Jacksonville Wedding Cakes
Syndicate
Favorite Links
Jacksonville Wedding Cakes
The Budget Bride - Saving Money on Photography
Black and White Wedding Cake
I think it's safe to say most of us are not Kardashians who have sponsors duking it out over who gets to pay for our wedding. Most of us have a budget (some larger than others) that we need to stick to and could use all the help we can get when it comes to getting the most bang for our buck.
The first thing to do when planning your budget is to prioritize...what is most important to you? (Besides actually being married to your one and only?And if that's NOT your top priority maybe you need to rethink things) Make a list of "Must Haves" and "Wants". For example, if getting married at the same church your parents got married in is a do or die for you then that goes in the Must Have list. If you think you might, kind of like to have live peacocks roaming around at the reception, that goes in the Want list.
Several wedding blogs I've read have said to save money on the photographer by giving all the guests disposable cameras and having them take the pictures. I happen to think this is a supremely bad idea. Why? Because your cousin, Louanne, is going to take a hundred pictures of her brand new baby and that friend of the groom (you know the one...the one who always does the MOST inappropriate things at the most inappropriate times) is going to take pictures of his anatomy or every set of boobies at the reception...even Grandma's. And if there's alcohol on the menu, the pictures will become more inappropriate and more blurry as the night wears on. You can give out the disposable cameras but make sure you invite the friend(or friends) who is a great amatuer photographer (and has a great camera). That way, you will be sure to get some more traditional posed pictures as well as great candids. Just make sure you speak to your photog friend ahead of time to discuss which poses you want to make sure you get. If possible, have a computer and a USB cable there so he/she can download the pics before she leaves. That way, you don't run into "Oh, I just haven't had time to send them to you yet" and you're sure to have the photographic evidence that your magical day really was as beautiful as you imagined it.
Real vs Fake
Lately there has been a lot of buzz in the wedding industry about fake wedding cakes. For those of you who haven't heard, a fake wedding cake is a styrofoam wedding cake form covered in fondant used in place of a real one...a "prop", if you will. The fake can be a stock cake or custom made. They're usually rented and returned after the event but they can also be bought. The premise of a fake cake is that it saves money by allowing you to have a "wow factor" centerpiece for your reception without the cost of a custom cake. You have the fake on display but guests are served sheet cake. The argument is that sheet cakes are much less expensive than a tiered wedding cake. Sounds feasible, right? Maybe...but before you sign up for the fake there are some things you should consider.
A rental cake can run anywhere from $175 for a plain, white, two-tiered round cake with minimal decoration (icing dots and ribbon) to $750 (and higher) for five tiers with slightly more ornamentation. Then there's the cost of shipping and handling or delivery. Add to that a damage deposit and the cost of the sheet cakes you'll be serving your guests. The damage deposit is, of course, to insure the fake is returned in it's original condition...that no one has mistaken it for a real cake and tried to cut into it, that the florist didn't poke holes in it or get water spots on it when she put flowers on it, or your Aunt Fanny didn't fall into it while doing a drunken hokey-pokey. When you add up all the additional charges and the fact that your money will be tied up in a damage deposit for two weeks (or permanently), you may end up spending less buying a real cake from your favorite baker. If your budget is small and you need to save money on the cake, just choose a simple design...the more detailed the cake (real or fake) the more money it will cost.
All in all, it's your decision. A real cake that you don't have to worry about once it's cut and served or a fake that has to be protected, packed and shipped. A real cake that you can cut right in front of your guests and serve to them immediately or a fake that has to be wheeled to the kitchen to be "cut" and the guests can be served the sheet cake. A real cake so you can have the cake cutting ceremony or a fake where a slice of real cake is hidden in a secret compartment for the ceremony. Then there's also the embarrassment factor to consider if your guests discover the "masterpiece" they've been admiring is made of styrofoam.
By the time you add up the extra costs and the aggravation, a fake cake hardly seems like such a bargain after all.
