The confectionery masterpiece covered in cream and white icing and decorated with up to 900 delicate sugar-paste flowers was centre-stage at the Buckingham Palace reception. (although I wont make personal comments on the fact that there is fruit everywhere, yuk…… ok, so maybe I just did, lol) The project has left cake-maker Fiona Cairns exhausted but elated after working for FIVE WEEKS on the project which has tested her skills and those of her team to the limit. Ms Cairns, 56, whose confections are sold in Harrods, Selfridges and Waitrose, was contacted by St James’s Palace in February and asked if she would make William and Kate’s wedding cake.

Speaking at Buckingham Palace after she had put the final touches to the cake, she said: “Catherine did not want it to be seven feet tall, she didn’t want it to be towering and thin, and I think we succeeded.

“There is the bridal rose which symbolizes happiness, the oak and acorn – which is an architectural detail around the room where the cake will be – symbolizes strength and endurance.

“There is a lily of the valley which symbolizes sweetness and humility and ivy leaves which symbolize marriage,” she added laughing “I can’t remember all the flowers but I’m learning and we’re enjoying making them.”

Also on her list of flowers, which are created using sugar paste, is the aptly named Sweet William – which means perfection and gallantry.

“We reflected some of the architectural details in the room so the garlands on the walls were reproduced loosely on the fourth tier – we’ve used roses, acorns, ivy leaves, apple blossom and bridal rose.” The bride wanted elements from the Joseph Lambeth technique of cake decoration, where intricate piping is used to make three dimensional scroll work, leaves, flowers and other adornments. The cake was served at a lavish lunchtime wedding reception at Buckingham Palace for 650 close friends and family.

The Groom’s request? An alternative treat – a McVities chocolate biscuit cake which was one of his favourites as a young boy.

I am sure it is prettier than this one, but you get the idea of how delicious it must be!

Most couples want to dance the traditional first dance, but most of them also know nothing at all about dancing! So as the big day approaches their sense of panic increases. Avoid anxiety by following a few easy tips.

1. Plan ahead: You’re planning everything else associated with your wedding, why not your first dance? Ideally you should begin practicing 6 to 12 months ahead of time. MAKE your groom, he will thank you later and you can make this fun while practicing!

2. Turn to professionals: Learning to dance is surprisingly painless. If you can’t afford private lessons at a local studio, look around for group classes (high schools, colleges and community centers often offer courses). Or, buy an instructional videotape -learn at home and avoid the worry of looking awkward in front of others.

3. Have options: If you are undecided about your first song, or can’t pick one, check the list of wedding dance songs from your DJ. Try practicing to two or three different songs that both of you like, and choose the one that feels most comfortable and most like YOU.

4. Less is more: You need not dance to the entire song (remember, dance professionals don’t). Your DJ can cut the song or your band can play a shortened version…..or you can even just have it fade out. Plan ahead so you are prepared and your DJ is too! Bottom line: you’ll look better dancing for two minutes and doing five terrific moves, than dancing for five minutes and doing twelve poorly executed moves.

5. Decide on a song version: Once you’ve picked a song, make sure your DJ or band knows how you want to hear it. For instance, don’t assume your band will play the song just like the Frank Sinatra CD you’ve been practicing to. It’s a good idea to give them a copy of the version you like, or to get a recording of their version, so that you are practicing to “the real deal.”

6. Think about where you’re dancing: If your wedding will be outdoors, install a dance floor – it’s pretty hard to spin in mud or on grass. If the dance floor at your reception hall is smaller than your bathroom, maybe you’d better rethink that waltz – it takes up lots of space. Try to practice in a space that’s similar in size to your venue.

7. Think about what you’re wearing: If you have a mermaid dress you’ll look terrific. You’ll also be taking very tiny steps…. bear that in mind when you plan the first dance. Similarly, if you have an off-the-shoulder gown you won’t be able to lift your arms over your head………consider that before you put in all those spins.

8. And speaking of what you’re wearing: practice your dancing as if it’s the big day. Grooms: wear a jacket and dress shoes. Brides: wear a long skirt, (unless you’re planning that mini-wedding dress!) and your actual wedding shoes. This will accomplish two things: it’ll break your shoes in, and it will give you a sense of security about your ability to manage them come the actual reception. If you’re worried about getting them dirty, protect them with an old pair of athletic socks.

9. Don’t expect perfection: Nobody at your reception is anticipating that the two of you will put on a show. You’re not a professional dance team – and if you are, why are you reading this?! While the two of you are learning and practicing, you are bound to make the occasional mistake. Just stop, talk it out, and try again.

10. Express yourself: Know your own comfort level, and that of your groom. If you don’t like a song, don’t dance to it! If you don’t like a certain move your instructor shows you, say so. (Be polite, though!) It is, after all, your day and your dance. If you are happy and comfortable you will look wonderful, so that should be your goal.

The Knot just released their predictions for the top 11 wedding trends for 2011 and we are excited about sharing this! The trends are influenced from various places like TV shows such as Boardwalk Empire and Gossip Girl to movies like The Black Swan and Eat, Pray, Love. Check out the list and see what trends you can incorporate into your wedding.

TheKnot.com Top 11 Wedding Trends for 2011:

1. Prohibition-Era Elegance: So long, Mad Men—the most stylish new show is Boardwalk Empire and brides are noticing. From dusty nudes and lace dresses for the ladies to wing-tip shoes for the men, couples are falling in love with the dapper fashion of the 1920s. And it wouldn’t feel like Prohibition without alcohol. To reinterpret the boozy nights of the Roaring ’20s, couples are serving up “moonshine” and Prohibition “bathtub gin” in their very own speakeasy bar, all while guests dance the night away—to jazz, naturally.

