Dear Diary,
They’re stunning, unique, tasty and scandalously clad. I’m seeing
naked cakes everywhere and it’s not hard to see why. They’re beautiful
and make quite a statement. There are some things a couple should
consider before purchasing one of these risque beauties for their
wedding. I talked with baking pros the world over for their thoughts on
naked cakes and on half dressed cakes. This is what they thought you
should know!
1. Fact: Your cake will dry out so make sure you and your baker have a game plan. Here are some pro tips to consider:
- The cake should be baked at the very last minute to ensure freshness.
- The pros are divided on this but, some recommend adding a syrup
coating to the outside of the cake. Syrups can be flavored in a number
of ways and can help retain the moisture. The downfall is that it
diminishes the integrity of the cake’s nod to minimalism and some people
might not enjoy the texture of the syrup/cake combo.
- Dulcie Blue Bakery recommends
getting the cake a bit larger than you need it to be. Then if there is
severe drying, the edges can be discarded and not a single guest will
notice. Be sure to have your wedding planner inform the serving staff
that this is okay!
- Beware the sun!!! These cakes are lovely and seem to fit perfectly
with an outdoor venue but the hot sun will accelerate the drying
process! If possible keep the cake indoors until it is time for the
couple to make the traditional first cut.
2. Be mindful of “fresh elements”
- Fresh fruit sure is pretty but the color and juices can bleed into the cake! To keep it neat and lovely Sweet Pea Cake Co.
says be sure to ask for a layer of icing to act as a barrier between
the cake and fruit. It can also be a good idea to use separators if you
want a lot of fruit. This will prevent squishing.
- Wood and fresh flowers are often added by the florist or by a
stylish DIY couple. Thanks to Iced and Dazzle I will be much more
conscious of letting clients do this in the future. These elements are
not sanitary in any way. They are not cleansed of pesticides or
inspected for critters. Ew. Please make sure that if you use these
things you have them cleaned first. On a traditional wedding cake the
fondant layer is pretty tough, but a nice spongy naked cake is much more
absorbent. To avoid this all together, use sugar flowers.
3. There is no icing so it’s much cheaper right? Wrong.
- Because of the care that goes into creating this type of cake expect
to pay the same amount if not more than the traditional cake. Icing and
fondant actually help stabilize your cake. Without it there is a bit
more work involved. You can have a cake that is both trendy and
delicious but having your cake and eating it too may cost you.
- There are several baking pros who do not like the integrity and
taste of their product being compromised for a trend and will only make
naked cakes under extreme protest. This could also raise the price. If
you are in the Colorado area looking for a baker who is willing to make a
naked cake you can contact Indulge Bakery in Lafayette.
4. Another fresh trend to consider is the equally lovely half dressed
cake. They have a similar look to a naked cake but are roughly covered
with a crumb coating of butter cream or ganache.
Thank you to all the wonderful baking artists that contributed their time and knowledge!
Dulcie Blue Bakery Sweet Peak Cake Co.
Miss Ingredient Cassidy Budge Iced & Dazzle
Indulge Bakery
The Makery Cake Co.
Hopscotch Bakery
M Robin Cake Design
Esther Sweet Home
Leaf & Crumb Bakery
Yours Ever After,
Ileen
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Dear Diary,
When
people ask what I do and I say that I’m a wedding planner, the first
thing they say is, “Wow, I bet you meet a lot of bridezillas!”
Truthfully, I don’t. I give my brides five very simple steps to follow
to help them avoid becoming this cliché. We’ve all seen that girl on TV…
beautiful hair and make-up, designer gown, nostrils flaring and that
big angry vein popping out of her forehead as she flings the closest
object to her perfectly manicured hands across the room, but honestly
what bride wants to be her? We joke about bridezilla, but how do we
really avoid it when emotions and stresses run high? Besides hiring a
phenomenal wedding planner to take your stress away *wink, wink* here
are five surefire tips keep you centered during the planning process.
5. Take a Time Out
Don’t
forget the wedding will only last one day and, as important as it is,
it isn’t the only special time in your life. The entire engagement
should be a fun and memorable experience. Take time off, get away from
the checklists, craft stores & Pinterest
boards and spend some much needed time with your future hubby. Make a
rule for yourself to follow like no planning or wedding chatter on
Fridays or after a certain time of day. This will help you to focus on
the reason you’re embarking on this journey into madness in the first
place… your love for each other.
4. Avoid any friendly fire
You
aren’t the only one who is stressing about your wedding. Odds your
friends and family are nervous too and want it to be just as wonderful
as you do… that being said when you get upset with them remind yourself
“WE ARE ON THE SAME SIDE!’’ This is true for your wedding vendors as
well. No one wants to ruin your wedding. So instead of “off with your
head,” try saying something like “I’m really frustrated right now but I
know we can find a solution together.” This will not only will this keep
you from breathing fire and ruining your lip-gloss but it will keep the
locals from running for the hills.
3. Know you can’t control everything nor can you do this alone
Realize
this… accept it and embrace it. Honestly, although you might not think
so right now, you don’t want to have every single detail and every
single task resting on your shoulders. It will become overwhelming very
quickly. You will need help.
2. A wedding is about love
That
being said; support each other through the process. Listen to one another's frustrations and opinions. Everyone needs to vent and everyone
has their own point of view. All ways keep in mind your wedding is only
one day your family and friends are a lifetime gift that you must
cherish.
1. Breathe
Pause
often to take a deep breath and reflect. So, your linen came in and
it’s robin’s egg blue and not quite baby blue… wait for it… wait for
it…. yup the universe is still in tact. Shocking, I know. Taking a
moment to enjoy a few cleansing breaths can go a long way in keeping the
bridal beast at bay.
BONUS!
A Positive affirmation for the moments when you can feel the beast
begin to rise from within. If you’ve never tried something like this
before you may feel a little silly but trust me and give it a try it
really helps!
Take
3 deep cleansing breaths, state the affirmation slowly and confidently,
then breathe again before responding to what has frustrated you.
“I am surrounded by love. I choose to stay calm and let the stress leave my body. I will have a joyful wedding.”
There really isn't much more to it. Together you can get through it.
Yours Ever After,
Ileen
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Dear Diary
In the world of weddings of Colorado I’m still considered the new girl in
town. I've been in business for nearly 4 years and wedding coordinators normally earn their stars after about five years. I think you’ll find that while I respect and honor tradition, I also like to do things a little bit differently.
I’ve entered the bloggoshpere to share my journey to success with fellow
entrepreneurs and to bring knowledge and tips to the world's blushing
brides.
Why did I pick weddings? Well, there are few moments in life that are
truly beautiful. They’re filled with the purest forms of love, joy and
excitement. There is the birth of a new baby, Christmas morning, and of
course, Weddings to name a few. If you stand close enough a little bit
of that magic moment rubs off. For those of you in a field that relate
to these moments, you understand where I’m coming from. It is from these
moments that we derive our passion, it’s what we live for. I’m getting a
little emotional now thinking of the moment just before a bride or a groom walks
down the aisle... But getting there is an adventure. There will be love,
romance, laughter, learning, a few doses of reality, blood, sweat,
tears, a little more reality and cake! Come along for the ride.
Yours Ever After,
Ileen
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