numbers can be had by visiting Neiman Marcus. And for a limited time, get free shipping at any price! The redemption code is: SHOPNM
Photo Credit: Neiman Marcus

OMG! Chalkboard Coasters!!

Table numbers.
Escort cards.
Place cards.
Coasters.

These can be used for any of the above. And much, much more! And they perfectly match the chalkboard fabric that we blogged about earlier. Check out the details of the chalkboard fabric HERE. To purchase these hot little numbers from Purpose Design on Etsy, click HERE.

Swoon. I think I'm in love. . .
Photo Credit: Purpose Design

Be Our Guest

Everyone knows that wedding marketing and advertising drills into every bride-to-be that this is "your special day" and it should be "all about you." I do agree that your wedding day is monumental milestone in your life and that it really is about you and the person you are going to get old and grey with.

However. . .

Consider this: what would your life (and your wedded future) be like without the support and presence of your loved ones? And since these same loved ones are most likely going to be the honored guests at your wedding celebration, you should treat them like the royalty that they are for the few hours that you are hosting them. Make sure your nuptials don't fall on the list of painful wedding experiences by avoiding the following guest gaffes:
1) Make sure the time between the ceremony and reception is short and sweet. Yes, we know you must get the gorge shots of you and your honey on the Canal, but long pauses between the ceremony and reception are generally a bummer. If you cannot book the ballroom immediately following the ceremony, arrange for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at a nearby space.

2) Don't make the guests pay for their own spirits. This means no cash bar! A cash bar is never an acceptable penny-pinching strategy. Would you ever ask guests to pay for a cocktail in your own home? Your wedding should be the same.

3) Mind your bridal party and don’t create a painful experience for your attendants’ dates. If most of the bridal party have significant others, forgo the head table unless you plan to seat the dates together. In addition, speed up the marathon post-ceremony photo shoots so the dates don't have to spend so much time alone at the reception.

4) Make sure the guests can get from Point A to Point B if the ceremony and reception locations are far apart or if they are far from the hotel accommodations. You should provide guest transportation. Besides the obvious safety concerns of drinking and driving, your guests should remember what an awesome time they had at your wedding – not how they got lost trying to get there.

Unfortunately for me, I have experienced ALL of these things as a wedding guest. Have you? Or do you have any other guest gripes that I didn't include? Please post a comment and share it with us!
Photo Credit: InStyle Weddings

You Say Tomato. . .

Do you have an upcoming celebration or wedding reception where you planned to serve some of the following hor's doeuvres:

Tomato Bruschetta?
Shrimp Stuffed Tomatoes?
Cherry Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil Skewers?
Boursin Stuffed Tomatoes?
Balsalmic Marinated Tomato and Mozzarella Mousse?

If so, you'd better talk to your wedding planner or caterer quick, quick, quick! There is a serious Salmonella outbreak occurring with the consumption of raw tomatoes. Since mid-April, 167 persons infected with an identical strain of Salmonella Saintpaul have been identified in 17 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. Because this particular strain is so rare and due to the occurrence of illnesses in all across the US, it seems that the offending tomatoes are distributed throughout much of the country.

The best advice is to chuck all tomato items from your wedding menu. You don't want your guests to get extremely sick at your celebration. This outbreak has proven to be fatal in some instances. However, if you absolutely must eat tomatoes, make sure you follow the FDA's Advice to Consumers:

• Refrigerate within 2 hours or discard cut, peeled or cooked tomatoes.
• Avoid purchasing bruised or damaged tomatoes and discard any that appear spoiled.
• Thoroughly wash all tomatoes under running water.
• Keep tomatoes that will be consumed raw separate from raw meats, raw seafood and raw produce items.
• Wash cutting boards, dishes, utensils and counter tops with hot water and soap when switching between types of food products.

Click the link for the complete recommendation.
Photo Credit: ThisOldHouse.com

OMG! Chalkboard Fabric!