Groom's Cake Ideas
These days the Groom's Cake is becoming a more popular idea at weddings. Approximately 30 to 40% of the wedding cakes we create also include a Groom's cake.
Let's face it, the wedding preparation and wedding day is primarily focused on the bride. The beautiful dress, the flowers, the rose pedals and the elaborate wedding cake. The Groom's Cake is a great way to let your husband-to-be have a little fun with the wedding.
Most of our clients want a Groom's Cake design that is representative of his favorite hobby.
The Groom's Cake can be used the night before the wedding at the rehearsal dinner or placed on small, separate table by the wedding cake at the big event.
One thing to keep in mind when getting a Groom's Cake is that you can reduce the size of your wedding cake servings by the size of the Groom's Cake. For example, if you need 100 servings for your wedding reception, then you don't need to purchase a 100 serving wedding cake and a Groom's Cake. Most Groom's Cakes that we create provide 20 to 30 servings. So, in this example, you could purchase a 70 or 75 serving wedding cake with your Groom's Cake. This helps reduce your wedding cake costs.
Of course, there is a little kept secret for bakeries that create wedding cakes....they love to make Groom's Cakes. The Groom's Cake is so much fun to make. For the creative artist, there is a lot of fun and personal satisfaction creating Groom's Cakes that represent so many different interests and hobbies.
The design of your Groom's Cake is only limited by your imagination. Most of the pictures we've included on this page are pretty self explanatory of the Groom's interest. This laptop Groom's Cake is probably worth providing a little more background. At first glance you might assume the Groom likes computers. Although that's true, the real story behind this laptop Groom's Cake is that the Groom and Bride (before they ever met) were participating in a Facebook on-line game. The Groom was purchased by the Bride in the contest. This is how the happy couple met and well, the rest of the story is a big wedding day.
If you are looking for a Groom's Cake in Jacksonville, FL, please give us a call (904.262.9122) at 3 Sisters Chocolate and Bakery.
If you are looking for a Groom's Cake in Jacksonville, FL, please give us a call (904.262.9122) at 3 Sisters Chocolate and Bakery.
Wedding Trends for 2013
Wedding trends, by definition, come and go. While you don't want your wedding to be trendy you do want to follow the fashions of today so as to not be out of date. So, in the spirit of keeping you fashionable and informed here is a list of some of the hottest wedding trends for 2012 and 2013.
Simplicity - Fussy details = lots of time. Lots of time = lots of money. Use simple, elegant lines on everything from your gown (think Kate Middleton) to your cake and you'll not only save big bucks, you'll also have your friends and family oooohing and ahhhing over what a classy broad you are.
Lace - This another one we can attribute to Kate. Royal weddings are usually the catalyst for trends and the marriage of Wills and Kate is no different. Just as Lady Diana fanned the flames of passion for big poofy sleeves and mile long trains, Kate's choice of wedding gowns has brought a resurgence of Grace Kelly-esque elegance with just a touch of lace....that's "just a touch" not rows and rows of lace ruffles.
Rustic - Barn weddings are huge right now...yes they've been around for a few years but they are still going strong. Why? Because they're beautiful and un-stuffy.
Retro, Vintage, Antique - I Googled the difference between Retro and Vintage and, apparently there is a lot of debate about that very subject. I'm lumping them together here along with antique because I really don't care what the difference is. The point is, if your grandma or mother had it at her wedding, it's back in style now.
Homemade - If you're on a tight budget DIY is a good way to save money on things that can be done ahead of time, i.e. most of the non-edible stuff. You can make beautiful aisle markers, table decorations, bunting, favors, centerpieces, etc. It's probably not a good idea to DIY your wedding dress because, well...sewing is hard. Unless you've been doing it for years and have mastered the art, the dress for your big day is no place to start trying to learn. Fresh flowers and the wedding cake must be done as close to the day of the wedding as possible...a time when you will be stressed to the max. Don't add to that stress by taking on monumental tasks with a short deadline.
