Experts Guide - Wedding Cakes.

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We want to introduce you to someone who we really admire in the wedding industry for her creativity and her classic English style – which she is not afraid to stick to!

 

It is not about following trends or even creating new trends for others to follow.

 

In this series we wanted to speak to people who like us are really passionate about what they do. Our experts guide series is designed to give you some tips and advice to help you bring to life your unique wedding vision.

 

Fiona Cairns is best known for baking and designing the wedding cake for the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Katherine Middleton in 2011. Her stunning designs are stocked in iconic British stores such as Fortnum & Mason, Harrods, Waitrose & Selfridges. Her brand now makes over one million cakes every year and Fiona’s clients include Rock Stars and Royalty!

 
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Question 1 - Wedding cake design has really taken off recently. With so many designs to choose from, which are your favourite styles?

Gone are the days of the narrow choice of a white royal iced tiered cake as more or less the only option. These days anything goes.

 

I do think this is an exciting time and there is so much talent around. Personally, I do love the naked cake idea and it lends itself to seasonality so well – both in flavours and decoration. I still like the traditional sugar paste classic wedding cake. More gimmicky cakes, although I can admire, are not so much of interest to me personally.

 
 
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Question 2 - What advice would you give to a bride when selecting a wedding cake?

With so much choice I would say, firstly and vey obviously of course, consider what might be appropriate for your own wedding and purse! Consider the time of year (e.g for a winder wedding I wouldn’t necessarily choose spring flowers to decorate) and most importantly, where the cake is to be displayed at the reception – lighting, styling, etc. This last point is often overlooked!

 
 
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Question 3 - What elements should a couple look out for when tasting wedding cakes?

 

Always remember when tasting wedding cakes who will be eating the cake- its good to bear this in mind. For example, not all guests like fruit cake nor do children as a rule. We often, either make a tiered cake in a variety of flavours or offer a cutting cake (i.e and undecorated extra cake to slice and serve).

 
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Question 4 - As already touched on do you think that a bride and groom’s choice of cake should be reflective of the season her their wedding?

 

In my opinion it is essential both in flavour and design for the wedding cake to reflect the season of the wedding, or at least touch on through styling.

 
 
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Question 5 - When designing a cake, where do you take your inspirations from and what has inspired you recently?

I personally do not design all our wedding cakes. We have a great creative team at Fiona Cairns Ltd and discuss ideas for hours and days! As with all creative processed, our inspiration is from all around – a flower in the garden, a piece of lace, something seen in a magazine, trends etc.

 
 
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Question 6 - It must have been such an honour when you designed Katherine and William’s Royal wedding cake. What was your favourite memory of this experience?

So many memories, it would take a few pages! Anyway I would say when we received the message that the cake was “beyond our expectations” on Kate and William’s wedding day. We were completely thrilled! All of the stress and sleepless nights for our team that worked on the Royal Wedding Cake was worth it. The commission for the cake was the greatest honour for us – not ever likely to be surpassed.

 
 
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Question 7 - We absolutely love the creative and intricate style of your cakes, and also the way that you display them. Do you have any creative tips for cake designers?

 

Passion, patience in buckets and do not try to be too ambitious; know your limitations and don’t be wary of hard work and long hours.

 
 
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Question 8 - Which cakes have you found are the most popular to suit all tastes?

Chocolate, vanilla, lemon and fruit – quite traditional!

 
 
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And Lastly…What cakes do you personally love?


I do love light floral sponges in the summer months and dark, rich chocolates or luxury fruit cakes in the winter.

 
 
 
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