Ask The Celebration Advisor: I read your post about "laid back" wedding invitations from a few days ago. I am needing to choose out wedding invitations for my own wedding however I am looking for ones that are bit on the formal side. Do you have any suggestions for finding them in Lincoln, NE?

The Celebration Advisor: There is a great selection of different types of wedding invitations in Lincoln. Styles that would be fitting for any and all types of weddings. Even for a more formal wedding such as yours, there is an invitation design that will complement perfectly.

Wedding invitations that exude confidence and a higher level of formality are considered to be in the genre of classic invitations. Typically a classic wedding invitation uses colors of pure white and ivory that have, through history, signified the bride's virginity. However in our modern culture, we see these colors to signify joy. Many brides recently have also opted for the use of more color in their invitations originating from non-European ethnic traditions. An example of this would be pale pastels or a golden deep-champagne tint.

A classic, more formal wedding invitation typically does not have much detail as to not distract readers from the intended message. However at the same time not altogether void of pictures. Sometimes printed on the card can be small hearts or a creative border to frame your gracious words of welcome. As borders go, some may be colored and are typically not solid lines. Another creative way to keep a border and maintain the white theme is to look at wedding invitations with embossed frames. This gives the design some depth and the finished product looks quite immaculate.

Lincoln has many stationary stores that carry all types of creative invitations for birthdays, graduation and weddings. You will no doubt be able to scout out the wedding invitation that best suits the formality of a traditional wedding. Good luck on your endeavors as they will surely pay off.

Ask the Celebration Advisor: My daughter's 8th birthday is coming up soon and I am looking to have a themed birthday cake made for her. Some of her favorite things are fairies and shopping and I think her cake should match. Are there any bakeries in Meridian, MS that can help me out?

The Celebration Advisor: Themed birthday cakes are growing in popularity and it is great you would like your daughter's cake to be one of these cool creations. There are many cakes in the genre including the types of things your daughter loves. Bakeries in Meridian are more than qualified to prepare a birthday cake for your daughter that will be not only be delicious, but also a work of art.

Try to picture a birthday cake as a malleable ball of clay. It is able to take many forms only limited by the extent of one's own imagination. Themed birthday cakes from Meridian have been known to transfix onlookers by their colorful designs and statuesque qualities. A cake in the form of dancing fairies or stacked designer handbags is completely possible and will be created with the intent to appear realistic. So much so that hopefully you would be hesitant to cut into such a delicate and detailed pastry statue.

However half the enjoyment of a birthday cake is from stuffing your face with the soft, moist dough. When you meet with a Meridian Baker, I suggest you bring along a glass of milk because samples of cake will most likely be available. Flavors of cake typically include vanilla, strawberry and chocolate (which is most popular). A strawberry flavored cake, provided you enjoy the taste, can be a creative way to add more vibrant pink to the overall design of the birthday cake. Above all if the cake looks great, it should be equally as delicious.

Your daughter's birthday themes are great for young girls. She would enjoy nothing more than to be able to stare into the eyes of fairies dancing across the dining room table. Your idea for her birthday cake will come to life with the help of Meridian, MS bakeries. I am glad you are taking the extra care in preparing for your daughters big day. She will no doubt have her best birthday yet.

Ask The Celebration Advisor: My sister lives in Charlotte, NC where her wedding will take place in a few months. I have been left in charge to arrange a wedding photographer for the event but I don't exactly know how to find the right one. Can you give me some tips so I can make the right choice for my sister?

The Celebration Advisor: I can tell you understand that beautiful wedding photos don't just happen. It takes a wedding photographer with the keen eyes for perfection and years of expertise to provide new couples with pictures worth a thousand words. Charlotte, NC wedding photographers have spent lots of time looking through a lens and have captured countless wedding photos that leave many newly weds speechless.

In order to find the right photographer for your sister you should interview a few to properly gauge their personalities. A wedding photographer needs to match the energy level of the wedding. If there is to be a riotous reception afterwards then it is important for the photographer to feel comfortable being in the mix of things.

