Have you ever wondered what EXACTLY is a Groom's Cake?

I've had alot of Brides ask me that very question, so I thought I'd briefly explain what it is and how it originated.

Planning your wedding? Congratulations!

With all the planning that has to be done, you’re probably feeling a bit overwhelmed. There are wedding invitations and programs to order and send out, a ceremony and reception to plan, food to choose for the reception, and so many other important things to do. However, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing a wedding dress. After all, you want to look amazing for the big day.

It is important to keep in mind that this is YOUR wedding day. Just because a photographer wants you to take pictures at a certain time or a caterer tries to tell you that you "must" serve this, remember that you are in charge. Listen to these experts, but decide for yourself.

Most photographers, for example, will work with you to take many of the key photos before the wedding, so that you don't have to miss your entire reception due to hours of picture-taking.

Tip number 1:  Don’t leave it too late.  Planning a wedding can be a time-consuming and occasionally stressful experience.  Having a good wingman in place right at the start will not only help you, but it’ll make your best man feel like he’s doing his job properly.

Tip number 2:  Choose someone reliable.  Your best man going to be responsible for getting you to the wedding on time, so choose wisely!  Ideally he’ll also be sort of guy who can be relied on to help out with one or two of the numerous small jobs involved in planning a wedding.  Good “best man” jobs include drawing up a playlist of songs for your DJ and putting together a map and directions to the venue for your guests.

Just when it seems that you've navigated hundreds of decisions, and had near-missed tizzies with just about everyone involved in your wedding - ANOTHER hard decision! What to give your best friends for helping you through this blessed event?! Here are some helping guidelines:

• A gift that will remind them of your wedding after it's over. Think durability.
• A gift that is conducive for all your bridesmaids irrespective of fit or size
• Think of something that they can wear or have with them on the day itself
• It would be ideal if your gift helps co-ordinate their look at the same time.

For all the reasons above jewelry makes an ideal gift. By buying affordable jewelry gifts for your bridesmaids you solve two problems at the same time: their jewelry will now co-ordinate with each other (while matching their dresses) AND you're giving them a wonderful gift that they will be able to appreciate long after your wedding.

The ceremony was beautiful! Now its time for the reception. Food, dancing, fun, thank yous and toasts.

Your guests have come out to join you on your special day and you should take the time to say thank you. It is also an opportunity to thank those who have not only supported you during the wedding planning but throughout your life. It does not have to be a long speech, it should be a sentiment from the heart. You can decide whether you will give the toasts or whether your husband, or maybe even both.

On your wedding day often the last thing you think about doing is preparing food - one of the most important things you need to survive until the reception!

To stop you from the embarrassment of fainting away at the alter, here are a few ideas of platters that are light, nutritious and energising.

It the new year, if you were not aware. Perhaps one of your New Year’s Resolutions was to be better about planning your fast-approaching wedding. Or perhaps that has been a resolution all along, but the New Year has provided you with some snappy new motivation.

Or, perhaps not. In any case, I have good news for you: The Internet is your friend. I can’t say I was around when wedding planning (or much of anything else, for that matter) had to be done without the assistance of the World Wide Web. But I imagine there was quite a bit more running around involved for a more limited amount of resources.

You see the maid of honor standing next to the bride in all those wedding pictures. She can be seen holding the bride's bouquet and walking confidently down the aisle (usually arm in arm with the best man). But what else does the maid of honor do? Is she just an elevated bridesmaid or does she have more responsibilities? Here's what you need to know about this lovely bridal lady.

What are her primary responsibilities?

We seem to find that most brides seem to fit fairly well into one of four categories. Which one are you?

1) The Minimalist