Close your eyes and imagine this scene:

You are walking into into a grand reception hall with floor-to-ceiling windows. It's late in the afternoon and the rose-hued sunshine is filtering through the windowpanes. The black chiavaris are arranged perfectly down the 180-foot banquet table that is covered with a richly-patterned, damask linen and the table is set for 160. The chairs perfectly match the hand-crafted, black table runner that stretches as far as your eyes can see. The crystal stemware is glistening in the sun and the lit candles are reflecting gently off the crystal chandeliers. The exquisitely draped ceiling showcases the fine silk fabric at its best. And oh! the centerpieces! The silver candelabras are bursting with pink ranunculus, peonies, spray roses and green cymbidium orchids. And at the base of each candelabra that lines the center of banquet table is a single piece of white chalk. Right next to the chalk is a scrawled message:

"Sign Me."

What are you supposed to do? Where are you supposed to sign? What would you say? Do you sign the table runner??

YES!! Isn't that an awesome idea?!?! A table runner that your wedding guests can sign. . .

We have stumbled upon something that's great--a matte black oilcloth that can be written on with chalk. And wiped off, if so desired. Your guests will have a blast writing your wedding wishes all throughout dinner and what a charming alternative to the traditional guestbook.

You can order this fabric from Bell'occhio for $15 a yard, so it's not for the penny-pinchers. And you have to have a seamstress on board to sew and fashion the table runner, so that's would be another line item on your wedding budget. But can you put a price on fabulosity?
Photo Credit: Bell'occhio

Resurrection of a Popular Post

I'm resurrecting our most popular post on The Wedding Workroom, for those of you who are new to our blog or for the faithful readers who just want to see a beautiful tablescape again. This beautiful tabletop and centerpieces were artfully and lovingly crafted by the owners of Elite Bridal Consulting here in Indianapolis.

Click here to feast your eyes on some Asian-Fusion eye candy.

Enjoy!

Signature Drink of the Month

Our siggy of the month can't be more perfect for your party. Either for a fun, festive summer wedding or for a low-key cocktail party at your home, try this especially easy recipe for a signature drink: Sangria Rapida.

I mean, it can't get any simpler than this. All you need is some red wine, such as Lambrusco and San Pelligrino Limonata. Put them both in a pitcher with some sliced fruit, chill and let your waiters (or guests) pour to their heart's content. And it will certainly give you more time to get into other things, like gaze into your beloved's eyes.

Find out here where I got the ridiculously cute name "siggy" for signature drinks.

And click here and here to see previous signature drink recommended by K Sherrie+Company.

What cool names can you come up with for this delicious delight?
Photo Credit: Source

Summerize Your Reception Playlist

Summerize your reception playlist if you’re having a summer wedding celebration. Done right, music will energize your celebration, heighten romance and inspire guests to get down on the dance floor. Keep your guests boogie-ing to the beat by playing the #1 hits of the past 16 summers. .

2007: “Umbrella,” Rihanna featuring Jay-Z

2006: “Me & U,” Cassie

2005: “We Belong Together,” Mariah Carey

2004: “The Reason,” Hoobastank

2003: “Crazy in Love,” Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z

2002: “Hot in Herre,” Nelly

2001: “Hanging by a Moment,” Lifehouse

2000: “Bent,” Matchbox Twenty

1999: “All Star,” Smash Mouth

1998: “Iris,”The Goo Goo Dolls

1997: “Semi-Charmed Life,” Third Eye Blind

1996: “You Learn,” Alanis Morissette

1995: “Water Runs Dry,” Boyz II Men

1994: “I Swear,” All-4-One

1993: “That’s the Way Love Goes,” Janet Jackson

1992: “Baby-Baby-Baby,” TLC

Are you surprised by some of the songs that made the list? Do you have a favorite on here?
Photo Credit: About.com

For the Wedding Reception of My Dreams

The Bourgie Table Lamp by Ferruccio Laviani is a juxtaposition in style: classic, rich and traditional and simultaneously modern, transparent and innovative. Made completely of clear or batch-dyed polycarbonate, this table lamp would be a show stopper if included in your tablescapes. The baroque lamp can be assembled at three different heights to adjust to the scale of your venue. The high quality of the polycarbonate makes it look like a semi-precious, crystal lamp. And the intricacy of the lamp shade is designed to play up light and reflection--who would be able to take their eyes off?

