Your West Midlands Wedding - Apr/May 2019 (Issue 61)

We’ve started looking at wedding cakes but we’re totally baffled by some of the terminology involved. Help! The Quality Cake Company team say: We work with couples to create their dream wedding cake. Here’s a guide to some of the terminology used by cake designers. Tiers – These are individual cakes that are stacked on top of each other. Tiers can be different heights, with two, three or more layers of sponge inside. Buttercream – A smooth, creamy cake filling and covering, sometimes referred to as frosting and most often seen on cupcakes. It can come in a variety of flavours and colours – we get regular compliments on ours. Fondant – A soft icing that has a sweet flavour, used to cover cakes for a smooth flawless finish. It is also used to create cake decorations. Ganaché – A rich mixture of chocolate and cream, used to cover a cake before applying fondant to improve the structure and create a smooth finish. Ganache is also used as a decoration on drip cakes. Sugar flowers – Often used in place of fresh flowers, they are usually hand crafted from a type of fondant that hardens. Piping – A decoration technique achieved by using a piping bag and metal tip. Patterns, swirls, lettering and other decorations can be piped onto cakes. Angela, Isabel & Lisa | Quality Cake Company | qualitycakecompany.com CAKE-OLOGY A PERFECT PAIR I’m going to be tying the knot al fresco this summer and want a dress that will suit my pear-shaped figure. What style would you suggest I try?  Rebecca says: For a pear-shaped body you’re going to want to opt for a dress that has a natural waistline. An A-line or ball gown style wedding dress is going to be the perfect option for this bodyshape as it will flatter your waist and create a beautiful silhouette. Opt for a dress that focuses on the detail within the bodice. An elegant lace perhaps with a sequin overlay, a pearl embellished pattern or for something a bit more sparkly chose crystal beaded embroidery. Stick to a simple satin, English net or tulle skirt to cinch the waistline and ensure the focus remains on the bodice of the dress. Layers of fabric below the waist will disguise larger hips and balance you out.  There are may different types of sleeve you could pick that go with an A-line or ball gown dress and it really depends what you feel most comfortable in. If you’re conscious of your arms you could chose an illusion sleeve, all the cover up benefits of a sleeve but much lighter for the summer months. However if you’re not a sleeve fan or usually get quite hot and flustered go for sleeveless, straps or spaghetti straps.  Rebecca Lavelle | Lavelle Bridal Couture | lavellebridalcouture.co.uk Quality Cake Company Pinching the pennies I’m on a strict budget for my wedding dress, however I don’t want to compromise on style and quality. What would you advise I do? Jo says: Having a tight budget definitely doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality. Buying off the peg whether it’s pre=owned or sample can save you time and money. This way you can often get a gown for half the original price meaning you can invest your cash in other areas of the wedding if you wish. Bridal Reloved specialised in high-end designer dresses so you can have an exquisite, couture dress for your big day – plus recycling or upcycling a wedding dress can help save the planet! Jo Taylor | Bridal Reloved Coventry | bridalreloved.co.uk STYLED TO PERFECTION Our venue has a really high beamed ceiling and we want it to feel a bit more cosy and intimate - what do you suggest? Kerry say: We love to decorate venues where the Brides can let their imagination run. Its amazing how one venue can be decorated in so many different ways. No one wedding is the same as another. Pimhill Barn is a fabulous venue, a beautiful Rustic Barn. The challenge was to make it interment and romantic. After discussions with the bride and her ideas, we decided on lowering the height by using large white drapes interspersed with fairy light strings. It worked perfectly, creating a stunning romantic Ceremony & Wedding Reception. Kerry Baskerville | Event stylist Love Me Do Bridal | lovemedo.co EXPERT ADVICE 101