But what to do about the cake? There are just as many styles of wedding cakes as there are wedding dresses. How does a weary bride decide which wedding cake is the best one?
When shopping for wedding cakes, finding the right baker is the best place to start. If you have a favorite bakery, ask them if they create wedding cakes and then utter the words "Show me wedding cakes..." and see what happens.
Most bakers who specialize in wedding cakes will have a book or portfolio for you to look through. They'll be able to offer suggestions based on your theme, number of guests attending, and your budget.
When talking to your baker or caterer about wedding cakes, consider brushing up on your bridal baking verbiage.
Flavor:
The most traditional flavors are vanilla or lemon, however, chocolate, carrot, or spice are just as nice. Let the flavor compliment the season of your wedding.
Filling:
Your baker should be able to suggest appropriate fillings for the flavor you choose. Some common fillings include jam, cream, icing, mousse, fruit, and cream cheese.
Tiers:
Wedding cake layers are called tiers when they are placed on cake plates, columns, or any other type of stacking device.
Stacked Layers:
Stacking your wedding cake layers means directly placing one layer on top of another layer without anything in between.
Flat:
Not all wedding cakes are stacked or tiered. Some, especially for large weddings where extra cake is needed, are flat and baked in a uniquely shaped pan that fits your wedding theme.
Decoration:
Whatever your wedding cake design, it is the decoration - what goes on the outside of your cake; that truly makes your cake. Most decorators use sugarpaste or marzipan, and will incorporate fresh fruit or real flowers.
While traditional wedding cakes are still popular, anything goes in today's modern world. When shopping for wedding cakes, think about your wedding design, flowers, or theme and how you can incorporate these into your cake. Color is increasingly trendy, as are non-traditional flat cakes with elaborate scenes designed on the top. Flip through magazines for ideas and let your imagination loose.
Wedding cakes are an important element of any wedding reception. They are what your guests will notice first and remember last. Whatever design you decide on after multiple utterances of "Show me wedding cakes...", your wedding cake is sure to be a work of art, worthy of becoming the focal point of your wedding reception.
