Cakes
One of the richest, and certainly most delicious, of wedding traditions is the wedding cake. Whether you will be celebrating with a few close friends or a party of three hundred guests, the wedding cake can be a glorious centerpiece to the festivities.
In today's world of choice and variety, the traditional tiered white wedding cake has given way to an assortment of flavors, such as chocolate mint, hazelnut, and cheesecake, and to as many different designs and shapes. Influences of other countries have brought us wedding cakes decorated with luscious buttercream, as well as elegant rolled fondant.
Fresh flowers adorn many wedding cakes; others are decorated with handmade marzipan flowers. These "gum paste" flowers are edible or can serve as keepsakes, ideal for use on an anniversary cake.
You may already have an idea in mind of the perfect wedding cake. To get additional ideas, we recommend that you look through bridal magazines and cake decorating books. Most bakers will have photos of their work, which might spark new ideas for you as well.
Whatever you can dream, someone can probably create, but do keep practicality and cost in mind. Pay careful attention that your cake reflects your wedding style and complements your color scheme. The flavor and icing should also be appropriate for the season of the year and the weather, particularly if the reception is held outside.
In many cases reception sites provide wedding cakes. Otherwise, you will want to hire a professional cake designer. When selecting your cake designer, you should plan ahead at least three to six months. Remember, the more sought-after bakers will be booked early. Ask to see actual wedding cakes they have prepared or pictures of their creations. You might even have a chance to sample some flavors.
Establish what services are provided (delivery, set-up, etc.), and exactly what is covered in the cost. The price of actual wedding cake itself can vary, depending on the size, flavor and intricacy of design. Your baker will help you in determining the size of cake needed for your reception.
Regardless of how large or small, simple or intricate your wedding cake, it is a special treat for your guests and a symbol rich in tradition. As you and your groom share the first piece of cake, it symbolizes your willingness to share your lives with each other. "May your life together be as delicious as the cake!"
Turning the (cake) tables on him!
While the traditional wedding cake is typically elegant and somewhat formal, often intricately decorated in creamy or pastel shades with flowers and ribbons to reflect a "bridal" theme, the groom's cake is more of a casual, fun piece of work. The earlier groom's cake was usually a dark fruitcake, but in recent years it has evolved into a dark chocolate or chocolate fudge cake, often covered with ganache. Devil's food and carrot cakes are also good choices when considering various options.
As the name might suggest, the groom's cake is designed to honor him, and should be a whimsical representation of his favorite hobby or sport in the flavor he loves! There are many themes and designs that are appropriate, and the following are examples to consider:
Favorite Things —
fishing; golfing; carpentry; rock climbing; flying; music; art; chessboard; cigar box; book; pet; western; cartoon character.
Sports —
Alma Mater; race car or racing flag; baseball; basketball; football; golf club; golf ball; soccer ball; rugby ball; volleyball; tennis racquet.
Professions —
briefcase; stethoscope; scales of justice; calculator; military emblem; truck; lumber; textiles; police badge; fire hydrant; ambulance.
Other Ideas —
flag or heritage symbols, monogram, a basketweave or package design, fresh sugared fruits on or around a beautifully iced cake.
Traditionally, the groom's cake was cut into pieces, boxed up and sent home with guests after the reception. Legend has it that if the unmarried women attending the wedding were to take home the groom's cake and place the pieces under their pillows they would dream about their future husbands. .
Although these traditions have faded, the groom's cake has evolved into a standard part of today's wedding customs. Occasionally, you'll see the groom's cake served at the wedding reception as a second dessert. However, so its presence does not detract from the wedding cake, the groom's cake can be, and usually is, a part of the rehearsal dinner. It is, of course, a personal choice as to when and where — even if — you will serve the groom's cake, but it definitely adds a special memorable touch and is a nice way to focus attention on the man of the hour. .
Ask your bakery professionals to show you a portfolio of groom's cakes they have created. They'll be glad to help you determine the design and flavor that is perfect for your one and only!
Wedding charms
Your single female friends will love this delightfully romantic Victorian tradition. Silver charms are tied to the ends of ribbons that have been looped once and placed under the bottom of the wedding cake. Each girl pulls a ribbon to find her good fortune in the charm that is attached. Although there are variations in the trinkets and their meanings, most sources agree that each of the basic charms (generally available from wedding specialty shops in sets of six) foretells the next important station in life to the girl who pulls it from the cake.
The ultimate wedding confection . it's a piece of cake!
When the time comes to select your incredible edibles, you'll want to make sure you're fully informed and prepared. The following guidelines will help you find the perfect cake for the perfect couple:
Ask your cake designer to show you a portfolio, or bring along pictures of cakes you've seen and found eye-catching. Photos should portray colors, styles, and embellishments such as fresh blossoms, a specific topper, or anything personal you'd like to incorporate.
. If your cake plans include florals, be sure to coordinate them with the colors and types of flowers you'll have in your wedding. Style is also a necessary piece of information to provide so that your theme is consistent. A swatch of your colors — even your dress — can help your cake expert pull it all together.
. Naturally, your cake must be stunning, and with so many wonderful flavors and combinations available, it can be every bit as delicious as it looks. Ask if you may schedule a tasting consultation. Some designers offer this service, and you should take advantage if it is available. (Hint: Bring your fiancé along - it's a "tasty" way to keep him involved in the planning!)
. Location, Location, Location! Knowing where and when the wedding will be held is important to your cake maker. For instance, if your reception will be outside, certain ingredients will work better than others. Not only do you need to secure the date with your designer, but the time of year may also impact your choices.
. How many guests will be at your reception? You should have at least a good estimate prior to ordering so you can determine just how much cake you will need (and have enough extra to save for that first anniversary!).
. Finally, consider your budget. Determining even a ballpark figure of what you can afford will help both you and your pastry professional come to a solution that will work for everyone. No idea how to budget? Many cake designers set prices based on the number of guests you anticipate, so knowing your guest count can give you a general idea of what to expect.
It's Never Too Late For Dessert . Or Is It?
We know you're busy planning your wedding while working every day at your real job. But just as you have regular hours, so do most cake designers and other wedding professionals. The considerate bride-to-be will plan around their business hours and schedule consultations so that everyone can enjoy their just desserts . at home with their families.