Tag Archive for: wedding planning

Ingredients for wedding cake

I’m a Hobby Baker – Should I Make The Wedding Cake?

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Ingredients for wedding cake

I’m a Hobby Baker – Should I Make the Wedding Cake?

This is a question that is sometimes asked by the bride, groom, or a friend or relative who have a love of baking as a hobby. It is often seen as a way to contribute in a personal way to the wedding day.

So is it a good or bad idea to decide to make your own wedding cake, or offer to create one for a friend or family member? Today I am going to share with you my experience of the pros and cons of baking the wedding cake if you are an amateur baker. Read to the end to see what my ultimate opinion is!

Baker mixing bowl of cream

Should I Make The Wedding Cake – The Upsides

  • You could save money

Professional wedding cakes are a luxury item and hence can be expensive. You pay a lot of money for the time, skills and professionalism of a wedding cake designer as well as the experience that a beautiful cake offers to you and your guests. If you bake regularly, making a wedding cake can seem like one thing which you, a friend or a family member could do, thus saving on the cost of hiring a professional.

  • It is a way to add something personal to the wedding

Weddings are personal experiences, with all the details relevant to and inspired by the couple themselves. A cake made by the bride or groom, or close relative, adds another element of family to the wedding day.

  • It allows you to explore your creativity

Many amateur bakers love the opportunity to try new flavours or techniques in their cake making. There are only so many cakes one can bake on a weekend! So an upcoming wedding may seem like the perfect opportunity to push yourself to the next level in your cake making.

Baker pouring nut praline into bowl

Should I Make The Wedding Cake – The Downsides

  • It may not save money

Most amateur bakers who decide to make their own wedding cake, or that of a friend or family member, will be unlikely to embark on the project without doing at least one trial run. This could involve a few tests of the cake flavour or recipe, as well as some experimentation in the cake decoration. This may require the purchase of some books, tutorials or lessons to make sure you are confident in your techniques. Additional equipment, such as larger cake tins or decorating tools, may also require purchasing. It is worth considering these potential purchases in working out the cost of making the cake yourself.

  • It can be very stressful

Ask anyone who has started a cake business and they will no doubt tell you how stressful making a wedding cake can be. There are many factors that feed into the elevated expectations of a wedding cake, not least the increased wow-factor required, the magnitude of the event, and the numbers of guests. Other factors include the cake size, delivery and things that are firmly outwith your control, such as the weather. With years of experience, professionals develop systems, techniques and confidence to manage all of these details. Without that experience, it can be a stressful process. Transporting a wedding cake for the first time in the height of summer anyone?

  • It is unlikely to comply with food safety legislation

Professional wedding cake makers are trained and certified in the legislation of food safety and food handling practices, giving them the knowledge and expertise through all stages of the process to make cakes that are safe for consumption. They are also fully insured, in the unlikely case that someone does suffer adversely from the product. Many venues may require proof of food safety certification and insurance prior to the delivery of a cake, something that is indeed good practice. Bringing a homemade wedding cake to a venue to serve to a large number of guests, without experience in food handling training and legislation, is very much at your own risk.

So, What do I Think?

Making your own wedding cake, or that of a close family member or friend, is a way of contributing to what is the most personal and exciting of days. If you love to bake and decorate cakes, then it is a great opportunity to practice your skills, and may be a good decision for a smaller and more informal wedding, such as one hosted at home.

In general however, it is ultimately my view that if you value the experience offered by beautifully made and designed wedding cake, then it is best to hire a professional. I personally know the pressure of making wedding cakes, and the skills required to reach a point of creating exquisitely delicious centrepieces with confidence, and in compliance with food safety regulations.

So tick one more thing off your to-do list by booking your wedding cake designer. Enjoy the the wedding cake design process, and delight in having a wow-factor experience to share with your guests as you relax on your wedding day!

For more tips join our mailing list to receive the latest blog posts straight to your inbox.

