CAKE MY BREATH AWAY Discover the world of wedding cakes from classic elegance to bold and modern designs, with tips and inspiration for creating a meaningful showstopper TIMELESS BEAUTIES The classic tiered wedding cake, tall, white and adorned with intricate piping, was once a powerful symbol of prosperity and fertility. That timeless look influences many modern wedding cakes today. Grand tiered designs, sometimes reaching five tiers high, remain especially popular at formal weddings or in grand ballroom settings. These cakes typically come in two main finishes. Fondant offers a sleek, polished look, ideal for sharp edges and structured designs. Buttercream, on the other hand, provides a softer, more romantic feel with a variety of textures and artistic finishes. Both styles can be beautifully decorated with fresh or sugar flowers, edible pearls, lace-like icing and intricate piping. A TASTE OF TRADITION Some cake flavours never go out of style, and for good reason. They’re crowd-pleasers that strike the perfect balance between classic taste and universal appeal. Classic and traditional flavours can take on a contemporary twist with fresh, premium ingredients and seasonal accents such as citrus zest or floral hints. Here are a few beloved classics: • Rich chocolate cake with chocolate ganache. •Vanilla sponge with raspberry compote and buttercream. •Light lemon drizzle layered with zesty curd. •Traditional fruitcake with marzipan and white icing (still a must for some heritage-inspired weddings). Pick your favourite flavours for the biggest tier and ask your venue to save a few slices for you to enjoy after the big day. SETTING THE SCENE Wedding cakes have come a long way over the centuries! Today, they come in endless shapes, styles and flavours, designed not just to taste great, but to create a memorable experience. But their origins are far more traditional, and in many cases, quite surprising. Between the 16th and 18th centuries, “bride pies” were all the rage. Unlike the sweet confections we know today, these were savoury dishes. Alongside bride pies, there were also bride cakes! A sweet, yeasted bread spiced and filled with fruits. These gradually evolved into what we now know as fruit cakes or plum cakes. The bakes were often covered in white sugar icing, with the whiteness symbolising purity and wealth, since refined sugar was expensive and harder to obtain. By the 19th century, wedding cakes became more elaborate. Intricate decorations and even coloured icing began to appear. At the time, these ornate cakes were a luxury only the wealthy could afford. Over time, however, smaller and more budget-friendly versions became popular, with many opting for more accessible ingredients to reduce costs. The Second World War brought even more changes. With rationing in full effect, people had to get creative, some used cardboard tiers decorated to resemble a grander cake, placed above a simple sponge base. Queen Elizabeth II’s wedding cake is a famous example from this period. Dubbed “The 10,000 Mile Cake”, it stood four tiers high and nine feet tall, with ingredients sourced from across the globe due to rationing restrictions. From savoury pies to towering confections, the history of the wedding cake is as rich and varied as the celebrations. httpsunsplash.com@sjobjio httpsunsplash.com@kristycruzm httpsunsplash.com@kristycruzm_ 2 A wedding cake is more than a sweet treat; it’s a showstopping centrepiece, a piece of edible art, and a delightful representation of the couple’s personality. Whether you prefer the elegance of classic designs or the excitement of modern styles, the wedding cake is a significant symbol of joy, celebration, and shared sweetness. In this article, we explore the fascinating history of wedding cake designs, from truly traditional to the newest trends, with tips for choosing a cake that’s not only tasty but also meaningful. TRULY TRADITIONAL CAKES 37
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