2. The Redefined Princess: With a royal wedding around the corner, you can bet Kate Middleton’s going to alter what princess style is all about. Put away the ball-gown skirt because the new princess silhouette will be body-skimming but with a bold train. Add statement-making headwear like tasteful tiaras (seriously!) and cathedral-length veils. And you can count on sophisticated sequins and beading showing up on everything from the wedding dress to the floral arrangements and the wedding cake.

3. Sultry Ballerina Style: From feathered headpieces and shredded fabrics to airy plumes and pale pinks paired with black, the look of the season is all about Black Swan, right down to an ambiance where everything happens after 8 p.m. One idea is so amazing? Romantic ceremonies by candlelight.

TheKnot.com/Clark+Walker Studio

4. Ivy League Chic: From Fair Isle sweaters to Vineyard Vines ties and Tommy Hilfiger blazers, preppy chic is back in a big way, and weddings aren’t immune. Brides will be channeling their inner Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl or Ali MacGraw from Love Story and incorporating Ivy League-chic details like plaids and stripes for the perfect remix of retro, preppy sensibility.

Kate Mathis / The Knot

5. Exotic Indian Inspiration: From Katy Perry’s Indian wedding and Eat, Pray, Love to Nicole Richie’s exotic elephant as a wedding greeter, India will definitely be the “it” country for wedding inspiration. Think vibrant color palettes like purples, reds and golds, lavish décor elements such as beading and rich drapery, and exotic, spicy dishes.

TheKnot.com/Dolci and Sunny

6. Wedding Man Caves: This is FUN!!! Yeah for the Groom and his buddies!
Blackjack tables, brandy bars, PlayStations and stogies. The man cave has officially moved from the home to the wedding, so don’t be surprised if you see all the male wedding guests in the new “groom’s corner” at the reception.

7. Prewedding PJ Parties: This isn’t Bachelorette Party continued. Before the big day, brides will be planning a night of pampering and bonding via slumber parties, complete with matching pj’s of course.

8. Food Truck Fun: Waffles, tacos and dumplings, oh my! People’s hunger for gourmet food trucks has seeped into weddings, and brides will be embracing it wholeheartedly by requesting makeshift sidewalk carts during the cocktail hour or food trucks for the wedding after-party.

United With Love

9. Haute Desserts: Any time someone wants to make anything a bit sweeter, I am ALL for it.
Blame it on the popularity of Top Chef: Just Desserts, Amazing Cakes and Cake Boss, but desserts and wedding cakes will be taking center stage with gourmet flavor and haute style. Chocolate tart with a dash of sea salt, anyone? The possibilities are endless when it comes to design and color matching.

Trend Setting Wedding

10. Video Guest Books: Building on the popularity of “wedding photo booths”, wedding guests can expect confessional-style video booths and even iPads dressed up as guest books as the newest way to “write” well wishes to the happy couple. Bonus? Postwedding, couples can easily share their guest book online via YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr or Vimeo. I know there are a few things that we will be implementing that are even more real time and interactive. So many cool things in 2011.

Jamie K Photography / The Knot

11. Surprise Honeymoons: Couples will be taking a cue from Chelsea Clinton’s wedding and have the groom plan a surprise honeymoon.

Some would consider him to be a “momma’s boy”.  She’s been his Number-One gal for a long time.  And now she’s about to hand her son off to someone else, another woman. Another woman who will officially become his new Number One.  It’s a big day for both of you, but it also may be very important to consider making his mother a part of it.

Finding the best way to include your new Mother in Law (aka MOG= Mother of the groom) should be part of the initial planning process but tradition has carved a clear (if rather small) niche for the responsibilities of the mother of the groom.  How rigidly you stick to these traditions is completely up to you (and her).

Once upon a time, the mother of the bride did all of the maternal work of a wedding.  All the mother of the groom had to do was show up and look nice and not fuss.  But that was long ago and far away.  Grooms are now a major part of the wedding planning, and their mothers have a greater part in the wedding. MOG’s first responsibility during the engagement is to contact the bride’s parents and offer to help in any way she can. Here’s a small checklist you can go over with his mom and make sure she feels comfortable with her responsibilities:

• Traditionally, the groom’s parents will at least plan and host the rehearsal dinner.
  
• Mom should also help come up with your family’s guest list, being mindful of your limits and not inviting third cousins twice-removed.
  
• She can chase down the guests who didn’t RSVP in time; giving her yet another excuse to get on the phone.
  
• Mom is expected to attend the bridal shower and bring a gift—lingerie is up to mom’s discretion.
  
• In Christian ceremonies, the mother of the groom sits in the first pew.  In Jewish ceremonies, the mother of the groom escorts her son down the aisle and stands with him at the chuppah.
  
• If there’s to be a lighting of a wedding candle, both the parents of the bride and the parents of the groom perform this ceremony together.
  
• Mom can help with creative projects as well, such as putting together gift bags for the guests or arranging the seating assignments.
  
• She can help make it known to your family and friends where you and your bride are registered.
  
• If there’s going to be a mother/son dance, you and mom should work together to choose the song.
  
• She also supports the father of the groom when he delivers his toast to the happy couple.
  

Before his Mom buys a dress for the big day, she should talk with the mother of the bride to see if she wants your mom’s dress to compliment her own in color or style. While the color of the mom’s dress can compliment that of the mother of the bride, it shouldn’t match it, nor should it match the color of the bridesmaid’s dresses.

Just keep his Mom connected somehow throughout the engagement and ask her what she’s willing to do to help. Remember, you are not the only one in the midst of change. While you are planning the wedding of your dreams to start your new life, his mother may feel as if she is losing a son (rather than gaining a daughter.) Find little ways t include her but if she wants to remain hands-off, just tell her to show up, look nice, and don’t make a fuss (it may be easier in the long run J)