Choosing the wedding cake for the reception is one of the biggest decisions of the big day. With so many talented bakers and cake designers, the flavors, styles and options are virtually limitless. What are some popular wedding cake ideas for 2010 winter weddings?
Brides are Considering Cupcakes
Yes-bakeries can create cupcake displays that are quite amazing and just as delicious as traditional wedding cake centerpieces. Cupcake versions are often far less expensive and there is often less waste as they are already the perfect serving size. If your budget is limited, cupcake presentations provide a perfectly acceptable option.
Cakes can be Traditional or Bright and Bold
Wedding cake designs have shifted toward bright colors and bold black and white designs for several years-and this trend is expected to continue. Bakeries offer an unbelievable array of geometric shapes, themes, color combinations and styles. If you are not ready to break from the traditional, classic colors-that is fine too. Classic, sophisticated styles for winter can still be traditional or a combination of the two. Many white wedding cake styles are dressed up with vibrant fresh or sugar flowers.
Couples Head Back to Basics with Buttercream
Buttercream frosting is moving back to the forefront as expensive, heavy fondant takes a back seat. Whether the couple is seeking a more economical cake, better taste, or a more environmentally friendly version, the old buttercream tradition is making a comeback. Basic buttercream frosting often meets opposition in the summer months because it is taditionally butter-based and does require refrigeration and does not always hold up as well to heat as the stiff fondant covering. In winter, as more weddings and receptions are indoors or held with more mild temperatures, buttercream frosted cakes are more widely considered. Worried that buttercream cannot have the same flawless fondant appearance? Do not be! Talented bakers can also create some amazing cakes with buttercream.
Eco Friendly, Green and Vegan Cakes Can Take Center Stage
These cakes will likely be more expensive than traditional, but as consumers and environmentally conscious couples consider options for their big day-green wedding cakes are becoming more common. Where can you find a “green” bakery? Consult your wedding planner. If many elements of your wedding are already eco friendly-your planner may already have cake options in mind. Don’t forget to ask around-even inquire at your favorite vegan restaurant for recommendations. Many beautiful wedding cakes are created in custom cake shops-but, you may be able to get a customized vegan or eco friendly cake from a smaller, private baker.
Ready to Forgo the Wedding Cake Entirely?
With the state of the economy, many brides are doing just that! They are not even selecting cupcakes or single serve cakes. Instead, they are going for candy buffet bars, sundae buffets and even variety dessert buffets in lieu of the traditional tiered wedding cakes.
How About a Fake Cake?
If this option made you do a double take, you are not alone! Are you ready to cut the reception budget, but not ready to give up the wedding cake photo-ops? You can serve a dessert bar or sundae buffet as mentioned earlier for your reception guests-and use a fake-cake rental service for your cutting of the cake photographs. Rental sites such as cakerental.com actually rent traditional tiered, faux-cakes with a cut-away spot to insert some real cake for the makeup dreading, cake feeding scenes! Faux wedding cake rental services offer both a standard cake option and custom designs for a fraction of the cost of real cakes.
Wedding reception desserts and options can be as creative and distinct as the couples for which they are honoring. Whether you are planning a winter wonderland or holiday theme or looking for something that reflects your personalities-there are designs and bakeries for you. Budget cutting desserts have become perfectly acceptable substitutes for large wedding cakes and continue to be quite popular. As you can see, with so many alternatives, wedding cakes for winter weddings in the upcoming year can be the perfect addition to the perfect day no matter what style, design or theme the couple chooses!
Sources:
http://www.brides.com
http://www.cakechannel.com
