Choosing the perfect...Wedding Cake

"A sprinkle of design know how, a spoonful of passion, a dusting of exceptional expertise and a bowlful of the finest ingredients". That's how the amazing Rosalind Miller describes herself on her website, and that's why she is the perfect choice of contributor for our next feature on how to choose the perfect wedding cake.

Her cakes are incredible - just take a look at the delicious images in this blog post. Anyone peckish?

How do you get the ideas for the design of your cakes?

Each cake is like a new canvas. The seeds of ideas come from the consultation. Then it's a matter of coming up with a design, one which is in my own style, but that expresses the couples wishes. There's a lot of thinking and doodling goes into it! Ideas come to me and I try them out till I find the 'right' one. I find inspiration in many places; artworks and illustrations, films, fashion, jewellery, the garden. I like to mix classic and contemporary and I'm always on the lookout for anything interesting that could be translated into a cake.

Who else do you admire in your field of work?

I love Peggy Porschen's work, it combines, timeless elegance and simplicity with a modern twist.

Tell us about the history of wedding cakes 

In ancient Rome, marriages were sealed when the groom smashed a barley cake over the bride’s head. In medieval times, newlyweds kissed over a pile of buns, supposedly ensuring a prosperous future. Unmarried guests sometimes took home a little piece of cake to tuck under their pillow.

One early British recipe for “Bride’s Pye” mixed cockscombs, lamb testicles, sweetbreads, oysters and (mercifully) plenty of spices. Another version called for boiled calf’s feet.

By the mid sixteenth century, though, sugar was becoming plentiful in England. The more refined the sugar, the whiter it was and so pure white icing soon became a wedding cake staple. Not only did the colour allude to the bride’s virginity, but the whiteness was a display of wealth. A wedding cake that had a lot of tiers and height was also a status symbol. Formal wedding cakes became bigger and more elaborate through the Victorian age. The queen's wedding cake in 1947 weighed 500 pounds.

With the huge choice of cake designers out there, how should a couple go about choosing the right one for them?

Use the internet. Most cake designers will have a website where you can browse their designs, and choose someone whose style you like. Then arrange to meet them for a consultation where you can usually taste their cakes.

Once I have chosen my cake maker, what sort of process should I expect from briefing to seeing the cake on the day?

Most of my customers contact me by email before coming for a consultation. The prospective bride and groom can taste different flavours of cake; a few of which are Madagascan Vanilla sponge, Banana, Carrot Walnut and Ginger, Raspberry, Chocolate, Lemon, Elderflower, Lavender and Rose, Red Velvet.

We discuss their preferences for flavours, and whether they want different flavours for each tier of the cake. We will talk about their own design ideas, themes and colours for their wedding, and together come up with a cake design they're happy with, either based on one of my previous cakes adapted in some way, or a completely bespoke design. This may involve an email conversation, where we discuss sketches, but it's usually sorted out on the day of the consultation.

How do I go about tying in the cake with the theme of the wedding?

It's best to have thought about this before the consultation, so you can bring along some colour and fabric swatches and images of the flowers you are having and any decorations.

 Cakes can be inspired by any of these things, and we can incorporate colours, patterns from fabric or the invitations on the cake design.

What are the current trends in wedding cakes?

The Royal Wedding will obviously influence wedding cake designs in 2011.  Cakes will have lots of regal details, intricate piping, and majestic designs. A strong trend this year is for double height tiers, which can look very elegant. The vintage theme is still going strong, with lots of sugar flowers, butterflies and jewellery on the cake. There is also a strong trend for square cakes with offset tiers and strong graphic patterns.

A recent bride and groom said to us "We are not bothered too much about the cake. It's just a cake" - What would you say to persuade them differently?

I think guests still expect cake at the wedding and the cake cutting 'ceremony' is an important part of a wedding. It symbolises the bride and groom helping each other as they will throughout their marriage. Sharing the cake is like sharing the couple’s good fortune amongst their friends and family.


A beautiful wedding cake is an important focal point during the reception.

Our thanks go to Rosalind Miller for her contribution to this blog post.  http://www.rosalindmillercakes.com/

How to get the most perfect lashes on your wedding day

Ok, put your wedding 'to do' list down for a moment and take time out.  It's probably full of boring organisational stuff anyway like 'find a venue', 'research caterers', 'book a florist' etc etc.  Now where's the fun in that? 

When you are planning your wedding, make sure you cover off other important stuff too, like your beauty regime.  It can't all be about menu tasting, napkin folding and an endless search for the perfect wedding favour. One treat you might like to consider is having eye lash extensions.  They are incredibly popular now, and so much more natural looking than they ever used to be.  One of the pioneers is Jinny Lash, so we took time out to interview them to find out just how they go about giving us UK girls longer, thicker lashes.

