July 9, 2010

Wedding Trends for Fall 2010

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Pantone Fall 2010 colors.

It has been a very busy summer.  We have catered several beautiful weddings, indoors and out.  We’ve also created some wonderful, sometimes stunning wedding cakes.  As our experience grows, so does our passion and expertise.

Exposure to brides, fashion and the food industry lends itself to a compilation of wedding trends. Over the past several months of consulting with bridal couples, MOBs (Mothers of the Brides) and catering various weddings of all budgets, certain trends start to emerge.  Here is what we see trending this Fall and into Winter.

Crochet wedding dresses and accessories exude elegance and refined taste.

Colors & Textures

The Color Pallet we see emerging carries chocolate-brown, with teal, navy, woodbine, and Lime-yellows, golds, coral reds, bright orange, lipstick reds.  Classic Black, always in fashion, remains a desired accent.  Pewter and silver shine.  Leaf green is over. Pantone, Inc. released Fall colors last week, and they are consistent with what we see trending.

View more lace-inspired wedding dresses at HERE

Image Credit:  katyelliott.com

twitter.com/elliottkaty

Fashion Week was in New York at the beginning of this month, and the designers exhibited  fashions and fabrics for this Fall which included some of the following trends:

Lace & Crochet

Sheer Fabrics

Feathers, Faux Fur

Dots, Polka Dots, Hollow-center Dots

Wedding Cakes

Square isn’t square…it’s IN!  Brides are going square on their cakes, immediately stacked.

Floral…Fresh flowers still rule, both cascading down tiers and as cake toppers.  Piped icing flowers or  hand-crafted flora made from pastillage is another elegant way to embellish your cake.

Edible or fabric ribbons and bows remain a common way to wrap a cake in accenting colors.  Watch for rhinestone strand and brooches for a bit of dazzle and bling.

Wide navy ribbon is contrast with a narrow bright teal ribbon at the base of each tier of this fondant cake.

Double ribbons…if one ribbon binding the bottom or center of tiers is good…two is even better.  This pulls the accenting colors into the simple, elegant cakes.

Round Cakes look whimsical with polka dots and hollow dots (rings) in trending accent colors.

Combining square and round tiers, with contrasting colors and images.

Fondant is re-emerging with better flavors and consistency, as well as beautiful, elegant finishes.

Cake Flavors – Green Tea,Pumpkin Spice, German’s Chocolate and Red Velvet are very popular right now.  Cupcakes and individual desserts buffet also remain trendy and desired.

In addition to traditional cakes, we have seen cupcake towers with mini ceremonial cakes, luscious cake truffles, “whoopie”

Matcha is delicious in Green Tea cupcakes and Meringue Butter Cream.

pies, cream puffs, and decorated chocolate-dipped strawberries.

Credit: Rings of Eternity Cake, http://www.bridella.com/

Themes

Having a theme for your wedding is completely optional.  However, themes are a thoughtful way to tie together the very many details of the reception. With some many decisions to make throughout the planning process, a theme can help a planner stay focused.  Here are some themes we are working within for upcoming Fall and Winter weddings.

Cowboy, Boots, Fringe, Leather, Suede, Studs

Tropical, Hibiscus, Exotic, Tribal, Feathers

Elegance, Clean, Classic

Foods

Asian &  Sushi

Sushi is perfect hors d'oeuvre for an exotic or tropical wedding theme.

Ethnic Stations

Traditional American Comforts, with Fusion

Backyard bar-be-qu is passé and overdone.

At Catering by Victoria, and Cakes by Victoria (that Victoria is one busy lady!) we are passionate about what we do.  We are excellent are creating magical events that will be remembered for a life time, your life time.  Our professional staff is here to assist you with the details for your reception.  Our chef-managed catering staff can provide food for bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, the day-after brunch…it goes on and on.

Consider having some neat-to-eat tasty bites for your bridal party to munch on as they prepare themselves for the walk down the aisle.  On such an exciting day, it is easy to forget to eat.

Contact Victoria to schedule a consultation to discuss your wants, wishes, budget and all the pertinent details.  She’ll take the time with you personally, make sure to incorporate as much of these details as is possible for your reception.  Feel at ease, attending one of our upcoming Cake Tastings.  Sample a variety of flavors and icings to help you pinpoint the right combination for your cake.

