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From champagne to cheesecake, mocha to raspberry swirl, flavors are exploding like never before. Wedding cake decoration has become a virtual art form with bakers coming up with innovative shapes, bold colors, and exquisite details to dazzle sophisticated brides. Whether wacky and whimsical or incredibly realistic, from porcelain finish of fondant icing to molded sugar flowers, you’ll be amazed at what these artists can create.
For a traditional wedding, the tiered white cake is still around, but it is receiving a make-over. Porcelain bisque, crystal, and monogram cake toppers are replacing their plastic counterparts, and those plain white tiers are being accented with edible pearls or cascading flowers.
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Go shopping and make appointments as soon as you decide on your wedding date. Some bakers are booked a year in advance and may require a deposit to hold the date.
Review the baker’s album of cake designs.
Look at tier arrangements, colors, flowers (fresh or silk), scrolls, trims and icing.
Discuss your style and preferences.
Know approximately how many people you want to serve because pricing is usually done on a ‘per serving’ basis.
Bring photos of cakes you have liked.
Ask for samples to help decide on flavor.
Among popular options are non-traditional tier shapes, pearlescent finishes, edible jewels and cake tables adorned with shimmering fabrics, flowers and lighting.
Get him involved! The popularity of the groom’s cake, traditionally a Southern custom, is on the rise. The bride’s cake is typically cut by the couple at the reception and eaten as dessert. The groom’s cake is usually darker and richer (often chocolate), crafted to show off the groom’s passions and obsessions. Serve slices to guests at the reception or use as dessert for the rehearsal dinner.
Be prepared to pay anywhere from $1.50 to $15 per slice. Although this may give you a bit of sticker shock, realize that adding exotic flavors and intricate, complex detailing will increase your price per serving.
Fondant icing is generally more expensive than buttercream.
Elaborately molded shapes, vibrant colors, or handmade sugar-flower detailing will add to the cake designer’s labor cost.
To save money, have your dream-cake made on a smaller scale and order sheet cakes of the same flavor.
Inquire about delivery and setup arrangements at the reception site.
Most cake designers prefer to deliver the precious cargo themselves. Paying the extra delivery fee is well worth the peace of mind, knowing the cake will arrive in top form.
If you are having an outdoor wedding during hot weather, stay away from whipped cream, ganache and buttercream. Ask your baker about summer icing options.
Bakers provide cutting instructions. For the first cut, hold the knife in your right hand with the groom’s closed over yours, together cut a slice and enjoy. Don’t mash cake in each other’s faces! Remember the time and money you’ve spent–you’ll want to look and feel your best as the celebration continues.
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