Category Archives: Wedding Cakes

Interview with Wild Orchid Baking Company

Wild Orchid Baking Company is a boutique bakery located in North Hampton, NH. They create custom wedding cakes and are a hit with brides in the area!

Photo Credit: Wild Orchid Baking Company

Photo Credit: Wild Orchid Baking Company

How long have you been in business?
I’ve been doing wedding cakes for 3 years or so and opened the retail shop in June 2009.

What inspired you to start your business?
I’ve always been very independent and knew that someday I’d like to go out on my own. Being my own boss allows me to be flexible and creative and can be very rewarding.

Tell us why you think your business is successful.
I feel we’ve been successful because of the individual attention each couple gets. We take the time to sit down with each couple and really get to know what they’re looking for. It’s also important to have very clear communication so that the couple is confident in what they’ve ordered.

What makes your business unique?
Everything we do is entirely custom so your wedding cake will be completely unique to you – from flavor to design. Some bakeries have standard designs that they use, but not us. With us design is limitless.

Is there a particular niche you target?
We can do any kind of wedding cake, but the one thing that really sets us apart is our sugar work. Couples looking for sugar flowers or realistic looking details on their cake, are typically the kind of people that work best with our services.

What is your company’s philosophy on working with brides and grooms?
Our philosophy is to provide the engaged couple with all the information they’ll need in order to make an informed decision. We understand that this is probably the most important baked good they’ll ever buy :) So we’re here to help guide & answer questions along the way.

How do you help couples customize their weddings?
I tell couples to bring with them to their tasting any pictures they’ve seen that they liked, fabric swatches, patterns, invites, flowers, etc. From there I’ll talk with them about what is most important to them and what represents them the most. More so than most other items at a wedding, the cake is truly a reflection of the couple, so we work with them to make it as custom as possible.

At what point in the wedding cake planning process do you typically
work with couples?

It really varies. I’d say most couples have a date & location chosen before they meet with us. Typically 3-6 months out from the date.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your business?
We’re a regular retail bakery open 6 days a week (closed Mon). So besides wedding cakes we do cookies, dessert buffets, favors, chocolates, dipped fruit, sauces, cupcakes, etc. We can provide & coordinate all of the couple’s sweet needs!

Photo Credit: Wild Orchid Baking Company

Photo Credit: Wild Orchid Baking Company

Photo Credit: Wild Orchid Baking Company

Photo Credit: Wild Orchid Baking Company

Photo Credit: Wild Orchid Baking Company

Photo Credit: Wild Orchid Baking Company

Photo Credit: Wild Orchid Baking Company

Photo Credit: Wild Orchid Baking Company

Photo Credit: Wild Orchid Baking Company

Photo Credit: Wild Orchid Baking Company

Photo Credit: Wild Orchid Baking Company

Photo Credit: Wild Orchid Baking Company

Photo Credit: Wild Orchid Baking Company

Photo Credit: Wild Orchid Baking Company

Unique and life-like sugar flowers are one of Wild Orchid’s specialties. All of their sugar flowers are handmade – each flower petal is shaped and tinted individually to create beautiful and edible floral decorations that can be ordered in any season!

Photo Credit: Wild Orchid Baking Company

Photo Credit: Wild Orchid Baking Company

Photo Credit: Wild Orchid Baking Company

Photo Credit: Wild Orchid Baking Company

Photo Credit: Wild Orchid Baking Company

Photo Credit: Wild Orchid Baking Company

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Also filed under: Our Team, Vendor Interviews

Have your Cake and Eat it Too!

Creative Traditional Wedding Cakes

I love that brides and grooms are getting really creative with their wedding reception dessert choices these days. Some couples are even opting to serve cupcakes, pies, cookies, candy or other sweets instead of a traditional wedding cake. But if you, like many, still wish to serve a traditional wedding cake for your main dessert, you can truly be just as creative with a cake! Wedding cake design has come a very long way in recent years. With an endless selection of flavors, sizes, shapes and colors to choose from, you can easily create a fabulous wedding cake that not only matches your wedding theme, but also reflects your unique personalities as a couple. So you truly can “have your cake and eat it too”!

