Come Join Us for Wedding Cake-a-Palooza!

One of the reasons I love working in the wedding industry is because at every event I go to someone is serving wedding cake! Today we're going to talk all about the wedding cake on From "I Will" to "I Do" with Ron Ben-Israel, Maggie Austin, Amy Zaroff, and Anja Winnika from the knot! 

You can watch the complete segment live below or switch over to Google+ and upload pics of your favorite cakes and send us your must-ask questions!

 

Wedding Cake-a-Palooza!

The wedding cake is one of the most traditional details of any wedding. Whether you go for classic white or choose a more modern color palette, the cake you choose should reflect your wedding's look and feel, so choose wisely. 

On the next episode of From "I Will" to "I Do" we'll be talking all about the wedding cake and how you can create one that is beautiful to look at, and a delicious way to end the night, with our team of expert panelists: Sweet Genius star Ron Ben-Israel, wedding and event planner and designer Amy Zaroff, Maggie Austin of Maggie Austin Cake, and Anja Winikka of The Knot. 

The show airs live, Tuesday, December 3rd at 3pm EST.  Click here for details and to RSVP!

Should the Groom’s Cake Be a Surprise for the Groom Or Should He Be Involved With the Design?

Some brides like to surprise their grooms with a themed cake, while others want to include the groom in every wedding detail.

If your groom has no idea what a groom’s cake is there’s a great opportunity to make it a complete surprise. The groom’s cake can be any design - tiers or a theme - and the groom’s favorite flavor. Traditionally it’s a chocolate cake.

Talk to your baker about your ideas and the budget for the groom’s cake. If the price of the cake is out of your budget you may want to bring the groom into the discussion, otherwise he may wonder what those additional funds were used for.

The groom’s cake can be on display throughout the reception or you can have the maitre d bring it out at a specific moment. You can also tell the band or DJ to play a certain song.

My Mom Says Our Wedding Cake Has to Be White, Does It?

Traditionally wedding cakes are white but that doesn’t mean your cake has to be white. Many couples are working with their bakers to create unique designs with colorful fondant or buttercream or colorful details on a white cake.

Have your mom go with you to the baker to see his portfolio and what non-white cakes look like. Your mom’s concern may be that a non-white cake would be too wacky for a wedding. A look at some traditional designs in a variety of colors may help her understand that color isn’t a weird option.

If you feel that you need to have a white wedding cake because it’s important to your mom, or because she’s paying the bills, you can always opt for a groom’s cake which is traditionally chocolate but generally accepted in any color, design and flavor.

We Want to Serve Cupcakes But Still Want to Have a Cake-Cutting Ceremony, Can We?

Since cupcakes became popular at weddings a few years ago many couples have opted to cut and share a cupcake together.

Another option is to have your baker make a small cake that is either one tier or multiple, and cut into a cake but serve cupcakes.

It’s up to you and your groom if you feel comfortable cutting a cupcake or if you want to cut a small cake together. Ask your baker for some ideas, he may have come across a similar situation in the past.

Do I Have to Serve Wedding Cake? And If So Can I Serve Another Dessert Too?

Sort of and absolutely! The wedding cake is a wedding tradition, makes a great photo-op and is a showpiece/centerpiece for the reception. After the wedding dress it is the most popular item at the wedding guests want to see.

If a large tiered cake isn’t for you order a small three-tiered cake and cut it for the tradition of it and then either serve a sheet cake or another dessert you like.

If you just don’t want a cake at all then don’t have one and serve your guests any dessert that will complement the main course.

Another options is to create some type of dessert buffet -- bakery bar, cookie bar, ice cream sundae bar, pie bar or candy bar, though a bar candy is more as a treat or for guests to put in a bag as a wedding favor.

As for a tier of cupcakes, ask the baker if they can make an extra large cupcake for the cutting ceremony or cut into one of the ones on the tier.

A New Take on Cupcakes from Bee's Knees Baking Company

At the New York Weddings magazine show I saw a cake company called the Bee's Knees Baking Company and I have to say they have a very interesting take on both the traditional wedding cake and cupcake trend.

