Let Them Eat Cake -- Just Not at Your Wedding

It's a fact, however odd it seems, that some brides don't like cake -- and don't want one at their wedding reception. Others like cake just fine, but prefer to serve something a little more distinctive for dessert. On the whole, brides pass up cake at their wedding because they:

• don't like it
• want something nontraditional and edgy and are bored by "the norm"
• want something that more personally represents them or their geographical area
• attended too many catered weddings where no one touches the cake because they'd already had a full meal plus dessert
• have a venue that tacks on high cake serving fees

I must admit I'm tempted to stare when someone tells me "they just don't like cake." Because, as everyone knows, wedding cake is no longer just cake. Wedding cake has morphed into something that, in the right hands, borders on a religious experience.

Today's chefs know that a good cake -- one light years away from the "packing material" type cake of old -- is full of delicious, creamy fat. And not that horrifying vegetable shortening, either. The modern wedding cake is loaded with real butter, moist base material (poppy seed cake, pound cake, carrot cake, banana, chocolate, red velvet and more) and tempting fillings (amaretto, chocolate mousse, tiramisu, raspberry, white chocolate).

The exterior, too, has gotten sleeker and lovelier in response to today's streamlined bridal fashions. All the former hallmarks of questionable taste -- fountains, pillars, mugging couples on a cake topper -- are gone. So how can any bride resist?

Many don't, but a few persevere in wanting something else. Fortunately, weddings these days are about personal choice and individuality -- they don't have to have one. And the alternatives to cake are many.

The secret to a satisfying wedding cake alternative is simple -- presentation. Whatever you're serving, stack it in tiers. Follow this simple tip and you can turn almost anything into food fit for the most special occasion.

Tiered puddings and mousses

Pre-chill wine or champagne glasses, and fill with:

• Chocolate, chocolate orange, lemon mousse
• Rice, coconut rice or wild rice pudding
• Raspberry, hazelnut or regular tiramisu
• White chocolate, key lime, blackberry or biscotti parfaits
• Heavy whipped cream, topped with sweet in-season berries

If your budget's ample, you can also stack up individual-sized

• Caramel, anise, pumpkin flan
• Crème brulee -- regular, eggnog, blueberry, espresso, coconut

Tiered Pastries

Cream puffs are king -- and for good reason. Remember that cream puffs don't have to be round; you can use cookie cutters to fashion them into lots of creative shapes. You can also go beyond them and stack up:

• Gooey cinnamon rolls
• Funnel cakes
• Baklava
• Soufflés served in individual custard cups
• Cream horns, éclairs, St. Joseph's pastries, sfogliatelle, cannoli, napoleons, baba rum

Straight from the Shelf

You won't be the first bride to try this. Stack those tiers high and proud or create an entire freestanding "cake" with:

• Sno Balls, Suzy Qs, HoHos, Ding Dongs, Twinkies
• Krispy Kreme donuts, Moon Pies

Other Options

• Chocolate-dipped fruit
• Chocolate truffles
• A chocolate fountain
• Sugar cookies or brownies with your initials in cellophane wrappers
• Fancy pies: key lime, lemon, chocolate pecan, coconut custard, cranberry apple, macadamia nut, peanut butter and white chocolate cream.

Whatever you choose, try to retain the cake-cutting part of your ceremony. The cutting of the cake is an ancient ritual and a powerful symbol of unity between the couple and their guests. It doesn't matter if you're really digging into a lemon meringue pie -- your guests will still want to ooh and ahh as you cut it together and feed each other.

About the Author

Blake Kritzberg is proprietor of "FavorIdeas.com". Stop by for a huge selection of wedding favors, Bridezilla's weekly adventures, and free resources for brides: save-the-date ecards, screensaver, wallpaper, and wedding web site templates.

http://www.favorideas.com

---

6 Ways to Save Money on Wedding Invitations

Inviting your possible guests on your wedding day can be... Read More

Secrets of a Happy Marriage

My husband and I have a perfect marriage.There. I said... Read More

Planning A Wedding? Tips On How To Attend A Bridal Show

If you're getting married, a Bridal Show is a great... Read More

Wedding Loans ? When Wedding Bills Are Postponing the Wedding Bells

Somewhere when you least expected, you find the person who... Read More

New Findings on Happiness Have Implications for Rocky Marriages

Not only do individuals who follow Time Magazine's "Eight Steps... Read More

Trust in Marriage

A couple should trust each other in many ways. When... Read More

Diamond Engagement Ring, on Two Months Salary - Maybe Not!

Diamond spending - well, that is up to you. What... Read More

Which Came First, Love or Marriage?

I came across an article today: LOVE AND MARRIAGE THE... Read More

Moissanite Engagement Rings ? Find The Perfect Glam You?re Looking For

Wish to make that one day in your life really... Read More

Chocolate Wedding Favors

Providing chocolate as a wedding favor has been a time... Read More

Control Issues That Cause Marriage Problems

Have you ever been irritated because your spouse does things... Read More

Bridesmaids Gifts: a Token of Love, Appreciation and Affection

No one has as much fun as the bride to... Read More

Wedding Insurance ? Peace of Mind for Your Perfect Day?

With the average cost of a wedding around £17,000 you... Read More

Wedding Day Hair Styles - A Top Ten Checklist

The big day is fast approaching, and the energy of... Read More

All The Details: 25 Ways to Make Your Wedding a Unique and Truly Memorable Event

If you've been to one wedding, you've seen it all.... Read More

Marriage Counseling: How to Keep Jealousy From Destroying Your Marriage

Jealousy has often been called the "green-eyed monster," and with... Read More

Proper Etiquette for the Wedding Invitation

The invitation is the first impression of the type of... Read More

Second Marriages. Estate Planning Concerns

One of the biggest areas of dispute in estate planning... Read More

Wedding Save the Date Cards?Best Ideas and Wording

The sole purpose of save-the-date cards is to give the... Read More

3 Steps to Marrying the Right Person

Marrying for love, financial security and/or companionship does not guarantee... Read More

A Wedding For All Seasons

In times gone by it wasn't uncommon for young couples... Read More

Bridal Beauty Tips For Your Special Day

It's your day! The most special day of your life,... Read More

Free Wedding Planning Guide and Checklist

With so much to do, every bride needs a surefire... Read More

Saving Money on Your Wedding Reception Using Reception Themes

Just like weddings, receptions are often theme based as well.... Read More

5 Tips To Select The Best Wedding Reception Location

Being disc jockeys, we get the opportunity to evaluate many... Read More

The Most Important Things In Marriage

When it comes to marriage, there are things that you... Read More

Do-It-Yourself Wedding Invitation Guide

Think creatively and add a personal touch to your special... Read More

Cheap Wedding Party Gifts

Thanking your wedding party with special gifts is a favored... Read More

2005 Mother Of Bride Dress

A 2005 mother of bride dress tends to have a... Read More

Planning a Maui Wedding

Just as there are a variety of wedding packages available,... Read More

The High Cost of Resentment and Anger in Marriage

Many spouses carry heavy suitcases filled with a collection of... Read More

Is Your Heart Set On An Antique Engagement Ring?

As Mark Twain said "Let us not be too particular;... Read More

Setting a diamond - What to know.

When it comes to placing your new diamond in a... Read More