Your Perfect Wedding Cake
Once you’ve set the date you can start about the business of making your wedding plans.
There’s a lot to consider.
Finding a photographer who won’t be taking pictures for so long that your guests will be squiffy on the Pimms they were served whilst waiting or wondering whether your three year old bridesmaid can get through the ceremony without asking the vicar why he is wearing a dress might be just two of the thoughts running around your head.
Amongst all the things to organise is your cake.
Choosing a cake should be a joyful and happy process so I have come up with a few ideas that may help you to create your perfect cake.
Some brides to be will know exactly what they want because they have known since they were six years old, although the original idea may need some adaptations - a 6ft tall pink and purple fairy castle cake with a princess, a pony and love hearts may look out of place in Kew Gardens.
Ideas
If you have no idea or a vague image in your head of what you want then it may be helpful to get some wedding cake magazines.
Wedding Cakes - A Design Source is an excellent magazine with nothing but wedding cakes in it.
All of the cakes featured include the names of the cake designer and if you are thinking about making your own cake there are step by step reader projects.
Another way of getting ideas is an online search. Google has an images option which will give you millions of wedding cake pictures. Of course that much choice can be a little overwhelming so you might want to limit the time you spend looking so that you are not still clicking through the pages at 3am.
Style
Look a the settings of the cake photos you find, some cakes are displayed in grand mansions, some in gardens and some in very informal surroundings.
If you have decided on where to hold your reception, think about what style of cake will suit the venue. Maybe something grand and decadent or a contemporary, sleek cake.
Colours
Colours are a good starting point if you only have a vague idea.
You could match the colours of your floral displays, bridesmaids dresses or colours on your dress.
Your cake maker should be able to get a pretty good match in fondant colours.
Cake Size
The number of guests is a good starting point and indicator when it comes to choosing your cake. The size and number of tiers will depend on the number of portions you need to serve.
Although just as it seems there is one decision that can be made pretty quickley there are options to consider here too.
Cakes can be made bigger and more visually stunning with the addition of dummy tiers - polystyrene dummies decorated in the same way as the edible tiers and then discarded when the cake is served.
Alternatively if you are having a large number of guests but have seen a two tiered cake you love but will not provide enough portions a cutting cake can be provided. This is an extra cake that is not displayed but is cut and served with your wedding cake.
A cutting cake has a simple covering of marzipan and fondant icing without any decoration.
Cake Designers
Recommendation is a great way of finding a good cake designer. But there are other considerations. You need to get along with your designer - it won’t make for a joyful process if you dread the thought of discussing your ideas or feel that your designer is not listening to what you want or hell bent on a design that they think is great but you hate.
Find someone who will listen to your ideas and requirements and then come up with ideas and suggestions to create a cake that is perfect for you.
Get in touch with a few cake designers so that you can get a feel for the person you’re talking to, ask if they offer consultations and whether they can produce a bespoke cake or whether they have a selection to choose from.
Ask about delivery and assembly of your cake - most cake designers will deliver and assemble your cake on you wedding day.
Arrange a cake tasting. Most cake designers will be happy to provide a cake sample for you. On your special day you don’t want a cake that looks fantastic on the outside but but has to be served in tiny pieces smothered in fruit coulis.
There is a wealth of information, resources and advice to help you decide what you want so make the most of it and enjoy creating your dream wedding cake!