They make single serving cakes in cups so each guest can enjoy a delicious piece of cake in cupcake size.  I like it because it offers more flavor varieties than cupcakes and because it's in a cup and you eat it with a fork or spoon so it won't be as messy to eat.  And let's face it, the cupcake trend has kind of run its course.

For wedding cakes the company will construct a tiered display so each serving can be separated with ease -- you won't have to worry about a cake-cutting fee -- and you can have a variety of different flavor and filling options so you're sure to have something everyone will love.

I know they deliver in the New York City area but call or email them to see if they can ship their cake-cups to your area.  Here's a sample of what a wedding "cake" would look like:

Wedding Cakes and Alternative Dessert Options

Wedding cakes are the centerpiece of your wedding reception. They are usually on display -- in a prominent spot -- throughout the evening, but if there's another sweet you'd prefer to serve your wedding guests, a wedding cake is not your only option.

Cupcakes have become very popular over the past five years as the wedding cake alterative of choice, but you can also serve pies, cookies, donuts or another dessert favorite at the end of the night.

And serving an "untraditional" wedding dessert doesn't mean you have to forgo the wedding cake completely. Have your caterer or baker make a small three-tiered wedding cake for you to cut before the dessert course. It will make a great photo-op and instead of serving it at your reception you can have each tier frozen to enjoy on your wedding anniversary.

Dessert Course Idea

If you and your fiance are thinking of serving a dessert course in addition to wedding cake here are two ideas you may want to consider:

1 - Select two dessert items and serve each one to every other guest.  Since many of your guests will be couples and likely to share with each other, every guest will get to enjoy both desserts.

2 - Give each guest a tasting plate with two or three desserts in a smaller size so that each guest can enjoy a little bite of each one.

I like the idea of a dessert medley or dessert tasting plate because not everyone likes chocolate or pies or mousse.  These two options allow you and your guests to enjoy several desserts and pretty much guarantees that everyone will find something on the dessert menu to eat.

Freezing the Top Tier of Your Cake

The tradition of freezing the top tier of your wedding cake is pretty simple. After you and your groom cut the cake and feed each other, the catering staff will bring your cake into the kitchen where they will slice it, plate it and serve it to your guests.

They will remove the top tier and wrap it in plastic wrap, place it in a box that is clearly labeled (and probably supplied by your baker) and then seal the box and wrap the box in plastic wrap too.

Make sure you tell the caterer or location manager who is in charge of taking the cake home for you, especially if you're leaving for your honeymoon right after the wedding.

You should place the cake on a flat surface in your freezer where the box (and the cake) won't got damaged by other items. The day before your first anniversary place the box in the refrigerator to thaw and by the night of your first anniversary it should be ready for you to cut it and feed each other a slice - just like you did at your wedding. You may even want to play the song the band played when you cut the cake at your wedding.

To be honest, I don't care what any baker says, your cake will probably not be as delicious as it was on your wedding day, so here's what I suggest.

On your one month anniversary defrost and enjoy the top tier of your wedding cake and then when it's about a month out from your first wedding anniversary call your baker and ask them if they can make you a replica of the top tier of your wedding cake and pick it up the day of your anniversary. This way you'll be able to enjoy (it's guaranteed to be) a delicious cake.

Wedding Cake Inspiration

I’m a huge proponent of the wedding cake. To me it’s one of the staples of a wedding reception but of course some couples prefer cupcakes or pies or instead of one big cake they have a selection of smaller cakes on display.

While there is always the classic white tiered bride’s cake, wedding cakes can come in any shape, size or flavor. Don’t be afraid to ask for something you think is untraditional. Your baker will most likely enjoy working out of the box and creating something different.

The best way to get ideas is to click through online galleries of cakes on sites like Martha Stewart Weddings, The Knot and Brides.com, but you should also click through portfolios of bakers. Your local baker will probably have his or her gallery online but you should also look through sites of bakers who are not in your area. There is no reason why you can’t bring an image of a cake that inspires you from a baker based in California to a baker in your hometown in Ohio.

The images above are from a New York City baker, Liz Shim of Eat Cake Be Merry. Liz can create wedding cakes, cupcakes, cookies and other sweet treats that both you and your guests will enjoy. You can learn more about Eat Cake Be Merry, including view their online gallery at eatcakebemerry.com.

