{"id":21792,"date":"2025-05-01T13:47:55","date_gmt":"2025-05-01T11:47:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/joburg-west\/?p=21792"},"modified":"2025-05-01T13:50:34","modified_gmt":"2025-05-01T11:50:34","slug":"ready-to-talk-tiers-trends-and-taste","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/joburg-west\/blog\/2025\/05\/01\/ready-to-talk-tiers-trends-and-taste\/","title":{"rendered":"Ready to talk tiers, trends, and taste?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Marcel Duvenage (The Man Who Bakes) is spilling the (icing) secrets \u2013 from flavour combos to the styles that are stealing the show this season. Whether you\u2019re dreaming of something timeless or out-of-the-box, these expert tips will help you.<\/p>\n

Tips to help choose the perfect wedding cake:<\/strong>
\nFlavour is just as important as design.<\/strong>
\nBe creative with your cake flavours. Think beyond vanilla and chocolate \u2013 passionfruit, lemon, carrot, red velvet … the sky\u2019s the limit. Choose flavours you love, not just what you think your guests expect.<\/p>\n

Trust your baker.<\/strong>
\nLet your cake designer offer honest advice \u2013 they know what works (and what doesn\u2019t), especially when it comes to structural elements, weather considerations, and styling.<\/p>\n

Always have a backup plan.<\/strong>
\nEspecially if you\u2019re getting married outdoors. Is there a shady spot for the cake in case of a heatwave? What if it starts raining? Your baker will thank you for thinking ahead.<\/p>\n

Inspiration is great, but don\u2019t expect a copy.<\/strong>
\nIt\u2019s totally fine (and encouraged!) to bring your baker reference photos and ideas you love \u2013 that\u2019s how the creative process gets started. But remember, every cake is handcrafted, and no two are ever truly identical. So instead of aiming for a carbon copy, let your baker use your inspiration as a springboard. Trust them to create something original that fits your vibe, your venue, and your love story. Make the cake your own … and then go ahead and own that new trend!<\/p>\n

Skip the cake topper (if you want to).<\/strong>
\nNot everyone\u2019s a fan of the classic cake topper. Why cover a beautifully designed cake with a figurine when everyone already knows who\u2019s getting married? But hey. It\u2019s your day. If a topper speaks to you, go for it!<\/p>\n

Be smart about colour choices.<\/strong>
\nSome colours are notoriously tricky to get just right, and they can change slightly as they set. Trust your baker\u2019s judgement, and test colours in advance if you\u2019re going for something very specific.<\/p>\n

Think about location and season.<\/strong>
\nYour dream cake also has to survive the big day. Choose a style and type of cake that suits your venue, the season, and the travel time. And most importantly, keep your baker in the loop from the start. They\u2019ll know what works best in different conditions, so trust their advice. It could save you from a cake meltdown. Literally.<\/p>\n

How much wedding cake do you really need?<\/strong>
\nStart with your guest list \u2013 that\u2019s your baseline. But remember, not everyone will have cake (yes, really!). Some guests might skip dessert, and others might be too busy on the dance floor. A good rule of thumb? Plan for slightly fewer servings than your total guest count, unless cake is the only dessert being served.<\/p>\n

Six wedding cake trends<\/strong>
\n1. Single-tiered cakes \u2013<\/strong> Simplicity can still be a showstopper. These chic, minimalist cakes are ideal for intimate weddings or couples who want something stylish without over-the-top drama. Small cake, big moment.<\/p>\n

2. Vintage piped cakes (think old-school glam)<\/strong> \u2013 From frilly piping to buttercream swirls and retro borders, these nostalgic cakes are making a big comeback. They\u2019re romantic, sentimental, and so Instagrammable.<\/p>\n

3. Table runner cakes \u2013<\/strong> These elongated cakes stretch across the reception table like edible d\u00e9cor, and Marcel can\u2019t wait to create one. They\u2019re dramatic, unexpected, and bound to steal the spotlight.<\/p>\n

4. Sky-high tiered cakes \u2013<\/strong> With multiple tiers reaching new heights, they\u2019re perfect for couples looking to make a statement and infuse their special day with a touch of drama. Not all of it may be real cake, though, but the effect is breathtaking and super beautiful.<\/p>\n

5. Tall cakes \u2013<\/strong> This is your traditional wedding cake with a twist; extended tiers that give it height and grandeur. It\u2019s a smart way to make a statement without going completely over the top.<\/p>\n

