Landra's Bridal Shower

This Saturday I had the pleasure of coordinating the bridal shower of one of my dearest friends. Being a lover of New York City, a label lover and fabulous friend it was only fitting to have theme be Sex and the City. The shower was an intimate affair of the brides closest friends and family. Keeping this event under wraps wasn't an easy task but it definitely paid off in the end....

The Invitation:

You are cordially invited to the bridal shower of Landra V. To celebrate friendship, fun and fabulousness we ask that you dress your SATC best and join us for this once in a lifetime event besides what's a party in New York without a little Sex!September 20th, 2008

The Decor:

Stilettos and pearls donned the bar area to pay homage to Ms. Bradshaw and her style. Martini glasses with candies, photos of the fearsome foursome and favorite quotes rounded out the decor of the location to put the guests in the mood. The guests dined on chinese food which was favorite of Carrie and Miranda while the specialty drink of the day were of course pink cosmos!

The Favors:

Wanting to keep with the theme of the shower, the favors were a little bit of a questions at first. The bride had made a suggestion that she would like for her guests to have something that was either edible or a gift that they could really use. Once that was said there was only one thing left to do..have 'Smith Jarrod' give them the rock every girl would want...no not that kind! Diamond ring key chains fit the bill along with a special thank you from the absolute hunk himself.

Special Thanks To:

Mirrors on Grand (for the location and wonderful drinks and service)
284 Grand Avenue
Brooklyn, NY

Sweet Bellas (for the beautiful and yummy cupcakes)

Let Them Eat Cake

Once you let the baker know how many guests will be attending you get into the details, which is where the figures will change even more. A standard wedding cake is 3 tiers and anything above that will cost extra. Additional items such as pearls or flowers (either in between tiers or cascading down the cake) will raise the price depending on the time, size and type of flowers you want. Materials used to make these kinds of items vary from fondant to marzipan to royal icing and can drastically change the cost of cake. Don't be afraid to ask the confectioner how they make these items.

In addition to these extras there is the cake itself. Depending on whether you choose a sponge cake or pound cake or even cheesecake will alter the price as well. Adding liquiers, fruit, ganaches, icings and other filling will also increase your bill. Something else that people don't know is that square cakes cost more than round. This is due to the fact that they used special sized square pans to make these cakes. Covering a square cake takes more time as well due to all of the corners that need to be frosted. Anything that has the baker doing more work than the standard 3 tiers will cost you in the end.

• Make sure you do research before you choose a baker and go over exactly what you want with them and how much ti swill total up to be. Don't forget to include tax and delivery charges in that estimate.


• Don't go for the gusto if you really don't need too. Sometimes we want bigger to mean better but with wedding cake it means bigger bill. If you don't need a 4 tier cake for your 75 guests, skip it and use the extra funds somewhere else.


• There is always the option to skip a cake baker and try your local supermarkets catering department for a cake. It may sound like something you'd never want to do but they may be able to offer you your dream cake at a lesser price. Don't be afraid to find up and coming cake designeres and cateres who's prices will be pocket friendly and can give you a stunning cake ala Sylvia Weinstock! (well maybe not exactly like Sylvia).