I'm imagining these lamps being used in an intimate reception for 50 guests, all seated at long banquet tables with lush, black, pintucked linens and loads and loads of pillar candles. I can smell the fresh, cream hydrangea blooms that are artfully arranged in low, square, crystal vases and placed strategically amongst the pillars. The mirrored chargers would host the exquisitely designed cream-and-black, letterpressed menu cards. The only thing that could finish this look would be Louis Ghost chairs.

And these lamps are yours to be had at the low, low price of $362 USD. Sigh.

Why Don't You. . .Have a Gourmet Popcorn Bar??

Candy bars and buffets are very popular and have become an integral part of today's wedding receptions. I don't see any signs of this trend slowing down, either. I can see what's great about it, though:

It looks good as a part of the decor for the reception
It's interactive for the guests
Candy is a wedding favor that 95% of your guests will enjoy

So put a twist on the been-there-done-that candy buffet: why don't you offer a gourmet popcorn bar at your wedding?? It will still engage your guests, it can look fantastic inside your venue and it's tasty!

If I were to design a popcorn bar for one of my brides, I would start with Garrett's Popcorn out of Chicago. YUM!! There are only about seven flavors, so I wouldn't have to make very difficult decisions on what to choose. I would definitely have the CheeseCorn, the CaramelCrisp, the oh-so-popular Chicago Mix and round it out with the Plain and Buttery flavors. I would probably allot 1/4 to 1/3-gallon of popcorn per guest, but Garrett's popcorn is sooooo good that you may have to increase your order to avoid running out!

To save on costs, I would look for original and unique glass containers in places like Hobby Lobby, Ikea, thrift shops and antique stores. And there's always the option of renting containers. One trick that many miss is to limit the size of the containers. I would only use small to medium containers, with only one or two large containers. Five to seven small or medium containers definitely give the look of more goodies as opposed to three large containers, although it's holding the same amount of popcorn. Remember--presentation is everything!

I would liven up the table by adding premium linens or table runners that matched the colors and scheme of the rest of the reception. Votives, flower petals, seashells or scattered gems would also liven up the buffet. You really don't want it to look bland. It should be inviting and appealing to your guests. It should almost scream out: "Come scoop me. . ." Gilded frames for the signage would be beautiful touch, as well.

I would stage the containers at different heights on the table using lifts/risers. This makes access to the popcorn goodies easier, but it also adds drama to the table. I would definitely stage the favor bags and boxes, too, because they are a part of the presentation as well. Stainless steel or silver scoops would round out the look for my gourmet popcorn bar.

Your gourmet popcorn bar is sure to be a success at your next special event or wedding reception. Who doesn't like to pick and choose their own delicious take-home treats? What different ideas do you have for bars or buffets? We'd love to hear your ideas!
Photo Credit: Buttercup Popcorn, Country Confections

Ice, Ice Baby. . .Too Cold, Too Cold.

I did love this Vanilla Ice ditty (it's on my iPod!), but I'm not talking about that. I'm talking about ice sculptures. Once always a part of the 1980s spend, spend, spend grandeur--ice sculptures lost their shine and suffered a slow decline in the 1990s. No one wanted to be associated with the excessive gaudiness of the Dynasty-era. Minimalism was truly in.

Now, usher in the Bling-Bling-era of the millennia. Ice is back! And I'm not talking about the kissing swans, either (but if that's what you like. . .it's our pleasure to get it for you). Ice sculptures are very popular in the Indianapolis wedding scene and I don't see any sign of it slowing down. At every networking event I attend, there's an ice sculpture present. Now, many brides and grooms are opting to have these works of art as a part of their celebration.

