Top Wedding Cake Questions Answered!

The wedding cake has been a long standing tradition that can be one of the hot topics of conversation at your wedding! As one of the premiere Salt Lake City wedding venues, we understand the importance of each detail and how it can play an important role in your special day! We work with a wide variety of vendors throughout Salt Lake City and can point you in the direction of some of our favorite Salt Lake City cake vendors.

If you’ve just started planning your wedding or just haven’t had time to think about your ideal wedding cake creation, we thought we’d help answer some of the top questions. You want your cake to be, not only be the best tasting, but also very aesthetically pleasing! So, where to you begin? Below are the most asked cake questions and answers as noted by The Knot!

When should I begin my cake baker search?
- Cake bakers should be booked within four to six months before your wedding, but keep in mind, some reputable Salt Lake City bakers are often hired up to a year in advance! Be sure to ask your caterer if someone on their staff is an experienced baker.

How do I find the right baker?
- Here at The Woods on Ninth, we will help connect you with vendors that we’ve worked with in the past. Or, if you prefer to venture out in finding your own baker; you’ll first want to figure out your pastry priorities. Do a little research by asking recent brides whose cakes you like for recommendations and then check out various Salt Lake City bakers' websites and see if there's a cake that looks similar to what you're envisioning. Once you've narrowed it down, make appointments with a few different bakers in order to get a feel for which one fits you best.

Do you have to have a traditional cake topper?
- You can top your cake with whatever you like, or nothing at all. If you have an heirloom piece- perhaps an antique brooch - work with your baker to add it into your top tier. Or, consider using your parent's cake topper as your something old. Look to your locale too. Other ideas: a cascade of ribbons or sugar letters shaped as your new monogram.

How should I display my cake at the reception?
- A round table is perfect for round cakes, but a square design may look better displayed upon a rectangular table. Next, pick out linens that will highlight the color of the cake. Finally, don't hide your wedding cake in the corner. Have it set on risers or near the entrance of your reception.

When are you supposed to cut the cake?
- Traditionally, the cake cutting signifies that the end of the reception is near (that is, the cue for the elder folks to politely slip out), so couples typically wait approximately an hour into the dancing to cut the cake. If you're doing it this way, you could serve an additional dessert with the meal. If you don't want to interrupt your dance party, plan to cut it at the beginning of the reception right after you make your grand entrance while everyone's eyes are on you.

Can I just serve a slice of cake, or do I need to dress up the plate?
- A delicious cake can definitely stand alone. If you're concerned that there might be some cake-haters out there, an added little sweet always makes for a memorable meal. You could have your caterer place a chocolate truffle on each guest's plate, serve raspberry sorbet cups garnished with a sprig of mint, or set out a plate of profiteroles on each table.

Will my cake survive a summer wedding?
- For a summer wedding outside, opt for a heartier frosting like fondant. Another tip: Make sure your cake isn't displayed too early. When the weather is warm, a cake shouldn't be left out for more than two hours. Keep it in an air-conditioned room until it's time for the cake cutting.

How can I keep the top tier fresh for our one-year anniversary?
- Let your caterer know ahead of time that you want to save the top tier. Have them wrap it in plastic wrap, and then bag it in an airtight baggie. (Stay away from aluminum foil, as it might not protect against freezer burn as well as plastic wrap.) When you get home, place your cake into a Tupperware container and then place it in the freezer and it will be ready to eat on your 1st year anniversary!

If you have not yet found the baker for your dream wedding cake, we can help point you in the right direction! The Woods on Ninth staff is committed to making your wedding planning process run smoothly and to ensure that your wedding day is exactly what you’ve dreamed and more! Please feel free to contact us today to set up an appointment to see what makes The Woods on Ninth the premiere Salt Lake City Wedding destination!


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Wedding Registery Made Easy with These 10 Tips!

One of the really fun parts of being engaged and planning your Utah wedding is registering for gifts! This is where you can start daydreaming about everything you’d like to see in your home while enjoying your newly wedded bliss. We’re sure you’ve had those moments of seeing the most inspirational living room décor, or the extremely nice kitchen appliances that you knew you’d never be able to afford. Now’s the time to dream big and place all of your wishes on your registry!

In working with brides on a daily basis as one of the premiere wedding venues in Utah, we enjoy asking our brides if they’ve registered yet or not. Usually their face will light up as they describe their experience and how they’re already receiving gifts in the mail! There are a few times when asked that brides will share their frustration with the process or not knowing really where to start or what to register for, and we understand it can be overwhelming sometimes.

We want to help you have the best experience with registering for wedding gifts as possible! After all, this part of the pre-wedding activities should be one of the most fun! Giving gifts is a great way for your guests to share in your celebration and help you get your home ready for your marriage. Don’t shy away from the opportunity to thoroughly enjoying the process! Take a look at these ten tips, as noted by Macy’s, for a great registry experience.

