The wedding industry increasingly embraces sustainability, with couples seeking eco-friendly options for their special day. As a luxury cake artist in Dorset, I can recommend several practices to reduce your environmental impact while still creating luxurious and memorable cakes. Not only do these practices contribute to a healthier planet, but they can also lead to cost savings. Here's how I make my cakes environmentally friendly and blinking delicious;
1. Source Local and Organic Ingredients By utilising locally sourced and organic ingredients, you support local farmers and significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation. Similarly, Fairtrade organic white chocolate and cocoa ensures ethical sourcing and high quality, reinforcing your dedication to sustainable practices. 2. Choose Eco-Friendly Decorating Materials Opting for biodegradable or reusable decorating tools is not only a sustainable choice but also a convenient one. Compostable piping bags from PBAT and modified corn starch are excellent alternatives to traditional plastic bags. These bags offer the convenience of disposable piping bags without contributing to landfill waste, allowing me to decorate your cake with ease and comfort, all while knowing that you're both positively impacting the environment. Reusable silicone pastry brushes and mats can reduce single-use plastic consumption. Check with your cake maker (hopefully, me) to see what their process entails. Spoiler alert - I'm entirely on board the reusable wagon! 3. Implement Waste Reduction Strategies Implementing waste reduction strategies in your cake artistry is a mindful and resourceful approach. Careful planning and precise measurement of ingredients can significantly reduce waste. By accurately measuring ingredients, you prevent excess, and by planning your decorations ahead of time, you ensure efficient use of materials. For leftover cake scraps and icing, consider purchasing cake pops as favours or other treats to minimise waste, demonstrating your resourcefulness and commitment to sustainability. 4. Use Sustainable Packaging Check that your Dorset cake maker chooses packaging made from recycled or biodegradable materials to lessen environmental impact. This includes cake boxes, boards, and other materials used to transport and present your cake. Eco-friendly cake boards, for example, are a sustainable alternative to traditional options. 5. Energy-Efficient Baking Practices I adopt energy-efficient appliances and baking methods to reduce energy consumption. Utilising energy-efficient ovens and mixers, as well as baking in batches, can conserve energy. Additionally, using non-toxic, eco-friendly bakeware made from materials like stainless steel or ceramic can enhance your baking process's sustainability and safety. 6. Vegan Baking I create delicious vegan cakes, check out the vegan chocolate cake if you want a real party on your palate! Making the choice to opt for a vegan wedding cake doesn't mean sacrificing anything in regards to taste or style, it's just one extra way to do your bit for the environment. By integrating these sustainable practices, I create exquisite wedding cakes that align with the growing demand for eco-friendly options. I ensure that your dream wedding cake is both luxurious and environmentally responsible.
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When creating a romantic and swoon-worthy luxury wedding cake that leaves a lasting impression, the use of flowers (whether fresh, sugar or wafer paper) is non-negotiable. Not only do they enhance visual appeal, but they also add a touch of elegance, especially when floral arrangements are displayed around your cake's base. However, it's absolutely critical to understand which flowers are safe for consumption and which ones should be avoided entirely. As a seasoned wedding cake artist, I’m here to provide you with the essential information you need. Safe Flowers for Wedding Cakes 1. Roses: This classic wedding flower is not just visually appealing; it's also edible. Their delicate petals scream romance and elevate the sophistication of any luxury wedding cake. 2. Violets: These small, stunning flowers can be crystallized for an elegant touch. Not only do they offer a beautiful visual, but they also add a hint of sweetness. 3. Lavender: With its captivating fragrance, lavender is both edible and aesthetically pleasing. It brings an air of luxury and a serene scent that enhances the overall theme. 4. Marigolds: These vibrant blooms offer a slightly peppery flavor and make a bold statement. They are perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of color to their cake. 5. Nasturtiums: With their slightly spicy taste and vivid colors, nasturtiums are a standout choice for a unique, edible floral accent. 6. Cornflowers: These striking blue flowers are not only visually appealing but also a safe option to include in your cake design. 