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4 Things I Wish I'd Added to My Wedding Registry

There are very few times in your life when you'll get to create a massive wishlist of things you want — and actually receive most of the items on the list. Creating your wedding registry can be one of the most fun parts of planning your wedding, but it can also be pretty overwhelming. How exactly are you supposed to predict what you're going need for married life, especially if you haven't yet settled into your home together? I've been married for two and a half years now, and I have to say, we did a pretty good job on our registry. We actually use most of the gifts we received (check out my 10 most-used items here), but there are definitely a few important and unexpected items we overlooked. Here, the four items I wish I'd added to the wishlist.

Vacuum

Back when my husband and I registered, we were living in an apartment so cheap that we could afford regular maid service — but that luxury went out the window when we bought a house two years ago, and I found myself regretting that I hadn’t registered for a quality vacuum to replace my old clunker.

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101 Amazing Wedding Cakes

Need some inspiration for your cake design? Check out these impressive confections!

By: Kristen O'Gorman Klein

Enter Slideshow
  • Mix-and-Match Patterns

    Mix-and-Match Patterns

    Alternate patterns for a chic look.

    Cake by Carlo's Bakery

  • Fantastic Florals

    Fantastic Florals

    Fondant branches with a single flower make a bold impact.

    Cake by Elegantly Iced

  • Fantastic Florals

    Fantastic Florals

    Laser-cut floral silhouettes with a coordinating arrangement.

    Cake by Elegantly Iced

  • Pure Romance

    Pure Romance

    Vintage chandeliers with a classic black and white pattern.

    Cake by Elegantly Iced

  • Fantastic Florals

    Fantastic Florals

    Floral cutouts are a modern take.

    Photo Credit: Elevate Photography

  • Fantastic Florals

    Fantastic Florals

    Dress up a black & white cake with brightly-colored flowers.

    Photo Credit: Off BEET Productions

  • Modern Marvels

    Modern Marvels

    Laser cutouts above a white cake.

    Cake by Elegantly Iced

  • Bring on the Bling

    Bring on the Bling

    Ruffles, flowers, and pearls come together on this unique cake.

    Cake by Cake Alchemy

  • Bring on the Bling

    Bring on the Bling

    Instead of a cake topper, make the center tier the focal point of the cake.

    Photo Credit: Embrace Life Photography

  • Bring on the Bling

    Bring on the Bling

    Pearls highlight the draped fondant, while roses with floral crystals complement the draping. A crystal monogram tops it all off.

    Photo Credit: Mulberry Lane Studio Photography

  • Bring on the Bling

    Bring on the Bling

    Crystal brooches and a split monogram accentuate the intricate piping on this glam cake.

    Cake by Palermo's Bakery

  • Bring on the Bling

    Bring on the Bling

    Embossed white fondant and crystals, combined with pearl-accented flowers, dress up a lustrous ivory cake. 

    Cake by Palermo's Bakery

  • Modern Marvels

    Modern Marvels

    A chocolate-lover's dream! Cover your cake in cake balls.

    Photo Credit: AMS Photography

  • Metallic Accents

    Metallic Accents

    Separate the tiers with a metallic accent, and incorporate the shade on every other tier for just enough shine.

    Cake by Cake Alchemy/Photo Credit: Christian Oth Studio

  • Modern Monograms

    Modern Monograms

    This intricate monogram blends right in with the design on the top and bottom tiers.

    Cake by Bread Basket Cake Company

  • Metallic Accents

    Metallic Accents

    Gilded trim and floral accents add just enough luster.

    Cake by Cupcakes Couture

  • Terrific Texture

    Terrific Texture

    Dove gray and Tiffany blue are accented by intricate piping and oversized florals.

    Cake by Elegantly Iced

  • Metallic Accents

    Metallic Accents

    Feeling a little more daring? Cover your cake and cake table in gold.

    Cake by Party Flavors Custom Cakes/Photo Credit: Misty Miotto Photography

  • Terrific Texture

    Terrific Texture

    The vintage-inspired lace and pearls are a perfect contrast to the modern purple shade.

    Cake by Lulu Custom Cake Boutique

  • Fantastic Florals

    Fantastic Florals

    Elegant cascading orchids create a lovely focal point on this romantic cake with lace detailing and bits of bling.

    Cake by A White Cake

  • Fantastic Florals

    Fantastic Florals

    A hand-cut floral overlay with tiers of varying heights.

    Cake by Charm City Cakes

  • Fantastic Florals

    Fantastic Florals

    Dress the cake in cymbidium orchids for a tropical feel.

