If you look at pictures of your Mom‘s wedding cake, you will realize that things have changed in the baking industry over the past 20 years. The cakes back then were white, possibly ivory, covered with whipped cream decorations, and of course topped with the traditional plastic groom and bride. You also had the pillars between each tier, sometimes a fountain, or even better, a plastic staircase. I won’t even talk about the flavors!
Today, the wedding cake is not only the centerpiece of a wedding reception , it is a piece of art. Most pastry chefs these days believe their cakes should be delicious as well as beautiful. The quality and freshness of the ingredients is the key to a great cake. The cake should be made shortly before the wedding. Some chefs even fill their cakes with fresh fruit. This requires that the cake be baked and assembled as close to the wedding date as possible.
Your cake should fit in with the decor of the venue. It is a representation of who you are and what you like. You should always meet with your pastry chef to discuss your cake and do a tasting of his products. Many pastry chefs will use a different filling for each tier if desired. Don’t forget to bring all the information you have: color samples, cake design, picture of the wedding dress, a sample wedding invitation, etc. Your pastry chef will need some direction, but leave some space for his (her) creativity. They are professionals, and will often come up with beautiful ideas.
And please, do not save the top tier of your cake to celebrate your first wedding anniversary! I know it is a tradition, but it is a bad one. You will just be wasting a good cake. So eat your cake on your wedding day. A good pastry chef will offer you an anniversary cake the following year.
In 1995, Babette Wilson started Babette's Feast providing the Fort Collins, Colorado area with the best croissants and French pastries. By 1996, she added a full catering service to the business. Babette's mission is to offer authentic French food and excellent service for all occasions, from corporate functions, wedding and open houses to small or large cocktail parties.