Mix & Match

In an earlier blog post, "The Icing on the Cake", I reminded you about buttercream iced cakes. I have discussed both fondant and buttercream and laid out the pros and cons to each. However, if you found yourself torn between the delicious taste of buttercream cakes and the unlimited creative options that fondant allows, I have your solution! You don't need to choose one or the other, you can simply choose BOTH!

{Buttercream cake with a buttercream swirl design, fondant flowers around the sides and a fondant flower cluster topper}

When it comes to imitating figures, draping, sculpting ornamental details or creating intricate and realistic flowers, no cake decorator could live without fondant. It is wonderful for making these detailed elements along with bows, pearls, trimming, and more. Yet buttercream has its obvious perks, too! So why not take the best of both and mix and match them to create an artistic, elegant and tasty wedding cake of your own!

This combination is becoming more and more popular and the best part is that your options aren't limited! Trying to stick to only buttercream is quite a challenge, but by adding touches of fondant, you can still have the detailed creative elements you long for without having to have a fully fondant cake!

Spread the Love

Sometimes it is hard to think of a fun and special wedding favor that won't break the bank. Favors quickly add up in price, and often wedding guests don't use or even keep the gift. But, you need not worry! A great alternative is to share the love of your wedding day by donating to charity. Of course, we all love wedding favors like custom candy bars and scented candles. However, making a charitable donation in lieu of traditional favors can be even more gracious and meaningful (price conscious, too!) A wedding is an indulgent expense and on your special day you are showered with love, attention, and gifts--it will do your heart good to give a little back! It will definitely impress your guests, too!

Simply choose a charity that has a special significance to you--or perhaps just one you are passionate about--and contact the foundation to assist with the donation process. You can do things such as planting a tree in the name of each guest at the wedding or purchasing Think Pink (breast cancer research) wristbands for each guest. Then you think of a way to tell everyone! Perhaps at each place setting you have a unique note describing the charity and explaining that a donation has been made on their behalf (you can even add a personal touch by telling why the organization is important to the bride & groom!) Get as creative as you want!

Charity wedding favors are in great taste and will make both you and your guests feel good :)

CakeIDo has chosen to support Charity Water--a non-profit organization bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations. Check out www.charitywater.com for more information. Maybe this will be the organization you choose to donate to for your wedding favors!

Think Outside the Box

Embrace the unconventional!

Twenty years ago it was all about simple, classic wedding cakes--and almost always white on white--but times are changing! Though many brides still opt for a more "traditional" style wedding cake, others are getting more imaginative.

One of the easist ways to incorporate your personality into your wedding is through the cake. If you can dream it, Cake I Do can make it! Brides are starting to think outside the norm and conjure up some awesome artistic ideas.

These unique and ornate wedding cakes may be unconventional, but they are still gorgeous! For this lavish wedding cake, each flower was handmade--no two are alike--and with each added layer and detail, the cake became more and more stunning and personalized.

Don't be afraid to do something different, there are no rules.

What do you think of these unconventional wedding cakes? Would you "think outside the box" for your wedding cake!?

The Icing on the Cake!

Fondant cakes have definitely been front and center in the public eye--but don't forget about buttercream!!

Fondant covered cakes leave a gorgeous, smooth, and shiny finish. But buttercream iced cakes can be every bit as gorgeous, and even tastier! This delicious and creamy frosting gives an elegant and natural feel and one just can't help but want to taste it!

I hope that these pictures of beautifully frosted buttercream cakes allow you to see what can be done without fondant. So if you're not a huge fan of fondant or its taste, don't panic, you have other options!

The fondant vs buttercream debate is ongoing. Neither is truly better, it's merely a personal preference.

Groom's Cake Comeback

A groom's cake is traditionally rooted in the South, and although it used to be considered an added and unnecessary expense, this unique cake is making quite the comeback. A groom's cake is typically a gift from the bride to the groom, and people are getting creative with them!