    Photo Credit: Alexi Shields Photography

  • Fantastic Florals

    Fantastic Florals

    Mini sugar flowers cover every inch of this delicious cake.

    Photo Credit: Angel Canary Photography

  • Fantastic Florals

    Fantastic Florals

    Sugar calla lilies, peonies, and roses cascade down the center of this cake.

    Cake by Cake Alchemy

  • Fantastic Florals

    Fantastic Florals

    Each tier resembles a beautifully-wrapped gift accented with gorgeous flowers.

    Cake by Cake Alchemy

  • Fantastic Florals

    Fantastic Florals

    Cherry blossoms dress up this homespun buttercream cake.

    Photo Credit: Carrie Wildes Photography

  • Fantastic Florals

    Fantastic Florals

    Colorful flowers jump off this brown and white cake.

    Cake by Maggie Austin Cake

  • Fantastic Florals

    Fantastic Florals

    A few fun anemones dress up an all-white cake.

    Photo Credit: Casey Fatchett Photography

  • Fantastic Florals

    Fantastic Florals

    Create the illusion of falling flower petals by placing a single bloom on top and adding a few petals on each layer.

    Cake by Maggie Austin Cake

  • Fantastic Florals

    Fantastic Florals

    Bright flowers and stems are perfect for spring and summer weddings.

    Cake by Lulu Custom Cake Boutique

  • Seasonal Favorites

    Seasonal Favorites

    A daisy-covered cake is a sweet pick for spring.

    Cake by Lulu Custom Cake Boutique

  • Fantastic Florals

    Fantastic Florals

    Laser-cut flowers are a modern take on a floral cake.

    Cake by Lulu Custom Cake Boutique

  • Fantastic Florals

    Fantastic Florals

    Simple stems of pretty blooms add just enough flower power.

    Cake by Lulu Custom Cake Boutique

  • Fantastic Florals

    Fantastic Florals

    A whimsical design alternating white flowers on blue fondant and blue flowers on white fondant, with a few stems coming off the cake to bring it to life.

    Cake by Lulu Custom Cake Boutique

  • Fantastic Florals

    Fantastic Florals

    Hand-drawn flowers add a spring vibe to this light green cake.

    Cake by Mark Joseph Cakes

  • Unique Shapes

    Unique Shapes

    A hexagon shape combines the roundness of a traditional cake with the modernity of a square cake. 

    Cake by Mark Joseph Cakes

  • Fantastic Florals

    Fantastic Florals

    A pretty bow perfectly complements this flower-covered confection.

    Cake by Mark Joseph Cakes

  • Understated Elegance

    Understated Elegance

    Wrap each tier in pearlized fondant, accentuated with sugar flowers.

    Cake by Mark Joseph Cakes

  • Modern Monograms

    Modern Monograms

    Make your monogram the only piece of color on the cake; gold is an ultra-romantic choice. 

    Photo Credit: Rich Kessler Photography

  • Ombré Creations

    Ombré Creations

    Instead of flowers, coat your cake in ombré petals for a modern take.

    Cake by Maggie Austin Cake

  • Inspired by the Gown

    Inspired by the Gown

    Lace trim perfectly coordinates with a vintage-inspired dress.

    Cake by Cupcakes Couture

  • Modern Monograms

    Modern Monograms

    Instead of putting your monogram on top, add it to the tier you plan to cut.

    Cake by Elegantly Iced

  • Inspired by the Gown

    Inspired by the Gown

    Add floral appliques that coordinate with the pattern on your dress. Planning on wearing pearls? Trim each layer with a candy version.

    Cake by Elegantly Iced

  • Inspired by the Gown

    Inspired by the Gown

    Add some height by separating tiers with bands of color. 

    Cake by Elegantly Iced

  • Inspired by the Gown

    Inspired by the Gown

    Make your cake your "something blue."

    Photo Credit: Meg Baisden Photography

  • Bring on the Bling

    Bring on the Bling

    A ruffled bottom tier with just a touch of bling on each layer makes a strong statement.

    Cake by Palermo's Bakery

  • Inspired by the Gown

    Inspired by the Gown

    With its ruffled skirt and lace top, this pretty cake resembles a fit-and-flare silhouette. A peach bow is the perfect finishing touch.

    Cake by Jay Qualls Cakes

  • Hand-Painted Wonders

    Hand-Painted Wonders

    Add extra dimension to your cake by mixing in some 3-D flowers.