What is Jinny Lash and how did it all begin?

Jinny Coffey was born in South Korea and moved to England in 1998 to continue her success as a beauty therapist in the UK.

Jinny Lash was founded in 2002 in South Korea by company director Jinny Coffey. By 2004, Jinny joined forces with her sister and brother-in-law and sourced the necessary materials to create and patent this innovative eyelash extension technique, a first of its kind.

Jinny worked closely with a South Korean factory to produce all the materials. From the specially formulated glue to the synthetic eyelashes, Jinny ensured the perfect end result.

On her frequent trips back to South Korea, Jinny also set up an education centre that offered training in the art of Jinny Lash ensuring that anyone who specialises in this technique is of the highest calibre.

In 2004, Jinny Lash was launched at the Excel Beauty Show and created a worldwide frenzy. Jinny Lash became an overnight success with numerous TV appearances and magazine reviews.


How can wearing lashes enhance a bride's look on her wedding day?

Eyelash extensions are the perfect 'beauty' cheat and a great add-on to your wedding day make up. Jinny Lash are incredibly natural, there are no visible bonds and they are light weight. They look and feel like your real eyelashes. They also provide an alternative to mascara so there will be no need to worry about panda eyes as the vows are read out! Jinny Lash extensions last up to 4 weeks and are waterproof, so will last well into a honeymoon, ensuring you look groomed all day, every day, even from the moment you wake!

What makes Jinny Lash different from all the rest?

Jinny Lash were the original eyelash extensions. Once this pioneering treatment was launched in the UK, many brands followed. What makes Jinny Lash so unique is the quality and research that is put into making each product. Jinny and her team regularly search for the most elite ingredients and products. In doing so, Jinny Lash extensions are lightweight plus the selection of tried and tested lash glues and lash bonds do not damage the natural eyelash. Jinny Lash pride themselves on offering a bespoke service and natural looking lash extensions with technicians who have undergone stringent training.

If a bride isn't used to wearing false eyelashes, how are they going to feel on the day?

Jinny Lash feel no different to your natural lashes. Unlike standard strip 'false' lashes, there is no skin contact.  The lash extensions and the natural extensions are bonded so there is no need to worry about allergies or sensitivity. Take extra care not to rub the eye area and these lashes will last for the full 4 weeks.

How are the lashes applied? How long does it take?

The lash extensions are applied individually by a trained and certified Jinny lash technician. This is a 'hair by hair' process so incredibly intricate. A full set (75 lashes per eye) takes approximately 1 hour 30 mins and a half set (40 lashes per eye) takes approximately 1 hour. We also offer a bespoke service eg corner flicks etc, this process will depend on the number of lashes required.

How long do they last?

Jinny Lash last approximately 4 weeks if suitably cared for. We recommend in and maintenance fills every 3 weeks.

What if a bride has blond eyelashes currently?

If a bride's natural eyelashes are particularly 'light' in colour, we may suggest tinting them prior to the extension process which can also be done at the Jinny Lash salons. Jinny Lash offer an overall eyelash service, consider this an eyelash MOT. They will extend, curl and tint to ensure you have the perfect set of eyelashes for your wedding day.

How can brides get some in time for their wedding day?

Come in and see the Jinny Lash team. They will be happy to help. Why not try a few lashes to start with and see how you go? There are a variety of thicknesses, length and curl type to choose from for a perfect set of lashes. Jinny Lash certified salons are located at 16 James Street, London W1 and in New Malden, 71 Kingston Road, New Malden, Surrey KT3 3PB.

There are also numerous trained technicians in and around the UK. Please call the head office on 0207 495 8385 to find your nearest qualified Jinny Lash technician.

Choosing the perfect...wedding photographer

When helping couples select their wedding suppliers, our philosophy is simple.  We always put forward those we believe to be outstanding in their field and those who have great personalities that add something to the day.  Miserable, clockwatching, wedding-weary types don't ever make it to our shortlist!

So, with this in mind, we thought it would be nice to introduce you to some of our favourites in a series of blog interviews. 

First up are photographers, Lord and Leverett (Mark Lord and Tristan Leverett).  As if to prove just why they always deserve to make our shortlist, they managed to take time out to chat with us, as well as move both home and office.  How's that for fabulous?!  They also kindly shared with us five of their favourite Lord and Leverett pics of 2010 which we have dotted throughout this post.

We love them for their style, their sense of fun and their attitude.  See what you think...

