Tag Archives: wedding

Sep 17, 2014

Tara’s Tips: How to Include a Dog in your Wedding

As we all know, dogs can seem like a part of the family and it can feel wrong to leave them out of a celebration as big as your wedding. We’ve had a few Soirée brides ask to include their dogs in their weddings, and while we’re all for it, there are a few tips to keep in mind to make sure it’s a success for everyone (including your dog!).

First and foremost, it’s important that you consider whether or not your dog is really up to the challenge. While we know it may be fun to include them, you really don’t want them to become a distraction or problem during this special day. If you have a well-behaved dog, we say go for it, but if Fido is still leaning basic commands like sit and stay, you might reconsider.

Secondly, make sure to appoint someone to dog duty for the day, meaning they watch the dog while you’re getting ready, bring the dog to the ceremony, and look after the dog during and after the reception. While you might think that you’re furry friend will be at your side constantly, you’ll have lots of other things to worry about and you wouldn’t want them to get lost in the shuffle. Having a friend help with this will relieve some of the pressure surrounding the wedding day festivities and ensure everything goes smoothly. (image source)

Last but not least, bring treats and lots of them! While your dog may do everything you ask when it’s just the two of you at home, this is a much different situation with lots of distractions. Your dog will be in a new environment with lots of new people, and sometimes all you need is one little treat to help them refocus on the job at hand.

9.17.14 | TARA GUÉRARD
Event Planning | 1 Comment

Sep 15, 2014

Jim Smeal’s Guide to Wedding Cakes

Our dear friend and baker extraordinaire Jim Smeal, starting making wedding cakes in 1980 after opening a bakery with a friend in Charleston, and getting non-stop requests for his deliciously beautiful wedding cakes. We’ve been collaborating with him on cakes for Soirée brides for quite some time, and are thrilled that he took the time to answer some of the most frequently asked cake questions for our Bob Bon Blog readers.

What should couples know before they sit down to do a cake tasting?

There are many things to keep in mind when considering what type of cake to go with, but I suggest that couples think about the reception venue first and foremost. If you’re venue is quite large, you don’t want the cake to look dwarfed in comparison, and if your reception is outside, you’ll want to keep the cake inside until the very last minute as heat, bugs, or wind could mean its demise. You should also keep wedding colors and style in mind as a traditionally decorated cake would look out of place at a modern event, and of course guest allergies can play into your decision, but don’t let it sway it completely as it’s very hard to please everyone. Just make sure guests are aware of the ingredients if that’s a concern.

What types of cakes are you most known for?

Some of the most popular flavors are chocolate and Kahlúa or butter cake with raspberries, but I’m most known for my buttercream frosting. Many bakeries use fondant to capture a certain look for the cake, but I find that the texture and flavor of fondant can sometimes be off putting. Although buttercream can be slightly harder to work with, there’s really no replacing its delicious flavor. I also don’t like to use food coloring which is often used to color fondant. I’m a purist. If a cake calls for almond extract, I make my own. I don’t like the store bought stuff or anything that tastes fake.

Tell us more about the grooms cake… is that still a popular tradition?

I would say that about 20-25% of our brides end up getting a groom’s cake, but I find that they are serving it at the rehearsal dinner versus the reception. It’s a great way to honor the groom on “his night.”

What about saving a slice for your first anniversary. What’s the best way to keep it fresh?

I love this tradition, but the thought of eating a piece of cake that has been frozen for a year after sitting in the sun for six hours seems like a recipe for disaster. Instead, we make a separate tier of the cake that the couple keep for themselves without having it sit out at the reception. Everyone wins!

9.15.14 | TARA GUÉRARD
Cakes, Reception | 1 Comment

Sep 10, 2014

Angelina Jolie’s Bridal Style

We are so happy to join in congratulating the Jolie-Pitts on their August 23 wedding held at their home in France. After nearly ten years of dating, and six beautiful children later, they tied the knot in a 20 person ceremony planned by Maddox, Shiloh, Pax, Zahara, Knox and Vivienne. The wedding was published in People magazine this week and we we’re quite inspired by their intimate affair.

Donatella Versace’s sketch of Angelina’s dress incorporated a fun element… while quite formal in the front, the train of the dress included drawings from her children hand-sewn onto the gown. The children are such an important part of the couples life that they even wrote the couples vows, asking them to make promises to each other. While no one will ever have the same dress, we’ve found some similar options from this season an next to help you get the look (image source)!

Angelina’s gown was made of a beautiful silk and the thin straps almost gave the illusion of a strapless dress. This Reem Acra number from the Spring 2015 collection has a similar aesthetic and features a classic ball gown silhouette. Photo from Brides.com.

From Austin Scarlett’s Fall 2014 collection (available in stores now), this asymmetrical folded bodice silk organza gown would be perfect for an autumnal affair. Photo from Brides.com.

Finally, this Marchesa dress from their Spring 2015 collection features a sweetheart neckline, with pretty pleats that mimic Angelina’s gown. Photo from Brides.com.

9.10.14 | TARA GUÉRARD
Bridal Style, Pop Culture | 1 Comment