by WeddingCakeCreations.com After all the effort that you put into choosing the perfect wedding cake and all the time and hard work that the cake designer puts into creating it – the cake should not be left to sit by itself to one side of the hall. This magnificent labor of love should be placed in such a way that all eyes are drawn to it. Naturally is it wise to consult with the reception hall management as to the best place for displaying the wedding cake. As they are accustomed to setting up weddings they will have plenty of great suggestions for maximizing the effect of your wedding cake. One idea is to have the cake placed near the entrance to the hall where every guest will have to pass it before entering. Another great idea – and one that is commonly used – is to set it up just in front of the head table so that all eyes are on the couple and the cake. Another idea is for it to be placed just to the side of the dance floor – although should you have a careless dancer on the floor, it just might spell disaster. Another idea is to have directly on the head table. Something else that some couples opt for is to have the cake brought out just before the cake cutting ceremony and placed in the middle of the dance floor for all to see. Whatever you decide just make sure that the table on which the cake rests is subdued and does not detract from the cake itself. A light coloured table cloth and some flowers are more than enough accents to off-set something as grand as a wedding cake. In the end, once all the pictures have been snapped, the cake sliced and the fun over – everyone will always remember the way you looked and how fabulous your cake was.
Glossary of Wedding Cake Terms
by WeddingCakeCreations.com Before you start looking for the right person to entrust with the creation of your wedding cake, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the more common terms used for wedding cakes and pastries. Here is a quick list of some of the words you should know: The Cake Tier: One level of the cake (i.e. a 3 tier cake.) Layer: A horizontal piece of the cake. One tier is often made up of two or more layers joined together with a filling. Round: A circular cake. It is the traditional wedding cake shape. Square: A box shape. It is a modern shape that gives the baker cleaner, more geometric lines to work with. Hexagon: A cake with six-sides. They are quiet popular at the moment. Scalloped: The edges are curved to resemble the petals of a flower. It is generally used for casual weddings such as garden weddings, tea and brunch weddings. Molded: The cake is shaped to resemble a familiar object. These are most commonly used for the groom’s cake. The Frosting and Filling Fondant: A highly versatile sugary dough that hardens over time. It can be given a satin sheen and is very popular for the limitless possibilities it allows the baker when decorating the cake. Buttercream: A perennial wedding favorite made from butter, cream, and eggs. Its soft texture is easy to flavor but does not lend itself well to outdoor weddings. Ganache: A cream sauce made from butter and chocolate. It can be used as a frosting or a filling, but melts quickly in warmer temperatures. Chocopan: The better tasting chocolate version of fondant. Marzipan: Made from crushed almonds and egg; can be used as a filling or a frosting, although it is mainly used to make coloured shapes that are placed on the cake. Royal Icing: This is an extremely hard icing used for delicate decorations such as lace work or fine beading. Decorations Basket weave: Results in a cake that resembles a wicker basket. Swiss dotted: Dots that looks like beads are placed randomly all over the cake. Piping: A pastry bag and tip are used to make lines on the cake. Pulled or Spun Sugar: Sugar is melted down in a pan and then used to make ribbons, bows or thin strands. It is a very delicate procedure that will not transport so it must be done on site.
The Wedding Cake Through History
by WeddingCakeCreations.com The wedding cakes that we know and love today were not always the way they look or taste. The tradition of serving cake at a wedding goes all the way back to the ancient Greeks. The newly wed couple would cut a sesame seed cake together to symbolize fertility and happiness – it is from where we get our modern custom of cake cutting at a wedding. However this custom was not always in vogue. The Romans did have a form of cake at their weddings, but instead of eating this wheat or barley cake, the groom would break it over the bride’s head. The crumbs that fell to the floor were then gathered up by the guests as tokens of good luck. A similar tradition of breaking a cake over the bride’s head continued for many centuries with some reports from Scotland dating as recently as the 19th century. This custom slowly gave way to another whereby guests actually brought cakes to the reception. These cakes were then layered together using apple sauce – the higher the cake, the more popular the bride. Another custom that was widely popular during the Middle Ages involved the guests bringing sticky buns to the reception and piling them up in front of the happy couple. If the couple were able to kiss over the top they were supposed to be blessed with a long and happy marriage and many children. In the eighteenth century brandied fruit cakes were a big hit because they were able to keep for so long. The Pilgrims brought this tradition over to the Americas and the fruit cake slowly evolved into the white, tiered cake that has come to symbolize wedding receptions. Today the white cake has again evolved. Modern wedding cakes can be any color, any flavor and any style. They have become works of art and are prepared by skilled and talented cake designers who are eagerly sought by brides everywhere for their expertise and ability to turn an ordinary pastry into an incredible, edible creation.
