Bryan Sumner
The traditional style cake decorations of years past featured individually separated cakes. These cakes were separated by a method of plates and pillars. The pillars were either Grecian design or Swan style. Maybe you’ve seen cakes that had three or four separations, with cake sizes that ranged from eight to fourteen inches. The bottom layer which would be the largest cake at fourteen inches might have sat on the top of the fountain stand.
In between the fountain stand would be a water fountain, with three cascades, with interior lights plus running water that was possibly tinted with color. On the very top of the littlest cake, the eight inch in this instance, would sit a plastic bride plus groom ornament. The cake itself would have had roses, pearl beading, foil silver or gold leaves, and so forth.
Today’s brides are planning their wedding cakes with simplicity in mind. Their preferences are elegant, but down-to-earth, including the dress, reception and most of all, the wedding cake. Straightforward, stylish designs adorn today’s wedding cakes. Many brides want cake decorations that replicate the lace and beading on their bridal gowns, plus many gowns feature clean, classic designs. Requested decorations are often tailored to suit the couple’s personalities. Fresh or silk flowers, sugared fruit, ribbons, beads, tulle and lace are fashionable toppers.
Not all wedding cakes are white either. Off-white tones, for instance ivory are becoming increasingly popular. Round tiers for wedding cakes are still a favorite choice, but square, octagon, elliptical, heart plus hexagon shaped cakes are commonly requested. The flavor of the cakes plus fillings vary extensively plus brides are also frequently requesting non-traditional cake varieties, for example cheesecake, carrot, red velvet, tiramisu as well as chocolate cake. Icing requests also are becoming more varied. In response, bakeries are not just offering traditional buttercream, but in addition Wilton Rolled Fondant, rolled buttercream, non-dairy, whipped cream, cream cheese, white chocolate plus marzipan. Brides are requesting handcrafted gum paste flowers. Gum paste flowers are available in over a hundred styles, plus are bought through cake decoration supply stores.
Stacked tiers or acrylic stands with separated tiers are fashionable styles. Sculpted cakes also are being asked for more frequently, often for themed weddings. A relatively new idea that is increasing in popularity is stacked and tiered cupcakes as a substitute for traditional wedding cakes. Many couples are also choosing different decorated cakes for each guest table.
Wedding cakes account for 8 percentage of average full-line retail bakeries’ sales, as per Modern Baking’s Retail Bakery Survey, 2003. Separated cakes are usually sold by the portion, so check your area for this going price and charge for the cakes accordingly. Additional information regarding wedding cakes can be found at our website, which features most of the hot new cake decorating and designs.
Tags: edible image, Gumpaste, rolled fondant, Satin Ice, Wilton
Posted in Baking · March 3rd, 2010 · Comments (0)