In Our Own Words: The Sweet Side of Wedding Planning

The Sweet Side of Wedding Planning

Lindsey Lozama, SE Seattle Wedding Consultant

The details of planning a wedding can be challenging. Where will the wedding take place? Who will create the invitations? What shoes will you wear down the aisle? The are so many details and all can be equally important. Each aspect of a wedding takes thought and knowledge about how you want your big day to be presented. While most weddings these days leave huge room for creativity and personal touches there are still many strong traditions that couples love to keep. One of the popular customs at a wedding reception is that of a little something sweet – a cake or dessert – that the bride and groom share with each other and their guests.

This tradition has been seen throughout history and has reintroduced itself in many ways. From the French Croquembouche to Prince Leopold’s 1882 tiered wedding cake; the “something sweet” has remained a fixture at most weddings. Today, there are many options that a couple can choose to represent this tradition, while making the desserts personal to them as a couple. From a large tiered wedding cake to individual sweets, this tradition allows for so much personality to shine through.

We’re diving into the sweet side of weddings with fork in hand and sharing tips from a local Seattle cake baker to aide in the questions surrounding all your cake decisions. Learn about today’s top wedding dessert trends, to cake basics and a little bit of everything in between. We talked with Kristina from Baked, a Seattle based cake design studio that for six years has specialized in sculpted, funky,  and clean designs. We asked their expert advice on pricing, 2016 trends, and an important question to ask your future cake designer.

Let’s start with the different types of cakes and the typical sizing of a traditional wedding cake.

There are many different types and styles of wedding cakes. Long gone are the days when most wedding cakes are simple. Wedding cakes now are exquisite works of art! This topic leans more toward the design of cakes as opposed to cake size logistics. Do you want your cake to be simple and small or large and intricate? Both are completely acceptable and both are seemingly very popular! If cutting the cake is not a big production you may opt for a smaller cake that works best for your needs. On the other hand, you may want the cake to be a main focus of your big day which would make the design a priority. If you don’t have a clear-cut vision, browse through wedding magazines, or start a Pinterest board for ideas. As Kristina from Baked suggested, “bring those and any ideas that show your wedding style and direction with you to the consultation”.

Next we’re discussing the actual size of your cake. Now, this may seem like an easy task – you need enough cake to feed all your guests – but, it’s not quite that simple. For example, if you want a very tall cake yet your guest count is not large you can ask about adding faux tiers. Just make sure you ask the cake designer ahead of time about pricing. Even though they aren’t edible the extra tiers are still labor intensive.

When it comes to weddings in general, things can add up quickly and it’s better to let your cake/dessert vendor know your preferred budget. In this instance, don’t be shy. Cake designers want to work with you! Being forthcoming with your budget will allow cake designers to give you options within your price range. Pricing varies greatly – (The Knot listed average cake prices per slice varying from $1.50 to $12.00 – that’s a huge margin), it can go by cake designer and/or the geographical location of where you are having your wedding.

Kristina  and Natalie from Baked, start their buttercream cake prices at $7.00 per slice, the price goes up from there if you would like fondant. From what we have seen in the greater Seattle area, this is a very reasonable cost for the quality that you will receive from Baked.

*Tip: When calculating how many pieces each cake can serve, check with the individual baker first. Ask, what size do they consider a slice? Then prior to your big day, let the caterer know so they are able to cut the cake correctly.

Now that some of the logistics have been discussed, let’s dive into a few of current wedding dessert trends.

|| Mini Desserts ||

As we are seeing a trend in weddings being even more customized due to dietary restrictions limiting the menu for certain guests, the ‘mini dessert’ trend has exploded over the last couple of years. This option gives you the ability to create a dessert menu that is personal to you as well as non-traditional. Dessert favorites like a nostalgic mini Hostess® cupcake or bite size tiramisu are exciting for your guests and it provides them choices, so no guest will feel left out.

|| Naked/Semi Naked Cakes ||

That’s right, even your cakes are baring it all! This trend has been going strong for the last year and it’s easy to see why. What better way to put the metaphorical cherry on top of your rustic wedding than to include a beautifully done naked cake. Cake designer, Kristina from Baked, feels this is one of the big trends for 2016 and we couldn’t agree more.

|| Textured Cakes ||

Another fun trend is a wedding cake with texture. From an intricate design to simple buttercream cake petals, texture can make a cake go from simple to stand-out with a little extra icing. This trend is one of our favorites! Adding just a little bit of texture can introduce a whole new look to your cake and provide a beautiful accent to your wedding.

Cake tasting and finding a cake designer should be a fun and exciting time! When you find the perfect cake design the image of your big day really starts to fall into place. Lastly, don’t forget to pack a slice for you and your better half. After such a big day you are bound to be hungry and that is always one of the big questions Seattle cake designer, Kristina from Baked receives; How should you pack up your extra cake? Talk to your cake designer about this one, the last thing you want is to forget or not have your cake boxed up correctly. We couldn’t think of anything more perfect than waking married next to your spouse and enjoying cake for breakfast — now that’s having your cake and eating it too!

Thanks everyone for joining SE Seattle on sweet filled journey through wedding desserts!

If you have any questions about today’s  blog post or  you would like to discuss our available wedding planning services in Seattle, please contact Lindsey at lindseylozama@iplanyourwedding.com.