7. Pansies: Available in a variety of colors, pansies provide both beauty and assurance that they’re completely safe to eat. ![]() Unsafe Flowers for Wedding Cakes It’s imperative to recognize that not all flowers are safe. Some are stunning to look at but can pose serious health risks. Here’s a concise list of flowers you must avoid at all costs: 1. Lily of the Valley: This gorgeous flower is extremely toxic, and even small amounts can be fatal. It has no place on your wedding cake. 2. Foxglove: While visually striking, foxglove contains digitalis and is deadly if ingested. 3. Hydrangea: These blooms contain toxic compounds that can release cyanide, making them dangerous for food decoration. 4. Daffodils: Their cheerful appearance is misleading; the sap can cause severe stomach issues and should not be near your cake. 5. Buttercups: These beautiful flowers can cause skin irritations and digestive problems if consumed, rendering them unacceptable for cake decoration. 6. Poinsettia: Typically associated with festive occasions, poinsettias contain milky sap that is irritating and could be toxic. 7. Delphinium: Another stunning flower that is highly toxic and should always be avoided. 8. Foliage: Ruscus & Eucalyptus. You can also count out eucalyptus and ruscus as both are toxic! A video of some nasties from our recent social media post, including; Ranunculus Hydrangea Gypsophilia Lilies Sweet Peas Alstromeria Anemone Lily of the Valley Hyacinths Eucalyptus Rusus Tips for Safe Cake Decoration - Choose Edible Flowers: There is no room for compromise here—always select flowers that are known to be safe for consumption. - Source Organically: Procure flowers exclusively from organic growers who do not use pesticides. Anything less can jeopardize the safety of your cake. - Create a Barrier: If you dare to use non-edible flowers for mere decoration, implement a barrier such as floral tape or a posy pick to eliminate any risk of contamination. For all of my wedding cakes, I adhere to the latest Government recommendations and guidelines in regards to the type of floral tape permitted and (there's only one) and the correct posy picks to ensure your safety. - Engage Professionals: Always consult an experienced wedding cake artist, particularly one familiar with the intricacies of a Dorset wedding cake (me). Their expertise will ensure that your cake is breathtaking and, more importantly, safe. - If in Doubt... Opt for sugar or wafer paper flowers which can look as good, if not better than the real thing (no wilting or drooping to worry about) and are most definitely safe for your wedding cake. By meticulously selecting the right flowers, you can craft a luxury wedding cake that not only looks stunning but also adheres to the highest safety standards. For those planning a wedding in Dorset or the surrounding counties, working with a trusted cake designer will guarantee that your dream cake comes to life safely and beautifully!
Last weekend saw me in Birmingham, receiving this very exciting Merit Award for my wedding cake entry to Cake International 2024! I had the best time not only displaying my cake but meeting so many other cake designers from all over the country, I made so many new friends so a big cheer for my Cake International crowd - I hope to see you all again next year. For Cake International 2024 the brief for wedding cakes was that it must include two entirely handmade removable elements, so for non-cakers, that means no moulds, stencils or cutters can be used, just entirely freehand creations. To those of you who are cake designers, that probably sends a wave of horror over you, as it did me. I had just recently completed a cake for a brand shoot that really inspired me to push myself out of my comfort zone and apply at the eleventh hour and despite having a very full schedule the week leading up to Cake International. Many thought I was mad, and they were right, but nonetheless I persevered and created the above, transported it to London so I could enjoy our half term break, then high-tailed it to Birmingham to get the cake in the competition. The cake that inspired me from my brand shoot. My entry to Cake International focused on two handmade elements, a handfasting rope and a Coupe de Mariage. The handfasting rope idea came to me whilst working as a registrar. I had recently married an old friend of 15 years, Tash, to her new husband, Andy and they had incorporated a handfasting ceremony into their legal ceremony. My colours were inspired by their beautiful blue wedding, together with the old bridal adage of 'Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue'. La Coupe de Mariage is a traditional French 'cup of marriage' whereby the newlyweds drink from the cup to symbolise the union of two families becoming one. It is often an heirloom passed down through families and similar traditions can be found in Scottish, Irish and Jewish cultures so it felt right to create an element such as this that had meaning to so many cultures. The Cake International judges particularly enjoyed the concept and colours of the cake and awarded me a Merit for my efforts.