Cute with a Capital C

I was clicking through Amy Atlas' blog earlier today and came across her post referencing a post on Bakerella and just had to share it! Lollipop Workshop created two lolli dolls and a mini-Amy Atlas dessert buffet as a gift.

It is the CUTEST thing I've ever seen.

After clicking over to learn more about Lollipop Workshop on etsy I came across their custom wedding cake toppers. How fabulous are these:



They are priced at $135 and are completely customizable.

While I'm not getting married, I think I have to order the kid birthday toppers for RB's birthday!

Wedding Cake Advice from Sylvia Weinstock

1. Always use a reputable baker, board of health approved, with a good track record for professionalism.

2. Ask for a tasting and design session. Be sure you get what you like. Be aware that some guests will have food allergies (i.e. nuts and nut products).

3. Bring with you some ideas that you want incorporated in the design of your cake (i.e. colors, floral species, pictures of your gown, architectural elements, etc.).

4. Be aware of weather, refrigeration, air conditioning, and make sure you have a sturdy table for the cake.


Visit sylviaweinstock.com to see her amazing cakes!

Thanks Sylvia!

Cake Cutting Tip

I watched the last hour of the TODAY Show Throws a Wedding this morning and caught the newlyweds cutting their beautiful cake.

For the cake cutting ceremony, the couple had assistance from Hoda and Kathie Lee and while you won't have "celebrities"  helping you, you should confirm with your catering or location manager that there will be someone on the wait staff on hand to assist you.

You may think that you don't need help cutting your cake but there are a few things that you will need assistance with:  

• bringing the cake to the center of the dance floor
• telling you where to place the knife -- some cakes are "fake" and only have a small area with cake specifically for the cake cutting ceremony
  
• how to pose for the photo -- bride's hand on the knife and the groom's over hers
• he or she will have a plate available and help put the slice you cut on a plate so you don't stain your dress or his tux
• roll the cake table to the kitchen to be served

And of course you'll need an extra pair of hands with a napkin on hand to help you or your groom remove excess cake from your face if one of you decides to smash the slice into the other's face.  But you and your groom won't do that, right?

Photo Credit: TODAY Show/Denis Reggie 

Wedding Cake Tips: Flavors & Fillings

It’s unfortunate that most guests — and brides — assume that while a wedding cake may look beautiful it will not taste good. Over the past few years amazingly talented bakers have been creating wedding cake masterpieces, that not only look gorgeous, but taste delicious too.

So here are some wedding (cake) planning tips that will help ensure that you and your guests are pleasantly surprised at your wedding:

• Attend wedding shows in your area, so you can taste a variety of cake flavors and fillings from different bakers. This will help you narrow down the choice of bakers you want to schedule formal appointments with.
  
• Realize that you can’t please everyone’s taste buds. As long as you, your groom and your parents — siblings, grandparents and best friends can have a say too, but you know what they say about too many cooks in the kitchen — think the cake is delicious don’t worry about every single guest. There is no way you will be able to please the palette of over 100 people. This tip goes for planning the wedding menu too.


• Find out what the baker is known for. He or she may be famous for their chocolate or carrot cake recipe. It’s important to work with his or her strengths.


• Once you’ve settled on a cake flavor try the different fillings they offer to find the perfect combination.

Using Fresh Flowers on Your Wedding Cake

I was chatting with a friend last week and she mentioned that she was making a birthday cake for her mom and wanted to run by the corner deli to pick up some flowers to put on it. I immediately told her that she can’t just put any flowers on a cake. She has to make sure that they’re pesticide-free and that I’m sure the guy at the deli couldn’t guarantee if they were.

When planning the décor for their wedding cake many couples will ask their baker for a clean buttercream or fondant icing and then have real flowers put on each tier as decoration.

This design is very simple and classic and can also be very affordable, but whether your baker of florist will be supplying you with the flowers—or you’re doing it yourself—it’s very important that the flowers you select are pesticide-free to avoid poisoning your guests.