How did you become photographers?

Mark and I came to wedding photography from different directions and that has been of great benefit for us both as we bring different experiences to our business.

Mark worked hard at Uni and received a B A Hons Degree in photography, then went on to train  with a pro. social photographer in Cornwall before going on to get a job as a contemporary portrait photographer in Marlow, Buckinghamshire.  I (Tristan) studied photography and graphics at college before working my way up to a being a photographer after starting my photography career in a camera shop.

Mark and I went on to work together as employed photographers for a portrait company, where after a couple of years we felt it was time to do something different and decided to launch Lord & Leverett.

What fascinates you most about your work?

We are very lucky to do the job we love so much.  We enjoy working at different weddings and I guess the thing that fascinates us the most is how every wedding is so individual.  That makes our job great fun as we always have a different challenge to tackle.

Who or what is the inspiration for your work?

Having studied the greats of photography, we both have a list of famous photographers we love.  Many are photojournalists and some portrait photographers.


We both love films and get some great inspiration from them too.

How do you get your ideas?

We find ideas come organically on the wedding day.  Often we start out with certain ideas, but then we see something and the old grey cells get working and new ideas flow.  At every wedding a new idea usually comes.

Who else do you admire in your field of work and why?

There are a couple of wedding photographers whose work we admire, but we both love the work of the portrait photographer Harry Borden - his work is just brilliant.

How do you think photography styles have changed at weddings over the years?

Wedding photography today is almost unrecognisable to the style around just twenty years ago.  We would like to think it has improved exponentially and continues to do so as more and more clients want something different from their wedding photos.

There's such a huge choice of photographers out there. How should couples go about choosing the right photographer and style that's right for them?

Well, the photography you want for your wedding is a personal decision.  Not only do you have to like the photographer who will be at your wedding, but you also need to decide on a style that works for you on your wedding day.

For instance, do you want a formal/traditional approach with lots of photographer input and lots of group shots or would you prefer a more unobtrusive approach where a photographer will capture the story of the wedding day without directing the wedding day. It is always worth seeing at least two photographers before you make a final decision.

Once couples have chosen their photographer, what sort of process should they expect from initially meeting you to seeing you on the day?

Well, we usually have a couple of meetings with our clients before their weddings -  one initial meeting and a further one closer to the wedding date to discuss all the timings and small details.  We also do a pre-wedding shoot which is a good way for us to get to know our clients better and a great way for our clients to get a feel for how we will work with them on the wedding day.

We will also speak to our clients on the week of their wedding to chat about any final details or changes to the day's schedule.

Are there any current trends in wedding photography?

Well, trends in photography can sometimes be a bad idea.  We would hate the thought of someone looking through one of our albums in twenty years time and just thinking it’s full of gimmicky photography effects that were en vogue at the time, so we always like to keep our photography true to classic values:  good colour pictures, good black and white pictures that are well composed with a great use of light.

Having said that, the industry is really jumping both feet into a vintage feel at the moment and that suits us fine as we both love photographing the vintage inspired wedding dresses that are available at the moment.

Photography vs videography - discuss!

This is always a hot potato subject among the photography industry, the truth of it is photographers and videographers are both trying to do a very important job.  Problems can arise though, as they are both trying to occupy the same space on the day to get the best shots and this can sometimes lead towards friction for both parties.

Now we are not saying that problems are inevitable and nine times out of ten photographers and videographers work together very well, but it should be a consideration for anyone thinking of having both at their wedding.  You should at least discuss it with both parties before the wedding and don’t just spring it on them on the actual wedding day.

We personally prefer it if there isn’t a video team at the wedding because as we work as a duo we think adding another couple of people to the wedding with cameras can be a bit much, but we understand it is a personal choice of the clients, so if they want a videographer at their wedding we would do our utmost to work well with them.

Photo credits: http://www.lordandleverett.com/

A New Years Resolution

Over the New Year, I was reading a really great article about New Years Resolutions. It suggested we forget making pointless resolutions like 'I want to lose weight, eat less chocolate, drink less alcohol, cut down on the crisps blah, blah', as we make those every year and somewhere along the way we give in, (usually around about February)!

The article challenged us to make resolutions that actually help us achieve something life enhancing - Like taking up a new skill. 

I can think of hundreds of things that are on my 'to do list', that I should really get down to, and if you are getting married in 2011, here's a delicious idea for you too.

Why not make your own wedding cake, and favours.

No, I haven't been watching too much 'Kirsty's Home Made Home'. I really am serious and it really is possible - with the help of the wonderfully talented Zoe Clark (http://www.zoeclarkcakes.com/)

Just imagine the pure pride when a guest asks you 'Who made your wedding cake?' and you say 'I did!'.

