Personalizing Your Wedding Cake: Adding Names Like A Pro

Writing names on a wedding cake is a great way to personalise your special day. While some couples opt for cake toppers or flowers, others choose to inscribe their names or initials onto their cake. There are several ways to do this, including using an edible pen, cutting out letters from fondant or gumpaste, or impressing letters into fondant and then going over them with royal icing or edible paint. You can also use an edible sheet cake decoration, which can be customised with names, initials, or a special message.

Writing with an edible pen or paintbrush

Writing on a wedding cake can be a daunting task, but with some practice and the right tools, you can achieve beautiful results. Here are some tips and instructions for using edible pens or paintbrushes to write names on a wedding cake:

Choosing the Right Tools:

• Edible pens: Edible pens are a great option for writing on wedding cakes. They are similar to regular markers but use food-grade ink, ensuring that your cake is both beautiful and safe to eat. You can find edible pens in various colours, including black, which is perfect for writing on an off-white wedding cake.
• Paintbrushes and edible paint: If you prefer a paintbrush, you can create your own edible paint by mixing food colouring with a small amount of water or alcohol. This allows you to control the consistency and create thin or thick lines as needed.

Practising Your Writing:

• Practice on a plate or parchment paper: Before writing directly on the cake, practice writing the names on a plate or parchment paper. This will help you get a feel for the tools and improve your handwriting.
• Use a guide for straight lines: If you need to write in a straight line, place a piece of parchment paper or wax paper under your writing to act as a guide. You can also use a laser level to shine a straight line across the cake, ensuring perfectly level writing.

Writing on the Cake:

• Writing on fondant: If your wedding cake is covered in fondant, you can write directly on it with an edible pen or paintbrush. Ensure the fondant has dried completely before writing.
• Writing on buttercream: For buttercream-iced cakes, it is best to write the names before the icing sets. If the icing has already set, you can gently trace the names with a toothpick first and then go over them with your edible pen or paintbrush.
• Creating large letters: If you want to create large letters that span multiple tiers, you can cut them out of fondant and arrange them on the cake. This allows you to correct any mistakes before committing them to the cake.

Remember to take your time, practice beforehand, and use the right tools to achieve the best results. With these tips, you'll be well on your way to writing beautiful names on a wedding cake using edible pens or paintbrushes.

Using fondant or gumpaste letters

Using fondant or gum paste letters is a great way to personalise your wedding cake. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving elegant and professional-looking results:

Preparation:

Before you begin, gather your materials: fondant or gum paste, icing colours, a non-stick board or cutting board, a rolling pin, corn flour, a duster, letter cutters or shape cutters, a pizza cutter or knife, a toothpick, edible glue, and a paintbrush. If you want to add some sparkle to your letters, you can also prepare some glitter colour dust and a small plastic bag.

Step 1:

Add your chosen icing colour to the fondant or gum paste using a toothpick. Dip the toothpick into the paste colour and stroke it across the fondant surface. Then, knead the fondant until the colour is evenly distributed throughout the entire piece. If you're using fondant, add a pinch of tylo powder to make it easier to work with. Wrap any unused fondant in a plastic bag to prevent it from drying out.

Step 2:

Dust your non-stick board and rolling pin with corn flour. This will help prevent the fondant or gum paste from sticking as you roll it out.

Step 3:

Take a small piece of the coloured fondant or gum paste and roll it out very thinly. Allow it to dry for a couple of minutes before proceeding to the next step.

Step 4:

Use your letter cutters to cut out the desired letters. Press down firmly and twist the cutter slightly to ensure a clean cut. You can cut out multiple letters from the same piece of fondant before removing the excess. If you're using shape cutters, simply cut out the desired shapes and arrange them to form letters.

Step 5:

Carefully release the letters from the cutters. If they're stuck, tap the cutters on the edge of the table or carefully peel the letters out using a toothpick. Be gentle to avoid making deep indents in the letters.

Step 6:

Allow the letters to dry completely on a flat surface dusted with corn flour. This will prevent them from sticking.

Step 7: (Optional)

If you want to add some sparkle to your letters, this is the perfect time to do so! Sprinkle the letters with glitter colour dust. First, dab the letters with a tiny bit of edible glue, then sprinkle the glitter evenly over the letters with your fingers.

Step 8:

Once your cake is ready, it's time to transfer the letters. Start by placing the letters loosely on the cake without attaching them. This way, you can experiment with different placements before committing. When you're happy with the arrangement, carefully attach each letter one by one using a small amount of edible glue.

Step 9:

You can make the letters well in advance and store them under plastic wrapping in a cool, dry place. Remember to make extra letters in case some break during the transfer. If you're placing the letters on the side of a round cake, it's best to make them just before you need them, as flat letters won't sit properly on the curved surface.

