Weddings | She Plans Parties

I had the opportunity to interview Kelly Delaney owner of Cakes for Occasions in Danvers, Massachusetts for another blog I used to write for. Kelly was gracious enough to share some of her favorite trends in wedding cakes today, I think those trends are carrying through the end of 2010 and well into 2011.

Wedding cakes are constantly changing and evolving, and in my opinion becoming more elegant and beautiful all the time. I’m always on the lookout for really cool cakes to show you here, so I was really excited when Kelly Delaney offered to share her knowledge with readers.

Kelly does a great job of explaining the trends, and giving you some detail with her professional opinion which is wonderful.

If you’re planning to get married in the near future, or know someone who is, check out these wedding cake trends. They may help you plan the coolest wedding cake ever.

Old & New

This year we are seeing brides who are looking to mix modern designs and traditional, elegant designs into their wedding cakes. This seems to be building upon a trend that has emerged over the past several yeas where brides are looking to personalize their cakes by tying in themes, favorite accents, patterns that match their invitation or even their wedding dress (i.e. lace work).

Black & White

Black and white cakes are popular again this year, but it is important to keep black accents to a minimum as they will pop against the white and can easily overpower the cake. White on white wedding cakes will always be classic and elegant, but using bolder accent colors for the design work, even using chocolate, is becoming more and more popular. We are also using more butter cream and less fondant to create a smooth, satin look. The benefits of this approach are many – it looks good, tastes great, and is more cost effective.

Natural & Green

Finally, we are seeing more brides seeking natural “less is more” designs and natural colors. This can be achieved by bringing in pops of color through fresh flowers and/or real ribbon or through simple floral and vine artwork. This “less is more” idea ties in with the popular “going green” theme and also helps keep costs down.
Images and tips are courtesy of Kelly Delaney, owner of Cakes for Occasions in Danvers, Massachussetts 978-774-4545.

When do you open the birthday presents? The trend today is to not open birthday gifts until later, after the party is over, or to wait until the end of the party.

Opening gifts used to be part of the entertainment at a birthday party or wedding or shower, but more and more people are opting to wait until after the party to open the gifts.

There are several reasons why there’s a trend to not open gifts until later, here are just a few:

1. Saves Aunt Bessie, and Aunt Jean embarrassment if they both purchased the exact same gift.

2. Leaves more time for other party activities, like food, games, and just socializing and hanging out.

3. Gifts can’t be compared to each other, smaller gifts may be just as special as grander gifts.

4. It’s a hectic time for the birthday child, or guest of honor. They don’t have as much time to enjoy each gift as they open it, without pressure to get the gift opening done so party goers can move on to something else.

If you don’t plan to open your gifts at the party, state that on the invitation so party guests won’t be disappointed, or ask them to omit gifts completely.

Don’t forget to send out those thank you cards!

Current Wedding Cake Trends 2010 into 2011

When Do You Open The Gifts?