OH, CRUMBS

We discover how to tie your theme into the big-day bake

The buzzword when it comes to a 2020s wedding is without doubt “personality.” Couples are seeking to reflect their characters in every inch of their wedding day, making it a unique experience for them and their guests, as well as an all-out celebration of their own special love. And rightly so!

One aspect you can use to achieve this with aplomb is your cake. In fact, today’s big-day bakes are works of art – showstopping centrepieces. You get to have a say on everything from the flavour to the topper, so have fun and go wild! We talked to the region’s experts to get you started on your journey to sweet success.

Adorabella A taste sensation

Personalisation doesn’t need to be purely aesthetic, it can be in the eating too. Xaviera Boadella from Adorabella says, “Think your favourite desserts, pastries or even ice cream. Couples love my almond and cherry bakewell.” Chris from Cakes From The Soul too reminds us that flavour is paramount, but says, “You’ll never please everyone, so don’t try. You only need to please yourselves, it’s your day.”

“A cake doesn’t have to be round or square, there are a lot of options when it comes to shape and height, and don’t be afraid to mix and match.” – Chris Pitman, Cakes From The Soul

EXPERT’S TIP

Chris says, “When you book your cake maker check if the design needs to be finalised on booking, or whether you’re just securing the date. Then ask about the cut-off date for deciding the final design.” Adorabella

Sarah McNally Cakes “Subtle references to your personal style and theme can include a section of abstract painted detail or a sprinkling of gold leaf. You could even have entire tiers in colours to coordinate with flowers, invitations, table settings and so on.” – Sarah McNally, Sarah McNally Cakes

Adorabella Sarah McNally Cakes

“You may have had a monogram designed for your stationery, which includes your initials, wedding date or even a meaningful quote. This can be added to the cake to enhance the design whether it be a subtle touch or main feature.” – Xaviera, Adorabella

“Here in the South West we’re spoilt for stunning venues. Perhaps there’s a colour and style that runs throughout yours and you fell in love with it so much you’d like the cake to mirror its beauty.” – Xaviera, Adorabella

Adorabella

“Oh the dress! Such an important element and one that can be incorporated into your cake design. The fabric and details can be recreated in sugar to adorn your cake with hand-piped brush embroidery, edible lace, pearl borders and more.” – Xaviera, Adorabella

“Gone are the days when cakes were all white fondant-covered creations with white pillars and the odd flower. Nowadays there’s such a variety of styles and mediums available, meaning there’s really no limit to the creative freedom you can have with your cake. Look for a cake maker who reflects you own style and aligns with your other wedding suppliers,” – Sarah, Sarah McNally Cakes

www.rubywalkerphotography.com for Sarah McNally Cakes

TOPPER TIP

Kerry says, “Ask your cake maker to provide your cake topper on a dummy top tier, this way it won’t be damaged as it’s removed from the cake and you can keep it indefinitely on a shelf away from direct sunlight.” The list of personal touches you can add to your big-day bake to give it a touch of you is endless. Kerry Hemms from Angel’s Kitchen says, “Some of the things I’ve been asked to feature include the groom wearing a Stormtrooper helmet, a Wonder Woman belt and lasso on a bride, pet cats hidden all over and a 3D light-up Iron Man.” You may just want something completely different, and after all it’s your wedding. So, as Kerry says, “If you want a giant three-tier fondant fancy instead of a traditional wedding cake, then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t!”

As well as sugarcraft creations, cake toppers too can be added as a personal touch. “Whether it’s a pet, walking boots, books, the happy couple or even a Snorlax bride and groom! The sky’s the limit,” Xaviera from Adorabella tells us.

You could even get your family involved. The pictured Pooh Bear cake was designed by the bride’s younger sister, Winnie-the-Pooh being a favourite childhood character, and was hand-painted by cake maker Sarah Churchill of Sarah’s Sugarcraft. The blue roses matched the wedding’s palette and the couple’s names were embossed and painted on it too. Don’t worry though, it’s still possible to keep the fun elements super-classy! Sarah from Sarah McNally Cakes explains, “I’ve had couples include sweet details such as tiny golden dinosaurs on their cake, keeping the whole aesthetic very elegant while still giving the cake that personal twist.”

Sarah’s Sugarcraft

Angel’s Kitchen

This vision in blue by Sarah’s Sugarcraft boasts a hand-painted plaque featuring the bride and groom. Meanwhile, the blue and sparkle tier was inspired by the bride’s dress and colour scheme. The wafer flower is an edible recreation of the blooms in the bouquet, which is of course, the bride’s favourite. Angel’s Kitchen Angel’s Kitchen

Sarah of Sarah’s Sugarcraft made a stencil of a peacock feather (the bride’s favourite animal) to decorate this all-white wedding cake. The couple’s initials were embossed and delicately highlighted with satin sparkle inspired by the bride’s bodice.

The story of us

“Why not go all out and tell your story on your cake?” says Kerry of Angel’s Kitchen. “Think about where you met, where you live, your first date and even honeymoon location,” she advises. Chris at Cakes From The Soul offers further food for thought: “What makes you so compatible, the perfect couple? Perhaps it’s a song, a film, a place or a hobby. Incorporate this into you cake to reflect what it is that makes you, you.”

You can also choose to include part of your story, but only on the back of your cake, so that from the front your guests will see a traditional wedding cake. “The hidden part will then be revealed later on in the proceedings,” Kerry explains.

www.tamillahaycock.com for Sarah’s Sugarcraft

This green and bronze cake by Sarah’s Sugarcraft was created for Matt and Hollie’s wedding to reflect their palette and the bride’s Scottish heritage. Cakes From The Soul

Sarah’s Sugarcraft

CONTACT OUR EXPERTS

Adorabella, www.instagram.com/adorabellacakesandpatisserie Angel’s Kitchen, www.angelskitchen.co.uk Cakes From The Soul, www.cakesfromthesoul.co.uk Sarah McNally Cakes, www.sarahmcnallycakes.com Sarah’s Sugarcraft, www.sarahssugarcraft.co.uk Angel’s Kitchen