Cue the wedding cake, the sweet pièce de résistance of your big day. It is such a significant part of your wedding that it commands its very own moment at the reception! In this article, we cover some of the key cake trends that the modern bride needs to know about wedding cakes, along with two of your frequently asked questions namely, when to cut the cake and what to do with the top layer!
Gone are the days when you would receive a neat little sliver of fruit cake predictably dressed in white marzipan icing at every single wedding you attended. The modern bride and groom of today have countless options to choose from, which means that your wedding cake can be a true reflection of the style, colours and flavours that excite you – and feature as part of your reception décor!
But with so many options available, it’s hard to know where to start! So, we have rounded up some of the latest cake trends to guide you through this tasty process.
The minimalist cake
This sweet treat is all about simplicity, clean lines, and an understated colour palette. The pared back style of this cake may include a flourish of blooms or foliage.
Textured buttercream with fresh flowers or fruit
Buttercream icing is a delicious and popular choice for a wedding cake and instead of a smooth finish, you might like to consider a modern, textured look, which is especially lovely when adorned with some fresh blooms, foliage, succulents or even fruit.
Drip cakes
The use of melted chocolate or caramel creates a ‘drip’ effect, which not only looks decadent but also tastes delicious! Top your cake with flowers and macarons for added height, prettiness and yumminess!
Bold colours
Dramatic, deep colours add sophistication and make a real style statement! If you love bright colours, let them take centre stage on your cake!
Metallic wedding cakes
Who doesn’t love a bit of bling? Well, now you can glam up your cake with some edible metallic shimmer!
Cake spacers and separators
Cake spacers and separators are making a distinct comeback in a fresh, re-imagined way. Why use them? Well, they enable you to add height and drama to your cake without adding an unnecessary layer. Plus you can get really creative with the spacer you use, to tie in with your décor.
Styled dessert station
It is a well-known fact that we eat with our eyes first so it’s not surprising that staging a cake / dessert station has become ‘a thing’! What that means is that you don’t have to settle on just one cake. Create a wow factor and incorporate a selection of single tier and multi-tier cakes, cake pops, macarons, tartlets – and wherever else your sweet fantasies take you…
Designing your wedding cake can be heaps of fun! There are no rules or limits to what you can create. Imagine the possibilities and choose a cake maker that will help you create something for your special day that reflects your unique preferences and personality.
When should we cut our cake?
Historically, the cake cutting was the last moment in the reception—signalling to guests that they were welcome to head home. These days, the cake cutting usually happens earlier in the reception (toward the end of dinner, just before dancing begins) and is the last “official” event of the evening.
Choosing to slice earlier (even before you take your seats for dinner) offers a few advantages. If your photographer is only booked for the first part of the evening, cutting early means they won’t miss it. It also makes slicing and serving less pressured for your catering crew. If you cut the cake before dinner, they can slice it once starters have been served, and can serve pieces as a plated dessert course before dancing gets underway.
Should we save the top tier of our wedding cake?
Saving the top tier of your wedding cake to enjoy on your first wedding anniversary is a longstanding tradition. If you want to do this, make sure you tell your baker and caterer in advance. This way, your cake maker can provide you with the correct size box to store the top tier, and your caterer wont accidentally slice it up and serve it to your guests. Your cake will need to be wrapped in plastic the following day. Make sure it’s airtight to eliminate the possibility of freezer burn.
If the thought of eating 365-day old cake on your first wedding anniversary doesn’t appeal to you, you can offer any leftover cake to your guests as a takeaway treat at the end of the evening. When your anniversary rolls around a year later, why not contact your original baker and ask them to make you a mini replica of your wedding cake with the same flavour options.
With thanks to Grace Botha from Grace of Bakes for these fabulous cake insights.
Loved this! Would you please share some lovely cake combinations for a wedding cake. We are having a 3 tier cake and would like to make each layer different. ANY ideas, please?
Hi Chloe. I am so glad that you found this article helpful!
I chatted to Grace from Grace of Bakes today and asked her to recommend some of the flavour combinations she has been working on for her brides lately.
Here are some of her suggestions:
* Rose and pistachio
* Pineapple and coconut
* Lemon and blueberry
* Strawberry and vanilla
* Coffee and cinnamon
* Carrot cake
* Chocolate and peanut butter
If there is are any flavour combinations you are keen to try out, chat to her. She does love a challenge! 😉
As always, a fantastic blog installment!! THanks Jax!
You are so welcome, Meghan! Thanks for leaving your comment here xx