Mason Jars - These go along with the handmade/homemade/rustic thing. Wildflowers in Mason jars, candles in Mason Jars, wedding favors in Mason jars...if you can get it in a Mason jar it usually looks cute...and rustic...and vintage...and retro.
Casual - Casual goes along with all of the above. It's much easier to DIY a casual wedding than a formal one.
Non-Clone Bridesmaids - Gone are the days when the bridesmaids all had to march down the aisle in the same Pepto Bismol pink, poofy, taffeta monstrosity. It's trendy now (and more considerate) to give them some guidelines and let them pick their own dress...because, let's face it, it sucks big time to spend $300 on a dress you hate. Give your bridesmaids a choice of colors or styles and let them choose something that's more flattering and that they can wear again (and you can maybe borrow).
Individuality - The biggest trend in weddings for 2013 is...not following trends. Do what makes you happy. If you're a pearls and pumps kind of girl, go ahead and have your black tie affair in a cathedral with a five tiered buttercream, pound cake at the recption. If you're the world's biggest Twilight fan and it's your heart's desire to walk down the aisle to a pastey, white guy covered in body glitter...go for it. (Good luck with that). If you and your hubs-to-be are gothy and you want a black wedding dress and a day of the dead wedding cake, then that's what you should do. Don't let anyone try to squeeze you into a box you don't want to be in.
Wedding Cake Terminology
Before you go for your wedding cake consultation with bakers/cake designers there are a few terms you should familiarize yourself with. Otherwise, it may seem like your cake designer is speaking a foreign language.
Three Tiered, Air Brushed, Fondant Wedding Cake with Dragees and Orchids
Fondant - A type of frosting that can be rolled into sheets and draped. It gives the cake a smooth molded or sculpted look.
Buttercream - Frosting that is made from...you guessed it...butter and cream...and sugar...and vanilla or some other type of flavoring. Most likely the type of frosting your mom used on your birthday cakes. Not the best choice for outdoor weddings...especially in Florida.
Filling - Used between the layers of a cake. Can be buttercream, ganache, fruit filling, mousse, curd, etc.
Sculpted Cake - The cake is literally carved and sculpted into whatever shape your heart desires and usually covered with fondant
Sculpted Roast Pig Cake Covered in Fondant
Tiers - How many "stories" or levels there are on your cake. Not to be confused with layers. Each tier can have two or more layers with filling in between.
Five Tiered, Wedding Cake with Quilting and Damask Designs
Dragees - Edible sugar balls used to decorate a cake. Can be the size of bb's, pearls, marbles or larger, usually covered in silver or gold.
Border -A continuous band of frosting around the edge or base of a cake. Frequently piped in buttercream.
Ganache - A mixture of chocolate and cream that, in this context, is used as filling or frosting, also known as chocolatey goodness from heaven.
Gumpaste - A type of icing that has the consistency of modeling clay. It can be molded to make life-like flowers and figures. When dried, gumpaste items can last for years.
Piping - A method of creating a design on a cake using a pastry bag, tips and frosting.
Royal Icing - A hard icing used to coat cakes, cookies, or pastries. Can also be used to pipe details onto said cakes, cookies and pastries.
Airbrushing - A technique where a compressed air tool is used to spray edible paint onto a cake.
Hand-Painted - Brushes and edible paints or dyes are used to paint a design onto fondant icing.
Cake Stand - A pedestal of some sort to raise the cake up a level.
Topper - What goes on top of the cake. Can be a traditional porcelain bride and groom, fresh flowers, a crystal monogram, animal figurines or anything else you feel represents the two of you as a couple. 
White Buttercream, Three Tiered Cake, with Ribbon Border, and Orchid Topper Weding Cake
Wedding Cake History 101
Be prepared to learn more about the origin and meanings of wedding cakes than you ever wanted to know.