1. Register Early- What are you waiting for? Registering for wedding gifts should be one of the first tasks you tackle when you get engaged. Friends and relatives will be looking to buy wedding gifts as soon as he pops the question. Really! Take the guesswork out of gift buying by making sure they know what you want. You don’t need to complete your list just yet, but at least have a selection for guests to browse.

2. Register Together- Hitting the stores together is essential. After all, the gifts are for both of you. To decide what you need, take inventory of the things you already have and see where the gaps are. Talk about the style of home you'd both like, and split up the final say (you could alternate items) to make it fair.

3. Register for Whatever You Want- Don’t feel like you just need to register for china and flatware. Many stores have wedding registries now, so feel free to include whatever it is that will make your new house a home, be it electronics, appliances or even camping equipment.

4. Think About How you Live- Try to avoid filling your list with things you’re never going to use. If you two aren’t the formal party types, then you probably won’t need a crystal punch bowl, as compelling as it may seem when you walk by with that registry scanner. Also, be extra-sure before you register for anything that's monogrammed. Once your name is on it, you probably won’t be able to return it.

5. Check the Store’s Return Policies- It's always a good idea to inquire about a store's exchange/return policies. The great thing is many wedding registry retailers have amazing customer service to accommodate to-be-weds' needs (for example, you might suddenly realize that you don't really have room for 24 chargers and want to return, say, eight of them). That said, being aware of the store's return and exchange timelines will help you better plan and manage your registry.

6. Make Sure You Hit All Price Points- As much as you may be hankering for that gorgeous $350-a-place-setting silver, be sure to register for items in a wide range of price points: under $50, under $75, under $100, under $200, and beyond, so all of your guests can choose gifts they can afford. You don't want your college friend feeling overwhelmed by the fact that he can't find a single gift; and on the opposite side, you don't want your parents' closest friends to have to buy you a multitude of smaller items to give you a generous gift.

7. Be Considerate of Your Guests- At least one (and preferably all) of your registries should be available online. Guests should also be able to place their orders in person, over the phone, or by fax. If you’ve registered at a boutique retailer that doesn’t offer online services, you should be okay, as long as that’s not the only place you’ve registered. We live in a hectic world and you want to let guests be able to order you a gift - even if it's 2 a.m.!

8. Update Often- When a guest buys a gift for you, your registry should automatically update, allowing other guests to see what’s been purchased (and allowing you to see what’s on its way!). Make sure to revisit your registry often (trust us, you’ll be visiting several times a day once the wedding day nears), and update it with additional selections as products are purchased so that guests always have a variety of things to choose from. Aim to have at least twice as many items on your list as guests at your wedding.

9. Think Gift Cards- Sure, some couples love receiving cash, but asking for it is not exactly Future Mr. and Mrs. Manners-approved. A more etiquette-friendly option? Try gift cards. Many stores allow you to register for them and you can use them to buy the things you want and need...later. If you are anxious for cash gifts, ask one or two close friends and immediate family members to politely spread the word.

10. Say Thanks- Be gracious. Let your guests know their gifts have arrived - promptly. Thank you notes for gifts received before the wedding should be sent within two weeks of their arrival. Notes for gifts received on or after the wedding day should be sent within a month of your return from the honeymoon. In all notes, be sure to mention the gift by name.

These tips should put you well on your way to having a successful registry that you’ll enjoy for years to come! If you are still searching for the ideal Utah wedding venue; we’d love to show you around the Woods on Ninth! Many Utah brides have chosen the Woods on Ninth for its beautiful setting, accommodating staff, gourmet food selections and overall appeal. Please feel free to look around the Woods on Ninth website or contact us today with any questions you may have!

We look forward to hearing from you!

The Woods on Ninth
Premier Wedding Reception Venue in Salt Lake City

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Planning a Wedding and Buying a Home? View the Top 10 Tips for First Time Home Buyers!

Many brides who are busy planning their weddings, are also taking on the task of house hunting! This is an exciting time as you’re preparing for two major life changes! If you and your soon to be spouse are first time home buyers; it can seem as though you’re taking on an overwhelming task.

You’re finding yourself amidst a sea of details and your head is swimming with choices. From your premiere Salt Lake City wedding venue and food choices, to how many bedrooms you want in your home and what Salt Lake City neighborhood to choose, and it feels like you can’t keep it all organized! The best thing to do when you begin to feel the pressure of the time crunch, is to take a deep breath and trust that it will all come together.

Being in the wedding business, we want to provide you with, not only one of the premiere venues in Salt Lake City, but tips that will help make the entire wedding, and life change, go as smoothly as possible! To make your task a little easier; we’ve pulled together the top ten tips for first time home buyers.

1. Check Your Credit Score- Lenders will put a lot of weight on your credit score, so you want to make sure to have your credit in order. They will determine how much you qualify for in a mortgage based heavily on your credit.

