Wedding Cake Serving Size

No one eats the cake. And that's the honest truth.

Yes, I love the tradition of having a wedding cake there not only to cut, but as a beautifully delicious addition to your reception decor. I've got to admit, I love a stunning cake but in reality, they just go to waste.

I've had bride after bride tell me, "I just know our guests are going to love this cake. Our families love sweets and they're going to devour it." But no matter the crowd and no matter how delicious it may be, I've never seen more than half of the cake eaten. Well, the trash can generally devours it just fine!

When ordering your cake, there are a couple of options that will save you some money and not let that delicious creation go down the drain:

1) Order a small cake to cut and have extra sheet cakes in the back just in case! No one will ever know...unless you tell them :)

2) And if you still want the look of the 7-tiered huge cake, then order a Styrofoam cake but make one layer edible for cutting and eating. Again, no one will even be able to tell that it's fake!

3) You can always go with a dessert table, which is more easy to save after the wedding and use/eat later. And it always tends to be a much bigger hit than cake.

4) Just order less cake!

When a caterer cuts and serves the cake, the slices are thinner than what you would see at a birthday party. So keep that in mind! And if you do decide on a smaller cake, just let your caterer know and they will make sure they slice extra thin...just in case your crowd is one in a million.

Here is a guide to how many guests each layer of your cake will serve. But always remember, the majority of your guests just aren't going to eat it!

Today on the Bridal Boutique: Bride-to-Be Tank by Bridal Party Tees

For all of our fabulous brides-to-be, we've found your next fashion staple! This adorable tank comes from Bridal Party Tees who has a huge selection of completely customizable, group order friendly, and sure to please everyone items. The tank we're featuring comes in four bright highlighter colors - pink, yellow, green, and orange. Not only can you choose the colors, but you can also customize the font, text, art, and image! This tank would make a perfect bridal shower gift and can be worn to the gym, while running errands, or even to wear on your big day!

And don't forget to subscribe (on the right) so you don't miss out on next week's fabulous bridal boutique item!

If you have any comments, feedback, or even suggestions for products, please feel free to contact us at meredith@theoverwhelmedbride.com

All photos courtesy of Bleudog Fotography

Walk Me Down the Aisle

Gone are the days where traditions are followed to a tee. And while many traditions still remain in the wedding world (which I love!), these traditions aren't always used and even sometimes, are just not possible for some brides.

And one tradition that greatly various from wedding to wedding, is the walk down the aisle - that walk down the aisle with the bride and...

Who?

Who will be walking you down the aisle?

While I love that my dad got to walk me down the aisle and I wouldn't have it any other way, not every bride has a dad or a dad who is significant in her life.

But don't worry, there are plenty of alternatives to having your dad walk you down the aisle and none is better than the other. The person (or people) you choose to give you to your future-husband at the end of that aisle, should have a positive significant influence your life, first and foremost. And here are some ideas to get those wheels spinning as you plan out the most important half hour of your life.

Mom AND Dad

Many brides choose to have both their mom and dad walk them down the aisle together. Whether your parents are divorced or still happily married, this is a fantastic option to allow your mom to have a bigger part in your ceremony.

Dad is watching from above

If your dad was influential in your life but is unable to be part of your day, then you can choose another family member or even friend in your life to walk you down the aisle. You can choose a brother, a aunt or uncle, and grandparent or even a family friend. And to make sure that your daddy is still there walking with you in spirit, one of my FAVORITE traditions is attaching a small locket photo of him to your bouquet, or using one of his ties as the wrap on your bouquet.

Just me, myself, and I

Another processional idea that is not very common, is the bride walking down the aisle without anyone else. While I haven't seen it very often, it is more commonly used in second marriages or older couples. However, I don't recommend it. The person standing by your side is 1) going to be there to calm you and breathe with you, 2) will ensure you walk slowly so that your photographers have plenty of opportunities to snap the perfect shot and 3) will catch you if you fall. And yes, I've seen in happen...twice!

At the end of the aisle, your officiant will typically ask the question, " Who gives this woman to be with this man?" And that significant role model will be the one to hand you off to your new husband. So whoever you choose, choose for you. Choose the person who is a positive influence in your life, whether family by blood or not.