New Jersey, the Garden State, is small but diverse. From the high-rollers in the South to the cosmopolitan North, the horse farms in the West, and the beaches that span the Eastern coast. Weddings in New Jersey are just as diverse and so are the wedding cakes that stand as the centerpiece of the reception and reflect the theme of the wedding. The cake design combines artistry, a personal reflection of the bride’s style, and a delectable end to the meal.
In the cosmopolitan North, wedding cakes are grand and often tower over the guest -- many times keeping with the tradition of all white, but including many tiers – five to seven -- and with intricate designs, differing on each tier. The more mature and sophisticated bride often prefers a stylishly simple cake, while fashion conscience brides frequently request a replica of the lace on her dress for the cake. Wedding invitations serve as cake design inspiration as well.
In the West, where horse farms dot the countryside, brides take advantage of their beautiful, rustic surroundings and stage their weddings in places such as a meadow, garden, or inside a rustic barn. Juxtaposed with elegant decorations creates a memorable and appealing backdrop. The wedding cake can feature chocolate fondant with detailed embossing and appliqué or be laden with casual garden sugar flowers.
Along the beaches to the East, weddings can be casual and the décor follow suits. Wedding cakes can be fun and lighthearted or breezy and delicate. Indoor weddings by the beach can take advantage of beautiful views and the wedding cake can reflect those views. Themes can include water, shells, coral, lighthouses, sand or pearls – all can be dressed up or kept casual. Outside weddings by or on the beach should pick wedding cake fillings that do not require refrigeration.
Finally, the excitement of Atlantic City at the Southern point of the State lends itself to high-glam, high-glitz weddings. The wedding cake can range from a slick black and white décor to sequins and feather adorned. Dramatic colors are in vogue, such as greens, blues and oranges. Flash is the key, while still keeping within the tasteful bounds.
Brides in New Jersey are extremely discriminating and therefore are demanding of the highest quality services. The brides are also sophisticated so therefore their choices are often at the forefront of trends and styles. Finding the right cake artist is important to have a cutting-edge cake design. The wedding cake must taste delicious and be made with the finest ingredients. Unique flavors are gaining favor such as pistachio, S’mores and pink champagne, although traditional flavors such as chocolate and vanilla remain dominant. Choosing a different flavor for each tier is a growing trend, but ordering extra cake is recommended to ensure that each guest gets their flavor of choice.
Grooms cakes, while traditionally Southern, has taken hold in the Northern States. New Jersey brides honor the groom with a cake that reflects his interests and style, such as sports, cars, or his alma mater. The groom’s cake can be served at the rehearsal dinner or at the wedding reception.
No matter if the cake is simple, high glam, casual or a tower of confection, the New Jersey bride can have the cake of her dreams that reflects her individual style.
