LOVE YOU A BUNCH

Cake EXPECTATIONS

There’s cakespiration aplenty in this display of showstopping big-day bakes

The wedding cake: sweet treat, reception dessert or showstopping centrepiece? Who’s to say it can’t be all three? Whether you have a sweet tooth or not, the big-day bake has been an enduring tradition and wedding stalwart since couples first said “I do.” Its origins are thought to date back to Ancient Rome when a cake of wheat or barley was broken over the bride’s head to signify good fortune. Thankfully, you won’t be forced to wear the delicacy today, so it’s something that’s well worth thinking about. The modern cake maker is now more versatile than ever and can whip you up a sweet showstopper big enough to take the place of your wedding breakfast dessert, or be served at your evening reception. Handing around the slices is also a lovely way of making sure you get to see all of your guests. Alternatively, there’s the option to have

a spectacular tower made up of cupcakes or macarons, even doughnuts if you prefer. And don’t forget, a cheese stack is a great choice if you fancy something savoury. What we love best about the modern wedding cake is its capacity to act as a work of art and form a key focal point in your venue styling. Displayed on its own table, adorned in your wedding flowers, set against a neon sign or flower wall backdrop it’ll be a feature to remember, helping to bring your theme together. Super-talented bakers can even decorate these centrepieces to illustrate your own unique love story. So, it’s with their showstopping styling quality in mind that we bring to you a showcase of breathtaking bakes with help from local talented cake makers.

Colour pop

CAKE DESIGN BY HOLLY MILLER EMMA ATELIER CAKES SARAH’S SUGARCRAFT

Effortlessly elegant

BAKED BY BRIDGET CAKE DESIGN BY HOLLY MILLER SARAH’S SUGARCRAFT

NOT JUST CAKE EMMA ATELIER CAKES

CAKE DESIGN BY HOLLY MILLER

SARAH’S SUGARCRAFT www.instagram.com/tamillaphotography EMMA ATELIER CAKES

Rustic bliss

www.agrestalvisuals.co.uk www.nickyhillphotography.com www.chloeskidmorephotography.co.uk

CAKE DESIGN BY HOLLY MILLER BAKED BY BRIDGET NOT JUST CAKE

https://gemhicksphotography.com

BAKED BY BRIDGET BAKED BY BRIDGET CAKE DESIGN BY HOLLY MILLER

CONTACT OUR EXPERTS

Baked by Bridget | www.bakedbybridget.co.uk Cake Design by Holly Miller | www.cakedesignbyhollymiller.com Emma Atelier Cakes | https://emmaateliercakes.co.uk Not Just Cake | www.notjustcakeaxbridge.co.uk Sarah’s Sugarcraft | www.sarahssugarcraft.co.uk

FLOWERS Love you a bunch With the help of some local wedding florists we tackle the big-day bloom questions on everyone’s lips

Flowers are absolutely integral to shaping your big-day theme and can’t help but bring an air of romance to proceedings. Whether you’re all for the more is more approach, or prefer a minimalist interpretation, you might have some burning questions when it comes to this element of your to-do list. Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding is here to help, with assistance from some of the region’s talented wedding florists.

Clementine Moon Floral Design © www.camillaarnholdphotography.com

FLORAL FASHIONS What are the hottest new trends in wedding flowers?

Clare Wilder from Clementine Moon Floral Design says, “The trend for neutrally-coloured flowers is set to change with couples opting to add other hues such as lilac into the mix for an up-to-date twist. Nearlyweds may also choose monochrome palettes with shades and tones of only one colour used throughout.

“The use of British flowers will increase as a more local and sustainable option, with couples increasingly likely to ask their florist about the provenance of their blooms.

“Shower and cascade bouquets will rise in popularity and we’ll see a rise in single variety bouquets for bridesmaids, all roses or all sweet peas for example. But, installations such as dramatic arches or hanging displays are likely to be bigger than ever as couples want to make a statement with their décor to create the perfect atmosphere as they celebrate with their nearest and dearest.”

CROWNING GLORY I like the idea of wearing flowers in my hair. Do you have any ideas? wedding, while reflecting your own personal style. Flower crowns are the perfect accessory for a whimsical boho wedding. Bring out your inner Titania with a bold and full statement crown packed with theme-matching blooms and plenty of greenery. It’ll be bursting with life and you’ll be giving off full forest fairy vibes.

For something more subtle, opt for a flower halo with delicate blooms and buds in soft hues. You can even adapt this to the season by incorporating berries for a winter wedding for example. As with your bouquet, smaller versions can be created with a single variety or greenery for your bridesmaids – gypsophila crowns look super-cute on flowergirls.

If you’re not entirely sold on the idea of a crown, how about wearing blooms in your hair as an accessory? Individual flower heads tucked into a plait looks ethereal and is also well-suited to the boho vibe. Alternatively, a small posy of flowers to mirror your bouquet tucked into a low bun instead of a sparkly hair slide, lends a softer side to any look for a timeless feel.

SHOWSTOPPERS Bouquets, centrepieces, accessories... what haven’t I thought about yet? as blousy hydrangeas. You could even hang a mini vase containing a single stem on the end of each aisle. For a more theatrical effect, create the illusion of walking through a meadow with loose and whimsical arrangements placed on the floor, or take the glamorous route with arrangements placed on plinths lining the aisle.  Moon gate or arch. These symbolise your everlasting love and can be moved from ceremony to reception venue to use as a backdrop for the top table.  Decorate your cake. Get advice from your cake maker and florist, they’ll know which varieties can and can’t be around food.  Buttonholes. For a groom who wants to stand out as man-of-the-moment, make a statement with your buttonhole or use it to reflect your heritage or personality.  Corsages. Help your mums to feel more involved in the bridal party with a design to complement your bouquet.  Flower wall backdrop for your top table or photo booth.  Hanging displays. These breathtaking installations are ideal if you need to fill a vast overhead space such as in a marquee.

Totally on trend and a fabulous focal point.  Adorn your table plan and any other signage to tie everything together.