by Dawn Rutt

Created on: September 01, 2010

Approximately one quarter of marriages occur during fall, with September being the most popular month and October coming in at third. More and more couples are choosing to host their special day in fall and with good reason. The weather is often more temperate and the foliage has begun to take on the golden hues of autumn.

A beautiful wedding cake can become a majestic centerpiece when decorated in the variegated shades of fall leaves and autumn blooms. While the traditional white wedding cake has its appeal, the more adventurous brides may choose to take a step back from what is expected and embrace their imagination; the only thing their cake choice is limited by. Inspiration coupled with a capable baker can turn a common confection into something truly divine.

Mini Calla Lilies, hydrangea, amaryllis, sunflowers and roses are commonly used in fall wedding bouquets and a tiered cake can be decorated in the same theme as the bouquet using either real flowers or sugar flowers. Fondant covered cakes can be decorated with flowers that have been painted onto the surface. They can be decorated with acorns, leaves, pumpkins and other fall-inspired elements as well. Seasonal colors could include brown, burnt orange, marigold, yellow, bronze, gold and deep pinks. Another unique take on the fall wedding cake theme is the addition of wheat stalks or perhaps tiny marzipan fruits scattered around the tiers. Fall cakes can be as simple as the yellow rose bedecked, chocolate-swirled confection featured on the Martha Stewart Wedding site or they can be as elaborate as the creation at the Pink Cake Box blog.

Tiered cakes are the most popular choice among brides and they come in a variety of shapes. While the most commonly seen are the round tiers, they are also available in square, hexagonal and heart shapes. Sculpted cakes offer even more possibility and a skilled cake decorator can create nearly anything the couple can conceive. Maybe they're football fans and want a football cake or the mascot of their favorite team. Maybe the couple are hunters and long to have a cake in camouflage. There are countless possibilities, only hindered by imagination and budget.

Not only does it have to be beautiful, it has to taste good too! Another thing to consider is flavor. White cake is traditional, but there are many autumn themed flavor options. Consider a pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting between the layers. Carrot cake and it's accompanying spices are well suited for a fall wedding.  Try a spice cake or a lemon-almond flavored cake. Or how about a chocolate spiced cake?

Mother Nature's rich color palate can inspire unique ideas so let the wedding cake reflect that. Let it be a showpiece, a crowd-stopper overshadowed only by the bride herself. 

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