Creating Doves For Wedding Cakes: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding doves are a popular tradition symbolising love, purity, and fidelity. Couples often incorporate doves into their wedding ceremonies and decor to add an element of enchantment and elegance to their special day. If you're looking to include doves in your wedding cake design, there are a few ways to go about it. You can opt for a dove cake topper, which can be modern, traditional, or religious in style. Alternatively, you can get creative and add sugar doves as decorations on your cake. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try making dove-shaped cake toppers or decorations yourself using baking tips and recipes!

Using shop-bought doves as a cake topper

Choosing Your Doves:

• Material: Doves come in various materials such as porcelain, foam, feather, or acrylic. Choose a material that aligns with your wedding theme and colour scheme.
• Size: Consider the size of the doves in proportion to your wedding cake. Smaller, miniature doves can be used in multiples, while larger, more statement doves may work better as a pair or on a larger cake.
• Style: Shop-bought doves can be found in various styles, from modern and stylised looks to traditional designs. You can also find doves with religious themes, such as those featuring a Bible.
• Details: Look for unique details, such as doves with clips, magnets, or wire feet, which can help secure them to the cake or allow for easy placement.

Purchasing Options:

• Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon offer a wide range of wedding dove cake toppers, from simple feathered doves to more intricate designs. Etsy is another great option for finding unique, handmade, or personalised dove cake toppers.
• Local Craft Stores: Visit local craft stores or wedding supply shops to discover a variety of dove cake toppers. This option may be ideal if you want to see the doves in person before purchasing.

Displaying Your Doves:

• Placement: Position the doves on top of your wedding cake, ensuring they are secure and won't slide or fall off. You can place them facing each other, representing the couple, or have them facing outward in a more dynamic pose.
• Surroundings: Enhance the display by adding other decorative elements, such as flowers, roses, or starfish for a beach-themed wedding. You can also incorporate other symbolic items, like a Bible or a pair of rings.
• Lighting: If your wedding has a lighting scheme, consider adding small lights to illuminate the doves and make them stand out. Fairy lights or small LED lights can create a magical effect.

Making your own doves out of sugar

Materials and Preparation:

Firstly, gather your materials. You will need a sugar paste called pastillage, which can be made from gelatine, water, and other ingredients. Pastillage is thick and mouldable, and it dries harder and quicker than similar products like gum paste. You will also need a rolling pin, an oil cooking spray, plastic wrap, and a Styrofoam block. Ensure your tools are in good condition, with no scratches or dents, and opt for a light-coloured cooking spray to prevent discolouration of the pastillage.

Shaping the Doves:

Using your pastillage, begin shaping the doves. You can find downloadable templates and guides online to help you get the shape and proportions right. Remember that the wings will need to dry for at least 5-6 hours before you attach them to the body. Use a small tip to create the eyes, and glue the wings to the body.

Attaching the Doves to the Cake:

Once your doves are assembled and completely dry, you can attach them to your cake. You can use a cake pop stick to secure the doves to the cake, but be careful not to insert it until the body is dry, or it may crack. If you are vegetarian, you can ask about alternative methods for attaching the wings and body without using egg whites.

Tips:

It is recommended to practice with fondant first, as it is easier to work with, and you can perfect your technique before moving on to pastillage. Remember to poke the wings and stick right after shaping them. This will help prevent cracks when attaching them to the body.

By following these steps and tips, you can create beautiful sugar doves to decorate a wedding cake, adding a unique and elegant touch to the special day.

Using doves as a decorative element in the cake's design

Doves are a popular decorative element in wedding cakes, often used to symbolise love, purity, and fidelity. When incorporating doves into your cake design, you have several options to choose from.

One option is to use dove cake toppers, which can be purchased or custom-made. These toppers can be made from various materials, such as acrylic, wood, porcelain, or even sugar. You can find simple, modern designs or more intricate, traditional styles, often featuring a pair of doves to symbolise the couple's union. Some toppers may also include additional elements like roses, olive branches, or a bible for a religious theme.