Suzanne, x

Baker holding decorated white wedding cake

 

 

Chocolate layered cake and slice

How to Have a More Sustainable Wedding Cake

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Chocolate layered cake and slice

How to Have a More Sustainable Wedding Cake

Wedding cakes are a luxurious treat and a memorable addition to your wedding day. Of course like everything we consume, their production will have some impact on the planet. But there are small decisions that can be made to choose a more sustainable wedding cake. In today’s blog post I am sharing a few of my top tips.

1. Ask your supplier about their sustainability measures and any advice they may have

Many wedding cake suppliers are working to make their businesses and products more sustainable. From improving their supply chain, to greener energy, don’t be afraid to ask more about what they are doing so you can make informed choices. Your chosen supplier will also be a great first port of call for advice on minimising the impact of your wedding cake.

2. Consider a supplier who is as local as possible to your venue

It is important to choose a supplier who aligns with your wedding style and ethos. Most will have to travel a certain distance to deliver your wedding cake to your venue. Do however try to consider this transport cost by finding a supplier you love that is as close as possible to your venue. Do you really need to fly someone in?

3. Choose an appropriate cake size

Food waste can be a big issue with wedding cakes, and over-ordering will certainly contribute to that. Most wedding cakes are an additional treat after a beautiful wedding meal. As such only small portions are needed, and indeed not everyone may choose to take a slice. I recommend ordering 2/3 the number of portions as guests. Cake only has a short shelf life, so excess may end up being thrown out.

4. Make sure your cake is cut and served

Following on from the point above, it is important to ensure that your cake is served to guests to avoid it being wasted. I have heard stories of the cake not being cut at the wedding, and wonder what happens to it. If you think that it won’t all be eaten, do make a plan for what to do with leftovers. For example you might like to freeze the top tier, or serve the remainder to guests the next day.

5. Consider local and seasonal flavour choices, or vegan options

Choosing flavours that are in season may help reduce the food miles associated with your cake. Similarly vegan options may reduce the carbon footprint of your cake. Do ask your cake maker about options.

6. Avoid fake tiers

Fake tiers are often used in wedding cakes to give the illusion of a bigger cake, or for practical decorative reasons. However these are made from polystyrene and generally get thrown out. To avoid this waste, don’t ask for fake tiers, or if you do want to use them, ask your cake designer if you can return them to them so that they can be washed and reused.

 

I hope these tips were helpful! If you would like to receive more tips and other cake news, sign up to our mailing list today. If you want to find out more about how your wedding will impact the planet, I found this handy wedding carbon footprint calculator on Mindfully Wed.

Suzanne, x

Chocolate layered cake and slice

 

 

White wedding cake with sugar flowers

What is the value of a wedding cake?

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What is the Value of A Wedding Cake

There are many articles and discussions on what the price of a wedding cake is or what budget you should allocate. But in considering this, what the value of a wedding cake is and what it adds to a wedding day may not always be considered fully, with the budget allocation for a cake often down the list of priorities.  In this blog post I am sharing a few reflections on what value a wedding cake brings to a wedding day and why it is hence worth paying for.

1. The Wedding Cake is a Tradition

Wedding cakes are a tradition, apparently dating back to ancient Rome, and a lovely tradition at that.  Within the tradition of having a wedding cake however, there are no hard and fast rules any more. The style of cake, when to cut it, and whether to keep the top tier, are all aspects of the tradition that the couple can make their own.

2. The Wedding Cake is a Luxurious Treat

Along with other wedding details such as floral arrangements, wedding cakes are very much a luxury item. But who doesn’t love to treat themselves, especially on their wedding day. Luxuries are expensive, but worth it.

3. The Wedding Cake Contributes to the Overall Wedding Design

Wedding cakes contribute to the overall design of the wedding, with the cake design, flavour and styling complimenting the overall wedding style, and reflecting the location, seasons or personal tastes of the couple. The cake is often a stunning focal point for the reception design too.

4. The Wedding Cake is a Visual and Taste Experience for Guests

A wedding cake is not just a cake. It is an experience for guests. Visual edible cake art and tasting mouthfuls of deliciousness are one of many experiences for guests at your wedding.

