What Should Be Your Wedding Cake?

Wedding Cake by Nello Iervolino, Ischia, Italy.

So, you’re getting married, and the planning whirlwind is in full swing. Once you’ve secured the all-important date and venue, the next big players enter the scene. Couples often tell me that great food, entertainment, and photography are at the top of their priorities. Beauty services and florals follow closely behind, of course.

However, amidst the floral arrangements and playlist decisions, one significant choice remains: the wedding cake.

Wedding cake by Dessert Works, Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston.

Gone are the days when wedding cakes took a backseat to trendy alternatives like donuts and cupcakes (no offense to those cute treats). Wedding cakes have made a glorious comeback post-COVID, and the cake-cutting moment is once again a highlight, sometimes accompanied by sparkling cold fountains and fireworks.

So, how do you select the “right” wedding cake? It’s a deliciously complex question!

First and foremost, we all want a cake that is delectable and flavorful and makes your taste buds sing. And if you’re opting for a tiered cake, you can indulge in a variety of flavors, textures, and fillings that would make even the most discerning foodie swoon.

But let’s consider other aspects:

How large should it be? How tall? How should it be decorated?

Next, let’s discuss frosting options. Buttercream offers a comforting, velvety texture, while fondant delivers a smooth, polished finish—perfect for those Instagram moments. Just remember, fondant can be as tricky as it is beautiful; you may need a delicate balance of artistry and perseverance to cut through its sugar shell. But you only need to cut one piece, to be honest, the rest will be portioned for your guests by the professionals.

And then there are the decorations. Fresh flowers bring a natural elegance and fragrance, while sugar flowers can be intricate works of art, carefully crafted to complement your theme.

If you prefer patterns, aim for sophisticated designs that elevate the cake to a true centerpiece. Think of it as the cake’s personality shining through—intricate and refined, just like your love story.

Wedding Cake by Renato Ardovino. Villa Cimbrone, Ravello

Now, if your wedding happens to be in Italy, you might face the delightful dilemma of whether to embrace Italian tradition with a classic Millefoglie, a large round cake filled with freshly made cream and fresh berries.

This layered dessert could be the perfect alternative—a decadent nod to your enchanting surroundings. And you make take part in finishing it up alongside the pastry chef, delighting your guests.

Nowadays, cakes travel from one part of the country to another, and sometimes to different countries. Or the wedding cake designers travel with their teams to create something unique.

Some cakes are real pieces of art. Check out the cakes by Marion Attal, the owner of Mamie Brougitte. What a treat for the eyes! Located in the Berkshires, her shop delivers cakes nationwide.

Mamie Brougitte's Cake

To me, the unsurpassed level of such a cake is the one made in LA by Julie Simon Cakes. You would never believe she is able to create all these exquisite designs from sugar! My dream is to have her cake once for my own celebration, maybe a milestone birthday or wedding anniversary – who knows? But it might be tricky to deliver it from LA to Boston or Miami or London where I currently live.

Julie Simon's Cake

Ultimately, the ideal wedding cake is one that reflects your unique journey together, combining quality ingredients with a design that speaks to your style. Whether you choose a timeless tiered creation, an elegantly adorned masterpiece, or a charming alternative like a Millefoglie, remember that your cake should embody your tastes and preferences. As a planner who helps my couple with multiple selections, I am happy to share my thoughts and suggestions to make the best choice and connect your cake design to other parts of your wedding cohesively.

Wedding Cake, Villa D'Este, Lake Como

Wedding Cake, Boston Harbor Hotel, Boston

And if all else fails, consider this: there’s always the option of eloping—fewer details, less stress, and more time to enjoy gelato together!

Credits

Bakers: Nello Iervolino; Italian Millefolie cakes by Guidi Lenci Ricevimenti, Roland's Social Catering; Masseria Torre Coccaro; Villa D'Este; Dessert Works; Boston Harbor Hotel; Le Torte di Renato; Villa Il Salviatino; Hotel Belmond Caruso; Montilio's Bakery; T'a Milano Catering; Mamie Brougitte Cakes; Julie Simon Cakes.

Photography: Michael Zennaro Photography, Jules Bower Wedding Photography, Carly Michele Photography, Nicole Chan Photography, Alex Gordias Photography, Elena Foresto Photography, Lynne Reznick Photography, Aqua Wedding Photography, ZonzoStudio, Primavera Dreams Weddings, Gianni Di Natale Photographers, Studio 27 Photography, Pasquale Cuorvo Photography.