    Cake by Maggie Austin Cake

  • Hand-Painted Wonders

    Hand-Painted Wonders

    A painted design to coordinate with your color palette.

    Cake by Carlo's Bakery

  • Hand-Painted Wonders

    Hand-Painted Wonders

    Place a double-thick tier in the center of the cake — it makes a great canvas for a painting.

    Cake by Elegantly Iced

  • Hand-Painted Wonders

    Hand-Painted Wonders

    Combine a painted design with a piped version to add extra dimension to your cake.

    Cake by Jim Smeals

  • Hand-Painted Wonders

    Hand-Painted Wonders

    A pretty floral design that covers all tiers.

    Cake by Lulu Custom Cake Boutique

  • Modern Marvels

    Modern Marvels

    A honeycomb pattern above an ombré-shaded cake.

    Cake by A White Cake

  • Modern Marvels

    Modern Marvels

    A decorative pattern with tiers placed slightly off center.

    Cake by Cake Alchemy

  • Mix-and-Match Patterns

    Mix-and-Match Patterns

    Separate two different patterns with a ribbon of fondant.

    Cake by Cake Alchemy

  • Modern Marvels

    Modern Marvels

    Jazz up a classic white cake with a geometric stripe.

    Cake by Cake Alchemy

  • Mix-and-Match Patterns

    Mix-and-Match Patterns

    Incorporate a different pattern on each layer, tied together by a cohesive color palette.

    Cake by Elegantly Iced

  • Modern Marvels

    Modern Marvels

    A vintage-inspired pattern goes modern in blue.

    Cake by Elegantly Iced

  • Metallic Accents

    Metallic Accents

    Flower petals beautifully break up these metallic tiers.

    Cake by Palermo's Bakery

  • Modern Marvels

    Modern Marvels

    Add a touch of paisley on square tiers.

    Cake by Lulu Custom Cake Boutique

  • Ombré Creations

    Ombré Creations

    Fade from blue to white, ruffles to smooth.

    Cake by Elegantly Iced

  • Ombré Creations

    Ombré Creations

    Combine two of the biggest trends — chevron and ombré — in one delicious cake.

    Cake by Elegantly Iced

  • Ombré Creations

    Ombré Creations

    Bring your ombré full circle by matching the darkest shade on the top tier as well.

    Cake by Maggie Austin Cake

  • Ombré Creations

    Ombré Creations

    Use fondant layers for a clean ombré effect.

    Cake by Lulu Custom Cake Boutique

  • Pure Romance

    Pure Romance

    Delicate flowers, romantic swirls, metallic accents, and a sweet monogram come together beautifully in this lovely cake. 

    Cake by A White Cake

  • Pure Romance

    Pure Romance

    Pearlized fondant with raised swirls and a touch of flowers.

    Photo Credit: Amanda Marie Photography

  • Pure Romance

    Pure Romance

    A vintage-inspired creation with raised frames and gold accents.

    Cake by Elegantly Iced

  • Pure Romance

    Pure Romance

    A Cinderella-inspired cake, complete with a glass slipper on a pillow. 

    Photo Credit: Eye Wander Photo

  • Seasonal Favorites

    Seasonal Favorites

    A pretty snowflake design topped with a bow is perfect for a winter wedding.

    Cake by Carlo's Bakery

  • Seasonal Favorites

    Seasonal Favorites

    Blue pin dots add to the beachy feel of this seashell-covered cake.

    Photo Credit: Cindy Patrick Photography

  • Seasonal Favorites

    Seasonal Favorites

    Pretty daisies and lovebirds are perfect for summer.

    Cake by Elegantly Iced

  • Seasonal Favorites

    Seasonal Favorites

    Rich hues and autumnal shades make this the perfect fit for fall nuptials.

    Cake by Elegantly Iced

  • Metallic Accents

    Metallic Accents

    Dust your cake with silver luster. 

    Cake by Lulu Custom Cake Boutique

  • Seasonal Favorites

    Seasonal Favorites

    A pumpkin-topped cake inspired by the fall foliage.

    Photo Credit: C. Tyson Photography

  • Seasonal Favorites

    Seasonal Favorites

    Celebrate summer's fruit with a strawberry-adorned confection.

    Photo Credit: Choco Studio

  • Mix-and-Match Patterns

    Mix-and-Match Patterns

    A sleek bottom tier provides the perfect contrast for the flowerette and scalloped tiers above.

    Photo Credit: Ashfall Mixed Media, Inc.

