So what do I mean by ‘wedding cake styling’ I hear you ask? Well, quite simply I mean how your wedding cake is displayed. This includes everything from it’s location at your venue, the cake stand it sits on and any other decorative items surrounding the cake. Your wedding cake is a huge investment, so I’m a firm believer that by following a few simple rules, you can really maximise its wow-factor and elevate its beauty.
1. Cake stands.
This is such a simple styling element but unfortunately one that is often overlooked. Most venues will include a cake stand in their package but it’s so important to check what style of stand this is. Some venues will have a traditional silver plated stand, whilst others might offer a log stand. The key thing to consider is whether the stand they have available will suit the style of your cake. If you feel that it doesn’t, it’s worth checking with your cake designer as most, like myself, will have stands that they hire, which naturally suit the style of their cakes.
2. Display multiple cakes:
This has become quite a trend in the last year or two. Rather than displaying one tall cake, consider separating your cake into multiple smaller cakes to create a beautiful display. This works particularly well if you are catering for allergies or intolerances so that specific gluten free cakes, for example, can be kept separate.
3. Select beautiful linen or fabric for your cake table:
Planner and stylist Hannah Baskett from HB Wedding design believes that layers of beautiful linen or fabric can really add to the opulence of a wedding cake display. She says,
“ I’m a firm believer that your cake should be proudly on display for all your guests to see. It should not be stuck on a 3ft round table with creased white tablecloth, in a dark corner next to an emergency exit sign! Wedding cakes are absolute works of art and their styling possibilites are endless. For the same reason I’d always recommend hiring in table linen, it’s also a good idea to upgrade the linen your cake will be displayed on, it really does make a world of difference and is relatively inexpensive for the visual difference it makes. If your cake is being displayed on a bare wooden table then adding in layers of silk or cotton using runners really elevates it and helps mirror the luxuriousness of the cake itself. All items that can easily be hired in and colour matched with your overall styling and the cake itself.
4. Position your cake for maximum impact:
The cutting of your luxury wedding cake is a huge photo opportunity when all eyes are on the happy couple, partaking in your first act as a married couple. So consider if your venue has a beautiful staircase, a statement fireplace or a wow factor back drop in the grounds (weather dependant!) for example. This is the most money you’re ever likely to spend on a cake so make sure your cake takes centre stage!
5. Offer your guests dessert table options alongside your cake
Stylist and planner Hannah Basket loves working with couples who have opted for a dessert table alongside their cake, she says:
” I will always encourage my couples to consider having a dessert table, it’s a fantastic way to make your cake front and centre of the celebrations. There are so many different ways we can style a dessert table, taking inspiration from your venue and the cake itself. Not only do they look beautiful but as any wedding guest will tell you, weddings can be long days and a sweet snack that’s easy to grab will always be a hit amongst your nearest and dearest!
I think dessert tables are just starting to have their moment, a bit like pic ‘n’ mix sweets did a few years ago, it’s a similar concept in that sugary treats are never a bad idea, but a dessert table is such a modern take on a traditional ‘sweetie cart’ and one that I believe offers far more styling opportunities.
Your cake designer will be able to create an array of bite-size treats, from cupcakes and biscuits to cake pops and chocolates – I can almost guarantee there’ll be nothing left at the end of the night!”
Click here for more information on the dessert tables I offer.
6. Consider other styling elements
Is your wedding styling heavily dominated by floral elements or candles for example? If so, consider how you can tie this in to your wedding cake styling. Could you have a floral display surrounding your cake for example or a display of candles at differing heights? These considered styling elements will all help to elevate your wedding cake, giving it the attention it deserves as well as ensuring it blends in seamlessy with the overall aesthetics of your day.
The first thing I would suggest is to discuss these options with your wedding cake designer. I always have a clear vision when I design cakes for my couples of what will work from a styling perspective to really help elevate their luxury wedding cake.
I hope you have found this blog useful. Happy planning!
For more advice and inspiration, why not visit some of my other blogs:
- Spring inspired wedding shoot
- Wedding cake sizing
- Wedding favours and dessert tables
- Wedding cake design elements
- Cosy and glam winter wedding inspiration
Image Credits:
Melissa Megan Photography
Meghan Claire Photography
Tri Lion Productions
Natalie Chiverton Photography
Eton Photography
Venues:
Foyle Park Country Estate, Hampshire
Easthampstead Park, Berkshire
The Barn at Somersbury, Surrey
The Elvetham Hotel, Hampshire
The Pear Tree at Purton, Wiltshire