Choosing Your Wedding CakePosted by Kim Rix on October 27th, 2009
Dear Bride & Groom,
You may have a very clear idea of what you would like your wedding cake to look and taste like. However, here are a few things to consider when choosing or designing your cake.
1. Flavours and Fillings
Wedding Cakes are available in many more types and flavours than the traditional fruit or the simple vanilla sponge. In order to cater for all tastes many brides choose to have different cake types for different tiers. Not only does it keep everyone happy but also allows you to be a bit adventurous! Why not enquire about a chocolate sponge with a maraschino cherry crème. Perhaps a carrot cake is more your taste? Or maybe you’d like to try your favourite cheesecake.
2. Presentation
There are more possibilities than you would think for presenting your cake. You have the traditional stacked or pillared cakes, the stand option or the increasingly popular multiple cupcakes. The stacked cake sees each layer placed directly one on top of each other – you need to make sure your top layers aren’t too heavy to support. The pillar cakes create a grand, tall cake with each layer rested expertly on top of pillars of your choice.
Kim’s advice: icing sugar softens in warm weather (25°C+++). Despite the grand tier effect, it is advisable not to stack all three layers on top of each other to avoid the possibility of the top layer accidentally sliding off!
You may also choose a decorative stand, which can present multiple layers at different heights or layers without sinking into each other! Individual cupcakes displayed on modern or ‘classic’ cake stands can be eye-catching. You could choose different icings or toppings for each layer or even present them in your own formation.
3. Theme
Obviously your theme should be carried through into your cake. Whether this is a colour scheme, a particular flower or motif. Even if you would like simple and classic, white, royal icing you could use coloured ribbon, sugar flowers or fresh flowers to carry on your colour theme and add a wow factor. It is incredible what can be made with delicate sugar craft.
You can ask your cake designer to give you ideas or present your own to see if it can be made. The best thing is that you can keep this edible delight for years to come. Have a look through cake magazines for adventurous ideas and put your own spin on it.
4. One Cake or Two?
This may not be too big a problem if you are having an intimate wedding, but if you are cutting your cake during the evening ‘party’ then you might need to consider having a ‘cutting cake’ in the kitchen to meet the demand of the guests. This is especially helpful if you wish to keep the top tier for your 1st wedding anniversary or your first child’s Christening – in which case you should make absolutely sure the cake is freshly made so it is safe to be frozen again!
Oh! And don’t forget that the tastings are the best part!
Kind regards
Kim Rix