There will be lots of time for candid photos during a wedding, however a photographer also needs to make time for group shots. Most important are pictures of the bride and groom and their parents. Make sure the photographer knows to schedule a small photo shoot after the wedding to capture everyone looking their best. These group shots are perfect for wedding albums and make great photos for future generations to adore.

Another consideration is to find a Charlotte wedding photographer that can provide external lighting. Sometimes florescent and natural lighting will cause shadows to show up on faces and these wont even pass for acceptable or usable photos. Taking pictures somewhere outdoors can provide a picturesque backdrop, and when paired up with proper lighting a photographer could take some of the best images from the wedding.

I am confident that your sister wont be dissapointed with the effort you are giving to find her a wedding photographer. Charlotte, NC will serve as a beautiful backdrop for wedding pictures that will make a great catalogue of her happiest day.

Ask The Celebration Advisor: I'm getting married in Louisville Kentucky because my fiance's family is from there. We're stationed in Wyoming so his parents have agreed to plan everything but want me to choose the type of wedding cake I want. I have no idea what to do for a traditional Southern wedding because I've never been to one and I think I would offend them if I chose something that I want like a modern wedding cake in red and black. What should I do? ~ Maleigha

The Celebration Advisor: You're well within your rights to get a contemporary wedding cake if that is what you want. However, it is understandable (and applaudable) that you want to make your future in-laws happy with your choice. If you truly want something with a bit more style and unique appeal, consider these wedding cake designs that are popular with southern brides in Louisville, KY.

Pink & Black Polka Dotted Wedding Cake

Sunflowers & Fondant Wedding Cake

Red & White Fondant Wedding Cake

Polka dot wedding cakes are very popular with Louisville brides (and brides across the country) because they are unique and can feature any variety of colors. While the overall design may not appeal to your in-laws, two tiers of a polka dot wedding cake keep the design from being overwhelming.

The second wedding cake photo depicts a very beautiful, contemporary round wedding cake that many people will get on board with. Though round wedding cakes with ribbons around the base of each tier aren't particularly unique, adding an accent like edible cake flowers or draping fondant will help. Wedding cake bakeries in Louisville Kentucky will have many talented pastry chefs who can make helpful suggestions.

The last wedding cake photo is one that should excite you because it's design is simple enough to be liked by traditionalists but contemporary enough in color and form to appeal to you. Red, white, black and silver or a two-color palette will help your Louisville wedding cake bakery create an exquisite cake for your wedding!

Polka dot wedding cake photo and sunflower wedding cake photo courtesy of Bake My Day, a local bakery in Louisville Kentucky.

Red and white contemporary wedding cake photo provided by Just Ones Cakes & Catering, a wedding cake bakery in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Ask the Celebration Advisor: We are a busy family from Jersey City, NJ and we cant ever find the time to juggle extracurricular activities with preparing healthy meals. For awhile we have tried to eat out during meal time however this practice is too detrimental to my wallet. Can a Jersey caterer alleviate some of our financial burden? -The Oakleys

The Celebration Advisor: For families who stay busy with running their kids to sporting events or ballet practice, many do NOT find time to cook a healthy meal during the week. Going out to eat works for awhile but yes, it would become quite expensive. Not only that, but restaurant food typically tastes as good as it does thanks to extra oils, butter, and creams (not the healthiest of meals). Jersey City caterers have recognized this problem that many modern families share and have developed an in-home catering service in accordance.

With an in-home catering service, your own personal chef will buy fresh ingredients daily in order to prepare healthy, affordable meals in the comfort of your home. The meal plan is completely negotiable and includes many extravagant dishes such as spicy curries or fresh seafood. Meals are typically prepared at the beginning of the week, however at a special price you can have a personal chef prepare food in your home daily.

Cost is definitely a factor when your depending on a caterer and their service for food. But if at one time you were eating most meals in a restaurant, you will be glad to hear the cost of having a caterer prepare your food is priced no higher than a night out on the town.

