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C H I C A G O W E D D I N G & P A R T Y R E S O U R C E
W W W . C H I C A G O W E D D I N G R E S O U R C E . C O M
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C A K E S , C A N D Y , C O N F E C T I O N S & D E S S E R T S
Cakes may have been an afterthought in weddings past,
but these days couples are getting more adventurous in
their dessert choices with showstopping icings, creative
cream fillings and novelty accents.
Quintessential three-tier fondant cakes are still the
norm, but cake designers are elevating their game to stay
relevant and fend off competition from non-cake options,
such as donuts and lemon bars.
Bakers have to get more creative in the wedding industry,
because you can buy a great chocolate cake anywhere.
A LITTLE GLITTER AND SHINE
Just as metallics are huge in interior décor and fashions,
the sparkly hues are popular in wedding cakes, whether
the cakes are etched in gold leaf or are adorned in gold
ribbons or completely enrobed in the shade.
Celebrity endorsement of the trend over the years hasn’t
hurt, such as the stunning five-tier, gold cake for the
wedding of Alec Baldwin and Hilaria Thomas in 2012.
Jessica Simpson chose a cake burnished in gold fondant
to complement the gold embroidery on her bridal gown
for her wedding with Eric Johnson.
It’s a trend that’s not dying down. Couples really enjoy the
opulence of the look.
DYED TO PERFECTION
Ombre cakes are also taking a cue from fashion and
hairstyles, inspiring cakes with colors bleeding into one
another, often from light to dark.
RUSTIC AND REFINED
Rustic cakes are a big trend as well. Couples appreciate
the imperfect nature of the dessert, whether customers
opt for the textured approach to the cake, creating a less-
than-smooth finish, or birch tree bark designs.
The “naked” version, however, is the one that is burning
up Pinterest. These unfrosted confections feature sump-
tuous fillings such as buttercream or mascarpone with
berries or richer varieties filled with caramel and nuts.
Model Chrissy Teigen and crooner John Legend opted for
a bare, four-tiered, carrot cake layered with cream cheese
icing for their Italian nuptials. It’s like how grandma
makes cakes.
SUGARY ACCENTS
Cake accents are another way couples can showcase their
creative bent. While real flowers are always an option to
heap on a cake, edible ornamentation is a tasty alter-
native. Succulents spun of sugar are big, especially for
outdoor weddings, along with whimsical mushrooms and
fiddleheads.
If cake is only one of the desserts couples would like to
have at their affair, they can opt for smaller cake bites as
well. The one-by-one inch squares can help round out a
dessert bar. They’re a great alternative to cake pops and
it’s a great way to have a lot of different flavors for your
guests.
SHOW-STOPPING PRESENTATION
How you present the works of art is key. A number of
brides are opting to display their cakes on tree stump
pedestals for a simple touch while others are using glossy,
metallic stands. Another trendy option is to create the
illusion of a stand. A Styrofoam base underneath a table-
cloth creates a natural-looking elevation.
© CTW Features
Serve your guests up a picture-perfect slice with one of these
trendy cakes ideas
By Nola Sarkisian-Miller
Tiers of Happiness