Monogram etiquette

Monograms are a popular way to personalise a wedding cake, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind when deciding how to incorporate them into your cake design.

Firstly, it is important to note that the use of a married monogram before the wedding is generally considered a "big no-no". This means that using a monogram with a new last name or initial on save-the-date cards, invitations, or thank-you notes is not recommended. Instead, it is more appropriate to use a monogram that includes only the couple's first initials or first names. This is because a married monogram typically includes the wife's first name initial, followed by the couple's shared last name initial, and the groom's first name initial.

For items used before the ceremony, such as save-the-date cards and invitations, it is best to use the couple's first initials. The bride should also use her maiden name monogram for any personal items, such as a robe, dress patch, or bouquet wrap.

However, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to the wedding ceremony itself. Some people choose to use their married monogram on items like aisle runners, unity candles, and programs during the ceremony. After the wedding, the married monogram can be proudly displayed on the wedding cake, along with other reception details like napkins, menus, and the dance floor.

When it comes to the design and execution of the monogram on the cake, there are several options. One idea is to cut letters from gumpaste or fondant and arrange them on the cake. Another option is to use an edible pen or paint to write the monogram directly on the cake. Impressing the letters into fondant and then going over them with royal icing or edible paint is also a technique that can be used.

Alternatives to names on a wedding cake

There are many alternatives to having names on a wedding cake. Here are some ideas to consider:

Cake Toppers

If you want to avoid writing on your cake, you could opt for a cake topper. Cake toppers come in various forms, from traditional "Just Married" toppers to more personalised designs. You could even have a cake topper with your initials or a monogram. This adds a touch of sentimentality without being too overt.

Flowers or Berries

Flowers and berries are a great way to decorate a wedding cake without using words or toppers. Fresh flowers can be coordinated to match the wedding colour scheme, while berries add a pop of colour and a touch of whimsy.

Initials or Monograms

If you want to include something personal but prefer a more subtle approach, consider using just your initials. This could be done in a variety of ways, such as impressing the initials into the cake using fondant or icing, or using edible paint or an edible pen to write them on.

Sentimental Phrases

Instead of names, you could choose a phrase that holds a special meaning for you and your partner. Some ideas include "Til Death", "Love You", "I Love You", "I Do, I Do Too", "Hitched!", or something related to your pet names for each other. These phrases can be written on the cake or used as part of a cake topper.

Dates

Including the date of your wedding or the year is another alternative to names. This could be done in a similar style to including initials or monograms, or as part of a cake topper.

No Writing at All

Finally, it is worth noting that many people choose to forgo any writing or decorations on their wedding cake altogether. A minimalist cake can be just as beautiful and elegant as a cake with writing or decorations.

Ultimately, the decision of what to include on your wedding cake is a personal one, and there are no hard and fast rules. Choose something that reflects your style and personality, and don't be afraid to get creative!

How to arrange names on a cake

There are several ways to arrange names on a wedding cake. Here are some ideas and suggestions to help you get started:

Choose the Right Font and Size

The font and size of the letters will depend on the size and style of your cake. If you have a small cake, consider using a simpler font or even just the initials of the couple. If you have a larger cake, you can consider using a more decorative or script font. You can also vary the size of the letters to create a visual impact. For example, you could have the couple's first names in a smaller font and their last name or initials in a larger, bolder font.

Diagonal Display

If you have a tiered cake, you can write the names diagonally across the tiers, with each name on a different tier. This creates a dynamic and unique look. You can use fondant or gum paste letters, which can be easily removed before cutting the cake.

Monogram or Initials

Instead of writing out the full names, consider using a monogram or initials. A traditional monogram includes the groom's initial, followed by the joint last name initial (in a larger font), and then the bride's first initial. However, some people prefer to use just the joint last name initial as a more modern and elegant option.

Edible Pens or Paint

For a more delicate and intricate design, you can use edible pens or paint to write the names on the cake. This method allows for more flexibility and creativity in the placement of the names. You can even use different colours to match the theme of your wedding.

Fondant or Gum Paste Letters

If you want something more structured and stable, you can cut out large letters from fondant or gum paste. This method works well for writing names that span multiple tiers or for creating a bold statement. The letters can be easily removed before serving the cake.

Royal Icing or Edible Paint

Another option is to impress the names onto the fondant cake using royal icing or edible paint. This technique creates a textured and elegant look. You can then go over the letters with a fine brush or edible pen to add more definition and colour.

Remember, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to writing names on a wedding cake. You can choose a traditional approach or get creative and incorporate unique phrases, quotes, or even pet names. The most important thing is to personalize the cake in a way that reflects the couple's style and the theme of the wedding.

Frequently asked questions