I am sure that once your family makes the transition from eating out all the time to having quiet, stress-free family meals in your home, then you will see a huge improvement to the weight of your wallet (not to mention your own weight). You wont be sacrificing flavor for cost. In fact the food will be much fresher and healthier to what your used to. With a Jersey City caterer you will find that a family dinner can finally be delicious and economical again.

Ask the Celebration Advisor: For my wedding in September I would like to have a wedding photographer present taking professional pictures. I am from Chicago and need to meet with a photographer soon. What can I expect as far as prices go?

The Celebration Advisor: Pictures are like little snippets of memories from our past. To have a photographer document your wedding will allow you to relive the happiest day of your life. Chicago wedding photographers specialize in capturing timeless portraits that are treasured for years to come.

Typically a photographer has varying packages you can choose from. Each one contains anywhere from smaller wallet sized photos to large portraits. Wedding photographers also provide their customers the option to add digital enhancements or use unique photography techniques in order to create fantastical images.

Every photographer charges differently and quality of service and final products are not necessarily based on price. Packages of wedding photos can range anywhere from $500 to $10,000. Broken down, the prices include:

• multiple prints
• an X amount of coverage hours
• special albums
• photographers assistants
• multiple shoot locations

You must meet with a number of photographers to properly establish which one will fit your needs and budget best. If budget is a problem, here are some tips to keep those wallets fat:

• negotiation of prices
• weekday wedding (most weddings are on weekends)
• limit digital enhancements
• limit length of photo sessions to just the ceremony or reception.
• put disposable cameras on tables at the reception ( for shutterbug relatives)

At your wedding there will be countless opportunities for a Chicago wedding photographer to capture the photos you desire most. For years to come your wedding pictures will frame a moment where happiness withstood the test of time.

Ask the Celebration Advisor: My fiancé and I are to be wed soon and we are in the process of trying to pick out wedding invitations. We are a young couple and the thought of having a stiff, formal wedding isn't too appealing to us. Are there any wedding invitations in Gadsden, AL that are appropriate to use for our wedding?

The Celebration Advisor: Its great you recognize the fact that a wedding invitation should reflect the theme of a wedding. In Gadsden, wedding invitations come in many different styles fit for any taste. Some cater to couples whose wedding follow a more traditional approach. However for a wedding such as yours, there is a style that seems to stand out above the rest that I am sure you can be happy with.

The contemporary style of wedding invitations stray away from typical invitations in the way artwork is portrayed. The colors used stick more to earthy tones and choices for images printed on the card are numerous but sometimes include a retro style heart or a picture of the couple to be wed. Damask designs are also sometimes present on contemporary wedding invitations.

Wedding invitations are a creative way to let friends and love ones know about your upcoming big day. Creative as they may be, another approach to your wedding invitation design can be to add alterations to the design so that it better suits you and reflects your personality. For instance adding a special ribbon or including an engagement picture. Even writing a special message in an invitation would further distinguish it as well as give sentimental loved ones a chance to have their heart-string pulled on.

Don't be shy to add your own touches to your wedding invitations. They are completely yours to personalize and I encourage you to excersize a bit of your creativity if you dont find the perfect one. I hope you find the style of not-so-formal invitations you are looking for in Gadsden and that your wedding is the fun, laid back event you are hoping to have.

Ask The Celebration Advisor: I've lived in Minneapolis Minnesota my entire life. I'm more of a city boy but I just started dating a girl whos' really into classic books and life in those days. I have no idea what to do but want it to be special when we celebrate our 6 month anniversary. Help! ~ Clay

The Celebration Advisor: You're in luck! Horse drawn carriage rides in Minneapolis are perfect for your date. From personal experience it is easy to tell you that the woman on a date like this is living out her fantasy. Though you don't find many classically romantic women like this in Minneapolis, you've found a keeper so here are some ways to make your night romantic and special.