The first wedding "cakes" began to appear in Roman times. The groom would break a loaf of bread (think 5 grain baguette...not Wonder Bread) over the bride's head to symbolize the breaking of her virginity and his dominance over her. One can only guess as to why this tradition has failed to take a toe hold in this generation but I would surmise it has something to do with the fact that...well, virgins are hard to find these days and the notion of a man's dominance over his wife is...let's just say "not as popular" as it once was. After the breaking of the bread, guests would scramble to eat the crumbs that fell to the floor. Superstition has it that eating these crumbs would bring fertility. As the number of wedding guests grew...and, no doubt, with the advent of the five second rule, this tradition also fell by the wayside.
In Medieval times guests would bring small breads or sweet buns and stack them on a table in front of the newlyweds. The couple would then kiss passionately over the top of the stacked goodies. If they were able to do so without knocking it over it meant they would have good luck and fertility. The creation of the French croquembouche (small profiteroles or pastries stacked in a cone shape and covered with spun sugar which acts as a kind of "glue" to keep them from tumbling to the ground) is said to have developed from this tradition.
If you were a less affluent bride during this time, you served "bride's pie" at your nuptials. It was considered bad luck and bad manners not to eat a least a small piece of the bride's pie. A small glass ring was hidden inside and, superstition has it, the lady who found it would be the next to wed....or choke to death on a small glass ring. (No word on what happened if it was found by a man or a married woman.) Today, pie may be served as a dessert at the reception but it is no longer the center piece of the event. Could you imagine? Besides the fact that your reception conversation would be rife with bad puns and double entendres (yeah, I've always wanted to taste the bride's "pie"...wink wink nudge nudge) no one ever said, "Oh my heavens! What a gorgeous wedding pie!"
When actual cakes started to appear they were usually small, unfrosted, fruit cakes soaked in wine or some sort of alcoholic beverage. The alcohol served a practical yet flavorful function...to preserve the cake. The purpose of the fruit in the cake was superstition. It symbolized fertility and affluence for the happy couple. Remember that fruitcake your Aunt Pearl sent you at Christmas? Guess where it came from...
Wedding cakes as we know them today started to appear in the 1800's. At that time the white frosting didn't symbolize purity, innocence or virginity as much as it proclaimed the wealth of the bride's family. Only the wealthiest families could afford refined sugar and only refined sugar could produce a pure white frosting.
So there you have it...a brief history of the wedding cake, from a loaf of whole grain bread to the multi-tiered, multi-flavored, multi-colored, buttercream and fondant covered, edible extravaghaaaanzas of today. Bon appetite my historically enlightened friends!
The first wedding "cakes" began to appear in Roman times. The groom would break a loaf of bread (think 5 grain baguette...not Wonder Bread) over the bride's head to symbolize the breaking of her virginity and his dominance over her. One can only guess as to why this tradition has failed to take a toe hold in this generation but I would surmise it has something to do with the fact that...well, virgins are hard to find these days and the notion of a man's dominance over his wife is...let's just say "not as popular" as it once was. After the breaking of the bread, guests would scramble to eat the crumbs that fell to the floor. Superstition has it that eating these crumbs would bring fertility. As the number of wedding guests grew...and, no doubt, with the advent of the five second rule, this tradition also fell by the wayside.
In Medieval times guests would bring small breads or sweet buns and stack them on a table in front of the newlyweds. The couple would then kiss passionately over the top of the stacked goodies. If they were able to do so without knocking it over it meant they would have good luck and fertility. The creation of the French croquembouche (small profiteroles or pastries stacked in a cone shape and covered with spun sugar which acts as a kind of "glue" to keep them from tumbling to the ground) is said to have developed from this tradition.
If you were a less affluent bride during this time, you served "bride's pie" at your nuptials. It was considered bad luck and bad manners not to eat a least a small piece of the bride's pie. A small glass ring was hidden inside and, superstition has it, the lady who found it would be the next to wed....or choke to death on a small glass ring. (No word on what happened if it was found by a man or a married woman.) Today, pie may be served as a dessert at the reception but it is no longer the center piece of the event. Could you imagine? Besides the fact that your reception conversation would be rife with bad puns and double entendres (yeah, I've always wanted to taste the bride's "pie"...wink wink nudge nudge) no one ever said, "Oh my heavens! What a gorgeous wedding pie!"
