Wedding Decoration And Food
The Cake
At one time the ancient Greeks threw wedding cake over the bride and groom.
Thankfully it's role has matured, and today's wedding cake is perceived as a
classic photo opportunity, a symbol of fertility, and a centrepiece for the entire
day that serves as a talking point for all the guests. Just like every other
aspect of weddings, the cake is becoming increasingly personalised and tailored
to suit the couple's tastes - so if you thought the traditional iced fruitcake
was still your only option, look again.
Endless Options
You can buy your cake from a local bakery, a specialist cake designer or wedding
caterers. Wherever you order your cake from, make sure you see a portfolio
of the baker's previous work before you commit. And don't hesitate to make your
own suggestions if you want something completely original, most cake makers are
creative people who will relish a challenge. If you do have your own ideas be
very specific with the cake maker to ensure you're not disappointed with the
finished products. Likewise if you aren't keen on the conventional fillings or
flavours of wedding cakes, there's no reason why you can't request something
that's unusual. Whatever you've asked for a cake to be made from - whether it's
carrot and orange, lemon cheesecake, spiced rum, banana nut or even white chocolate
mousse - it's guaranteed that you won't be the first.
Mix And Match
Lots of couples now mix and match different flavours, perhaps with layers of
sponge and fruitcake, so that they can give guests the choice and keep more traditionally
minded guests happy. It's a good idea to look through magazines and cut out any
pictures of cakes that catch your eye - however intricate the design, any baker
worth his or her salt will be able to make you a replica. Bear in mind that the
more ornate and detailed a cake is the more it will cost.
Decorating The Cake
Traditionally wedding cakes are made with royal icing, but fondant icing is becoming more popular because it is much softer and easier to work with. Lots of people are following the trend towards more understated and simply decorated wedding cakes, for example with a plainly iced stacked cake decorated with fresh flowers or minimal sugar-paste flowers. Of course your icing certainly doesn't have to be white, it can be made to match your bridesmaids' dresses, your overall colour scheme or your bouquets.
Cake Traditions
Cutting the cake is one of the first things the bride and groom do together as
man and wife and as such is celebrated and cheered on by all the guests, especially
as it marks the end of the formal proceedings. If you want to follow custom,
the grooms hand should cover yours. Traditionally the cake cutting takes place
after the speeches, but today many couples wait until their evening guests have
arrived. Tradition also dictates
that you save some cake to send on to any relatives or friends who could not
make the wedding and is a nice touch to make people feel involved in your wedding.
Many couples buy a smaller, less expensive cake for this purpose - nobody will
ever know the difference and it's the thought that counts!