Is it Necessary to Save the Wedding Cake?
by WeddingCakeCreations.com One of the oldest traditions surrounding weddings is the saving of the top tier of the cake to be eaten on the couple’s first anniversary or at the birth of their first child. Although still observed by some couples this tradition seems to be falling by the way side as the cost of wedding cakes has sky-rocketed. However, if you plan on keeping and freezing the top tier of your wedding cake then it is important to mention this to your cake designer before hand. Your cake designer will be able to tell you how to properly remove and freeze the top tier of your wedding cake. They will also be able to tell whether or not the cake will keep for a year or if you should be planning on eating the cake for your third month anniversary instead. If you are planning on keeping the top tier of your wedding cake, then one thing is definite – you must properly package the cake to prevent it from freezer burn. You must also freeze it as quickly as possible after the ceremony so that it seals in as much of the freshness as possible. Another option is to have your cake designer bake you a miniature version of your cake to eat at a later date – that way you can truly savor the delicious treat that you may be too distracted to really taste the day of your wedding.
Saving the Top Tier of the Wedding Cake
by WeddingCakeCreations.com Customarily the top tier of the wedding cake was always saved for serving either on the couple’s first anniversary or at the christening of their first child – whichever came first. Started in England the custom survived for centuries and is still occasionally observed today. However, in the past the wedding cake was a brandy-soaked fruit affair that was easily preserved for long periods of time; besides couples had children almost immediately after marriage so keeping the cake was sensible. Today, wedding cakes are made from delicious but hard to preserve flavors and fillings and most couples wait at least a year before even thinking about having children so saving the top tier of the wedding cake becomes a harder proposition. If you do want to still keep to tradition then make sure to wrap the cake properly in plastic wrap and tin foil and freeze it as soon as possible after the wedding reception. Most cakes will keep for up to three months in this fashion. You can thaw and eat the cake when you return from your honeymoon, to celebrate a birthday or any other festive occasion. However, if you do want to save the top tier of your wedding cake it means adding to the cake’s already high cost - saving the top tier means that you will have to add a tier in order to feed your guests. With the price of wedding cakes being what they are, following an out-dated tradition may not be worth it. Whatever you decide, as long as your wedding cake is an impressive dessert that people will admire and remember then you have succeeded in getting the perfect confection for your sweet table.
Serving the Wedding Cake
by WeddingCakeCreations.com The wedding cake has always been the traditional dessert for a wedding and was thus served accordingly at the end of the marriage feast. However, with marriages changing forms the serving of wedding cake has had to adapt. Brunch wedding receptions where only a light lunch or tea are served generally tend to have the cake cut and served earlier on so that those who wish to have a slice to do not have to wait. Supper wedding receptions still tend to wait until the main course is served before cutting and serving the cake, although here too the tradition is changing. Many couples are opting to have a sweet table on which are served a great number of different cakes, pastries and desserts – at such a wedding the cake that the couple cuts may not even be a real cake – but only a dummy cake used for the pictures. If a couple has a sweet table along with a real cake, then the real cake is generally cut first and served to the guests and only then is the sweet table opened. Another option for serving the wedding cake is to cut it and then have it taken away to be sliced up and wrapped so that it can be handed out as wedding favors for the guest to take home. There are so many options for serving the wedding cake that no matter what you decide – it will be the right course.