When actual cakes started to appear they were usually small, unfrosted, fruit cakes soaked in wine or some sort of alcoholic beverage. The alcohol served a practical yet flavorful function...to preserve the cake. The purpose of the fruit in the cake was superstition. It symbolized fertility and affluence for the happy couple. Remember that fruitcake your Aunt Pearl sent you at Christmas? Guess where it came from...
Wedding cakes as we know them today started to appear in the 1800's. At that time the white frosting didn't symbolize purity, innocence or virginity as much as it proclaimed the wealth of the bride's family. Only the wealthiest families could afford refined sugar and only refined sugar could produce a pure white frosting.
So there you have it...a brief history of the wedding cake, from a loaf of whole grain bread to the multi-tiered, multi-flavored, multi-colored, buttercream and fondant covered, edible extravaghaaaanzas of today. Bon appetite my historically enlightened friends!
How to Order Your Wedding Cake
The engagement is on, you've found the perfect dress and you may have even already booked your venue. Now it is time to find that once in a lifetime wedding cake.
To start, you will want to think about the type of wedding you are having. Is it formal or casual? What season? Is it a spring or fall wedding? These factors and many more will become design considerations for your cake. You may decide to take on a big part of the wedding cake design or you may find a wedding cake creator that can provide the creative ideas based on your likes and wants.
You can spend hours searching through magazines and websites to collect picture of cakes that you like or there are some bakeries that excel in creating unique designs, simply based on discussions with you.
One of the very first decisions you need to make is "what is your budget"? Wedding cakes can start as low as $2.50/serving and extend to $8.00 or more/serving. So, if you are planning on 100 servings, then your cake can range from $300 to $800. (Tip: Don't assume every guest will have cake. See "How Many Servings Are Needed For My Wedding Cake" to learn more.)
What's next....contact every bakery in town? Unless, you have unlimited budget and a lot of time (and who does these days), we do not recommend you take that approach. You can easily research wedding cake creators/bakeries in your area by using your favorite Internet search engine. Review the works of various cake creators/bakeries and narrow your search down to two or three. Then, the process does not need to be complicated or too time consuming as long as you follow this simple 4 step process.
Step 1: Check Availability & Budgetary Estimate.
By calling or emailing, you can get a rough (budgetary) estimate for your cake. You don't want to schedule a consultation, spend an hour or so discussing cake flavors and your design, only to find out the bakery's price is not within your budget. An experienced bakery can provide you with a price range based on a simple description over the phone or via email. Final pricing can then be established at the consultation when the design if finalized.
You will want to ask if the bakery charges a fee for the consultation. Some bakeries charge an upfront fee of $100 just for the consultation. Some bakeries offer free consultations and then others charge a consultation fee, but will apply the amount to your wedding cake if you make a purchase. Bakeries do pay Pastry Chefs to conduct cake consultations, so if you can't make your scheduled date (and unforeseen events to occur) please cancel your consultation as far in advance as possible.
The other piece of information you will want to know is does the bakery have an opening for you wedding date. It's a waste of time to schedule a consultation, find a design you love and then find out the bakery does not have an opening. How much time should you book your cake in advance? It really depends on the bakery and the season. For example, here in Florida our bakery can be booked several months in advance during busy wedding months. Because Florida is so hot April, May, September and October are extremely busy wedding months. Other times of the year, we can typically schedule a wedding cake with 3-4 weeks advance notice.
Step 2: Wedding Cake Consultation
Consultations typically include a tasting and the design of your cake. An experienced bakery will be able to draw your design during the consultation through an interactive dialogue with you.
How do you prepare for the consultation? It is a good idea to bring pictures of various cakes that you like, swatches of your wedding colors, how many servings you will need, and a list of flavors that you like. An experienced bakery can take this information and create your design "on-the-spot" for your review, edit and final approval. We've heard stories where some bakeries charge a cake design fee before designing your cake. Perhaps, it is just our opinion, but we would not recommend paying in advance for the design. If the bakery creates an awesome design, you will want to purchase the cake. If you decide to wait before making your contract decision, don't expect the bakery to allow you to take home their free design. In fact, premiere bakeries pay higher wages for people who are very creative with designs. This is a competitive advantage and additional value some bakeries provide.
