Photo Gallery: Simple elements create eye-popping wedding cakes

wedding-cakes1

1. For a three-tier cake, stack a 14-in. round layer with several inches trimmed off, a regular sized 10-in. round layer and two 8-in. layers iced together. Use several dowel rods to support each tier, and to add stability to the tall, narrow cake, run a dowel rod through the center of all three tiers.
Click the next image in the sequence for the next step in this design.

wedding-cakes2

2. Decorate the bottom tier simply, by using tip No. 45 to pipe strips of white icing down the sides of the cake.
Click the next image in the sequence for the next step in this design.

wedding-cakes3

3. Use a palette knife to smooth one edge of the icing strip into the side of the cake, creating a wave effect.
Click the next image in the sequence for the next step in this design.

wedding-cakes4

4. Pipe green bands of icing around the base of each tier with tip No. 1D. Add strips of white icing on the top tier using tip No. 7.
Click the next image in the sequence for the next step in this design.

wedding-cakes5

5. To make the single large design element, a flower, begin by creating the petals out of gumpaste. Place a rope of white gumpaste on a grooved mat, and roll it out.
Click the next image in the sequence for the next step in this design.

wedding-cakes6

6. Flip the gumpaste over so the ridged side faces up, then use a cutter to shape the petals.
Click the next image in the sequence for the next step in this design.

wedding-cakes7

7. Insert cloth-covered 2-gauge wire into the ridge of gumpaste on the petal. Before inserting the wire, dip it in a mixture of gumpaste and water, and then pinch the edges of the petal around the wire to ensure the petal is supported. Stamp the details on the petal by placing it on a leaf press.
Click the next image in the sequence for the next step in this design.

wedding-cakes8

8. Use a ball tool to soften the edges of the petal.
Click the next image in the sequence for the next step in this design.

wedding-cakes9

9. Place the petals over the bottom of an egg-shaped pan to give them a slightly curved shape while they dry.
Click the next image in the sequence for the next step in this design.

wedding-cakes9a

10. Once the petals are completely dry, flip the pan over and place the petals inside the egg indentations. This allows the petals to keep their shape and prevents breakage until you are ready to use them.10. Once the petals are completely dry, flip the pan over and place the petals inside the egg indentations. This allows the petals to keep their shape and prevents breakage until you are ready to use them.
Click the next image in the sequence for the next step in this design.

wedding-cakes9b

11. Use a small flower for the center of the larger flower, and secure the gumpaste petals around it using floral tape. Spray edible glitter on the petals and place at the base of the top tier.
Click the next image in the sequence for the next step in this design.

wedding-cakes9c

12. For a larger cake, stack two 14-in. layers for the bottom tier; three 12-in. layers for the second tier; two 10-in. layers for the third tier and four 6-in. layers for the top tier. Place bands of ridged black fondant around the base of each tier and add ribbon tails.
Click the next image in the sequence for the next step in this design.

wedding-cakes9d

13. Prepare the ribbon loops from black ridged fondant strips. Fold the strips in half and pinch the bases. Use tissue or paper towels to hold the shape while the loops dry. Once dry, paint them with multicolored glitter.
Click the next image in the sequence for the next step in this design.

wedding-cakes9e

14. Position four loops at the top of the tails to complete the bow. Attach the loops with buttercream icing. You can add a simple initial in the center of the ribbon to complete the design.
Click the next image in the sequence for the next step in this design.

wedding-cakes9f

15. Or, you can create a large, fancy flower. Use an earring or brooch for the center of the glittery flower and place gumpaste petals around it.
Click the next image in the sequence for the next step in this design.