Ok, enough chattering…let’s look at some cakes shall we?!!!!!!!!!!!!!

creative wedding cake
Photo credit: marthastewartweddings.com
Photo credit: projectwedding.com/photo

Photo credit: projectwedding.com

Photo credit: projectwedding.com

Photo credit: projectwedding.com

Photo credit: projectwedding.com

Photo credit: projectwedding.com

Photo credit: projectwedding.com

Photo credit: projectwedding.com

Photo credit: marthastewartweddings.com

Photo credit: marthastewartweddings.com

Photo credit: marthastewartweddings.com

Photo credit: marthastewartweddings.com

Photo credit: marthastewartweddings.com

Photo credit: marthastewartweddings.com

Photo credit: projectwedding.com

Photo credit: projectwedding.com

Photo credit: projectwedding.com

Photo credit: projectwedding.com

Photo credit: projectwedding.com

Photo credit: projectwedding.com

Photo credit: projectwedding.com

Photo credit: projectwedding.com

Photo credit: projectwedding.com

Photo credit: projectwedding.com

Photo credit:  //www.projectwedding.com

Photo credit: marthastewartweddings.com

Photo credit: projectwedding.com

Photo credit: projectwedding.com

Photo credit: projectwedding.com

Photo credit: projectwedding.com

Photo credit: projectwedding.com

Photo credit: projectwedding.com

Photo credit: projectwedding.com

Photo credit: projectwedding.com

Photo credit: projectwedding.com

Photo credit: projectwedding.com

Photo credit: projectwedding.com/photo

Photo credit: projectwedding.com

Photo credit: projectwedding.com

Photo credit: projectwedding.com

Photo credit: projectwedding.com

Photo credit: projectwedding.com

Photo credit: projectwedding.com

Photo credit: projectwedding.com

Photo credit: projectwedding.com

Photo credit: projectwedding.com

Photo credit: projectwedding.com

Photo credit: projectwedding.com

Photo credit: projectwedding.com

Photo credit: projectwedding.com

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Cake toppers make a comeback!

Unique and Custom Wedding Cake Toppers Make a Comeback

The wedding cake topper was dominant in U.S. weddings in the 1950s and represented togetherness, according to Wikipedia. It seems as though their popularity has dropped off in recent decades, with couples opting instead for decorative cakes using flowers (real and sugar), fruit, ribbon, cord and bows.

But just like bell-bottoms, tweed, hats and Patrick Dempsey, cake toppers are making a comeback, particularly because they last forever! Today, couples can find traditional, vintage, customizable or completely unique cake toppers to further infuse the event with their personality, style or theme.

A classic cake topper option is to use a monogram of your initials. Combine them with a little bling to add sparkle!

Custom Wedding Cake Toppers

Photo credit: Toppers with Glitz

Photo credit: gauge nyc

Photo credit: gauge nyc

unique wedding cake toppers

Photo credit: Firefly Events

Photo credit: Paris Tiaras

Photo credit: Paris Tiaras

Or skip the monogram and just go with the bling! Use beads, crystals, gems or pearls to add an elegant feel to the event.

Photo credit: Paris Tiaras

Photo credit: Paris Tiaras

Photo credit: Crystal Cake Toppers

Photo credit: Crystal Cake Toppers

Photo credit: WeddingMountain.com

Photo credit: WeddingMountain.com

Another adorable idea is to use lovebirds or peacocks as a topper. These work particularly well with outdoor weddings, and can be even cuter if carried throughout the wedding as the theme. You can find all of these on Etsy.com (from left to right: Melker, Pincushion Princess, The Girl in Yellow, Sugar Rush Cakes).

Photo credit: Etsy.com

Photo credit: Etsy.com

I have also seen a lot of butterflies, which I believe originated from a Martha Stewart concept.

Photo credit: Butterfly Bazaar

Photo credit: Butterfly Bazaar

Of course, the traditional cake toppers featuring a bride and groom are still available in droves, and some even add a theme or humorous spin.

Photo credit: JustCakeToppers.com

Photo credit: JustCakeToppers.com

Photo credit: WeddingMountain.com

Photo credit: WeddingMountain.com

Photo credit: Etsy.com

Photo credit: Etsy.com

Gay and lesbian couples fear not! I found a ton of same-sex toppers online, like this one from WeddingCollectibles.com.

Photo credit: WeddingCollectibles.com

Photo credit: WeddingCollectibles.com

If you like the idea of a twosome topper but want it to look more like you and your mate, then you are in luck! There are many companies and individuals that will customize the couple for you.

Photo credit: Younique Boutique

Photo credit: Younique Boutique

Photo credit: Thumbprint Kids

Photo credit: Thumbprint Kids

Photo credit: Etsy.com

Photo credit: Etsy.com

I am often a fan of “less is more,” which is why I also like toppers that symbolize the couple without actually trying to replicate them.

Photo credit: Etsy.com

Photo credit: Etsy.com

Photo credit: Dandelion Land

Photo credit: Dandelion Land

And let’s not forget the quirky toppers! These can be a lot of fun, especially if they fit your couple personality and style!