Cutting the Wedding Cake – Do’s and Don’ts
by WeddingCakeCreations.com Weddings are heavy with tradition and symbolism and cutting the wedding cake is certainly among the most significant acts that the married couple will do at the reception hall. It is a moment that symbolizes so many things including the couple’s fertility, the first act performed together and the beginning of their new life. It is a sentimental moment that is also very festive and merry. In order to make sure that the cutting of the wedding cake goes off without a hitch, here are a few tips for you to follow: Dos: 1. Make sure that the timing is appropriate. If you are hosting a brunch or tea, cut the cake just after the guests have gone through the receiving line. If you are throwing a lunch or supper reception then cut the cake after supper and just before the desserts are served. 2. Make sure to get everyone’s attention by either having your MC announce the event or by replaying the first dance song. Then have someone from the bridal party – typically the best man make a toast to the couple. 3. Cut the cake with the groom’s right hand gently holding the bride’s right hand – and make sure to slice through the bottom layer! 4. Feed one another from the slice you cut. Typically the groom will first feed the bride and then the bride will feed the groom. 5. Make sure that the bride serves the groom’s parents a piece of cake and that the groom serves the bride’s parents a piece of cake. 6. Designate a friend or someone from the catering staff to cut and serve the rest of the cake to your guests. 7. Make sure that the photographer and videographer are aware of the event before cutting the wedding cake. 8. Try to use a special silver cake knife – either an heirloom or one that you purchase especially for the occasion. Don’ts: * Although some people like to smash cake into each other’s faces, it is not a very elegant or dignified thing to do. Not only will it ruin the bride’s makeup (which in many cases was applied professionally) but as this is the first act that the couple performs as husband and wife, it does not bode well for a future of wedded bliss – besides, everything you do will be captured on film and video for generations to come. If there is a sweet table being served at a wedding, it is generally opened with the cutting of the cake. After this tasty ceremony it is time to hit the dance floor and truly enjoy this day on which you begin your new lives together!
Wedding Cake Cutting Music for your Wedding
by WeddingCakeCreations.com Cutting the wedding cake is one of the memorable moments of any wedding – and doing it right is always important. Not only should you follow the proper procedure but you should also emphasis the event with the right music. If you are not sure what tunes are best suited for the moment – ask the band or DJ you hired for suggestions or try one of the songs listed below. How Sweet it is: James Taylor I Got You Babe: Sonny & Cher Recipe for Making Love: Harry Connick, Jr. Cut the cake: Average White Band Sugar, Sugar: The Archies When I’m Sixty-fouy: The Beatles Cuts Like a Knife: Bryan Adams That’s Amore: Dean Martin Pour Some Sugar On Me: Def Leopard Sweets for My Sweet: The Drifters Whatever music you choose make sure that it is something both of you like listening to and something that somehow means something to you both. When you are cutting the cake you certainly want people to remember the moment for as long as you will and playing the right music will definitely help to make that happen.
Make Your Wedding Cake Shine With the Right Stand
A beautiful wedding cake deserves and equally striking stand. No regular cake tray will do when the cake it must hold is an intricately decorated affair with multiply tiers and fabulous accents. Luckily there are many outstanding examples of cake trays that will not only show you cake off to perfection but will also add an extra layer of beauty and allure to it. Getting an appropriate cake stand for your wedding cake can be done in several ways. Either you can use the stand used by your parents – something that would add to the meaning and beauty of the cake. You can always buy a new own and start your own tradition or you can rent a stand from the cake designer. The latter option is one that most people opt for as wedding cake stand can be a bit costly and are generally not used very often, if at all, after the reception. If you do opt to buy your own stand you can always ask you cake designed for places he or she know that have several examples available. Most bridal boutiques will also have a number of stands available or they will at least know in which direction to point you to acquire the right one. Also, if you will be purchasing the stand for your cake make sure you consult with the designer so that you buy exactly what you need. You may need several stands for a multi-tiered cake or you may need a bridge, arches, dividers or even steps. There are so many options when it comes to wedding cake stands that you do not have to stick with the old standards. You can have a cake stand which incorporates a fountain, a rotating cake stand and stands that make your cake look like they it is simply floating. When it comes to your wedding cake, it is worth taking the time to find exactly the right stand – because, after all, it is your big day and you want everything to be just the way you have always dreamed!
