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 since this cake is a big three layers! It will shine and glow almost as much as the bride and groom!

Home is where the heart is and what better familiar place than your own home as host to a beautiful day such as a wedding! There’s a great deal of versatility when it comes to hosting your wedding at home. While most aspects depend on the size of your home, everything is flexible here. And the best part, your wedding can be as formal or informal as you want it without feeling slightly under or over dressed in a reception hall.

What you do have to look out for is the planning process. With the ceremony, you would need to rent chairs and you would probably work with a florist when it comes to decor. Since most of the reception items will have to be rented (unless you also own a rental company!), you must plan this ahead of time because, in a way, you are your own caterer! [And cooking for your own wedding reception? That’s another article all together!] Plan on renting chairs, tables, glasses, utensils, dishes, and the like.

When you first start to plan your at home wedding, consider the various locations within your home. Where will your food be set up? Where will you cut the cake? The easiest flow for your wedding at home is to have it both indoors and outdoors, especially if you will be having your wedding ceremony in early- to mid-afternoon. Or if you and your groom are really lovers of the outdoors, you can rent a tent like above so you can keep the festivities going on outside all day and night. [Some rental companies also offer clear tent covers so you can watch the stars!]

Other questions to ask yourself are:

• Will you have to hire people to serve the food?
• Will there be a band and dancing?
• Do you have enough room for parking?

Even though there are alot of things to consider, having your wedding at home is a big money-saving idea. This is especially great for newlyweds who have just bought a new home together before the wedding, of course, well enough before so they can be accustomed to it. Or if there is an “ancestral” home so to speak, this can really bring out family traditions. Consider this option and plan ahead!

Now, what if you are a bride who absolutely loves the fairytale wedding, Prince Charming, happily-ever-after idea but don’t quite have as many millions (or billions) as those royals? Fear not! Semiformal can still make you feel like a princess bride! [Actually, between you and us, all brides should feel like princesses on their wedding day! Should and can!]

For those brides who may want to save their money for something else after the wedding, here is how a semiformal Princess Bride typically looks:

• Floor-length gown either with an (at most) elbow-length veil or none at all
• Headpiece optional
• Jewelry and gloves a must (or at least preferred)
• For evening weddings, the bride can choose among floor-, tea-, or ballerina-length wedding dresses

Read “Still a Princess Bride”