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:
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:
If your budget's ample, you can also stack up individual-sized
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:
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:
Other Options
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.
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