5. The Cake Cutting Ceremony is a Classic Photo Opportunity

The cake cutting photo is quite often the one that is taken by all of your guests and widely shared too. From my experience, any photos I have seen of this moment are fabulously fun and filled with smiles and laughter. Something that is priceless!

 

I hope these insights were helpful! If you would like to receive more tips and other cake news,  sign up to our mailing list today.

Suzanne, x

 

Bride and groom cutting the cake

Image credit: Petar Jurica

White wedding cake styled with green foliage

Wedding Cake Budget

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Modern luxury white wedding cake

Wedding Cake Budget

How much to allocate to your wedding cake budget is a difficult question. Like all aspects of your wedding, there are a huge range of price options available. These ranges reflect variations in the quality, size and detail of the cake itself, as well as the skills, choice and level of service offered by the wedding cake supplier. What you choose will depend on how much you value a small simple, or larger more extravagant wedding cake.

Why Are Wedding Cakes So Expensive?

Firstly it is a good idea to address why wedding cakes are deemed to be expensive. Wedding cakes may seem expensive but they are made by skilled professionals, often on a bespoke basis and on a very small scale. Even the simplest of cakes involves many hours of work, from consultation and tasting through to the creation and set up of your cake. The cost of the product, business overheads and investments also need to be factored in. They aren’t a highly commercial product, but rather a handcrafted artistic item, that is a visual and tasting experience for your wedding guests.

Layered chocolate cake and slice

Average Wedding Cake Prices

Wedding cakes are not a priority for everyone, which is perfectly ok. If you do however value a high quality or intricate cake, or need a large wedding cake, it is important to set a realistic budget so that you can get a wedding cake suited to you.

A recent survey by Weddings Online puts the average wedding cake price at €350. Another survey by One Fab Day gave a figure of €700 as the average cost of a wedding cake. Actual cake prices can vary from below these figures to several thousand euro. So what will various price ranges actually get you?

Wedding Cake Budgets – What You Might Expect

After a little research and based on my own pricing, I have compiled a rough guide for what you can expect to pay for quality wedding cakes in Ireland in 2023. There will of course be variations depending on your requirements and your supplier.

It is important to remember that these prices generally include not only the cake itself, but a tasting, consultation and the premium service offered by cake makers to wedding clients. Delivery, stand hire and props, such as florals to decorate the cake table, are usually extra. Do therefore bear that in mind when allocating your wedding cake budget. These details may push your price into the next range.

€250-€700

This range is really the minimum you can expect to pay for a wedding cake. At the lower end you will get a nice single tier wedding cake, with beautiful decoration. Mid-range will get a nice decorated 2-tier cake, while at the higher end of this range you can expect a 2-tier cake with a choice of intricate decorative detail. The upper end will also generally get a simple 3-tier cake, perhaps decorated with fresh flowers. Expect to choose from a standard or limited range of designs or flavours, rather than detailed or custom design.

€700 – €1,000

This lower end of this range will get a premium intricately decorated custom 2-tier cake.  This range will also generally get a premium 3-tiered cake, simply iced with fresh flowers, or with some decorative detail such as piping or sugar flowers. 4-tier cakes will probably start at the upper end of this range.

€1,000 – €1500

For this range you can expect to get a premium 3 or 4-tier cake with more intricate handcrafted decorative detail, such as  piping or sugar flowers.  Custom design options, and additional services such as table styling may be available. 5-tier cakes will probably start within this range.

€1,500 – €2,000

This price range will get a premium custom designed 3 to 5-tier cake as before.  A higher level of intricate handcrafted decorative work, such as sugar flowers, or piping will be an option on the smaller sizes. A certain level of decorative detail will be possible on a 5-tier cake.

€2,000 +

A budget over €2,000 will allow for an exceptional 3, 4 or 5-tier wedding cake. You will be purchasing from a premium supplier and choosing a high level of intricate detail.

 

I hope you find this rough guide useful. You might also be interested in our post on How to Save Money on Your Wedding Cake – Myths and Tips!

If you would like to receive more tips and other cake news,  sign up to our mailing list today.

