9 replies to this topic

[currypuff]

Anyone have suggestions for good wedding cake books?

I have Simple Art of Perfect Baking by Flo Braker and Wedding Cakes You
Can Make by Dede Wilson...

I've never made a wedding cake before, and would like some books on the
basics, as well as maybe some books about sugar art/flowers, etc...

If this was discussed in a previous thread, my apologies!

Thanks so much

[gfron1]

Often times eGullet topics are better than cookbooks, so here's a good starting point for you
Wedding Cake Questions

[StephMac]

Are you looking for recipes, or decorating ideas/instructions and construction tips?

The books you mention are two good ones. In terms of basic construction techniques, you might also want to check out Wilton's books and website - at least it can get you started.

Other suggestions: Toba Garrett's books have lots of techniques in them. Elisa Strauss of Confetti Cakes has a new book out - I paged through it at the bookstore and it had some nice designs (can't speak to the instructional/construction info, I didn't have time to read it all ). Colette Peters has several books, but those are going to have more complex construction methods (lots of decorating ideas, though).

Hope that helps, and gfron is right - the wisdom of eGulleteers is an excellent resource!

[Terrasanct]

It's been a while since I was a caterer, but I used to use Martha Stewart's Weddings and Rose Levy Berenbaum's Cake Bible. I second the Wilton suggestion as well.

[currypuff]

I'm looking for both recipe books and decorating. An easy decorating book to get me started as I have zilch experience in sugar anything... also more ideas to decorate cakes other than fresh flowers or sugar flowers are appreciated.

Thanks for the links! Making a wedding cake looks like it is hard work!

[naes]

I'm looking for both recipe books and decorating. An easy decorating book to get me started as I have zilch experience in sugar anything

The Well-Decorated Cake by Toba Garrett has good step-by-step instructions on decorating basics.

[JeanneCake]

The Cake Bible is a good resource for recipes; there's another version of this book coming out next year. Colette Peters' books are good decorating resources, and Margaret Braun's Cakewalk is in the advanced decorating category and might be a little much for a novice. Dede Wilson has another, earlier book that is geared to the home cook wanting to make a wedding cake - I think the title is The Wedding Cake Book.

[StephMac]

If you're looking for basic recipes, decorating ideas, and methods, maybe take a stroll down the cake-book shelf at your local library? Just search for "cake decorating" in the catalog and it should point you to the right section... my library has a pretty good range of books, from Betty Crocker's decorating tips to cupcake books to Colette Peters and Dede Wilson, so you might find a good range of instructional books to start with. Good luck!

[currypuff]

Thank you to everyone for the suggestions!
I will check them out.. amazon.ca, here I come

[VenerableBede]

just wanted to add my two cents- i used the "cake bible" when we made our friends' wedding cake. . .the recipes turned out great, it was the building that we had a few problems with.