Wedding cake cutting and etiquette

There is a certain kind of protocol involved with most aspects of a wedding, which also holds true for the wedding cake. Cutting the wedding cake is usually one of the last formalities in a wedding and the first that a couple will share as new husband and wife, which means it should be done perfectly.

Here are some cake cutting tips and etiquette recommended by http://www.hitched.co.uk/

• Wedding cake etiquette starts with the correct setting of the wedding cake. The wedding cake should be displayed on a beautifully decorated table, which goes in front of the main table (or brides table). It should be set in such a manner so as not to block the guests' view of the head table. An engraved and decorated knife is usually placed at the table (although this is not mandatory).

• Etiquette demands that the cake be cut at the right time during the reception. This will depend on the kind of reception that you have. If it is an informal kind of gathering, such as a tea party or cocktail reception, then you should cut the wedding cake after the guests have been received and the speeches made. For more formal affairs, the cake should be cut after the main reception lunch or dinner has been served.

• The wedding cake cutting should be announced prior to the cutting. This can be done by making an announcement to the effect or by playing the very song that the wedded couple danced their first dance to.

• The right hand of the groom goes over the right hand of the bride and they cut the wedding cake together. The first slice is fed by the groom to his bride, after which the bride serves her new husband.

• The wedding cake is then taken away by a family member, friend or the catering staff to be cut. The cutting is not done in front of the guests.

• The cake is then either served along with the coffee or is used as a party favour and put in boxes for the guests to take home with them.

Source: http://www.hitched.co.uk/cakes/article8.asp

A guide to choosing the right cake shape for your wedding

When it comes to choosing the right cake shape, it is imperative to keep your wedding style in mind.

Here are the most common cake shapes and decorating tips recommended by http://www.theknot.com.au/

Round
While some might think the shape a little plain, the simplicity of a round cake provides the perfect backdrop for interesting textures and colours.

TIPS - There's no need to hold back on decor with a round cake. Stunning ideas: an allover quilted or pleated pattern; embossed fondant in the shape of your wedding day motif or monogram; or a colorful cascade of sugar flowers.

Square
A square cake is the modern alternative to a round cake - perfect for couples looking for something different but not too over-the-top.

TIPS - Play up the shape as little or as much as you want. Soften the hard edges with elegant touches like sugar flowers, pastel colours and paper-thin embellishments. Or, emphasise the shape by outlining each tier in ribbon.

Petal
Often referred to as ‘scalloped,’ this shape has a flowerlike appearance. Play up the petal shape for a garden wedding, or use the shape on the bottom tier of a round cake to add interest.

TIPS - To keep the cake from looking too bold, go light with the add-ons to compliment and draw attention to the unique shape. We love a white-on-white cake with a burst of colourful sugar flowers to top it off.

Hexagonal
This six-sided wonder is the creative answer to a modern square cake. With such a striking appearance, you'll want to keep the adornment clean and simple. The shape itself brings a lot to the table even without any decoration.

TIPS - Outline each tier in buttercream pearls, accent with fresh or sugar paste green cymbidium orchids, or keep it completely free of decor, save an heirloom or flower cake topper.

Topsy-Turvy
This shape has serious attitude. While it's sure to make a bold statement at your wedding, consider the overall style of the day. It's perfect for a funky loft or restaurant, but won't work as well in an elegant ballroom or country club.

TIPS - Stray from anything traditional like flowers and play up the unique design with plenty of funky add-ons and bold colours. We recommend diamond fondant cut-outs in a bold mix of colours.


Source - http://www.theknot.com.au/wedding-planning/wedding-cakes-flowers/a-guide-to-cake-shapes

Boys Cakes

Boys love cake too! It is a common assumption that most cakes are made for girls, which is understandable as  the majority of the pretty cakes in the world are for Weddings and Brides and little Princesses ! However Boys do love cake and we love making cakes for Boys - especially Boys Birthday Cakes. Here are some pictures of fun boys birthday cakes we've made recently, to have a  look visit our facebook album.

