WEDDING
CAKES FOR TODAY'S BRIDE
In
the past, Wedding Cakes have gone through a great deal of
transformations, from the ancient fertility ritual of crumbling
Wedding " cake" (generally a crumbly biscuit-like
bread) over the Bride's head at the Wedding Ceremony, to
the turn of the 20th century status symbol of the all white
Cake. In between these times, Wedding Cakes were heavy, dark
cakes filled with fruit and soaked in brandy - similar to
the traditional UK cakes today. Bleached flour and refined
sugar were scarce and very expensive therefore a large all
white cake was very extravagant and saved for the most special
occasions - like a Wedding.
Today,
couples have many choices for their Wedding Cake. Not only
does the cake not have to be white, but also it can be composed
of different flavors in the different tiers. As the tradition
has swung away from the all white cake, flavor has become
much more important. Many bakers are offering tortes and
specialty cakes as Wedding Cakes. Wedding guests are pleasantly
surprised to find delicious desserts disguised as Wedding
Cakes.
The
outward design of Wedding Cakes has changed as well. Today's
cake designs reflect a more modern style, some very simple
and understated, others very ornately decorated. The Wedding
Cake should be a reflection of the Bride and Groom's sense
of style. Decorating options include fondant icing for a
very smooth flawless surface available in many colors to
compliment your Wedding theme. Of course, traditional white
buttercream icing is still a very popular choice.
 |
Look
through any current Wedding magazine and you will notice
another Wedding trend, the lack of Bride and Groom figurines.
While some couples still opt for this traditional decoration
to adorn the top tier of their Cakes, it is becoming scarcer.
Instead the Bride and Groom are choosing floral arrangements,
real or sculpted out of sugar to top their cakes as well
as the sides. Sugar flowers have the added advantages of
not containing any potentially toxic pesticides like fresh
flowers do, and can be kept as a keepsake for years to come
when cared for and displayed properly.
 |
Cakes
in the new millennium are a reflection of the Wedding couple
is their chance to make a statement about who they are and
their sense of style. Basically, the limits of Wedding Cakes
have been removed. Today's cakes are more sculptural than
the cakes of the past. Just about anything you could imagine
could be transformed into a Wedding cake design. They can
have a sense of humor, be bold and daring, or calm and simple.
Most of all they should be thought of as the centerpiece
of your Reception and the chance to express your personality.