Here at Cake Occasions we like to stay ahead of trends rather than “on trend”.  With each cake we try to push the boundaries of design, construction and colour, we want each client’s cake to be unique, to be personally designed and constructed for them.

So it was with great pleasure that we identified some emerging trends in cake design in this months Cosmo Bride

When designing a cake think about using colour, different textures, oversized sugar flowers or sugar paste love birds as toppers.

Play around with flavours, try peppermint ganache with dark chocolate mud cake or orange mocha.

You are only limited by your imagination.

Already this year Chris has created some spectacular cakes, but this week he blew the roof off with an amazing variation of one of our signature cakes.

We originally created the Dragon & Phoenix design in late 2008 in a blue and white colour scheme. Sylvia approached us earlier this year to create her wedding cake based on our Dragon & Phoenix, we customised it to suit her by using the bold black, white and red colour scheme and a different stylised version of the dragon & phoenix. The double happiness cake topper was hand cut by Chris and just takes the cake to a whole new level.

One of the best things about designing a cake and producing something amazing is close consultation between the client and Chris, this is truly how the magic happens.

Here is an article I wrote for The Wedding Establishment’s From The Experts page

Having a show stopping cake at your wedding does not mean you have to go over the top.
Using bold colours, unusual plants or flowers to adorn your cake or different textures and patterns can help make a bold statement.

Some of our favourite cakes are simple, modern and bold. They are designed around a theme, be it a colour, a motif, a plant or a cultural representation.

Here are some stories of our favourite cakes.
Shimmered Succulent

We created this cake for a bride who had a green theme for her wedding. She used cale, succulents and lots of foliage and greenery in the floral arrangements and bouquets.  We played with the heights of each tier to give the cake a different look and shimmered the white icing to give the colour some depth.

We also think it is important to decorate the back of the cake, it adds to the beauty but it also gives the bridal party something to look at.

Dragon and Phoenix

A Chinese fan with Dragons was the inspiration for this cake. The couple originally wanted two dragons on the cake but an Aunt from Hong Kong that Dragons were male. She told them the Phoenix was female and in Chinese tradition these two creatures together represent matrimonial harmony and happiness. Chris drew up the design of the dragon and phoenix and then painstakingly hand cut each piece of the blue icing and then attached the pattern to the cake.

Concentric Blossoms

The inspiration for this cake came from the blossom motif that was used through out this wedding. The invitations, wall hangings and vases all carried this stunning motif.
The blossom pattern was hand cut and Chris used tiny hatpins that the bride had provided to create the stamen in the blossoms. The cake had all these amazing textures, which brought it to life.

Autumn Leaves

Autumn is a beautiful time to have a wedding, the not too cold days and the warm autumn colours are very romantic.
These two cakes were both adorned with autumn leaves, one painted on and the other hand painted sugar paste Bodhi leaves.

Creating a bold, show stopping wedding cake does not mean you have to go out on a limb and create something really mind boggling. Using different techniques, textures, colours and plants will make your cake distinct from the next person, but it will also be modern and sophisticated.

People are inspired by many things when styling their wedding. Using images and representations from your cultural heritage is a really nice way to honour your family.

One of the cakes we created this week was for a couple of Chinese heritage who chose to have a Phoenix and Dragon on their wedding cake. In Chinese Mythology these two creatures together represent matrimonial harmony and happiness.

Chris hand cut each piece of the Dragon and Phoenix from red icing and glued the pattern together on the cake. Below are the photos of the cake from all angles.

Organising a wedding or an event can be overwhelming. Not only do you have to manage the people who will be involved in the event which is often stressful enough. You also have to coordinate suppliers, decide on themes and colours and what flavour cake to have.

A great way to de stress and unclutter your brain is to use a wedding and event stylist who can help you in creating your perfect event.

One of Sydney’s best wedding and event stylists Nightingales Wedding Designers have just launched their new Sydney salon in Ultimo. It is a stylish and elegant space dedicated to Wedding reception and ceremony styling and wedding planning.

Brides are encouraged to experiment with their table settings, relax in the lounge and view slideshows and dvd’s of recent weddings. They can discuss every detail of their wedding day with friendly staff.

Nightingales will also be hosting Wedding Workshops for Brides offering the latest tips and advice on how to style and plan their wedding the easy way and stay on budget. The workshops commence on 23rd May. Phone Kathy or Emma 02 9212 7118 to book into one of the workshops.

Below is a peak into The Nightingales Salon. The girls have a real knack with colour and patterns and amazing design flair.

If your are planning a wedding or event it is a must see.