Elizabeth Hodes Custom Cakes and Sugar Art

tips

In ordering a custom made cake, you are commissioning a sculpture that will be one of the visual focal points of your wedding. It will not only captivate your guests, it’s guaranteed to provide the ultimate iconic photograph of you and your partner cutting it.
The Process: After reviewing logistics via email or phone, it's time to meet in-person to discuss your ideas, interests and aesthetic preferences. We will look through pictures, portfolios and anything else you may have gathered to help brainstorm and focus on a few strong ideas from which I will formulate the first sketch. I will complete the drawing at my studio, present it for feedback, then refine the image until it fully expresses your vision. Once your wedding menu is finalized, I recommend scheduling a cake tasting to determine which flavors and fillings best complement your meal.
Inspiration for a cake design can come from anywhere. It is a great opportunity to express yourself and be creative. Consider some of the following:

Tier shape: round, square, hexagonal, other?
Colors: What colors are your bridesmaids wearing? What colors are your linens?
Flowers: What do your centerpieces and bouquet look like?
Stacked versus pillared: Stacked means that the tiers sit directly on top of one another; pillared means there is space between the tiers created by an external structure (pillars or special tier separator).
Motifs: Is there a pattern you wish to incorporate into the cake, perhaps the beading on your dress, lace on your veil, or an insignia on your invitation?

You have the right to a wedding cake that is made fresh and from scratch and that tastes good! This means high quality eggs, butter, sugar, vanilla, et cetera. Beware of cardboard box cake mixes, bargain shortening, and cheap shortcuts.
Tell your cake designer about any particular ingredients you need to avoid. For example, if you or members of your family have issues with nuts, strawberries, or alcohol, you may wish to stay clear of these foods.
Your cake is an organic product and sensitive to certain environmental conditions like heat and barometric pressure. Delicate sugar flowers and pulled sugar are particularly susceptible to humidity. When planning a wedding outdoors, have a strategy for keeping your cake safe in the event of uncooperative weather.