6. Full floral cakes \u2013<\/strong> They add romance, texture, and visual drama, instantly elevating any cake from simple to spectacular. Fresh blooms offer a natural, organic beauty that ties in with the floral arrangements of the day, while handcrafted sugar flowers bring a level of artistry and detail that lasts forever. Definitely Marcel\u2019s favourite!<\/p>\n

Want to save the top tier for your first anniversary?<\/strong>
\nMake sure you store it the right way. Wrap the cake tightly in several layers of plastic wrap, place it in an airtight container, and pop it in the freezer. That extra wrapping helps preserve both texture and flavour, because freezer burn is not how you want to remember your big day! Or, here\u2019s a clever alternative. Skip the stress and order a fresh, mini version of your wedding cake for your anniversary. Same flavour, same magic … just baked fresh for round two of the celebration!<\/p>\n

Wedding cake etiquette: Sweet tips for a smooth day<\/strong>
\nBe smart about the setup.<\/strong>
\nSure, cutting the cake right after the ceremony is trendy, but if the weather\u2019s acting up, think twice. \u201cI\u2019ve seen cakes sweat, melt, or even collapse in heatwaves or wet weather,\u201d Marcel says. Rather, take a breath, soak in the ceremony, and then move on to the cake moment when it\u2019s safe (and cool) enough.<\/p>\n

Not every cake is made to move.<\/strong>
\n\u201cSome cakes just aren\u2019t meant to be picked up and moved around,\u201d Marcel warns. And unless you\u2019ve been trained, carrying a tiered cake is not as easy as it looks. Trust your baker, and don\u2019t let just anyone handle it.<\/p>\n

Give your cake designer the space they need.<\/strong>
\nMake sure there\u2019s a clean, well-lit area for the baker to set up. \u201cI\u2019ve had times where I was crammed into a corner with no space to build or take proper content photos. It helps when the space is thoughtfully prepared \u2013 it makes the cake look even better in the bigger picture of the day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Let guests know when it\u2019s cake time.<\/strong>
\nOnce the cake is sliced, don\u2019t let it sit lonely on a table. \u201cAnnounce it! Let people know it\u2019s being served and tell them what flavours they can expect.\u201d Otherwise, your beautiful cake may go unnoticed \u2013 and uneaten.<\/p>\n

Send guests home with sweetness.<\/strong>
\nGot leftovers? Put them to good use. \u201cHave take-home boxes ready so guests can grab a slice on their way out. \u201cI\u2019ve been told that there\u2019s usually nothing left behind, and that\u2019s a compliment I\u2019ll take!\u201d<\/p>\n

Sweet alternatives: Dessert table ideas your guests will love<\/strong>
\nNot every couple dreams of a towering tiered cake. And that\u2019s totally okay! If you\u2019re looking to serve up something sweet with a twist, a dessert table is a fabulous way to delight your guests. It adds variety, visual appeal, and a little something for everyone.
\n\u201cI recently started doing dessert tables again after many years. And wow \u2013 what a comeback.\u201d<\/p>\n

Macarons:<\/strong> Elegant, colourful, and endlessly customisable. These little French beauties are a classic crowd-pleaser, and look amazing stacked on towers or styled in neat rows.
\nPetit fours:<\/strong> Tiny, bite-sized cakes with layers of flavour and fancy finishes. These delicate treats are perfect for guests to nibble between sips of bubbly.
\nGanache tarts:<\/strong> Rich, glossy, and oh-so-decadent. Add a touch of gold leaf, seasonal fruit, or a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flair.
\nGourmet cupcakes:<\/strong> These aren\u2019t your average cupcakes. Think bold flavour combos like passionfruit and white chocolate or pistachio and raspberry \u2013 finished with silky buttercream and edible flowers.
\nGourmet fudge:<\/strong> Soft, rich, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Display them in rustic jars or stack them on trays. Either way, they\u2019ll disappear fast.
\nGourmet cookies:<\/strong> Go beyond chocolate chip. Think browned butter, lemon poppyseed, or cookie sandwiches filled with ganache or buttercream.
\nTart variety platter:<\/strong> Mini lemon meringue, pecan, fruit, or chocolate tarts arranged beautifully on a tiered stand. It\u2019s a feast for the eyes and the tastebuds.<\/p>\n