SIMPLY PLANNING: The Dessert Table

So you want a really pretty dessert table but aren't a huge fan of being wasteful and spending money when you don't have to slash don't want to be left with tons of sweet treats to take home after the wedding because let's face it, you aren't prepared to be on a sugar high for the next month straight. Or you're like me who is one of those brides on a neverending diet because your wedding is in a really hot place + includes lots of pool time and therefore there is no way you want to take all those sweets home with you because if you're also like me then you know that means that you'll end up eating every single last treat. You think I'm kidding? I'm not. It happens all the time. Chris buys oreos. Chris eats 5 oreos. Nicole eats 25. Chris buys chocolate poptarts. Chris eats 1. Nicole eats 9. I'm not even kidding... but back to the lovely dessert table. Here's some ideas for how to have a really pretty spread with lots of different desserts without having way too much!

1. One and a half per person. Not all guests feel the need to try one of everything, or three of everything like me.. so it's important to remember that your dessert table does not by any means have to be filled with enough of each treat for everyone to enjoy a portion of every single thing. That being said, how do you best determine how much of each treat to provide for guests?? Well, I think a good rule of thumb is that there should be enough of every treat so that everyone can have one a half desserts. Because like I said some people might not eat any dessert where as others will have four or five so it works out nicely.

2. Smaller stands/dishes/etc.: I love the dessert tables that have mini cake stands with just a few treats on them. Or even those tall stemmed stands with lids + one cupcake? Adorable right?! Delicious? Of course. So then you get the pretty dessert spread without having an abundance of treats that don't get eaten!

3. Smaller cakes: If you want to have an assortment of desserts then there is no reason why your cake needs to feed every single person. Plus not everyone even likes cake. Crazy I know but it's actually true. So why not spend less money on your cake and more money on a gorgeous cake stand?! I have had my eyes on that jadeite one for quite a while now... Hmm...

I must say... I surprisingly am not craving any sweets right now. Maybe because I had my fair share of whoopie pies, cake pops, cupcakes + key lime tartlets from Delectable Designs at Lindsey + Leigh's wedding this past Saturday. No but really... delissssssh.

{Photo Credits} [Mini Treats] Cupcakes via Simply Savannah Events, photography by Alimond Photography // Coconut Bon Bons via Simply Savannah Events, photography by Izzy Hudgins // Coconut Macaroons via Simply Savannah Events, photography by Izzy Hudgins // Dessert Shooters via Simply Savannah Events, by Small Bites, photography by Andi Mans // Cookies via Simply Savannah Events, photography by Izzy Hudgins // Shortbread Cookies via Simply Savannah Events, by Sweet n Flour photography by Andi Mans // Cake Pops via Izzy Hudgins // Mini Pies via Simply Savannah Events, by Small Bites, photography by Andi Mans [Cakes] Cake with Bride, Groom + Dog Topper via Izzy Hudgins // Peach and White Cake via Simply Savannah Events, by Sweet n Flour, photography by Andi Mans // Rustic Chocolate Cake via Ruffled, photography by Danielle Capito // Cake with Cupcake + Feathers via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Katie Pritchard // Pink Cake via Ruffled, photography by EE Photo // Valentine's Day Cake via Simply Savannah Events, by Tier Luxury Cakes, photography by Izzy Hudgins // Little Dessert Table via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Firm Anchor [Cake Stands] Modern Vintage Catalina Blue Square Cake Stand via Macy's // French Pearl Pistachio Cake Stand via Macy's // Jadeite Plain Cake Stand via Bellacor // Godinger Florentine Dessert Bowls via Macy's // Martha Stewart Collection Pink Fluted Cake Stand with Dome via Macy's // Arbour Cake Stand via A+R // Swizzle Footed Cake Stand via One King's Lane // Martha Stewart Gold Ruffled Cake Stand via Macy's

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Ceremony, Photobooth + Dessert Backdrops AND a 10% Discount!

Boy do I got a treat for ya'll today! The LA Shop contacted me a few weeks ago about doing a review on one of their products, which also comes along with a great discount for products from their online store (more on that later in the post)!!! So anyway, of course I said yes because they have some awesome stuff!! A few days ago I received the product in the mail + so now for my review... but first... here is what I received...