The many uses of ice sculptures include specialty drink luges, seafood/caviar serving platforms and stations, ice bars or just simple adornment. The double drink luges are particularly fun when you have two "siggys" at your wedding reception.

Ice sculptures typically last about six to seven hours indoors, but they generally start to lose detail around hour three. Outside in the summer, if covered, an ice sculpture can last up to four hours. The pricing of the ice sculptures depend on the popularity of the carver, as well as the size and elaborateness of the design. Expect to pay upwards of $250 for single logos, $350 for moderately elaborate designs greater than three feet tall and $1000 and up for very elaborate designs, very tall sculptures and ice bars. Please don't forget to negotiate take-down and removal in your quote. You don't want to be stuck with trying to dispose of a 5' ice bar. Also, I wouldn't recommend "freezer drops." While it is cheaper to have the carver just drop the sculpture off at the venue, you should pay extra for the set up because you get the lighted platforms, drip trays, drains and pails. Presentation is everything!

From platinum weddings on television to the local weddings and social events, I can count on one hand the ones that did not have some type of ice sculpture. Not only do they lend an elegance to your celebration, they are also functional as food and beverage serving stations. I always encourage you to be daring and different on your wedding day, but when something just works--well--it just works. And ice is so hot right now.

Photo Credits: Jose and Sons Sculptors

Car Bomb or Boilermaker?

What ever you wish to call it--would this make a good siggy for your wedding?

Maybe. It depends on your crowd and the aesthetic of your wedding reception. But I'm positive it wouldn't carry the cutesy, signature drink names that are very popular right now.

Most guests like to drink at weddings. Just ask any couple who hosted a bar at their celebration! And most guests can be satisfied with the cutesy, colored cocktails with sugared rims and pretty garnish. But some guests and revelers want a drink. And now, enter the Boilermaker. Made with one shot of whiskey and 10-12 ounces of beer, this drink is a sure-fire knock out--and I mean literally.

It's the stuff of lore trying to figure out how this drink got it's name. "Boilermaker" used to be the generic term for industrial metalworkers. What we do know is that this drink showed up in print in 1932 in James Wiley and Helene Griffith's Art of Mixing. It was known then as the Block and Fall ("drink two, walk a block and fall")--so consider yourself warned that two is the limit. I've seen this drink served with the shot of whiskey dropped into the beer stein, glass and all. I've also seen the double-fisted version: drink the whiskey, chase with the beer.

I am not a heavy drinker (just social), so I wouldn't normally suggest this type of drink to be served at a wedding. I'm of the cutesy, colored cocktail set. However, I am more so about accommodating the guests and giving them what they want to have a good time. Let's face it--everyone is not crazy about apple martinis. I feel like the Boilermaker crowd would make for a very, very good time! And that's really the point.

And considering that I'm in Purdue country, I'm sure they would all agree. If all else fails, save it for the afterparty!

Another Guestbook Alternative

I'm bouncing this post off two others that I saw earlier today: Soiree Special Events and Polka Dot Bride. They are members of my internet wedding family, so I'm sure they won't mind.

Yet, another alternative to the standard, "sign-your-name-here" guestbook: Antique typewriter with a scroll of vellum paper. Make sure the scroll of paper is large enough so that it doesn't have to be changed at all during the course of the evening. Set the typewriter loaded with the paper in a coveted spot at the cocktail hour where everyone can see it. A tall pedestal would be nice and an illuminated cocktail table would be even nicer. Guests can type their messages of love and good fortune to the bride and groom all night. At the close of the wedding celebration and after you and your honey have read all of the well-wishes, tie a wide, double-faced satin ribbon around it and store until your next anniversary!

Has anyone done this before? Please let us know how it worked out by leaving your comments below.

Aaannnndddd CUT!

Photo booths at receptions are all the rage right now. During my internship days, we had the photographer create a photo booth because Indianapolis lacked a photo booth rental company at the time. Kick your wedding reception up a notch by having a video booth instead of your regular ol' photo booth.

