Stunning ideas: an allover quilted or pleated pattern; embossed fondant in the shape of your wedding day motif or monogram; or a colorful cascade of sugar flowers.

Square

A square cake is the modern alternative to a round cake -- perfect for couples looking for something different but not too over-the-top. Play up the shape as little or as much as you want. Soften the hard edges with elegant touches like sugar flowers, pastel colors, and paper-thin embellishments. Or, emphasize the shape by outlining each tier in ribbon.

Petal

Often referred to as “scalloped,” this shape has a fl owerlike appearance. Play up the petal shape for a garden wedding, or use the shape on the bottom tier of a round cake to add interest. To keep the cake from looking too bold, go light with the add-ons to complement and draw attention to the unique shape. We love a white-on-white cake with a burst of colorful sugar fl owers to top it off.

Hexagonal

This six-sided wonder is the creative answer to a modern square cake. With such a strik-ing appearance, you’ll want to keep the adornment clean and simple -- the shape itself brings a lot to the table even without any decoration. Outline each tier in buttercream pearls, accent with fresh or sugar paste green cymbidium orchids, or keep it completely free of decor, save an heirloom or fl ower cake topper.

Topsy-turvy

This shape has serious attitude. While it’s sure to make a bold statement at your wedding, consider the overall style of the day -- it’s perfect for a funky loft or restaurant, but won’t work as well in an elegant ballroom or country club. Stray from anything traditional like fl owers, and play up the unique design with plenty of funky add-ons and bold colors. We recommend diamond fondant cutouts in a bold mix of colors.

What’s your flavor?

No one says it has to be plain white wedding cake anymore. You may want to go to a bakery that offers specialty cakes such as cheesecake, white chocolate, coconut, carrot, butter pecan, key lime...the fl avors are endless. Once the fl avor is decided, have it baked in a shape that enhances the theme of your wedding. For example, a seashell shaped cake would be perfect for a beach wedding or any Florida wedding; a pineapple shaped cake for a wedding luau; Tell the baker your theme ideas, hobbies and interests - be creative.

Top it off

Traditional toppers are fi ne but you may want to consider real fl owers in a mini version of your bridal bouquet trimmed with the same beading or lace as your gown. A topper can be a symbol of something you both love like a pair of jet skis or your golden retriever. Monograms and words like “Love, Honor, Cherish” are popular choices. The groom’s cake is a tradition that has come back into style. It is usually a small chocolate cake (though any fl avor is fi ne), served as a surprise for the groom at he reception or rehearsal dinner. Use your creativity - if he loves fishing or motorcycles, let your baker know so he or she can design your fi - ance’s cake around the pastime he enjoys most.

Article Written and Published by the Bradenton Herald