Wedding Cakes in the 90's

WEDDING CAKES IN THE 90s by Allison Rushby

The cutting of the wedding cake is one of the celebratory highlights of the wedding day.  However, the wedding cake that the bride and groom are cutting in the 90s is no longer the traditional white vanilla cake with the plastic bride and groom on top.  Trends in cake flavour, style and decoration are moving quickly, so much so it is often hard to keep up!  When deciding on your wedding cake, your first consideration should be to choose a cake that suits you, and your fiancee's, personality and decorating tastes.  Following are some of the latest wedding cake trends to keep you up to date:

Flavour
Many different flavoured cakes are now rising in popularity.  While mud cakes are probably the most popular choice, carrot cakes, marble cakes, ice cream cakes and even cheesecakes are also frequent selections.

The filling inside wedding cakes is becoming more modern and straying from the traditional solid fruit cake or vanilla cake.  Fillings provide the bride with a wide range of choice, and extend from white or dark chocolate, mocha, coconut or strawberry filling to a variety of jams and preserve fillings. 

Different types of icing are also being chosen.  Many cakes are still being covered in the more traditional soft white icing, however, white chocolate icing is also becoming a firm favourite.  Cream cheese icing is a popular choice for carrot cakes.

Rolled fondant icing is the becoming the stylish choice for brides who want a very smooth and elegant look to their wedding cake.

Accompaniments are being added to many cakes.  Confectionery is widely chosen and small, decorated baskets of chocolates, sugared almonds or other sweets are being placed around the cake for a decorative touch.  Other brides choose fresh fruit, chocolate covered strawberries or a fruit sauce for an accompaniment.

Many brides are choosing multiflavoured cakes.  This is a sensible option if you can't  decide on one flavour alone.  If you like lots of flavours, have a layered cake and choose a different flavour for each tier!

Style
Brides are using their imaginations to think of different shapes for their wedding cakes.  The traditional circle is still a popular shape, but hearts, squares, ovals and hexagons are also popular choices.

While the traditional tiers are still widely selected, the plastic pillars that separate them are now on the way out as they are seen as tacky by many brides.

The most popular cake at the moment is a cake that resembles a stack of presents.  This cake is styled in the shape of square, gift wrapped presents, each tied with an bow (either real or made of icing).  The presents are then stacked on top of one another and the bows are left to cascade down the sides of the tiers.  A positively stunning cake! 

Theme cakes are becoming more popular, such as a seashell or starfish shape for a beach wedding

For a modern look, some brides are choosing their tiers to be made in different shapes.  For example, one square tier, one round tier and an oval tier.

Decorations
Plastic bride and groom wedding cake toppers, like the plastic tiers, are on the way out. 

Brides are putting more thought into the design of their cake and are being very creative.  Decorations are becoming unique and individual as both the bride and groom are designing their wedding cake together to suit their personalities.

Some brides are choosing more expensive cake toppers that can be kept, such as crystal decorations, rather than cheap plastic throwaway items.

Ribbons, tulle, lace and charms are remaining popular decorative items.

For a sentimental touch, some brides are copying the cake top used at their parent's or grandparent's wedding.

Brides whose wedding will have a particular colour scheme, such as pastel pink, are decorating their cake entirely around this colour theme.

Many brides are decorating their cake with detail copied from their wedding dress.  Take a picture of your gown to your bakery, and speak to your baker about incorporating some of the lace or beading detail from your dress.

Fresh flowers are the cake decoration of the moment.  Roses, orchids, carnations and pansies are often used.  These can be made into cascade formations, small bouquets and many other styles.  Consult your baker and florist about suitable flowers and arrangements.  Silk flowers, or flowers made from icing also make pretty and charming decorations.

Many bakers are starting to use the handpainted technique.  This detailed look can be simply stunning when used as a decorative technique on icing flowers or other sculpture.
Click the cakes icon for a list of local people iwho can help you have the perfect cake.

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