Your cake contract can be completed at the consultation if you are ready. Most reputable bakeries will require a deposit to schedule your cake. Our advice is to have all but the simplest wedding cake delivered. The bride has a lot going on the day of her wedding. Do you really want to risk having a friend transport the cake and damage it?
Step 3: Create Cake
This one is easy. Minimal effort from you. If you are providing the cake topper (which is quite common) then you will need to make sure you provide the topper 1-2 weeks in advance of your wedding date. Your cake creator will take care of everything else. At some point prior to your cake date, the bakery will require your final payment (assuming you only placed a deposit when you finalized your cake contract). Every bakery is different. At 3 Sisters Chocolate we require the balance to be resolved 14 days prior to your wedding date.
Step 4: Delivery and Set-Up
Your bakery should take care of everything. Reputable bakeries will coordinate direct with your on-site wedding planner or other designated contact regarding placement of the cake and if any fresh-cut flowers are to be placed with the cake (if your contract calls for fresh cut flowers).
Any reputable bakery will provide instructions for you and your new husband when cutting that special first serving. If you are having one of your friends cut the cake, just ask your bakery prior to the big day. Most cake creators will gladly provide you or a designated individual with details on how to cut and serve your wedding cake for all of your guests.
It is also possible that your venue or caterer may charge a plating fee (to cut and serve the cake). This fee varies based on venues and geographic locations, but can range from $0.50 to $2.00 per serving. This is something you will want to investigate when selecting your venue/caterer.
Just enjoy your beautiful wedding cake at your reception.
By calling or emailing, you can get a rough (budgetary) estimate for your cake. You don't want to schedule a consultation, spend an hour or so discussing cake flavors and your design, only to find out the bakery's price is not within your budget. An experienced bakery can provide you with a price range based on a simple description over the phone or via email. Final pricing can then be established at the consultation when the design if finalized.
You will want to ask if the bakery charges a fee for the consultation. Some bakeries charge an upfront fee of $100 just for the consultation. Some bakeries offer free consultations and then others charge a consultation fee, but will apply the amount to your wedding cake if you make a purchase. Bakeries do pay Pastry Chefs to conduct cake consultations, so if you can't make your scheduled date (and unforeseen events to occur) please cancel your consultation as far in advance as possible.
The other piece of information you will want to know is does the bakery have an opening for you wedding date. It's a waste of time to schedule a consultation, find a design you love and then find out the bakery does not have an opening. How much time should you book your cake in advance? It really depends on the bakery and the season. For example, here in Florida our bakery can be booked several months in advance during busy wedding months. Because Florida is so hot April, May, September and October are extremely busy wedding months. Other times of the year, we can typically schedule a wedding cake with 3-4 weeks advance notice.
Step 2: Wedding Cake Consultation
Consultations typically include a tasting and the design of your cake. An experienced bakery will be able to draw your design during the consultation through an interactive dialogue with you.
How do you prepare for the consultation? It is a good idea to bring pictures of various cakes that you like, swatches of your wedding colors, how many servings you will need, and a list of flavors that you like. An experienced bakery can take this information and create your design "on-the-spot" for your review, edit and final approval. We've heard stories where some bakeries charge a cake design fee before designing your cake. Perhaps, it is just our opinion, but we would not recommend paying in advance for the design. If the bakery creates an awesome design, you will want to purchase the cake. If you decide to wait before making your contract decision, don't expect the bakery to allow you to take home their free design. In fact, premiere bakeries pay higher wages for people who are very creative with designs. This is a competitive advantage and additional value some bakeries provide.