Suzanne, x

Wedding Cake Display

 

Wedding Cake Styling

Wedding Cake Styling and Display

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Wedding Cake Styling

Top Tips for Wedding Cake Styling and Display

You have chosen your cake flavours and finalised the design. All that is left to do now is enjoy it on the day, right? Well there is one last yet extremely important thing to consider – planning your wedding cake styling and display.

Having spent so much time in the process of creating your deliciously beautiful wedding cake, displaying it so your guests can appreciate it, and that your photographer can record it, is an essential thing to do as part of your wedding planning process. Dark lighting, a poor backdrop or inappropriate props can really detract from a beautiful cake. Conversely considered styling and the right location can elevate even the simplest of cakes to something spectacular.

Read on to hear our top tips…

Wedding Cake Styling

1. Add cake styling to your wedding to-do list

With so much to do in organising your wedding day, don’t forget to allow time and budget for the styling and display of your cake. Those last details are so important to ensure that your cake is a beautiful centrepiece to be admired and enjoyed by you and your guests. Add styling and display to your to-do list, and leave at least a little of your cake budget for those final important details such as stand hire, candles or florals.

Wedding Cake Styling

2. Ask your cake maker and other vendors for advice

Pinterest is a great source of cake styling ideas but also use the expertise of your wedding vendors. Your cake maker is of course a first point of call, but also liaise with your wedding planner, stylist and florist for ideas on how to show your cake off to maximum effect. Their creativity may lead them to suggest something fabulous that you hadn’t thought of before.

Wedding Cake Styling

3. Consider the location, lighting and backdrop

Many venues have a standard location for the wedding cake. Unfortunately this is often a table in the corner of the function room which may not have the best lighting or indeed backdrop. When visiting your venue, if the standard placement is not ideal, discuss with your coordinator alternative options for positioning your cake. Locations such as the drinks reception area are a great choice. Not only do these areas often have better lighting, or perhaps more choice for a backdrop, the location will allow guests to appreciate and take photos of the cake in a more intimate space. Don’t forget to discuss location with your cake maker or wedding planner too. With their knowledge of the venue they may have experience as to what has worked well for previous clients.

Wedding Cake Styling

4.  Choose the right cake stand and props

Props to consider for your cake table may include a cake stand, display options for sweet treats, candles and cake menu/flavour cards. Many venues will include a cake stand as part of your package, but check the style before committing to this. Quit often the only options are large, more traditional stands, which don’t suit many of today’s modern cake styles. Your cake maker will most likely have stands and props for hire. If you are using a stand of your own, be sure to ask if it will be suitable for the size and weight of your cake.

If you are using candles or floral on your dining tables, include an order for some of these to use on your cake table to ensure a cohesive decor.

Wedding Cake Styling

5. Don’t forget to convey your delicious wedding cake flavours to your guests!

An easy detail to forget is conveying your cake flavours to your guests.  With wedding cakes nowadays offering such delicious combinations, be sure to entice and inform your guests with a cake menu or flavour cards. Your stationer may be the best person to talk to about this but again your cake maker or wedding planner may have creative ideas too. Calligraphy cards, acrylic signs or menu frames that match your theme are all great options.

Wedding Cake Styling

For more wedding cake planning ideas read our tips on wedding cake flavours or which flowers to choose for your cake.

Suzanne, x

Wedding car

Real Wedding – Laura and Andrew

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Thrilled to share with you some images by talented photographer Emma Russell, of clients Laura and Andrew’s  real wedding at  Virginia Park Lodge in Co. Cavan last year.

The Venue

Virginia Park Lodge is a luxuriously restored yet homely fishing lodge on the banks of a picturesque lake. Owned by Michelin starred chef, Richard Corrigan and with an organic vegetable farm on site, it offers style and delicious food in equal measure.

Wedding venue

The Colour Palette

Laura and Andrew chose a sophisticated white and green palette for their wedding (which was carried through to the cake, more on that later!).

Wedding sationery

I am in love with the car which coordinated perfectly with the colour scheme!