Now if you know me at all you know one of my absolute favorite things ever is hanging things. Anything. Really doesn't matter what I'm hanging: could be paper flowers, tissue poms, garlands, fabric, real flowers, gold dipped feathers, antlers, toy dinosaurs... I mean seriously. Anything. I will gladly hang it. So when they wanted me to do a review on this I was beyond excited because now I have this thing and I can hang stuff from it all day. Anyday. Everyday. Anything. It's the perfect piece to have to use for backdrops for ceremony backdrops, dessert tables, photo booths... you name it. I mean I could seriously have some fun with this thing at our wedding in Palm Springs. Hmm... wonder how much extra the airplanes charge for bringing aboard something like this?? Do you see where I'm going with this!? It is seriously perfect for weddings. Keep reading for some awesome inspiration.

So... begin my review here. I opened the box... well no rewind a little... Tigger, our cat, tried to open the box. No literally... he chewed and chewed and there were scraps of cardboard all over our entryway where he had tried to open the box. He seriously chewed open one entire side of the box. So, back to the review, we opened the box. I pulled out the bag which looks exactly as seen above. Inside are all the pieces wrapped up in different compartments of the bag, which is nice that they're not all just squished in there together. That would obviously lead to some seriously metal clanking while carrying it around. In total there were 6 parts. Now, before I describe my one and only criticism with this product I feel the need to note that there is disclaimer below. So I pulled out the 6 parts. I easily put together the 2 side parts that are the stands. Then I looked at the other 4 pieces, which are 4 poles, and I tried really hard to figure out how in the world I get them to be the top part of this stand. And I looked some more... and I tried attaching Pole A to Pole B, etc. And well, I could not figure it out. I looked in the bag but there were no instructions. I gave up. [Disclaimer: My fiance came home + I said "figure that thing out?" and he figured it out in less than 30 seconds.] So... my one criticism I would say may or may not be valid... and is pretty much dependent on whether or not you are good at figuring stuff out or not without instructions. I obviously am not.

Once he put it together the ideas began streaming through my head, the countless possibilities. Play day anyone? So here are 3 ways I think this portable arch could be utilized at a wedding. 

#1: A ceremony arch!? These are my favorite. I know a lot of people say being outdoors you just don't need a backdrop or anything because it's so pretty and the nature is the pretty part, but I personally am a sucker for a.) anything hanging; b.) decor that is part of your wedding theme/personality/experience! It makes your wedding more unique and more you. Plus then your wedding is different from other couples who got married in that same spot, because how many people can say they had dead animal skulls for their ceremony backdrop??? Just saying. Here are some examples of ceremony backdrops that could easily be put together using this photography backdrop arch! 

#2: Makeshift photo booths with funky backdrops are probably one of my other favorite things we've been seeing at weddings these days! Not that I don't love the traditional photo booths... but the ones with the tripod and the bright crazy backdrops are so fun too! Here is some of my favorite inspiration:

#3: Or how about a dessert table backdrop??? Ehhhh!? Who doesn't love a beautifully styled dessert table? And then add an amazing backdrop and ta da! Amazing treats surrounded by amazingness that will surely wow your guests in more ways than one. And again... here is a way to make your wedding an experience and not just an ordinary event. 

Now any of the seen-above pictures of ceremony backdrops could easily be made on this photography stand... The stand is sturdy and also adjustable. There are 4 pieces that can be put in the middle to create a very long stand or you can use as little as one for a shorter length. The only problem I see for using this at weddings would be the tripod feet; however, I don't think this is necessarily a huge problem since they could easily be covered using fabric or large flower arrangements. Just have to get creative! 

Now for the discount code for The LA Shop. No wait... first here are some things on my wish list from The LA Shop!!

[1] Floor Stand Pop-up Projector Screen for a secret surprise video during the reception!?

[2] Disco balls for the dance floor?? yes please. 

[3] Twinkly lights for perimeter lighting makes spaces romantic!

[4] Why not bring your cat to the wedding?! Oh.. your cat is an indoor cat? No worries... you can get a metal crate for your cat when you don't want to walk it on a leash! ;) Chris + I would love to bring Tigger the monster to our wedding... may not be a bad idea... I could seriously see Tigs loving that hammock.

Okay okay... so The LA Shop specializes more in business supplies, so for those of you out there who might need some equipment for a trade show or industry event, photographers in need of new flashes, lighting equipment, and backdrops, or salon and makeup artists in need of new airbrush equipment... then this is the right website for you to check out. Or if you're like me and really want your cat to be at your wedding and be able to simultaneously relax in a hammock... then it's also the place to shop. 