The courses are starting in January at Zoe's new shop in Wimbledon Park called the Cake Parlour.  You can learn the secrets of Zoe’s designs and learn how to create them yourself. There are courses on cupcakes and cookies as well as tiered wedding cakes and seasonal goodies. If you are not quite at the wedding planning stage yet, but want to make an impact when proposing, there is an entire day dedicated to baking the most romantic Valentine's cup cakes.

Go on, I challenge you to have a go!

Credits: http://www.zoeclarkcakes.com/

The images used in this blog post are from Zoe’s books (Cake decorating at home & Bake me I’m yours – Cupcake Love), so our special thanks go to her publisher – David and Charles.

Who will be at your side when you walk down the aisle?

In the latest issue of An Essex Wedding (Jan/ Feb 2011), we were asked by a bride whether she could have both her real dad and her step dad at her side when she walked down the aisle. 

Here is our advice:

Q:  My parents divorced when I was five and I have always been closer to my stepfather than my biological dad.  However, while I would prefer to have my stepdad walk me down the aisle, I feel as though this would break my real dad's heart.  Is there any way I can have them both at my side or should I ask my mum to walk me down the aisle instead?

Clare Beckwith Weddings:  It's common for brides and grooms to try and make everyone happy on their big day, but I'm a firm believer in having the wedding that you truly want, rather than trying to please everyone else - even if that means parting with tradition.  Therefore, if you would like both of your dads to walk you down the aisle and they're happy to do so, there's no legal reason why this can't happen. 

Why not have a chat to your registrar or religious minister to see what the possibilities are?  It all depends on the type of ceremony you're having and where you are having it, as every district has its own set of rules. 

However, if having both fathers walk you down the aisle isn't possible, perhaps it would be wise to ask your mum to step in and give each dad another important role in your day instead.

A White Wedding...Dreamy backdrop or a planning nightmare?

It’s been snowing quite heavily here at Clare Beckwith Weddings HQ for a quite few days, but last Saturday we did venture out to a wedding at the 5 * Hanbury Manor where we have been invited to help out as Wedding Concierge.

With the forecasters predicting snow, we packed the car full of sensible essentials (spade, food, water, high vis. jacket etc) plus lots of warm clothing, and set out early.

It started to snow heavily after we arrived and the snowy backdrop of the Garden Court was picture perfect. It was everything you could ever dream of for a white wedding.

But white weddings can cause havoc with your plans too, as we were about to witness when the live 5 piece band call in to say they couldn’t make it, and the photographer turned up red faced and hassled, half way through the ceremony.

It wasn’t a wedding that we had designed and organised ourselves, so all we could do was watch and learn.

As a wedding planning business, we always think ahead and put contingency plans in place, and if you are organising your wedding yourself you should too. It’s essential, even on a normal weather day!

We’ve spoken to a few of our wonderful suppliers to help compile these 10 top tips to help you think of everything if you are facing a snowy, crisp weather wedding.

1) In the planning process, make sure you get good wedding insurance and have a written contract with all your suppliers containing a cancellation clause.

2) A few days before your big day, watch the weather. Yes, boring we know and much like watching paint dry, but very necessary if you want to avoid nasty surprises. Try http://www.accuweather.com/

3) As soon as you hear of weather warnings, contact your suppliers to alert them, and to see what their travel/contingency plans are.

4) If snow is forecasted, encourage suppliers to drive up the day before and stay in a B&B.

5) Make sure all suppliers know where they are going and what time they need to be there for. Provide maps and rough estimates of drive times between venues. It might seem like spoon feeding, but some people aren’t as sensible as you!

6) If you are planning a winter wedding, try to hold it all in one place, or within a very short distance from ceremony to reception venues. Make sure staff are prepared for the winter conditions and that guests are kept happy and not standing around in the cold.

7) If you are booking a live band, try to do so through a reputable agent. Try http://www.vivalivemusic.co.uk/
They only have musicians and bands that have been interviewed and auditioned. The musicians are trustworthy and won’t let down clients. In the unlikely event that someone is ill in the band, they will organise other musicians – giving you additional peace of mind.

8) If you are let down by any of your suppliers, check with your venue. They should have a list of local suppliers that could be contacted in an emergency. Alternatively, they might have other musicians on-site for residencies or other events that might be able to provide some entertainment – even if it wasn’t what was originally planned.

9) Contact suppliers via local business websites that might be able to assist. Even if they can’t, they might know someone that can. You would be surprised how everyone helps in a crisis!

