Whether it’s a decorative focal point, a fun photo opportunity, an extension to your style and theme or simply a delicious dessert, cake continues to be a staple at many Weddings.
I’ve been exploring some history behind the Wedding Cake, the best flavour combinations, design and display tips as well as some great alternatives to the traditional cake.
But if you’re not sure where to start with your cake design, here are a few questions to get you started on your mouthwatering journey and help you to inject a little personality into your Wedding Day treat:
If you’re stuck with any of the answers, don’t worry! Your cake maker will be able to help and give you some insider know-how… and if you need any help choosing the best flavour, I’m always more than happy to help!
Wedding cakes were traditionally made to bring good luck to the Wedding couple and their guests.
The first connections to Wedding Cakes were in the ancient Greek and Roman times, when grain and wheat were thrown to shower the bride and promote prosperity & fertility. The couple would share the crumbs of wheat cakes as a demonstration of unity. Over thousands of years, the grains became the wheat-based cakes that we are more familiar with today.
Cakes gradually began to be stacked in more numerous and elaborate designs, as a sign of prosperity and affluence.
During the middles ages, the couple would kiss over the cake- if they could do this without the cake toppling over, they were destined to have a long and happy marriage!
We, once again, we have the Victorians to thank for the traditional white colour of the icing on Wedding Cakes, to symbolise the purity and virginity of the bride.
Today, you will find Wedding Cakes in every colour, size, shape and design imaginable; their design reflecting the personality and character of the couple and the theme of the Wedding Day.
Your Wedding Cake should not only look the part, but be THE most delicious cake you ever eat!
So, make sure you choose your absolute favourite flavours, so that your Wedding Cake is the cake that you enjoy the most!... nothing’s going to match up to this culinary delight!... that being said, if you’re planning multiple cakes and going a little left-field with your flavour choices, sneak in a crowd pleaser, to keep your guests as happy as you are!
And if you’re still stuck for choice, and looking for some flavour inspiration, here are some of the most popular choices available:
Just a final note on the flavour point…
Consider keeping it seasonal, especially at times of the year that are in abundance with wonderful flavours. Think too, about what other food will be served on the day- make sure that your cake flavours will compliment your meal choices. You may not want to serve chocolate cake after a rich chocolate pudding… but on the other hand, perhaps you do!
Without a doubt, your Wedding Cake will be a focal point within your reception space as well as an artefact to compliment your Wedding décor, style and theme- meaning that your Wedding Cake should look, just as good as it tastes
The style and decoration of your Wedding Cake is entirely your decision, but think about your Wedding theme and try to match your cake with your Wedding style. Add a little personality, to keep it fun and synonymous to you!
The size of your cake and the number of tiers will often depend on the number of guests that you intend to feed, but if you’re dreaming of a towering extravaganza, consider using “dummy tiers” and spacers to give the illusion of a taller, or larger cake… without the excess cake!
There are so many design elements to consider for your Wedding Cake, from the shape of your cake, to a variety of icing designs, colour ways, piped decoration, sugar flowers, real flowers, cake stacks, floating cake stands, and figures to name just a few. Describe your dream Wedding Cake to your designer and allow them to guide you to the perfect creation.
Once you have decided on your beautiful (and scrumptious) composition, you need to have a think about how you want to display it- with so much thought and preparation going into your Wedding Cake, you want to be sure that the cake table is worthy of the design.
Think about the position of your cake in the room, the type of table that it will be displayed on and how that table can be dressed to really showcase your creation. Whether it’s using mirrors, specialist furniture, fabrics, flowers or other design elements, use your décor to compliment your theme and really show-off your Wedding Cake.
And to keep you cake designer a happy baker, make sure the table is level, sturdy and stable!
Most of all, make sure you get a slice, before your guests devour every last crumb!
So, the traditional Wedding Cake, really isn’t your thing, but you adore the idea of a culinary treat to take centre stage: there are some great alternatives available to you. Here are just a few of my favourites, to tantalise your taste buds!
Sweet alternatives could include;
If you prefer a savoury alternative, consider;
If you prefer to drink rather than eat, why not consider shots of your favourite liqueur, or a champagne or cocktail tower!
But if you don’t want to lose the cake completely and would still love that photo of the two of you cutting your Wedding Cake, then why not opt for a combination of the two? Any of these treats could complement a traditional Wedding Cake and make a showstopping display- then you can have the best of both! Either way, make your own traditions and have a little of what you enjoy!
Which would you choose?
As, when you contact any of your Wedding professionals, you’ll want to ask your Cake Designer a few questions to make sure that they’re the right fit for you. So, I’ve put together my top questions to ask your baker, in a handy, take-along PDF, to help you find the perfect cake for you and your Wedding. Simply enter your details below, to download your free copy!
For more inspiring ideas, visit my Pinterest page, for a selection of my favourite cake designs and ideas for even more ways to display your show-stopping, culinary design!
If you’re looking to plan your own, unique Wedding in Essex and the surrounding areas, you too can experience the perfect Wedding Day with the help, support & guidance of a professional Wedding Planner.
I can help you to unravel your ideas, develop you dreams & bring your Wedding vision to life. Connecting you with the very best and most trusted, local Wedding Professionals to craft your day; I can help you to create a more sustainable Wedding, without compromising on the style, elegance & luxury of your event.
With luxury & dedicated Wedding Planning support, you can enjoy a fun, relaxing & stress-free Wedding Planning Journey. You can also rest assured that every detail will be taken care of and your journey from start to finish will be in the safest hands.
No matter where you are in your Wedding Planning journey, I can offer support and guidance to help you achieve your perfect Day. To learn more about the Wedding Planning services available to you, follow the links below or contact me to discover how I can help.
