Decorating A Marks & Spencer Wedding Cake: Simple Tips

Wedding cakes can be expensive, but you can save money by decorating a pre-made Marks and Spencer cake yourself. M&S offers a variety of cakes, including a classic plain fondant icing cake that comes in four sizes and three flavours: vanilla sponge, chocolate sponge, or fruit sponge. The cakes are perfect for stacking and decorating. For example, one person created a beautiful floral ombré four-tiered cake using Redshaw Ready to Roll Icing in shades of red and burgundy and a Silicone Rose Mould from Amazon. Another person used a £45 Vanilla Two-Tier Naked Cake from M&S as a base for their friend's dream engagement party cake, decorating it with maraschino cherries and violet food colouring.

Using pre-made Marks and Spencer bakes as a base

Firstly, decide on the flavour of your cake. M&S offers a range of delicious options, including vanilla sponge, chocolate sponge, and fruit sponge. You can also choose from different cake types, such as the classic plain fondant icing cake, which is perfect for stacking and decorating. Their Romantic Pearl Wedding Cake, which serves 150 people, offers an assortment of flavours, including fruit cake, chocolate cake, and sponge cake. This option allows your guests to choose their favourite.

Once you've selected your base cake, it's time to get creative with the decorations. Consider using fondant icing, fresh flowers, ribbons, or even cake toppers to add a personal touch. For example, one happy customer dressed up their M&S cake with a floral bouquet cake topper and scattered rose petals on the lower tiers, creating a simple yet elegant look.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can try creating a floral ombré effect like the one described on the "Love Naheeda" blog. The blogger used pre-made M&S fondant icing cakes in different sizes and flavours, stacking them on top of each other before adding decorations. They used ready-to-roll icing in shades of red and burgundy, a silicone rose mould, and cake dowels to support the structure.

Another option is to go for a "naked cake" style, as described by Georgia Brown in her HELLO! magazine article. She used the M&S Vanilla Two-Tier Naked Cake, which features fluffy Madeira sponge and vanilla buttercream, as a base. By adding her own Swiss meringue buttercream and decorating with maraschino cherries, she created a vintage-style engagement party cake that served 45 guests.

Remember, decorating a pre-made M&S cake gives you the flexibility to customise it according to your wedding theme and colour palette. Whether you keep it simple or go for a more elaborate design, your guests will surely be impressed by your unique and delicious wedding cake.

Stacking cakes and using dowels for support

Choosing the Right Dowels:

• Select food-safe dowels made of wood or plastic that are sturdy enough to bear the weight of the tiers.
• For a three-tier cake, you'll need a central dowel that runs through all tiers and additional dowels for support in each tier.
• The number of dowels depends on the size and weight of the tiers. Generally, use 4-6 dowels for each tier, spaced evenly in a circle near the centre.

Preparing the Cakes:

• Bake and cool your cakes. Level them if necessary to create a flat surface for stacking.
• If your Marks and Spencer cake comes with pre-made holes, skip this step. Otherwise, use a long serrated knife to trim the domed tops of the cakes, making them level.
• Carefully cut each cake horizontally into even layers.

Marking and Cutting the Dowels:

• Measure the height of each cake tier and cut the dowels slightly shorter to ensure they don't poke through the top.
• Place a cake board or pan on the bottom tier, marking its outline with a toothpick. This will guide your dowel placement.
• Insert a dowel through the centre of the cake and mark it at the cake's top surface. Remove and cut the dowel at the marked point.
• Use this dowel as a guide to measure and cut the remaining dowels to the correct length.

Inserting the Dowels:

• Push the central dowel through the centre of the bottom tier, stopping just above the surface.
• Insert the shorter dowels in a circle within the area where the next tier will sit. Ensure they are evenly spaced and not too close to the edge.
• Repeat this process for each additional tier.

Stacking the Cakes:

• Place the second tier on top of the bottom tier, ensuring it is centred and supported by the dowels.
• Add any desired decorations or frosting to the stacked tiers.
• If transporting the cake, use a sturdy cake box and handle it with care.

Additional Tips:

• Always use a cake board between stacked cakes to provide support and stability.
• Chilling the cakes before stacking can make the process easier, especially in hot and humid climates.
• For extra stability, use a small amount of melted chocolate, buttercream, or royal icing between the tiers.
• If your cake has more than three tiers, consider using multiple layers of dowels for added support.

Using fondant icing to decorate

Fondant icing is a popular choice for decorating wedding cakes, and you can use it to create a beautiful and elegant finish. Here are some tips and ideas for using fondant icing to decorate your Marks and Spencer wedding cake:

Choosing the Right Fondant Icing

First, select a high-quality fondant icing that is easy to work with and provides a smooth finish. You can choose from various colours and flavours to match your wedding theme and taste preferences. Roll-out fondant icing is a popular choice, as it can be easily rolled out to cover your cake smoothly.

