THE MODERN WEDDING

The Modern Wedding Cake A Matter of Taste

By Cindy A. Lugo

NAKED CAKE – Simplistic and modern, this cake doesn’t fuss over the icing. In fact, the naked cake is reminiscent of an unfinished cake with icing only between its layers. This bare-cake trend offers an array of style options. Make a statement with dark cake layers and a contrasting light-colored filling. Add pops of color with strategically placed blooms. With the cake layers exposed, you can add a touch of whimsy by using rainbow sprinkles in the batter, or go light with the cake layers and let the filling make the statement. Think of using a bright berry filling to bind layers of solid-colored cake and garnish with fresh blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries. Whether you go with short stacks, an elaborately embellished tower of layers, or chiseled tiers of contemporary square perfection, naked cake is in.

GEOMETRIC

Eye-catching geometric patterns can be a work of edible art. Fondant triangles, squares, and stripes in bright hues or subdued contrasting colors offer a fresh twist on the contemporary wedding.

It is still safe to say that the cake is a major centerpiece at any wedding, whether it represents the simple or the grandiose. However, the modern wedding cake is no longer just a tiered confection with piped icing. It is often a reflection of the overall wedding theme or a personal expression of the bride and groom. The most significant trend of the contemporary wedding cake is that there are no longer rules for how it should look. With weddings evolving from the traditional to a personalized affair, the focal point of the reception has come to match that intent. Couples today are capitalizing on the skill of bakers to showcase their inspiration, offering guests everything from a little out of the ordinary to the extraordinary.

HANDPAINTED

Have your baker take artistic license with a hand-painted cake design. A wedding cake painted with an intricate floral, stained glass, or marble design will make a stunning presentation.

LACE DETAILING

Using inspiration from your bridal gown, choose a detail from your dress to highlight on your cake. Experienced bakers are producing cakes decorated with spectacular designs, from a few simple sugarmade buttons to ivory and white fondant lace appliques wrapped around each tier.

METALLIC

Incorporating metallic accents into wedding cakes has become a popular trend. Silver and gold have long been present on the wedding scene, but brides are now embracing bronze, rose gold, and copper tones. By pairing the metallic with your wedding colors, or the softness of an ivory buttercream, you can create a cake suitable for any style from rustic and shabby chic to classic.

DESSERT TABLES

An alternative to the modern cake is the trend being set by couples desiring more than just cake at their reception. A dessert table provides the perfect solution for variety. Cupcakes, cookies, cake pops, and macaroons provide that perfect bite-sized sweet treat for all of your guests, no matter their taste.

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What’s Hot, What’s Not

By Liz McGehee

This wedding season will make you believe in fairytales again. Floral appliqué, illusion necklines, layered tulle and sparkly details are transforming brides into nymph-like royalty only Shakespeare himself could dream up.

Sheer dresses with floral or beaded overlay are steaming up the runway. Brides are pairing scintillating dresses and flashy headbands with embroidered, floor-length veils—uniting something old with something new. If an oversized veil isn’t for you, fascinators—petite headpieces with mesh netting— make the perfect substitute.

Whether you’re into traditional modesty or highfashion, statement pieces will make you pop in any dress. It’s all about oversized earrings, bobble necklaces, and stand out accessories. More ex-pat, less beach bum. Stand out with tulle skirts and trains, which add texture to your gown. Consider bright colors, gems and metallic accents to take your wedding fashion to the next level.

If skin isn’t your thing, longsleeves are extremely popular this season along with high collars. Make a splash down the aisle in rose-gold, champagnetinted or ombré garb. White, billowy pants with an off-theshoulder top and oversized hat will give you a modernly laidback yet sophisticated look. Anything is possible this wedding season— be bold.

Casablanca Bridal

Avant-garde fashion is taking the aisle by storm. Capes and caplets of every length, texture and translucency add a nice, modern touch to romantic gowns and allow you to change your look in the blink of an eye. With opaque tulle, clear fabrics and damask, brides are sporting looks good enough to rival Shakespeare’s very own fairy queen.

Expect to see a number of peeping styles this season including diaphanous, flower-framed vignettes on bodices, skirts, backs or, in some cases, the entire gown. If you’re a little more fashion forward, embellished and sheer, open-front skirts over pants and jumpsuits give you a contemporary, couture look.

Whether you decide to rock a pair of fabulous trousers or a stunning pixie dress, one thing is clear this wedding season – sheer is here!

Olvi's by Olga Yermoloff

Solo Merav Bridal Couture

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