Winter Wedding Cakes

Now how adorable is this cake? It looks like a perfect present during the holidays! The various designs made on the sides of the cake add a bit of character and tones down what could be a formal wedding cake. With gold ribbon and holly at the top, this is a perfect wedding cake for a winter wedding, especially if it’s a nice medium-sized one, especially since this cake is a big three layers! It will shine and glow almost as much as the bride and groom!

The History of Bridal Veils

Bridal veils have a rich and rumored history. They are believed to date back as far as the Roman Empire, where brides were covered with bright red and yellow wedding bridal veils to protect them from evil spirits that might whisk them away before entering the sage union with their husband. The fabric was meant to completely hide the beauty from the malicious intent of bad spirits.

Headpieces have been used greatly in outdoor and beach weddings due to their simple and elegant feel. In an Eastern Orthodox wedding, the headpieces are blessed and exchanged three times. after this ceremonial exchange, the couple is pronounced married. Bridal headpieces and veils are also traditional in Finnish weddings. After the union ceremony, there is a dance where the bride places her headpiece or wedding veil on one of the bridesmaids. Like the Western tradition of throwing the bouquet, this Finnish practice means that the designated bridesmaid will be the next to marry.

Some say that the tradition of donning wedding bridal veils dates back to the Bible. In the story of Jacob, in the Old Testament, his father-in-law, Laban, tricks Jacob into marrying the wrong woman. Because of the heavily masked veil that was not raised until after the union was complete, Jacob married the older and homelier Leah instead of the young and beautiful Rachel. Rachel was his one true love, and the deceit resulted in Jacob eventually having both as his wives. They story also resulted in the Jewish practice where a groom lowers the veil before the ceremony and lifts the veil before the kiss.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

As the song goes “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” And what a great time of the year to get hitched! Here are 10 tips for getting married during the holidays:

1. Start shopping for your wedding decorations and favours early. Purchase Christmas ornaments, ribbon, lights, etc. just after Christmas (the year before your wedding) when they are on sale.

2. Book your venue well in advance. The Christmas season is a hugely popular time of year for functions.

3. Let out-of-town guests know well in advance that you are having a holiday wedding so they can make travel arrangements and book accommodations before the holiday rush.

4. Have out-of-town guests arrive a couple of days in advance, in case of inclement weather.

5. Have Santa act as the emcee, or have him simply hand out favours.

6. Serve hot beverages, such as cocoa and hot cider at the reception to keep guests cozy.

7. Make sure venue will be decorated for Christmas by paying a visit. If not, enlist the help of friends and family to make it festive.

8. Instead of a gift table, have guests place gifts under a Christmas tree.

9. Have Christmas carolers provide music during cocktail hour.

10. To keep warm, wear a long-sleeved gown

Photo: Anne Ruthmann Photography