Indian Weddings: Cake Or No Cake?

Indian weddings are known for their diverse and rich culinary traditions, with an array of traditional sweets and desserts taking centre stage. While the wedding cake business in India is relatively new, it is fast becoming a staple at Indian weddings, with couples infusing their cakes with Indian flavours and designs to connect with their cultural heritage. These cakes often blend traditional elements with modern aesthetics, featuring intricate details, vibrant colours, and opulent designs that reflect the rich cultural diversity of India.

Cake vs traditional Indian sweets

Cakes are becoming increasingly popular at Indian weddings, with couples opting for a statement cake as the centrepiece of their wedding reception. However, traditional Indian sweets are still a much-loved part of the wedding celebrations, and couples may choose to serve both. So, what are the pros and cons of serving cake or traditional sweets at an Indian wedding?

Cake

The wedding cake is a long-standing tradition in Western society, and it is now becoming more common at Indian weddings too. Cakes can be designed to reflect the couple's personality and wedding style, with intricate details, vibrant colours, and traditional motifs. They can also be a good luck omen and a sign of commitment for the couple.

Indian wedding cakes often blend traditional elements with modern aesthetics, creating a stunning and delicious centrepiece. Popular flavours include cardamom, saffron, pistachio, and rose, reflecting the rich cultural diversity of India. Couples may also choose to infuse their cake with Indian flavours, such as mango, gulab jamun, or paan, to add a unique touch that connects with their cultural heritage.

Cakes also provide a good photo opportunity and can be customised to match the wedding's colour scheme and theme. They can be designed with multiple tiers to accommodate large wedding gatherings and can be served as a dessert option for guests.

However, one consideration when choosing a cake is the climate. Fondant icing, for example, can be more suitable for outdoor venues as it is less likely to melt in hot weather compared to buttercream. Additionally, the cost of a wedding cake can be a factor, as intricate designs and handmade flowers can be labour-intensive and expensive.

Traditional Indian Sweets

Traditional Indian sweets hold significant cultural importance and are a beloved part of Indian weddings. From Motichoor Laddoos to Gulab Jamun, these desserts are sure to be a hit with guests, especially the elders.

One advantage of choosing traditional sweets over a wedding cake is the variety of options available. Indian weddings typically offer a wide assortment of desserts, ensuring that there is something to suit everyone's tastes.

Additionally, traditional sweets may be more cost-effective than a grand wedding cake. By opting for simpler options and ordering in advance, couples can save money on their wedding budget.

However, one consideration when serving traditional sweets is the potential for leftovers. While guests may enjoy the variety, there may be an abundance of sweets remaining at the end of the celebration.

Both cakes and traditional Indian sweets have their advantages and can be a delightful part of an Indian wedding. Couples may choose to serve one or both, depending on their preferences, budget, and the overall theme of their celebration. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal taste and the desire to incorporate Western influences or stick to traditional offerings.

Choosing a cake bakery

Choosing a bakery for your wedding cake is an important decision. Here are some tips to help you select the right one:

Start with Recommendations:

Venues and hotels usually have relationships with specific bakeries or can provide recommendations. Choosing one of these bakeries can be advantageous as they already know the venue and logistics, making the process easier for everyone involved. Ask your venue or hotel for their preferred vendors or suggestions.

Research and Compare:

Create a list of potential bakeries based on recommendations and your own research. Compare their websites, social media, and online reviews to get a sense of their style, expertise, and customer satisfaction. Look for bakeries that have experience creating wedding cakes, as they will be more familiar with the unique requirements of such an important cake.

Consider Your Cake Design and Flavour:

Before finalising a bakery, think about the type of cake design and flavour you want. Do you want a traditional Indian wedding cake adorned with motifs, vibrant colours, and intricate details? Or are you leaning towards a more modern or minimalist style? Do you prefer a specific cake flavour, such as mango, cardamom, saffron, or a combination of flavours? Finding a bakery that specialises in or has experience with the style and flavour you want can ensure a better outcome.

Schedule Cake Tastings:

Tasting the cake is an essential step! Schedule tastings with your shortlisted bakeries to sample their creations. This will allow you to evaluate the flavour, texture, and quality of their cakes. It is also an opportunity to discuss your specific requirements and get a sense of their customer service.

Ask About Logistics and Delivery:

Confirm that the bakery can deliver the cake to your wedding venue and coordinate with the venue staff. Inquire about their delivery process, timing, and any additional fees. Ensure they have the necessary equipment and resources to safely transport and set up your cake, especially if it is a large or intricate design.

Discuss Customisation and Budget:

Be clear about your budget and specific requirements, such as custom designs, multiple flavours, or dietary restrictions. Ask the bakeries for quotes and break downs of costs, including any additional fees for delivery, setup, or custom decorations. Compare the quotes to find the best value for your money while ensuring that quality is not compromised.

Finalise the Details:

Once you've selected a bakery, finalise all the details, including the cake design, flavour, size, delivery time, and payment terms. Be sure to get a written contract or agreement that outlines all your specifications to avoid any last-minute surprises.

Remember, choosing a wedding cake bakery is a fun part of the planning process, so enjoy the tastings, be creative with your design choices, and don't be afraid to ask lots of questions to ensure you get the cake of your dreams!

Cake design inspiration

Indian wedding cakes are known for their opulence, intricate details, and vibrant colours, reflecting the rich cultural diversity of India. Here are some design inspirations for an Indian wedding cake:

Traditional Indian Motifs

Cakes adorned with traditional Indian motifs like paisley, mehndi designs, peacocks, elephants, lotus flowers, and intricate Rangoli patterns. Vibrant colours like red, gold, royal blue, and deep purple are often used to match the traditional attire and decor of Indian weddings.

