Chicago Wedding Resource Spring/Summer 2018-2019

CAKES, CANDY, CONFECTIONS & DESSERTS 26 | SPRING & SUMMER 2019 CHICAGO WEDDING & PARTY RESOURCE CHICAGOWEDDINGRESOURCE.COM By Carley Lintz, CTWFeatures The first step to creating your dream dessert is finding the right baker. Come to cake tastings armed with photos of styles you love, and make sure the bakery can execute your vision. I think couples really need to do their homework before they go visit bakers, and have a general idea of what sort of cake style they want. Some bakers can’t do it all. Some can’t do fondant and some only do buttercream.” If you and your fiancé have a particular favorite kind of cake – such as red velvet or cheesecake – you can narrow your search by researching local bakers that specialize in your desired dessert. Keep in mind your budget when meeting with bakers. The average couple spends $461 on a cake. Remember that customized features also can add up quickly. Ordering fewer servings – about 5 to 10 percent less than the number of guests – to keep costs within your budget is recommended. Remember that the wedding cake is a major visual element of the reception, so the design should complement the rest of the décor. The cake usually sits right by the dance floor, in the middle of where all the action is and lots of eyes are on it. Take into account the entire room décor and really keep with a cohesive theme so that it feels like it’s the jewel in the design of the room. But you don’t have to sacrifice personality for a unified look. Go bold with an entire cake inspired by your favorite movie or get a roman- tic quote penned in icing. If you want to keep it simple, use cake toppers to add a unique and subtle touch. Flavor can also inject individu- ality into any cake – think about utilizing a childhood favorite like cookies and cream or fruit fillings to liven up classic tastes. If cake doesn’t satisfy your sweet tooth or you just want to give your guests more options, a dessert table is a contemporary alternative to tiered cakes. Stephenson recommends having a small bites buffet with mini versions of your favorite treats like brownies, cookies or candy. Interactive food stations are another fun way to offer more choices. Guests can customize their own ice cream sundaes or decorate cupcakes, to name a few options. For an added bonus, Sheils suggests placing carry out boxes or baggies with the spread so everyone can take some home as favors. Whether you choose a cake with fillings or an entire dessert spread, traditional rules for wedding cakes no longer apply. © CTW Features Remember that the wedding cake is a major visual element of the reception, so the design should complement the rest of the décor. Show- Stopping Sweetness Here’s how to make your wedding cake uniquely personal