Choosing a Wedding Cake
by Sweetcakes

Cake flavours available
Traditionally, wedding cakes were all made of fruit. This was mainly because the top tier was saved for either the first year anniversary or to celebrate the first born, whichever came first. Therefore, it was necessary to have a cake that would keep well and still be edible after such a long period of time. It was also covered and decorated with royal icing. This type of icing is very hard and durable and was necessary in order to protect the cake until it was served. This tradition is slowly being changed to keeping the top tier until the newlyweds return from their honeymoon. The cake is then offered to those that were in the bridal party or other close friends and family invited to a small get-together to look at the wedding or honeymoon pictures.

Since the cake does not have to be kept for so long, many of today's brides do not select a fruitcake. There are many great flavours of cakes and fillings available now. Try to select a flavour that most of your guests will like. If you're not sure, select the flavour you and your fiance like the most.

Although the round cake is still the most popular shape because it signifies infinity and love forever, as do the wedding bands, square, hexagon, petal and heart shapes are also available.

Decorations
The traditional frostings are either a buttercream or a fondant. Many brides are selecting the fondant for it's smooth satiny finish. It is also recommended for cakes that will not be refrigerated for more than 4 or 5 hours and for celebrations during warmer months. Although it is a soft icing, it is not as soft as buttercream. Both can be coloured to match most colour schemes. Many brides still prefer their wedding cake to be iced in white, however there are many new icing colours and cake designs appearing each day. Cakes of colour are becoming very popular and make an attractive centerpiece for your wedding reception.

To decorate their cakes, many brides are selecting either fresh or silk flowers. Gumpaste flowers are also very popular. These are realistic sugar flowers which have been handcrafted piece by piece and will add extra elegance to any cake. They are usually sold individually and vary in price according to size and the type of flower you need.

How to find a great bakery

• Get recommendations from friends whose weddings you have enjoyed
• Ask your reception co-ordinator which good bakeries they have worked with before
• Your florist or photographer are also good sources of information
• Bridal magazines or newspapers. Many reputable bakeries who specialize in wedding cakes will advertise in these national publications
• Bridal shows

Ordering the Cake

• Start looking for a baker at least 4-5 months in advance
• Look at lots of pictures. Take your time.