We hope you will consider us for your catering, and/or your  wedding cake, as we would very much love to assist you.  (970)686.5005.  You will certainly get our very best. More Catering Images

 

June 20, 2010

Elegant Wedding Cake

Posted by Chef Victoria under Cakes by Victoria | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , |
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500 red roses?  I’m not sure…I didn’t actually count them, so let’s just say there were more than I could possibly count.

As I walked through the double glass doors at Eaton Country Club, I new immediately that we were in the precise location for the reception.  There were clusters of roses, crimson gracing every possible perch.   Each of the 45 dining tables had a bouquet of about a dozen of them. Stunning.  Ah, and as I delivered the substantially heavy 4-tiered cake, there were 2 dozen red roses which the bride instructed me were to adorn her cake.

 

April 29, 2010

Wedding Cakes

Posted by Chef Victoria under Caffè Victoria, Cakes by Victoria | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , |
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Here are some pics of wedding cakes that we have done, or would like to do! 

Visit us Sunday July 25th, 3-5p.m. for our cake tasting.

Caffè Victoria is located at 1296 Main Street in Windsor, Colorado. 

We will have wonderful flavors for you to sample, along with cake truffles, sugar cookies, chocolate dipped strawberries and MORE!  Oh, bring your sweet tooth!

 

April 20, 2010

Alternatives to Wedding Cake

Posted by Chef Victoria under Caffè Victoria, Cakes by Victoria, Catering by Victoria | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , |
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Chocolate & Vanilla personalize sugar cookies are sweet "favors" on your bridal guest tables. "Bagged & tagged" with your personal sentiment to your guests, all tied up with a shimmery bow. YES, they are as delicious as the look. $20/dozen.

Mini Red Velvet cupcakes piped with gardenia flowers.

Here’s the latest…  We have been getting many, many inquiries from brides, and bridal couples who are looking into alternative options for traditional wedding cake.  While it is true that Cakes by Victoria creates beautiful, delicious cakes, that is not the limit to what we might create for you. We’re just getting started!

Dessert Buffet Options:  Generously displayed with lots of luscious bites for your guests is an excellent way to please everyone.  Consider mini cupcakes, cake truffles, cream puffs, whoopie pies, chocolate-dipped strawberries, ice cream bonbons, brownie bites, mini fruit tarts, eclairs,

Mini Mousses and personalized cake truffles.

doughnut holes, ice cream sundae bar, cookies, blondies, mini mousse, cheesecake bites, cheesecake truffles, custom sugar cookies, did we leave anything out?

Call Victoria to discuss your specific wishes and pricing.  (970)686.5005

 

March 29, 2010

Special Offer

Posted by Chef Victoria under Cakes by Victoria, Catering by Victoria | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , |
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Wedding & Specialty Cakes

MENU & OPTIONS

Meet with Victoria for a FREE consultation to design your special cake.

Everyone familiar with the long-standing business of Schmidt’s Bakery, are both shocked and saddened by the troubles the 30-year institution is currently experiencing.  True also, special, planned events still need to go on.  If you are a Schmidt’s customer with a cake order stuck in limbo, you may want to consider making alternative arrangements.  To soften the blow, Victoria Queen of Cakes by Victoria and Catering by Victoria is currently offering a 15% discount to those with an existing Schmidt’s cake order.

Brides and specialty cake customer who have orders with Schmidt’s Bakery  in Loveland or Greeley, are welcome to visit us for a cake consultation.  On Thursday, April 1st, Catering by Victoria will be hosting a FREE cake tasting at the Greeley Guest House, located at 5401 W. 9th Street, in Greeley, Colorado, from 11:00a.m. to 6:00p.m.

The cake tasting will also showcase other wedding and event vendors who may assist you with your upcoming event.

To schedule an appointment with Victoria, please call (970)686.5005.

 

March 8, 2010

Traditions of Wedding Cake

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Influenced by the wedding gown, this wedding cake serves 270.

Specialty Cakes Menu & Options

With the announcement of your wedding, many decision exist to be made.  Once some of your preliminary choices have been made, such as the date, your celebration colors, the location of the reception and perhaps the bride’s gown selected, the next natural step would be to select a baker and the cake design.  If you would like to go traditional in your celebration, here is some background on how the traditions of wedding cakes came about.