I have been receiving many more orders for groom's cakes and these photos show my most recent—a Ford Mustang and Yoda! Aren’t they fun!? They are so unlike other cakes I typically make. Each one is so uniquely personalized to the individual couple and their interests.

Whether the groom's cake is served alongside the wedding cake at the reception or for dessert at the rehearsal dinner it’s definitely something fun to consider. They are eye-catching and playful—and the grooms will love them!

Cake I Do is now WeddingWire Rated for 2011

Washinton, DC – July 7, 2011 - WeddingWire, the nation's leading wedding technology company, is pleased to announce that Cake I Do is WeddingWire Rated 2011 for Wedding cakes. WeddingWire Rated is an annual award program that distinguishes wedding vendors across the country for their excellence. Based on hundreds of thousands of recent wedding reviews, WeddingWire Rated is the most recognized and trusted brand among engaged couples looking to find the best local businesses for their wedding.

Cake I Do has five reviews on WeddingWire. Reviews by our newlywed clients include detailed ratings and insightful descriptions about their experiences working with our business and staff. Our reviews provide transparency for potential clients, assisting them in making the most informed decisions for their big day.

"We are delighted to unveil the 5th annual WeddingWire Rated program," said Timothy Chi, CEO, WeddingWire, Inc. "Cake I Do has made a commitment to capturing their clients experiences on the nation's leading wedding review site."

As the largest site for wedding reviews, WeddingWire empowers engaged couples with the most comprehensive and trusted review system available. The WeddingWire Rated program provides {Enter Your Business Name} with a simple platform to capture customer feedback from their wedding planning experience. Newly engaged couples can easily access all of the reviews for Cake I Do on WeddingWire.com. We would like to thank our newlyweds for our WeddingWire Rated 2011 recognition.

For more information, please visit Cake I Do on WeddingWire at http://www.weddingwire.com/biz/cake-do/8f407ccf1f8002f9.html.

For more information on WeddingWire Rated 2011, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.

A Twist on Tradition!

A traditional black & white cake never goes out of style! For this Baltimore wedding, I spiced up this classic with detailed patterns, a stand out monogram, and dazzling crystals--matching the brides dress! Incorporating details from the wedding dress into the cake design seems to be a growing trend. It is a great way to tie together different aspects of the wedding. The pink and fuchsia roses added a pop of color and complimented the rest of the couples color scheme as well.



Black & white cakes have a sleek and timeless look. But remember, it's always fun to put a spin on a classic by adding a modern touch and personal details! Just something to keep in mind when thinking about creating your own unique wedding cake :)

I'm a little teapot!

This cute little teapot is perfect for any small event. A girl of any age would love a tea party cake like this one. This cake was for a 60th birthday party and the cupcakes were put in clear boxes and given away as favors.What a fun theme!

On the Road!

Wow, what a December!

I had the opportunity to go to Hollywood and create a special event cake for Adam Lambert's Fan club. I created this Rock Star Cake using fashion elements from the GlamNation stage clothing and jewelry. Adam Lambert teamed up with Tim Foster from PennyRoyal Silver and created silver pendants that replicate his own tatoos. Proceeds from the sale of the pendants went to Donors Choose. Tim graciously allowed me to cast the pendants in sugar. If you look closely you can see the eye of the horus silver medallion and the infinity medallion on the cake and cupcakes. You will also find replicas of the bands bass guitars, Adam's hand and tatoos.

His hand is holding up a globe to symbolize the completion of his first world tour.

I would like to personally thank Tim Foster of Penny Royal Silver for allowing me to use his beautiful designs on the cake. Find out more about Tim and his designs by clicking the link above.




I would also like to thank Danniel McKnight from Captured Images for such beautiful photographs of this cake. Danniel is a traveling wedding photographer that specializes in destination weddings and special events. Find out more about Danniel and her photography by clicking the link above.



It was the perfect way to end a fabulous year at Cake I Do! Looking forward to all the weddings and events that 2011 will bring!