It's a fact, however odd it seems, that some brides don't like cake -- and don't want one at their wedding reception. Others like cake just fine, but prefer to serve something a little more distinctive for dessert. On the whole, brides pass up cake at their wedding because they:
- don't like it
- want something nontraditional and edgy and are bored by "the norm"
- want something that more personally represents them or their geographical area
- attended too many catered weddings where no one touches the cake because they'd already had a full meal plus dessert
- have a venue that tacks on high cake serving fees
I must admit I'm tempted to stare when someone tells me "they just don't like cake." Because, as everyone knows, wedding cake is no longer just cake. Wedding cake has morphed into something that, in the right hands, borders on a religious experience.
Today's chefs know that a good cake -- one light years away from the "packing material" type of old -- is full of delicious, creamy fat. And not that horrifying vegetable shortening, either. The modern wedding cake is loaded with real butter, moist base material (poppy seed cake, pound cake, carrot cake, banana, chocolate, red velvet and more) and tempting fillings (amaretto, chocolate mousse, tiramisu, raspberry, white chocolate).
The exterior, too, has gotten sleeker and lovelier in response to today's streamlined bridal fashions. All the former hallmarks of questionable taste -- fountains, pillars, mugging couples on a cake topper -- are gone. So how can any bride resist?
Many don't, but a few persevere in wanting something else. Fortunately, weddings these days are about personal choice and individuality -- they don't have to have one. And the alternatives to cake are many.
The secret to a satisfying wedding cake alternative is simple -- presentation. Whatever you're serving, stack it in tiers. Follow this simple tip and you can turn almost anything into food fit for the most special occasion.
Tiered puddings and mousses
Pre-chill wine or champagne glasses, and fill with:
Cream puffs are the staple -- and for good reason. Remember that cream puffs don't have to be round; you can use cookie cutters to fashion them into lots of creative shapes. You can also go beyond them and stack up:
- Gooey cinnamon rolls
- Funnel cakes
- Baklava
- Soufflés served in individual custard cups
- Cream horns, éclairs, St. Joseph's pastries, sfogliatelle, cannoli, napoleons, baba rum
Straight from the Shelf
You won't be the first bride to try this. Stack those tiers high and proud or create an entire freestanding "cake" with:
- Sno Balls, Suzy Qs, HoHos, Ding Dongs, Twinkies
- Krispy Kreme donuts, Moon Pies
Other Options
- Chocolate-dipped fruit
- Chocolate truffles
- A chocolate fountain
- Sugar cookies or brownies with your initials in cellophane wrappers
- Fancy pies: key lime, lemon, chocolate pecan, coconut custard, cranberry apple, macadamia nut, peanut butter and white chocolate cream.
Whatever you choose, try to retain the cake-cutting part of your ceremony. The cutting of the cake is an ancient ritual and a powerful symbol of unity between the couple and their guests. It doesn't matter if you're really digging into a lemon meringue pie -- your guests will still want to ooh and ahh as you cut it together and feed each other.
About the author:
About the Author
Blake Kritzberg is proprietor of "FavorIdeas.com" Stop by for a huge selection of wedding favors , Bridezilla's weekly adventures, and free resources for brides: save-the-date ecards, screensaver, wallpaper and wedding web site templates. http://www.favorideas.com
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What Fashions Are Out
by: Bridget Allen
Just as fashion ebbs and flows, yesterday’s fashion ins are shut out in
the cold! A true fashionista keeps careful track of what items have jumped
to the out list. No one wants to be seen in a trend that expired
yesterday, so if you are used to wearing trendy items, you may want to
keep an eye out to see what’s out! The ever revolving door that is the
fashion industry regularly makes and breaks fads in the blink of an eye.
Look to your fashion magazines, cable channels that specialize in clothing
and style, or great articles on the World Wide Web to determine when it is
time to hang up your out clothing and accessories.
What’s out this season:
1.) Say good-bye to low cut pants today
The parents of the world let out a collective sigh when the ultra low
cut pant waist line was declared dead. The days of a thong peeking out
from the back of your trousers are a thing of the past, so pack away your
crack-baring duds for their next time around! Today’s fashionable pants
still feature a lower cut that seasons past—including the popular
above-the-navel waistline of the 1950s—but are well above the modesty mark
than in the recent past.
2.) Personalized Items are so old school, don’t ya know
Unless that “L” on your sweater stands for Laverne, put it away! The
era of personalized items, from jewelry (remember the “Carrie” necklace?)
to purses to clothing is in the past. Even though you searched an hour at
your local bargain basement store to find that bag with your initial
embroidered in leather, it’s time to say goodbye.
3.) Newsboy Hats Are Yesterday’s News
Extra, extra, read all about it: newsboy hats are out! Put down those
papers, get off the corner, and ditch the hat! Even though cooler weather
has arrived, find another way to keep your head warm than covering up in a
newsboy hat. Consider donning a jaunty fedora cocked to one side—it’s the
latest rage!
If you are concerned about items in your wardrobe or accessory closet
becoming out of date, consider purchasing classic items. Look into
wardrobe staples that are permanently found on the in list, so you will
not have to juggle and reevaluate your closet. Furthermore, you may find a
piece of clothing or accessory that you absolutely love has been retired
to the out list. Instead of giving up a favorite, consider alternative
ways to turn an out into an in!
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