2. Set Your Housing Budget- Have a clear understanding of your budget each month, and do not spend more than 30% of your gross monthly income on your Salt Lake City home. This includes your interest, principal, homeowners insurance and taxes. You don’t want to put yourself in a financial bind that you are constantly struggling to maintain each month.

3. Start Saving and Stop Spending- Begin to save the difference between your monthly rent now and what you plan on your monthly mortgage being. This will prepare you for what the monthly payments will look like once you move into your home and help you make any needed lifestyle adjustments now.

4. Narrow Your Priorities- You’ll want to make two separate lists based on your needs and wants. Your needs should be those things you absolutely need in your home. Your wants will be those items that you would prefer, but are willing to compromise on. Narrowing down and sorting out your needs and wants will help immensely when searching for a home. You’ll have a clear picture on what you are willing to compromise on, since you will most likely not find a home that has absolutely everything you would like. Know when to give and when to stand firm. You’ll quickly narrow down your home search this way!

5. Find a Reputable Salt Lake City Real Estate Agent- You’ll want to find a real estate agent who has experience in Salt Lake City’s Real Estate market. An agent who has years of experience in the area will be a great asset in helping you find a neighborhood and home that best fits your needs and lifestyle.

6. Meet with a Lender- It is easy to want to begin searching online for your home, but without a sense of how much you qualify for; it’s easy to waste time looking at homes you might not be able to afford. Meet with a lender before you begin looking at homes and get pre-qualified. You’ll be able to search more effectively online and when you begin working with a Salt Lake City Real Estate agent to find a home.

7. Choose a Neighborhood- We feel that any you can’t go wrong in any Salt Lake City neighborhood that you choose! However, we also understand that each neighborhood does have a unique atmosphere and things to offer, so you’ll want to find the neighborhood that suits you the best.

8. Make a Reasonable Offer- Your Salt Lake City Real Estate agent will be able to give you a list of comparable homes in the area, and can help you determine an offer that is fair for the market. They will also make sure that you are being dealt with fairly as a first time home buyer.

9. Have a Home Inspection- This is very important! Even if the home looks perfect inside and out; there is no way of knowing what issues there may be without a home inspection. You don’t want to buy a home only to find that it needs the roof replaced or there is water damage. Having the home thoroughly inspected allows you to know exactly what you can expect in the home you buy.

10. Finalize the Details- Once the contract is signed; you’ll still want to stay in touch with your agent and lender. There are always last minute finalizations that need to be made.

We hope these tips help you prepare for the home buying process! If you are searching for a Salt Lake City Real Estate agent; we recommend local agent Cindy Wood. View her website, www.CindyWoodRealty.com for more information or to get started with your Salt Lake City home search!

If you have not yet found a venue for your special day; we’d love for you to consider The Woods on Ninth! Our venue offers a beautiful setting, excellent menu and personalized attention. We would be happy to help you create the custom wedding that you desire! Please feel free to contact us today to get started!


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Tips for Finding the Perfect Wedding Dress for Your Figure!

Many have said that it’s the wedding dress that is the focal point of a wedding, and we do agree that it truly helps in setting the tone! A simple, sleek dress portrays the feeling of a modern, sophisticated wedding; while a princess dress with lots of volume and adornments may inspire an extravagant affair.

While that can seem like a lot of pressure to make sure you get the right dress; there are a few great guidelines that will make choosing the perfect wedding dress much easier! A large part of finding the right dress is finding the style that will flatter your figure. While a dress may be gorgeous, it may not be the best style for your body type. Before heading to several bridal boutiques; you’ll want to have a clear idea of which dresses will enhance your figure and steer clear of the ones that fall flat.

Below are tips, as pointed out by Real Simple, on how to choose the perfect wedding dress for your body type!

If You’re…

Pear Shaped- Look for a skirt that gradually flares out in an A formation from the natural waist to the floor, highlighting the narrowness of the midsection and floating away from the hips and thighs. (Sturdier fabrics, such as duchesse satin and taffeta, are especially effective, since they won't cling.) A spaghetti-strap bodice or a V neckline will also showcase a more slender upper body.

Busty- Find a dress with a scooped neckline. It will open up your face and display your décolletage without showing too much cleavage. If you love the look of strapless gowns, choose one that has a slight dip along the neckline, like a sweetheart, rather than a style that goes straight across (which will make your bust appear even larger and more shelflike).

Plus Sized- Search for an Empire dress with a skirt that begins just under the bust and flows into a gradual floor-length A-line. Make sure the Empire seam does not start on the chest and that there is no pleating of the fabric, which is reminiscent of maternity wear. The dress should play up your shape; if it’s too loose, it will add pounds.

