The cutting edge of cake design

The finishing touches make a wedding special and the cake and flowers are no exception. Here’s some food for thought

Astriking cake is the perfect centrepiece for your wedding and it is also one of the oldest traditions of the day, being an important part of the feast and celebrations that follow the ceremony.

Cutting the cake represents the first activity a couple does together, with both holding on to the knife as they make the first incision. This is one of the most iconic moments of a wedding – and one you will certainly want your photographer to capture.

When it comes to choosing your cake, the sky is the limit. From traditional fruit cake and Madeira cake to chocolate, red velvet and lemon, wedding fairs are a great way to seek out cake designers, view their work and – most importantly – sample their wares.

Some new trends for weddings include having cake tables, with many couples opting for tables containing a variety of cakes for guests to help themselves and these often feature a drip cake.

Marble-effect icing is becoming popular, as is metallic icing and details (for example, rose gold). Often, one tier will be singled out as an accent.

If you’re looking for something artistic, many cake designers offer centrepieces with hand-painted details such as flowers or icing with a watercolour effect. On the other end of the scale are geometric details, which can make a real impact.

The local area is bursting with talented bakers and cake designers who are ready to make your dream cake a reality – just remember to be organised as their diaries can fill up well in advance.

Planning your bouquet or decorations for the church or reception venue can also be a really creative and enjoyable experience and if you are opting for a rustic style then you can use the blooms to decorate your cake, too.

Whether you are looking for something simple like white roses or a single stem – or you plan to indulge in spectacular and display, there is an amazing range of flowers and arrangements out there from which to choose.

You might like to take inspiration from the style of your wedding dress or choose flowers that will complement your venue. Many brides wait until they have chosen the colour of their bridesmaid’s dress and then take inspiration from that.

If don’t know where to start, it is a good idea to take a look at magazines or websites for inspiration. After this you can discuss ideas with your local florist, who will have lots of experience working with many different brides on very different budgets.