Get your 10% off discount with the code: "BLOGGERS" 

Shop away ya'll!

Thank you to The LA Shop for choosing me to do a review! 

Xoxo, Nicole Rene

{Shopping Credits} Portable Photography Backdrop Stand // Floor Stand Pop-up Projector Screen // Christmas Lighting LED Rope Light 150ft // Cat Crate {Photo Credits} [Ceremony Arch] Couple Kissing via Ruffled, photography by Sunday Romance // Striped Fabric Arch via Ruffled, photography by Danielle Capito // Greenery Arch via Georgeous AU, photography by Sarah Wood // Skull Arch via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Alec Vanderboom // Tinsel Garland Backdrop via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Sloan Photographers [Photo Booth Backdrop] Fringe backdrop via Ruffled // Photo Booth with Tripod via Style Me Pretty, photography by Drew & Megan // Wallpaper backdrop with Vintage Chair via CAMP, photography by Elizabeth Messina // Bride and Groom via Style Me Pretty, photography by Jess + Nate Studios // Guy via Smile Booth // Colorful backdrop via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Studio Castillero [Dessert Tables] Ruffled Ombre Fabric backdrop via Style Me Pretty, photography by One Love // Ribbon Streamer backdrop via Ruffled, photography by Stacey Hedman // Pink & Orange Streamer backdrop via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by N Barrett // Fabric backdrop with Heart Light via Style Me Pretty, photography by Jose Villa // Pinwheel backdrop via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Brooke Aliceon // Streamers and Chevron backdrop via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Sarah Culver // 

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Multi-tiered Cake Alternatives

So you don't want to spend a ton of money on a multi-tiered cake??? No problem. I got you covered girlfriend.

1. Flowers are your friend, but please don't eat them... I'm talking real flowers not sugar flowers.

How will this serve a lot of guests? The trick to pulling this off right is sheet cake. This is the cake minus the decorations. Often times the big bulk of the cost of a wedding cake is the design and tier assembly. With a sheet cake you can still serve all of your guests without paying big bucks. You don't put this on display but rather have your venue keep it in the cooler and cut it behind the scenes and pass out to your guests. The average cost of a wedding cake for 100 guests is approximately $600 and that is for the very basic cake with very basic decorations... so you can see it get pretty pricey especially if you have a very luxurious cake design. 

How much can I save? Approximately $300; Assuming your sheet cake is $3/per person and your cake design is $6/per person... you are looking at $3 savings per person. You do the math. It's a good deal.

2. Pies, pies + more pies.

Why pies? They're delicious. There are so many fun flavors you can do. And I'm not talking just your traditional pie flavors like apple and pecan... but what about a whip-cream chocolate pie? Or one of my favorites is a key lime pie. Yummmmm. With so many options there is sure to be something for everyone. Plus what better way to have a whimsical dessert table than have pies? Seriously though...
How much can I save? Assuming one pie serves 8-10 people, you would need 10-12 pies for 100 guests. Pie prices range from $15-30 per pie. So compared to your $600 cake you are looking at savings up to $300. Not too shabby.

3. Can I get a dooooough-nut?

Now that is just weird?? Not your traditional wedding cake, but seriously fun and just as delicious. Who doesn't love a good donut? Although, I'm not entirely sure that you can freeze these for a year and eat on your anniversary like the top tier of a wedding cake? But I mean maybe? Hmmm...
How much can I save? An assortment of a dozen donuts at our local Krispy Kreme is $8.29 so $8.87 with tax. So say you want to get 2 donuts for each guest then you are looking at about $150.79. And if you want 3 per guest it would be $221.75. Savings of up to $449.21. Sugar high all around and big pocket savings.

Now I know these ideas are not for everyone, but for the bride + groom who like to keep things a little less traditional and a little easier on the wallet, I think these are all great ideas for desserts at your wedding. And if you're like me than you will eat pretty much whatever sweets are put in front of your face. You may think I'm kidding but I'm not. I am a sweets + treats fiend. It is almost shocking that I am not obese considering if there are cookies in the house I will most definitely eat them for breakfast, lunch, and of course dessert. I think I get it from my dad. While growing up my dad would eat a huge large bowl of ice cream every single night. When I was in high school I worked at Baskin Robbins and (shhhh don't tell) would eat sample after sample of my favorite ice cream flavors. To this day I am a strong supporter of Baskin Robbins. It makes me pretty sad there isn't one in Savannah, but on the other hand it's probably a good thing because I would probably go way too often. And let me tell you what... there will be Baskin Robbins at my wedding. Yup. ice cream in the dessert. It will happen.

