Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.
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The Wedding Cake: Tiers of Joy Defining the Moment and Making It All Your Own We've all seen pictures of the "traditional" wedding cake. Generally, they all look the same, right? White frosting with elaborately piped swags and scrolls, lots of buttercream flowers, tiers raised with plastic columns, etc. Well, today's wedding cakes are not all created equal, and that's a good thing! A wedding cake should be a unique reflection of the bride and groom's personal style and taste preferences, pulling in some design elements that tie in to the look and feel of their event. So, it's not all about white frosting, swags and scrolls. Today, many couples are moving away from traditional, ornate styles and opting for more clean, simple contemporary styles, often times with bright accents of colors. It is not unusual to see patterns on wedding cakes in black, bright blue or other vibrant hues that used to be taboo. Even the base color for the frosting doesn't have to be white or cream – many couples opt for a colored frosting as a way to make their cake stand out in every guest's memory! Whatever your approach, here are a few things to think about as you define your moment and design a cake that will be all your own: Color Your World Incorporate color into your cake by boldly veering away from traditional white or ivory frosting or fondant. Opt instead for a color that reflects your scheme, such as the bridesmaids' dress color, or the tone of your event – a beach wedding may call for a pastel or summer color palette. Integrate bold colors in more subtle ways with ribbon, artwork or fresh flowers. Sugared flowers are also a chic way to add a pop of color or create contrast in a more understated way. Invite Creativity There are many ways to add unique, personal touches to your cake. One great way of doing this is pulling a design element or motif from your wedding invitation (such as a fleur de lis or a monogram) and including it into your cake design. Many weddings now have themes that can tie into an era, a type of architecture, a season, or even a culture. A creative baker can suggest ways to incorporate these themes, like using a zigzag design common to Art Deco or a paisley pattern for a Moroccan-themed wedding. Another great way to customize a wedding cake is by taking inspiration from the bride's wedding dress. Layered fondant replicating the folds in a dress or lacework piped in buttercream or royal icing are just some of the ways that your cake decorator can make your cake as "fashion-forward" as your dress is! Staying on Trend The past couple of years have trended towards more simple, clean designs, with unique touches and accents that personalize the cake for the couple. Although this will continue to be popular, we see a rising demand for more ornate styles as well as a lot of interest in gold color accents moving into 2012. No matter what type of wedding you plan, these tips will help you convey your vision so that you will have a wedding cake that is all your own! 57 Maple Street Danvers, MA 01923 978-774-4545 Mon–Sat 9am–6pm www.cakes4occasions.com weddings@cakes4occasions.com