A Great Groom's Cake
by WeddingCakeCreations.com A groom’s cake is traditionally a smaller cake served during the wedding that is given out to all of the single women at the reception. So the saying goes, if the lady takes the piece of cake home and places it under her pillow when she goes to bed that night she will dream of her future husband. Naturally this is an old wives’ tale that is simply meant for fun. In the past the groom’s mother would bake the cake, but today that is no longer the case. While still smaller than the wedding cake the groom’s cake has become just as elaborate and spectacular as the wedding cake itself. Generally made to please the groom’s taste in flavor and filling the groom’s cake is usually a molded cake which represents something dear to the groom. There have been several great designs including footballs, cowboy boots, a six-pack of beer and even a tackle box. The design and style of the groom’s cake can also be very conservative and classy with chocolate dipped strawberries made to resemble mini-tuxedos, layers of chocolate fondant or intricate decorations. The choice to serve a groom’s cake depends entirely on the couple. It is not compulsory and if the cost of the wedding is already spiraling then opting to forego this extra dessert will certainly be overlooked. One option that can save cost while including the groom’s cake is to have it packed up and given out at wedding favors at the end of the evening. No matter what you decide, remember that with the groom’s cake you can really have some fun and make it whatever you want it to be!
Traditions Surrounding the Wedding Cake
by WeddingCakeCreations.com Wedding cakes were not always the beautifully created pastry that we know and love to eat today. Through the centuries our current custom has evolved out of some truly strange traditions. Not only are we much luckier than the wedding guests of yesteryear but we today’s brides have it a whole lot easier! The wedding cake dates all the way back to ancient times. The Romans were the first to bake the pastries out of wheat. However, unfortunately for Roman brides the cakes were not for their eating pleasure but for breaking over their heads! That’s right – the groom broke the cake over the bride’s head and the guests gathered up all the crumbs as tokens of good luck. In the middle ages the size of the wedding cake symbolized the bride’s popularity as the guests were supposed to bring the different tiers of the cake. These were then piled one of top of each other using apple sauce. In the middle ages the cake were actually sticky buns that the guests brought and piled up. The bride and groom were expected to kiss over the stack – which often resulted in dirty, trampled and unappetizing buns for the guests to eat afterwards. In the 1800’s fruit cakes were used and this custom was brought to North America by the Pilgrims. Fruit cakes remained in favor until recently. The custom of cutting the cake originated in Greece where the couple cut the cake to ensure a happy and fertile marriage. No matter what other customs surrounded the wedding cake – the world over it represented the same thing – the couple’s fertility.
The Wedding Cake Symbol
by WeddingCakeCreations.com For as long as there have been weddings there have been wedding cakes. These tasty treats have long been a symbol of the couple’s fertility and a good luck charm for a happy marriage. Although the size, shape and contents of the wedding cake has changed quite drastically through the centuries, the tradition of the cake itself remains constant. Wedding cakes used to be made by the guests and brought to the reception where they were stacked using apple sauce – the bigger the cake the more popular the bride. The ancient Greeks cut sesame cakes at their weddings while the ancient Roman grooms broke wheat cakes above their brides’ heads for increased fertility – the crumbs of which the guests would gather up as good luck charms. The cake was alternately made from fruits, wheat and sesame seeds to finally end up as the extraordinary pieces of art which we have today. The modern wedding cake comes in a multitude of colors from white to chocolate to pastel shades of spring and summer. Some brides match the cake to the colors of the reception hall or their bridesmaids’ dresses. Generally wedding cakes remain the traditional white, however, many contemporary couples are opting for something more personalized. The makers of wedding cakes are no longer simply referred to as bakers but are now known as cake designers. These pastry artists can create incredible tableaus using sugar paste, butter cream or fondant. Their creations are beyond anything the Greeks or Romans could have envisioned so many centuries ago. Although its appearance and style may continue to change and adapt in years to come, the wedding cake will always retain its ancient symbolism and honored place at all wedding receptions.