Another way to incorporate doves into your cake design is by using dove-shaped confetti or sprinkles. These can be purchased or handmade, adding a whimsical touch to your cake's decoration. You can also consider ordering sugar doves as cake toppers or decorations, providing an edible and delicious element to your design.

If you're feeling creative, you can even attempt to make your own dove-shaped cake. This can be done by baking a simple sponge cake in a dove-shaped mould or by carefully carving a standard cake into the desired shape. This option allows you to customise the size, colour, and flavour of your doves, ensuring they perfectly match the rest of your cake design.

Additionally, you can incorporate dove motifs into your cake's design by using dove-shaped cutters or stencils. These can be used to create intricate fondant or icing designs, adding a subtle yet meaningful detail to your cake. You can also use dove-themed cake wrappers or cake stands, tying the theme together and enhancing the symbolism of love and unity.

Whether you choose to use cake toppers, confetti, or creative baking techniques, incorporating doves into your wedding cake design is a beautiful way to symbolise your love and commitment.

Baking a cake for the first time

Planning and Preparation:

Before you start, it's important to read through the entire recipe to understand the steps involved. Make sure you have all the necessary tools and ingredients, including light-colored metal pans, which are recommended for even baking. Preheat your oven beforehand, as leavening agents like baking powder are triggered as soon as they come into contact with liquids, and you want to bake the cake as soon as possible after mixing.

Mixing the Batter:

When mixing your batter, it's crucial to use ingredients at room temperature for the best emulsification. Add liquid ingredients gradually, especially when combining with dry ingredients, to avoid curdling. Mix until all the ingredients are incorporated, but be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your cake.

Baking and Cooling:

Position the rack in the center of the oven for even heat distribution. Avoid opening the oven door during baking to maintain consistent heat. When the cake is done, remove it from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Let it cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before removing it. Then, loosen the edges with a knife, invert the cake, and place it back on the rack to cool completely.

Decorating:

Once your cake has cooled, it's time to decorate! You can ice it with frosting or add other decorative elements. If you're making a wedding cake, you can incorporate dove motifs to symbolize love and unity. You can also use dove-shaped confetti or bird-shaped favors for your guests.

Baking Tips:

Baking is a science, and small details can make a big difference. Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:

• Use plain, oil-based cooking spray instead of flour-based spray to prep your pans.
• All-purpose flour is a versatile option for cakes, but be careful not to overmix when using it.
• Avoid using chilled milk products, butter, or eggs. Allow them to come to room temperature before mixing.
• Be precise with your measurements and follow the recipe instructions closely.
• Don't forget to make a grocery list to ensure you have all the necessary ingredients!

Incorporating doves into your wedding ceremony

Doves have long been associated with love, purity, and fidelity, making them a popular choice for wedding ceremonies. Here are some ideas on how to incorporate doves into your special day:

Releasing doves as a romantic gesture

The most popular way to include doves in your wedding ceremony is by releasing them at a specific moment, such as after exchanging vows or during the recessional. This act symbolises the couple's commitment to each other and their journey together. It is also a deeply emotional and romantic gesture, representing the sharing of love, trust, and a lifelong commitment.

Doves as decorative elements

If you'd prefer not to release doves, you can still incorporate them into your wedding decor. Consider including dove motifs on your invitations, wedding programs, or even in the design of your wedding cake. For example, a pair of peaceful doves atop your wedding cake can be a beautiful representation of your union. You can also find cake toppers featuring doves with a religious theme, such as a bible.

Alternative ways to include doves

If you're looking for alternative options, you can have a dove release during your wedding photoshoot, capturing a special moment on camera. Another idea is to have dove-shaped confetti or bird-shaped favours for your guests, providing a tangible representation of the symbolism of doves. You could also opt for sugar doves on your wedding cake or dove-shaped table placards.

Finding a professional dove release service

When incorporating live doves into your ceremony, it's essential to prioritise their care and well-being. Choose a reputable and experienced dove release service that prioritises the birds' well-being. Research local providers with positive reviews and a good track record of professionalism. Inquire about their safety practices, ethical guidelines, and the care and training of the doves.

By incorporating doves into your wedding ceremony, you add an element of enchantment and elegance, creating lasting memories for both you and your guests.

Frequently asked questions