I was a bride in December 2022, and I am now a happily married woman.
I am the type of bride and married woman who never takes the spotlight away from the current bride. I try my best to share my experiences without taking anything away from hers, and that is because it is her special moment. It is her unique story, and the fact that weddings may be a universal experience does not mean circumstances will necessarily be the same.
As a luxury cake maker and artist, as well as an event organizer, I always try my best to bring each couple’s vision to life, and while my experience has given me many opportunities to see the things that help weddings become successful, I am very cognizant of the fact that people are inherently different, and what works for one couple may not work for another, and I know there is still so much to learn.
In my journey as a cake artist, one thing I have always loved to see is a bride who is interested in the details of her ceremony.
Now, while the title suggests otherwise, it is never my wish for couples to be fussing over things on their special day. As a matter of fact, my desire to support couples in whatever capacity I can is part of why I chose this career. I want couples to enjoy their day, knowing that the details they have entrusted to me are being taken care of.
The reason I chose to write this article is that I feel people do not always understand the significance of a wedding cake, or why it is such a big deal to parents and other important people in our lives. Brides will usually tend to focus on the bridesmaids, the clothes, trends, amongst other program items. I, however, feel like there is something unique about a bride who cares deeply about her wedding cake.
And this is why.
She thinks about the people who will eat the cake
The first thing I notice about a bride who cares about her wedding cake is that she is thinking beyond herself.
She cares about what her guests are going to eat, how they will feel when they taste the cake, and the memories that will stay with them when they look back on the wedding.
That is what makes this bride special to me.
She does not simply choose a flavour because it is her favourite. She may also consider the flavours that most of her guests will enjoy. She thinks about the fillings and finish that she and her partner love, but she may also consider allergies and dietary requirements of guests so that as many people as possible can enjoy the cake.
She understands that a wedding is a celebration shared with other people. While the day is undoubtedly about her and her partner, the experience extends to the people who have come to celebrate their union.
And I love a bride who thinks about that.
She understands that marriage requires compromise
The second thing I love about this bride is that she understands that, while a dress is something she will wear, the cake is something she and her partner will choose and participate in together.
Perhaps she has always wanted a particular kind of cake, but her partner has different preferences. This bride is willing to work through those differences.
She is willing to have conversations about the number of tiers, the overall design, and whether they’d want the cake to be pre-cut and part of the decor as favor boxes, or if they’d want it to be cut and served at the venue.
She understands that compromise in decision-making is an important part of marriage. She is willing to spend the time researching options, bringing her findings to the table and deliberating with her partner until they reach a decision together.
And what better time to practise this than during wedding preparations?
Of course, the cake is only one of the many decisions a couple will make before their wedding. But it is another opportunity to learn how to listen to each other, consider different perspectives, and arrive at a decision that reflects both people.
The bride who cares about her cake is not necessarily looking to get everything her way. She is interested in getting the details right, and she understands that doing so may require both her and her partner to make concessions.
She understands what the cake represents
Beyond the guests and the decisions that go into choosing the cake, this bride also understands its significance.
Traditionally, in the Victorian Era, the sweetness and long-lasting nature of a wedding cake represented the sweetness and longevity couples wished for their marriage. The hope was that their union would be filled with the happiness that cake brought. The cake truly is a symbol of the prayers and wishes people have for the couple as they begin their life together.
And then there is the cake-cutting ceremony.
Depending on the couple’s traditions, this may be a moment shared between the bride and groom, an opportunity for them to feed each other cake, or a moment involving their mothers or other important people in their lives. In some families and traditions, prayers and blessings may accompany the occasion.
Whatever form it takes, the cake-cutting often has a special place in the wedding programme.
For many families, particularly our parents and older generations, these traditions carry meaning. They are not simply things to tick off a wedding checklist. They are part of what makes the occasion significant.
It is something to look at, something to eat, something to share and, for many, something that carries a deeper meaning.
The bride who understands this knows that choosing a wedding cake is not simply about finding something that looks good in photographs. She wants a cake that reflects the occasion and honours what it represents to her and her family.
And that is why it cannot just be any cake.
She knows the value of choosing the right cake maker
Understanding the significance of the wedding cake also means understanding the importance of choosing the right person to make it.
This bride wants someone who will care about the intricate details of her cake, someone who can guide her based on their experience, share helpful insights, and make recommendations she may not have considered.
She wants someone who will ensure that the cake is presented beautifully at the venue and tastes as good as it looks and possibly double as dessert, helping couples make practical decisions about their catering and the number of courses they need to provide.
Most importantly, she wants to be able to trust the person she has chosen.
After the consultations, the discussions, and the decisions have been made, she should be able to look forward to her wedding without having to worry about whether the cake will turn out as expected.
That is the kind of experience we want to provide at Baked by Franny.
We call ourselves the memory baking company because we truly believe that every memory, whether big or small, is worth celebrating. And when it comes to special occasions that we hope will be once-in-a-lifetime events, we do not take our responsibility lightly.
We understand that we are not simply making a cake. We are contributing to a memory that a couple and their loved ones will carry with them long after the celebration has ended.
To the bride who will fuss over her wedding cake
Perhaps you are not really a bride who cares more about her cake than her dress.
Perhaps you care about them equally.
Or perhaps choosing your dress comes easily because you have always known your style. Maybe you are a fashion girl who knows exactly what she wants to wear, or perhaps you are simply someone who makes decisions about clothing more easily than decisions about cake.
Whatever the case, I am not necessarily looking for a bride who prioritises cake over everything else.
I am looking for a bride who cares about the details.
A bride who thinks about the experience she wants to create for her guests. A bride who understands that planning a wedding with her partner presents opportunities to practise compromise. A bride who appreciates the significance of the traditions surrounding her wedding cake and wants to honour them.
And when it comes to that particular detail, we would love to be the people you trust to bring your vision to life.
At Baked by Franny, we want you to have the cake you envisioned, presented beautifully and made with the care your occasion deserves. We want to guide you through the process, help you make informed decisions, and give you one less thing to worry about on your wedding day.
So, to the bride who is paying attention to the details, who is thinking about the people she is inviting and the memories she wants to create, we wish you all the very best as you prepare for your special day.
And when you are ready to talk about your wedding cake, we are right here.
Baked by Franny. We don’t just bake cakes; we bake memories.