Glossary of Wedding Cake Terms
by WeddingCakeCreations.com Before you start looking for the right person to entrust with the creation of your wedding cake, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the more common terms used for wedding cakes and pastries. Here is a quick list of some of the words you should know: The Cake Tier: One level of the cake (i.e. a 3 tier cake.) Layer: A horizontal piece of the cake. One tier is often made up of two or more layers joined together with a filling. Round: A circular cake. It is the traditional wedding cake shape. Square: A box shape. It is a modern shape that gives the baker cleaner, more geometric lines to work with. Hexagon: A cake with six-sides. They are quiet popular at the moment. Scalloped: The edges are curved to resemble the petals of a flower. It is generally used for casual weddings such as garden weddings, tea and brunch weddings. Molded: The cake is shaped to resemble a familiar object. These are most commonly used for the groom’s cake. The Frosting and Filling Fondant: A highly versatile sugary dough that hardens over time. It can be given a satin sheen and is very popular for the limitless possibilities it allows the baker when decorating the cake. Buttercream: A perennial wedding favorite made from butter, cream, and eggs. Its soft texture is easy to flavor but does not lend itself well to outdoor weddings. Ganache: A cream sauce made from butter and chocolate. It can be used as a frosting or a filling, but melts quickly in warmer temperatures. Chocopan: The better tasting chocolate version of fondant. Marzipan: Made from crushed almonds and egg; can be used as a filling or a frosting, although it is mainly used to make coloured shapes that are placed on the cake. Royal Icing: This is an extremely hard icing used for delicate decorations such as lace work or fine beading. Decorations Basket weave: Results in a cake that resembles a wicker basket. Swiss dotted: Dots that looks like beads are placed randomly all over the cake. Piping: A pastry bag and tip are used to make lines on the cake. Pulled or Spun Sugar: Sugar is melted down in a pan and then used to make ribbons, bows or thin strands. It is a very delicate procedure that will not transport so it must be done on site.
The Wedding Cake Through History
by WeddingCakeCreations.com The wedding cakes that we know and love today were not always the way they look or taste. The tradition of serving cake at a wedding goes all the way back to the ancient Greeks. The newly wed couple would cut a sesame seed cake together to symbolize fertility and happiness – it is from where we get our modern custom of cake cutting at a wedding. However this custom was not always in vogue. The Romans did have a form of cake at their weddings, but instead of eating this wheat or barley cake, the groom would break it over the bride’s head. The crumbs that fell to the floor were then gathered up by the guests as tokens of good luck. A similar tradition of breaking a cake over the bride’s head continued for many centuries with some reports from Scotland dating as recently as the 19th century. This custom slowly gave way to another whereby guests actually brought cakes to the reception. These cakes were then layered together using apple sauce – the higher the cake, the more popular the bride. Another custom that was widely popular during the Middle Ages involved the guests bringing sticky buns to the reception and piling them up in front of the happy couple. If the couple were able to kiss over the top they were supposed to be blessed with a long and happy marriage and many children. In the eighteenth century brandied fruit cakes were a big hit because they were able to keep for so long. The Pilgrims brought this tradition over to the Americas and the fruit cake slowly evolved into the white, tiered cake that has come to symbolize wedding receptions. Today the white cake has again evolved. Modern wedding cakes can be any color, any flavor and any style. They have become works of art and are prepared by skilled and talented cake designers who are eagerly sought by brides everywhere for their expertise and ability to turn an ordinary pastry into an incredible, edible creation.
