Let them eat cake!

 The wedding cake. According to the Bridal Association of America, the average cost of the cake is $543.  For the very simplest of cakes, you can expect to pay at least $1.50 - $2.00 per slice (times your number of guests), and the price just goes up from there (upwards of $10 a slice!) based on the elaborateness of the design, flavors, fillings, etc. 

Ouch.

But if you dare, you can DIY your wedding cake.

No, really!

With a few simple cake-decorating techniques, a little inspiration, and endless accessory possibilities, you might be surprised at what you can create! ♥

Here's a recipe for chocolate mud cake (or try this white cake recipe, with any of its variations: lemon, berry, liqueur, and white chocolate), with a keep-it-simple decoration idea:

Source: Intimate Weddings

An easy fondant rose:

Source: Traditional Home

A frosting-rose tutorial:

Source: i am baker

Petits-fours from pre-made pound cake, with an elegant chocolate seal:

Source: oncewed

Do you think you want tiers? Bakerella shows you how:

Source: bakerella

And here's a complete wedding cake tutorial from the Etsy blog:

Source: Etsy

I can't wait to hear about your amazing creations! Tell me all about it in the comments below!

Stunning Centerpieces

Today I want to show you some easy and inexpensive ideas for stunning centerpieces!

Check out these paper roses, made from book pages (or use sheet music instead!) I personally cringe at the notion of tearing pages out of books, but those that are already damaged are fair game. Check thrift stores and garage sales. You could even put a request out on freecycle.

If you have a favorite love story or poem, consider photocopying it on vintage-look paper for your petals.

Get the bridesmaids to come over and have an assembling party :)

Source: 100 Layer Cake

Maybe add these sweet-and-simple roses for a pop of color:

Source: dozi

Looking for real plant-life? This tutorial shows you how to drill holes in bricks, but I would think you can skip that headache and just buy red masonry brick. Add some succulents and votives for an earthy focal point.

Source: ReadyMade

Or hit the thrift stores for their seemingly endless supply of milk glass and plant your succulents in those! I think these would be darling with a burlap table runner.

Source: a casarella

For cut flowers, Martha shares her tips on floral arrangements. This bowl centerpiece is genious. The hunt is on for interesting, eye-catching ceramics, pottery, and glassware to match your style and wedding theme!

Source: martha stewart

Here's a colorful idea using mason jars (or any vase) and citrus slices.

Source: Glitz Bliss

I absolutely love this fire-and-ice effect. Find gel beads in just about any color here.

Source: Wedding bee boards

I hope you have a blast creating your tablescapes!