* Rent a horse drawn carriage — They didn't have cars in your girlfriend's favorite era. They rode around in a wide variety of carriages pulled by horses. As there are today, there were many styles of horse and buggies that people used during the age of Romanticism so hire a horse drawn carriage with character and your girlfriend will be delighted. It'll feel like living in that time period herself!

* Enjoy a picnic — Minneapolis proper may not have the largest selection of places to picnic but there are many great parks and other locations in the Minneapolis metro area that provide the type of atmosphere to make your picnic special. You can even prepare foods that were popular during that time period. Arrive via horse and carriage to milady's very own picnic and you'll find her mood to be most enthused.

While there are many other options for a special evening, the most elaborate statement you can make is to rent a horse drawn carriage and driver for a night. Put your own twist on how you celebrate but start the night off right with this very romantic, classic way to say "I love you and enjoy your company."

Ask the Celebration Advisor: My husband is about to turn 50 years old and I am trying to figure out what kind of birthday cake I would like to have at his party. What types of cakes do I have to choose from in New Orleans, LA?

The Celebration Advisor: Wouldn't be great if a cake could soften the blow of turning 50? So many people become discouraged at the thought of getting "old". On their birthday images of walkers and handicap stickers are dancing through their heads rather than thoughts of being at the age where one feels the most freedom. I say, don't let another birthday bore your husband into senility, make it a joyous celebration of whats to come. New Orleans birthday cakes are known to be works of art that look too good to eat and will do much more than energize an aging soul.

To begin with, there are numerous styles of birthday cakes. And to select the perfect one for his birthday you must establish what message you would like the cake to portray. I suggest for a 50th birthday that comes only once in a lifetime, a milestone birthday cake would fit the occasion perfectly. Tastefully, New Orleans bakers can create a cake that not only commemorates your husband's big day, but will show him the love and respect his family and friends have for him.

Another style of birthday cake that would be as equally appropriate is a humorous birthday cake. Some people prefer to make a milestone birthday a time to poke fun at the unfortunate individual who is freshly "over-the-hill". New Orleans bakeries have a printing technique where they can transpose a photograph onto a layer of frosting. Your husband could find no greater irony than to see a funny picture of himself as a child printed on his birthday cake.

For an occasion that is as rare as one's own 50th birthday, the cake presented should be equally as rare and so much more delicious. A milestone birthday is a joyous celebration where one can find much humor in the event as well as a sense of respect for the person who turns 50. Your husband deserves a cake with either or all of these elements in it. With New Orleans bakeries, this aspiration can be realized.

Ask The Celebration Advisor: I'm getting married outdoors in Salt Lake City, Utah. It's late enough in the year that it should be cool (so the almanac says) but my mom is still worried about me getting the buttercream icing that I want on my wedding cake. Do you think it'll be ok or should I try something else? ~ Leigh

The Celebration Advisor: An outdoor wedding in Salt Lake City sounds, well, a little precarious if you have opted for a buttercream wedding cake. However, there are many kinds of buttercream icing so it's a good idea to ask your local baker which type they use.

Buttercream icing for wedding cakes with a high sugar content tend to last longer under heat. The more common types of buttercream icing, French buttercream and Italian buttercream, have a higher fat content and therefore do not withstand heat as well. Once you have discovered which your Salt Lake City wedding bakery uses, you can judge from there.

As much as we all hate to hear this, your mother is probably right. A stiffer icing will most likely last longer. Fondant wedding cakes are popular with modern brides and allow a wide range of shapes and designs. Buttercream icings soften when cooled but fondant was designed for cakes that need no refrigeration and can last a while. Therefore, the rolled fondant icing on wedding cakes tends to harden slightly when left out.

Your biggest decision is whether or not you want to go against your mother even if it is your wedding. You can find buttercream icing wedding cakes that will hold up for a short time (a few hours at best) during your outdoor wedding. If you wait until just before time for the reception to display your wedding cake, your cake should be fine if your wedding cake baker uses a stiffer buttercream. If you want to avoid an argument, go with what mom says on this one and agree on a high-sugar buttercream or a rolled fondant wedding cake icing.