Making-Over the Traditional Wedding Cake
by WeddingCakeCreations.com Most people accept that the traditional wedding cake is what they will serve at their marriage. However, a new generation of couples are choosing to go a different route and shaking up the status quo by radically redefining the look and style of the typical wedding cake. Instead of the tiered white cake topped by a representation of the bride and groom standing side by side, some of today’s more drastically overhauled cakes are imaginative and creative masterpieces of sugar and spice. From custom designed wedding cake toppers to custom designed cakes – everything goes. Customizing Your Wedding Cake Topper A great way to move out of the ordinary is to customize your wedding cake topper. It is relatively easy and inexpensive to do so and will give your cake an added flare that will make it even more special. Cake toppers can be made to resemble the bride and groom. Some fantastic craftspeople can fashion toppers of you and your fiancé out of non-toxic clay-like materials that can be made in any position including rock-climbing, bowling, playing in a band or relaxing on the beach – the choice is up to you. If you are not quite so adventurous you can get a cake artist to airbrush your pictures onto the cake or have a favorite picture placed in a custom cake topper. There are also great ideas that range from Native American two headed jugs to crystal birds that make wonderful cake toppers. As long as what you choose says something about you – then you have made the right choice. Choosing a Special Theme for your Wedding Cake If you really want to make a lasting impression then customizing your wedding cake by giving it a theme – maybe one that matches your reception hall or one that reflects an interest, hobby or passion that you share as a couple – is a great way to set your wedding apart from the rest. Below is a short list of different ways in which you can customize your wedding cake. Decorations and Accents It is not necessary to completely overhaul the traditional tiered wedding cake if you are not comfortable with the idea. However, through the use of decorations you can get the baker to really kick up the pizzazz and dazzle of your confection. By adding sugar paste flowers, seashells or beading or by using fondant to create extraordinary ribbons, bows, lace and other eye-catching designs, it is certainly possible to get a cake that will not soon be forgotten. Cake Sculpting – A Fine Art Cake sculpting is where a cake designer can truly show-off their skills and talent. These exceptional cakes require great attention to detailing and mastery as a pastry chef. Some of the fabulous cakes created by sculpting include baskets, beaches, sand castles and mountains. When it comes to cake sculpting the sky really is the limit. However, bear in mind that such cakes will, in general, cost more than your average wedding cake. Mini Cakes and Cup Cakes If the cake design you choose cannot be made large enough to feed all of your guests or if you just want to add a bit of whimsy to your party, then you can always opt for serving mini cakes or cup cakes. These tiny replicas of the big wedding cake are just as tasty and beautifully decorated as the real thing – except on a small scale. Despite their size – you can be sure your guests will love them! No matter what you decide just remember that you and your fiancé are the ones who should ultimately be happy with the cake you choose. So, whether you want to stick with tradition and the typical tiers or go completely out on a limb – there are people who can help you get exactly what you want.
The Winter Wonderland Wedding Cake
by WeddingCakeCreations.com Perhaps nothing is more beautiful than a winter wedding with gently falling snow highlighting the beauty of the festive season. Winter weddings are special for many reasons including the wonderful choice of wedding cakes that they offer up for your pleasure. Winter is great in that you can literally have your choice of any cake you want. As the season is cold it is highly conducive to a wide variety of scrumptious cakes including mousses and ice creams. The choice of winter cake is truly limited only by your imagination and your sense of adventure. Although you can certainly stick with the traditional tiered wedding cake for your winter wedding you can always shake things up by having that traditional cake be made from your favorite ice cream or a fine mousse. Such desserts would otherwise melt in warm weather which is why they are ideally suited to winter weddings. However, a cool mint icing along with spun sugar decorations could work just as well for a winter wonderland wedding. Deciding on a theme for your winter wedding can be done with the aid of an experienced cake designer who will be able to lead you in the right direction so that you end up choosing exactly the right flavors, frosting, design and decoration for your winter wedding cake. If you do not know any cake designers ask around – you will be surprised at how many people will be more than willing to point you in the right direction. If no one in your entourage has any hot tips then you should definitely check out any bridal salons or fairs that might be visiting your city. These fantastic places group everyone from wedding planers to vacation planners to cake designers together for your pleasure and convenience. A winter wedding can certainly be a wonderful thing – and with the right cake it will be as memorable for your guests as the honeymoon will be for you!
The Ubiquitous Wedding Cake Topper
by WeddingCakeCreations.com Although the first thing that springs to mind for most people when they think about a wedding cake topper is the traditional representation of the bride and groom standing side-by-side, cake toppers are no longer relegated to a cheesy plastic bauble. The choice and variety available in cake toppers is simply fantastic and if you have a skilled cake designer – he or she can certainly come up with something far more interesting than the simple bride and groom. Today cake toppers are so beautifully worked that many of them can easily look at home as a showpiece for your living room. They can be made from a variety of fine materials including crystal, porcelain, glass and jade. They can be anything from entwined hearts to doves to flowers or even framed pictures of the bride and groom. The list of what constitutes a cake topper is endless. If your wedding is following a certain theme then you can choose a cake topper to match your theme. For instance a medieval wedding can have a knight and lady cake topper while a beach wedding can have seashells. If the wedding is in winter then crystals can be used to create snowflakes, icicles or other appropriate themes. Cake toppers give you a chance to have some fun. If you really want a traditional tiered wedding cake you can always throw in a bit of whimsy with your choice of cake topper. There is no reason why you should stick with the tried and true if that is not what you are about. Your wedding cake should be as special and unique to you as the rest of the wedding reception and a great way to do that is by getting yourself a great topper for your cake.