Now, I'm looking forward to January when the new schedule is released and I can start thinking about the next Cake International creation! Not long ago, I had the exclusive privilege of being invited to craft a cake for a truly exceptional styled shoot at a pristine garden wedding venue in Dorset. Karmacations, nestled just outside Dorchester, is a sight to behold. Its opulent transparent marquee and a luxurious on-site Bridal Villa, set amidst a Japanese garden, is a captivating addition to Dorset's landscape. It was an honor to collaborate with some of the most esteemed wedding suppliers in Dorset. This shoot was a testament to meticulous planning, featuring everything from opulent wedding stationery to breathtaking floral arrangements, all in a carefully curated palette of soft golds, apricots, and coral. The photography, as you can see throughout the images in this blog—and no doubt the many I will soon share on my social media—was sublime. Thank you so much, Holly, for your hard work capturing this day. To complement this beautiful colour scheme, I created a pure white cake in a hexagonal shape, leaning into the calm serenity that Karmacations offer their couples. I then decorated the wedding cake with delicate wafer paper and isomalt florals to echo the beauty of this astonishing venue. The wedding table, a masterpiece of minimalist and modern design, was beautifully styled. It featured tall candlesticks, copper string lights, and a simple yet highly effective floral garland. This tablescape was a testament to the beautifully collaborated effort of some of the best in the industry-Mary Jane's Wedding Styling, White Orchid Print and Design, and Dorset Dried Flowers. The flowers from Dorset Dried Flowers were a triumph. Cath went all out, creating a bouquet, table flowers, a stunning floral chandelier, and a deconstructed arch and floral crown. The models, Freya and Sam, were the epitome of elegance in their Bridal Reloved dresses from the Dorchester shop. Their soft, ethereal looks, created by the talented Kirsten Sare Makeup Artist and Kate Eliza Hair, added a touch of magic to the shoot. Photographer: @hollyhockphotography | hollyhockphotography.co.uk
Cake: @atcakeartistry | atcakeartistry.co.uk Make Up: @kirstensaremakeupartist | kirstensare.co.uk Hair: @kateelizahair | kateelizahair.co.uk Venue: @karmacations | Florals: @dorsetdriedflowers | dorsetdriedflowers.co.uk Styling: @maryjanesweddingstyling | maryjaneseventstyling.co.uk Dresses: @bridalreloveddorchester | bridalreloved.co.uk Stationery : @white_orchid_print_and_design | whiteorchidpd.com Models: @freya_morse @Solomon_Bain_ @Samantha_portfolio For the longest time, the cake, a centerpiece of celebration, was often relegated to a round table in the corner. If the hosts were feeling fancy, there might be swagging, but more often than not, there was bad light, fire extinguishers, and venue decor that didn't match the theme. A thousand sins at which a photographer cringes. You've invested in a masterpiece, a symbol of your love, and then abused the poor thing, leaving it in a corner to be eternally sad. Thankfully, the tides are turning, and cakes are finally getting the spotlight they deserve when it comes to table layout. If you're unsure about where to place your cake or how to style it, we're here to guide you through the exciting new trends.
No matter how you style your wedding cake table, keep it true to your vision and theme. If luxury and chic are your style, then you don't need to clutter it. If maximalist is more your thing, go nuts and add all the decor that appeals to you. If you're a little bit country, you could even use a (please cake gods make it level) hay bale. It's your wedding, your way.
