I'm making my own wedding cupcakes and I need about 150 of them. I'm up for the challenge so don't worry but I didn't want to spend a ridicules amount of money (as in the same amount of money it would cost to buy them form a baker). An tips and recipes would be greatly appreciated!

Congratulations on your wedding!

If you are doing your own may I recomend that you make chocolate cupcakes and you can add the frosting in any color. Chocolate is ususally more moist and decadent IMO.

I make all my desserts from scratch. Here is a couple of recipes. Try them out in a small amount before you make a huge batch.

Good luck!

Chocolate cupcakes:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups sugar
1 cup cocoa
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup vegetable shortening
1 1/3 cups water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs

Make the cake mix by combining the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, stirring with a whisk. Using an electric mixer or a food processor, blend in the shortening until no lumps remain. (Using the mixer on this makes a dusty cocoa mess, so I prefer the food processor!) This is the dry cake mix part, and you can store it in an air-tight container for several months.

Finish making the cake by adding the water, oil, and eggs to the cake mix in a large bowl. Mix on low speed until moistened, and then beat on medium for about 2 minutes. Pour batter into greased and floured pans (one 9×13-inch pan, two 9-inch round cake pans, or cupcakes) and bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes or until cookeed properly.

Vanilla cupcakes:

http://www.joyofbaking.com/VanillaCupcakes.html

I like the recipe above.

And finally frosting is quite simple. Mix "\:
1 cup white sugar 1/3 cup water
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
2 egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a saucepan, stir together the sugar, water and cream of tartar. Cook over medium-high heat until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is bubbly.
In a medium mixing bowl, whip the egg whites and vanilla to soft peaks. Gradually add the sugar mixture while whipping constantly until stiff peaks form, about 7 to 10 minutes. Frost the cake of your choice

To save money on a wedding night hotel room, book at the same hotel as the guests to get the discounted rate. Book an inexpensive wedding night hotel room with tips from an event coordinator in this free wedding planning video.

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My husband and I are going on a cruise in March. We'll be going to Key West and the Bahamas. We've decided to renew our vows in Key West since we never got a real ceremony. I'm going to do white flop flops. I also plan on getting a mani-pedi before I go. So that will be included in the budget. My total budget on the wedding is no more than $700.
We've already found a place that will do it for $200. We'll only have about 5-10 guests. I'm not doing the bridesmaids thing either. I want it as simple as possible. Although I want one thing… a wedding gown.
My husband will be wearing his dress blues. My budget for the gown is $100. I'm trying to get out of doing alterations if possible. I need it by March 5th at the latest. I'm also very petite. I wear a size zero and I'm only 5'1". I'd like a strapless or halter gown. Little or no train, since it will be on the beach. I found the perfect gown at David's Bridal, but sadly it wouldn't be in on time. I like the dresses with little bits of color. But, it's not a must. If I do get something with color, the ones I like are red, light blue, or light pink.
Some of the minor things I need/want; a 40's style hairstyle. Kind of like Uma Thurman in The Producers or Rachel McAdams in the Notebook. If that doesn't work I would do one of these 2 styles:
http://img152.imageshack.us/my.php?image=48337212uo1.jpg
http://img101.imageshack.us/my.php?image=10hairsl4.jpg
A little problem with this is if there isn't a salon on the ship I'll have to do it myself. I'm not to skilled with a curling iron, will curlers or hot rollers work? My hair doesn't hold curl very well, so I'll probably end up doing it about an hour before we leave. Our ship arrives in Key West at 7am and the wedding place opens at 9, giving me a 2-hour gap to figure it all out.
I really would like a veil. If I have my hair like that, I'm not sure where to position the veil. I'm making the veil myself to save money. I bought this really pretty but inexpensive hair clip at claires. It has little crystal things on it. I'm going to buy some tule at a fabric store and hot glue it to the hair clip. I looked up how to do it online. It looks really easy.
One of the other big things I would like to have, but isn't necessary, is a bouquet. I'm hoping there will be a flower shop either on the ship or in town. I'd like a mix of red roses and stargazer lilies. This is a perfect mix of flowers.
http://img101.imageshack.us/my.php?image=stargazerlilyredroseboutz5.jpg
The only thing I would do different with that is instead of having the ribbon in a bow, I'd just wrap it around the stems with a red or pink ribbon. I'm already prepared to spend alot on flowers. I know they can be expensive. I might stop at $100 though.
If you guys have any suggestions, tips or pictures I could really use the help, Thanks!
The cruise I'm going on is Carnival Facination if that's any help.
I think I'm going for this dress
http://www.nexteve.com/shop/evening-dresses/F6404.html
I just need to make sure that it'll be here on time with all the custom measurements and everything.

http://www.nexteve.com/shop/ballgowns/F6324.html

http://www.nexteve.com/shop/evening-dresses/F6404.html

http://www.nexteve.com/shop/ballgowns/rosepink-strapless-prom-dress-F6217.html

http://www.nexteve.com/shop/cocktail-dresses/sapphireblue-asymmetric-short-dress-F6211.html

http://www.nexteve.com/shop/evening-dresses/cream-off-shoulder-satin-F08_532.html

http://www.nexteve.com/shop/ballgowns/F6334.html

http://www.nexteve.com/shop/prom-gowns/F6329

http://www.nexteve.com/shop/evening-dresses/F6274.html

http://www.nexteve.com/shop/ballgowns/F6271_s.html

http://www.nexteve.com/shop/ballgowns/F6259.html

I think most of the brides on here are very much like you, I know I am. I'm planning on doing as much as possible DIY since you can usually do it cheaper then a professional.