Quickly becoming the new Next Big Thing in weddings, interactive video booths allow your guests to channel their inner Halle Berry and act out in front of the camera. It's an intimate way for guests to leave tear-jerking messages, funny homages or incriminating missives to the sweet bride and groom. It is my belief that every amazing wedding reception has something for the invited guests to do besides eat and drink. Add this to your entertainment repertoire and your celebration will surely be notable and exceptional.

The video booths offered by Gabzebo are much like your photo booths: the guests climb in, tap an interactive touch screen and start filming their two-minute short. Gabzebo can even customize the booths to fit in with your color scheme, themes and decor.

Video booths are the true definition of K Sherrie+ Company "wedding bling": something that makes your wedding celebration sparkle and pop. What do you think about this Next Big Thing?
Photo Credit: Gabzebo

Would You Dare?

I saw this picture (pg. 38) in the April 2008 edition of Eventline, the publication by Special Events. How funky! How different! How unique! You know how I'm always preaching about couples making their event different than the next. Would you dare have a navy blue wedding cake at your celebration?

I'm so loving that cake right about now. . .

Photo Credit: Eventline

Cake designed by Amy Beck Cake Design

Cocktail Hour, Anyone?

I came across a blog posting detailing one man's adventures at different weddings. Today's post on Writing From the Hip discussed how the author and his wife attended three "really nice weddings" in the past year and they all had a "common black eye." At this point, this is where he tells all wedding planners to listen up--he's come up with a brilliant idea.

The "common black eye" for these weddings was that the guests had nothing to do, eat or drink in the time after the ceremony, but before the dinner started, when the wedding party was out taking their photos. This is how Mr. Nichols explained that time:

That time when all the R.S.V.P. guests sit in front of mounds of mouth-watering food politely waiting for the wedding party. That time when they wait. When they wait. When they wait. And watch fussy food caterers touch up their presentation. And faint. And squirm at a creaky table among strangers. There’s just so much you can say about the pretty centerpiece, huh? And rassle with hungry, squirming little kids. And wait. And try to discreetly change Pampers in a crowd of 200 hungry people. And faint. And twist in bent folding chairs.

Now, as a professional wedding planner, I must ask--isn't this what the cocktail hour is for? And, who, in the new millenium, doesn't have a cocktail hour?? Any planner worth her weight knows you have to have something to entertain the guests during that time. And, one-and-a-half hours for post-ceremony photos?? I know that may be hyperbolic writing, but in reality, cocktail hours should only be what we call "cocktail-45s," as in only 45 minutes. No one should be waiting on a photographer that long. As a professional wedding planner, I know that as soon as guests hit the reception venue, they want something in their hands, and preferably something to eat and to drink. That leads me to more questions: did these weddings even have a wedding planner? If so, was she or he a professional? Did the planner really know what she was doing or did she decide to hang her shingle after planning her cousin's wedding "perfectly?"

Mr. Nichols, this is not new news to the professional wedding planner. We already know there should be some food, drink and entertainment during that time between the end of the ceremony and the start of dinner. I am so sorry you had to starve. This would never happen at a K Sherrie+Company planned wedding (the starving, that is). But I am also glad you brought up the subject. It just further underscores the need for professionals like me. That last thing we want is for guests to leave talking about the really nice wedding that sported that really large "black eye."

Photo Credit: Jennifer Driscoll Photography

An Eclectic Space for Your Next Event

A few weeks back, I was contacted by Casey of Dean Johnson Gallery. The gallery was interested in providing their space as a venue for Indianapolis brides to host showers, rehearsal dinners or small, intimate ceremonies and receptions. Boy, am I glad that I met with her! The gallery was beautiful! It was a clean, modern space that would be perfect for any smart, chic and stylish bride. The layout of the gallery provides an intimate space to hold most social events. I can just imagine having a wonderful rehearsal dinner for 30 in that space. Bigger is not always better. The best part about having an event in the gallery is that you get to take advantage of the art! When I visited, there was a wonderful display of Japanese kimonos from Linda Arndt. One of the upcoming exhibits is Shoe Fleur—shoes and hats and bags made out of colorful botanicals. What’s not to love about that? And all for $500! Below are some pics that I captured with my camera. I held a little Q&A with Casey and here’s what she had to say:

