Flag down them cupcakes!

Any Bees making cupcakes?

At the bridal shower that I mentioned in yesterday's post, we also catered scrumptious food. But when you have talent around you, why waste it? One of BMs volunteered to homemake the cupcakes - frosting and all. To spice it up (figuratively), we incorporated non-edible elements to each one. If you're looking for a cute way to dress them up, continue reading!

The homemade red velvet cupcakes were decorated with amazing frosting that hardens and stays in the shape that you originally set it in. To kick it up "another notch," we created little "Eat Me!" signs/flags to stick into each cupcake. To do this, you'll need: (1) Avery labels at about 1"x2" each, (2) toothpicks, (3) helping hands, number of your choice.

Step One: Print out the labels with "Eat me!" or what ever you would like to display. You can make your template by customizing the print option under Tools > Letter and Mailings > Envelopes and Labels, or make it more personal (my usual excuse for not being tech-saavy) by writing on your labels by hand. Imagine that there is an invisible line down the middle of the label and only write/print on the right side. If you want the words on both sides of your flag, make sure that you have the same words on both the left and right side of each label.

Step Two: Peel off a label. Then place the toothpick at about the halfway mark. The toothpick does not have to reach the top of the label; about halfway (from both the top and the sides) is what we did. Also, note that if your toothpicks are different sizes on each end (one might have more of a point than the other side), you'll want to place the thicker side on the label. Then fold the label in half. With the toothpick now stuck between the two folds of the label, it should be looking like a 2" flag.

Step Three: Insert toothpick inside the cupcake. In case your guests think that you cupcakes are too pretty to eat, they will know that you want them to eat it. If they already knew it, you have added a simple detail that makes your dessert really stand out. To make it extra special, use tiered dessert stands of different heights.

The final product (photo taken by TC and BP):



How else can we make our cupcakes stand out in a day when they're becoming more popular at weddings?

Say "(Budget-friendly) Cheeeeeese!"

Howdy busy Bees!

After a summer of researching how to incorporate my desired photo booth while staying in my tight budget (I can hear y'all saying Mee too..), I've decided that I can only get the best of both worlds if I create one myself.

So yesterday, when 8 other BMs and myself threw a shower for our friend getting married next month, I gladly helped with the photo booth setup.

Our ingredients for an affordable, yet fun, photo booth:
(1) Curtains
Found in the closet; Product from Ikea
(2) Empty space
We used the space in the hallway (between the walls) so that only two sides would have to be covered.
(3) Lamp
Good lighting makes better pictures.
(4) Self-timed camera or friend with a camera
Mac computers have a great software for this so you can see yourself on the monitor and even create cool effects; You'll need a stand for the computer too.
(5) Prop box
Go crazy and be creative!

Directions:
CURTAINS UP -- We took one of the rose-colored curtains and tried to attach it to the arch above the walkway with a staple gun, but the wall didn't even acknowledge the staple's presence. After trying to convince it to do so, I resorted to using a hammer and small, thin nails (teach that wall who's boss! hehe). Then, I moved my ladder to the other side and put up the other curtain.

LAMP & iMAC ENTER -- Then we brought in the small table (about thigh level) and placed the Mac computer on it). One of the BMs was able to set up directions on the screen (like a post-it memo) and open up the program so that with a click of the mouse, the timer would set for 3 seconds. Next to the laptop, we added a lamp for better lighting.

PROPS GALORE -- We provided a trunk outside our booth with lots of items, including hats, tiaras, scarves, clothing, stuffed animals, a wig, sunglasses, and even a bike helmet. I think the more random the better, but whatever you choose the degree of spunk.

Warnings:
Larger areas require bigger curtains. We used a small hallway so it was easy to find a curtain size to fit (we also flipped one of them vertically because the space was not covered when used horizontally).

Also, the fan from the computer produced a lot of hot air so just be forewarned that computer + lamp + lots of energy = hot, hot, hot! But then again, we tried to cram 7 people in the tight space so maybe it was just us...

Lastly, beware of lots of fun. If you're not one to enjoy lots of laughter, silly results, and hundreds of photos, perhaps the photo booth is not for you. Otherwise, enjoy! We found that it's a good way to give guests something to do when mingling or snacking, and a wonderful gift for the bride and/or groom. Posting them up on Facebook, Flickr, or other modes of sharing photos is also a great way for the guests to reminisce. :)

Note: Sorry, I forgot to take my camera to the shower and on top of that, I was running around trying to help out before the gals arrived so I don't have any pictures to display. But I'll be sure to post step-by-step pictures of the future ones that are assembled! For now, I leave you with a few of my favorites:

For those who DIY a photo booth, what did you do differently?