Apple Shaped- Find a dress that cinches in at the smallest point on the waistline, then flares out into a gradual A shape. Opt for a bodice with a lot of texture to it―think ruche or lace detailing―that will camouflage and fit snugly, creating a corsetlike effect. The most slenderizing neckline for you is one with a deep V, which will draw eyes toward the vertical, not the horizontal.

Tall- You’ll want a simple silhouette. The strategy is to emphasize your natural shape, so every aspect of the dress―the lower waistline, a floor-sweeping hem―needs to reflect your longer proportions. If you're wearing long sleeves, they should go past the wrist. You don't want to look as if you've borrowed a gown from someone shorter than you.

Straight-Lined- Look for a dress that will create curves where you don’t have them. Try a sheath dress in a wispy charmeuse that’s cut on the bias; the curving side seam will give you a va-va-va-voom silhouette. Or look for a ball gown that cinches in at your natural waist and descends into a full, flowing floor-length skirt: It will capitalize on your slenderness and camouflage a lack of hips.

Petit- Trumpet, sheath, and modified A-line gowns are perfect for you! Find a style with a waistline above your natural waist, to make the lower half of the dress (and therefore you) appear longer. The fabric is up to you―you can pull off a high sheen. But the detailing should be small (no huge bows) and limited to the bodice, to draw the eye upward.

Small-Chested- You’ll want a dress with a ruched bodice. Extra fabric up top will help fill out your upper body and create the illusion of curves. Lightly padded halter styles will also do the trick.

We hope this helps as you begin searching for your dream dress! If you're ready to begin your wedding dress search, visit The Perfect Dress here in Salt Lake City. Their experienced consultants will be able to guide you to your perfect dress!

And, while finding a stunning dress is a great way to set the tone for your wedding, the wedding venue also plays a vital role in the overall ambiance of your day. If you are looking for a Salt Lake City wedding venue with a beautiful setting and exquisite food, that will also assist you in planning your reception down to the smallest detail; you’ve come to the right place!

The Woods on Ninth offers exceptional, personalized service and a breathtaking environment. We would love to host your special day and are available at any time to answer any questions you may have! Contact us today to get started!


The Woods on Ninth
Premier Wedding Reception Venue in Salt Lake City

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Steps to Stress Free Wedding Planning in Salt Lake City!

We all know that planning a wedding can be stressful as the amount of details seem to continually pile on top of each other. At The Woods on Ninth, we have brides that come to us who are looking for someone to help take on some of those details and help keep things organized. We enjoy being able to allow the bride to sit back and relax knowing that her Utah wedding reception is in good hands! Working with your specific needs and details is something we thrive on and seeing the stress leave a brides’ face puts a smile on ours. It’s our job to take some of that stress out of planning for your big day.

If you are searching for further tips on avoiding wedding planning woes; take a look at the following steps to stress relief!

1. Wedding Free Zone- This step is vital to maintaining your sanity! Have a time set aside each week, or each day if needed, where you can get your mind off of the wedding. Do something fun with your girlfriends, fiancé or family that is not wedding related, or just have a day set aside that you don’t do anything wedding related. You’ll need this healthy distraction to relieve stress.

2. One at a Time- While everything seems to be urgent during the wedding planning process; you can’t possibly do everything at once. Take some time to sit down and make a list of all that needs to get done; then prioritize. Do each task one at a time and cross it off the list once done. You’ll be able to easily see all that you’ve accomplished and remain cool, calm and collected.

3. Enlist Help- This can sometimes be a difficult step if you are one who knows exactly how you want things to be done. Chances are though, family and friends have offered to help; so let them! Allowing others to take on projects, no matter how small, will help lift your burden and your spirits. It can also be a great time for bonding with your bridesmaid, sister or mom if you tackle the “to do” list together!

These steps should have you on your way to stress free wedding planning in no time! If you’re looking for activities that will help you distress and take your mind off of the wedding planning; here are a few ideas.

- Go for a run or hike. The physical activity is great for clearing your mind and allowing your body to release tension!

- Get a massage. This is one of the best ways to relax! You’ll quickly feel the tension leave your body and you’ll soon feel refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to continue to the planning process. Below are a few great places to get a massage around Midvale.

Massage Envy Union Heights
7682 South Union Park Avenue, Midvale

Sego Lily Day Spa
7475 Union Park Avenue, Midvale

Matrix Spa & Massage
533 South 700 East, Salt Lake City

Learning to handle the stress that comes along with planning a wedding is something every bride confronts. Of course the very best way to handle the sometimes overwhelming feeling of planning a wedding is to remember what the ultimate goal is and the reasons you love the person you’re marrying!

At The Woods on Ninth; we’re here to help in any way possible! Please feel free to contact us anytime. We’d love to show you around The Woods on Ninth and help you plan a stunning wedding reception that will enhance your special day!


The Woods on Ninth
Premier Wedding Reception Venue in Salt Lake City

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