I find the site stylemepretty.com helpful. They have a "DIY" section. And I'm personally using a lot of their ideas. and Bridalocity.com can be helpful. Also great wedding sites like Theknot.com list ways to save.

Doing your own flowers is a big task to undergo but it usually turns out to be much cheaper then a florist will quote you.

You could use a photographer that is just starting out or one that doesn't have a degree. Also see if you have a talented family member or friend that could be a stand in for a pro. The photographer I'll most likely be using goes to my church and is going to cut us a deal. Just make sure you see a sample of their work so you don't get in over your head with someone who does a poor job.

Candles are cheaper centerpieces then flowers normally and you can get candles from the dollar store.

The dollar store is your friend: I found bubbles at my local Dollar Tree. 12 for a dollar, when I'd found them for much higher at party stores and wal-marts.

Use things that aren't normally used in a wedding. They'll mark up something just because it says "wedding" on it. Clearance can also be your friend…. A lot of people use white lights (like the ones you put on your Christmas tree) in a wedding so get them after Christmas so they'll be on sale. I'm getting mine from the dollar store when they start doing clearance after Christmas.

Buying things online can normally save you a ton especially with ebay and most wedding websites have a store (the knot) and will have sales and clearances. Signing up for coupon e-mails from your favorite hobby store will help a lot too.

Good Luck.

Wedding cake is a central element of most wedding receptions. A beautiful wedding cake can make a huge impact on the overall elegance of the reception. Unfortunately, wedding cakes can be among the most important accessories of your wedding reception.

You should have a budget for your wedding cake and stick to it. It is much better to start looking for your cake after you have set you budget. The most expensive part of a cake is the decoration. Therefore, an inexpensive cake can taste just as good as an expensive one. You don’t have to compromise taste when you opt for a lower budget wedding cake.

Many wedding cakes have different filling for each layer. The variety gives you and your guests more variety to choose from. There is no limit to the variety of different fillings available for cakes. Your cake professional should be able to offer many different flavors and textures for your cake. Fresh flowers and other exciting decorations are not at all unusual anymore.

Wedding cake price is normally charged by how many guest it will serve. If you have a wedding with 150 guests, you need a cake that will serve 150. The minimum cost per slice is about $2.00 but can go up to about $12.00 per slice and it doesn’t stop there. A standard three-tier cake will feed about 150 people. So at $2.00 per slice that’s $300.00 and at $12.00 per slice that’s $1,800.00. Now, you see how wedding cakes can get so expensive.

Don’t make a decision about who to hire before you meet at least three pastry chefs. Even if you really like the first or second professional, do yourself a favor, interview at least three. See the quality of work at their business locations, and ask to see pictures. Taste the cake varieties, and take some friends with you to make it more fun.

Ask for references, and follow up. Once you have hired the person to do your wedding cake put everything in writing. A written contract is an absolute must. It protects you and the vendor. Make sure you include all the details about date and time of delivery, flavors, serving size, etc.

im currently planning my wedding … just wanted to know if any one had some ideas for favors or designs …anythin…

advice on what i should do first ?

tips - on inexpensive stuff…

thanks

Check this website - lots of ideas

http://www.wedding-needs.com/inexpensive-reception.asp

My husband and I are renewing our vows in Hawaii in November for our 20th anniversary. We have gone with an inexpensive wedding package from a company that includes the officiant, flowers, photographer (only like 30 pix). I will prepay the package, but do I tip the officiant and the photographer? If so, how much? I think this is going to be very short and sweet.

Thanks!

Hi and congratulations on 20 years of marriage!

OK, I’m stumped. Hmmmm….I really don’t know. Since you are already paying for everything in one package price, you don’t really need to tip. To be honest, I don’t even think you need to tip for a regular wedding either! IMO

IF you like the officiant, you could give him/her a little tip. I would certainly NOT make it huge…$20 would be plenty. It’s not like he/she is having to do pre-marriage counseling sessions or anything.

Same for the photographer. Will you get the pictures right then and there? If you are happy with them (photos), and if he/she seems to go “above and beyond” then you could tip him/her, but it certainly is not necessary! Again, you have already pre-paid for this package deal.

Ohhh….I LOVE Hawaii! Which island are you going to? Just curious.

My mom is holding the rehearsal dinner in October, for my brothers wedding, I’m a bridesmaid. I’m sixteen and I have no ideal what I should wear. Like a casual dress is what I’m thinking. But ideals and pics please (i have a colorful style and will try almost anything) also am i suppose to give a toast?? If so tips please. I’m stressed.
Also ideals on what I can do to be a better bridesmaid-what’s something thoughtful and inexpensive (no job) I can do for them?????

God bless <3

What to wear:
Try Old Navy for some cute dresses. Depending on your location… for October, I’d suggest a cute dress with 3/4 length sleeves and the bottom just below the knees.

A toast:
You won’t have to give a toast unless you’re the maid of honor, so don’t let that worry you at all. If for some reason you need to, just tell them how much you love them, thank them for being in your life, and give them your best wishes.

Gift idea:
Do something creative with a photo of the bride & groom…maybe frame it in a wooden frame and burn a quote about love into it.

Sounds to me like it really screwed you in this deal. Maybe you could get good luck here.http://heath-insurance.tips-free.info/health-insurance-free-online.htm

I'm planning a September 2008 wedding and need to know:
a. do caterers always charge per person or do some have flat fees?
b. any inexpensive caterers in DFW area?
c. tips on negotiating better caterering fees
Thanks!

the best thing to do is decide what type of food you want to be served at you wedding and then find out what caterers. For any food you like I'm sure there is a caterer for it. Some of they have a flat rate depending on the amount of people like 20 people $520.00. (just an example)