Hope this delicious post made you crave desserts as much as it did me! And hope your Monday is extra sweet!!

{Photo Credits} [CAKES] Cake with wreath via One Fab Day, photography by Cara Mia Photography // Silhouette Cake via Ruffled, photography by Gem Photo // Pink Flower Cake via Call me Cupcake // Cake on Log via 100 Layer Cake, photography by Kurt Boomer [PIES] Pies via Style Me Pretty, photography by B Mo Photo // Pies on Blue Cake Stand via Clarification, photography by Gideon Photo // Tall Pies on Cake Stands via Style Me Pretty, photography by Brooke Images // Sweet Potato Pie via Style Me Pretty, photography by Ace Photography [DONUTS] Donuts on Cake Stands via 100 Layer Cake, photography by One Love Photo // Donut Cake via Style Me Pretty, photography by Amanda McKinnon // Donuts on Display via Style Me Pretty, photography by Yan Photography // 'Dunk Me' Donuts via Ruffled, photography by Ashley Dru

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Victorian + dinosaurs...

I have this one friend who is really pretty much amazing and is by far the funniest person I have ever known. She sends me great pictures and crazy things all the time. I laughed hysterically when she sent me a Thank You card that was victorian with dinosaurs on it. I told her I am all for planning her victorian dinosaur themed wedding. Anyway, Hallie this is for you! I hope you love it!

Day 9: Victorian (+ dinosaurs...)

{Photo Credits} Dessert Table via 100 Layer Cake, photography by Studio Fotografando // Donuts via Style Me Pretty, photography by One Love // Bride & Groom via Style Me Pretty, photography by Heather Roth Fine Art // Bride & Groom Chairs via Ruffled, photography by Amanda Watson // Reception Decor via 100 Layer Cake, photography by Dan O'Day // Wedding Cake via Every Last Detail, photography by Christina Gressianu // Gold Dinosaurs via Flickr // Birdcage via Ruffled, photography by Braedon

SIMPLY PIN: Dessert Tables

I am a sucker for an amazing dessert/cake table. I also am a sucker for sweets and anything chocolate. And so at a wedding there is not much I love more than a gorgeously styled dessert table. Here are some of my favorites:

{Photo Credits} Bohemian Beach Dessert Table pin via 100 Layer Cake // Clay Pots Cupcake Table pin via Style Me Pretty // Dessert Table with Peaches pin via Style Me Pretty // Glamorous Dessert Table pin via Belle the Magazine // Ribbons Dessert Table pin via Style Me Pretty // 'La Dolce Vita' Dessert Table pin via Wedding Chicks // Bohemian Dessert Table pin via Style Me Pretty // Olde Pink House Dessert Table pin via Style Me Pretty // Pink Dessert Table pin // Vintage Rustic Chic Dessert Table pin via Found Vintage Rentals //

{Bright Idea Thursday} SIMPLY DIY: Cake Stands

I wanted to continue on with some of the weekly features Layla kept up with every week. I love her Bright Idea Thursday posts because I think they give some good ideas for the everyday bride! One thing I have been wanting to try lately is the DIY cake stand! I think this is a great idea because you can save costs rather than splurging on that $150 cake stand, but also you can personalize the cake stand and make it match perfectly with the vision of your wedding. Here are some of my favorites! I have been scouring thrift stores lately to find the perfect pieces... it will happen soon...

Also, make sure you check out more of her previous Bright Idea Thursday posts here! And also check out Layla's new blog here!

DIY Cake Stands

{Photo Credits} Cupcake Stand via Kidswall Creations // Wooden Cake Stands via Bee in our Bonnet // Stand with Lemons via Jennifer's Mentionables // Cupcake Display Using Ceramic Pots via Style Me Pretty, photography by Steve Steindhardt // Sparkly Cupcake Stand via Brooklyn Bride // Turquoise Cake Stand via A Typical Type A // Pink Cake Stand via Hi Sugarplum!