Preparing the Cake

Before you begin decorating, ensure your cake is on a sturdy cake board and is chilled, as this will make it easier to handle and create a neater finish. If you are stacking multiple tiers, use cake dowels for support, following the instructions provided by Marks and Spencer.

Covering the Cake with Fondant

Roll out your fondant icing to a thickness of about 3-5 mm. Use a rolling pin with guide rings to ensure an even thickness. Carefully lift and drape the fondant over your cake, smoothing it gently with your hands or a fondant smoother. Trim away any excess fondant from the base of the cake using a sharp knife.

Adding Details and Decorations

Fondant icing can be used to create a variety of decorations, such as flowers, ribbons, and intricate patterns. You can use fondant cutters or moulds to create shapes and textures. For a seamless finish, slightly dampen the fondant with water or edible glue before attaching any decorations. Fresh flowers or ribbons can also be used to enhance the design.

Stacking Tiers (If Applicable)

If you have multiple tiers, carefully stack them using the dowel rods provided by Marks and Spencer. Ensure each tier is secure and level before adding the next one. You can use fondant ribbons or borders to hide any imperfections between the tiers.

Final Touches

Once your cake is decorated, it's essential to store it properly before your wedding. Keep it in a cool, dry place, and avoid direct sunlight or heat sources. Bring it to room temperature before serving, and ensure your guests know about any allergens or ingredients that may cause dietary restrictions.

Using buttercream to decorate

Flavours and Colours

Firstly, decide on the flavour and colour of your buttercream. You can opt for a simple vanilla buttercream, as provided by M&S, or experiment with different flavours and colours to match your wedding theme. For example, you could add a drop of violet food colouring to whiten the buttercream and create a delicate, elegant look.

Piping Techniques

Next, consider the piping techniques you want to use. Spend some time practising different piping styles, such as opulent swirls or romantic ruffles, on a spare piece of cardboard before tackling the actual cake. Watching YouTube videos and practising in advance will help you perfect your technique and achieve the desired look.

Tools and Equipment

Invest in a spinning cake stand to help you create seamless, uniform ruffles around the edge of the cake. It will also come in handy when smoothing out the first layer of buttercream. Additionally, ensure you have the right piping nozzles and a variety of decorating tips to create different effects.

Additional Decorations

Buttercream provides a versatile base for adding other decorations. You can incorporate fresh flowers, ribbons, sparkles, or even a cake topper to match your wedding theme. Fresh or dried fruits, such as maraschino cherries, can also be used to add a pop of colour and texture to your cake.

Storage and Transportation

Remember to store your decorated cake in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you need to transport the cake to your wedding venue, carefully package it to ensure it arrives safely. It's a good idea to keep the cake refrigerated until it's time to serve, especially if your wedding is during the warmer months.

Decorating a Marks and Spencer wedding cake with buttercream allows for endless customisation and creativity. With some planning, practice, and attention to detail, you can create a beautiful and delicious wedding cake that impresses your guests and saves you money.

Using flowers to decorate

• Choose your flowers: Select flowers that complement your wedding colour scheme and theme. You can use fresh flowers, such as roses, peonies, or dahlias, or opt for sugar or fondant flowers for a more durable option. If you're using fresh flowers, be sure to choose a variety that is non-toxic and safe for use on food.
• Prepare the flowers: If you're using fresh flowers, remove any leaves that will be below the waterline and cut the stems to the desired length. Place the stems in water tubes or floral foam to keep them hydrated. For sugar or fondant flowers, create a variety of sizes and shapes to add interest and dimension to your cake.
• Assemble the cake: Marks and Spencer offers a variety of plain fondant icing cakes that are perfect for stacking and decorating. Choose from different flavours, including vanilla sponge, chocolate sponge, or fruit sponge, and select the appropriate size for your wedding. Stack the tiers using cake dowels for support.
• Arrange the flowers: Start by placing the largest flowers at the bottom of the cake, spacing them evenly around the tier. Gradually add smaller flowers and filler foliage to create a lush, full look. Secure the flowers to the cake using a small amount of buttercream or royal icing. You can also use floral wire or toothpicks, but be sure to inform your guests to remove them before consuming the cake.
• Finish with foliage: Add some greenery to your floral arrangement to create a natural, romantic look. Use foliage such as eucalyptus, baby's breath, or rosemary sprigs to fill in any gaps and add texture to your design.

By following these steps and using your creativity, you can transform a simple Marks and Spencer wedding cake into a stunning floral masterpiece that reflects your personal style and theme. Be sure to plan ahead, allowing enough time for the cake to be assembled and decorated before your wedding day.

Frequently asked questions