Wedding car

The Styling

Flowers

Just married

Stunning arrangements by the Rosehip and Berry create a gorgeous backdrop outside the church for this cute photo.

Decor

Wedding reception

Elegant Events by Colette coordinated the most beautiful styling of the garden Pavilion for a cosy and romantic feel. So inviting!

The Cake

Buttercream wedding cake

Wedding cake table

For the cake, Laura and Andrew chose three tiers of celebratory Champagne, Elderflower and Strawberry cake, finished with a lightly textured deckle edge base tier, semi-iced buttercream upper tiers, and the prettiest of fresh flowers from the Rosehip and Berry

And I have to take a moment for the cake styling! It was a delight on delivery to arrive to this beautifully conceptualised styling of the cake table, with hanging foliage and flowers, draped linen and candles.  A testament to how considered styling can elevate the cake to a beautiful focal feature. Thanks to Laura and Colette for taking the time!

Cake cutting

Wedding day confetti

Testimonial

“Absolute perfection! We couldn’t have been happier with our wedding cake from Cove Cake Design. Suzanne is such a pleasure to work with; professional, friendly with a fantastic eye for style…Everyone raved about our cake. We loved it so much, thank you! “

Laura and Andy, 2019

Read more..

It was a delight to work with Laura and Andy on their wedding cake and I always love to see client wedding photos. If you also loved this one check out more Cove Cake Design real weddings and testimonials.

Suzanne, x

 

Real Wedding Feature Cove Cake DesignLaura Gordon

Real Wedding – Laura and Gregory at Adare Manor

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Be prepared for some Pinterest-worthy imagery in today’s post! Delighted to share with you some images by award-winning fine art photographer, Laura Gordon, of clients Laura and Gregory’s destination wedding at the stately Adare Manor in Co. Limerick.

The Venue
Adare Manor Hotel

Laura, Gregory and their guests travelled from the United States for their wedding at the stunning Adare Manor, an impeccably restored manor house on stately grounds, renowned for its service and hospitality.

The Style

Wedding InvitationsThey enlisted the help of wedding stylist Lindsay of House of Hannah Events, who is renowned for her attention to detail and refined style, to coordinate and create their vision for a timelessly elegant wedding day. Laura and Gregory just marriedA colour palette of peaches, dusty pinks, caesious and cottage blues was most evident in the flowers by Floral Earth and was simultaneously fresh, modern and refined. What a gorgeous photo!Bridal partyLaura and her stylish bridesmaids.Wedding reception flowersFurther breathtaking floral installations adorned the staircase and sumptuous dining room, creating a summer garden feel. I was blown away when I came to deliver the cake! Wedding reception place settingsPlace settings were exquisitely styled  by Lindsay with soft grey linen and candles, gold cutlery and caesious blue charger plates.

The Cake

Wedding cakeFor the cake, Laura and Gregory chose a 3-tier design with a soft caesious blue deckled edge fondant base tier and semi-iced upper tiers, adorned with some stunning fresh flowers in a palette of dusty pinks and cottage blue by Floral Earth. Flavours were Lime White Chocolate Pistachio and Lemon Blueberry Coconut, deliciously fresh and summer flavours. And I just love this cake cutting photo! Cutting the cake

Testimonial

“Thank you so much for the beautiful cake! It was delicious!! Thank you so much for making it a very seamless process to work with you. That makes all the difference! “

Laura and Gregory, 2019

Read more..

It was a delight to work with Laura and Gregory on their wedding cake. If this wedding has you swooning, check out some more Cove Cake Design real weddings!

Suzanne, x

 

 

Elegant Real Weddings Cove Cake Design

Elegant Real Weddings with Adam and Grace Photography

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It is always a delight to receive wedding photos from photographers and clients! So many months are spent working closely on a wedding cake design, it is exciting to finally see the cake in the context of a beautiful wedding day and blissfully happy clients.

Today I am sharing two gorgeously elegant weddings from 2019 photographed by the supremely talented Adam and Grace Photography, who masterfully capture weddings in a candid timeless style.

