Whats on the Royal Wedding Menu?

So we know the British Royal Family is definitely no stranger to tradition, but there is no way they have specific traditions for the wedding foods they eat, right? Wrong! While looking into a few of the fun fashion trends and traditions the wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton would bring, we found a few different food related traditions as well. It sounds like a celebration fit for a king! 

A Wedding Breakfast for the Guests

After the reception, invited guests will join the newlywed couple at Buckingham Palace for a formal wedding breakfast (it will really be more like an afternoon cocktail party by the time it starts). Over 600 guests have been invited, which is way more than Princess Diana's wedding to Prince Charles, which only had 120 people!

A Reception Hosted by the Queen

The wedding breakfast will be hosted by Queen Elizabeth herself. This means she gets the final say over all of the dishes served at the reception-things like smoked salmon on beet blinis and quail eggs sprinkled with celery salt. Interesting!

Toasting the Bride's Family

Not only will Prince Harry toast the bride and her family, but Prince William will toast Kate and her immediate family and thank them for being in attendance. Historically, the bride is to pay for the wedding, but hopefully the Royal Family was able to help them out!

A Multi Layered Cake

Traditionally, guests will be offered a piece of fruitcake, that they can have boxed and take home as small gifts (This is because supposedly fruitcake can be kept fresh for years... yum?). The actual wedding cake is usually a classy multi-tiered cake with white icing, and has been known to touch on almost five feet tall!

Non Traditional- A Bride's Cake and Groom's Cake

Not so similar to the 27 cakes Princess Diana had at her wedding, William and Kate will each have a cake of their own. Kate's will be the traditional fruitcake, and William will be going against the grain with a chocolate McVitie's Cake. Yum!

A Menu Written in French

Despite a lack of translation, every menu presented at the Royal Wedding will be printed in French. Its a good thing the Prince speaks fluent French!

A Dish Named after Kate Middleton

It is tradition for the royal chefs to name one of their elaborate dishes after the bride. No one knows what it will be just yet, but it will probably be revealed at the wedding's second reception which takes place later in the evening.

Plenty of Beer!

Britains are no stranger to beer, so we know they will be throwing back a few brews in celebration. There has even been a beer brewed special for the occasion, called the 'Windsor Knot'.

Packing the Important Stuff

I am sure the LAST thing you want to do in all the hustle and bustle of last minute wedding planning is to pack your honeymoon suitcase. But unfortunately, it is unavoidable; especially if you don't want to leave it until last minute! Check out our top ten list of must haves on your honeymoon to make sure you don't forget a single thing.


1. Jacket/Sweater- No matter how tropical the place you are going will be, you always want to have one of these. You never know if an airport chill or cool evening breeze will catch you off guard!

2.  At least 1 nice outfit- Even if you are going hiking in the wilderness, its a smart thing to have a nicer outfit than the rest, in case a spur of the moment event or layover calls for it.

3. Deck of Cards- You never know what kind of delays or rainy days you may run into!

4. Ziplock baggies- Bring a few of all sizes; they will come in handy in the airports and for wet things or keeping things dry

5. Every single confirmation- You never know what could happen with a reservation, so it is good to have proof of everything just in case an issue arises.

6. Family Phone Numbers- Even though you have them in your phone, it is a good idea to carry them on a well stored paper, as well, just in case.

7. Travel Locks- Just make sure you don't misplace the keys!

8. Chargers- If you are relying on electronics, make sure you bring the appropriate chargers so you are not stuck in a rut!

9. All the contact lens supplies you will ever need- It would stink to be in a situation where you couldn't see any of the activities and views you were visiting!

10. Sunscreen- No matter how tan-prone you are, make sure to bring a little bit of this. You never know where it will be offered, and you don't want to be without it!


For a more extensive list, visit: http://wedding.theknot.com/honeymoons/honeymoon-planning/articles/master-honeymoon-packing-checklist.aspx

Table Numbers? Why, Yes!

Thinking of having assigned seating at your wedding? It's not necessarily needed, but its a nice way to be able to be more organized and know where your guests are sitting. If you choose to have assigned seating, table numbers and place cards are a definite must- They are a fun and creative way to incorporate your theme into the table decor. And it is always fun for guests to try and find where they are sitting. Need some ideas for your table number and place cards? Check out a few of our favorites below!

This is a fun idea from a wedding we did with Big City Catering. Assignments were written on a vintage window as guests walked in.

Many couples choose to, instead of doing table numbers, use table names. You can choose the names of significant and memorable places in the relationship

Name cards dont always have to be on paper! Objects, such as the rocks above, or pieces of fruit, are a unique way to let guests know where they sit.

 

This is a fun way to tie in a 'green' or vintage wedding. Look hard? It can be made at home with poster board!

Do you and your special one have a sweet tooth? This picture is from a Georgia-themed wedding, which let the guests know where to sit while giving them a tasty treat to take home.

Whatever you choose to do with your place settings, make it reflect you and there is no going wrong!

* Pictures courtesy of : Bigcitycatering.com~

Wedding Favors? Absolutely!

Not sure whether to include favors in your planning budget? We highly recommend it! Favors are not only a nice and meaningful way to thank your guests for sharing your special day with you, but they can also be a fun way to tie in a theme or accent a color scheme. Not sure of what to choose? We've got you covered with some fun (and cost friendly) favor ideas.

Bookmarks such as these are a good way to incorporate a Nautical Theme, while giving your guests something cute they will be able to use later.



Bottle stoppers are another great way to tie in a theme, while giving a favor that can be used over and over. There are tons of different designs that can be placed on top!

Bride and Groom boxes are cute and unique ways to give out things such as color coordinated candy, or home made cookies.

Candles are a great way to give a gift that will give your friends a reminder of what fun they had at your wedding.

Tea leaves or infusers are a great way to tie in a Brunch themed wedding, or a wedding with tea time. If a guest likes a tea they tried, they can take it home for another time!

Are you and your fiance big on planting and outdoors? This is a cute way to incorporate a little bit of what you both like.

Wine glasses, stemmed and stemless, are a fun way to incorporate your names or initials and the wedding date, so guests will always be reminded when they drink from them.

Not all favors have to be long lasting and elaborate- They can be simple and edible! Monogrammed candies are a cute way to show off your initials, and give your guests something to nibble on before the cake!

*photos courtesy of: glassjarswithlids.net~amaramedia.com~wedding53.com~bestweddinginfo.com