The consultation is
where you will decide how the cake will be set-up at your venue. Will
your cake creator be placing fresh, cut flowers on the cake at your
reception hall? Will your bakery be creating fondant or other flowers
for the cake, etc? The location of your venue and time of delivery
should be specified in the contract. For more information, visit 3 Sisters Chocolate & Bakery's Wedding Cake Consultations.
Your cake contract can be completed at the consultation if you are ready. Most reputable bakeries will require a deposit to schedule your cake. Our advice is to have all but the simplest wedding cake delivered. The bride has a lot going on the day of her wedding. Do you really want to risk having a friend transport the cake and damage it?
Step 3: Create Cake
This one is easy. Minimal effort from you. If you are providing the cake topper (which is quite common) then you will need to make sure you provide the topper 1-2 weeks in advance of your wedding date. Your cake creator will take care of everything else. At some point prior to your cake date, the bakery will require your final payment (assuming you only placed a deposit when you finalized your cake contract). Every bakery is different. At 3 Sisters Chocolate we require the balance to be resolved 14 days prior to your wedding date.
Step 4: Delivery and Set-Up
Your bakery should take care of everything. Reputable bakeries will coordinate direct with your on-site wedding planner or other designated contact regarding placement of the cake and if any fresh-cut flowers are to be placed with the cake (if your contract calls for fresh cut flowers).
Any reputable bakery will provide instructions for you and your new husband when cutting that special first serving. If you are having one of your friends cut the cake, just ask your bakery prior to the big day. Most cake creators will gladly provide you or a designated individual with details on how to cut and serve your wedding cake for all of your guests.
It is also possible that your venue or caterer may charge a plating fee (to cut and serve the cake). This fee varies based on venues and geographic locations, but can range from $0.50 to $2.00 per serving. This is something you will want to investigate when selecting your venue/caterer.
Just enjoy your beautiful wedding cake at your reception.
Symbolism of Wedding Flowers
So you've conquered all the decisions about your wedding cake... The size, shape, flavor of cake, filling and frosting, style (formal or informal, traditional, non-traditional, contemporary), sculpted or tiered...just to name a few...and you've decided to use flowers on your cake. There! Done! No more decisions about the cake! Wrong!
Did you know each type of flower holds a special meaning? Most people know that red roses symbolize love...but did you know pink roses symbolize admiration and white roses denote innocence?
Sunflowers mean adoration, stephanotis - marital happiness, forget me not -true love and remembrance, ivy - eternal fidelity, and the orchid - love, beauty, wisdom and thoughtfulness.
Dendrobium and Phaleonopsis Orchid Wedding Cake
Did you know each type of flower holds a special meaning? Most people know that red roses symbolize love...but did you know pink roses symbolize admiration and white roses denote innocence?
Rose Wedding Cake
Sunflowers mean adoration, stephanotis - marital happiness, forget me not -true love and remembrance, ivy - eternal fidelity, and the orchid - love, beauty, wisdom and thoughtfulness.
Dendrobium and Phaleonopsis Orchid Wedding Cake
But not all flower meanings are so warm and fuzzy. Some have negative connotations...like larkspur which means infidelity and foxglove which indicates insincerity.
The truth is, even some of the flowers we associate with happier meanings also have a darker side. And if you Google "flower symbolism" or "meanings of flowers" you will find many different websites, each with a different twist on the meaning of a particular flower. And combinations...combinations of flowers have different implications. A mixture of several different colors of roses means "I'm not sure how I feel...(but I like you enough to buy you beautiful flowers)". If you're superstitious, it's enough to make your head explode! The sane thing to do is NOT stress over it. I seriously doubt, using larkspur in your bouquet or on your cake will lead to infidelity in your marriage. I also doubt anyone else at your wedding will know the "meaning" of your flowers. So what is the significance of each flower...whatever feeling it imparts to you....make it your own and DON'T STRESS ABOUT IT!
