Gilded Wedding Cake Guide: Gold & Silver Confectionery Masterclass

Gold and silver wedding cakes are a growing trend, with couples opting for glamorous and luxurious designs. There are endless ways to incorporate gold and silver into a wedding cake, from gold-painted tiers to gold foil monograms and silver leaf decorations. These cakes can be paired with fresh flowers, bold patterns, or elegant details to create a stunning showpiece for the wedding reception. With the right tips and tricks, anyone can create a gorgeous gold or silver wedding cake that will impress guests and make a stylish statement.

Gold leaf wedding cakes

Go for a gold and white theme: This classic colour combination is a perfect way to add elegance and sophistication to your wedding cake. Consider using gold leaf to add ornate, detailed gold accents to a white cake, or go for a more subtle approach with gold leaf petals and flowers adorning your cake. Fresh flowers in soft hues can also be a beautiful addition to a gold and white cake.

Add a touch of glamour to a naked cake: If you're a fan of the popular naked cake trend but want to add a hint of sparkle, gold leaf is a perfect choice. Delicate sprinkles of gold leaf or a single gold leaf tier can elevate a simple cake and give it a touch of glamour. For a bolder look, try combining gold leaf with drip icing.

Opt for a coloured cake with gold accents: Gold leaf can also be paired with coloured icing for a unique and modern look. A rich navy or elegant grey cake with gold leaf details is sure to make a statement. For a more playful take, try a turquoise and gold design, or go for a bold black and gold Art Deco-inspired cake.

Incorporate gold leaf into your wedding theme: If you're using gold throughout your wedding décor, a gold leaf cake is a perfect way to tie your theme together. From gold-painted monograms to gold-dusted berries, there are endless ways to incorporate gold into your cake design. You can even use gold leaf to create a vintage Lambeth cake, harkening back to the weddings of the '50s and '60s.

Get creative with your cake stand: A gold leaf cake deserves a beautiful stand to match. Pair your cake with a gold cake stand, or go for a gold and marble combination for a stylish contrast. For a more unique take, try a geometric gold stand or gold circular stand adorned with florals.

Gold drip cakes

Firstly, you'll need to prepare your cake by crumb coating and chilling it. This will ensure the icing adheres smoothly and evenly. Next, decide on the drip consistency you want to use. You can opt for royal icing or melted white chocolate, adjusting the thickness with liquid or colouring. It should be thick enough to hold its shape but thin enough to flow smoothly. Practice is key to getting this just right.

When you're happy with your consistency, it's time to create the drip effect. Starting from the top edge, gently pour the icing or chocolate, allowing it to drip gracefully down the sides. Take your time with this step, ensuring the drips are evenly spaced and of equal length. You can also experiment with different drip lengths for a subtle or dramatic effect.

If you want to add a touch of gold, there are a few methods to choose from. You can mix gold lustre dust with lemon extract, but be aware that this may not dry properly. Alternatively, you could use an edible metallic paint, which will give better coverage and dry well. You may need to apply two coats for the best finish.

There are also other ways to incorporate gold into your cake design. Gold foil or leaf can be used to adorn your cake, and you can even find gold-painted flowers or leaves to add a unique touch.

So, with a bit of creativity and experimentation, you can definitely achieve a gorgeous gold drip cake that will wow your guests.

Gold and silver painted cakes

Gold Leaf Wedding Cake

Gold leaf is a popular way to add a luxurious and elegant touch to your wedding cake. You can choose to cover the entire cake or just add gold leaf details. It is a simple yet effective method that can transform your cake into a stunning centerpiece. Gold leaf is an expensive option, but it is pretty fast to apply and can be done in about 20 minutes for an 8-inch cake. It is important to note that gold leaf should not be refrigerated or frozen as condensation can ruin the effect.

Hand-Painted Gold Details

For a more unique and artistic approach, consider hand-painting gold details onto your wedding cake. This method allows for more intricate designs, such as floral patterns or geometric shapes. You can also combine hand-painted gold with other colours like pink, red, or greenery for a stunning modern look.

Gold and Silver Accents

If you want a more subtle approach to incorporating gold and silver, consider adding small accents to your cake. This could include gold or silver monograms, sequins, or flakes of gold or silver foil. Even a simple touch of gold or silver can elevate a white cake and make it stand out.

Metallic Finish

For a glamorous and luxurious finish, go for a full metallic gold or silver cake. This can be achieved using gold or silver paint or edible spray paint. You can also use gold or silver leaf to create a solid metallic finish. This style is perfect for couples who want to make a bold statement with their wedding cake.

Colour Combinations

Gold and silver can be combined with various colours to create a stunning wedding cake. For a winter wedding, pair gold or silver with rich colours like navy, burgundy, or turquoise. For a summer wedding, opt for pastel colours or metallic stripes with chic floral decorations. You can also match gold or silver with botanical greenery for a simple and elegant look.

Gold-accented cakes

Gold-accented wedding cakes are a great way to add a touch of glamour and luxury to your big day. Here are some ideas and instructions for creating stunning gold-accented cakes:

Gold Leaf Cake

Gold leaf is a popular way to add gold accents to a wedding cake. It can be applied to fondant-covered cakes, marzipan, or even directly to buttercream. The process is fairly straightforward, but it can be time-consuming and expensive. It is important to note that gold leaf should not be refrigerated or frozen as condensation can ruin the effect. When stacking a gold leaf-covered cake, use gloves and a spatula to minimise direct handling of the cake.

Hand-Painted Gold Details

For a more intricate design, consider hand-painting gold details onto your cake. This could include gold florals, geometric patterns, or even a vintage Lambeth-style cake with elegant gold foil accents. You can also pair gold with other colours such as pink, navy, or turquoise for a unique and elegant look.

Gold Drip Cake

For a modern and trendy gold cake, consider a drip design. Combine gold drip icing with white or pink icing for a bold and stylish look. This design can also be paired with warm florals to soften the overall appearance of the cake.

Gold Monogram

A subtle way to incorporate gold into your wedding cake is by adding a gold monogram. This simple detail can elevate a white cake and make it truly unique. Consider pairing it with embossing or other delicate gold details for an extra touch of glamour.

Gold and Silver Cake

Why choose between gold and silver when you can have both? A gold and silver pearl cake is a unique and playful way to incorporate multiple metallics into your wedding cake. The combination of silver, gold, and pearlescent ivory is sure to catch your guests' attention.

Gold-leafed cakes

Gold-leafed wedding cakes are a beautiful way to add glamour and luxury to your wedding reception. This technique can be used to create a stunning, elegant cake that will be a memorable centerpiece for your special day.

Gold leaf is an excellent way to incorporate a gilded accent onto your wedding cake. It can be applied to a cake with fondant, buttercream, or marzipan icing, and it is a pretty fast process, although it can be expensive. It is important to note that cakes with gold leaf should not be refrigerated or frozen, as condensation can ruin the gold leaf and icing.

When stacking a gold-leafed cake, it is recommended to cover each cake tier separately and then stack them carefully. You can use gloves and a spatula to minimise touching the cake and keep it balanced. If you are using gold leaf on only one tier of a multi-tiered cake, it is best to stack the cake before applying the gold leaf to the desired tier(s).

Gold leaf can be applied to a cake well in advance of the wedding. One source mentions that a gold-leafed dummy cake can last over a year without issue, while another states that gold leaf can be applied to a fondant-covered cake six days in advance without any problems.

Frequently asked questions