Your cake is the centerpiece of the reception. It is a scrumptious dessert as well as part of a tradition- the beautiful or messy cutting-of-the-cake.
Look at lots of different ideas before you decide what you want. Visit bakeries and peruse bridal magazines. You might also find inspiration at a toy store, in china patterns or from your favorite candies.
Remember fancy cakes from the bakery are expensive, anywhere from three dollars to fifteen dollars a slice plus other charges like delivery, etc. Simple cakes can be very elegant. We’ll give you great ideas to have a marvelous confection that will long be remembered after it’s eaten and smashed in the face of the bride and groom.
Consider simplicity with your cake. The actual one you have on display doesn’t have to fee your entire guest list. Try out a simple two-tiered number and then have a sheet cake in the kitchen to serve to guests.
Why not try cupcakes as an alternative to the traditional tiered cake. These can be made in a variety of flavors and arranged on a tiered rack or in a creative design on the cake table.
Of course, the best way to save the most on a wedding is to make it yourself or have a friend or relative bake it. Consider the cost of some cake mixes and frosting, and you can see how baking your own cake can save money.
Wedding cakes don’t have to be elaborate, just tasty. When decorating, consider using fresh flowers. This will add some real class to the cake and bring in the colors of your wedding too.
The cake topper is another place where you can show your uniqueness as a couple. My second husband and I are avid golfers. My mom found some miniature (really small) plastic drivers that just happened to be white. She tied them together with ribbon and this is what adorned our cake.
Consider a matchbox car for the Nascar fans. How about one of those headliner figures in your favorite team for a sports couple? Do you both like to fish? No, don’t put a fish on top of your cake, but you can put a lure or bobber up there. Please, though, buy it new – don’t just grab something from your tackle box!
Many couples want to have mints and nuts to go along with the cake. This is fine, but you should buy the nuts in bulk from a warehouse store, and make the mints yourself. Homemade mints can be frozen well in advance and still taste delicious when they’re thawed out.
Try this delicious recipe:
WEDDING CREAM MINTS
1 three-ounce package cream cheese softened
3 cups powdered sugar
Food coloring (in your wedding colors)
Flavoring (available at most grocery stores) – peppermint preferably
Mix cheese, flavoring, and coloring till well blended. Slowly add sugar. Knead in with fingers as mixture thickens. Roll into small balls then into granulated sugar. Press flat with a spoon. Refrigerate or freeze. If freezing, thaw in refrigerator 1-2 days prior to serving.
This makes 50-75 mints. Plan 2 mints per person.