The Artistry of Wedding Cakes

From minimalist pared-back wedding cakes to stylish macaroon towers, wedding cakes are once again becoming the show stopper of the wedding reception.

Wedding cakes are a significant tradition with roots dating back to Roman times when the breaking of bread over a bride’s head indicated future prosperity. This was continued into what we recognise as the modern tiered creations in Medieval times when cakes became piled high for the groom to kiss the bride over without knocking them down. This later became the basis for the gravity-defying croquembouche.

However, today although the idea of a stacked cake still remains there is also playfulness within the iconography of the contemporary wedding cake. The traditional fruit cake, itself a symbol of prosperity, is often a base layer or not frequently used as more adventurous fillings have taken over in popularity. Many modern brides are choosing red velvet recipes in the style of the famous Hummingbird Cupcake, or playing with textures by alternating sponge and mousse to give a surprise in traditional guise. We have tried some delicious flavour and texture combinations such as vanilla sponge and chocolate mousse fillings, alternated with a raspberry cream layer.

The cake is not complete, however, without its decoration. The fruit cake wrapped in marzipan and rolled white royal icing was a good base for sugar craft in the form of intricate flowers and adornment in Victorian times. In grand ceremonies it was sturdy enough to take several tall tiers. However the more modern fillings for today’s cakes enable the wedding cake to take on many whimsical forms. Bakers are now aware that there is also a popularity for a pared back ‘Naked Cake’ without the thick royal icing allowing for light sponges, dusted with icing sugar and wild meadow flowers country weddings. Vintage themed weddings often feature colourful thick satin ribbons or patterned grosgrain ribbon to tie around the cakes to brighten up the classic white icing.

Brides and grooms often use the wedding cake centrepiece to display more about them as a couple. The personalised table names and wedding favours often now tie into a theme close to the couple’s heart, such as beloved pets, interests or taste. Individual cupcakes are also a modern take on the classic tiered cake, a handy way of being able to offer an individual cake to the guests.

We love wedding cakes; classic, contemporary or uniquely personalised and it would not be a celebration without a cake!