TIPS FROM A PROFESSIONAL Making the traditional untraditional

Wedding cakes are usually one of the first things couples think about when planning their weddings. Wedding cakes have been a tradition since medieval times. Different cultures have different versions and flavors of cakes and there are many customs regarding the cake. Do you want to save the top tier for your first anniversary? Many couples decide against this for various reasons and chose to order the same cake from their baker for their first anniversary. I have been recreating a “top tier” for one couple for ten years now.

One tradition that still stands is cutting the cake. Most weddings include the couple cutting the cake with both hands on one knife for their photo album. This represents the first thing they accomplish together in their marriage and feeding each other the first bite of cake can symbolize providing and caring for one another.

Wedding cakes can be naked-iced, rustic, decorated like a tree stump, covered in flowers, designed like a slab of marble, have succulent details, have elaborate/glamorous scrollwork, or elegant stenciling, have a boho theme with pampas grass and dried botanicals, along with many more motifs. More and more cakes have tantalizing flavors like spice cake with browned butter frosting, cookies and cream cake with buttercream infused with sandwich cookies, strawberry lemonade, champagne, orange, key lime, Italian cream, or even something fun like confetti or rainbow colors inside.

Traditionally, the groom’s cake would have a richer flavor such as chocolate, peanut butter, red velvet, or carrot cake. In years past, the groom's cake was a simple layered dessert cake. In a popular movie that came out in the late 80s, the groom’s cake was an armadillo shape with red velvet flavored cake.

There are many options to consider when ordering a groom’s cake. Some couples pick out the design together. It can complement a bride’s cake on the same table or staged somewhere alone. Brides sometimes like to pick out a groom’s cake as a surprise for a wedding gift. The

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Artful Cakery By Julie groom might know the bride is ordering a cake for their special day but not know the design or they could be completely surprised by having a groom’s cake at all. Another idea is to serve the groom’s cake at the rehearsal dinner the day before the wedding. Popular groom’s cake inspiration comes from numerous interests. Some are sports themed or show another interest like gaming playing chess, board games, or billiards. If a groom has a favorite vehicle, whether one he owns or a dream ride, that could be replicated. Musically inclined couples may choose a boom box, guitar pick, or instrument. Many couples wish to include their pets or other beloved animals onto the cake since they often cannot attend the wedding. Additionally favorite foods are represented in some groom’s cakes. Does he like hamburgers, hotdogs or pizza? How about beer, whiskey, wine, cola, or milk and cookies? Professions can also be turned into cake in the way of uniforms, a fire truck, or a stethoscope for a doctor.

Consider other options for your wedding besides just cake. Popular ideas from the past few years would be a cutting cake for pictures and for the couple to share but cupcakes for the guests. Dessert table buffets are a prominent option now. Several ideas would be cake pops, brownies, royal icing decorated sugar cookies, wedding cookies, chocolate chip or sugar sandwich cookies, cookie cakes, dessert cakes, crispy rice treats chocolate covered sandwich cookies, brownie bites, cupcakes, two-bite mini cupcakes, pies, petit fours, or dessert shots. For a brunch wedding, a sweet traditional cake might not be as popular a choice as pastries, donuts, scones, cinnamon rolls, muffins, banana bread or other similar items.

As you can see, couples are now thinking outside the box with a unique spin on their dessert offerings that represent the couple’s interests, history, and flavor preferences. Do not feel pressured to go with traditions if the untraditional seems a better fit for your dream wedding.

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