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	story Debbie Bruce    Although many catering halls or reception sites will offer a wedding cake in their package deal, many couples choose to order their cake from a specialty bakery that can create a culinary masterpiece catered to the bride and groom’s taste. The traditional multi-tiered wedding cake dripping with elaborate bows and flowers that we all remember might be a thing of the past. According to Iana Bakery owner Dan Kristan, simplicity is best when it comes to planning for a modern wedding cake. “What we’ve noticed now is that people aren’t looking for cakes with lots of tiers or adornments on them like fondant bows, that style just isn’t popular anymore. They want the type of cakes they see on television and in magazines, simple and elegant.” If television trends are any indication, many people are opting to spend several hundred to thousands of dollars on a customized wedding cake. These fondant and butter cream creations may look uncomplicated to create, but the process to pull off a simple look is anything but. “People don’t realize how long it can take to make things out of fondant,” says Kristan. “A nice ribbon or flower can take up to four days to make.” The baker advises that six weeks to a month notice is preferred during the off season, and anywhere from two to three months is best for placing an order in the busy wedding season (June, July and August). “We accommodate for any situation,” assures Kristan, adding that he once put together a wedding cake in two days, “but it’s always best to plan ahead to get exactly what you want.” One of the most anticipated wedding traditions (and best photo opportunity) involves the happy couple slicing into their beautiful cake and enjoying the first piece. The process of cutting the cake together symbolizes the bride and groom’s first joint task as a married couple, and feeding the cake to one another represents their commitment to the marriage. Such an emphasis on one item has made the wedding cake more of an artistic centerpiece than confectionary treat. Couples seeking the perfect wedding cake that will both amaze the crowd, complete the theme of the wedding and taste great can easily become overwhelmed.   “When people come to us and order a cake, we always remind them to not stress out about it,” says Kristan. “Just tell us what you want and let us take over that worry for you. Buying the cake is the easiest thing on your To Do List because it’s a process that can often be done in just one visit to the store.” Iana Bakery is adding a ‘mock wedding cake appointment’ to their website (www.ianabakery.com) where the bride and groom are taken through the process and questions that will be asked during the real appointment so they can be prepared. Included on the site will also be examples of current trends such as the popular black and white motif that keeps with modern simplicity yet trendy appeal. Dramatic monograms can add personality and class to a cake, and 3-D accents such as graphic appliqués are making an appearance. Couples are also gravitating towards bold colour choices, instead of the more traditional white or ivory, and painted cakes with edible food colouring paint featuring beautiful landscapes or a portrait are both delicious to eat and fun to admire. Experimenting with the inside of the cake is an option as well, allowing for creativity with cake flavour and fillings. GL