  • Mix-and-Match Patterns

    Mix-and-Match Patterns

    Simple pearl drops and a bold rose on the center tier perfectly breaks up this textured cake.

    Cake by Cupcakes Couture

  • Terrific Texture

    Terrific Texture

    A homespun buttercream cake accented by peonies.

    Photo Credit: Hailey Erickson

  • Terrific Texture

    Terrific Texture

    Add a colorful ruffle that gets thicker as it winds down the cake. 

    Cake by Lulu Custom Cake Boutique

  • Understated Elegance

    Understated Elegance

    Pearls add a glam touch to a simple cake. Punch it up with brightly-colored flowers.

    Cake by Lulu Custom Cake Boutique

  • Terrific Texture

    Terrific Texture

    A unique twist on a checkered pattern.

    Cake by Mark Joseph Cakes

  • Terrific Texture

    Terrific Texture

    This wavy ruffled pattern is a fun choice for a beach wedding.

    Cake by Mark Joseph Cakes

  • Unique Shapes

    Unique Shapes

    Inspired by Cinderella's Castle, this cake is a Disney bride's dream.

    Photo Credit: A Magic Moment

  • Unique Shapes

    Unique Shapes

    Give a classic cake design a more modern feel by alternating hexagonal and round tiers.

    Cake by Bread Basket Cake Company

  • Metallic Accents

    Metallic Accents

    Combine unique shapes, like a floral base and a belted tier accented by a monogram, with shiny gold touches and texture galore.

    Cake by Elegantly Iced

  • Unique Shapes

    Unique Shapes

    Choose a different shape for each tier to make a white cake more interesting.

    Photo Credit: Memoire Studio

  • Anything-but-boring White Cakes

    Anything-but-boring White Cakes

    Add a sugar Glamelia to your cake.

    Cake by A White Cake

  • Anything-But-Boring White Cakes

    Anything-But-Boring White Cakes

    Top your cake with a small bouquet of flowers crafted out of sugar. 

    Cake by Carlo's Bakery

  • Pure Romance

    Pure Romance

    Fondant bands gathered with elegant sugar brooches give off a Victorian vibe.

    Cake by Elegantly Iced

  • Anything-but-boring White Cakes

    Anything-but-boring White Cakes

    This ruffled look resembles crepe paper gathered into a flower.

    Cake by Elegantly Iced

  • Understated Elegance

    Understated Elegance

    Add a sweet bow on each layer.

    Cake by Elegantly Iced

  • Anything-But-Boring White Cakes

    Anything-But-Boring White Cakes

    Make each layer stand out with its own traditional piping pattern. A hidden monogram adds a personal touch. 

    Cake by Elegantly Iced

  • Anything-But-Boring White Cakes

    Anything-But-Boring White Cakes

    Incorporate different shapes and piping techniques on each layer.

    Photo Credit: Kimberly Chau Photography

  • Anything-But-Boring White Cakes

    Anything-But-Boring White Cakes

    Strategically-placed sugar flowers and bands of fondant add visual interest to this all-white cake. 

    Cake by Lulu Custom Cake Boutique

  • Anything-But-Boring White Cakes

    Anything-But-Boring White Cakes

    Alternate the piping pattern on each layer, and add a ribbon that matches your color scheme. 

    Photo Credit: Maria Angela Photography

  • Understated Elegance

    Understated Elegance

    Show off the cake's clean lines with a thin ribbon band on each layer and a few carefully-placed flowers.

    Photo Credit: Muriel Silva Photography

  • Bring on the Bling

    Bring on the Bling

    Give each layer a special touch, from crystal sashes to pin dots to brooches.

    Cake by Palermo's Bakery

  • Modern Monograms

    Modern Monograms

    Sweet and subtle — include your new last initial on one of the tiers, accented by pearls. 

    Cake by Palermo's Bakery

  • Mix-and-Match Patterns

    Mix-and-Match Patterns

    Balance the cake with florals on the top and bottom. 

    Photo Credit: William Innes Photography

  • Mix-and-Match Patterns

    Mix-and-Match Patterns

    Pair the trendy chevron pattern with more traditional scallops and pin dots.

    Photo Credit: Disney Fine Art Photography & Video

  • Modern Marvels

    Modern Marvels

    Add a whimsical touch with multicolored whoopie pies, and top your cake with swirled lollipops.

