“I have been saving for a while as I know I want a big wedding cake – what do you suggest I opt for to really make a statement at my manor house wedding?”

Congratulations! Having your wedding in a manor house with gorgeous grounds and scenery creates a fabulous backdrop for a big wedding cake. Yes! Oh I love big cakes; I get excited whenever I am commissioned to design, make and stage a big cake.

Though white or ivory are the most popular and traditional colours of a wedding cake, a coloured icing cake makes a statement. You can choose from a Traditional tiered cake, Contemporary cake, Chocolate tiers, Crown/mini cakes, Cupcakes or a mixture of any of the above, with each tier being a different cake flavour if you choose.

If you are going for a Contemporary wedding cake, you could have a six tiered stacked cake with some double height tiers, some ruffles or swags in a colour gradient and flowers. For a more traditional cake: stacked double height squares – six tiers, with fine stencilling, pipe work or a cake lace finish. Or splash out on a regal wedding cake with 17 tiers – inspired by the Royal Wedding cake, adapting the colours and the finishing to your liking.

Having for a taller cake design with bold detailing adds a sense of opulence.  For a smaller intimate gathering, going for intricate finer detailing would be appreciated by your guests. Sugar flowers are pretty, however decorating the cake with the same fresh flowers as your decor gives it a fresh look.

If you are worried about having more cakes than your guest can eat, consider having some tiers made out of dummy cakes.

Finally, consider how you would serve your fabulous cake to your guests – as a dessert, with tea or even in personalised boxes for your guests to take home, remembering of course to save some for yourselves! The design of your cake should be a reflection of you and your wedding day. Have your cake maker design a cake for you that will reflect your personality, style, venue, theme and colours. Having a ‘couture’ cake that is unique to you will wow your guests and make your dreams come true.