The truth is, even some of the flowers we associate with happier meanings also have a darker side. And if you Google "flower symbolism" or "meanings of flowers" you will find many different websites, each with a different twist on the meaning of a particular flower. And combinations...combinations of flowers have different implications. A mixture of several different colors of roses means "I'm not sure how I feel...(but I like you enough to buy you beautiful flowers)". If you're superstitious, it's enough to make your head explode! The sane thing to do is NOT stress over it. I seriously doubt, using larkspur in your bouquet or on your cake will lead to infidelity in your marriage. I also doubt anyone else at your wedding will know the "meaning" of your flowers. So what is the significance of each flower...whatever feeling it imparts to you....make it your own and DON'T STRESS ABOUT IT!
Designing Your Groom's Cake
Beer Cooler Groom's Cake
So you've designed your wedding cake down to the inth detail. You've poured over dozens of wedding magazines and websites to find the perfect five tiered, formal, ivory fondant masterpiece. Now it's time to have some fun! The groom's cake is the perfect opportunity to show a little imagination while paying homage to the man who has put up with your bridezilla mood swings for the past 12 months.
When designing the groom's cake some things to consider are: his hobbies, nicknames, private jokes between the two of you, pets, occupation, favorite beverages, sports teams, or board games to name just a few. Does he fantasize about being a swashbuckling pirate? Make it a pirate ship. Is he a fan of the Atlanta Braves? Then an Atlanta Braves jersey cake would probably thrill him.
Atlanta Braves Groom's Cake
Does he fancy himself the King of the Grill? Does he make a char-broiled weiner like no other? Then a BBQ Grill cake is just the thing.
BBQ Grill Groom's Cake
Many brides take the wedding cake VERY seriously so the groom's cake provides an opportunity to lighten up, have some fun and show your creative side. After all, who but the coolest wife in the world could conceive of a cake like this....
7FEY6Z5KFNFY
When designing the groom's cake some things to consider are: his hobbies, nicknames, private jokes between the two of you, pets, occupation, favorite beverages, sports teams, or board games to name just a few. Does he fantasize about being a swashbuckling pirate? Make it a pirate ship. Is he a fan of the Atlanta Braves? Then an Atlanta Braves jersey cake would probably thrill him.
Atlanta Braves Groom's Cake
Does he fancy himself the King of the Grill? Does he make a char-broiled weiner like no other? Then a BBQ Grill cake is just the thing.
Did he woo you with his pickin' and grinnin'? Did he serenade you outside your bedroom window?
How about a chocolate cake with chocolate musical notes and topped with a solid chocolate guitar?
How about a chocolate cake with chocolate musical notes and topped with a solid chocolate guitar?
Guitar Groom's Cake
Many brides take the wedding cake VERY seriously so the groom's cake provides an opportunity to lighten up, have some fun and show your creative side. After all, who but the coolest wife in the world could conceive of a cake like this....
Koi Groom's Cake
7FEY6Z5KFNFY
Simple, Elegant Wedding Cakes
Yellow, Black and White Wedding Cake
One of the biggest things trending in weddings this year is simplicity. Maybe it's because of the economy...the more detail in a cake design, the more time involved and more time always equals more money. Or maybe we've all just gotten tired of the foo-foo, overly done details.
Black, White and Red Wedding Cake
What NOT To Do
Most brides these days are opting out of the cakes covered with gum paste decorations of every type and color with columns between the tiers, fountains, and little plastic doves...or Beanie Babies...???
What NOT To Do
And choosing, instead, cakes with clean lines and little embellishment. Interest is created by the use of tiers in nontraditional shapes such as hexagons and squares or combinations of shapes. Tiers of varying heights or off-center placement add further excitement without making it look busy.
Often a single design element is repeated, such as a single type of flower or scroll. The pastry bag with the shell tip has been given a rest and ribbons made of fondant or, frequently, real ribbon is used instead at the base of each tier.
Four-tiered, Monogrammed Wedding Cake
And, lastly, use of the traditional porcelain or plastic bride and groom wedding cake topper has been replaced with a single monogram, flowers, seashells, or even nothing at all.
Whatever the reason for this trend, I'm all for it. I think simple is simply elegant.
Whatever the reason for this trend, I'm all for it. I think simple is simply elegant.