Designing the Perfect Wedding Cake

Everyone loves cake. In fact, the main focus of most wedding receptions is the wedding cake. It often serves as the centerpiece of the room, and most people stay long enough to see the cake being cut and have it served to them. Therefore, the wedding cake is an important tradition and the design process should be taken very seriously. The hard part, however, about choosing the right one is due to the numerous cake designs and ideas, all the while trying to keep it at a reasonable price level.

The most important thing to take into consideration is that there are many bakeries capable of creating beautiful wedding cakes, so feel free to be as creative as you want. It's important to place your order ahead of time, at least two months, because most bakeries will not accept last minute orders. Here are a few things to take into consideration when designing your dream wedding cake:

Flavor of the cake:
While most people appreciate a wedding cake that appeals to the visual senses, it is more important for it to taste good. Let's face it, people don't really care about what it looks like when it's going into their mouth. Choosing the right flavor is important, and be sure that the baker you choose uses top quality ingredients. You don't want it to taste bland or plain. The tradition of serving the wedding cake to those attending the reception is important being that it is the perfect way to cap off an evening. The taste needs to make an impression. Choose from regular chocolate, sponge cake, vanilla, cheesecake, and even cakes with mousse filling. Some fillings include blackberry, buttercream, ganache, lemon curd, fresh strawberry, mocha buttercream, raspberry jam, and strawberry jam. Don't those sound delicious? No filling or flavor is considered off limits when it comes to a modern wedding. If you are torn between different flavors, then don't worry. With a multi-tiered cake you can have different flavors for each tier.

Size of the cake:
Before you even decide on flavor you need to figure out the overall size of the cake. The size of the wedding cake depends on the number of guests you are expecting to attend your reception. Also, take into consideration if you're planning to keep some cake for yourself or any other people that could not attend the reception. If you're having other small desserts or treats at the reception then maybe not everyone will be eating a piece of the cake. Always remember, however, that it's better to have more than less.

Design of the cake:
The design is perhaps the most important element to choosing the right wedding cake. Though your taste buds are strong senses, your visual senses are much longer lasting. The look of your cake will be captured in photographs and will be the centerpiece of the reception. The wedding cake ideas today are much different than the traditional designs in the past. Designs are evolving to meet the needs and styles of modern weddings. You cake design should make a statement. The icing on a modern bride's cake isn't just ivory anymore. Many brides are designing cakes to match wedding colors, or even match the beading, lace, or embroidered pattern on the wedding dress. Having a customized cake makes your wedding look polished and well planned. The cake can be topped with a variety of different items such as fresh or confectionery flowers, satin ribbons, or even fresh fruit.

Other important tips:
There are a couple of things you need to keep in mind when designing your wedding cake. For instance, in an outdoor wedding your cake runs the risk of melting, so be sure to choose your cake carefully. In the event that you have an outdoor wedding, stay away from mousse or ice cream cakes.

Be sure to order your cake at least two months in advance. In fact, order it four months in advance just to be sure. Check with the bakery as the date gets closer for details on the cake.

If you're not comfortable with cutting the cake, either designate someone to do it on your behalf or order a cake that is rectangular or oval. These shapes are much easier to cut and serve.

Always be sure to do a taste test of the cake you're planning to order. Many times what you have in mind and how it actually tastes are two completely different things.