Wedding cake trends

One, two or three tier.

Iremember when the only choice for a wedding cake was a fruit cake, covered in marzipan, then white royal icing and the decoration, a bride and groom on top.

They were usually two or three tiered, with one tier going into the freezer to be used hopefully for a future christening.

There was a time when you could purchase small tins to place a piece of cake in and then it would be posted off to Aunty Jean who could not attend the wedding. . . oh how wedding cakes have changed!

Bespoke cakes are on trend in 2022 and they range in every shape, size, and flavour.

Over the past few years, there have been new options introduced such as cupcakes, donuts…yes donuts, macarons and even an appearance of the French traditional wedding cake, a croquembouche.

I have even attended a wedding where different sized rounds of various types of cheese have been used as tiers and fresh roses, olive leaves and fresh figs have been used as decoration.

A wedding cake today is often cylindrical in shape, two or three tiers and often each tier is a different flavour with vanilla, lemon and chocolate, still firm favourites. Mind you, caramel often makes a show!

When it comes to the decoration, it can range from bright and bold, metallic coloured, butter cream icing, textured frosting, drip effect and with the addition of flowers made of sugar paste or fresh roses or gerberas.

Cakes are not necessarily white anymore and can range from bright orange to even black, with some couples having each tier iced differently, the options are endless. Cakes are becoming more like a work of art, with gold leaf and hand painting often used to make them more personalised.

Nowadays the cake is often the dessert at weddings, so by having a range of flavours, everyone is catered for.

A gluten free tier or even a separate small cake to cater for guests with dietary requirements is now common at many weddings.

There are some wonderful cake designers available that are only too happy to discuss your ideas and often will offer samples for the all-important taste test. Many have websites where you can view a portfolio of their work.

Traditionally the cake is cut by the bride and groom with the first piece being shared by the couple. Then it is shared among the guests.

Whatever you decide on for your wedding cake, having it personalised will make it special, but choosing the flavour of cake you like is just as important.