Cakes and Desserts

Cakes and desserts are an important part of your Costa Rica destination wedding planning list.

Cakes and desserts require creativity, planning and attention to detail, so be sure to keep a few things in mind.

The Cake

First off
Begin to think about cakes at least three to six months prior to the wedding date, to have time to decide on a design and secure the services of a professional.

The Arenal Volcano Inn has an in-house expert that will help you every step of the way.

Selection Process
A good wedding planner will do all the hard work for you, and assist you in the selection process in terms of type and form of cake as well as size of party and serving requirements.

When working with your destination wedding planner, be sure to familiarize yourself with the pastry chef´s style, by looking at still photos and asking for tasting samples. It is important that the cake is both exquisite in its presentation and appeals to the palate.

Cost
Pricing is determined per number of servings, and how elaborate the cake is. That said, pricing can begin at just a few dollars per slice for a simple cake or go up to more than fifteen dollars per slice for a high end cake made by an award winning designer.

Design
Remember that the design and flavor of the wedding cake should be in line with the style of the wedding (theme, colors used, textures and more), not to mention the personal tastes of the bride and groom.

Keep in mind that a tall, heavy shaped cake is not always the best option, as it tends to be more stately and imposing. Many opt for a thin, layered cake with multiple tiers giving a more airy and light appearance to the wedding cake.

The Icing
Many use buttercream to frost their wedding cakes. This can be a light and delicious option. The down side is that it may require refrigeration and does not hold up to heat. If you are getting married outdoors in a warmer climate, this may not be the best choice.

A solution is to go with rolled fondant. Rolled fondant holds up very well to heat and often helps to preserve the form and shape of the cake.

Marzipan, is also a good option, and consists of an almond paste.

Decorations
The cake can reflect the details of the bridal gown, such as delicate intricate patterns. Perhaps a coil of fabrics or row of buttons or pearls, ribbons, lace or a combination thereof. Any of these decorations can be realized using marzipan, gum paste, or even meringue just to mention a few.

Real flowers are a wonderful choice to add a sense of natural beauty and personal style to your wedding cake. Optimally, the flowers will mirror the table centerpieces and the bridal bouquet. If you decide to choose flowers, make sure that they are not sprayed with any type of chemical.

Remember not to overdo it with the details. Often less is more.

Alternatives

One can also be creative about the approach and try non-traditional options that appeal to the senses and at the same time save you money.

1 Offer cupcakes decorated with the colors of your wedding are a nice option and require less intricate decoration.
2 Consider a smaller cake for the official cutting; then have a sheet cake waiting in the kitchen to serve en mass.
3 Do not go overboard with the amount of layering. If you do not plan on saving the top layer for your first anniversary which is for many a tradition, than forgo the extra layer.
4 Opt for cheesecake rather than a traditional cake, costs less.
5 Consider a mini pastry buffet, so you can save dough (watch the pun) and thus only require a smaller cake.

Remember, cakes and desserts, albeit a small part of the reception, are a must include in the Costa Rica destination wedding planning guide.