Chicago Wedding & Party Resource 2017 Spring / Summer

36 / 132

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
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
34
Give Them Layers and Layers of Sweetness
No wedding is complete without a show-stopping cake.
Here’s how to make yours uniquely personal
By Carley Lintz, CTW Features
Modern weddings are all about personalization, so what
sweeter way to show off your style than the wedding cake?
The first step to creating your dream dessert is finding the
right baker. Go to cake tastings armed with photos of styles
you love, and make sure the bakery can execute your vision.
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. Customized features
can add up quickly. Order fewer servings – about 5 to 10
percent less than the number of guests – to keep costs
within your budget.
Remember that the wedding cake also 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 romantic 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 individuality 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. Have 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