Wedding Cake Inspiration: Macri's Bakery

Your wedding cake is one of many important details of your day. But where should you begin in the design process? How can sugar, flour and eggs become a representation of you and the journey you’re about to begin as husband and wife? We asked Carmela Macri and Shelly Brasseur from Macri’s Bakery in South Bend where couples can find inspiration for their wedding cake. Read on for some great ideas!

 

 

 

COLORS

Find creative ways to incorporate your color palette into your cake. This doesn’t necessarily mean you should ask for colored frosting. Use ribbon that matches your bridesmaids’ dresses or painted cake stands that match your accent colors. Tiny embellishments from craft stores can be beautiful accents as well.

 

 

 

 

FLOWERS

Done properly, buttercream flowers are still a very timeless option to consider and they taste better than fondant and gum paste. If you prefer fresh flowers, most bakeries will work with your florist by placing a few blooms here and there or creating a cascading masterpiece that compliments your cake. 

 

 

 

 

WEDDING GOWN

You searched everywhere for the perfect dress, so why not use it as inspiration for your cake? Bring a piece of fabric from your gown to your consultation with the bakery to see how it might be incorporated into your cake design. Perhaps it can be made into ribbon to wrap around the base of each layer, or maybe you’ll want the lace pattern mimicked on the cake design.

 

 

 

 

TRENDS

Organic ruffles, flowers and patterns are very popular this year—especially on wedding gowns. Delicate gum paste magnolias are not meant to be eaten but they add an airy, modern feel to the cake.

 

Also consider alternating round and square layers or asking for varied textures and designs on each layer of your cake. Remember: you don’t have to follow any rules!

 

 

 

 

TRADITIONS

Consider using the same cake topper your parents or grandparents used on their wedding cake. It’s a really neat tradition that also carries significant meaning. Also consider your heritage. An Italian torte cake can be a great way to incorporate you or your new husband’s heritage into your wedding.

 

 

 

 

SEASONS

Use the time of year for inspiration.

 

Springtime is inspirational as it stands. Brides can incorporate vine or swirl patterns, greenery and flowers into their cake.

 

Summer wedding cakes tend to be more relaxed and informal. Brides and grooms tend to gravitate toward more of a tropical and beachy themes including use of shell designs, fruit for decoration on the outside of the cake and bold flavored fillings on the inside.

 

Fall cakes are full of warm but muted accent colors—browns, burgundys and darker purples. Some brides may choose to use the color scheme from the changing leaves on their cake. Many autumn brides opt for more traditional cake styles.

 

Winter cakes are more monochromatic than any other time of the year. Sparkle and glitz are common embellishments.