You might be thinking, "Ooh, you're new" but that's not the case. AT Cake Artistry is the fabulously rebranded Mon Bel Amour Cake Craft. Angela made the change back in January to rebrand but has since been so busy, she hasn't had chance to tell you all about it. AT Cake Artistry now lovingly designs luxury wedding cakes with a focus on artistic wafer paper designs. This heaven-sent material of the Cake Gods creates a soft and feminine look without the need for floral overload (though of course, if you want real or sugar flowers too, let's do it!). The cake studio is still catching up with the rebrand so standby for lots of shots of this soon but in the meantime, enjoy our new logo and some fabulous shots courtesy of Emma Frances Photography of some of our new designs towards the bottom of the page. Moving firmly into the luxury market of the wedding cake world has been a natural progression as Angela's skills and style evolved over the many years she has been a professional wedding cake designer. As you can see from the images below, it's about time! Your cake should take pride of place at your wedding reception, and with one of AT Cake Artistry's timelessly elegant wedding cake designs, you won't want to put this baby in the corner - no fire extinguishers in the background for these beauties! Angela is a masterful designer, whether she's using the most on-trend wafer paper or artfully crafting sugar flowers so realistic that her social media manager questioned why she was using a photo of a flower instead of a cake for a website image (true story and it was indeed a sugar rose, not a real one). With that level of skill, it seemed only fitting to rebrand away from the more cutesy style of Mon Bel Amour Cake Craft to the style icon that is AT Cake Artistry. If you would like to discuss your wedding cake plans, arrange a tasting session or postal box, please get in touch. Angela will personally guide you through the design process, ensuring your vision is brought to life, all while you get to tuck into delightfully decadent flavours of delicious cake. The Blooming Trend: Fresh Flowers on Wedding Cakes In the enchanting world of wedding cakes, a timeless trend has been captivating couples for years: the use of fresh flowers. As an experienced wedding cake designer, I have seen first-hand how fresh flowers can elevate a cake from beautiful to breathtaking. However, with recent updates from the Food Standards Agency (FSA), there's a renewed focus on safety and best practices for incorporating these natural beauties into your big day. The allure of fresh flowers Fresh Flowers add an unparalleled elegance and charm to wedding cakes. Their natural colours, textures, and shapes provide a stunning contrast to the smooth icing and structured tiers of a cake. Whether you're going for a rustic, bohemian look or a classic, romantic feel, fresh flowers can be the perfect touch. They can reflect the bridal bouquet, complement the wedding decor, or simply add a touch of nature's artistry to the celebration. Navigating new guidelines The FSA's tightened guidelines are a reminder of the importance of food safety, especially when it comes to adding non edible elements to something as central as the wedding cake. Certain flowers can be toxic if ingested or may have been treated with pesticides. This is why it's crucial to work with both a knowledgeable cake designer and a professional florist who understands the latest safety standards. My approach to fresh flowers on cakes To ensure that every wedding cake I create is both beautiful and safe, I have taken several steps: 1. **Research and Collaboration** I have collaborated with a trusted florist who has over 20 years experience in preparing flowers for weddings. Together, we've researched which flowers are safe to use and the best methods for treating them. 2.** selection of flowers ** Not all flowers are suitable for use on cakes. Safe options include roses, edible orchids, pansies, and marigolds. Each flower is carefully chosen not just for it's beauty but also for it's safety. 3. **preparation techniques** Flowers are washed and prepared, to ensure, as much as we are able, that they are free from pesticides and other harmful chemicals. For added safety, we use flower picks or posey picks to keep the stems form coming into direct contact with the cake. 4. **Application methods** Flowers are placed on the cake in a way that avoids direct contact with the cake's surface wherever possible. This involves using barriers such as edible cake glaze like wax to ensure that any sap or residue does not transfer to the cake. A perfect floral finish For couples considering fresh flowers for their wedding cake, here are a few tips: **Consult Early** Discuss your vision with both your cake designers and florist early in the planning process. This ensures that everyone is on the same page and can coordinate the best options for your cake. **Consider the Venue** Some venues may have restrictions on the types of flowers or decorations used, so be sure to check in advance. **Keep it Fresh** Fresh flowers are best when they look their freshest. Timing the delivery and placement of the flowers close to the event help maintain their beauty. Incorporating fresh flowers into wedding cakes continue to be a beloved choice for many couples. By following updated guidelines and working with experienced professionals, you can ensure that your cake is as safe as it is stunning. At AT Cake Artistry, I am committed to bringing your floral visions to life with care and creativity, making your special day even more memorable. For more information on how we can create the perfect cake with fresh flowers for your wedding, feel free to reach out, Let's make your dream cake bloom! |
AT Cake ArtistryDesigner of luxury wedding cakes, based in Wareham, Dorset. Archives
February 2025
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