Henna-inspired Cakes

Designs that imitate the patterns and motifs of henna (mehndi) tattoos, an integral part of Indian wedding traditions. These cakes may also be inspired by famous Indian architectural marvels like the Taj Mahal or intricate palace designs.

Traditional Indian Patterns

Incorporate traditional Indian textile patterns like bandhani, ikat, or block prints onto the cake's surface. This can include Indian embroidery patterns found in Kanjeevaram sarees or Punjabi phulkari work.

Indian Miniature Art

Designs inspired by Indian miniature paintings, known for their detailed artwork and intricate brushwork.

Indian Wedding Themes

Themed cakes that represent specific regional Indian weddings, such as a Rajasthani-themed cake, a Punjabi-themed cake, or a South Indian-themed cake.

Ganesha Cake Toppers

A cake topper featuring Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity considered the remover of obstacles, is a common and auspicious addition to Indian wedding cakes.

Blending Indian and Western Elements

Combine traditional Indian motifs with modern cake design techniques. Indian wedding cakes often have multiple tiers and are grand in size to accommodate large wedding gatherings.

Flavours and Colours

Indian wedding cakes often feature flavours like cardamom, saffron, pistachio, and rose. The use of edible gold or silver foil (varak) is also common. For the cake's exterior, consider colours that match the traditional attire and decor of Indian weddings, such as red, gold, royal blue, and deep purple.

Flavours and combinations

Indian wedding cakes are known for their opulent designs, intricate details, and vibrant colours, reflecting the rich cultural diversity of India. These cakes often blend traditional elements with modern aesthetics to create stunning centrepieces for wedding celebrations.

Indian wedding cakes are often grand in size and have multiple tiers to accommodate large wedding gatherings. They are not only visually impressive but also delicious, featuring unique flavours that represent the rich and diverse culinary traditions of India.

• Mango: Mango is a beloved fruit in India, and a mango-flavoured cake represents the tropical and seasonal flavours of the country. This flavour is especially delightful for summer weddings.
• Cardamom and Saffron: These aromatic spices are commonly used in Indian desserts and lend a unique, exotic taste to wedding cakes.
• Coconut and Lime: A refreshing combination that blends the tropical essence of coconut with a tangy hint of lime.
• Almond and Rosewater: This delicate pairing brings out the subtle floral notes of rosewater and the nutty taste of almonds.
• Paan: An adventurous option that incorporates the flavours of the popular Indian after-meal treat, including betel leaves and various sweet and savoury fillings.
• Masala Chai: Inspired by the beloved Indian masala chai, this cake features a blend of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves.
• Saffron and Pistachio: A luxurious combination often associated with special occasions. It evokes opulence and is a popular choice for Indian weddings.
• Gulab Jamun: Inspired by the classic Indian sweet, this flavour offers the sweetness of the dessert in cake form.
• Rasmalai: A delectable cake inspired by the traditional Indian dessert, rasmalai, featuring spongy cottage cheese dumplings soaked in saffron-infused milk.

When selecting the flavours for an Indian wedding cake, it is essential to consider the cultural heritage, the couple's favourite desserts, and the preferences of their guests. Offering multiple cake flavours or a dessert spread that includes both traditional Indian sweets and a wedding cake can be a great way to cater to diverse tastes.

Additionally, Indian wedding cakes can also incorporate Western influences by including flavours such as citrus, chocolate, strawberry, and coconut. Vegan options with eggless cakes and swiss meringue buttercream icing are also becoming popular.

The best flavour for an Indian wedding cake is ultimately one that makes the couple and their guests happy and complements the overall theme and vibe of the wedding celebration.

Cake tasting and ordering

When it comes to choosing a bakery, it is often easier to opt for a bakery that your venue or hotel already has a relationship with or recommends. This is because the bakery will be familiar with the venue and logistics will be easier to manage.

Before deciding on a cake design, it is a good idea to browse online for inspiration. Pinterest, for example, has a plethora of amazing Indian wedding cake designs. You can also consult a baker to discuss your preferences and budget. It is important to consider practical factors alongside the design of the cake. If you are having other desserts, for instance, you may want to offer a variety of flavours for your guests.

Tasting the cake is an enjoyable part of the process and can be done at the beginning of your wedding planning as a fun way to celebrate your engagement. It is also important to remember to save some cake for after the wedding—the top tier is usually kept by the couple to enjoy on their first anniversary.

When deciding on the size of your cake, it is worth considering that Indian weddings typically offer a variety of desserts and sweets, so a large multi-tiered cake may not be necessary. A good rule of thumb is to get a 5-7 kg cake for a 200-person wedding.

In terms of flavours, Indian weddings often incorporate traditional flavours such as paan, mango lassi, or chai. However, it is essential to choose flavours that you and your partner enjoy. If you are having a summer wedding, avoid buttercream as it may melt. Fondant, on the other hand, works well for both indoor and outdoor venues and can be transported easily.

Indian wedding cakes often feature intricate details and vibrant colours that reflect the rich cultural diversity of India. They may include traditional motifs such as paisley, mehndi designs, peacocks, elephants, and lotus flowers. Edible gold or silver foil, known as "varak", is also a common embellishment.

Overall, cake tasting and ordering can be a fun and creative process. By considering practical factors, design preferences, and flavour options, you can create a stunning and delicious cake that reflects your personality and wedding style.

Frequently asked questions