How are your wedding plans going? There are so many things to think about, aren’t there. It’s sometimes easy to let something slip and just go with what everyone else does for convenience. But when it comes to the cake, don’t forget to put your unique stamp on proceedings. The cake is often the finishing touch to the wedding banquet, and one of the most familiar photo opportunities, where guests like to step up and snap the new bride and groom. We love the cake cutting bit, even though it’s often the moment our team has to race into action to share out the cake to the guests in time for the speeches.
Whether you’re planning a traditional wedding or something more inventive and surprising, you’ll probably choose to have a wedding cake. It’s traditional, it’s an eye catching feature and everyone expects it. But don’t limit yourself to expectations. We love to encourage a creative approach, and in our experience many brides nowadays opt for something a little different than the norm. Let’s have a look at some of the options you might want to consider.
What about a Wedding Cake just like your Grandmother had!
Fancy something that fits with a top hat and tails and a white veiled dress? You can’t go far wrong with a traditional royal iced wedding cake. It doesn’t have to be pure white to have the same classic beauty as, say the, the style chosen by Duke and Duchess of Cambridge a few years ago. Maybe add a touch or two from your bridesmaids’ accent colour and you’ll have a beautiful centre piece for the photos that looks right at home against the walls and windows of our soon to be newly renovated barn.
How about a themed cake that fits with your hobby or day job?
Maybe you’re into Dr Who. A Tardis wedding cake might raise a few eyebrows, but at least it’ll get your guests smiling and give them something to talk about in years to come. Of course, it doesn’t have to be wacky or outrageous to be memorable. A couple who are into golf or tennis might have the odd sporting ornament or feature prop that brings that side of their lives out in their wedding cake. You could incorporate some instruments or musical notes if that suits you better. Just make it special so that you’ll be proud to look back on a cake that was definitely all about you both on the day.
It’s what’s inside that counts – and fruit cake isn’t the only option.
Traditional cakes may be filled to the brim with raisins and sultanas, surrounded by marzipan and as rich and filling as a Christmas cake, but yours doesn’t have to be. It can be a great relief to be presented with a nice slice of chocolate cake at the end of the meal, or something light and airy to accompany the champagne toasts, rather than a heavy portion of rich fruit cake. You could go for carrot cake or vanilla flavoured sponge if you prefer, or even have a separate ‘Grooms Cake’ to indulge some fond childhood memory. Go for cakes with different fillings to make a basic recipe even more special for your wedding day – fresh cream and strawberries sourced locally, or delicious homemade jam with buttercream icing. Don’t forget that if you go for a layered cake, you’re perfectly free to choose different flavours for the different tiers. That way you can keep everyone happy!
Not a fan of cake? Here are some striking alternatives for your wedding.
If a big cake isn’t your thing, don’t worry. You can definitely substitute it with a range of alternatives that can still make the edible statement you’re looking for. How about a tiered arrangement of beautifully decorated cupcakes. Or move away from cakes altogether and go for a stunning dessert, such as profiteroles, ice cream, a chocolate fountain or even a French croquembouche (with creme-filled choux pastry puffs drizzled in caramel and piled high for effect). To achieve more of a cake ‘feel’ to the display, you can use fresh flowers, ribbons – even indoor fireworks for extra sparkle.
Just imagine the cake of your dreams, designed inside and out to fit your special day, and sitting waiting for the cake cutting photographs in the delicious interior of Tower Hill Barns. With a bit of thought and preparation you can make it everything you want it to be.