The tradition of a wedding cake comes from the blessing of fertility.  In ancient Roman, cakes were made of wheat or barley.  The Groom would break the bread over the head of his Bride as a symbol of fertility and an assurance of many children.  Later, the tradition grew to stacking multiple cakes one atop another.  Tall wedding cake towers were symbolic of the bride’s popularity.  Since medieval times, the tradition for the bridal couple to share a kiss over the tower of cakes, without knocking them over.

The symbolic ritual of the bridal couple cutting the cake together also comes from medieval times.  It symbolizes the change of relationship and the first act done together, as a married couple.  How each of the partners feeds their spouse is symbolic of their relationship and ultimately the tenderness, passion, and excitement of their love-life.

The top tier is traditionally saved, and frozen, to be eaten on the couple's one-year anniversary.

White is the tradition for wedding dresses and wedding cake.  Symbolizing purity, it celebrates “holy” matrimony.  With the 1960′s revolution of “free love,” the promise and sanctity of virginity has been obscured.  So also, brides have gotten away from the tradition of a white dress and correspondingly white cake.

These days, notice frilly feathers in bouquets and cake toppers.

Today, brides are selecting colored icing on the outsides of their cakes.  Inside, instead of the traditional white cake, you may see Red Velvet, Dark Chocolate and other decadent or exotic flavors.  Particularly these days, brides may go relatively simply on the exterior of their cakes.  We see them selecting smooth finishes and fresh or silk florals.

HOW TO SELECT A BAKER

ICING ON THE CAKE

WEDDING TRENDS for 2010

NEXT CAKE TASTING

 

December 27, 2009

Best Wedding Trends for 2010

Posted by Chef Victoria under Cakes by Victoria, Catering by Victoria | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , |
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Christmas and New Year’s are excellent occasions for Popping the Question.  Every year about this time, our phone begins ring with newly engaged couples seeking our services.  As professionals, it is our  duty and responsibility to know the ins and outs of planning weddings.  That is, what’s “IN” and what’s not.  Some bridal couples want just the latest, and some are looking for long-standing traditions.  We help them realize their wants, wishes and dreams.

Budgets are very much a trend for brides these days.  Finding ways to create special days especially frugally is important to many couples.  Please visit our early post entitled Planning a Wedding on a Tight Budget for some tips and ideas.  This post highlights trending ideas for the reception, buffet and cakes.

RECEPTION: As more and more wedding pavilions and venues are popping up, some brides are opting for money-saving ideas such as backyard receptions and public parks with covered structures.  Depending up the size and scope of the reception, these may be good options for saving money.

When choosing a venue, consider the timing of your reception, along with weather, seasonal busyness and guest accessibility.  Most caterers will not cater events without running water, electricity and shelter, so this is an important detail to discuss with your hired professionals.  Often, public park pavilions are available by reservation and this really is something to manage if you intend to hold the reception in a public place.  Be aware that public does mean public, and you may have people wander through which can be very . Consider holding the reception on a private lake, scenic ranch estate or church rectory as an alternative.  For outdoor weddings, tenting can often be rented and set up by the rental company.  Feel free to call us for some contact information.

Some ethnic cuisines are very delicious and affordable.

BUFFET: A catered buffet is a major expense for the reception.  However, depending on the menu selection, there are ways to feed your guests well, without busting your budget.  Certain foods are less expensive to prepare than others.  Consider before you decide on a menu what you would like your guests to think about the food you serve them.  What are the most important factors, beauty, taste or economics.  A menu with beautiful bite-sized appetizers may be very delicious, however perhaps not so filling for your guests.  A delicious, simple menu may be quite yummy, and filling, but not very original or elegant.  Which of these menu options is going to fit best in your catering budget?  Consult your caterer, or gives us a call for some excellent menu suggestions.  This is a service we provide to our clients which helps them select the right menu and food options specifically for them.

CAKES: Bridal couples are more commonly choosing smaller ceremonial cakes with the balance of servings in sheet cakes.  They are also opting for cakes iced with smooth butter cream icing, instead of rolled fondant.  Butter cream offers a better flavor than fondant, and experienced cake decorators can achieve a similar smooth finish effect.

