Nontraditional Wedding Cake Toppers

Cake Toppers are back in a big way and I have to say I am pretty excited!  The tradition of cake toppers started in the 50’s and was a way to symbolize togetherness. Over the last ten years cake toppers have taken a back seat to using fresh flowers to top the wedding cake.  Although I still like using fresh flowers as a topper, it does make the wedding cake a little more memorable when you use a topper that is unique to you. Plus, I like anything that can be kept as a keepsake from your wedding day.

Traditional cake toppers are of a bride and groom standing together dressed in formal attire but today you can find all kinds of nontraditional toppers.  These toppers can represent a couple’s personality, interests or hobbies. Below are some of my favorite nontraditional cake topper ideas.

One of the newest trends in wedding cake toppers are made from wood.  These wooden figures can be customized by changing the color of the hair, wedding attire and even adding elements to compliment your wedding theme.  Check out the beach themed topper!

I love the glasses and the birdcage veil added to match the couple.

If you are concerned with budget, check out these customizable wedding toppers that are only $38.00! They are hand painted and just adorable!

I love these rockin’ figures below…don’t miss the facial hair!! Too cute!

One of my favorites are the superhero inspired figurines. Batman has saved the day!

And if you don’t want the traditional bride and groom topping the cake you can always use your initials to make a statement!

Who can resist a pair of lovebirds?

Like I mentioned earlier, these nontraditional toppers may not be for everyone.  If you like this idea but unsure if it is “you” , you can always find a topper that fits your personality and use it as a topper for the grooms cake!

What do you think about these nontraditional cake toppers?  We would love to know!

Sources: www.charmorigin.com, www.aweddingcakeblog.com, www.intimateweddings.com, www.thebrokeassbride.com, www.austinweddingblog.com, www.poptasticbride.com

New! Paper Flower Bouquets

At Glendalough Manor, we are always on the lookout for new and unique ideas for our brides.  When I came across the idea of having a paper bouquet I thought it was such a unique and interesting idea I had to share!  At first glance, I honestly could not tell many of the bouquets were made from paper.  It is amazing to think that most of these bouquets are made from tissue paper, crepe paper and card stock!

  If you are a very crafty bride, this can be a DIY project and save lots of money! There are many website tutorials to teach you the step by step way to make one of these floral bouquets yourself.

You can even use music sheets to create a bouquet!

If you are not so crafty like me, you will have to stick to getting the professionals to make one!  Don’t be fooled by the word “paper” and think they will definitely be cheaper than using real flowers in your bouquet.  Most of these bouquets are handmade and take a lot of time to create; especially if you want something custom made (i.e. color, type of flower, etc.)

I found lots of paper bouquets on different Etsy shops that will make your bouquet and customize it for you for a variety of prices ranging from $35-$250.

How cool is this origami flower bouquet?

Although these bouquets are the same price or possibly more expensive, there are many reasons to choose a paper bouquet over a floral bouquet.  With a paper bouquet you don’t have to worry about whether the flowers you want are in season.  Since they are not real flowers you also don’t have to worry about making sure the flowers hold up all day for pictures.  And I think the best part about the paper flowers it can be easily kept as a keepsake for years to come.

We would love to hear your thoughts on paper flower bouquets!

Sources: www.glendaloughmanor.com, www.100layercake.com, www.etsy.com, www.bhldn.com

Unique Aisle Runners

If you want to decorate your ceremony aisle but you are tired of the traditional white aisle runner, then I have a few unique ideas that may be perfect for you!

A great DIY idea is to use wallpaper as your ceremony runner!  Choose your favorite wallpaper and glue it to some foam board for a great inexpensive runner.  You can even use this same wallpaper throughout your wedding (for example you can use it as a backdrop behind your escort card table).

Most girls have used roses down their ceremony aisle but coming up with a unique pattern to lay the roses is now the modern way of dressing up your  aisle. Make sure to have the guests enter by going around the chairs and not down the aisle so they don’t mess up all your hard work!

Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine just featured laying the petals down in an ombre pattern where the roses go from the lightest shade to darkest.  So beautiful!  Especially, if you are having a monochromatic wedding color scheme.

If you want to be very unique use confetti, crystals, or feathers to sprinkle down the aisle!

One of my favorite DIY projects is to make a chalkboard aisle runner!  Take some brown parchment paper glued to foambaord and paint with chalkboard paint.  Then you can write something special on the aisle runner…maybe a letter thanking all your friends and family for coming and sharing your special day, or a love note to each other written by each of you!

Let us know your thoughts on these unique aisle runner!

Happy Planning!

Sources:www.eventsbysarahelizabeth.com, www.groomsoldseperately.com, www.inbloomeventdesign.com, www.simplylovestudio.com