Wedding Cakes for the Informal* Event
Sponge cakes are much lighter than butter cakes and come in a variety of shapes, colours and flavours. They usually suit smaller weddings where the couple has 20 to 50 guests.
Tea cakes are also a good choice for an informal wedding and can be served either at a breakfast wedding or at a cocktail wedding. Examples include point cakes, poppy seed cakes or peel cakes.
Croquembouche is popular at French weddings. Croquembouche is made from tiny choux pastry puffs which are filled with crème and then stacked into towers and glued together using caramelized sugar. At wedding receptions they are disassembled and two puffs are served to each guest.
Petit fours act as a traditional wedding dessert and they are delightful to serve. However, there is no ceremony surrounding them and no real sharing and can be served after the wedding cake as additional dessert.
Cup cakes are a new addition to white weddings in these modern times and are considered a blessing at garden parties and outdoor weddings, especially where there are many children. Cup cakes can be served as an addition to either a butter cake or sponge cake. The good thing about them is that you can ask your baker to vary the flavour and ice them in different colours. This will create a merrier, colourful item on your guest’s tables.
FILLINGS
Fruit fillings are always popular with sponge cakes. When choosing them, consider the other components of your cake. e.g. If you have chosen orange as your pre-dominating flavour, you may consider a contrasting taste such as strawberry jam. For a lemon flavoured cake a lemon curd filling will underscore the flavour. Marzipan is also at home here and can be used in a mild sponge cake.
Other choices range from nut pastes and creams; mousse chocolate fillings, other fruit curds, sliced marinated fruits, jellies, jams and chocolate truffle.
Ganache, which is a blend of chocolate and cream mixed with a small quantity of butter or a touch of syrup added in to make it shiny, is usually superb with sponge cakes and nuts.
*An informal event is attended by 100 or less guests and is often held at home. The brides gown is a simple white dress in white or pastel. The veil is short with no train. A small bouquet or flower trimmed prayer book may be carried.
The Grooms and Ushers wear suit or blazers, dress shirts and four-in-hand / straight ties.
Bridesmaids are normally few in number. The bride may choose to have only one honor attendant (or best maid). She wears a simple suit or dress and carries a small bouquet.
Mothers wear daytime suits or dresses.
Female guests can wear either stylish dresses or suits. Men guests wear suits or blazers and trousers (no business attire).
