Love it or hate it, the wedding cake can be a big part of a couple’s, “I Do.” For those just in love with the tradition or brides and grooms looking to make a statement, what’s trending in the culinary world can make or break a wedding cake.
But, as we love to find out what’s trending in the wedding world, just because something is popular on #WeddingTok doesn’t necessarily mean it’s landing with our New Orleans brides – who, like our city, have a flair all their own.
We asked Swiss Confectionery and Gambino’s Bakery about some things we saw and asked a little more about what they are seeing trending in the world of wedding cake.
When asking about new trends, both historic bakeries noted a similar uptick in style that matched that of growing popularity on social media.
“The biggest trend currently for wedding cakes is the return of the Lambeth cakes aka vintage style,” said Jackie-Sue Scelfo with Gambino’s Bakery. “Wedding cakes with separators, another throwback design, are very popular now, too. We are also seeing single heart shape cakes for wedding cakes, engagement parties, birthdays, etc. This is another ‘old school’ trend that resurfaced in the past year.”
“My earliest memories are of cakes that are currently ‘en vogue,’” said Stefan Culotta with Swiss Confectionery. “The term ‘Lambeth’ is new to me, but nearly all the cakes I’d see my grandfather and his staff decorate on the weekends had very heavy shell borders with intricate drapes and floral designs around the side.”
The Lambeth cake, or a Victorian piped cake, has really seen an upward swing in popularity especially over the last year. This style of cake adds into the “vintage” style that has been trending across the board for weddings. With trends “Let Them Eat Cake” loves the most, this particular way of decorating a cake was originated in Europe in the 19th century during the Victorian Era of England, hence its name. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s 1840 wedding cake sports a version of this design, which is on par with most of their trending/tradition-making nuptials. (Kelly here: a fun fact we learned recently was that a piece of Queen Victoria’s 300lb cake was sold at auction in 2016 for $1500 GBP. A little outside the typical ‘one-year cake in the freezer’ tradition, but still a part of history.)
The style of cake decorating was made popular in the United States by cake decorator Joseph Lambeth in the 1930’s, which gave the style it’s more notable name.
Culotta noted that for a couple of years now, couples have been asking for cakes with a little extra decoration like the Lambeth. “I suspect this was push-back against the (still popular) style of a simply iced, tall, narrow cake, perhaps with a minimalist texture that would then be finished off with either silk or fresh flowers,” said Culotta. “I am happy to see ‘decorated’ cakes back in fashion, as the ‘Victorian’ is a style we do well.”
Scelfo added to this style that basket weave designs are slowly making their way back in popularity, along with smooth buttercream tiered cakes and bow details.
Something we found interesting was that neither bakery noted a change in trend depending on season – most trends lasting throughout the year. But Scelfo did note that flavor trends will change according to the appropriate seasonal flavors.
Another popular cake trend throughout social media channels has been the “burn away” cake; however, neither bakery hinted at a rise in inquiry about this specific trend. Culotta joking, “some trends stick around for a while, and some ‘burn away’ quickly.” A sentiment we share when it comes to this specific craze.
No matter what the current reigning queen of social media may be today or a year from now, both Culotta and Scelfo say the best wedding cakes reflect the overall theme and compliment the couple’s attire and the venue. And we have to agree. The best cake for a wedding is the best cake for the couple, because at the end of the day they’re the only ones that matter.