If you would like a similar designed cake or you have an idea of you own, please make an enquiry through our website or by calling +61 7 3366 9111.

We love a good cake and like to share contacts for cake lovers all over the world!
Here are some amazingly designed novelty boys cakes by Cakes 4 Fun, who are based in the UK.

These designs are awesome!

Check out more cakes on their website.

Easter Opening Hours

Cakes by JudyC will be closing Good Friday 2nd April plus, Easter Saturday, Sunday & Monday 3rd-5th April. We will re-open again Tuesday 6th April.

Have a safe and happy easter!

Happy Customers

We love hearing from happy customers - but most of all we LOVE seeing smiling faces!
Here is a lovely photo of one of our very happy little cake eaters enjoying her birthday cake.
Paula & Grace - thank you for sending us this divine photo and most of all - for letting us share it with our online community.

Viva Las Vegas

After 50 years, Freed’s Bakery of Las Vegas continues to serve some of the highest quality cakes to locals and tourists.

Famous worldwide for their quality-made simple cakes and elaborate creations, Freed’s Bakery of Las Vegas will personalise and design the cake of your dreams.

Whether you are wanting a Vegas style gambling cake, Halloween, wedding or baby shower cake, Freed's is definitely the place to get a 'heads turning, jaw dropping, elaborate creation'. 

Have a look at some of their specialty cakes…

Silver Candle Holders Have Arrived!

These silver candle holders will definately make your cake stand out and look glamorous! They are all silver plated and designed by a prestigious jewellery designer from Britain named Viviana De Gallegos.

Famous celebrities, sport stars and members of the Royal family for example, Madonna, David Beckham and the Queen have used the same cake holders on their birthday cakes!

Don't miss out on having your own star-studded cake! Each candle holder is $6 each or they can be purchased as a set of 5 for $35.

Pop in-store or call for more details.

Valentines Day

The worldly renowned Valentines Day is fastly approaching, the day which we celebrate love. Valentines Day began with the Roman Empire which held the Lupercian Festival every February in honour of the God of fertility, where young men could choose their mate. During this time marriage was legal however, when Claudius became Emperor he changed the laws, fearing men would refuse their duty to fight because they would not want to leave their wives. When couples wished to get married in secret they would go to Catholic Bishop Valentine who would marry the couples. When Claudius found out he had Valentine arrested. While waiting in jail Valentine exchanged letters with his lover and on his final note before he got beheaded he signed it with: 'From Your Valentine'. This is where the traditional began.

This year we are providing a little SPICE for the lovers among you! We have spiced Valentines Cookies for those who like a little heat during the month of love, with cinnamon, chilli, salt and pepper to get the blood pumping.

We also have beautiful hand decorated, made-to-order cookies for those sweet messages and pretty things for your loved one.

Prices start at $2 each and are made-to-order. Please ask instore or call for more details.

Bakers' Wooden Smoothers Available Now

We have been very lucky enough to find someone to custom make (for us) some traditional Wooden Smoothers.

Wooden Smoothers are used by bakers for Cake Decorating. It is rare and almost impossible to find traditional Wooden types these days as most are made with plastic or other synthetic material. Plastic and other smoothers just don't cut it when it comes to decorating with precision.

Here is a picture of the Smoothers we have available for sale in our Ashgrove store.

Prices are as follows:

Smoothers

Small $35 (2 small in a set)
Large $25 ea
Flower Drying Racks ( for Decorating Flowers/Sugar Flowers etc)

Large ( for multiple flowers) $37.50 ea

Small ( for single flowers/arrangements) $12.00 ea

Please email me at judyc@cakesbyjudyc.com.au if you have any questions about the Traditional Wooden Smoothers we have available or what they can be used for or if you would like to purchase some.

Happy Decorating!

Happy New Year

Welcome 2010 a brand new Decade to play with - what fun!

We are back in the kitchen and all fired up for a fantastic year ahead.
Please keep in contact with us via this blog, our Facebook page, our Twitter profile and our website www.cakesbyjudyc.com.au

Happy 2010!