Wedding cakes are trending in a more simple, yet elegant appearance.   You will see them decorated with colors found in the bridal ceremony.   Teal, blues,  and bright greens  are the hot colors this year.  Think of the colors of the peacock, and you will have the right cues.  Some brides are asking their bridesmaids to wear monochromatic dresses, of slightly different styling, with a common color running through out.  These same colors are finding their way on to the cakes, and as accents on the guest tables.

Black and dark chocolate browns will be used through out as contrasting colors on the cakes and groomsmen.

Expect trending cake flavors such as pistachio, red velvet, pumpkin spice and German’s sweet chocolate.  However, as ever, traditional white cake with white cream filling still remains popular.  Icing will be piped in dress colors, black and chocolate brown in polkadots, damaske prints and a bit whimsical patterns.  Fresh flowers are still a popular choice for cake toppers, as are metalic monograms.  Birds, butterflies and dragonflies continue to land on cakes too.

The fact that budgets are “IN” is a very good thing.  We like to help bridal couples experience a special, life-memory for them and those who are important to them.  In doing so, we strive to help them stay within a reasonable budget.  After the lights have dimmed, and the party is over, the last thing anyone wants is a big bill that they weren’t counting on.  You can rest assured in working with us, we operate with full disclosure of all expenses upfront, and no hidden anything.  We think you’ll find our approach refreshing and our services exceptional.

 

November 30, 2009

Planning A Wedding on A Tight Budget

Posted by Chef Victoria under Caffè Victoria, Cakes by Victoria, Catering by Victoria | Tags: , , , , |
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What is the secret to creating a wedding plan that produces an event that is a wonderful life memory?  A plan.  It comes from a very good plan.  Now there are professionals to help you with your plan, if you so choose.  But if you have some stamina, and you have some basic organization, it is completely feasible for you to work up your plan.

When you are planning a wedding on a budget, especially a low budget, cost is very much an issue.  The cost of every aspect needs to be evaluated honestly, and considered when making and adhering to your plan.  Let’s first talk about the various expenses you might encounter in planning a wedding.

Ceremony and Reception

  • Invitations, Printing, Thank You Notes & Postage  5-10%
  • The Dress & Formal Wear 5-10%
  • Flowers  10 -15%
  • Rings – not typically included in budget
  • Church/Hall/Venue Expense 5-10%
  • Clergy or Officiator Fee $50-500
  • Decorations  5-10%
  • Bridal Party Gifts/Favors 2-5%
  • Vehicles, optional
  • Photography/Videography 5-10%
  • Musicians/Singers / DJ’s 5-10%
  • Catering 20-30%
  • Beverages, Bar or Champagne Toast
  • Cake(s) 3- 10%
  • Bar or Wait Staff 5-10%
  • Table Linens & Napkins 1-2%

Honeymoon

  • Travel &  Accommodation Expenses, varies
  • Spending Money for Excursions/Entertainment, discretionary
  • Special Clothing/Items Needed for Trip, discretionary

Other Items To Consider

  • Accommodations for out-of-town guests
  • Time out of work for planning meetings, fittings, shopping, honeymoon, etc.
  • Guest List & RSVP’s
  • Color Schemes & Themes

This may not be an exhaustive list of expenses, as each wedding is different.  Some will include all of these aspects, and additional ones to boot.  Some will include a more simplified version of this list.  In the long run, what matters most is having those close to you included in your plan to help you celebrate a very important event in your life.

Your Budget & Selecting Vendors

When you plan your ceremony, keep in mind your wants, wishes and budget.  The best possible way to find out what your expenses for your ceremony will be is to do some shopping and phone calling.  Much information can now be located on the internet.  It can be time consuming, but there are some excellent ideas out there. When you begin to narrow down your preferences for the ceremony, checking availability is next.

Having a budget for the wedding dress is critical.  The wedding dress, like the bride, should be unique.  It is a focal point of the ceremony and reception.  Whatever you choose for the dress, it should represent the Bride.  Before you go dress shopping in a store, do a bit a research ahead.  You should know what dresses cost, the high and the low, and find a price range that fits within your comfort zone and budget.  You don’t want to show up at the boutique and have a case of sticker shock.  You want to be the one who calls the shots, and dictates the price point. Depending on your planning time, be prepared to walk out without a dress if you feel the prices aren’t working for you.

