Wedding Cakes

This week’s entry is about wedding cakes. As a Florida wedding photographer I see a lot of different cakes and variations thereof. Here is a brief discussion:

Candy Buffets & Cup-Cakes
As s general guideline the wedding cake should match your overall décor in terms of color and design. However, in the last year I have seen a variety of alternatives. For example, many couples are offering candy buffets as part of the wedding cake/dessert table. Alongside they offer either a small cake, several small different cakes, or cup cakes. The candy also serves as the guest's favor and can be bagged in a personalized plastic or paper bag, or in a small decorative Chinese “take-out” box. I have also seen gift boxes used as wedding favors for the candy buffet.

Artistic
Fun and artistic wedding cakes are a sure show stopper. If you have an artsy theme a whimsical cake will fit right in.

Plain Beauty
Plain cakes are very pretty and are not boring if they are done right. Many couples nowadays opt to not have a cake topper for a more modern look. Just beware that if you choose a simple wedding cake design and no topper, it may look like something is missing, literally. A few simple flowers are a great substitute for a topper and will fill the void without being too cheesy.

Classics
Today’s classic wedding cake designs are very beautiful. Rarely do we see the traditional pillar tiers, although they are still available. Trends have moved towards delicate floral designs and draping of ribbon and accessories. If you are to use a ribbon design, it is best to pay the extra for the actual edible ribbon (i.e. sugar glaze) rather than the fabric ribbon décor. The real ribbon will not cut when you (as a newlywed couple) go to cut the cake (!). I have seen very surprised brides and sometimes angry couples because the ribbon does not cut. It makes cutting and slicing the cake difficult. Also, try to plan where your cake will be placed in the reception room. For wedding photography purposes try to make room available behind the cake table so that the photo/video crews will be able to capture the cake cutting without blocking the guests. It is also a good idea to have initials, emblems or other design features duplicated on both the front and back of the cake so that they will be visible in the cake cutting photos. If the design is only on the front (especially initials and emblems) and the cake cutting photos are from behind the cake to capture audience in the background, then the cake will be photographed mainly from the back side. Always plan for photo/video crews to face away from windows and towards the guests. Keep the cake away from high traffic areas, sun and warm areas such as spot lights and heating vents. Lastly, avoid using chocolate as a cake décor unless the baker can guarantee that the chocolate will not melt nor run.

Groom's Cake

If you cannot decide on a flavor, consider having a groom’s cake. Usually these are one tier cakes with a sport theme. This cake will be cut after the main wedding cake is cut. If you want to have nuts in the cake, be sure to let guests know, as many people have allergies.

Try lot's of cakes and have fun!! All wedding photography by PixelArt Photography serving Sarasota, Tampa, Orlando, Naples, Florida. We also photograph wedding all over the US and Caribbean. Next week's entry will be about Wedding Flowers.