The Wedding Cake - Centerpiece of the big Day

I’m a baker and a caterer and restaurateur so it’s a no-brainer that the wedding cake itself is my highlight of the day. It is, by far, my favorite part of the catering process as well as the design and imagination process of myself and the Bride and Groom to be. It lets me see within them as the people they are and what they want to be. The cake tells a story.

No matter what wedding you may attend there is always one thing that is the same. People hover around it, drooling, wanting and longing for it. Men want it, women want it too but for other reasons. When deciding on the cake for your wedding day you have many things to consider.

1. When and Where

The date as well where you’re holding the wedding is very important to know when deciding on a cake. If you’re wedding is during the summer and outdoors then the cake couldn’t be made from anything that won’t hold up (stay fresh) such as mouse or butter cream so knowing when and where then asking your baker what’s “in season” will get you a list of acceptable cakes.

2. Size Does Matter

The shapes and sizes of wedding cakes vary exponentially from small, informal round to 8 tier monsters with flowers, vines and fountains. In a lot of cases the basics are the solid. They have withstood the test of time and having several tiers with some dice flowers is timeless. Depending on your guest count, however, your options may be unlimited. Having an accurate count of your guests is very important as that will determine the size of the cake. There are many resources online, chiefly Wilton, which can give you an idea of the size you will need. Your baker will also be able to tell you or suggest something.

3. Taste Counts

If you were a wedding cake, what flavor would you be? I don’t know about you but I like chocolate with a peanut butter mouse filling covered in fondant and.. mmmm.. getting ahead of myself.
Depending on the style of your cake can determine your flavor options. If your cake is several tiers then you could have several cake flavors available. Your flavoring choices are only as limited as your imagination. You’re allowed to be creative.

4. Icing or not to Ice?

In most cases your traditional icing is white of a more egg shell off white. The icing tends to match the wedding theme, but in todays cake world the sky is the limit. No more are we saddled with even cakes. We can go multiple tiers of uneven cakes covered in fondant instead of butter cream icing.

5. The Decoration

The decorations you place on your cake are only limited by that of your own imagination. Flowers and vines are the standard, but you can use gum paste to make many designs and unique visions. It can be classic and skillful or wild and crazy.
In the end, however, your cake is as individual as you are. It’s unique and should speak of your personality. It’s your day and you should have fun on it!