Are cupcakes really the new wedding cake??

The November 15, 2009 issue of Parade Magazine had an interesting article titled, “ Five Unexpected Food Trends.” Author, Joanna Prisco cited cupcakes at weddings as a trend. Many brides and their mothers often ask me if cupcakes are the “new thing.” Bridal magazines and websites also list cupcakes as a trend. However, in a given year I only do about one cupcake tree. It could be a regional trend, but most brides still want a traditional tiered wedding cake. Many mother of the brides I talk to also prefer a cake since they perceive cupcakes as a bit juvenile. In other words, leave the cupcakes for a birthday party and stick with a stacked cake for a wedding. As a cake decorator I will do what the bride wants since it is her big day, but if you are considering cupcake versus a cake here a few things to think about. 1. Cost - cupcakes may be cheaper than a cake, but is the price difference significant? 2. Theme - do cupcakes fit into the overall feel of your wedding? If you are having a casual garden reception then cupcakes probably fit the occasion. 3. Think about your future - when you look at your wedding pictures 25 years later will you regret not getting a traditional cake?
4. Who is serving the cake? cupcakes are easy for distribution and a regular cake has to have someone cut it. 5. It is once in a lifetime - you can have cupcakes on any occasion, but you only get one chance to pick out a wedding cake.

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