Your Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wedding - December 2020/January 2021 (Issue 86)

62 Our regional experts share their top trends for micro weddings HOT TOPIC Pearl cake serves 12 guests. Single-tier monogram cake serves six guests. Cake featuring autumnal flowers and a gold leaf design serves 15 guests. ICING ON THE CAKE We are planning a micro wedding for spring 2021 so can you give us some ideas for a wow-factor cake? Meet the expert: Clare Hartland-Brown is the owner of Betty Bee Bakes, a bespoke wedding and celebration cake company based in Old Windsor, Berkshire. Clare says: If you’re planning a small yet perfectly formed wedding then there are plenty of options for a spectacular wedding cake other than the three-tiered design that might not get eaten. A smaller cake doesn’t mean less impact. Choose your decorations wisely and it will still look as stunning as a larger design. A four-inch tier on top of a six-inch tier will serve 20 finger-sized portions after the coffee and speeches when guests are already full. If you have your heart set on a three- tier design then why not serve it as dessert? Consider having cupcakes that look so cute displayed on a vintage-style cake stand. A cupcake tower offers a more contemporary look and the cupcakes can be themed – I have made superhero ones for a wedding before! They are quick and easy to set up which is ideal for the social distancing measures in place. If you’re not so bothered about the cutting of the cake then consider having a cake buffet. Brownies, cookies, scones and a Victoria sponge cake are perfect for this, and I could bake a selection while you ask your guests to get involved and bring something along (you’ll need to check that the venue is happy with this idea first). Other popular ideas are a doughnut wall, candy cart and dessert trios served instead of cake. Finally, consider going savoury with a cheese and pork pie tower (which is what I did at my wedding). Fill cake stands with your favourite cheese varieties and provide individual plates of crackers and small bowls of pickles – you’re set to enjoy a wedding day that’s truly unique and no less memorable for being just you and your nearest and dearest. Betty Bee Bakes | 07989 980 041 https://bettybeebakes.wordpress.com | www.facebook.com/bettybeebakes Meet the expert: Eva Cockrell is the designer behind Euthymia Cakes, a luxury bespoke cake and sugar floristry company based in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. Eva says: If you’re planning a stylish small wedding and have your heart set on a large cake then why not consider a dummy tier? They look like the real thing and are very cost-effective. Alternatively, one slightly taller tier can be topped with your favourite sweet treats including meringue kisses, or created with a dramatic drip design that looks fabulous in photographs. Finally, sweetie tables are still trending and if you speak to your venue, they may serve your guests without them having to leave their seats. Euthymia Cakes | 07930 875 908 | https://euthymia.co.uk | www.instagram.com/EuthymiaCakes