When it comes to cutting the cake, multi-tiered, all-white wedding cakes are a time-honored tradition. But as with all wedding trends that evolve over time, the cake is no exception!
We interviewed two bespoke wedding cake designers, Sammy Rees of Saison and Julie Nguyen of Baked by Julie, about their journeys with cake art, current wedding cake trends, unexpected challenges that come with the business, and more!
How’d you get into baking cakes, and specifically wedding cakes?
Saison
I started baking a few years ago and haven’t stopped, it’s become a bit of an obsession. Being self-taught and having a bit of imposter syndrome at times, I never thought I’d bake wedding cakes. It all happened so organically with brides reaching out, and it’s been the biggest joy ever since.
Baked by Julie
With over a decade of baking experience as a self-taught baker, I actually didn’t start dabbling into cakes until my last semester of college in 2021. I would make cakes for family and friends not only as gifts, but as a way to build up my skills and portfolio. Ever since then, I turned what was a cake making hobby into a full-on business.
Getting into wedding cakes specifically was honestly out-of-the-blue for me. I never advertised myself as a wedding cake artist nor planned on being one, but after doing a few in my early years, word-of-mouth, being on different wedding planners’ vendor lists, and my work getting recognized are what got me to take a leap into the wedding world. It’s truly an honor to create a beautiful, edible piece of art for a couple’s special day.
We love how distinct and fun your aesthetic is! How did you come to find your unique style?
Saison
I’m so inspired by nature and my cakes follow suit with what flowers are blooming and the fruit that is juiciest at the market. I gravitate towards a rustic, effortless aesthetic simply because that’s just what speaks to me and what I find so beautiful and timeless.
Baked by Julie
It definitely took lots of experimenting to find my unique style. My cake style will always be changing and growing as I grow and change as a cake artist, but there will be specific piping styles and certain ways I style cakes that will always be unique to Baked by Julie. This is how people are able to recognize my work from others, which is a huge advantage in this competitive industry.
What are some trends you’re seeing this year with wedding cakes?
Baked by Julie
Some wedding cake trends I’ve been seeing this year are abstract floral cakes, long tablescape cakes that act as edible centerpieces, designs that involve lots of fresh fruit, and of course, Lambeth (vintage-style) cakes. Although we love the classic, all-white wedding cake, I’d love to see more pops of color! Even if it’s just adding a tad bit of color, it’ll definitely make your cake stand out and give it a bit more personality.
Saison
The extra long sheet cake is definitely having a moment!
How do you work with your customers to accomplish their vision but still create something that feels like your own?
Baked by Julie
I will usually work around my client’s inspo photos, decide on what specific parts of a design they like if they have multiple in mind, and then do my best to marry them together into one, overall cohesive design. I try not to copy an exact design as I like to be respectful of the original artist’s work, but I will still create something similar to the client’s request with my own unique spin to it.
Saison
We work one-on-one with each client and always start off with a call and asking for any inspiration images they may have. I find this so helpful to make sure we are the right fit to execute their vision, explain our process, and hear the details about the big day. Clients usually send inspiration images of my cakes and are looking for a cake decorated with very seasonal, abundant fruit and flowers so luckily it falls in line with my aesthetic.
What’s one of the challenges of your job/industry that people wouldn’t expect?
Saison
Logistics! Wedding days are always a bit of a maze and require so much organization and planning on all ends. For us, it’s everything from packing back-up supplies to transportation, assembly on site, and coordinating closely with the florist and wedding planner.
Baked by Julie
A challenge that people may not expect as a baker/cake artist is the constant creative burnouts. When cake designs go viral and become trends, there’s a huge demand for that same exact design. It then becomes a constant repetitive thing, which limits our creativity as a cake artist. We thrive on creative freedom, and that’s where the magic truly happens when making custom cakes.
Do you have a favorite cake you’ve ever made? We’d love to see!
Saison
It was actually my latest wedding, which was for two of my best friends who got married last weekend! I assembled it on site surrounded by all my friends who were slicing fruit for it, setting up the dinner tables, and cooking the meal. It was a really special moment I’ll remember forever.
Baked by Julie
That’s a really tough question, but I’d have to say the long tablescape cake I recently made for a baby shower. It was nearly three feet long in a curved shape with lots of fresh flowers and abstract piping all around. It was a design I’ve been dying to try for a while and was truly a statement piece!
What's the best way for people to request a custom wedding cake from you?
Saison
Fill out an order form on my site or email me info@bysaison.co <3
Baked by Julie
The best way to inquire about a custom wedding cake is to shoot me a message through my Instagram @bakedbyjulie_, and I’d be more than happy to help answer any questions you may have.
Photo cover courtesy of @bysaison & @calenrose.
Questions? Give us a shout at help@hiholden.com or a ring (pun intended) at 646.722.6817.