A Wedding Cake Primer
by WeddingCakeCreations.com Wedding planning can be a very exciting time and it is easy, in the myriad of things that need to get done, to lose track of choosing and ordering a wedding cake. Although it may seem like a, well, piece of cake the selection of a gateau should be given your utmost attention as it plays a very significant role at your wedding reception. Wedding cakes come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Although traditionally they were round, tiered confections made of fruit cake and iced with vanilla frosting, today their design, flavor and style can run the gamut from staid to stunning. There are a few elements to consider in the selection of your cake: design, style, flavor, filling and frosting. The design of the cake and the style of your cake generally go hand-in hand. The typical tiered cakes are more formal and elegant while the newer cakes offer a bit of fun and whimsy while retaining a graceful air. The design of your cake will also depend on the frosting you choose. Buttercream frosting is the choice for traditional cakes as it can be used to make a plethora of wonderful designs. However, the frosting of choice for the modern couple is the fondant – a shimmery, satiny covering that can be used to make intricate designs and spectacular accents. The flavor and the filling of the cake will depend entirely on your personal taste. Gone are the days of the sugar-heavy fruit cake. Today the cake flavor can be anything you choose including mango, amaretto and strawberry. So long as it tastes good, you are free to use it. The filling is the delicious layer of cream, custard, mouse or frosting used to keep the layers of cake together and they can also be anything you wish. Once you have chosen all of these elements then you are ready to order your cake. When doing so, make sure to choose a cake designer or baker whom you trust and who was able to provide you with proof of what they can deliver. Once your order is placed (at least six to four months before the wedding) then you can rest assured that you will have a wedding cake as memorable as the wedding itself.
Customizing your Wedding Cake Topper
by WeddingCakeCreations.com Since your wedding cake is supposed to be a reflection of you and your fiancé then what better way to communicate who you are than by customizing your cake topper? We have all seen the traditional, staid bride-and-groom cake topper, but it is possible to find unique toppers that better reflect your couple. There are literally hundreds of sites on the internet from which you can order cake toppers that range in style from traditional to contemporary to custom designs. For the couple who loves a gag, it is even possible to find humorous cake toppers such as ones where the bride is seen dragging a kicking and screaming groom to the altar or a couple riding a Harley Davidson. Those who prefer something with a personal touch can always customize their own cake topper. Many companies specialize in creating personalized cake toppers that incorporate a couple’s picture, a memento from their courtship or some other personal item into the topper. Couples who decide to go this route should plan their topper design well in advance to give the company enough time to design, make and deliver the toppers before the wedding date. A cake topper can also be an instrument that either member of the couple enjoys playing, a crystal heart or any other finely wrought sculpture that expresses your love and your happiness at finally walking down that aisle. Regardless of what you choose, a wedding cake topper is a great way to personalize your wedding cake. Depending on what you choose as a topper it can also be a great conversation starter for family and friends who may have never met or who have not seen each other in many years. Wedding cake toppers have come a long way since the typical bride-and-groom, so be creative and take advantage of the choice for your wedding day!
