Love On Top: Wedding Toppers

Cake toppers have come a long way from the traditional bride and groom standing stiff on top of the cake. Weddings today are all about finding ways to personalize the ceremony and reception.  A custom cake topper is another way to do just that and be fun! New wedding cake toppers range from funny to symbolic and fashionable; whichever is a unique representation of you and your beau’s relationship.

 A few examples:

The monogram topper is especially popular right now. It may be a single letter representing the couple’s new last name together OR the first initial of the bride and groom’s first name with their last name in between.

If the two of you love the beach then a topper of a sandcastle with shells or a couple walking barefoot on the beach may be nice.

Funny toppers can include bride lassoing the groom who is trying to escape or the bride kissing in her gown kissing a frog.

So where to find cake toppers? Etsy has wonderfully custom-made and handmade toppers to fit exactly what it is you’re looking for. Prices range anywhere from $15.00 to $200+ so the sky really is the limit. They are really creative and colorful with their toppers and have a reputable business. Weddingstar also has a large variety of toppers and has them categorized in a way that you can easily look through and find what you want. I did notice however that Wedding Star did not have a large variety of toppers to represent people of color. So Etsy may be a better route with more options if your skin is a little browner, LOL. In actuality the supply is somewhat limited no matter what ethnicity you may be which is why I recommend Etsy. They’ll custom make it for you. Flowers are always an option atop the cake as well. Not to mention beautiful.

The first two are custom made from Etsy.com

African-American couple on the beach

Unless you want it to be, the cake topper really doesn’t have to be a part of your wedding that you spend a lot of money on. Happy Topping!

Behind the Veil

Veils have come a long since probably your grandmother got married. I’ve come across at least four or five different purposes for them in tradition ranging from it symbolizing the bride’s purity to the act of lifting it symbolizing the husband taking ownership of his new wife. Whatever the reasons were they’re pretty much just for fashion these days. Of course there are cathedral veils that extend feet beyond the end of the dress and veils that are thick and end midway down the back. Though I hate that they’re called so, I’m really into the birdcage veils. At this point in 2011 I don’t like the idea of being hidden behind layers of fabric. I WANT TO BE SEEN!! Everyone knows its me under there. I think they frame the face very nicely and even in the smallness there are still a variety of options to choose from.  Coupled with the right hair and makeup? Yes! 

And apparently they are pretty easy to make so shop around Youtube.com for some DIY tips as well. 

Something else I found to be pretty cool for any kind of veil is Save the Veil . They are these beautiful magnetic veil weights that decorate the veil, but also keep it from blowing in the wind because of an outdoor wedding or photographs. They are really pretty, come in four different options of Swarovski Crystal and Mother of Pearl. Cool idea.

Take a look at this video...

The Rand-Bryan House

I found this beautiful house and garden area called the Rand-Bryan House located in Garner, NC. The house was built in 1871 and has a lot of history as a farm. It has been renovated several times over the years with the latest renovations taking place in 2008. With that being said there is so much wide open and space! The rooms are large and there are acres upon acres of land. For ceremony space they have the options of indoor or outdoor. For a more intimate feel there is the option of using the sunroom which is so beautiful with its hardwood floors and floor-to-ceiling windows. Breathtaking! I love that because it is relatively empty the bride and groom can do almost whatever they want.

The house can also accommodate around 75 guests on a smaller lawn surrounded with trees or 500+ guests on their landscaped side yard. Your pick. Honestly I’m stuck on that sunroom. It is so beautiful to me. Especially during sunset.

The same spaces could also be used for receptions. The sunroom pictured above could seat around 130 guests with the placement of the dining tables and chairs (there’s are available for use). The large lawn can be used as well and easily could eat 300+ guests. And wouldn’t it be so beautiful with tents set up to party all night! Oh yea!


Of course pricing varies depending on time of year, day of the week, and the number of hours you’ll need the space. They aren’t pictured here but this house is also gorgeous in the winter time with snow on the ground for a Winter Wonderland themed wedding. Check out their website for more pictures and information. They are also available for engagement photo sessions.

http://www.rand-bryanhouse.com/
Martha Bryan Liles
info@rand-bryanhouse.com
919-995-1663

Allow Me to Introduce Myself

Something Borrowed, Something Bleu came into my mind because weddings and all the hoopla surrounding them make me happy. Period. I love all the intricate details that go into making that day special. I love love. And I love seeing other people happy. Wedding days are one day out of someone's life that when you can just feel the love from everyone from the bride and groom to the families who are about to join together.

There are so many details that go into bringing to the life the vision you have in  your head. What I aim to do with this blog is showcase different ideas, vendors, concepts, venues and fun (lol) that come with planning and executing a wedding. I am a native of Charlotte, NC currently residing in Durham, NC so I want to highlight those places and little hidden gems that may be found in and around the state of NC, not to say that I won't stray from time to time. Hey, just because you're from here doesn't mean a wedding has to take place here right? Sooo, this will just be where I go to to keep up with all the great things that I find that I may want to remember whenever my and my (future) husband's day rolls around. *Note* I am no where near that day! But when its my turn I'll be ready!

So if you're planning a wedding I hope Something Borrowed, Something Bleu can be of some help and if you're like me and just love all that goes into weddings then, Enjoy!