Crafting A Wedding Shower Cake: A Step-By-Step Guide

Bridal showers are a pre-wedding event where friends and family come together to celebrate the bride-to-be. The occasion often includes a variety of food and drinks, and sometimes a show-stopping bridal shower cake. The cake design can be inspired by the wedding theme, location, or the bride's gown. It can also be an opportunity to incorporate the bride's favourite colour, flower, or a destination that is special to her. When it comes to the type of cake, there are endless possibilities, from simple to elegant, rustic, funny, or unique designs.

Choosing a cake design inspired by the wedding dress

When it comes to choosing a wedding shower cake, you can draw inspiration from the wedding dress. If the bride has already chosen her gown, you can use the design details, such as lace patterns, beading, or bows, to inspire the cake. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Mimic the movement and textures of the dress: If the wedding dress has ruffles or other interesting textures, you can reflect that in the cake design. For example, create a cake with ruffled or textured buttercream icing to mimic the movement of the dress.
• Incorporate colours and florals: Take inspiration from the colours and floral details of the wedding dress. If the dress has floral embroidery or appliqués, you can use sugar flowers or fresh flowers in similar shades to decorate the cake.
• Elegant and refined details: If the wedding dress has elegant and refined details, such as intricate beading or lace patterns, you can reflect that in the cake design. Consider using delicate sugar work, fondant, or icing to create similar patterns on the cake.
• Personalised touches: Think about including personalised touches that reflect the bride's style or personality. For example, if the wedding dress has a unique belt or sash, you could incorporate that into the cake design by using a similar colour ribbon or icing detail.
• Multi-tiered cake: If you're creating a multi-tiered cake, each tier can represent a different element of the wedding dress. For instance, you could have one tier with lace-inspired icing, another with a colour or floral pattern inspired by the dress, and perhaps a plain tier to add some simplicity and elegance.
• Cake topper: Consider a cake topper that complements the overall design. A simple, elegant cake topper, such as a monogram or a wreath, can add a special touch without taking away from the dress-inspired design.

Remember, the key is to draw inspiration from the wedding dress while also considering the overall theme and style of the wedding. By incorporating these elements into your cake design, you'll create a truly memorable and personalised wedding shower cake.

Using fresh flowers as decoration

Fresh flowers can be a beautiful and elegant way to decorate a wedding shower cake. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you use fresh flowers as decoration:

Choosing the Right Flowers

It is important to select flowers that are safe and non-toxic. While some flowers are edible, others may be poisonous and cause severe indigestion or food poisoning if consumed. It is recommended to use flowers such as pansies, lavender, roses, carnations, peonies, and sunflowers, which are safe and non-toxic. Avoid flowers like daffodils, lilies of the valley, and hyacinths, which are toxic and should not be used on wedding cakes. If you are unsure about the safety of a particular flower, it is best to consult a reputable source or a florist.

Preparing the Flowers

Before using fresh flowers on a cake, it is crucial to wash and dry them thoroughly to remove any dirt or bugs. Cut the stems at an angle, leaving about 2-3 inches, and then wrap the stems with floral tape to create a barrier between the stem and the cake. This will prevent any bitter-tasting fluids from leaking into the cake. You can also use toothpicks or straws to secure the flowers without directly inserting them into the cake.

Arranging the Flowers on the Cake

When decorating the cake with fresh flowers, it is essential to ensure that the flowers do not directly touch the cake. You can use a frosting-covered board or a fondant ball to place the flowers on top of the cake without inserting the stems. If you need to insert the stems, use straws or flower picks to avoid ruining the appearance and structure of the cake. You can also fill the straws with water to keep the flowers fresh. It is best to add fresh flowers to the cake on the same day as the event, as they will only remain fresh for a few hours outside the refrigerator.

Creating a naked cake

Naked cakes are a chic and simple alternative to traditional wedding cakes, with zero to minimal frosting on the outside, exposing the cake layers and filling. This style of cake is perfect for those who want to showcase the cake's interior design and ingredients.

There are two types of naked cakes: true naked cakes, which have bare sides, and semi-naked or "half-dressed" cakes, which have a minimal amount of frosting swiped around them. The latter is also known as a crumb-coated cake.

• Plan the style of cake you want, whether naked or semi-naked, and any decorations or garnishes. This will help determine how much frosting you need.
• Prepare your cake pans by greasing them well so that the cakes are easily released. Use a kitchen scale to ensure each pan has an equal amount of batter, resulting in even layers.
• Level off the top of each cake layer to ensure both sides are flat, adding stability to the finished cake.
• Keep the recipe simple and straightforward. A true naked cake may benefit from a soak in simple syrup to prevent it from drying out, but this is not necessary if your cake is already moist.
• Always chill your naked cake in the refrigerator for a few hours before slicing and serving. This helps stabilize the cake and ensures neater slices.
• Fresh flowers that have not been sprayed with pesticides. Avoid strong-smelling flowers as the scent may linger. Edible flowers are a great option.
• Fresh berries or any other fruit.
• Smaller treats like candies, cookies, meringues, and chocolates.

Get creative and have fun with your naked cake design!

Selecting a cake flavour

• Consider the bride's preferences: Think about the bride's favourite flavours or colours and try to incorporate them into the cake. For example, if she loves fruity flavours, a naked cake with fresh berries or a cake with a citrus twist could be a perfect choice.
• Match the shower theme: Take inspiration from the wedding shower theme. For example, if it's a rustic-themed shower, a carrot cake with greenery or a cake with birch bark around each tier would fit the bill. For a summer shower, a white cake with blood orange slices and greenery would be refreshing.
• Offer variety: Instead of a single cake, consider offering multiple cakes or cupcakes with different flavours. This way, you can cater to various taste preferences and dietary restrictions. Some flavour options could include almond cake with raspberry jam and chocolate ganache, lemon funfetti, or even a unique take like a chocolate chip cookie dough cake.
• Think about the season: Let the season inspire your flavour choices. For example, a light bridal shower cake with in-season berries for a summertime celebration or a rich salted caramel cake for a winter shower.
• Be creative: If you want to go beyond traditional flavours, get inventive! A unique combination like a chocolate cake with light pink frosting and buttercream roses or a cake with a rainbow sprinkle exterior and a lemon funfetti interior is sure to surprise and delight your guests.

Remember, the flavour of the cake is just as important as its appearance, so choose a flavour (or flavours!) that will leave a lasting impression and delight the guests and the bride-to-be.

Adding a personalised cake topper

Choose a topper that reflects the bride's new name or status:

This could be a simple “Miss to Mrs” topper, or something more detailed like a custom topper celebrating her future last name. You could also opt for a fun “Almost Mrs” or "Future Mrs" topper if you want something a little different.

Honour the bride-to-be:

A "Bride-to-be" topper in a golden script is a beautiful and elegant touch. Or, for something more playful, choose a topper with the words "Here Comes the Bride".

Include the couple's names and wedding date:

A personalised cake topper with the couple's first names and wedding date is a lovely memento that they can even keep after the event.

Add a special touch with a pet:

If the bride has a beloved pet, you can add a tiny version of their furry friend to the cake for a truly unique and personalised touch.

Opt for a rustic theme:

A rustic-themed cake topper made from wood or acrylic in a heart shape with the couple's names or "Mr and Mrs" is a lovely choice for a more relaxed or outdoor wedding shower.

When choosing a personalised cake topper, consider the overall theme and colour palette of the event, as well as the bride's personality and style, to create a truly special touch to your wedding shower cake.

Frequently asked questions