By Michelle Anderson
Cake Decorating Expert
The weather is getting colder and the fall leaves are accumulating on
the ground in colourful piles. Winter is around the corner and it is
time to plan those breathtaking wedding cakes inspired by snow, pine
trees, ice and even Christmas. Even places around the world that are
warm and balmy can incorporate winter themes into their wedding plans.
The
first element to consider when designing your winter wedding cake is
the color scheme. Winter is not just shades of white, icy blue, silver
and gold. Other colors are equally wintery and seasonal such as dark
blue, burgundy, green, deep red and earthy browns. Many combinations of
these colors look fantastic together and can be used both as accents and
the base icing.
The flavor of your winter wedding cake can also
be seasonal coordinating with the decorations. Christmas themed cakes
can be chocolate mint, red velvet,
gingerbread, warm pumpkin or traditional fruitcake. Other wonderful
choices can include an eggnog laced sponge, cranberry filled vanilla
pound cake, spice cake with cream cheese icing and even sweet potato
cake with marshmallow icing.
Warm rich tasting cakes with decadent icings are perfect for a winter event.
The
actual decorations on this type of wedding cake are unlimited. Elegant,
rustic, whimsical and traditional design elements can all be used to
great effect on a winter inspired cake. The design simply depends on the
type of event planned, the venue location and of course the personal
preference of the couple.
Some possible design ideas can include:
- Twigs, birds and pine cones are wonderful cake elements when used in moderation. Small bunches of icing sugar dusted chocolate pinecones with a little evergreen can be absolutely spectacular. Twigs can be pressed into the sides of a cake also to create a rustic look.
- Snowflakes are a traditional winter cake decoration. This design element can be used as accents similar to flowers or a pretty lacy snowflake design can be pressed into the fondant that covers the tiers. A little edible clear glitter, crystal sugar or silver dragees can be combined with royal icing or gumpaste snowflakes for a true winter wonderland look.
- Winter themed flowers
and greenery can be gorgeous on wedding cakes either created in gum
paste and icing or used fresh if non-toxic. These accents can cascade
down the side of a shimmering white cake, be grouped in bunches on tiers
or simply grace the top of the cake mimicking the brides bouquet. Some
lovely choices of greenery and flowers are:
- Pine boughs
- Evergreen
- Holly
- Paper whites
- Roses in many shades
- Amaryllis blossoms
- Hypericum berries
- Arborvitae
- Snowdrops
- White carnations
- Casablanca lilies
- Rosemary
- Poinsettias
- Freesia
- A Christmas themed wedding can be truly magical and a great deal of fun. Christmas wedding cakes can be confections of vivid red, deep green and snowy white. Draped plaid patterned fondant, red roses in full bloom and meringue buttercream icicles can be pretty cake design ideas that pick up the theme of the season. More casual weddings can also have a cake that looks like a stack of gaily wrapped presents! Tiny marzipan ornaments, candy canes, Christmas trees and even fondant snowmen with orange carrot noses can take their place on a whimsical wedding cake.
Winter
is not traditionally the most popular point of the year to get married
but it is a practical and beautiful time to have your event. Usually it
is not the busiest season so you can often stage your event in a venue
for less expense than in June. Creating a glittering winter wonderland
can also give your guests a memorable experience and allow you to truly
unleash your creative side. So design a winter wedding cake that will be
talked about for years to come!
source: about.com