Moya and Andrew, Mount Juliet. Adam and Grace Photography

Moya and Andrew were married last spring in the stately surrounds of Mount Juliet Estate, Kilkenny. I have had the pleasure of knowing Moya for a few years now, having made a few celebration cakes for her business and personal events. Moya is the founder of Avenue Interior Design, a design studio that creates interior spaces that are comfortable and inviting, with a signature relaxed and refined style. Enlisting the help of wedding stylist Betty Williamson and florist The Wild Bunch, this style was translated into a wedding that exuded minimilast sophistication.Bride and groom

The beautiful blossom trees on the grounds of Mount Juliet provided nature’s perfect floral arch for portraits.

Mount Juliet wedding venue

The wisteria-clad front of Mount Juliet House.

Wedding stationery

A pinterest-worthy flatlay.

Wedding reception

Relaxed and informal flowers in the inviting dining space of Hunter’s Yard, Mount Juliet and Moya’s beautiful bouquet.Bridal bouquet

For their cake, Moya and Andrew chose a cake table, incorporating a main cake, minimalist in style and adorned with sugar flowers, as well as two side cakes, mini-cakes and macarons. With flavours including Champagne Elderflower Strawberry, Orange Cardamom Rose and Chocolate Orange Olive Oil Hazelnut Rosemary, the table was no doubt a treat for guests!

Wedding cake

Cake cutting

“It was style, but most certainly not over substance – our guests were raving about the cakes and the delicious flavours and they still are”.

Moya and Andrew

 

John and Siobhan, Clonwilliam House. Adam and Grace Photography

Siobhan and John were married on a warm August day at one of my favourite venues, Clonwilliam House, (I always wish I could just move in when I deliver there!).  Clonwilliam is a family-owned stately home in a peaceful and private setting with a stunning vista over the lush green countryside of County Wicklow.  When I was delivering the cake I was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Siobhan leaving that morning for the ceremony in a vintage red open-topped car…how fun!

Clonwilliam House

The grounds of the house provided the perfect backdrop for beautifully candid photos.

Bride and groom

The detail on Siobhan’s dress is just stunning.

Bridal bouquet

…and I just love her romantic bouquet of tied roses in pale pink hues!Wedding flowers

Beautiful flowers in shades of pink by Frog Prince Weddings adorned the house and the romantically dining space in the converted barn.Wedding reception

For their cake John and Siobhan chose a single tall tier of Guinness Chocolate with Roasted White Chocolate Cake, adorned in blush marble icing, gold leaf and pretty fresh flowers. Accompanying Champagne and Strawberry macarons created a sweet choice for guests that evening!Wedding cakeWedding dress details

“We loved our wedding cake! Not only did it look fab but it tasted so delicious it didn’t last very long! Suzanne was so easy to work with, she is a professional artist and created exactly what we wanted. Thank you!”

Siobhan and John

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It was such a delight to work with these two couples on their wedding cakes. If you loved these too, be inspired by more real weddings and Cove Cake Design Cakes.

Suzanne x

 

 

Real wedding inspiration Cove Cake Design

Real Wedding Inspiration – Three of my favourites from 2018

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Be prepared for some gorgeous real wedding inspiration in today’s post! It is always a delight to receive wedding photos from clients. So many months are spent working closely on their wedding cake design, it is exciting to finally see those plans come to fruition but also to see the cake in the context of a beautiful wedding day. Today I am sharing three of many stunning real weddings from 2018!

Real Wedding Inspiration: Sharon and James 

This wedding was close to my heart as Sharon is actually my sister-in-law and my little girl was one of the flower girls. Sharon was the most relaxed bride and it showed, she glowed with happiness! The venue was Harvey’s Point hotel on the shores of Lough Eske which allowed for stunning photos by Ghorm Studio Photography in the surrounding mountains. The all-important cake was inspired by Sharon’s gorgeous dress, with applique lace and sugar flowers.  Family weddings are always exciting and I can testify that Sharon and James’ was an incredible weekend of celebration!