Top up your Wedding Cake with a Fetching Topper
by WeddingCakeCreations.com Wedding cake toppers used to be a very dull and generic bride and groom standing side by side. Regardless of race or ethnicity the topper was always a Caucasian couple wearing western dress. Those days are thankfully long gone! Today wedding cake toppers come in so many different sizes, shapes and styles that choosing the right one can take as much time as choosing the right cake. Here are a few popular ideas to help in this fun decision: Monograms Using a custom made monogram cake topper is a very elegant choice. This classy topper serves a dual purpose in that it can also be used to monogram the napkins, table cloths and party favors – creating a simple and unifying theme for your wedding. Individualized Toppers Many cake designers offer their artistry for the creation of personalized cake toppers made to resemble the bride and groom. These custom figures can be realistic, impressions or fantasies of what the couple would like to be. Although pricy, these personal toppers can really make a big splash. Themed Toppers Wedding cake toppers can also match the overall theme of the wedding. For instance a western wedding can have two pairs of cowboy boots on them. A medieval wedding can have a knight and his lady on the cake or two doctors might choose to have a stethoscope and thermometer on the cake – the choice really is up to you. Wedding cake toppers are available in as many materials as shapes and themes. There are some very costly toppers that are made with such fine materials as crystal, porcelain and even ceramic while the more affordable ones are generally made out of acrylic. If you have an unlimited budget then you might want to commission a piece made out of jade, silver, gold or bronze. However, before making your final choice talk to your cake designer as some cakes may be unable to bear the heavier toppers.
Modern Magic with a Contemporary Wedding Cake
by WeddingCakeCreations.com It is hard to define what exactly constitutes a modern wedding cake – although most people agree that if you opt for a white tiered cake then you have gone the traditional route. Modern cakes are infused with fun and whimsy. They reflect the personalities and tastes of the couple instead of being just a sweet and pretty looking dessert. They are works of art that a cake designer has labored over – sometimes for days. The modern wedding cake is a magnificent marriage of creativity, taste explosions and unparalleled beauty. Here are some of the ways in which modern chefs have revolutionized the way we think about wedding cakes… Expanding Flavors Cake flavors are no longer the plain offerings they were in the past and have (thankfully!) moved away from the brandied fruit cake confections they once were. Today the choice of flavors ranges from straight vanilla to banana, carrot, mango and strawberry to your choice of liqueurs. Wedding cakes can be made ice cream or mousses or even cheese cakes. Selecting what you want really hinges on your personal taste. New Designs Instead of the typical round or square cakes – designers are opting to use more varied shapes in the creation of contemporary wedding cakes. Some cakes are stepped instead of tiered, some are hexagonal and some are molded. Modern cakes also bear fabulous decorations including intricately made flowers, shells, beading, lace or ribbons. Presentation The way in which wedding cakes are presented has also changed. The stands are no longer a regular base but sometimes several delicate bases, sometimes they rotate or incorporate fountains or flowers in them. The more you are willing to spend the more ostentatious the presentation of the cake can be, however, no matter what you select the modern cake is sure to make a lasting impression on all who see and taste it.
Getting a Wedding Cake that is Uniquely Yours
by WeddingCakeCreations.com When planning a wedding most people give plenty of thought to their dress, the hall, the music, the flowers and the catering and only then stop to think about their cake. Wedding cakes are just as integral to hosting a memorable wedding as the color of the table cloths and is, in fact, far more important since the cake is among the things that your guests will remember most from your big day. Getting a fabulous wedding cake is easier than it might seem as long as you do a little bit of research before hand. Look through magazines to get an idea of the kind of style you like. Once you have settled on one or two designs then start looking for a baker or cake designer. If you do not know any bakers ask around. You will be surprised at how many people will be able to point you in the right direction. In fact, your caterer, the reception hall manager and your band may also be able to provide you with several good cake designers with whom they have worked with in the past. Once you have a list of bakers, call them up and make an appointment to meet with them. This whole process should be started at least six to four months before the date of your wedding. When meeting with the baker or cake designer you should make sure to cover several key areas including: * Design - take pictures of cakes you like * Size or number of tiers – this is usually dictated by your guest list * Frosting – specify your favorites: butter cream, fondant, royal, etc… * Flavors and fillings – taste a sampling of their best sellers or their specialties * Accents and toppers - fresh flowers, beading, traditional topper, etc… * Cost and delivery You should also find out how the cake will be made. For example: * Will the cake be fresh or is it baked in advance and frozen? * Is everything made from scratch? What are the ingredients that are used? Can they make allergen-free cakes if necessary? * How many contracts do they sign per weekend? * Are they certified by the Department of Health and Agriculture? Never feel pressured to settle with a baker if you are not fully satisfied that they can produce the cake you want. After all, it is your big day and you should not have to worry that the cake will be anything short of outstanding.
