…literally!
When preparing for my recent wedding-planning trip to New Orleans, organizing our wedding dessert was one of my top priorities. I have a serious sweet tooth—our dinner guests always have high expectations for the confections I turn out, and I wanted to uphold the standard at our wedding, even though I would be outsourcing the baking. So I made appointments with several different bakeries, and starting thinking about how I wanted our cake(s) to look.
From the start, I knew what I was looking for when it came to cake-spiration. Mr. Archer hates fondant, and I’m no big fan either, so we were definitely wanting our cake to be frosted with light, fluffy buttercream. While we want our cake to look pretty, what we really care about is that it must be absolutely SCRUMPTIOUS… no dry, tasteless cakes need apply! We want to keep it simple, so we’d prefer to skip the elaborate detailing and have it decorated with fresh flowers that coordinate with our decor.
Fortunately for us, these simpler cakes have become a bit trendy lately, so finding images that matched my imagination was easier than I had anticipated.
via style me pretty / photo by next exit photography / cake by vanilla bake shop / floral and design by bob gail special events
via style me pretty / photo by elyse hall / cake by ambrosia / florals by posh petals
via style me pretty / photo by Linda Chaja Photography / florals by NLC Productions
via style me pretty / photo by caroline tran / cake by christine dahl / florals by tricia fountaine
As far as a groom’s cake, Mr. Archer was undecided if he wanted one at all, much less opinionated on whether we’d serve it at our rehearsal dinner or reception. We decided that I’d do some research and price it out, and then we could make an informed decision.
Now, in a perfect world, we’d also do a dessert bar at the reception. I think it would be perfect set up on the antique credenza in the Avenue Room at our venue. I’m not sure that we’ll be able to make room in the budget for this extra- lots of little desserts sure do add up fast! But a girl can dream…
via hostess with the mostest / photo by jeanna hayes / sweets table by she paperie
…and I do, of brownies and cake balls and cheesecake bites and more! I’m getting hungry just thinking about it…
What were your priorities when it came to wedding day desserts? When it came to wedding cake, did you go classic or non-traditional?
I didn’t want fondant at all. When we got to the bakery even though I had expressed we didn’t want fondant, they told me that it was necessary for decoration sake. I also had the same idea as you for look because I wanted buttercream on the outside, but after we came up with a completely different look….very awesome, there was no arguing with the taste, I had to say OK! I am still unsure….do you eat the fondant?
Love the textured cakes! I am a huge fan! They are just so unique and beautiful.
I’ll be the one making our wedding cake 
and we’ll be doing a dessert bar of sorts. Our wedding is semi-potluck. We’re doing barbeque and I’ve asked guests to bring a dessert or salad or sandwich/veggie/cheese&cracker/fruti tray if they can. We’ll be having a dessert table with all of the desserts that people bring on it.
Love your inspiration photos… I’m all about a simple butter cream frosted cake. YUM!
I love your inspiration photos, going to make for a beautiful and delicious wedding cake!
I decided to have a smaller cake and have cup cakes, cookies, tarts and other small desserts
I’m not a fan of fondant either… I would much rather have a cake frosted with butter cream (plus, I think their so much prettier)!!! We’re doing cupcakes (my fave)! Miss Archer, all of your inspiration pics were great… I especially LOVE the last one with the flowers!!!
Aw man I want cake now! I’ve never actually eaten fondant — buttercream all the way!!
Good quality fondant isn’t bad, but I also like candy corn so I can’t really judge. Fondant has it’s place with cakes – but only for certain styles. Buttercream with a rustic finish/texture is also so pretty. There is no denying that last photo of a cake is stunning. I personally think the smooth buttercream look isn’t great and always looks a bit off, but add some bumps and ridges – perfection.
Also, I think that a cake that is pretty but doesn’t taste good is a waste. I would rather have a cake that tastes amazing but doesn’t look like it was taken from a Martha Steward photo shoot. Finding a cake that is both gorgeous and tasty is tricky.
We are going with butter cream also. Everyone we talk to loves the way fondant looks, but hates the taste of the cake. I rather have a delicious cake any day.
YOu have to like Fondant to want it.. I have one dayghter that likes it and one that does not. I don’t care for it, but I will pay for what ever my girls want. But with fondant there are different ones to look at. $ to $$$ $$$ being up to 6.00 to 10.00 per serving on your cake.
My girls are trying really hard to stay around 4.00 per serving see that the cakes are going to be for 175 to 200 ppl.
Even the one that likes fondant is going with Butter Cream for the cost factor, and the teast, because not all ppl like the fondant.
I also love those “plain” buttercream cakes. I think the simplicity is absolutely beautiful, and they’d probably taste better than anything else too! I would rather serve a bunch of delicious desserts than even bother with “real” food… talk about a sweet tooth!
Mrs. Archer, Los Angeles/New Orleans Age and Occupation: 26, Marketing and Consultant Fiance's Age and Occupation: 27, Actor-Writer, Fitness Instructor Engagement Date: May 15, 2011 Wedding Date: October 2012 Venue: the Columns Hotel About Me: I’ve been in love with Mr. Archer for my entire adult life. After over seven years, two of them long distance, we're thrilled to (finally!) be planning a sweet Southern jazzy Jewish destination wedding. Working in marketing for a clothing company and running a niche consulting company with Mr. A, life is crazy, in the best possible way! I adore Saints football, dressing up, dance television, bright colors, beautiful things, and alliteration. When I’m not working, sleeping, or smooching my handsome fiancé, I’m making lists, cooking, or eating or drinking something yummy, bargain-shopping, and still oogling my heirloom engagement ring....ooh, sparkly!
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