10) If you find yourselves without a photographer, ask one of your guests with a decent camera to stand in for a bit until they arrive. You might even discover a hidden talent!

And to keep everyone comfortable and warm...

1) Make guests aware of the conditions so that they can dress appropriately, wearing suitable footwear, coats etc. Read my last blog post by Isobel Kershaw for some stylish ideas!

2) Prime your ushers to help push cars in the snow and also make them aware they may have to remove snow in places for guests to get to the church. Give them spades to do the job!

3) Serve warm mulled cider in the church to keep guests warm and happy!

4) If you are having a church ceremony, give out hand and foot warmers to guests with their order of service. Churches often have no heating and are cold at the best of times.

5) At the reception venue, ask your photographer to set up lights in an allocated room to do all the formal family shots which will keep guests in the warm.

6) Lay out a red carpet laid for the bride to walk on in places where it is particularly snowy or icy.

Winter weddings are wonderful. Don’t let the snow put you off. Just be prepared!

Our sincere thanks go to the amazing Lord and Leverett http://www.lordandleverett.com/ and to Viva Live music http://www.vivalivemusic.co.uk/ for their contributions to this blog post.
Photo credit:  http://www.marriott.co.uk/

Are you a guest at a Winter wedding?

OMG - it's just 2 degrees outside at the moment - a comparatively warm mini-break from the really, really cold snap of the past few weeks.  The weather forecasters are telling us to prepare for another an arctic blast this week. That’s fine if your winter weekends are pretty free and you can embrace the snow and go sledging, but what do you do if you are invited to a wedding and want to look stylish?

To help you with your winter wedding style woes, I have done what I always do when I need style advice, and called the very lovely and incredibly stylish Isobel Kershaw from the NHJ Style Consultancy. She has these words to stop the onset of style panic...

Isobel says...
“The great thing about a winter wedding is that you don’t rely on the weather and can therefore dress to accommodate it, knowing that it will be cold!

And so with this in mind, here are a few inspiring looks to help you on your way to choosing a stylish outfit as a guest of a winter wedding.

A Church Wedding

Church weddings will be cold and you know that you will be travelling from the church to a reception venue, so how do you dress up warm, but still look like you are at a wedding as opposed to on a skiing holiday?

Fur!

It’s big this season, and fake fur has never looked better.

This faux fur from FCUK will ensure you will stand out in the crowd and it will certainly keep you warm!

Or go for drama with this vibrant red faux fur jacket from M&S.

If you are not into the all over fur look, there are some great coats on the High Street which have fur trims to give that glamorous edge to any outerwear.

The other alternative for a bang on trend winter coat which is dressy enough to go to any event – is the cape! There are lots on the High Street including this one from Reiss with the military shoulder detail.

So with the outerwear sorted, what goes underneath? Here are a few dresses for different body shapes to inspire you.

For the Rhubarb shape, we have a stunning print dress from Karen Millen with long sleeves to keep you warm whilst looking very stylish.

Accessorise with statement earrings colourful opaque tights (red) and platform heels.

For the hourglass, we have a curvy and very sexy dress from LK Bennett.

This is a very versatile dress that can be used after and with the right accessories can be glammed up for a winter wedding. Add a skinny patent belt and sparkly cuff to ensure that you will turn heads! And to add to the appeal, it has been reduced from £195 to £115.

So for all you lovely pears out there, here is the dress for you.

A fabulous navy lace (again so on trend) dress from Whistles. Another feminine dress with sleeves which is so important in the winter. To style it up, I would change the belt for one of a contrast colour in red or cream or even a metallic to make it look more party.

Also accessorise it with colourful tights in orange or a more subdued purple.

And now for the Apples, let me entice you will a dress that will flatter and make you feel gorgeous.



This pretty print dress from Phase Eight will certainly brighten your day with its colourful flower print and is a very flattering with an empire line shape. This dress also doesn’t need too much accessorising as it makes a statement with its print and colour.

And so to finish off with a few more accessory ideas to ensure you individualise your look.

The hat – Many of you may think about wearing the classic style hat for a wedding whether it is winter or summer, but think outside the box and again think fur!

The Cossack hat from Debenhams at £18 will bring a bit of edge to your outfit, but sometimes you need to be brave to carry off such a hat!

Gloves will be needed and if you are wearing the cape, you will need long ones!

These long red gloves from Hobbs will really make a statement and are certainly a nice change from black!

At £69 though, you had better make sure you don’t lose them!

So if you have a winter wedding to prepare for, you may now be a little more inspired by what you are going to choose to wear and with lots of reductions already happening in the shops, you can splash out on a few extra accessories.”