Real wedding Sharon and James Bride and bridesmaid Sharon and James cake cutting Wedding cake cutting Cove Cake Design

Real Wedding Inspiration: Rebecca and Fred 

Rebecca, along with her mother, runs Hedgeroe Home, a Dublin-based interiors and lifestyle store. It was no surprise then to see Rebecca’s unique sense of style translate into her stunning wedding which was held in a marquee in the grounds of her family home. I mean look at her dress…divine! Ferns were the theme of the day, and the inspiration for the cake design, which featured a modern geometric pattern juxtaposed with fern moulding. Stunning photography by Paula McManus.

Bride and groom Rebecca and Fred Wedding marquee Rebecca and FredGeometric wedding cake Cove Cake Design

I was delighted to see Rebecca and Fred’s wedding featured in Social and Personal Magazine…what a lovely feature!Wedding publication

Real Wedding Inspiration: Suzanne and Eamon 

Suzanne and Eamon traveled from America to celebrate their wedding with 400 guests at one of Ireland’s finest venues, the gorgeous Adare Manor. Living in America the bride and groom enlisted talented wedding planner, Alise Taggart, to coordinate their day. I worked with Alise in the design of their cake which drew inspiration from the elegant surroundings of the venue, with a gold leaf tier and soft sugar flowers in shades of blush, reflecting the wedding flowers by The Informal Florist. A monogram featured on their invitations was also incorporated into their cake design.

Adare Manor Wedding Venue Bridal bouquet Suzanne Wedding invitations Suzanne and Eamon Bride and groom Suzanne and Eamon Adare Manor Wedding Reception Luxurious wedding cake Cove Cake Design

With photography by renowned photographer Taylor and Porter, it was no surprise that this  beautiful wedding was featured on prestigious wedding blog, US Brides. 
Brides magazine wedding feature Cove Cake Design

Thank you to all my wonderful 2018 clients, it has been a pleasure to work with each and every one! Looking forward to all of 2019’s orders!

For more real weddings check out the weddings and testimonials page.

Suzanne, x

Secret Garden Wedding Inspiration Shoot

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Secret Garden Wedding Inspiration

I had the pleasure of being invited to collaborate on a photo shoot last July designed and planned by the talented Grace and Saviour Styling and photographed by Paula O’Hara Photography.  I am in love with this one and thrilled to see the full shoot now published on prestigious wedding blog Green Wedding Shoes.  In this blog post I wanted to give a little insight into the inspiration for the shoot and corresponding brief for the cakes…with a sneak peak of the result!

The inspiration for the shoot was ‘ vintage botanical illustrations from the 18th century’. The brief was dreamy,  ‘..to convey the wedding of a cool, relaxed, slightly bohemian couple who get married in a beautifully ramshackle glass house in a country pile…overgrown gardens and slightly too warm, glistening skin’.  The shoot was to feel earthy and relaxed so I created a mood board for the cakes, drawing on pretty, informal and delicious looking cakes as inspiration, with natural florals for decoration.

Mood board:

Secret Garden Location

The ‘country pile’ was Carncairn Lodge in Northern Ireland, an Irish Manor house with a beautiful garden and rambling greenhouse.  It was a glorious July day, creating the perfect atmosphere to convey a relaxed summer garden wedding. The shoot was centred around the greenhouse which was styled by Grace for an informal wedding lunch with draped linen, relaxed flowers, candles and fruits.

Secret Garden Wedding Cakes

For the cakes, I opted for a trio for an informal sweet table concept. A main textured iced cake adorned with oversized garden blooms styled by Grace was accompanied by un-iced Chocolate Salted Caramel and Prosecco Peach Thyme cakes (for more of our delectable cake flavours check our our menu!). Purposefully oozing peach and thyme jam, a cake slice, and the exposed chocolate cake layers were chosen to convey delicious homemade and summery sweet treats. 

Secret Garden Wedding Inspiration Team

This gives a little taste of what’s to come in this gorgeous summery shoot which features signature informal flowers by Petal Studio  exquisite gowns by Ivory and Pearl, stationary by Lenka Calligraphy, hair by Lynette Murray, and make up by Jennifer Ireland. To swoon over the full shoot head on over to Green Wedding Shoes!