Wedding Cakes

Most people have the same picture of a wedding cake with its many tiered layers and a bride and a groom on top. But more often this image is being changed by creative trends in the design of wedding cakes. Today, there is wide spectrum of sizes, shapes, colors and flavors available to make a cake that reflect the taste and desire of the bride and groom.

Rather than the traditional round and square wedding cakes, many shapes like hearts and hexagons may also be created.

A recent trend in cake design is a selection of cupcakes decorated elegantly or for children at the reception.

Cake decoration is an important accent because the wedding cake is usually on display throughout the ceremony. Far from the traditional white buttercream frosting, cakes are being decorated with a rainbow of colors. The icing can match wedding colors if the couple prefers. The icing may also be used to decorate with monograms or scrolls. Popular garnishes include real and edible flowers. Another recent trend is using lace on the wedding cake that matches the bride's dress.

Wedding cake toppers are traditionally figurines of a bride and a groom. If the couple is going to go this route, then they will need to look for figurines that match the features of the real bride and groom as closely as possible for a personalized touch. These figurines can also be dressed up or decorated to match the lifestyles of the bride and groom, such as baseball caps and ball gowns.

Bells, flowers, hearts and bows are also popular wedding cake toppers. Unique toppers are also great for a plain white cake. Figurines of doves or other animals are popular, as are seasonal items like spring flowers, winter snowflakes. Another popular wedding cake decoration is a photo of the bride and groom screened on the cake or a small thin photo frame with a real photo of the newlyweds. The wedding cake can also feature something that reflects the honeymoon choice, such as sand dollars or seashells for a trip to the beach, or a model of the Eiffel tower for a trip to France.

The wedding cake may look appealing, but it's nothing special if it isn't also delicious. Many couples are choosing different flavors for each layer. For example a layer of vanilla, a layer of chocolate and a layer of cheesecake may be a perfectly acceptable configuration for a wedding cake. Fillings are also available, such as caramel, fudge or even fruit, depending on the baker. The trend of having a groom's cake of different flavors also allows for different choices for the guests.

When determining the size of the wedding cake, keep in mind the number of guests so you don't have too much or two little. Order cake 2 - 4 months in advance and keep tabs with the baker on the details up until the big day.

The type of cake also depends on where the couple wants to have the wedding. Outside weddings should not have very delicate cakes that contain mousse or ice cream. Also, keep cakes out of direct sunlight no matter if the reception is indoors or outdoors. Beware of breezes and drafts from ventilation that could cause a table cloth or anything else to fly into the icing.

When it comes to wedding cakes there are many choices available depending upon taste and depending upon the motif of the rest of the ceremony and reception. The wedding cake will be in many photographs so choosing one that is picture perfect will go a long way in keeping the memory of the reception alive for years.