    Cake by The Little Daisy Bakeshop

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ALL PHOTOS

101 Amazing Wedding Cakes

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July 10th

Photo by: Dana Grant Photography on Inspired by This via Lover.ly

Tip of the Day: Mirrors are a hot wedding décor trend, but don’t think you’re limited to plain rectangular wall mirrors or circles hung on the wall. Now you can rent starburst mirrors to add "wow" factor to your site entrance, in lounge areas, or even behind your bar or your cake table. Large mirrors can also make a site look larger if you're having a small reception area.

Plus, check out 50 New Must-Have Photos with Your Groom. Visit sharonnaylor.net for more great tips and advice.

A Day in the Life of Cake Boss

BG brides, I'm not a baker. My idea of baking is getting a store-bought mix, popping it in the oven, slathering the resulting cake in homemade buttercream frosting (isn’t that the best part anyway?) and calling it a day. So when I was invited to take a professional cake-decorating lesson from the pros at Carlos Bakery in Jersey City, New Jersey — where the hit TLC show "Cake Boss" is filmed — I leapt at the chance to learn from fourth-generation baker Buddy Valastro.

I had recently chosen my own wedding cake and wanted to experience firsthand what goes into creating these confectionary works of art. On average, it takes Valastro’s team two to three hours to stack and decorate the average wedding cake; that doesn’t include time spent making all of the sugar flowers, ruffles, or other adornments. He’s designed cakes for mega-profile celeb weddings — most recently, that of Mario Lopez and Courtney Mazza ("They were a lot of fun and had a great vision for what they wanted their wedding cake to look like; it came out beautiful," Valastro said.)

cake boss

NYC's Hottest New Proposal Spot

ringo art installation in new york city
Photo courtesy of designer

Couples have an all-new reason to love New York: a giant engagement ring in Riverside Park South. The romantic installation, created by artist, Reina Kubota, is large enough for couples to sit, stand, or kneel beneath.

As part of the Art Students League of New York’s Model to Monument program, the larger-than-life engagement ring (which swaps out the classic diamond for a red apple) will live along the Hudson River (near 66th Street) until May 2014. Couples can share a stroll along the river followed by a quiet moment beneath the steel band.

Kubota’s sculpture, titled “Ringo” (the Japanese word for apple), is her personal love-letter to Manhattan. Visitors of the installation have already been swept away by the piece and it will undoubtedly be one of New York’s most romantic spots this summer.

We can’t help but imagine how many lovely engagements will take place beneath it! Planning an engagement photo session in the city? Make sure you add "Ringo" to your site list — the sculpture would make a great whimsical backdrop for your photos.

—Gabriella Rello

July 9th

Photo by: Anita Martin Photography on Engaged & Inspired via Lover.ly

Tip of the Day: It's no secret that guests love edible favors; it's easier than you think to make your own! Sweet jams are a top trend right now and there are lots of different in-season fruits to choose from during the summer months. Package your jams creatively and with a pretty label and they'll look just as gourmet as store-bought varieties.

Plus, check out Better-Than-Store-Bought Favors. Visit sharonnaylor.net for more great tips and advice.

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Beautiful Plus-Size Wedding Dresses

Every bride deserves to look her best on her wedding day! Here, we've rounded up the most beautiful styles available up to a size 26 and beyond. Before you hit the bridal salon, pin your favorites and print them out for your consultant. Consider this the most fun "research" assignment you'll ever have to do! 

Plus: Check out more shopping tips for full-figured brides ►

By: Marisa Russo & Morgan Rubenstein

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ALL PHOTOS

Beautiful Plus-Size Wedding Dresses

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Surviving a Holiday Weekend on a Diet

Hope you all had a great Fourth of July weekend! My week started off with wonderful weight-loss news and a killer new workout plan. I regrettably overindulged a bit on the 4th, but I got myself right back on track the next day. There’s no stopping me from here!

Monday, July 1
I had an awesome workout with Bonne Marcus on Saturday. Because I didn’t see her last week, I hadn't been weighed in two weeks. When I got on the scale, I was down six pounds! I was completely overjoyed, and I'm even more motivated now that I know this is working. Bonne also took my measurements for the first time since our first workout nine weeks ago, and I'm down one inch off my arm and waist and a half inch off my thigh and hips. I was so happy, I can’t even explain the feeling!

Bonne gave us a new workout this week — and, thank god, there are no step ups! Rene had some trouble breathing in the middle of the routine and had to sit down and rest after 40 minutes. He needs to learn to breathe through his nose and not hold his breathe in order to keep his heart rate down. Some of the new moves in this routine incorporated the stability ball and the medicine ball, which made it fun but even more difficult.

pre wedding workout

By the time we were done, Bonne had to literally peel us off the floor:

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