After making little progress on flowers I turned my attention to cake, which I thought would be easy. I emailed the Marriott’s wedding planner to see what they can and can’t do. One important thing is that if the reception is outdoors the cake needs to be fondant – no buttercreme or regular frosting because it will melt in the heat. She emailed me a few pictures of cakes they’ve done and it looks like their fondant work is really nice – very smooth. Available cake flavors are: chocolate, vanilla, lemon, coconut, strawberry, raspberry, pineapple, marble and carrot cake. Available fillings are pineapple, strawberry, raspberry, vanilla and chocolate. She says they can do square or round and colored fondant is an option too. I also like the fact that each tier can be a different flavor combination without additional charges.

For these destination weddings I think the most popular is simple cakes with fresh flowers or seashells. I personally don’t care for the seashell idea. Just seems a little cliché whereas I want something somewhat modern. Of course I am toying with the idea of a crystal monogram cake topper (last initial only) which could be a total cliché soon if it isn’t already. I like the idea of framing the topper as a keepsake but can’t decide if it will be really cool or really tacky. I am looking for ways to have my little bit of glam…

Most of the pictures she sent me were of simple cakes but a couple were more elaborate. I was relieved because when we were talking about the welcome party she was unsure they would be able to do a good job of creating henna design cookies. I started thinking if a simple paisley design cookie might be tricky, how technical can the cake be? Well after seeing the photos I’m confident of sending her pics of a couple of cakes I am inspired by… The two shown here are our favorites so far. The orchid cake is modern and classy and could definitely be one I love if I can afford to have the submerged orchid centerpieces I’m eyeing. And though my fiancé vetoed the idea of a carrot cake tier, I was surprised that he likes the contemporary striped cake to the left. I’m thinking maybe orange stripes and pink flowers? I’m having trouble figuring out what is in the green detail and how its done — is it piping? shapes cut out of fondant? painting?