KSCo: Tell me the history of the building.
CJC: Dean Johnson Gallery, located at 646 Massachusetts Avenue, is a not-for-profit gallery established to support the talents of the Indianapolis arts community. We see the gallery as an expression of the natural relationship between our design business and the commercial, graphic and fine artists of our community. Many artists have become familiar to us through our work and we are glad to be able to provide a place where their work can be enjoyed and appreciated by a larger audience.

KSCo: What is unique about your space and why should brides look here for their intimate events?
CJC: The open spacious floor plan of the gallery along with the natural lighting and architecture not to mention the beautiful art work hanging around the gallery makes for a delightful setting for any occasion.



KSCo: What's the largest party size you can accommodate?
CJC: Cocktail parties can hold about 150-200 people with high-top cocktail tables. Sit down dinner--up to 60 people with tables and chairs and for bridal showers or small ceremonies we can fit up to 60-100 people sitting.

KSCo: Do you work with a list of preferred vendors, or can brides use their own?
CJC: We are flexible and can work with the bride, but do have a list of vendors we like to work with. [Insert shameless plug here: But K Sherrie+Company is a wonderful resource for your planning needs at the gallery!]



KSCo: What future plans do you have for Dean Johnson Gallery in regards to the wedding industry?
CJC: The Dean Johnson Gallery would like to offer a few select brides a year the opportunity to have their events in our space giving them the personal attention they deserve as our client. We are not looking to become a huge part of the wedding industry as much as we are as providing a unique beautiful space for small events and parties that people will cherish for a life time.



Well said, Casey. I’m plotting on what event I can have your gorgeous gallery. So—what do you think? Interested in holding your wedding shindig at the gallery? Contact Casey at 317-634-8020 for more information or to schedule a tour. Or visit their website. Please feel free to comment on how cool it would be to have your next special event in this space! And stay tuned to this blog for a special announcement. . .

Why Don't You. . .Have an All-White Wedding Cake??

Weddings this year are all about color--bright, bold colors: deep reds, bright pinks, warm oranges and intense purples, to name a few. Give your reception a twist by having an all-white wedding cake. White is the traditional color for weddings and using it only for your sugarpaste or fondant confection while going bright and bold for everything else will surely make your cake cutting ceremony unforgettable.











You can opt for a classic cake or a modern cake. Go for rounds or squares or even oblongs when picking your tier shape. Choose ornate decorations or simple decorations. Just make sure the icing and adornments stay pristine. Using different shades of white on your cake design can provide a sense of depth. Think creams, ivories and off-white embellishments on top of stark white fondant.







An all-white wedding cake is also your cue to go all out with texture. Three-dimensional sugarpaste flowers, fondant draping and sophisticated piping can all accentuate the look of your all-white dessert. Add color from the inside out. Imagine cutting into an all-white dream only to see rich devil's food cake, orange-flavored cake, cherry cake or red velvet cake? Skip the colored pin-lighting as well. Quite often, white weddings cakes are accented with colored pin-lighting to change the appearance and color of the cake. This time, you want to show off your cake in its unspoiled, all-white glory.









Any cake design or pattern can be made in the all-white palette. See a particular colorful cake you like? Take a picture to your baker and ask her to recreate it in your neutral color scheme. Experiment with the textures, flavors and embellishments and you're sure to come up with a winner. Anyone like the all-white wedding cake idea at a color-laden wedding celebration? We'd love to hear your thoughts about it--please leave your comments below. Here's to doing something unexpected at your reception!
Photo Credits: Martha Stewart, Kakes by Karen, Cake Channel, Jane the Cake Artist, Collette's Cakes