A Twist on the Groom's Cake

I was forwarded a list of top 100 wedding blogs on BrideTide.com – which From "I Will" to "I Do" was not on, but Brides.com's Wedded Bits was! - and started clicking around the site and I came across this fun Pac Man cupcake design.

My sister and I LOVED to go to the dentist as kids because Dr. Weiss had a Pac Man machine we could play in the waiting room.

Anyway, I thought if you were thinking of having a traditional wedding cake and a groom’s cake too, instead of a themed groom’s cake you could go with themed cupcakes! Talk to your baker about some unique ideas that would reflect the groom’s personality and surprise him.

If you’re already serving a dessert course and wedding cake you could purchase bakery boxes and have the catering/location staff place one or two cupcakes in a box for guests to take with them as they leave. Remember, edible favors are always a favorite with guests!

Though I found this image on BrideTide.com, the source is from flickr. And here’s the list of BrideTide’s Top 100 wedding blogs – congrats to my friends and fellow bloggers who made the list!

Freezing the Top Tier of Your Wedding Cake

I went to a book event last night featuring Confetti Cakes’ owner Elisa Strauss and she spoke about her new book Confetti Cakes for Kids. During her talk the audience asked several questions on cakes and baking and there was one specific wedding cake question that I thought would interest you.

When asked about freezing cakes, Elisa said that the best thing to do is to wrap the cake in plastic wrap twice before putting it away. If you’re planning on freezing and saving the top tier of your wedding cake for your first anniversary, make sure that it has two coats of plastic wrap, is stored in a sealed tupperware container and placed in the freezer.

Also, make sure your baker or location manager who packages the top tier of your cake clearly labels the packaging. Our top tier was only labeled on one side of the box so we didn’t realize it was a cake and thought it was a wedding gift. When we went to go through the gifts the next day we opened the box and found the top tier half smashed. So we threw it in the freezer and ate it on our one-month anniversary.

For our first anniversary we baked a cake together and sliced it to the tune of the cake cutting song at our wedding.  Another idea is to ask your baker to make a top tier for your first anniversary.

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Winter weddings can be really beautiful, but in certain locations they’re not always practical. There’s always the chance of a snow storm or blizzard that could come in and delay your plans or force you to go with your Plan B. Remember that you should always have a Plan B if your wedding will be in the middle of the winter, is being held outdoors or during Hurricane Season and you live in an area that tends to get hit by hurricanes every summer/fall.

If you are planning a winter wedding, you may want to let the elements of the season inspire your wedding details. Your palette can be all white, your details can focus on snowflakes or ice crystals and you can serve warm, comfort foods like a thick soup or hot cocoa with marshmallows for dessert.

I just fell in love with this snowflake-themed cake from Papillon Cakes in Toronto. I thought it was just perfect for a winter wonderland wedding and can help inspire so many other winter wedding details. And if you're looking for a baker in the Toronto or Regina, Saskatchewan areas definitely make an appointment at Papillon Cakes. Their designs are unbelievable. If you're not getting hitched in Canada, you should check out their site for cake inspiration.

Flavors & Fillings

It’s unfortunate that most guests — and brides — assume that while a wedding cake may look beautiful it will not taste good. Over the past few years amazingly talented bakers have been creating wedding cake masterpieces, that not only look gorgeous, but taste delicious too.

So here’s some wedding wisdom that will help ensure that you and your guests are pleasantly surprised at your wedding:

1. Attend wedding shows in your area, so you can taste a variety of cake flavors and fillings from different bakers, helping you narrow down the choice of bakers you want to schedule formal appointments with.

2. Realize that you can’t please everyone’s taste buds. As long as you, your groom and your parents — siblings, grandparents and best friends can have a say too (but you know what they say about too many cooks in the kitchen) — think the cake is delicious don’t worry about every single guest. There is no way you will be able to please the palette of over 100 people — that goes for the wedding menu too.

3. Find out what the baker is known for. He or she may be famous for their chocolate or carrot cake recipe. It’s important to work with his or her strengths.

4. Once you’ve settled on a cake flavor, try the different fillings they offer to find the perfect combination.


The cake above is from Brooklyn-based bakery, Mark Joseph Cakes

Image courtesy of Brooklyn Bride