Fountain Wedding Cake

The wedding cake is one aspect of the whole day that can be completely traditional, with white cake and buttercream frosting; somewhat personalized, with a nod to the season or the couple's interests; or a completely unique creation unlike any cake ever seen before. One way to achieve a one-of-a-kind effect is to choose a fountain wedding cake.

Mention "fountain wedding cake" and your pastry chef will think of two options: one, a chocolate fountain to accompany your more traditional cake, and two, an actual water fountain incorporated into the cake. Be sure you and your baker are thinking of the same type of fountain when you discuss designing your cake.

Choosing a chocolate fountain to accompany your wedding cake can add many dimensions to the dessert experience. Often, fruit will be offered alongside to dip in the chocolate. Imagine a slice of the cake you've chosen, served with a few pieces of pineapple or orange to dip in flowing chocolate syrup. Yum. Usually the cake itself will be a traditional white cake or some type of pound cake, to complement the chocolate. It's typically not best to serve chocolate cake with a chocolate fountain, so choose your cake flavor carefully.

The other type of fountain involves building or arranging the cake of your choice around a water fountain. Beautiful light effects and the serene sound of bubbling water add a sensual, dramatic dimension to the presentation. Some bakeries and pastry chefs are quite adept at achieving the effect you're after. The fountain may be the bottom tier in the whole cake structure. More intrepid chefs will suggest the fountain as an integral part of the structure. Ask to see plenty of photos, and ask for references from other couples who have tried this effect. You want to be sure, above all, that the fountain in no way compromises the flavor of the cake. Soggy wedding cake will give you guests something to talk about, but not in the way you hope! Also, since delivery, set up, and service may be more complicated for a fountain cake, be certain to find out all costs involved before committing to a fountain cake. Finally, the fountain may require electricity, so the cake table will have to be somewhere accessible to an outlet. Warn cake servers and guests about the possibility of a cord nearby, to avoid tripping.

Though a fountain wedding cake may be more work, the beautiful, dramatic result is well worth the extra preparation. And your guests will talk for years about your daring departure from the expected.