Frederick's of Hollywood Blog

Ask 10 brides what the most important part of their big day is going to be and you’ll most likely get 10 different answers. However, one thing we think all brides-to-be, wedding guests and married couples can agree on is: cake! The cake is the centerpiece to your reception, and if you chose wisely, the one thing that will stand out sweetly in everyone’s memory.

Photo via pinkcakebox.com.

In the past, you were generally stuck with the basic options of vanilla or chocolate, fondant or flowers all rendered in a pastel or ivory hue. But nowadays you may order whatever strikes your fancy. Want a cake modeled after the board game you two loved to play? Not a problem! But with so many choices comes an increased risk of being overwhelmed. Here’s some tips to help you figure out the perfect confection you want:

1. Select a style of cake. Now is the time to start hashing out whether you two can agree on chocolate or if one of you is going to insist on red velvet. Don’t forget that there can be tiers of cake and they don’t have to match. This is one of the times that the phrase “pick your battles” comes in handy, so if one of you is uncompromising when it comes to flavor, remember there are ways to work around it.

Photo via goo.gl

2. Taste the cakes. It’s important to meet the bakers to find out if they’re capable. The fun part is going to bakery to bakery and tasting each offering. Seriously? Days of eating cake sounds amazing! Or maybe that’s just us—we aren’t currently planning a wedding right now…

Photo via pinterest.com

3. Cost can be a big issue since wedding cakes are generally priced by the slice + designers labor. It’s best to do one gorgeous creation and have a sheet cake or two to feed the rest of your guests. Especially if you are having a large wedding. Fondant, flowers and other accents are far more expensive than a basic buttercream frosting.

Photo via pinkcakebox.com.

4. Having an outdoor wedding? Consider asking the baker about icing options. Buttercream, though delicious does not hold up to heat. Nor do whipped cream or meringue.

Photo via abeautifulmess.com

5. Costly Confections. If price is truly an issue, get creative! Shy away from traditional toppings and try to include fresh fruit or flowers from the florist. And never rule out the mighty cupcake! Towers of cupcakes take the place of sheet cake in a cute, cost-effective and delicious manner!

Did you have a gorgeous wedding cake? Share photos in the comments below!

We’re heading down star-filled path this week for Wedding Wednesday! With tabloids, blogs and all of Hollywood buzzing over Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s upcoming nuptials, let’s take a look at the best and brightest celebrity engagement rings starting with Angie’s, of course.

Photo via Popsugar.

Designed by Robert Procop with help from Brad, Angie’s ring is a sparkling stunner featuring conflict-free emerald cut diamonds.

Photo via Popsugar.

The best surprise ever? While on vacation, Hilary Duff was shocked by boyfriend Mark Comrie’s offering of a platinum 14-carat radiant-cut ring.

Photo via Popsugar.

Perhaps when Beyonce advised single ladies everywhere about the benefits of putting a ring on it, she was inspired by the flawless 18-carat diamond that Jay-Z presented to her. Designed by Lorraine Schwartz, it’s reportedly worth a cool $5 million.

Photo via Popsugar.

J-Lo may not want us to be fooled by all the rocks that she’s got, but when she accepted an 8.5-carat diamond from ex-husband Marc Anthony in 2004, it cued a collective eye roll.

Photo via Popsugar.

Kate Middleton had princess-wannabes everywhere turning green with envy when Prince William proposed with the 18-carat sapphire ring worn by his mother, Lady Di.

Photo via Popsugar.

Goop may be her thing, but surely Gwyneth Paltrow took off her stunning Asscher-cut diamond before making one of  her signature dishes… Right?

It’s one thing to wish for a huge engagement ring, but the practicality of such a thing has always thrown us for a loop. Think of all the sweaters it would snag!  Or worse, imagine what happens when you run your hand through your hair. Ouch! Even more nerve racking, what happens if you lose it? So many questions.

Do you think gigantic rings are impractical, or will you accept nothing less? Tell us who’s ring you covet the most and share your opinion in the comments below!

Imagine it: Your best friend announces she’s getting married. After the initial round of oohhing, ahhing and tears of joy, she asks you to be a bridesmaid. Of course you accept! She is your best friend, after all. But then the realization sets in. There are a lot of hidden costs to being a part of the wedding party and some of us just don’t have the discretionary income necessary. Today’s bridesmaids face an average of $3000 in costs, especially if it’s a destination wedding. Here are some ideas for both brides and ‘maids-to-be to help everyone relax and be part of this special day.

Photo via elizabethannedesigns.com

Brides, we hate to say it, but it’s up to you to be somewhat sensitive of the situation. Jetting off to Hawaii for your dream wedding, though an amazing idea, may not be feasible to everyone in this economy, just as picking out $500 dresses in aquamarine adds to the “god-it-was-so-expensive, but-I-can-only-wear-it- once” stigma that surrounds the bridesmaid dress.

