 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
By Jill La Fleur To start, you'll be seeing a lot more focus on the cake table itself. Think alter: something fit for a king or queen. Couples are using luxurious fabrics draped across the table, candles, floral swags and elaborate cake stands with crystals and other decorative jewels to create a beautiful visual display. The delectable edibles holding the place of honor have become so elaborate and ornate that they can be described as works of art. Decorated with unique, intricate frosting designs, chocolate fondant leaves, white chocolate sculptures, marzipan sugared fruits, flowers (either real edible flowers dipped in sugar or flowers created entirely of sugar), surrounded by ladyfingers, topped with fresh fruit and more, they can be absolutely stunning. Replicating the wedding dress design in the detailing of the wedding cake is also a popular idea, as is having small cakes (topped with flowers) on each table, which then double as centerpieces. Or, try little individual wedding cakes for each guest. Have the waiters carry them out and present them to each guest simultaneously. It makes such a dramatic statement - even Oprah would be proud!
Cupcake towers are still going strong, with large white and dark chocolate curls or flowers decorating the tops. You can satisfy chocolate and vanilla lovers alike by alternating flavors on each tier of the cupcake display. Ice cream sandwiches and sorbet are another favorite. As an intermezzo or after the meal, couples are opting for this type of dessert to be served to their guests in addition to the wedding cake. Viennese dessert buffets are becoming prevalent at weddings now as well. In addition to a smaller wedding cake, couples are creating a tempting dessert bar filled with all sorts of treats to spoil their guests rotten! The table is covered with petit fours, truffles, chocolate dipped strawberries, cheesecakes, fruit tarts, various pies, éclairs, cream puffs, cookies, triple chocolate dipped brownies, chocolate fountains ... anything and everything you can imagine. Just about anything goes when it comes to the wedding "cake,"
and believe me ... that luscious, scrumptious, delicious dessert
will go!
Jill La Fleur, of The Wedding Planner, is a full-service event coordinator with expertise in planning weddings of all sizes and styles in Santa Barbara and throughout California and Hawaii. For more information, call 688-7805 or visit www.lafleurweddings.com.
Desserts by Executive Pastry Chef Ben Galang
|
There
is one area of planning a wedding that I guarantee the groom will
be more than happy to take part in ... cake tasting! Dessert lovers
rejoice - not only are couples picking out wedding cakes for their
special day, they're selecting an impressive array of other sweets
as well. There's a lot to look forward to with the hot new trends
in cakes and sumptuous treats at weddings this season.
Many
brides follow the hottest trends of celebrity weddings. They will
call their favorite bakery and request replicas of J-Lo's wedding
cake or of Trista's pink one. These days the requests may be for
Trump's cake, although perhaps not quite as grandeur - seven tiers
(6 feet tall!) of Grand Marnier Chocolate Truffle cake covered in
3,000 edible roses. If anyone in town can do it, it's Executive
Pastry Chef Ben Galang and his team of pastry chefs at Bacara. Their
cakes are amazing and are the tallest I've ever seen made.