Trying on the dresses will be a wonderful help in living the day in a white dress.  What style is comfortable on your frame?  What do you want the dress to say about you?  Classy, Sexy, Glitzy, Elegant…Let the attendant at the bridal store know this, and help them narrow down choices for you based on your wishes.  You need not try on 30 dresses to find “the one.”   Now that you have the dress on, walk around in it.  Shake your booty in it, if you plan to at the reception.  Is it comfortable, does it have slipping straps, too much fabric?  It’s a great feeling when you select the dress you feel the best in, and check it off your list.

While pricing is important for adhering to your budget, there are some other things to consider about working with professionals.  By and large, you can expect to get what you pay for.  True professionals may cost you a bit more, but what price can you put our your ease and peace of mind?  Far best to work with those who know the business and have been around the block a few times, than those who are still wet behind the ears, yet offer you a steal of a deal. By doing a bit of research up front, you can begin to formulate a list of questions you should be prepared to ask of the professionals providing goods and services.  You can glean much information from them by simply asking some key questions.

  • What is included in their price, and what is NOT included?
  • How much say will you have in the final decisions?
  • What can I expect the day of the wedding?
  • Do you have a legal contract?
  • Are you insured?
  • What happens if we have to cancel?
  • Do you guaranty your services/product?
  • Do you have references?

Where applicable, view their portfolio.  Ask them for real-life experiences, (i.e. there favorite experience, and also if the had any difficult weddings.)  You will be enlightened by the things they are willing to share.

Your vendors should see you as a person, and as an important client.  Remember, they WORK for YOU!  Do be afraid to give them an opportunity to earn your trust and business.   When you sign a contract with them you should have full confidence in the vendor and it should feel reassuring to check that detail off your To Do List.

Timing isn’t everything…but it is important

Allowing enough time to plan the wedding is important.  Weddings can be planned quickly, when necessary.  However, you may lose out on options if your planning period is too close to the actual event date.  If you do not already have a wedding checklist, you may find this site helpful: http://wedding.weddingchannel.com/planning/checklist/12-10months.asp

In your planning, please remember, the professional staff at Catering by Victoria offers the following services:
  • Exquisite Catering, for all budgets & a variety of authentic cuisines.
  • Rehearsal Dinners – Parties under 35 guests can be accommodate at Caffè Victoria.  Larger parties can be catered off-site.
  • Showers & Bachelorette Parties
  • Custom designed wedding & grooms cakes
  • Day-after brunch
  • Milestone Anniversary Parties
  • Bartending, Wait & Buffet Staff
  • Food & Wine Pairing
  • Event Planning & Coordinating

With ample time, energy and practical sense, you can plan and have a life-long dream of a wonderful wedding.  You can do all this, and work it from the angle of keeping it within your budget.  If we can help you, please do not hesitate to call.


 

August 17, 2009

Specialty Cakes…Did you know we do them?

Posted by Chef Victoria under Cakes by Victoria, Catering by Victoria | Tags: , , , , , |
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Katelin Ray Cake

Rolled fondant covers this custom designed wedding cake.

Wedding & Specialty Cakes Menu

August has been a very busy wedding month.  In fact, we are witnessing our clients host “life-celebration” events.  This summer we have catered  a series of graduations, multiple weddings, special 50th, 60th and 90th birthdays, and a 20th wedding anniversary.  With many of these events, we have created special cakes specifically for the occasion.

Michaela MurphyTrot Cake 001

Classic elegance, a fresh berry wedding cake iced with delicious vanilla buttercream.

Perhaps it is because people see life as a thing to enjoy and celebrate, and despite the economic and political upheaval, they are looking to find joy and share it with those they hold dear.  We, at Catering by Victoria, are very grateful that they chose to contact us to assist them in creating something special and memorable.

Regardless of the crazy weather we have had this summer, it has been a very busy and enjoyable one.  We hope it has been the same for you.  And as we gear up for our very busy Fall and Holiday Season, we ask that you consider us for any of your catering needs or if you need a special cake to celebrate your life.  If would be a pleasure to serve you this way.

Wedding Cakes 012

Plate & pilar design for a Wine-themed Wedding