Photo via Events by Heather Ham

One incredibly cute and budget-friendly trend that many brides have started to implement has been choosing the color and then letting the bridesmaids pick a dress in a style that flatters them. Benefits to this include: bridesmaids know what they can afford to spend on a dress, your friend’s individuality comes through, the entire wedding party is glowing because they feel beautiful in a style that’s comfortable to them and of course, your wedding is totally unique and a perfect combination of your friend’s love and support for you.

Photo via Wedding Dresses Advisor Blog

Bridesmaids, you must also consider these factors when thinking about accepting;

• Can I afford the dress?
• Can I afford the throw the bachelorette party/wedding shower, if she asks me to be the Maid of Honor?
• Is it going to be a destination event? Which means including time off work, airfare, hotel and rental car fees into the equation.

Don’t be afraid to have a heart to heart with the bride. Honesty is key and she’ll appreciate your forthrightness rather than agreeing to be in the wedding party and then pulling out at the last minute.

Photo via abeautifulmess

If the costs are still too much, ask if there is another way you can contribute. Have a crafty side? Offer to make centerpieces or offer up your services for any other tasks that she made need done. She’ll appreciate the sentiment (and the help) and you’ll still get to be part of her special day. Conversely, brides, if you know your struggling creative professional friend doesn’t have the dough, tap their natural talents. Who knows, maybe you’ll be able to save on the wedding photography or floral arrangements!

Are you on board with the mismatched bridesmaid dress trend or do you have any bridesmaid horror stories? Share them in the comments below!

For the fourth installment of our wedding series, we’re going to take a step back. You’ve picked your dress, gotten the right accessories and shapewear, and even committed to creating your own bouquet. We know that planning a wedding, whether it’s for 50 people or 200 can be overwhelming and you may find that you need to regroup. Here is a round up of our top 10 wedding movies to help you get a little stress relief and gain perspective. From funny to dramatic, they capture all the hilarity, shenanigans and happiness of matrimony:

Photos via Imdb.com

Gather your closest friends, bridesmaids or your partner-to-be and suspend disbelief for a few hours of fun. You’re guaranteed to feel better (as long as the wedding planner hasn’t been making eyes at either of you).

Photos via Imdb.com

After watching a few of these, we think you’ll want to hug your significant other, be thankful your in-laws aren’t as horrible as they could be, take a deep breath and carry-on!
What’s your favorite wedding movie? Or what’s the best way you’ve found to relax when feeling overwhelmed about the big day?

Share your tips for keeping calm in the comments below.

It’s the third week of our wedding series and we’re getting a little crafty. For the bride who’s into D.I.Y. planning a wedding can be an exciting time. Even if handmade isn’t really your thing, creating your own bouquet can be a great way to cut costs without sacrificing quality.

Photo via abeautfulmess.typepad.com

While making your own seems easy, there are some tips and tricks to getting it right. TheKnot has a pretty straight forward tutorial on creating a classic domed bouquet that will compliment most gowns. If you’re less of a traditional bride and want more fun options, Elsie from abeautifulmess, has created probably the easiest (and sweetest) set of instructions to make the most darling bouquet.  And if you’re feeling particularly inspired, you can check her D.I.Y. boutenierres here.

Photo via abeautifulmess.typepad.com

The basic supplies you will need:

*Variety of flowers in your color story

*Scissors

*Floral Wire

*Floral Tape

*Ribbon

*Glue Gun

1. Cut the flower stems to a 45 degree angle and begin to strip all the leaves or thorns from the stems and wrap each one in floral tape.
2. Pick your center flower and slowly work your way around the bouquet, adding one flower at a time until you’re satisfied with the size.
3. Wrap the stems in floral tape. Cover it the ribbon or lace of your choice.
4. Add any accents you’ve picked out like feathers, vintage brooches or other pieces that match your theme
5. The base of your bouquet is now ready to be wrapped in floral tape to finish it off. At this point you can add streamers of ribbon or lace if you’d like.

Of course, depending on how comfortable you are with crafting you don’t have to add any accents at all. It’s totally up to you and your comfort level!

Photo via abeautifulmess.typepad.com

It’s important to store your bouquet properly. Wrap the stems in tissue and keep it in the refrigerator to keep the flowers looking beautiful. Or, do a few practice runs until you feel at ease and make it the morning of your wedding for the absolute freshest bouquet.

Even though it might seem intimidating, there is nothing that could make your big day more you than a few personal touches. And nothing is lovelier than a beaming bride holding a bouquet of fresh flowers!