Photo credit: Builders Studio

Photo credit: Builders Studio

Photo credit: Ashley Brockinton Photography

Photo credit: Ashley Brockinton Photography

Photo credit: George Maguire

Photo credit: George Maguire

Photo credit: Muddy Devi

Photo credit: Muddy Devi

WeddingMountain.com

WeddingMountain.com

And lastly, I love these vintage-feeling toppers that incorporate a little flare!

Photo credit: Sassi Cassie

Photo credit: Sassi Cassie

Photo credit: Amada Lebel

Photo credit: Amada Lebel

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Also filed under: Our Brides & Grooms

Unique Wedding Cake Toppers

Custom and Unique Wedding Cake Topper Ideas

I love the idea of having a custom wedding cake topper that expresses each of your unique personalities. Plus your topper will also serve as a treasured memento of your wedding day. I found all of this week’s handmade finds by searching for “wedding cake topper” on Etsy.com. I can’t rave enough about what a great resource Etsy is for customizing your wedding. Not only are there tons of cute, original handmade designs available, but you can find many sellers who can add custom personalized details to your topper.

If you find a style that you like, contact the artist about customization. Given enough time, most artists will be happy to collaborate with you on your own, one-of-a-kind cake topper. As you can see from the small sampling of options below, the possibilities are endless.

Sweet and Simple Lovebirds

Photo Credit: Middleburg.etsy.com
Photo Credit: Middleburg.etsy.com
Photo Credit: RedLightStudio.etsy.com
Photo Credit: RedLightStudio.etsy.com
Photo Credit: HeyMiemie.etsy.com
Photo Credit: HeyMiemie.etsy.com

Customized Figures:

Photo Credit: Lollipop Workshop
Photo Credit: Lollipop Workshop
Photo Credit: thesmallobject.etsy.com
Photo Credit: thesmallobject.etsy.com
Photo Credit: goodydevi.etsy.com
Photo Credit: goodydevi.etsy.com

These two are also a salt and pepper shaker!

Custom Sculptural Creations:

Photo Credit: WeddingsAndWire
Photo Credit: WeddingsAndWire.etsy.com
Photo Credit: WeddingsAndWire's
Photo Credit: WeddingsAndWire.etsy.com
Photo Credit: buildersstudio.etsy.com
Photo Credit: buildersstudio.etsy.com

Animals- from bunnies to sock monkeys

Photo Credit: bunnywithatoolbelt.etsy.com
Photo Credit: bunnywithatoolbelt.etsy.com
Photo Credit: melabo.etsy.com
Photo Credit: melabo.etsy.com
Photo Credit: mudcards.etsy.com
Photo Credit: mudcards.etsy.com
Photo Credit: SpiritMama.etsy.com
Photo Credit: SpiritMama.etsy.com
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For Your Sweet Tooth

Wedding Cupcakes as an Alternative

While traditional wedding cakes are still found at many weddings today, more recently, I’ve found the trend to be shifting towards the world of cupcakes. They’re cute, fun and can also, depending on venue, help with those cake cutting fees!

Photo credit: Bakerella.com

Photo credit: Bakerella.com

Photo credit: VanillaBakeshop.com

Photo credit: VanillaBakeshop.com

Cupcakes have become a popular alternative to the traditional wedding cake. Some couples choose to not eliminate the traditional wedding cake all together and combine the use of cupcakes with cake tiers. This is something to think about for those who plan to save their top tiers for their first anniversary.

Photo credit: VanillaBakeshop.com

Photo credit: VanillaBakeshop.com

Substituting the Groom’s Cake with Strawberries

An alternative choice for the groom’s cake? Chocolate covered strawberries dressed in tuxedos! My hubby-to-be is not a fan of cake or sweets (more for me!).  But if there’s anything he asks to be involved in, it’s to choose HIS cake! We’re still not sure what he’s leaning toward, but I’m sure it will include something with a Longhorn for personalization!  :)

WeddingCakesHouston.com

Photo credit: WeddingCakesHouston.com

Traditional Wedding Cakes Traded for a Sweets Bar?

For the non-cake lovers out there, a candy or sweets bar is an option available that is starting to become common at weddings.  I remember seeing the candy display presentation on an episode of WE’s television show Platinum Weddings thinking, “what a great idea!”

Photo credit: Riccisblog.com

Photo credit: Riccisblog.com

Photo credit: RiccisBlog.com

Photo credit: RiccisBlog.com

Whatever your sweet tooth desires, all of these choices are wonderful options to treat your guests to!

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Also filed under: Our Brides & Grooms