Simple Wedding Cakes Ideas
Simple Wedding Cake Ideas
Wedding cakes are the centerpieces of traditional receptions. Often tiered, wedding cakes can be expensive and elaborate. But a simple wedding cake can be just as beautiful and can still reflect the event's theme.
Traditions
The enduring wedding cake tradition can be traced to the Roman Empire. At that time, a cake made of wheat or barley would be broken over the bride's head. Guests would then scramble to eat pieces of the cake, which was a symbol of fertility and good luck. Fortunately the tradition evolved, and now the bride and groom cut the cake together and feed each other a piece. The top tier of the cake is often saved and frozen for the couple to share on their first anniversary.
Color and Frosting
Simple designs such as beads or hearts can add a sophisticated touch to a wedding cake. Use white-on-white designs to create interest but still maintain the simplicity of a cake. There is no rule that wedding cakes must be white, however. Using the colors from wedding flowers can add interest to a cake without being overbearing.
Sugar and cream frosting often are used to make the beading and design on wedding cakes. But if you favor a smooth, unadorned frosting, opt for a fondant that is rolled out to cover the cake.
Flowers and Themes
A tiered cake with simple white frosting can be quickly transformed into a masterpiece. Here's how:
Separate at least one of the tiers using cake columns. Place a doily on the bottom layer and add a small bouquet of your favorite flowers. The flowers also can be used as a topper, or the top tier can be reserved for the traditional bride-and-groom decoration with one or two flowers.
Nothing says the beach like beautiful shells. Place clean and sanitized shells between separated tiers or use as them a topper. Small shells also can be pressed into the side of the cake.
Ribbon in a favorite color can be used around the bottom of the cake tiers or tied into bows as a topper for a simple wedding cake.
By Carmel Perez Snyder, eHow Contributor